₦airaland Forum

ANGLICAN, RCCG ABUJA CHURCHES PRAY FOR NATIONAL UNITY & AGAINST "TROUBLERS" OF NIGERIA

*Osinbajo leads govt. delegations to church buildings' dedication services where clerics offered intercessions

As the Buhari administration continues to work hard at solutions to the challenges confronting the nation, clergymen and congregants at the All Saints Anglican Church Wuse Zone 5, and the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David Parish, Utako, Abuja, are praying for an end to the spate of violent attacks in parts of the country.

At the churches earlier today with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, leading other Federal Government officials to grace the dedication of new buildings opened by both denominations, there were intercessions on behalf of the nation for God to grant Nigeria victory over the sponsors and perpetrators of violence in the country.

First was the Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of all Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Revd. Henry Ndukuba, assisted by Bishop of Kubwa Diocese, Bishop Duke Akamisoko, leading the prayers for the security, peace and prosperity of Nigeria.





In a similar vein there were also prayers during the dedication of the new Church building of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David Parish, Utako, led by Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, an Assistant General Overseer and Regional Pastor from the RCCG City of David Parish, Apapa, Lagos.

While thanking God for his blessings that has culminated in the dedication of a new church building over a short period of time, Pastor Iluyomade urged Christians to remain steadfast with God especially in times of difficulty.

He prayed for leaders of the country, including the President and the VP and assured that sponsors of trouble in parts of the country will soon be arrested, noting that “God will intervene personally and arrest those causing trouble in the country.”

Offering prayers to God for the unity of the country, peace and protection of leaders, Archbishop Ndukuba prayed God to give the President and the Vice President and other officials of the present administration wisdom to lead the country.

He prayed that God will grant “ all who serve in the Federal Government the wisdom from above. When they speak, grant them utterance that comes from the Holy Spirit, fill their hearts with wisdom, and give them kindness of mind. And being filled and led by you, oh Holy Spirit, they will fulfill their purpose. And in this government, Lord, may your name be glorified.”

For the Unity of the nation, Bishop Akamisoko prayed "for our country, to the east, west, north, and south, let your blessings reign on this country, let your glory reign. All the plans of the evil one against this country, Lord, it shall not come to pass in Jesus name. We shall remain united serving and loving you on this day of the dedication of the Church of All Saints Anglican Church. All together, we unite our faith and pray that this nation shall be great again in Jesus name.”

Having called the VP and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha who was also in attendance at the Anglican Church dedication the Bishops prayed thus “Lord, we thank you for your servant, the Vice President representing the President and the entire nation. Father, we thank you for their lives, we thank you for appointing them to these positions at this point in time, Lord we know it is not by mistake, it is by your own design and for a purpose. Lord we pray that purpose will be accomplished in Jesus name. Grant them wisdom, good health, sound mind to be able to administer this country successfully in the name of Jesus Christ. “

Speaking shortly after the dedication of the new church auditorium at the All Saints Anglican Church, Prof. Osinbajo urged members of the church to see the occasion as a call to the greater work of transforming the entire society.

According to the VP, “but the dedication of the physical building called the church must only remind us that the real work of building the church is that of bringing up men and women in the knowledge and nurture of the Lord.”

“The forces of evil and of hate are more vehement than ever. The battle between light and darkness is more intense than ever, but we will prevail," he added.

At the dedication of the RCCG City of David Parish new building, the VP urged members of the City of David, Abuja parish to look beyond the physical dedication of the church building and focus on bringing up great leaders that will carry on the legacies of the church.

He commended the Pastor of City of David Parish, Abuja, Pastor Gbolade Okenla for his dedication and hard work, and also praised the members of the congregation for the sacrifices that birthed the new building assuring them of the blessings that will follow their contributions.

Referencing the example of David in the Bible, the VP said “David only thought, he did not build a church, he thought about building a church and the Lord blessed his generations forever. But you have not only thought of building a Church, you have built a church. So, the wonders and miracles of God will attend to you and your families forever more in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Other dignitaries at the dedication of the City of the David building include Senator Philip Aduda; Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen; among other officials.

Beside the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who joined the VP at the Anglican church was also the former Information Minister, Prof. Jerry Gana, among others.

He has always been there. God bless Prof Osinbajo

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

AS ELITES, LET US THINK, DEVELOP & IMPLEMENT IDEAS THAT CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MAJORITY OF OUR PEOPLE – OSINBAJO

Adds: We should avoid drift towards darker impulses, but instead counter fear & division with inspiring faith, creative optimism and solidarity.

“The operative principle here is “Noblesse Oblige” which in English means “nobility obligates.” It conveys the idea that nobility extends beyond mere entitlement and requires people of noble status to fulfill social responsibilities. It proposes that the advantage of education, position, or wealth especially in a poor society comes with the responsibility to think, develop and implement the big ideas that would create opportunities and livelihood for the majority.” - Osinbajo


KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE 2020 LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE AND AWARDS ON THE 9TH OF SEPTEMBER, 2021


PROTOCOLS


Let me begin by saying how delighted I am to be here at this Conference and to commend the Board and Management of the Leadership Newspapers and their collaborators for putting together a forum for dialogue in the tradition established by the esteemed founder, our beloved departed brother, and colleague, Sam Nda-Isaiah. It is a privilege indeed to join you in honouring the memory of that great patriot and innovator Sam Nda Isaiah.


We are meeting against the backdrop of economic adversity, inflamed fault lines and social resentments. The insurgency in the Northeast, kidnappings and terrorist acts in the Northwest and threats of secession in the Southeast and Southwest.


In the light of all these challenges, the theme of this Conference: “National and Regional Insecurity: The Role of Political and Non-Political Actors in Stabilisation and Consensus Building”, is clearly an inspired one.


In considering the theme of this event, it is worth noting that often when we explore the concepts of national and regional security, there is a tendency to anchor the discourse around the machinations and intrigues of externally-generated vulnerabilities, external adversaries. So, we argue that the problem of State fragility in Africa is on account of the colonial origins of her nation-states, the notion that Nigeria is a hastily and arbitrarily cobbled together patchwork of mutually alienated kingdoms and as a result, has remained plagued by fundamental challenges rooted in its founding is popular, but not the whole truth.


Indeed, it is my view that the colonial beginnings of African nation-states do not constitute the sort of immutable obstacle to nation-building that it is made out to be. After all, colonialism was a historical global phenomenon that spawned nation-states everywhere across the world from Europe and Africa to Asia, North America, and South America. We have examples of many of such nation-states that are successful. Colonial origins are therefore not necessarily a predictor of national prosperity or state failure.


In any case, there is a lot of scholarship and research that shows that our ethnic nations share a long history of trade, diplomacy, migration, and conflict - all of which ensured that by the time the colonialists arrived, we were not strangers to each other. And if we were not strangers to each other then, we are most certainly not strangers to each other now.

The truth therefore it seems to me is that the external reasons we cite as reasons for our problems cannot thrive without severe internal weaknesses in our society. The chief weakness is a human one - our elite, our political, economic, and religious elite.


An elite that has so far proved to be socially irresponsible, i.e., one which either by selfishness, negligence or ignorance or a lack of self-awareness has so far been unable to build the institutions and more importantly, the social and political consensus upon which a just and orderly society can stand. And because dominance must be premised on some consensus, the elite depend on a dubious one, promotion of tribal and religious fault lines for legitimacy.

So, where are we today? On a nationwide and region-wide scale, we are seeing challenges to national order driven by a profound and pervasive sense of exclusion and marginalisation. And I do not speak of ethnic or religious marginalisation which is really another elite dog whisper to acquire more for themselves in the contest for booty. I speak of a division between the have- nots who have no hope and the haves who seem to have it all. So, the attacks we see on law and order are themselves symptomatic and they are driven by emergent critiques of the fabric of order itself.


These critiques are manifesting as insurrections and insurgencies along various axes of identity. These rejections of formal institutions may be driven by conceptions of religious obligations, ethnic identity and generational antipathies but that is only superficial. What they have in common is that they are patterns of solidarity of those who have no stake in an orderly society because such society offers them nothing, and are fundamentally violent and implacable opposition to a system that appears to favour only a few.


The recognition that the system is not working optimally for many of our people should inspire a broad-based movement for reform that works to recalibrate the present order and attune it more to the aspirations of our people. To be sure, the cost of reforming the system is considerable, but it is certainly far lower than the cost of letting the system to be destroyed in the hope that it can somehow be rebuilt from scratch. This is a risk that we cannot afford to take as a nation.

So how do we mediate these conflicts?

First is consensus building; consensus building is essentially about finding an acceptable 'middle ground' among contesting options to the resolution of issues. When properly agreed upon, it leads to harmony, equilibrium and stability, and generates mechanisms for pacification in political crises and conflicts.


In Nigeria, a consensus has been built so far in terms of the choice of a Federal System of Government, which has been buttressed by the creation of States; the identification of the boundaries of powers across Federal, State, and Local governance; the notion of affirmative action against marginalisation, such as the federal character principle, etc.


As with all countries, newer realities keep fostering situations that could lead to misunderstanding and conflict. These contingencies challenge citizens and governments to build consensus around which resolutions of these conflicts can be promoted. The question that arises for us is whether as the elite, we are public-spirited and historically responsible enough to engage in the arduous process of consensus building and be conscientious custodians of our national institutions.


The second is Mediating Elite Competition and Conflict. In considering the role of political and non-political actors in stabilisation and consensus building, we must address a threat to peace and safety emanating from society itself. We

are confronted by a pervasive culture of violence that manifests as two strains. The first is the nature of elite competition for more advantage and privilege that is generally prosecuted without considering the long-term health of society. In this context, we see a quest for power that is conducted in ways that are ruinous and destabilising.


The second strain is exemplified by resistance to authority driven by non-State actors who are nihilistic and anarchic in both their character and aspirations. These dark forces manifest in the violent imposition of the will of the strong upon the powerless. Violence and impunity have many faces, they are not only garbed in the uniforms of irresponsible agents of the State that abuse their authority, they are also increasingly clad in the garments of ordinariness and in the clothing of a new breed of nihilist combatants that have declared war on society itself.


These two strains are mutually reinforcing. A scorched earth no-holds-barred contest for power that includes the corruption and subversion of State institutions results in the lack of State capacity to deliver public goods. As a result of these deficits, the segments of society that consider themselves left out or left behind with nothing to lose marshal their resentment and organise violent assaults on public order.


So what do we do? There is no doubt that our country is going through times of trial and testing. Many of our people are dealing with adversity on several fronts. It is understandable for discontent to emerge and inspire agitation. In a democracy, agitation - the act of making our voices heard in respect of our concerns - is entirely legitimate. What is profoundly problematic is when we employ destructive and illicit means in pursuing agitation.


It is also understandable that we may find that some of these agitations resonate with us. We may consider them legitimate causes and identify with them as such. However, the temptation is that our sympathy with legitimate causes blinds us to the destructive and illegitimate means employed by those that pursue these causes. This is a temptation that we must resist.


I would be the first to admit that our system is not perfect, but it does prescribe the ways in which discontent can be channeled through constitutionally guaranteed rights to vote, to associate, to protest, and to express ourselves. Change is possible through the system, but only if we engage it rather than destroy it. Thus, while the current system is not perfect, it can only be improved as more of our people engage it.


In a country as diverse as ours, the diversity of opinions and persuasions is not only to be expected, it is to be welcomed. The aim of our national conversations should be to promote a consensus for progress rather than to promote discord and disharmony. Our national union was forged through dialogue and negotiation as our founding fathers traded compromises in the process of making our country. Over the years, our union has been renewed through dialogue. We must be committed to continuing this tradition of renewing our nation through the tried and trusted means of conciliation, compromise, and consensus.


Discernment today requires us all to recognise the various faces and guises of violence and extremism. It is to recognise the agents of anomie and hatred and to call them by their proper names even when they appear to speak the same language as we do or seem to worship as we do.


To be clear, in calling for compromise and consensus, I certainly do not mean that our people should be lulled into a forced silence or a passive acceptance of whatever they find unacceptable. I mean that their discontent and energy can be channeled towards constructive and positive action. For instance, communities can be mobilised to participate more fully in civil life and drive movements that seek greater accountability across all levels of government.


While there is indeed a serious contention for the future and a battle for the soul of this nation raging, the weapons of our warfare are necessarily different. The tools with which we will build a new country and the weapons with which we will fight for her posterity are of a different order.


As Reverend Martin Luther King Jr famously said, “Destructive means cannot bring about constructive ends.”


We contend for the soul of our country by promoting civilised values. In particular, we must uphold a culture of life - the affirmation of the value of human life. We cannot accept unlawful violence in any guise even by those who claim to be using it in response to violence. We need an intergenerational, ecumenical, and pan-Nigerian coalition willing to uphold the value and sanctity of life above and beyond all causes and differences.

Our history teaches us that whenever people have succumbed to the temptation to use fear, hatred, and violence to achieve their ends, they have unleashed destructive forces upon their communities with great human and material costs. A truly just cause can only be pursued by using just means. A truly noble cause cannot be attained by ignoble methods. Whatever is gained by violating and oppressing others cannot last.


Let me be clear, the principal role of the State as far as guaranteeing peace and order, is unimpeachable. Our Constitution enshrines the moral imperative of the State by asserting that “the security and welfare of the Nigerian people shall be the primary purpose of government.” This is the inescapable duty of all of us that are elected to lead and it is one for which we will be held to account. However, the practical fulfillment of this mandate requires that partnerships be forged between the State and civil society as well as between political and non-political actors.

What kind of elites should we be?

The task before us is that of renewing the social contract, creating more inclusive institutions, growing the economy, and generating opportunities for our population.

Two realisations are especially poignant at this point. The first is that this task cannot be accomplished in a climate of sociopolitical instability. Secondly, no project of social renewal and transformation can succeed without the involvement and indeed the leadership of elites.


The operative principle here is “Noblesse Oblige” which in English means “nobility obligates.” It conveys the idea that nobility extends beyond mere entitlement and requires people of noble status to fulfill social responsibilities. It proposes that the advantage of education, position, or wealth especially in a poor society comes with the responsibility to think, develop and implement the big ideas that would create opportunities and livelihood for the majority.


The highest office and duty of the elite is sacrifice, sacrifice, and more sacrifice. It means that we must be prepared to tell our constituencies the truth even if it hurts our political fortunes or our popularity. We must be able to say to the young men and women who say secession is the only way or that we should break up into little nations that that is the way of extinction, not development.

We must, as religious leaders, be able to tell our adherents that people of other religions are not their enemies, they are brothers and sisters, and that they must not allow those who will benefit by division and strife to tell them differently.


We the elites have received much from Nigeria, we are disproportionately beneficiaries of opportunities, gifts, resources, advantages, relationships and other assets that are only possible because we are Nigerian. It is only right that we adopt a sensibility that guides us in giving back to this country that has empowered us so much and to invest in it in ways that offer returns broader than just our own profit.


Those of us in this conference are by virtue of our pedigree and status, members of a privileged minority. The contrast between our exceptional circumstances and the material conditions of the majority of our compatriots imposes a moral obligation on us to work for the common good, towards a society that works for all by spreading the circle of opportunity.


In times of crises, the elite must broaden its horizons beyond their specific disciplines and sectors. Accordingly, business leaders understand that it is not enough to focus on making profits, businesses need a healthy society within which to operate and make profits. This is why there are now such concepts as corporate social responsibility and good corporate citizenship. It is not at all paradoxical that some of the biggest charities in the world were founded by the greatest capitalists.


Legal practitioners understand that the imperative of transformative leadership in the legal sector today calls for the Bar and the Bench to insist on the integrity of our system of justice, to insist on speed in the dispensation of cases and to call out anyone who compromises the system.


The Media elite must recognise that they have a responsibility to exercise discernment in the deployment of their platforms and must reflect upon whether they are amplifying the most insensate, intemperate and incendiary voices in our midst while marginalising voices of reason.


The Political elite must accept, through policies and actions, that the purpose of power must be to better the lives of those we serve and give our young ones great hope for the future.


Once we put on the lens of social responsibility, different and higher imperatives come into play. This is what transformational elitism looks like.


Conclusion
In times of crises, we learn and relearn lessons in solidarity and in the value of pulling together. The old rigid dichotomies between the State, the market and civil society no longer apply. We recognise that the path to the future will be paved by consolidating the interdependence of these sectors. This is why we need a new ethic of collaboration that brings together elements from the public sector, communities, corporations, voluntary associations and faith groups to jointly work on solutions that we can scale up from the local to the national space. The elite is integral to this process.


Finally, in times of adversity, societies buffeted by uncertainty and anxiety are tempted to drift towards voices that appeal to our darker impulses, to those that traffic in fear, despair and division. Elites such as those gathered here today must counter such voices by inspiring faith, creative optimism and solidarity.


I remain unyielding in my belief that we will prevail over adversity by the strength of our togetherness. The present moment is crying out for leaders that can bring our people together, heal rifts between communities and build bridges across divides. This too is perhaps the most urgent imperative of transformational elitism today.


Thank you for listening.


Released by:
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
10th September 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

*OSINBAJO AT FUNERAL OF OGUN STATE GOVERNOR'S DAD: PA ABIODUN WAS A RARE BREED, SERVED HIS FAMILY, COMMUNITY & NATION WELL*

Many will continue to celebrate the life and times of late Pa Emmanuel Abiodun, not just because of his achievements, but because of the inheritance he left for hundreds of thousands of people, including his own children, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN. 

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today at the St. James Anglican Church in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, where he attended the funeral Service of Pa Abiodun, father of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun. 

According to the Vice President, the late Pa Abiodun was "a rare breed, a man who served his family, who served his community, his nation, and his God; and he served them well." 

"On behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, and the Government of Nigeria, I extend my very sincere condolence, first to Mama, Mrs Victoria Abiodun, and to His Excellency, the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun; his wife, the First Lady of Ogun State; and all of the siblings and members of the family. Please accept our sincere condolences, and as we celebrate today, we pray that the Almighty God will continually bless you and bless the family," the VP stated. 

Continuing in his tribute to the man fondly called "Baba Teacher", the VP said, "he enjoyed the grace of God and the mercies of God. If you look at his biography, you will find that he, truly in an exceptional way, enjoyed the mercies of God. For a man in his time to have been a graduate, with a degree in English and English Literature, a Masters degree and then a PhD, about 50- 60 years ago; truly, such a person is blessed. 

"But he did not take that grace for granted. He gave back to society, he became a teacher, a teacher of teachers. And we all celebrate him and we celebrated even his lifetime. 'Baba Teacher' taught so many and gave back to so many.  And he kept giving back to his community and serving the church. 

"And one of the things that we would see is what he was able to do, to give his children. The truth of the matter is that, as Scripture says, a good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children. That inheritance is not just in possessions, it is not in money, it is the gospel of Jesus Christ which he gave to His Children and, of course, all of those that he came across. And through that, he impacted the work of the gospel.

The VP added that "by giving that precious gift, he left  an indelible mark, a mark that must continue for generations, because the gospel is a gospel of integrity, and a gospel that promises eternal life."

Other dignitaries present at the event include former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his wife; the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; State Governors, including those of Lagos, Kebbi, Ondo and Ekiti states; members of the Federal Executive Council, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha; the Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite; Youths and Sports Development Minister, Mr. Sunday Dare; and the Aviation Minister, Mr. Hadi Sirika. 

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastors E.A Adeboye and his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, were also in attendance; alongside other ministers of God, including the Anglican Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos and Bishop of Remo; the Most Revd Dr. Michael Olusina Fape, who preached.


*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*9th September, 2021*

Word from an intelligent man

*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*

*LET'S PUT IN PLACE NEW MEASURES TO PREVENT COUPS, SAYS OSINBAJO AT ECOWAS SUMMIT ON GUINEA*

_Proposes AU, UN, Commonwealth others simultaneously suspend nations where military seizes power_

_Nigeria wants West African countries to respect their own constitutions_

_Only free, fair, transparent elections welcome, VP adds_

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) must take proactive steps to prevent coups d'etat in the sub-region, and even on the continent, because the unconstitutional seizure of power in any shape or form is simply unacceptable and has no place in the 21st century, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this while representing President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday at a virtual Extraordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS member-states on the political developments in the Republics of Guinea and Mali.

The meeting, attended by 10 of the ECOWAS leaders, alongside others, including representatives from the United Nations, comes after Guinean President Alpha Conde was ousted by a coup d'etat in the West African country on September 5th. This culminated in his arrest and detention by the country's military junta, the dissolution of the Guinean Government, suspension of the Constitution, and a military takeover.

Stating Nigeria's position on the unfortunate development in Guinea, the Vice President said, "I join all well-meaning global leaders to express in the strongest terms the condemnation of the Government of Nigeria of this unconstitutional change of Government; a development that could seriously destabilize the Republic of Guinea."

"What happened in Guinea is a brazen disregard for the provisions of ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which clearly states that every accession to power must be made through free, fair and transparent election."

According to the VP, "the unconstitutional seizure of power in any shape or form is simply unacceptable," noting that "four coups within the last few months is a dangerous trend indeed," in the sub-region.

While expressing concern, Prof. Osinbajo went ahead to table an idea which the Chairman of ECOWAS and President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo later described as "a proposal of great weight."

According to the Nigerian VP, "we are sliding back to the infamous 60s. Our zero-tolerance for coups is important but clearly insufficient. Are there further steps that we can take to prevent coups d’etat?

"Could we, for example, work out an understanding with the UN, AU, Commonwealth and possibly, even the development finance institutions we are a part of to act in unity to suspend a country where there has been a seizure of power from all these bodies simultaneously?"

In the same vein, the Vice President noted that it was imperative that countries in the sub-region respect the provisions against unconstitutional accession to power, and to apply it in all instances.

He then called on "the Authority to immediately invoke the provisions of Article 45 of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance by suspending Guinea from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies and statutory meetings. We should also take any other necessary punitive measures that will ensure that the military junta does not overstay in power."

"We must forestall a repeat of military interventions and the instability it engenders in the West African sub-region. In this connection, Nigeria wishes to once again urge all to always respect the principles of democracy and the constitutions of your respective countries."

Furthermore, the VP urged the ECOWAS Commission "to immediately appoint a Mediator to lead the region’s genuine engagement with the military junta, all political actors, and civil society groups in Guinea towards finding a lasting solution that will return the country to democratic rule as soon as possible."

He added that "ECOWAS must use its regional mechanisms efficiently to engage the military junta and if necessary, provide support for them to return the country to normalcy and democratic rule."

Other steps to be taken in finding a lasting solution to the unfortunate development in Guinea, according to him, was for the military junta to not only ensure the physical safety of President Condé and all those detained along with him but also ensure his immediate and unconditional release.

"The safety of lives and property of the people of Guinea must also be guaranteed. The military must draw up a timetable for a civilian-led transition and commence the process of exiting the Guinean political stage and return the country to constitutional order and civilian rule," Prof. Osinbajo submitted.

In the same vein, speaking on the update on the situation in Mali, Vice President Osinbajo commended former President Goodluck Jonathan "for his continued commitment and engagement with the various stakeholders in Mali."

"Let me reiterate the imperative for the Malian Transitional government to strictly respect the electoral timetable unveiled on 15th April 2021. I further call for the continued support and collaboration of all the major players in the country’s march towards a successful transition."

The VP then emphasized that "Nigeria will continue to closely monitor the situations in Guinea and Mali as well as work with the ECOWAS Commission, the African Union, and other Member-States to facilitate the return of both countries to civil governance."

Prof. Osinbajo also commended the Chairman of the Authority for convening the virtual Extraordinary Summit.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
9th September 2021

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN represents President Buhari at the Emergency ECOWAS meeting on the situation in Guinea. The Extraordinary Session of The Authority of Heads of State and Government held virtually. 8th Sept, 2021. Photos; Tolani Alli

Sowore that does not have sense

They shouldn't kill 2face for us, marriage no be by force

*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*

*OSINBAJO FELICITATES WITH BISHOP WALE OKE AT 65*

**I thank God for your profoundly remarkable life, says VP*

**Describes Bishop Oke as bridge builder, exemplary leader, man of refreshing honesty & genuine spirituality*



Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN has described President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke as “a bridge builder, an exemplary leader, a man of refreshing honesty, openness and genuine spirituality”.

In a letter to the Bishop who turns 65 today, Prof. Osinbajo and his wife, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo joined in celebrating the revered man of God.

According to the Vice President: “Dolapo and I rejoice with you, your dear wife, Rev. (Mrs.) Tokunbo Wale Oke, the family, the entire membership of Sword of the Spirit Ministries worldwide and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria on your 65th birthday anniversary. We thank God for the profoundly remarkable life that yours has been.”

Continuing VP added, “your exceptional life of service is a divine script that has continued to inspire both those of us who are close to you and millions globally. Through the years we have been especially blessed by your godly counsel, love and constant encouragement.”

Making reference to his ministry, including the Sword of the Spirit Ministries where Bishop Oke is President, Prof. Osinbajo said “your profound love for and devotion to God and the gospel of Jesus Christ are evidenced by the exceptional grace you have been given to intercede and evangelize. These explain the great impact your calling continues to make in the Kingdom while pursuing your set goal of bringing 100 million souls to Christ."

“Your dependability, trustworthiness, and integrity as a leader in the faith, is clearly responsible for the unanimous decision of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria to elect you as its President.”

Commending Bishop Oke for his commitment to the cause of humanity, Prof. Osinbajo stated that “the establishment of the Precious Cornerstone University at great personal financial cost demonstrates your selfless and sacrificial commitment to Nigeria’s development and the belief that the next generation should be built on solid spiritual and educational foundations.”

While praying for God’s grace on Bishop Oke, Prof. Osinbajo said “Almighty God will answer all your prayers for yourself, your family, ministry and our Nation. As your days, so shall your strength, wisdom and favour with God, in Jesus’ name.”



*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*8th September 2021*

A COMPENDIUM OF PRESIDENT BUHARI’S ONGOING AND COMPLETED INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AND POLICY SUCCESSES IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA

Reconstruction of the Runway of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, following President Buhari’s approval of a 10 billion Naira special intervention fund in 2019. Work ongoing on the upgrade of the International Terminal Building.

The 200 billion Naira Second Niger Bridge, comprising the Main Bridge across the River Niger, and 10km of a six-lane Expressway, in Onitsha and Asaba, scheduled for 2022 completion.

Ground-breaking done in 2021 for reconstruction of Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Rail Line, linking the Southeastern States to a planned new Sea Port in Bonny, and to Northern Nigeria.

Energizing Education Programme (taking clean and reliable energy to Federal Universities across the country): One of the first EEP projects to be completed and launched was the 2.8MW Solar Power Plant at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State.

Energizing Economies Initiative: (taking clean and reliable energy to economic clusters i.e. markets, shopping complexes etc, across the country). One of the first to be completed and launched was the first phase of the Ariaria Market (Aba) IPP, supplying electricity to 4,000 shops in the Market.

NSIA Healthcare Investments: Brand new $5.5m Medical Diagnostics Center in Umuahia (completed and operational).

Approval for new Air Force Base (Owerri) and Naval Base (Oguta) in Imo State

Ebonyi was among the first set of State Governments to sign up for the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI). The result is the revitalization of a moribund Fertilizer Blending Plant in Abakaliki, which now supplies NPK Fertilizer to farmers in the State and beyond.

Financial Close on the ANOH gas processing plant, with a processing capacity of 300 million standard cubic feet of gas, and 1,200MW of electricity generation potential, in Imo State. The project is a Joint Venture between Seplat Petroleum Development Company and the Nigerian Gas Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

In 2020 President Buhari commissioned the first phase of the Waltersmith Modular Refinery, with a production capacity of 270 million liters of petrol annually, in Imo State. President Buhari approved the investment of $10 million by the Federal Government into the project.

Imo State selected as one of 7 pilot States for the Special-Agro Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme, which is a $500m partnership between the FGN, AfDB Group, and other stakeholders including the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Bank of Industry, with the goal of establishing modern agro-processing centres across the country.

President Buhari has approved the establishment of the following: A new College of Education in Isu, Ebonyi State; a new Federal Polytechnic in Ohodo, Enugu State; and a new Federal Science & Technical College (FSTC) in Amuzu, Ebonyi State.

More than 60 ongoing Federal road and bridge projects, across the five States of the region, financed through SUKUK Bond and other mechanisms, including Sections 1 to 4 of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Construction of Ihiala-Orlu Road in Isseke Town-Amafuo-Ulli with Spur (Ihiala-Orlu-Umuduru Section) in Anambra State, Rehabilitation of Oba-Nnewi-Okigwe Road Route Section II: Anambra/Imo States Border-Ibinta-Okigwe Road; Construction of Oseakwa Bridge in Anambra State; Rehabilitation of Old Enugu – Portharcourt Road (Agbogugu-Abia Border Spur to Mmaku); Rehabilitation of Nsukka-Obollo-Ikem-Ehamufu-Nkalagu Road in Enugu State; Rehabilitation of Owerri-Umuahia Road Sections I, II & III Imo/Abia States; Rehabilitation of Oba-Nnewi-Okigwe Road Section II: Anambra/Imo States Border-Ibinta-Okigwe Road; Rehabilitation of Bende – Arochukwu – Ohafia Road Section I in Abia State; Rehabilitation of Abakaliki-Afikpo Road Sections I and II in Ebonyi State, among others.

The 362.5 billion Naira raised in Sovereign Sukuk Bonds so far since 2017 has been shared equally across the 6 geopolitical zones - which means that a little over 60 billion Naira has been allocated to the South East.

MTN Nigeria has recently announced its intention to reconstruct the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, under President Buhari’s Executive Order 7 (the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme), signed in 2019. The MTN Board has approved the company’s participation in the Scheme.

The committed implementation of the automotive policy of the Federal Government has helped support the revival the old Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company Limited (ANAMMCO Limited) factory in Enugu State. Since 2016 the revived factory has assembled more than 4,000 trucks, valued at tens of billions of Naira.

The formal flag-off of the N-Power Build Programme, the Buhari Administration’s Vocational Training and Apprenticeship programme, took place in Enugu State, on the premises of Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company Limited (ANAMMCO Limited), on Friday May 18, 2018.

Completion of a new 120MVA 132/33kV Substation in Awka, that will deliver an additional 70MW of electricity capacity to Anambra State.

Completion of the following: Installation and commissioning of 2Nos 132kV circuit breaker at Abakaliki Transmission Substation (T/S); Installation of 33kV Nnewi Industrial CB at Onitsha T/S; Construction of a new 33kV IGI Feeder at Aba 132KV T/S; Energising of the 1X40MVA Substation at Nsukka; Installation of a 60MVA Transformer at GCM, Onitsha, another 60MVA Transformer in Aba; and 2X60MVA Transformers in New Haven, Enugu.

Completion of installation and commissioning into service of a brand new 300MVA 330/132/33kV power transformer in the Alaoji Transmission Substation, increasing the station's installed capacity from 450MVA to 750MVA and making it the biggest substation in Southern Nigeria. The new Transformer has boosted supply to Enugu Distribution Company, benefiting Abia North (Ohafia, Arochukwu, Item, Abriba), Imo State (Okigwe, Arondi-izuogu), and parts of Ebonyi and Rivers State.

Ongoing construction of 2x60MVA Substation in Amasiri and a 150MVA 330/132kV Substation in Abakaliki, both in Ebonyi State.

Ongoing construction of a 2x60MVA transmission substation in Ogbunike/Ogidi communities of Anambra State.

Completion in 2016 (after ten years of stalled construction) of a 330kV Switching Station (and associated Double Circuit lines) in Essien Udim/Ikot Ekpene local government area (LGA) of Awka Ibom State, to serve the South East and North Central Nigeria. The Switching Station wheels power from 4 power plants into the National gridat , at Ugwuaji, in Enugu State, and onwards to other parts of the country.

Payment, in 2017, of pension arrears to police officers who were granted Presidential pardon in 2000 after serving in the former Biafran Police during the Nigerian Civil War. These officers, and their next of kin, waited for their pensions for 17 years since the Presidential pardon. No other administration deemed it fit to clear the backlog.

Completion and commissioning in 2018 of the Zik Mausoleum in Awka, Anambra State, 22 years after construction started.

Partnership between the Nigerian Army and Innoson Motors, for the local production, modification and repair of armored fighting vehicles and other military hardware.

Ongoing deployment of the Federal Government’s Electric Vehicle Pilot Project, spearheaded by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Under the Buhari Administration’s National MSME programme, the completion of an MSMEs Shared Facility at the Ogbunike Leather Trading Cluster, in Anambra State.

Completion of Adada Dam in Enugu State and Amauzari Earth Dam, Imo; and Completion of the Inyishi Regional Water Supply Project in Imo State; Ofeme Water Supply Project in Abia State; and Uburu Water Supply Scheme in Ebonyi State.

Development of Nigeria’s Eastern Ports, to decongest Lagos and to better serve the population in the South East and South South of the country. The Calabar, Rivers, and Onne Ports have witnessed significant infrastructure upgrades and fiscal incentives to promote their attractiveness. An LPG tanker berthed in the Eastern Ports (Rivers Port) for the first time ever in October 2019. That year Onne Port also received its first container ship in twelve years, while Calabar Port received its first container vessels in eleven years).

The Concession of Onitsha Inland River Port is now in its final stages.

— Compiled by the Presidency Office of Digital Engagement (PODE); September 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT BUHARI SETS UP HEALTH SECTOR REFORM COMMITTEE; NAMES VICE PRESIDENT YEMI OSINBAJO AS CHAIRMAN

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the setting up of a Health Sector Reform Committee to commence the development and implementation of a Health Sector Reform programme for Nigeria in collaboration with the State Governments and the FCT administration. This is sequel to a Health Sector Diagnostic Review Report developed by a consultant, Vesta Healthcare Partners and the Federal Ministry of Health.

The committee will undertake a review of all healthcare reforms adopted in the past two decades and lessons learnt and factor them into the development of the new Health Sector Reform Programme.

The committee which is set up for a period of six months under the Chairmanship of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has members drawn from private and public sector health care management professionals, development partners, representatives from the National Assembly as well as the Nigeria Governors Forum among others.

Other members are: His Excellency Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State ; Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Honourable Minister of Health; Mr. Alex Okoh Director General BPE; Prof Ibrahim Abubakar, a Professor in Infectious Disease Epidemiology at University College London and Director of the UCL Institute for Global Health; Mr Babatunde Irukera, Director General, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council; Senator( Dr) Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe; Dr. Adedamola Dada; Dr. Sani Aliyu; Dr. Mairo Mandara; Dr. Haliru Yahaya, Emir of Shonga; Professor Uche Amazigbo ; Director Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health; Dr Faisal Shuaib; Prof Nasiru Sambo; Dr Ifedayo Morayo Adetifa; Dr Gambo Aliyu;

Others in the committee are: Dr Betta Edu ( Chairman Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum representing National Council on Health); President Nigeria Medial Association; President Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria; President National Association of Nigeria Nurses & Midwives; President Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria ; Mrs Temi Marcella Awogboro ; Dr. Muhammad Sadiq; Dr. Azubike Tagbo and World Health Organization, Nigeria.

Vesta Healthcare Partners and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are to serve as resources persons and have observer roles in the committee.

Meanwhile, President Buhari has also approved the appointment of Dr Ifedayo Morayo Adetifa as the new Director General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The President has named him as a member of this important committee.


Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 06, 2021

Professor Yemi Osinbajo: An unfailing role model per excellence

By Usman Abdullahi Koli

Nigeria which is the most populous country in Africa is indeed endowed with talented, patriotic and foresighted leaders that always strive towards bringing ease to the hardships of all citizens. Most of such leaders are seeing projects they executed as nothing despite colossal appreciations they are receiving from the mass majority. One of such kinds of leaders is Professor Yemi Osinbajo, he is a vigorous academician, agile politician, unrelenting philanthropist and above all God-fearing (He is a Pastor under Redeem Christian Church of God). Before his political struggles, Osinbajo has been a pioneer in reminding leaders, cautioning the effluents, helping parents in needs and their children.

Professor Yemi Osinbajo was born in to the family of Opeluwa Osinbajo on 8th March 1957, he started his educational quest at Corona Primary School and from there he proceeded to Igbobi College Lagos from 1969 to 1975. After that, he studied Law during his undergraduate at the famous University of Lagos between 1975 and 1978. He furthered his education at the Nigerian Law School in 1981 and later joined the London School of Economics. Yemi Osinbajo enjoyed beneficial career in legal profession where he contributed immensely to the Nigeria’s legal system through publications and lecturing. He started lecturing at the age 23 years and in just five years he became a Senior Lecturer of Law.

Unlike other lecturers, Osinbajo became a Professor of Law and at the same time Head of the Public Law Department at the University of Lagos which is rare amongst his contemporaries. He became a member of Cabinet at Lagos Ministry of Justice and later an adviser on legal and litigation to the then Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Prince Bola Ajibola. Osinbajo served as a member of the United Nations Secretary General’s Committee of Experts on Conduct and Discipline. He is a member of the International Bar Association and the British Institute of International and Comparative Law and he also worked with the Nigerian Body of Benchers and the Council for Legal Education of Nigeria.

The indefatigable Osinbajo founded the Orderly Society Trust (OST) which covers literacy programme that aims at providing children in public primary schools with equal training in English similar to that of their counterparts in private schools. As a pastor, Yemi Osinbajo has championed the Liberty Schools Project which provides free education along with free lunches to children majorly from poor families. Similarly, Osinbajo did not leave health sector untouched, ordinarily go round to hospitals in Lagos State along with professionals to provide free health care and at times donates necessary facilities to clinics that are in dire need of them.

In his area of expertise Law, he stood in courts for the voiceless for free whose rights were violated or assets illegally taken away. Social rehabilitation for drug addicts is amongst the areas he focuses more, after they undergo rehabilitation he usually enrolls them into skills acquisitions for them to carter for their needs without relying on others. Yemi Osinbajo’s political career started alongside other Nigerian delegates when they brought-up a manifesto for All Progressive Congress (APC) which includes plan for free meals at schools, financial support to over 25 million poor Nigerians; it eventually led to the party’s victory. Osinbajo’s incomparable expertise and experiences convinced Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 to pick him as his running mate.

After they were declared winners of the 2015 Presidential election, General Buhari along with Professor Osinbajo first effort was putting an end to the lingering bomb blast which destabilized the nation; insurgents are now surrendering in hundreds due to continuous pressure by our gallant armed forces. Rail transportation is a worthwhile initiative by Buhari/Osinbajo’s administration, insecurity and uncertainties in travelling by roads made government invested hugely in rail transport which is fast, safe and affordable to all while the fight against bandits, insurgents, militants is on. The office of the Vice President under the leadership of Yemi Osinbajo was mandated to oversee task of giving more capitals to petty traders and women entrepreneurs.

In view of the above stewardships for the betterment of all, Professor Yemi Osinbajo is a leader worthy of emulation because throughout his past works he was never found diverting funds, collecting bribe or any financial scandals. The indelible good qualities of Osinbajo are what influenced even Muslims in the North that have different faiths voted them. Individually Osinbajo donates food items during festivities like Christmas to all irrespective of tribal, religious, race, etc. Whenever an attack on citizens or ethno-religious conflicts occur amongst people, Osinbajo openly condemns it, use the power reposed in his office to help the injured and command securities to flush-out the perpetrators.

Moreover, Osinbajo played a significant role by intervening into the people’s accusation on Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), he first sacked the Director General of Department of State Security and asked the National Human Rights Commission to investigate the numerous allegations which led to the establishment of complain panels across the 36 States of the Federation. One thing that makes people love Osinbajo more is that whenever he is invited to events or social gatherings, he attends not sending a representative unless he is over occupied. Looking at all these qualities of this honorable man, he can be describe as the best candidate comes 2023 who can heal, unify and take Nigeria to a greater heights after Buhari, Osinbajo is the only messiah to liberate nigerians . During Yemi Osinbajo’s early life, he garnered lots of awards which comprise State Merit Award 1971, the School Prize for English Oratory 1972.

Other awards to his credit includes Adeoba Prize for English Oratory 1972 – 1975, Elias Prize for Best Performance in History (WASC) 1973, School Prize for Literature (HSC) 1975, African Statesman Intercollegiate Best Speaker’s Prize 1974 and lastly former President Goodluck Jonathan conferred on him Grand Commander of the Order of Niger in 2015. Professor Yemi Osinbajo is gladly married to Dolapo who is a granddaughter of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, their marriage was blessed with three beautiful children Damilola, Kanyinsola and Fiyinfoluwa Osinbajo.

Koli, a graduate of Mass Communication, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic Bauchi
mernoukoli@gmail.com

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN visits THE AFRICAN COURT ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS in Arusha, Tanzania. 3rd Sept, 2021.

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

AU MEMBER STATES NEED MORE SENSITIZATION ON AFRICAN HUMAN & PEOPLES’ RIGHTS COURT, SAYS OSINBAJO

*VP lauds the Court, affirms protection of human rights

Africa Union Member-States need more sensitization on the role of the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

"I think one of the critical issues is more sensitization," the VP noted during a meeting today with judges of the Court led by the President, Lady Justice Imani Daud Aboud, at the Arusha office of the AU judicial agency.

His words: "one of the critical issues is more sensitization among Member-States of the African Union. I think that more Countries would be more willing (to identify as required with the Court). I think that governments  just require more assurance especially on the issue of complementarity."

Two years ago, in May 2019, Judges of the Court had visited Prof. Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights is a continental court established by Member States of the African Union by virtue of Article 1 of the Protocol to the Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights which came into operation in November 2006 seeking to enhance the protection of human and peoples’ rights on the continent.

Expressing his strong faith in the work of the Court, the Vice President averred “I believe very strongly in the International and Regional Court system, especially with respect to the protection of human rights”

While noting the challenges faced by the Court, Prof Osinbajo said, “there will always be tensions and challenges because States will always be mindful of their sovereignty.”

Prof Osinbajo commended the achievements of the Court in spite of many challenges: “I really must commend you for the work you are doing, and landmark rulings of the court. Many have followed your work , especially when cases are about protection of the rights of women and freedom of information and I think there is consensus that the Court’s handling of these  cases has generally pointed in the right direction."

He then observed that international and regional Courts of Justice and their rulings will also become increasingly important in the years to come as consensus grows around the fundamental importance of protection of individual and collective rights.

In her own remarks, Hon. Justice Imani informed the Vice President that one of the big challenges the Court faces is that more African States are yet to ratify the Protocol and make the Declaration under Article 34 (6). She however said that the Court was doing its best in the circumstance, and the 62nd Session of the Court would be starting next week to deliberate on cases before it.

In attendance at the meeting were the Vice President of the Court Justice Blaise Tchikay, other justices, and the Registrar Dr.  Robert Eno. The Nigerian High Commissioner to Tanzania, Ambassador Hamisu Umaru Takalmawa accompanied the Vice President to the meeting.

'Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity to the President
Office of the Vice President
3rd September 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

OSINBAJO LISTS POLICY ACTIONS TO DRIVE INDUSTRIALIZATION THROUGH CONTINENTAL FREE TRADE

*African cross-border informal trade worth about $93b annually
*VP off to Tanzania today




While the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers limitless opportunities for the industrialization of Africa, authorities across the continent must take the right policy actions to actualize them, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.


He stated that such actions include the protection of local industries and improving value chains.


Prof. Osinbajo stated this in a message delivered today at a ‘Roundtable on Industrialization in Africa themed “Positioning African Industries for Economic Transformation and Continental Free Trade”, organized by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to celebrate its Golden Jubilee.


According to the Vice President, “for certain, the AfCFTA is indispensable if industrial development is to take off in Africa because it offers wider markets and economies of scale which are essential for manufacturing to be competitive.


"We must take policy actions to create an environment in which businesses can thrive. To start with, we must adopt the right type of macroeconomic and industrial policies.


“It is important for African governments to provide a stable macroeconomic environment which avoids and smoothens out volatility in prices, sharp deteriorations in the current account and budget deficits and of course, rapid accumulation in debt burdens.”


Speaking on actions that will boost manufacturing, Prof. Osinbajo said “on the industrial side, policies like tariffs, quotas, subsidies and non-tariff barriers which protect our infant industries so that they can create jobs and enable learning are vital.”


He then added that “well negotiated rules of origin are important in the context of the free trade agreements as they are key to preventing trans-shipment and the deflection of trade. Without them, firms from non-state parties could set up simple labelling operations in one member State with a view to shipping already finished products to another member State without really adding any value.”


Prof. Osinbajo observed that it is important for MAN to involve itself in an advisory capacity to government negotiators "as we go further into the rules of origin negotiations (these rules negotiations have, of course, started), but I think as we go on, we should get more contributions and advise from MAN.”


“Our manufacturers must also strive to become competitive after clearly specified time periods so that they can withstand the ever present danger of stiff competition from imports. In other words, while our manufacturing industries must be nurtured and supported, they cannot remain infants forever,” the VP added.


Emphasizing the point about enhancing industrial competitiveness, Prof. Osinbajo noted that “one of the ways to increase the competitiveness of African industries is to develop and deepen regional value chains wherein production systems starting from conception and design right through to supply of raw materials, processing, transport, storage, marketing and sales take place within our countries and continent.”


Citing examples of Nigeria and South Africa, the VP explained thus: “when we export commodities to the rest of the world, we are also exporting jobs and the positive spillover effects such as learning that come with manufacturing are lost.


"Happily, we are already beginning to see some green shoots emerging in this regard as Nigerian fertiliser blenders obtain phosphates from Morocco for blending with urea produced in our petrochemical plants. Similarly, South African car manufacturers already buy leather for car seats from Botswana. We however need much more of such activities.



He said there are a number of other things that need to be put in place quite quickly "if we are to see the kind of manufacturing activity that we desire. First of all, we need to develop a strong infrastructural base. Extensive, cheap and affordable infrastructure is vital for the success of our economies.



“We must build a network of roads, bridges and rail that will facilitate the movement of goods and people just as we build the electricity plants to power our factories and the broadband networks that lubricate modern business. It would also be essential in the interim to develop sites with dedicated infrastructural and regulatory structures like Special Economic Zones and Shared Facilities for small businesses.”



Prof. Osinbajo added that another major objective of policies aimed at preparing industries for AfCFTA “must be to ease payments across borders and implementation of the protocols on free movement of persons”.


Continuing, the VP said in the pre-recorded message “it is particularly important in this regard to rapidly operationalise the effort by Afreximbank to establish a Pan-African Payments and Settlement Platform. This will go a long way in creating the desired continental payments system and also in facilitating cross-border informal trade which is estimated to be about $93 billion per annum.”


Meanwhile, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN is leaving Abuja today on a short visit to Arusha, Tanzania where he will be received by his Tanzanian counterpart, Dr. Philip Mpango.


While in Arusha, Prof. Osinbajo would visit the African Court of Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR), an African Union agency in Arusha, among other engagements before he returns to Abuja on Monday.




Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
2nd September 2021

Always productive!

President Buhari inaugurates the board of the Nigeria
Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and presides over the Federal Executive Council Meeting at the State House, Abuja. 1st September, 2021.

Well said Prof! Education is they key

Word!

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

"WE DON'T WANT ANY CHILD IN NIGERIA DENIED BASIC EDUCATION", OSINBAJO SAYS AT GIRL-FRIENDLY NATIONAL DIALOGUE

*VP adds: Government’s social and entrepreneurial programmes have affirmative component for women

It is the plan and purpose of the Federal Government that no Nigerian child is denied access to basic education, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today in Abuja where he was guest of honour at the National Dialogue Forum on the Girl-Child in Nigeria, themed “Towards A Girl-Friendly Nigeria” organized by the Women Arise for Change Initiative in collaboration with the African Child Policy Forum, Ethiopia.

Highlighting the efforts of the Buhari administration in the area of improving access to education for the girl child in Nigeria, the VP stated that the Federal Government has “committed in word and deed to education so as to ensure that no child is denied access to free basic education.”

“We believe that free and compulsory education of girls is game-changing in many respects, as it has been empirically shown to positively impact age of marriage, and even maternal and infant mortality,” he said.

The VP added, “In 2020 the Federal Executive Council approved a World Bank credit facility in the sum of $500 million to finance the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment Project, to improve secondary education opportunities among girls in targeted areas of participating States, which are Borno, Ekiti, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Plateau.

“The project is aimed at creating safe and accessible learning spaces, advancing an enabling environment for girls, and strengthening the institutional capacity of the Federal and State governments to support girls’ education and empowerment.”

According to the Vice President, the project, which targets girls between the ages of 10 to 20 years with a strong focus on disadvantaged adolescent girls, has so far benefitted over 6 million girls and boys.

Prof Osinbajo explained that the Buhari administration will continue to put the needs of the girl-child in Nigeria at the forefront of laws, policies and practices to ensure their safety, education and health.

The VP highlighted ongoing efforts of the Buhari administration to improve the welfare of the girl child in Nigeria, including the enactment of the Child’s Right Act of 2003, and more recently, the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act of 2015.

While he urged for more action from State Governments to ensure the domestication of these Acts in the States, Prof. Osinbajo said the National Economic Council (NEC) – which the VP chairs - is working with the States to ensure their adoption.

“We have made a point of working with the States to ensure that they adopt these Acts in their States. This led to the creation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) unit as a special NEC project headed by a special adviser to track implementation of relevant policies,” he said.

Prof. Osinbajo also urged State Governments to be more proactive in addressing issues related to the girl-child.

“While the Federal Government must remain focused and committed to advancing effective approaches to keeping girls safe, most of the efforts will occur at the State and local government levels.

"Gender-responsive measures that will transform education systems and address the barriers inhibiting girl child education must be introduced in States. And we are committed to ensuring that these initiatives happen," the VP assured.

He then noted the impactful steps taken by the Rule of Law Advisory Team in the Presidency towards achieving a strong justice response system in supporting women and girls.

“Since 2016, the Rule of Law Advisory Team in the Presidency has been taking a range of steps. We have formed strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders, local and international, including the European Union Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, the Open Society Initiative for West Africa, The Cans Foundation and Ford Foundation, all of whose commitments have proven valuable in supporting our efforts to succeed.

“To ensure effective coordination of responses to cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), the Rule of law Team supported the establishment of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Response Teams across the country.”

Continuing Prof. Osinbajo explained that in 2019, the President directed the National Human Rights Commission to set up a special panel to investigate cases of unlawful arrests, assault and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the Federal Capital Territory following complaints of raids of night clubs and arrests of women by the Police.

In the same vein, the VP emphasized the importance the Buhari administration places on ensuring that women have significant representation in government programmes, including the Social Investment Programmes (SIPs) and Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP).

“From 2015 we have ensured that Government’s social and entrepreneurial programmes have an affirmative component for women. Of the 2.4 million beneficiaries of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), 1.2 million were women; that is 56.4% of beneficiaries. A total of N38B in loans has been disbursed over the last four years.

“Of the 1.1 million beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT), about 1m are women - over 98% of beneficiaries. For our youth employment programme N-Power, of the 526, 000 employed, 40.4% are female," he disclosed.

Prof. Osinbajo added that under the Federal Government’s ESP Survival Fund's Payroll Support Scheme, out of the 307,173 employees that have benefited; 130,880 or 43% of beneficiaries are female owned businesses.

He further said that “of the 94,318 Artisan beneficiaries of the scheme, 40,386 are female artisans - over 41% of beneficiaries, while 35% of FG grants to MSMEs have so far gone to female MSME owners.”

Although he noted that there is a lot more to be done, considering the country’s huge population, limited resources and deep discriminatory social, cultural practices and attitudes, Prof. Osinbajo emphasized that the Federal Government remains committed to advancing the cause of the girl child.

The Vice President commended Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin and her Women Arise for Change Initiative team for being at the forefront of ending all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls in Nigeria.

“We must continue to focus on the deep, systemic dysfunction of cultures and social norms that not only enable discriminatory actions against the girl-child, but also allow it to fester,” the VP said.

He further urged that the National Dialogue Forum should consider all of the critical issues related to the development of the girl child in Nigeria.

Present at the event were the Women Affairs Minister Dame Pauline Tallen, Dr. Okei-Odumakin and Dr. Joan Nyanyuki, Executive Director of African Child Policy Forum, representatives of diplomatic missions and development partners.



Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
31st August 2021

God bless PYO

Stopialwading people o

#SacrificeForPeace

*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*

*IN RESOLVING CONFLICTS, LEADERS MUST MAKE SACRIFICES, RISK POPULARITY-- OSINBAJO*

**VP welcomes Muslim group, calls for more inclusive interfaith dialogue*


In situations of conflict, including ethnic and religious tensions, leaders must be willing to make sacrifices even at the risk of their popularity in order to attain long-lasting resolutions, peace, and progress, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today when he received on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, a delegation from the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) led by its Executive Chairman, Mr Disu Kamor.

MPAC is a non-governmental organization dedicated to the promotion of peace building and interfaith cohesion, among other objectives.

According to the Vice President, “there is a need to understand first of all, that there is no way that we can deal with the tensions between the faiths and ethnicities in Nigeria today unless those in leadership are prepared to make some important sacrifices.

“Those sacrifices are sacrifices even in what you say, how you say it, and then sacrifices also in the acknowledgment of whatever people are saying and the willingness to accept.

“It is very important that we don’t diminish the importance of language and respectful non-violent communication so that we are able to keep our discussions at a level that ensures that we don’t degenerate too quickly to violence.”

Citing the examples of the sacrifices made by the late South African leader, Nelson Mandela and Imam Abubakar Abdullahi of Barkin Ladi, in Plateau State, the VP said “we can all talk nicely and say the right things but unless people are prepared to make some concessions which may cost them popularity within their own group, we cannot move forward.”

(Nelson Mandela, who had spent such a long time in jail under apartheid before he became President still pushed for a South Africa where even his tormentors got equal treatment like his fellow black South Africans. In Nigeria more recently, Imam Abubakar Abdullahi in 2018, put his life on the line to save the lives of over 200 Christians who took refuge in his mosque when some gunmen attacked the village of Nghar Yelwa in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State and sought to kill the Christians.)

“These are stories of people who are not only political or religious leaders but just ordinary people, doing the right thing. Unless we are prepared to not just talk about it but to make an open display, first of all, of those who are doing the right things, but more importantly, challenging our leaders to say the right things and to be prepared to risk some popularity in order to do so, then we will just be wasting a lot of time,” Prof. Osinbajo submitted.

In addition to leaders making sacrifices, the Vice President said the notion of respectful dialogue is also crucial especially “at this time”.

His words: “the whole idea of promoting respect for other faiths and people of other ethnicities and beliefs is a very important thing especially now in our country with what we are seeing.”

Commending the Muslim group’s efforts in promoting interfaith cohesion, the Vice President noted that setting up an inclusive platform for interfaith dialogue should be an important consideration by concerned stakeholders.

“I think it is something that is important, especially one that takes into account younger people, professionals who are not necessarily religious leaders in that sense, maybe there might be a way to have a more inclusive interfaith dialogue.

“We are at a point in time in our history, where people who are responsible and like-minded from all of the faiths and ethnicities should come together to do something,” the VP explained.

Earlier in his presentation, the leader of the group, Mr Disu Kamor said MPAC has been involved in programmes and activities aimed at promoting cohesion among people of different faiths over the past decade.

He said the group is ready to collaborate with other stakeholders deepening efforts aimed at ensuring peaceful coexistence and dousing the tensions across the country among people of different faiths.

*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*30th August 2021*

*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*

*ON CONDOLENCE VISIT, OSINBAJO RECALLS HOW GOV ABIODUN'S DAD LIVED A FULFILLED LIFE OF IMPACT*

**Says God answered all of Pa Abiodun's prayers*

**Joined by Speaker Gbajabiamila, Gov. Akeredolu, VP commiserates with family & Iperu community*


Pa Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun, the late father of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun lived a fulfilled life and this is why his memory is cause for celebration.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today in Iperu, Ogun State where he paid a condolence visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun and the family over the transition of their 89-year old father.

The Vice President was accompanied to the family house by both the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, among other top government officials. They were received by the Ogun State Governor.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, he was in the State to deliver President Muhammadu Buhari’s condolences noting that “I am here with my brother, Dapo Abiodun, certainly not as a visitor. This, as you all know, is home for me. Papa was my father, and so, I am here to represent the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

While expressing commiserations, the Vice President noted that “there are three reasons at least, why we should be rejoicing and not mourning. The first is that Papa lived a long life, almost 90, a year to his 90th birthday, that is a good number.”

“The second is that before he died, I don’t think that there was any prayer of his that was not answered. I think one of his important prayers was for his son, who had aspired to be governor of Ogun State, and he is in fact the governor. Papa saw the inauguration of his son as governor. He was there for his first year, second year, and he did so with great joy.

“The third reason is that he has left behind a worthy legacy. The Bible says a good man leaves inheritance for the children and children’s children. The inheritance is not cars and houses. Even houses, when it is transferred from children to the children’s children, they will end up selling it.

“The inheritance that Baba left behind is the path of Jesus Christ, the path of truth, that is the footprint he left behind, and that is what he bequeathed his children. I am very happy that our governor has taken this seriously. I know that all through the period of the campaign and before, he was praying and fasting,” Prof. Osinbajo added.

Continuing on the legacies of the late Pa Abiodun, the VP said “I am extremely pleased to say to you today that we are rejoicing and celebrating the life of an incredibly great man who was not only known for his own contribution to society as a teacher, but also the fact that all through his life, he supported all the worthy causes, and was himself a progressive.

“So, you cannot speak about quality progressive ideas without mentioning his name. So, we are all truly grateful to the Almighty God that he has lived this purposeful life.”

Offering prayers for the family and consoling the people of Ogun State, Prof. Osinbajo said “we can only pray that Mama will live long. They have been married for 65 years, and that is a very long time.

“I pray that she will see even more of her grandchildren in joy, and when the time comes for her going away, it will not be in pain, she will not be sick, all will be well with her in Jesus name.

“I want to again just express my condolence to you and all the members of the family and to Ogun State, because the loss of the first father of the state is a big loss.”

The Vice President also wrote a short tribute in the condolence register at the Abiodun family compound thus" “We bless the name of the lord, for his great gift of the excellent life and times of our father, Pa Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun. We thank God for a life of service to man and as a teacher of teachers. But above all, we thank God for the grace of salvation by which we know that he now lives in joy and peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Halleluya!!!”


*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*27th August 2021*

*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*


*8 STATES SUBMIT ENDSARS JUDICIAL PANELS' REPORTS TO NEC, LAGOS TO WRAP UP IN OCTOBER*



All 28 States that established Judicial Panels following the EndSARS protests last year have now completed the assignment, except Lagos State’s panel which will conclude later this year in October.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, made the disclosure today at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, adding that 8 States have turned in their reports and Council looks forward to discussing them in full at its next meeting as more States are expected to make their submissions as well.

This was among resolutions reached at the end of the Council’s 119th meeting (8th in 2021), held virtually and presided over by the Vice President, with State governors, federal ministers, and other senior government officials in attendance.

Speaking on the consideration of the panel reports, Prof. Osinbajo said already the 8 States: Abia, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ondo, and Rivers, have submitted reports of their respective panels, while Lagos State has also submitted an interim report.

SOME OTHER HIGHLIGHTS TODAY’S NEC MEETING:

NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL (NEC) MEETING 119TH (8TH IN 2021)

*FINANCIAL UPDATES:

1. EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT (ECA)

BALANCE AS AT 13THJULY 2021 STANDS AT
$60, 855,153.31

2. STABILIZATION ACCOUNT
BALANCE AS AT 13TH JULY, 2021 STANDS AT
N30,757,901,458.81

3. DEVELOPMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ACCOUNT

BALANCE AS AT 13TH JULY, 2021 STANDS AT
N33,891,412,441.85

PRESENTATION ON AT-RISK CHILDREN (&YOUTH) PROGRAMME BY SPECIAL ADVISER, SOCIAL INVESTMENT, MRS MARYAM UWAIS

The Memo was to acquaint Council that the mission was to facilitate programmes that will ensure the integration of at-risk children and young adults by creating opportunities for skills and empowerment to reduce their vulnerabilities.

Key Partners are Federal Ministry of Education; State Governments; UBEC/SUBEBs; Relevant Federal MDAs, SDG Office, World Bank, UNDP, UNICEF, UNODC, AfDB; IsDB and the Private Sector.
Goals

Standard 1-A Purposeful Educational and Empowerment Model

Standard 2- Quality Citizens

Standard 3-Build and Institutionalize Learning Capacity

Stakeholder Strategy

Caregivers being paid cash transfers based on their regular attendance at the PHCs nearest to them, where they would be availed nutrition education and also general information to improve hygiene, sanitation and the well-being of their families and environment. There is an identified need to incentivise the mothers through the cash transfers (which would include awareness), to thereby support their offspring to remain in the CHs, through the transfers and the training sections.

Encouraging the resumption in formal schools for those who are able and willing to remain in primary school. For the youth who are trained in vocations and skills and who demonstrate an interest in setting up MSMEs, the formation of cooperatives, phased payment of stipends and the distribution of tools and equipment to facilitate their being engaged in productive activities, under the mentorship of designated Facilitators, CBOs &community members. Clustering or forming cooperatives for the youth who have an interest in starting a business (post-CH) to facilitate teamwork and the possibility of them engaging in activities to facilitate a better appreciation of the benefits of staying the course to actualise the benefits of starting a small business.

Next Steps
Program Kick-Off, Engaging States, Scoping &Forging Local Alliances &Building capacity at State level.

Governance Strategy/ Implement Short term plans Implement Mid-Term Plans

Hand over Coordination Platform to States/ NEC as Long-Term Plan

*COUNCIL RECEIVED MEMO FROM NATIONAL AGENCY FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING INFRASTRUCTURE (NASENI) PRESENTED BY ENGR. PROF. M. S. HARUNA, FNSE, AGENCY'S CHIEF EXECUTIVE.

The operational mandate of NASENI is in the areas of capital goods research and production through the development of local capacity and capability for machine building and fabrication. The agency is strategically established to produce relevant technologies, set up industries pilot plants to stimulate knowledge-based entrepreneurship for indigenous socio-economic advancement of Nigeria using applied research for science, technology, and innovation.

Some examples:
• Establishment of a 7.5mw panel manufacturing plant at karshi, FCT for solar electricity generation

• The factory is a limited liability company (NASENI SOLAR ENERGY LIMITED) with the IGR Paid into Consolidated Revenue Account.

• Also NASENI Solar Modules are in commercial supplies in our markets

NASENI’S approach in the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCR Administration is to enable local ownership job creation, technology, advancement and sustainable industrial revolution through bridging technology gaps for Economic Diversification.

NASENI can coordinate the proliferation of technologies developed either within or outside of its Development institutes. Technologies so developed in the areas of spares components and systems engineering are to be transferred to Entrepreneurs and SMEs for the production of goods and servers for rapid technology development.

CONCLUSION
*Following President Muhamadu Buhari's approval of the implementation of remittance of 1% of the federation account as contained in the establishment Act as NASENI Statutory fund, NEC also concurred and endorsed.

*PRESENTATION ON OF PROGRESS REPORT OF THE NEC AD-HOC COMMITTEE INTERFACING WITH THE PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE (PTF) ON COVID-19 TO EASE THE LOCKDOWN OF THE ECONOMY BY THE GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE

• Lagos State Governor on behalf the Governor of Delta State informed Council about the new vaccination drive moving on further to seven States by yesterday 25th August 2021;

• By the end of September Federal Government will get a reasonable amount of vaccine from the 30 million dose;

• The Ad-Hoc committee interfacing with the presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19 is to work hand in hand with the staff of National Primary Health Care in administering the vaccine

• In Lagos the No. of Covid-19 cases rose last week

• As at yesterday positivity rate rose from 10 to 10 .5%

• States to ensure that mandatory isolation is observed

• There is an increase in the usage of oxygen

*STATE PERFORMANCE REPORT ON COVID -19 BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL, NATIONAL CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL

No of Cases = 187,023

No of Cases tested = 2,727,834

Active Cases = 16,300

Discharged Cases = 168,455

Number of Deaths = 2,268

Council was informed on global information on Covid -19 as at 22nd August 2021 as follows:

• African Situation at 23rd August 2021 over 5.4million confirmed cases and over 130,000 deaths due to Covid -19

• Increase in cases for 8 consecutive weeks

• Testing is more in Lagos than any other State

• Lagos contributes the highest case load

• Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, FCT, and Kwara has the most cases in the last four(4) weeks

• The Delta variants has remained the dominant variant in the country recently and is now present in 8 States

Update on cholera

Suspected No of Cases =47,603

NO. States with Cholera = 23+FCT

No of confirmed cases = 427

Number of Deaths = 1,768

• State which have reported suspected cases in 2021 are: Benue, Delta, Zafara, Gombe, Kogi, Sokoto, Plateau, Kebbi, Cross River, Niger, Nassarawa, Jigawa,Yobe, Kwara, Enugu, Adamawa, Kastina and Borno;

• Rapid response deployed to Bauchi, Benue, FCT, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kastina;

• Minister of Health advised the public to boil drinking water

• Water purifier to be distributed to high burden states


*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*26th August 2021*

Kudos to this man���

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

IN KEEPING BUHARI’S PROMISES TO SOUTHEAST, OSINBAJO COMMISSIONS SHARED FACILITY FOR MSMES, NEW POWER STATION IN ANAMBRA

*Shoemakers association grateful, says output will increase

*VP: Southeast is a strategic industrial, trade hub

Detailing some of the ongoing and completed Federal Government projects in the Southeast, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, affirms that the Buhari administration considers the zone a strategic industrial, trade hub, and a major player in Nigeria's economic growth.

The consideration and the projects would also help in lifting people out of poverty.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this earlier today at the inauguration of two completed projects in Anambra State: the MSMEs Shared Facility at the Ogbunike Leather Trading Cluster, and the Awka 120MVA 132/33kV Sub-Station.

The VP observed that the Second Niger Bridge Project which connects Asaba in Delta State and Onitsha in Anambra State has now achieved 65% completion and will be completed by October 2022.

Besides, he noted that the concession of the Onitsha Inland River Port is in its final stages, while both the draft Concession Agreement and the Full Business Case (FBC) have been transmitted to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) for necessary action.

According to the Vice President, “let me also assure you of this administration’s commitment to seeing through the major infrastructural projects that will have a transformative impact on this zone. The Second Niger Bridge Project which connects Asaba in Delta State and Onitsha in Anambra State has now achieved 65% completion.

"By the time it is completed in October 2022, the Project will offer significant socio-economic benefits for the contiguous States and indeed the entire nation by easing traffic flow, improving road safety, and creating greater opportunities for residents and neighbouring States, thereby regenerating economic life.”

Continuing, the VP noted that the concession of the Onitsha Inland River Port is in its final stages, adding that once the Port becomes operational, it will effectively decongest the Apapa ports and ultimately translate into a reduction in the cost of imported goods.

"The cumulative effects of all these measures is to open up the Southeast and our resolve to pursue these projects to their completion is an indication that the administration sees the zone as a strategic industrial and trade hub. They also demonstrate our conviction that Anambra State and the Southeast at large, have a huge role to play in our drive to foster economic growth and lift our people out of poverty. The commissioning of this facility here today is a milestone in our nation’s economic adventure," he says.

On the Ogbunike Shared Facility project, the Vice President said the initiative would transform businesses within and around the cluster, hugely increasing their production capacity.

“I am told this leather cluster has about 2000 stores with almost 30,000 MSMEs operating here. So, I have no doubt that this facility will be of immediate value to all of them. When asked, some of MSMEs operating here said they are able to produce 200 to 400 shoes a month, using manual processes. With this facility, the MSMEs located here would now have a potential monthly production of 96,000 shoe soles, 44,000 slippers, 44,000 shoes and 22,000 boots.

“This project will also help provide relative succour to MSMEs by also housing a One-Stop Office for MSMEs. This arrangement brings all relevant regulatory agencies under one roof to enable MSMEs requiring services or facing difficulties to access them with ease.”

On the Awka Power Station, the VP said “the commitment of the Buhari administration to ensuring the completion of this Awka NIPP 132kV Grid Substation now provides a hitherto unavailable 70MW additional power capacity for driving industrial growth and boosting the economy of the State, with positive knock-on effects on employment and socio-economic upliftment for residents of the State.”

Prof. Osinbajo explained that beyond commerce, the power project “is also connected to the new ultra-modern airport at Umueri,” noting that “we are looking here at a substantial addition not just to power capacity, but more importantly at the capacity of the residents of this State, and businesses in this State to be more effective.”

While thanking the Vice President, Governor Willie Obiano, acknowledged the support the State has received from the Federal Government across different sectors including MSMEs, infrastructure projects, among many others.

He noted that thousands of small businesses have benefitted from schemes implemented by the Federal Government including direct disbursements to businesses in the State.

Speaking earlier, a representative of the Shoe Manufacturers Association of Anambra State, Chief Clement Okemefuna Emesim, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for fulfilling a promise made in 2018, while appealing to governments to patronise the products from the leather hub in the State.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
24th August 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

2023: OSINBAJO HAS NOT DECLARED INTEREST IN PRESIDENTIAL RACE



There has again been a flurry of activities, such as the release of campaign style promotional videos, banners in the Social Media and even the deployment of political posters in some parts of the country, including the FCT and Kano, insinuating that the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has joined the 2023 Presidential Race.

The Office of the Vice President wishes to reiterate a statement on the same subject, made earlier in May this year.

The Office of the Vice President is not in any way connected with the distribution and deployment of any 2023 political posters whether on the streets or in online videos, banners and the like on the Social Media.

All these are simply needless distractions from the urgent tasks of governance needed in our country at this time.

Prof. Osinbajo has not declared any interest whatsoever in the 2023 election, but he is rather focused on working in his capacity as Vice President in the current administration to address all the compelling issues in the country and concerns of Nigerians, including finding effective and lasting solutions to the security challenges and working to further boost the economy.

Therefore, we ask that people desist from such publications while we all deal together with the challenges confronting us as Nigerians, and resolve them for the benefit of our people, and the enthronement of peace and prosperity in the land.



Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
23rd August 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PETROLEUM INDUSTRY ACT, GAS INITIATIVES WILL TRANSFORM NIGERIA’S ENERGY SECTOR – OSINBAJO

*VP urges private sector to join advocacy for just global energy transition

*Congratulates Sahara Group on 25th anniversary


The passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, as well as Nigeria’s gas initiatives, will help transform Nigeria into a gas-based industrialized nation and also create a better-managed petroleum industry with more value addition for both investors and Nigerians alike, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today in his remarks delivered at a virtual event to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sahara (Energy) Group.

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Petroleum Industry Bill 2021 into law last week, and has also approved a steering committee to oversee the process of implementation of the newly signed Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Also, the gas initiatives of the Federal Government include the drive to encourage investments in gas production and optimize the nation’s enormous gas potential.

In addition, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is being developed into an alternative automobile fuel as a means of affording Nigerians cheaper, cleaner and additional fuel. This way, there will be a reduction in the ecological and economic costs of energy.

There is also the Gas Masterplan which provides for investment in the necessary infrastructure for gas transportation across the nation. All of these will reduce local crude oil dependency, whilst strengthening the drive for cleaner sources of energy as a nation.

Speaking on the gas initiatives being implemented by the Buhari administration, the Vice President said, “locally we launch into the brave new world for the oil and gas industry with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021. And this happily converges with the launch of the Year 2020 to 2030 as the ‘Decade of Gas Development for Nigeria’. This is a follow-up to the highly successful initiative of the Year 2020 as the Year of Gas.”

Last year November, the National Gas Expansion Programme was launched, which focuses on the distribution of Compressed Natural Gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas across gas stations operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).


Prof. Osinbajo added, “the main goal of the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill and the gas initiatives aforementioned is to transform Nigeria not only into a gas-based industrialized nation through enhanced accelerated gas revolution, but also to help create a better-managed petroleum industry where both the people of Nigeria and investors alike can extract value.

According to the Vice President, the next 25 years will be defining for the energy industry.

Commending Sahara Group for being “a great ambassador for the Nigerian entrepreneurial brand,” the VP noted that the group has demonstrated “bold, innovative, knowledge-driven business models that are designed to seize opportunities in other countries and have done so with remarkable success in many African countries.”

The Vice President, again reiterated the need for a just transition to zero-emission, as well as more advocacy to stop the defunding of gas and fossil fuel projects in developing countries

Explaining further, he said, “already the wealthier nations and their institutions have banned all public investments in certain fossil projects, including natural gas. Examples include the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom, Germany and Denmark, as well as specific institutions such as the Swedfund from Sweden, Norway’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, the largest in the world, CDC, the development finance institution from the UK, the European Investment Bank, and the Investment Fund for Developing Countries from Denmark.

"The World Bank and other multilateral development banks are being urged by their shareholders to do the same. The AfDB is increasingly unable to support large natural gas projects in the face of shareholder pressure from their European members. Barely two weeks ago, the UN Secretary-General made a strong call, that 'Countries should end all new fossil fuel exploration and production, and shift fossil fuel subsidies into renewable energy.'"

The VP disclosed that while the Federal Government is building coalitions with other affected countries to urge a just transition as we advance to zero transmission, "I will urge indigenous energy companies such as yourselves to join in the urgent advocacy that is required to prevent the disaster that would result from defunding oil and gas projects.”

Prof. Osinbajo noted that the last two decades have brought significant growth of Nigerian oil companies “from the days when Nigerian companies were mainly invested in the downstream sector to a situation now where we have Nigerian companies in the downstream, midstream and the upstream.”

“Nigerian companies have shown capacity in operations and financing of oil and gas assets. Within this group of patriotic local investors, Sahara has consistently blazed the trail as industry leaders in not just the Petroleum sector, but in the Power sector as well,” he added.

While congratulating the Sahara Team for its 25 years of achievements in the energy industry, the VP wished them more remarkable 25 years ahead, even as he urged the group and other indigenous energy companies to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Agreements.

Other speakers at the event included the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mr. Felix Tshisekedi and President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina; while guests included the Director-General of Bureau of Public Enterprises, Mr Alex Okoh, and other top government officials.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
23rd August 2021

Osinbajo is the best of all!