Anyone can make mistakes, but make uná park well

Do you even respect your self

jumper524:
I lost respect for osibanjo when he contested the ticket against tinubu.

OSINBAJO AT FUNERAL OF GOV. AKEREDOLU’S MOTHER, SAYS HER LIFE WORTH EMULATING

Having served God all of her life, raised up her children properly and impacted many others from far and near, the late Lady Evangelist Grace Abosede Akeredolu's life is worth emulating, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo said this on Saturday at the funeral service of the mother of Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, held at the St Andrews Anglican Church in Owo.

The VP said "here is a woman who served God from the beginning of her life; lost her husband at the age of about 50, but lived to the age of 90, and brought up seven children — four boys and three girls. And if you look at the four boys alone, you would know she made a great effort.

"Just bringing up my dear friend and brother, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu alone, she made a great effort. She did very, very well indeed. So, we thank God for her life."

Recalling her devotion to the work of God, Prof. Osinbajo said "what we celebrate the most about her is her service to God, her service to mankind. She served all her life in the church.

"First, she was an evangelist for many years in St. John’s Anglican Church in Erinmi and also at another, St. John Anglican Church, Oluwo, both under the Ibadan North Diocese there, serving for so many years.

"She retired at the age of 75 but continued to serve and continued to serve well. She reached the age of 90 before the Lord called her home.

"So, we are extremely proud, all of us who are here today, to celebrate the life of a great woman - a woman of God, a woman who served her family, served her community, served her nation and served her God well.

"And we will continue to rejoice in the knowledge that amongst us once walked such a great and incredible woman," the VP added.

He observed that the service (which had in attendance political leaders including serving and former Governors, the APC Presidential Flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, several clerics and eminent Nigerians) is a "most auspicious occasion for us to celebrate the Lord Jesus Christ.

"It is a time to celebrate our Lord and Saviour because of the great deed He has done. The life of our mother, Lady Evangelist Grace Abosede Akeredolu is worthy of emulation," the VP noted.

While praying to God to bless her memory, Prof. Osinbajo conveyed the condolences of President Muhammadu Buhari to the Akeredolu Family and the people of Ondo State.

Other dignitaries present at the church service included Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos; Gboyega Oyetola of Osun, and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State. Also in attendance were former Governors of Osun, Cross River, Ondo, Ogun and Ekiti States: Chief Bisi Akande, Donald Duke, Olusegun Mimiko, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, among others.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
12th November, 2022

May her soul rest in peace

Where is the Lie

“SEIZE THIS MOMENT, ACHIEVE YOUR BEST DREAMS”, SAYS OSINBAJO AS FIRST SET OF GRADUATES START JUBILEE FELLOWS PAID TRAINING JOBS

*FG, United Nations, EU, private sector partners kickoff 20k annual jobs programme for Nigerian graduates


The first set of beneficiaries of the Federal Government backed Jubilee Fellows Programme have now been assigned their one-year paid jobs, just as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, explained that the Programme is a part of the Buhari Administration’s continued efforts to address the challenge of youth and graduate unemployment in the country.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, in his keynote address at the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) onboarding event for the first batch of beneficiaries who have been matched with an employer, and several hundreds of them were selected to physically attend the ceremony, while several thousand others joined virtually.

The Vice President noted that the Federal Government will continue to provide platforms to empower young Nigerians with strong employability skills which can be deployed to solve national and global socio-economic challenges.

Describing the new batch of fellows as a “powerful and energetic gathering of potential entrepreneurs, business leaders, public sector leaders, and the movers and shakers of business and industry today and in the future,” the Vice President urged them to build their knowledge, skills and competence through dedication, hard work and collaboration.

“You are young and educated at the most advanced moment in human history. This is the most advantageous moment for any young person and many of you are proving this.

“Since 2015, we have seen 6 tech and innovation companies who are now described as Unicorns, that is a company valued at over one billion dollars, established by young men and women under 30, many of them trained in Nigerian universities.

“But you don’t have to be the entrepreneur to be a success. You can be the great software engineer, the administrator, or the manager of men and resources. Every day presents that great opportunity, seize this moment and achieve your best dreams.”

Speaking further, the Vice President stated that the birth of the Programme was an important statement on the new and dynamic way to solve present economic problems.

“It must be a collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society, development partners or what is called third sector. It must be individuals in these sectors, coming together to talk informally and then developing big game changing ideas,” the VP stated.

Launched on August 31, 2021 by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) is a youth empowerment partnership between the Federal Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), European Union (EU) and other partners which aims to connect talented young graduates with local job opportunities that apply their expertise while equipping them with world-class practical knowledge and relevant skills.

The NJFP is expected to annually provide 20,000 young Nigerian graduates with a 12-month paid job internships at leading firms, companies and in the public sector.

According to the VP "the idea is to have every year, 20,000 Jubilee Fellows working in establishments all around Nigeria, learning work skills, being mentored by entrepreneurs, business managers and experienced public servants. And they are paid every month for the year.”

Addressing the first batch of NJFP fellows, Prof. Osinbajo further urged them to become valuable employees by adding value to their respective organizations.

Emphasizing on how the young fellows can become valuable to their colleagues, co-employees and organisations, the VP said, “you must be prepared to make an impact on your employers and on your colleagues such that whenever they have to make a recommendation on who to employ, they think of you first.

“What is required in the modern workplace is a competent, knowledgeable team player. What every employer wants is a good team.”

The VP said “competence today is not just knowing what you are trained to do, it is also about being knowledgeable about a lot of things and that is by being prepared to learn, to study, to ask questions every day. The best worker is one who can multitask.”

Prof. Osinbajo commended the UNDP, EU, the private sector, and businesses for their support and commitments made towards the successful implementation of the programme.

In his remarks, the UNDP Representative to Nigeria, Mohamed Yahya, described the NJFP fellows as national resources.

"The day belongs to you the fellows in the room and those online. You all are a national resource, an asset to be unleashed,” Yayha stated.

Similarly, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, said “our objective, as partners of this Programme, is to support creation of new, green & smart jobs, in tech & innovation, research, telecom, agriculture & green economy for Nigerian young graduates."

Also present at the event were the Special Adviser to the President, Policy and Coordination, Dr. Habiba Muda Lawal; UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Matthias Schmale; UNDP Resident Representative, Mohammed Yahya; European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Samuela ISOPI; Group CEO of NNPC Limited, Mr Mele Kyari; Managing Director, Sterling Bank, Mr Abubakar Suleiman and other representatives of the private sector.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
10th November, 2022

WE ARE PROUD OF HOW ECOWAS STEPS UP TO CHALLENGES IN THE REGION--OSINBAJO

With the different challenges in the West African sub-region including the undemocratic takeover of governments, the Economic Community of West African States has done well, rising to the occasion and for this, ECOWAS ought to be proud.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN expressed this view today while receiving a delegation of the ECOWAS Commission led by its new President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, at the Presidential Villa. He noted that ECOWAS has been stepping up to the plate, dealing with the challenges of upholding democracy, ensuring peace, security and maintaining stability in the region.

According to the VP, he is “proud of the way that ECOWAS has risen to its responsibilities. ECOWAS has always stepped up to the plate in every single situation where there are coups, our voices (member countries) have been united and strong”

He added that the hard work of ECOWAS is seen “in the transitions going on (in different countries that experienced coups) and the seriousness with which the rest of the world takes what ECOWAS says today.”

Speaking on the objectives that guide the activities of ECOWAS, Prof. Osinbajo stated that “we share the same objectives of shared prosperity, deeper integration, peace and security, inclusive and sustainable development.

“These objectives are very important and peace and security are obviously crucial to us. It is a challenge we face today all over the sub-region and especially in the Sahel.”

The Vice President acknowledged that “as a nation, a people and as a sub-region, we share so much in common and we have every tool it takes to resolve our problems.”

Regarding ECOWAS’s engagement on a global stage, Prof. Osinbajo stated that it is imperative to reiterate that opinions from the African Continent, especially the regional bloc of West Africa must be heard at all times and considered when decisions are being made.

According to him, “it is very important for us to emphasize to our partners at all times, our points of view must not only be heard but must be taken into account in decision-making.

“Whether it is trade or even the ongoing discussions around climate change and what we should do about adaptation and mitigation, our points of view must be taken into account because they are crucial in decision making.”

Prof Osinbajo added that for this to happen, member countries within ECOWAS need to “speak for us as a regional bloc” and there should be “readiness to take joint action to achieve our common objectives because the successes we have seen so far are the successes that have come out of our cooperation and collaboration from all our member states.”

On the need to have stronger institutions in member countries for dealing with internal pressures, Prof Osinbajo noted that “what we are concerned with today are problems that are not only local but also global.

“There is so much we have to do in common and work together to achieve. We need for our institutions to be strong to represent us, our points of view and also to be trusted by the people so that they are more efficient and effective.”

In his own remarks, Dr. Alieu Touray thanked the Vice President and the government for the support given to ECOWAS. He recognized the leadership role Nigeria plays in the region, pledging to work very closely with the government for the benefit of the community.

His words: “we are committed to serving the community and we are confident that with the type of support Nigeria gives to ECOWAS institutions, we will excel in delivering our mandate.”

Other members of the delegation include Prof Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, Commissioner of Internal Services and Hon. Abdou Kolley, Chief of Staff to the President.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
10th November 2022

VP Yemi Osinbajo is an exceptional leader

Transforma is the way to go

*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*


*AFRICA'S CASE FOR A JUST ENERGY TRANSITION IRREFUTABLE, SAYS OSINBAJO*


**VP joins Presidents of Congo & Zambia at launch of AU's Transition Fuels Oversight event*

Given the quantum of investments and other challenges involved, only strong partnerships and coordination among African countries can guarantee the mobilization of resources required for a just energy transition, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.


He also insisted that the case of the African continent, "particularly with respect to the just energy transition, is cogent and irrefutable."


Prof. Osinbajo made these submissions in a recorded message he sent for the unveiling of the 4D Digital Green Industrial Corridor and launch of the African Union Transition Fuels Oversight & Regulatory Management Accelerator (TRANSFORMA).


TRANSFORMA is a 4D initiative to fast-track the Digital Green Industrial Corridor between the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) member States.


“Tackling the combined challenges of COVID-19 recovery, climate change and overall sustainable development requires significant resources that can only be delivered through strong partnerships and coordination. For instance, the Climate Policy Initiative estimates that Africa needs about $2.8 trillion between 2020 and 2030 to implement our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.


“This translates to about $277 billion per annum but annual climate finance flows in Africa stand at only $29.5 billion," the VP disclosed adding however that "innovations like the 4D Digital Green Corridor and TRANSFORMA, by creating ready platforms for Pan-African collaboration, are critical to finance and more broadly, resource mobilization on the continent.


"And it is exciting to see that this comes as other initiatives such as the African Carbon Market initiative is being announced.”


Making the call for stronger collaboration across Africa, the Vice President said “many of our challenges and priorities are shared. African governments are tasked with eradicating poverty, providing opportunities for our expanding populations, delivering robust healthcare solutions and unlocking prosperity for future generations.”


Continuing, he added that “the beneficial role of Pan-African cooperation on these issues has been established. Reports from the World Bank estimate that the AfCFTA could raise income on the continent by over $450 billion by 2035 and lift 50 million people out of extreme poverty. Importantly, the continent could see foreign direct investment increase by between 111 percent and 159 percent under the AfCFTA.”


Therefore, he submitted that the "maximization of this potential which is what the 4D Digital Green Industrial Corridor and TRANSFORMA propose to do,” must be a priority.


Prof. Osinbajo emphasized the need for stakeholders to be united in order to attract more attention, noting that it is clear that "our joint advocacy on principles for a just transition is getting stronger, our home-grown solutions must do the same.”


According to him “our case as a continent, particularly with respect to the just energy transition, is cogent and irrefutable. We cannot accept a global energy transition that leaves millions of our people in the dark, exposed to harmful pollutants due to unclean cooking, or poor and unemployed because of limited industrial activity.”


The VP said like the U.S, China, Japan, and other developed economies where gas is a major pillar of their multi-decadal decarbonization strategies, “Africa deserves the policy flexibility and support to leverage natural gas for the speedy resolution of our energy needs.


“Natural gas has a key role to play in Africa as a transition fuel to facilitate the delivery of electricity access and clean cooking solutions, the scaleup and integration of renewable energy into the energy mix and the switch from dirtier fuels like diesel and petrol,” he added.


Speaking on Nigeria’s energy transition efforts, Prof. Osinbajo said “we are well-aligned with the goals of the Green Recovery Action Plan, and we see clear synergies with the mandate of Transforma.


“For example, in 2020, as part of our Economic Sustainability Plan to drive post-COVID recovery and economic growth, our government unveiled the National LPG Expansion Implementation Programme realizing the potential of LPG and other NGLs to address energy access, climate and industrial bottlenecks.”


He added that “it has been estimated that economic activities stimulated by the domestic utilization of Nigeria’s recoverable gas reserves could support 6.5 million full-time equivalent jobs and produce $18.3 billion in gross value addition annually, with over $5 billion of this amount directly from capturing the economic value of NGLs.


“TRANSFORMA is indeed a welcome development, and we recognize the value that the transcontinental policy and implementation vehicle offers in mobilizing larger investments, improving shared learning and producing larger economies of scale for individual nations like Nigeria and also for the entire continent.”


Aside from Prof. Osinbajo’s message, other leaders who spoke at the event included President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and President Hakainde Hichilema of the Republic of Zambia.





*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*9th November 2022*

Happy Deliberations

Always active

NIGERIAN ECONOMIC SUMMIT SHOULD FOCUS ON PRESSING ISSUES - OSINBAJO

*NESG to VP: You have done a fantastic job on Ease of Doing Business Reforms

Ahead of next week’s Nigerian Economic Summit, an annual event where the public and private sector stakeholders deliberate on developmental issues, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, says, focusing on far pressing national issues should be the objective of the meeting this year.

“Sometimes we talk about a lot of important things, but there are pressing, immediate things with significance for the future,” Prof Osinbajo told a delegation of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) who met with him today at the Presidential Villa.

The NESG team briefed the VP on the agenda, particularly the theme of the 28th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES), '2023 and Beyond: Priorities for Shared Prosperity', scheduled for the 14th and 15th of November, 2022.

The VP said “I am always concerned we don’t allow very many issues to obscure the more important issues that confront us today so that we leave the Summit with a clearer view on how we can resolve the pressing issues.”

Continuing, the Vice President said “for example, how do we tackle the rising inflation and the exchange rate instability? I really think we should spend more time focusing on the primary issues of inflation and exchange rate control.”

Stating the significance of the private sector’s perspective to macroeconomic issues, the VP said “it is very important to always note what you (private sector experts) think are the main concerns today especially about macroeconomics and how to deal with the issues. What the private sector thinks about how we can resolve some of these issues is important.”

Acknowledging the contributions of the NESG to economic development over the years, the VP said “I strongly believe in the objectives of the NESG, it has contributed a lot to how the public sector thinks through policies and has provided that forum for public sector accountability.”

“The NESG has also been very useful in educating the private sector about the processes of running a complex system such as the one that we have. It has been a very useful synergy between the public and the private sector,” the VP added.

In his remarks, Chairman of the NESG Board, Mr Asue Ighodalo, who led the delegation, commended the Vice President’s coordination that produced great results in the ease of doing business, noting that “you have done a fantastic job on ease of doing business, regardless of the challenges that we are confronted with today.”

He reiterated the commitment of the group to collaborate more with the public sector and expressed optimism that despite the challenges, “this government can still do much more before it leaves. At the NESG, we believe that the next six months are very critical.”

The 28th NES will feature President Muhammadu Buhari, the VP and other leaders from the public and private sectors, sharing thoughts on visionary leadership and inclusive growth, among other topics.

Other members of the NESG delegation included its CEO, Mr Laoye Jaiyeola; Member, NESG Board, Mr Nnanna Ude; Co-Chair (Public Sector) – 28th NES Joint Planning Committee, Mr Felix Okonkwo, and Co-Chair (Private Sector), 28th NES Joint Planning Committee, Mrs. Ijeoma Taylaur, among others.




Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
8th November 2022

To read more on the Vice President's activities, please visit https://www.yemiosinbajo.ng/

He has done well on ease of doing business

Hardworking leader

May God bless our teachers

Well done sir

OSINBAJO SAYS, “I'M EXTRA PROUD TO BE A NIGERIAN”, AS HE COMMISSIONS ATMOSPHERIC OBSERVATORY AT BOWEN UNIVERSITY

*Commends BOWEN, partners for “amazing achievement”

*How technology will impact commerce, other aspects of life - VP

“Today is one of those days when I am extra proud to be a Nigerian,” Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has said, commending the feat attained by Bowen University in the deployment of the first and currently the only equatorial low-latitude SuperDARN – a network of High Frequency radars in the world.

He called the atmospheric observatory situated in Iwo, Osun State, an “amazing achievement,” which will impact many aspects of life and commerce in Nigeria and beyond.

Prof. Osinbajo disclosed this Friday at the university in Iwo, while commissioning the Virginia Tech.- Nigerian Bowen Equatorial Aeronomy Radar (VT-NigerBEAR) - the 36th Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) in the world, but first in the low-latitude part of the globe.

The SuperDarn is a network of High Frequency (HF) radars (atmospheric observatory) that look into Earth's upper atmosphere. The radars operate round the clock and they observe the motion of charged particles (plasma) in the ionosphere and other effects that provide scientists with information on Earth's space environment. Their work provides insights into space weather hazards, among others.

VT-NigerBEAR was developed by a team of scientists led from Bowen University and the Virginia Tech University, USA.

According to the VP, “… congratulations to this great citadel of learning and research -the Bowen University for this amazing achievement and for making us all so proud.

“We are all extremely proud of Bowen University and the team that has worked on this project, placing Nigeria on the SuperDARN global map and in the network of nations that play host to the international scientific radar network.”

Speaking on the significance of the deployment of the technology, the Vice President said “…it is the first and currently the only deployment of an equatorial-low-latitude SuperDARN anywhere in the world. This is a major leap forward in finding solutions to degradations of HF and GPS signals and will directly impact so many aspects of life and commerce.”

“The extensive experience of the SuperDARN creates opportunities for Nigeria to leverage existing expertise, information, and data as she joins a global network with experience spanning decades,” the VP added.

The Vice President also noted that the project “can radically transform communications-infrastructure, space research, equipment design, geo-mapping, forecasting and prediction of atmospheric, climatic and oceanic conditions within Nigeria and the near low latitudes.”

Most significantly, Prof. Osinbajo said the project “could be useful for offshore oil exploration activities. It could also support the activities of the Navy by measuring ocean wave heights, surface currents, and surface wind directions over vast, remote areas on our waterways.”

For government agencies, the VP said “the data obtained from the VT-NigerBEAR will be useful in the design of resilient equipment for Nigeria’s communications industry, and for the work of Government agencies such as the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).

“The data will also be useful for forecasting and prediction purposes for equipment manufacturers, because Nigeria’s growth in technology will also leave us vulnerable to space weather effects.”

The Vice President urged stakeholders in the public and private sectors to “take advantage of the data collected by SuperDARN worldwide, utilizing the data obtained and in collaboration with the network to contribute to the understanding of space weather and its impact on operations such as radio and satellite communications, oil pipelines and power grids.”

He noted that “the success of this project will serve as a template for other high-level research and scientific collaborations between Nigerian and international partner institutions by connecting results to industry and converting data to useful information for commercial and social good projects.”

Earlier, Osun State Governor, Isiaka Oyetola and top officials of Bowen University had welcomed the VP on arrival at the higher institution in Iwo from where the Vice President first proceeded to the palace of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, Telu I, for a courtesy call.

He later commissioned the project at Bowen University accompanied by the State Governor; the Visitor to the University who is also President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Dr Israel Akanji, and the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, among others.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
4th November 2022


To read more on the Vice President's activities, please visit https://www.yemiosinbajo.ng/

Omo oko

Well deserved

NUTRITION SOCIETY OF NIGERIA NAMES OSINBAJO “NATIONAL NUTRITION VANGUARD”

*VP explains FG’s interventions in nutrition and food systems

*Congratulates Duchess International Hospital on first anniversary


Beyond physical safety, securing the livelihoods of Nigerians was a guiding principle of the Buhari administration’s policy and interventions in nutrition and food related issues, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Thursday when he was honoured with the Award of ‘National Nutrition Vanguard’ by the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) in a brief ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The award, according to the NSN, was in recognition of VP’s outstanding and immense “contribution to national development and particularly nutrition development in Nigeria.”

“Your Excellency, under your leadership as the Chairman of the National Nutrition Council, the Council has provided the purposeful direction in the nutrition landscape in the country as well as increase the visibility of the council in national development,” according to Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, former Kano State Deputy Governor and a member of the NSN Board of Trustees, who read the citation.

The society, according to Abubakar, noted 12 major achievements recorded in the food systems space under the Vice President’s leadership. Some of them include:


*Approval of the National Multisectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (NMPFAN) in Nigeria by the Federal Executive Council

*High level support for the Nigeria Food System Dialogue leading to the development of a food system transformation pathways

*The approval for the establishment of nutrition departments in all relevant MDAs

*High level engagement of the Nigeria Governors Forum for increase in funding for nutrition at State level

*Creation of the Technical Advisory Group for the support and guided implementation of NCN decisions, and

*Improvement in the funding for nutrition activities both at Federal and State levels, among others

Accepting the award, Prof. Osinbajo said “we decided as a government to do a lot more work in the area of nutrition and one of the major issues for us was the consideration that, the most important task for government was the security of lives and property of the citizens. Security, of course, in terms of physical security but perhaps more, in terms of lives and livelihoods, because really what is the point of providing any physical security for somebody who dies of hunger or who is about to die of hunger.

“So, I think, for us this was so important that we should dedicate time and attention to food security and of course, nutrition.”

Continuing, the VP said “our work on Human Capital Development which we have done through the National Economic Council and our work in the area of nutrition, through the National Council on Nutrition, is one that we think, we have developed synergy and it is very important that we maintain that synergy. It speaks to our responsibility to the country and our responsibility to the people.”

Thanking the Nutrition Society of Nigeria for the honour, the Vice President dedicated the award to all stakeholders in the nutrition and food systems space, noting that “it (the award) was not expected because a lot of what I have been achieved was in the course of doing the work for which one was elected.

“But I deeply appreciate this award and I also dedicate the award to all of us including yourself, all of us who worked diligently but silently in the nutrition and food systems space, who are hardly ever acknowledged or hardly ever noticed.”

He commended the NSN for its steadfastness and contributions to the advancement of the food systems space in Nigeria over the years.

His words: “If we did not have the NSN, we would not have made the advancement or achievements that we have made. It is your advocacy over the years that has led to the point where government could not ignore the nutrition space at all.”

The VP urged the society to expand its scope of collaboration with government to cover more areas, citing ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, through the Homegrown School Feeding Programme, as an example.

Earlier, the President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Wasiu Akinloye Afolabi gave an update on the society’s activities over the years and presently under his leadership.

Prof. Afolabi said the society was currently supporting the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry with the implementation of the school feeding programme especially by enhancing the quality of meals served under the scheme.

Besides the President of NSN, Prof. Afolabi, and BOT member, Abubakar, other members of the delegation included, past President of the society, Dr Bartholomew Brai; members of the NSN Council, Mr Patrick Ogbonna; Dr Maimuna Ladidi; and Dr Salisu Abubakar. Others include Fellows of the Council, Dr Davis Omotola, Dr Victor Ajieroh and the NSN Abuja Chapter Chairperson, Dr Florence Uchendu.

In another development, Prof. Osinbajo has congratulated the management of the Duchess International Hospital on its first anniversary, affirming that “has proved to be world class, both in the quality of its medical personnel and management, and is living up to its mission”.

According to the VP in a recorded message “it’s already a year since we were there to commission the Duchess International Hospital. I didn’t know I would actually end up being a patient at the duchess a few months later to test the accuracy of my rather generous praise of the hospital. So, be careful when you praise a hospital”.

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo said “not only did I undergo an orthopaedic surgery in one of the state-of-the-art theatres there, but I spent a whole week on admission, post-surgery, in perhaps one of the most comfortable hospital accommodations anywhere in the world.

“So, I am possibly the best person to confirm that the Duchess Hospital has proved to be world class, both in the quality of its medical personnel and its management, and that it is living up to its mission.

“I like the way they put it (mission) - to reverse medical tourism by delivering the highest standards of care, using the most advanced technology and treatments to give the fastest, most convenient access to the best medical expertise available anywhere in the world.”

It would be recalled that several months after inaugurating the hospital in Lagos, the VP returned to the same facility to undergo a successful surgery on his right femur.




Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
3rd November 2022


To read more on the Vice President's activities, please visit https://www.yemiosinbajo.ng/

Nice

May his soul rest peace

May his soul rest peace

May his soul rest in peace

"This is why the Federal Government will continue to intensify its regulatory and supervisory role in ensuring that mining is held to the highest standards of sustainable development and intergenerational equity,”

OSINBAJO CALLS FOR CLOSER COOPERATION AMONG DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, MORE VOICES IN SUPPORT OF JUST ENERGY TRANSITION

*VP receives Secretary-General of D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation at Presidential Villa

The current trend in the global economy, climate change and the Ukrainian conflict all present opportunities for closer ties among developing economies especially in refocusing attention on trade and energy access for the benefit of the people, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Tuesday in Abuja when he received in audience the Nigerian-born Secretary General of the D-8 Organization, Ambassador Isiaka A. Imam at the Presidential Villa.

Nigeria is a member of the D-8 which is an organization for development cooperation among 8 developing countries comprising Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan and Turkey.

Speaking on the need for closer ties among developing countries such as those in the D-8, the VP said, “this is a very important time for member countries to really focus on the critical issues – trade and energy. But trade in particular, there is a need for greater trade engagements.”

Prof. Osinbajo noted that Nigeria offers great prospect for expanding trade among the D-8 members, noting that “what we all really need to do is to look at how to use Nigeria as a point where you take off from to the AfCTA and some kind of entry way into the AfCTA.

“We think that Nigeria will be able to coordinate the trade routes and opportunities within the AfCTA. For instance, we are very prominent already in banking services all over Africa. I think that is one of the many important areas that we must look at.”

The Vice President said “one of the easiest ways of expanding trade routes is really from the services perspective, especially financial services. And I see that the D-8 is trying to build a payment system. I think that this is one area that we can, very quickly, move things along. This is one of the areas you may be looking at, especially engaging Nigerian banks to see in which ways they can function within the AfCTA and all our partners and member countries of the D-8.”

On Nigeria’s advocacy for a just transition to net zero, the VP urged the D-8 to join in the campaign, noting that “we are at a point where we are arguing about the role of gas in this whole transition to net zero. Whether we can, as it is being proposed by the wealthier countries, dispense with gas and use more of renewables. But we, of course, are pushing back and saying, we must continue to use gas.”

According to him, “our advocacy in the area of energy access is an important consideration in the whole campaign towards net zero. It is possible for the D-8 to take it up because all our countries are faced with more or less the same sort of challenges.”

“Our advocacy for consideration of more investments in fossil fuels especially gas (for us) is one that we think can also be taken up by the D-8.”

Commending the work done by the Organization in the area of social protection and health, especially with the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the VP said “I thought that was an excellent opportunity to bring countries together to look at the common problems,” adding that “we shouldn’t lose the platform that was created especially in addressing public health challenges like getting vaccines. Even local manufacture of drugs, we have to develop that capacity."

"As we saw with the COVID pandemic, we can actually work together, it is an excellent opportunity to develop the collaboration even further,” the Vice President added.

Prof. Osinbajo also commended the renewed vigor by the present secretariat of the D-8 to give it a new direction and create better opportunities that will benefit member countries.

In his remarks, Amb. Imam said there is a deliberate effort to reinvigorate trade among member countries in the new direction of the D-8, especially improving trade volumes from $121 billion to a new target of about $500 billion by 2030.

He added that plans were underway to establish a D-8 MSME Centre in Abuja as part of efforts to boost trade by building capacity among MSMEs in member countries, noting that the Centre, if realized, “will be a game-changer for members to enhance the capacity and training of MSMEs in branding and quality control.”

The Secretary General was accompanied on the visit to the Presidential Villa by the Organization’s Director of External Relations, Mr Punjul Nugraha.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
1st November 2022

To read more on the Vice President's activities, please visit https://www.yemiosinbajo.ng/

WHY DEVELOPMENT OF STEEL SECTOR IS PRIORITY FOR THE BUHARI ADMINISTRATION, BY OSINBAJO

*Highlights gains in the sector, including a world-class gold mine in Osun State

*Says FG will break the Ajaokuta jinx, as transaction adviser been named towards concession of steel company

A fully developed mines and steel sector will not only surpass other sectors of the economy in terms of export earnings, it will also create more lucrative jobs and opportunities for many Nigerians, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today at the opening of the 6th Edition of the Nigerian Mining Week in Abuja, where he represented President Muhammadu Buhari as the Special Guest of Honour.

He said the steel sector "will stimulate industrial growth as a local source of raw materials and improve the quality of lives in rural communities.

Assuring of government’s commitment to support mining activities towards shared prosperity for the Nigerian people, the VP observed that the event was “a very significant complement to our vision and sustained effort to accelerate the growth of the mining sector as a major contributor to Nigeria’s economic diversification programme.”

“This is why the Federal Government will continue to intensify its regulatory and supervisory role in ensuring that mining is held to the highest standards of sustainable development and intergenerational equity,” the VP added.

Prof. Osinbajo observed that "the mining sector has always needed a transformational leap to contribute meaningfully to the envisioned economic growth of the country, because, despite the glorious contribution of the mining sector to our national economy in the past and the abundance of mineral resources found in almost every state of the Federation, the growth of the sector stagnated for many years especially since the early 1970s. And there have been many notable efforts by previous administrations to wake up the sleeping giant that is the mining industry.”

Speaking further, he added that the Buhari administration’s commitment towards developing the country’s steel sector has continued to record significant gains over the years.

“We are proud that the indices of development in the sector are rapidly changing. Part of these is the increased revenue generation and, of course, the unprecedented investment interest that the industry has attracted in the past few years.

For instance, the VP noted that “Nigeria, for the first time, has a world-class gold mine in Segilola, Osun State, operated by Thor Exploration, while Eta Zuma Mining and Industries Limited and Mosra Enerji Limited are mining and supplying the coal needs of Dangote and Bua Cement factories.”

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo said, “in the steel industry, African Natural Resources and Mines limited, owners of the Kagarko Integrated Steel plant, is about to produce liquid steel from its iron ore mine in Kaduna State.

“Several other investors are at different stages of mine development in various parts of the country, and these strategic milestones will hopefully catalyse more mining investment in the country.”

The Vice President emphasized that the development of the steel sector remains a huge priority for the administration.

According to him “our vision for an industrialised nation cannot be achieved without a vibrant steel sector. We understand the huge demand for steel and iron in our domestic markets and across the sub-region. This is why we prioritized the resolution of all the issues constraining the full operation of the Ajaokuta Steel company.

“To this end, a transaction adviser has been appointed to concession the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the Nigerian Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe. The selection process is ongoing. Our commitment is to break the jinx and actualise the dream of a vibrant steel sector.”

He disclosed that since the Administration came into office in 2015, it has “intentionally prioritised the development of the country's mineral resources as one of the frontiers for economic growth.

“This led to the comprehensive Roadmap for the Growth and Development of the Nigerian Mining Sector and we have steadily followed the steps set out in the roadmap. So far, we can say without fear of contradiction that this administration has committed more resources to the development of the mining sector than any other government in the history of this country,” the Vice President said.

While he noted that “government will continue to intensify its regulatory and supervisory role in ensuring that mining is held to the highest standards of sustainable development and intergenerational equity,” the Vice President urged for more responsibility and accountability from public and private sector entities to ensure sustainable development and mitigate the effects of climate change.

“The extraction of mineral commodities entails considerable impact on land, water, air and other environmental assets that are central to human living, both now and in the future. The painful experience of the negative impact of oil and gas exploitation in the Niger Delta cannot be ignored. Therefore, all operators in the mining sector are obliged by law ethics, and our responsibility for the future, to ensure that proper environmental, social and governance principles are practiced in the sector,” he said.

Noting some of the milestones recorded by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Prof. Osinbajo also commended the efforts of the Minister, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, and other stakeholders in providing a conducive environment for investment.

The VP also noted that the organisation of informal miners into productive work groups is another landmark activity for the Ministry.

“The Ministry has increased the formalisation of mining activities and stimulated downstream development by the establishment of a gemstones and Jewellery Marketing Centre in Oyo State, Gold Ore processing plant in Kogi State, a Gold Souk in Kano State, and the construction of a Barite plant in Cross River State, as well as Kaoline plant in Bauchi State and a Lead/Zinc processing plant in Ebonyi State.”

He added that the "aim of these clusters is to provide direct and indirect economic opportunities for many Nigerians,” the VP added.

In his remarks, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, noted that environmental impact was critical in sustainable mineral development.

He said, “Government has maintained a consistent environmental surveillance and green mining practices to ensure minimum damage to the environment. The Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) has been strengthened and the Ministry is keeping constant dialogue with committees in almost all the states of the country.

“The Committees have the responsibility of monitoring mining activities in the states including addressing issues of compensation and community relations.”

At the event, the Vice President also commissioned the on-line innovation, the Electronic Mining Cadastre Plus of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office.

The VP was then accompanied by the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, as well as the Minister of State, Sen. Gbemisola Saraki, round the exhibition stands, where he interacted and engaged with the participants and exhibitors.

Dignitaries at the event included Senator Tanko Al-Makura who represented the Senate President, among others.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
1st November, 2022

On point

Commendable

OSINBAJO, FORMER COLOMBIA PRESIDENT, AFDB LEAD NEW JOBS CREATION EFFORT WITH IMMINENT LAUNCH OF BILLION DOLLARS CARBON MARKET IN AFRICA

*Market an innovative solution to Climate Change towards global Net-Zero emissions targets

The Federal Government is now pioneering a voluntary billion dollars’ worth Carbon Market on the continent, a new and innovative Climate Change solution which will create, over the period of energy transition, millions of new jobs in Nigeria alone, according to estimates of the international experts.

This is part of efforts of the Federal Government to attain the global net-zero emissions target, and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN is a member of the recently formed international Steering Committee for the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI), with the objective of facilitating the emergence and growth of the market in Africa.

Besides Prof. Osinbajo, other members of the Committee of the ACMI, which would be announced early in November at the COP27 meeting in Egypt are former President of Colombia, Ivan Duque Marquez; President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, among others, including officials of the United Nations, USAID, Gates Foundation and other international private sector players.

ACMI’s estimates suggest that Nigeria alone could produce up to 30 million carbon credits per year by 2030, which at $20/credit would be worth over half a billion dollars annually.

According to the estimates by the ACMI, “at this level of production, the industry could potentially support over 3 million Nigerian jobs. And Nigeria has only a portion of Africa’s total potential—the impact for the continent as a whole could be far greater.”

The jobs would span the period of the energy transition, starting from the time the market is able to kickoff, till 2060.

Also on the committee are the CEO of UN-based Sustainable Energy for All, Damilola Ogunbiyi; Deputy Director, Gates Foundation, Samuel Thevasagayam; Chief Climate Officer, USAID, Gillian Caldwell; Chair of Integrity Council for Voluntary Carbon Markets, Annette Nazareth; and CEO, Verra, David Antonioli.

In addition, the CEO, M-PESA Africa, Sitoyo Lopokolyit; Managing Partner, Hartree, Ariel Perez; Director, MENA Voluntary Carbon Exchange, Riham EIGizy; CEO Conservation International, M Sanjayan; Vice President, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), and Africa Director, UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, Joseph Nganga, complete the list of distinguished personalities on the committee.

The Committee will be inaugurated at the forthcoming International Climate Change Conference in Egypt tagged COP 27, with the aim to lead advocacy for the realisation of the Carbon Credits initiative as an effective way of reducing emissions while financing green growth across Africa.

The Carbon Credit initiative prioritises the use of environmentally friendly energy sources for domestic and industrial purposes. For instance, carbon credits could support the conditional portion of Nigeria and other Africa nation’s nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

Nigeria’s carbon credit potential is concentrated in household devices and forestry sectors, both of which will attract significant benefits. Household devices—like solar lanterns and clean cookstoves—contribute to expanding energy access and improving health outcomes, while carbon forestry credits enable the conservation of Nigeria’s rich biodiversity and support sustainable livelihoods.

As part of this vision, Nigeria aims to pioneer innovative climate solutions that will benefit Africa and the world. One of these solutions is the production and sale of carbon credits, which have enormous potential for Africa that is only beginning to be explored.

Indeed, the Federal Government is committed to supporting the development of the domestic carbon credit industry and is exploring strategies for how carbon credits can best catalyse investment and economic growth.

President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo’s ongoing climate leadership has won applause for Nigeria with FG’s policies in place to support the development of the industry. Building on Nigeria’s history of climate action, the President signed the Climate Change Act of 2021 providing a framework for national coordination on climate change issues.

Some of the efforts for which the Buhari administration is globally acknowledged include the creation of the National Council on Climate Change, which President Buhari inaugurated last month, with the authority needed to drive major emissions reductions.

Also, Vice President Osinbajo launched the Federal Government’s Energy Transition Plan in August 2022, a detailed strategy outlining how Nigeria will reach global net zero emissions by 2060 while eliminating energy poverty.

To further support the domestic production of carbon credits, the Federal Government is developing a carbon credit activation plan. This plan will clearly identify responsibility within the government for the regulation and promotion of carbon credits, and will outline a set of actions government can take to support the industry.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
30th October, 2022

Osinbajo is a great leader