₦airaland Forum

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
 

*A LEGACY OF FAITH, CHARACTER, SERVICE CAN INFLUENCE COMMUNITIES, NATION – OSINBAJO*

_*VP pays tribute to Delta State Governor’s father during thanksgiving service_
 
_*Says Pa Okowa, member of Awo's party, devoted his life to public service_

A legacy of faith, character and selfless service to God and man is the ultimate inheritance that can influence communities and the nation for good, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
 
 
The Vice President stated this today during the thanksgiving and celebration of life service for late Chief (Sir) Arthur Uzoma Okorie Okowa (JP), 88, the father of the Delta State Governor, at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Owa-Alero, in Ika North-East Local Government Area of the State.
 
Describing the late Pa Okowa as an outstanding educationist, committed public servant, and progressive, the Vice President stated that he was honoured to join many others to celebrate the life and times of a “man who devoted his entire life to public service, to his community, and to the church.”
 
In his tribute to Pa Okowa, the Vice President noted that his community, state, and the nation, have been blessed by the life of the late teacher who “took education and discipline so seriously that he made it his life work, that he saw public service as a calling, and politics as an important component of service to one’s community and to one’s people.”
 
He said, “we have been told already that the late Sir Arthur Okowa was a devout Christian of the Anglican faith. Today as we celebrate the exceptional life of this great son and leader of the traditional kingdom in his hometown of Owa-Alero, we are reminded of this scripture in Proverbs 13:22: 'a good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.'  I think it is obvious that the inheritance a good man leaves cannot just be houses, money or other forms of material wealth.
 
“In any event, there is no guarantee that material wealth can last generations. It must be something more enduring; ultimately, it is a legacy: a legacy of faith, character and selfless service to God and man. It is only such a legacy that influences that trajectory of the lives of children and grandchildren and, indeed, both communities and nation. There is no doubt that Pa Okowa has left an inheritance for his children’s children, and for his community, for his state and nation.”
 
Prof. Osinbajo added that Governor Okowa's father was committed to the education of his own children, and of others, and that was an example of public service with integrity.
 
According to him "a father’s faithfulness to the education of his own and others is example of public service with integrity, and his commitment to his faith has given an inheritance that has endured and will, by God’s grace, continue to endure.”
 
Prof. Osinbajo noted that “the nation and the state benefitted and still benefits because of the decisions that Pa Okowa made by the services of the well-bred and disciplined leadership of Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State”, who was once a Local Government Chairman, Senator and now Governor of the State.
 
“The story of educational development in many communities in Delta and Edo states cannot be told without the extensive contributions of the late Pa Okowa. Indeed, there are entire communities that owe the level of their educational development to the labours of this great educationist.
 
“But Pa Okowa was also devoted to progressive politics, one of the leaders of thought in the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria, in Ika and Anioma areas under the leadership of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”
 
Condoling with the Okowa family, Prof. Osinbajo prayed that God Almighty will comfort them and that Pa Okowa’s memory and legacy will remain forever blessed.
 
Besides the Vice President, others who joined the Governor of Delta State at the thanksgiving service included former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, several State Governors, senior government officials, captains of industry and other dignitaries.
 
*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*21st August, 2021*

Congratulations to the couple

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

NIGERIA WILL GET A NEW BEGINNING – OSINBAJO

It is in the nature of God to create new beginnings and Nigeria is on course for one, regardless of all doubts, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

He stated this while featuring at the ongoing 25th Annual Convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God – The Americas, themed: New Beginning.

Prof Osinbajo, who is also a pastor in RCCG, cited the biblical story of Nathaniel who doubted whether any good thing could come out of Nazareth, and declared with optimism that despite people doubting if anything good would come out of Nigeria, the country will experience a new beginning.

According to him “today, many men are saying the same about our nation Nigeria, even men of God, but this is the textbook case of how God works, He is set to give Nigeria a new beginning.”

The VP stated that “in the midst of current travails, the God of new beginnings is about to change our story. He is about to do something new. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

The Vice President went further to say that the ideal person ready for a new beginning is one who requires the strength of God to show forth in their weakness.

He observed that “God did not create us to be independent of Him, He did not endow us with the strength to succeed without Him.”…The God of new beginnings did not create us to be self-sufficient. We need Him.”

The VP spoke at one of the sessions of The Americas Convention of the RCCG featuring the General Overseer of the Church, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, the Continental Overseer of the Church in the American Continent, Pastor James Fadel, and other guest speakers drawn from around the world.

The Convention of the RCCG in the US is reported to be the largest gathering of Nigerians anywhere in the US, Canada, and Southern and Central American countries.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
19th August, 2021

*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*

*WE ARE IMPRESSED BY HOW MUCH AFREXIM BANK IS DOING – OSINBAJO*

**Bank to deliver 40m doses of J&J vaccines to Nigeria by 2022*


Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN has commended the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM) for its efforts in stimulating and developing African trade, including its many engagements in Nigeria.

Prof. Osinbajo made the observation today at the Presidential Villa while interacting with a delegation from the bank led by its President, Prof. Benedict Oramah.

Speaking after receiving a brief on the bank’s activities as well as ongoing projects in the country, the Vice President expressed satisfaction with the work done by the bank and the interest shown in areas such as health infrastructure, trade facilitation and tourism, among others.

According to Oramah, AFREXIM is investing in trade and health infrastructure, and is also involved in the procurement and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to African countries including Nigeria, to enable the continent achieve herd immunity.

The bank is also planning to establish National Quality Assurance Centres in parts of the country in order to support and upgrade export of commodities from Nigeria.

Referencing the planned establishment of quality assurance centres across the country, the VP said it is important because “one of the problems we have had with our exports is really this problem of quality assurance and making sure that we have the facilities to test our export products and get all of our agencies working together. I am sure that you have SON, NAFDAC, and all of our agencies working with you on this project.”

While thanking the bank for its support, Prof. Osinbajo noted that the Federal Government’s programmes in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector, particularly in the Shared Facility Initiative under the National MSMEs Clinic, are important and deserving of AFREXIM’s backing.

He said the initiative which is implemented in collaboration with state governments and aimed at developing manufacturing clusters across the country, could be enhanced through partnership with the bank.

Earlier in his presentation on some of the bank’s projects across Nigeria, Prof. Oramah said AFREXIM has plans of investing in important sectors of the Nigerian economy including health, citing plans to build a world class tertiary hospital and health park in Abuja. He said the 500-bed state-of-the-art hospital will be developed in collaboration with Kings College Hospital in the UK, and other partners.

The CEO also disclosed an arrangement under the AFREXIM Bank facility to deliver 40 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines to Nigeria over a short period of time.

He added that the bank was committed to ensuring that the continent achieved herd immunity by vaccinating about 60% of Africa’s population against the disease.

Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, announced in June this year that Nigeria was expecting 29 million Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines between June and July, and last week, Dr Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) announced the arrival of the first batch of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the country.


*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
17th August 2021

*CIVIL SERVANTS (ESPECIALLY PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS) DESERVES TO OWN A HOUSE*

There are some experiences that leaves you almost in tears. I will narrate one of such now. I visited one of my primary school teacher in July 2020, she is without doubt one of the best teachers I know. She simply sees no wrong in you, she is soft-spoken and gentle to a fault. Back then in school, she couldn’t punish of beat anyone, it is without questions that she would have won the Teacher of the Year for many years if the votes were left to the pupils.

But on paying her a visit, was heart wrenched. After teaching for almost 28 years she is still struggling to complete her two-bedroom apartment and she is struggling with her husband who is working in one Local Government Area in Ekiti State.

I was wondering why no government actually considered them for housing schemes, it is unbelievable. I asked her what happened, then she explained how state governments toiled with their cooperatives and how salaries were delayed at some point and many other stories I couldn’t wrap my head around.

Weeks after, I heard the Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo calling for reform in the Nigerian civil service and calling for every civil servant to be able to own a home. I laughed at myself, I wondered why it took so long for anyone in government to figure this out.

I am one person who do not take government promises very seriously, not because I have not benefited from government but because only a few promises are kept. When the VP spoke, I took it with a pinch of salt but I said to myself at last someone is thinking the way I’m thinking, how can people who are serving the nation and her future generation diligently for years won’t be able to show something tangible to show for it.

I will urge the Buhari administration to start making provision for primary school teachers to benefit from 300,000 houses under the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), the social housing scheme which CBN has allocated N200 billion for. Imagine Lagos without Jakande estates?

In the words of Guy Kawasaki "If you have to put someone on a pedestal, put teachers. They are society's heroes." The labour of our heroes (primary school teachers) must not be in vain.

As a federal civil servant transferred with zero preparation from Osun State to the Federal Capital Territory nearly nine years ago, I am fully aware of the struggles of trying to settle into a new reality, especially when you have no friends or family at your new place of deployment.

Regardless of my take home as a level 13 officer, I had to put up at a hotel my first few days in the swanky neighborhood of Wuse, which was relatively closest to my new Ministry of deployment. Seeing as I was fast running out of money, it didn’t take much convincing for me to pack my baggage and move further away to the outskirts of the city of Abuja - Karu - where I secured a much cheaper hotel for another 2 weeks! All while trying to no avail with several estate agents to sort accommodation.

Bearing in mind this background, it is a no brainer telling that I had a severely rocky start to life in Abuja as a newly transferred civil servant. At no point during my ordeal did I not ponder over how completely ridiculous it was that the government had no provisions regarding accommodation for us, nothing prepares you for the abruptness of leaving not just family and friends behind, but also a city you were practically raised in.

Some people will argue that you get relocation allowance but that is a joke of an allowance, in fact, the allowance did not allow me relocate. I know that those working in NNPC, CBN, etc get a different kind of allowance from ours, so they can boast of a better life.

So statements from the Vice President at Friday’s meeting with Folashade Yemi- Esan, Head of Civil Service, expressly stating that “a civil servant ought to be able to own a home, and justify to his family the reason why he went for the job” felt really relatable to me. It sounded pretty much like our government was finally waking up. He added “I think that we should really do something that is bold, big and that will really make a difference in order to address some of the issues, especially that of accommodation for civil servants.”

I listened to him speak about the plans already set in motion to achieve this, a mass housing scheme with a target of 300,000 houses under the Economic Sustainability Plan. I have little to no hope in government initiatives or social intervention programmes. I don’t even apply. I also largely think as is widely believed, that you must have connections, or be ready to bribe someone, or the programmes just being total shams and a coy to divert funds. Half the time, it’s just not worth it.

However, as the issue of housing was one that sparked my interest, I conducted a lengthy research into the quoted Economic Sustainability Plan which I confirmed had paid grants to real individuals under its Survival Fund arm. Needless to say, I have already applied for this mass housing scheme and hope this is as honest as it currently appears to be because frankly, providing us accommodation - especially those of us shifted from base - should be a fundamental right.

*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*

*THE NEED TO DO HARD WORK OF MOBILIZING YOUNG PEOPLE FROM GRASSROOTS, BY OSINBAJO*

**APC Youths tell VP: You ‘ve always been our advocate, inspiration*


Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has called on the youth arm of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to brace up and build a stronger membership base from the grassroots by mobilizing young Nigerians across the country to join the party beginning from the ward level.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today when he received a delegation of the APC National Youth Lobby Group, who were at the Presidential Villa to present the report of the party’s Youth Conference in June, earlier this year.

Welcoming the idea of young people in the party forming the group, the VP said, “this lobby group will need to deal with the issue of inclusion at the grassroots first.”

According to him, “today, the APC can win elections, why not, we have a very popular President who can control significant votes, we have partners everywhere.

“Whereas, in the coming years, when we do not have such a political leader who is as popular as the President, you are going to need to do the hard work. We can’t assume that the votes will all come in.”

Speaking on the role of APC youths, Prof. Osinbajo said “I think that your group is more relevant today than ever before because you are not only representing young people but you have the energy to make sure that this party actually works for all Nigerians.”

“One of the great opportunities that we have is that we have young people like yourselves who are interested enough in politics. All of you already have shown your capacities in various ways, those who are in government have shown that they can do stuff.

“So, the next hard work now is how to get the younger people in our communities, in our society into this party and to see themselves as part of this party, in their hundreds of thousands, in their millions, that is the next thing to do. I hope that you will apply your resources and energy to do this,” the VP urged.

Commending the successful conduct of the recently held APC Youth Conference, the VP said it demonstrated the ability of youths in the ruling party to take interest in the future of the party and the country.

He noted that “for once, young people showed that political party is not just a platform for contesting elections but a platform to debate ideas, it is about how the party can contribute to policy development.”

The VP said though the political environment is complicated, the youths can get things done by their consistency and tenacity demonstrated in all aspects of political party engagements.

Earlier in his presentation, the leader of the APC National Youth Lobby Group, Barrister Ismail Ahmed thanked the VP for being a consistent voice and supporter of youths regardless of political affiliations, but appealed for more youth integration in the affairs of the party across all levels.

According to him, “you have always been an advocate for young people, we want you, sir, to be vociferous this time around. Please be our voice, be our advocate and champion in everything that you will be doing both in government and in the party.

“This party (APC) is ours. But how we will do as leaders tomorrow depends on how well we are trained as followers, today.”

Another member of the group and Director-General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Engr Inuwa Abdullahi observed that the VP “is a source of inspiration to the youths,” adding that the way he supports the youths in the country “is second to none.’

Also present at the meeting were the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu; Special Adviser to the President on Infrastructure, Mr Ahmad Zakari, and many youth leaders across the party including Hon. Asuquo Ikpenyong, Mr. Hakeem Shagaya, Dr. Etin Osa, Ms. Fatima Kakuri, Mr. Kabir Aregbesola among others.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
16th August 2021

*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*

*GOD’S SPIRIT IS IN THE LAND, NIGERIA WILL RISE ABOVE ITS CHALLENGES, SAYS OSINBAJO*

*VP congratulates new President of Baptist Convention, Revd. Akanji

*Describes him as an "effective bridge builder between faiths and ethnicities”


Nigeria will eventually rise from its security and socio-economic challenges into the glorious light of dawn that would herald greater things for the country and its citizens, because the Spirit of God is in the land, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.


Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Sunday during a Send Forth Service for Revd. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji, who until recently, served as Senior Pastor and Minister in Charge of the First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja, for 22 years. Revd. Akanji is now the new President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention.


He spoke in a short remark he gave at the service which was also attended by the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Revd Olasupo Ayokunle and the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunimbe Mamora, among other dignitaries and Christian leaders.


Quoting from the first chapter in the Biblical Book of Genesis, the Vice President related events surrounding the creation of the heaven and earth to the nation’s present challenges and the lives of great individuals.


Prof. Osinbajo stated that “indeed, the lives of great men and women, even
as the lives of nations teach important lessons.”


He noted that, “in the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. The beginning was bleak, confused, without form, empty.


"This is the way of the lives of some of the greatest men and women and also nations. There might be confusion, grief, trouble, darkness and fear. But even in that confusion, the Bible tells us that the Spirit of the Lord was hovering over the face of the deep. God was in the darkness, He did not run away, He is not asleep.

“So, it is with our nation. Today, some things may seem bleak and grave, with insecurity, economic difficulties, but even in the midst of these problems, the Spirit of God is in this land, it is here, hovering over this nation.”


He continued: "so, what happens next in verse three? We are told that suddenly God spoke, ‘let there be light…and there was light.’ The darkness came to an end, the fear, insecurity came to an end. So, it shall be for you and our nation. In the next verse, scripture says, God saw the light that it was good….so it shall be for you and our nation. The light will come and it shall be good, very good.”


The Vice President also commended the attributes of the new President of the Baptist Convention, describing Revd. Akanji as a humble and credible leader who “has continued to forge pathways for peace and unity as an effective bridge builder between faiths and ethnicities, realizing that Christ died for all men, and that our gospel is the gospel of peace."


While congratulating the cleric on his inauguration as President of the Baptist Convention, the Vice President noted that Akanji has also served the Body of Christ in Nigeria as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman of Federal Capital Territory, and is still serving as the CAN North Central Zone’s leader.


“Revd. Dr. Israel Akanji now proceeds by the grace of God to the exalted office of the President of the Baptist Convention: the highest office of the Baptist denomination in Nigeria. In this long and arduous journey, Revd. Akanji has had by his side, his dear friend, partner and darling wife, Mrs Victoria Akanji, Mama Sunshine. She has been an effective part of the great works that God has done in her husband’s ministry,” the VP said.


According to him, Revd. Akanji’s “practical demonstration of the gospel of the love of Christ is his recipe for conflict resolution.”

He added, “in those 22 years (serving as pastor of the First Baptist Church Garki) this humble, humorous General of God has also become a foremost, credible and articulate ambassador of the Christian faith in Nigeria.


Noting Revd Akanji's “determination to forge pathways for peace and unity, the VP observed that his (Dr. Akanji’s) doctorate thesis was on “Theology of Conflict Transformation in Contemporary Nigerian Society.


"I took the trouble to read portions of it to better understand his thoughts. He proposed a new approach which challenges the religious institutions, particularly the Church, through its pastoral ministry, to become actively involved in the transformation of conflict in the nation through a practical theology, a theology of hospitality.”


In the same vein, the Vice President congratulated Akanji on the occasion of his 60th Birthday coming up on Monday August 16. He wished him more strength, wisdom and favour and asked for God's blessing on all Nigerians.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
15th August 2021

May his soul rest in perfect peace

_*STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE*_
 

*OSINBAJO CONDOLES *WITH REVD. BADEJO, FAWEHINMI FAMILIES*

_*VP says late Foursquare General Overseer used gospel to transform lives_

_*Calls late Gani's son, "one of us"_

While visiting Lagos today, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, called on the families of the late legal icon, Chief Gani Fawehinmi - whose son, Mohammed, just died, and the former General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, late Revd. Dr. Wilson Badejo, personally delivering messages of condolence. 

At the Yaba residence of the Badejos, where he was received by Mrs. Yinka Badejo, the Vice President described the late Revd. Dr. Badejo, who died recently as "an exceptional man of God." 

Prof. Osinbajo said Revd. Badejo was a promoter of the gospel who worked for both the physical and spiritual transformation of societies. 

According to the Vice President, “he was certainly a man of integrity, a man who served God with all his strength and a man who truly loved God and the gospel of Jesus Christ.” 

The VP noted that the late Badejo “was also someone who believed that the gospel is for social transformation, besides the spiritual. And he carried the message that the gospel is meant to transform societies and the people physically, as well as spiritually. He was one of a kind.” 

Prof. Osinbajo also wrote a short tribute in the condolence register at the residence. 

“We bless the name of the Lord for the life and times of one of His generals, our father in the Lord, Revd. Dr. Wilson Badejo. We thank him for the great work of the gospel that he did and we now celebrate such an excellent life of service. Blessed be the name of the lord,” the VP’s message read. 

While praying for God to console and strengthen the family, Prof. Osinbajo also prayed God to preserve the legacy left by the late man of God, noting that “he has left a great legacy indeed. A tremendous legacy that we are proud of.” 

Late Badejo was General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church between 1999 to 2009. 

At the Ikeja residence of the Fawehinmis, Prof. Osinbajo met with the mother of Mohammed, Mrs Ganiyat Fawehinmi, and prayed for God's comfort for her and the entire family. 

He described the late Mohammed Fawehinmi as "one of us," being a progressive and protector of the poor and less privileged. 

The Vice President noted that “the late Mohammed continually identified himself with the progressives and did not diminish what concerned his father during his lifetime. 

“He continually maintained very serious advocacy for the poor and the less privileged," he said. 

Prof. Osinbajo prayed that God will console the entire family of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi and "grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.” 

*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*14th August, 2021*

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE


LET’S TAKE BOLD, BIG DECISIONS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR CIVIL SERVICE, SAYS OSINBAJO


*VP adds: Every Civil Servant deserves to live in their own home


Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, wants a reform of the Nigerian Civil Service and in order to achieve that “we need to do something bold and big that will make a difference.”

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Thursday at the Presidential Villa when he received a brief on the Federal Civil Service Strategy & Implementation Plan 2021-2025, presented by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan.

The meeting is a Presidential Level Briefing of the reform process of the Federal Civil Service which has been on since 2017. The reform is being led by Steering and Implementation Committees with membership drawn from the public and private sectors with the engagement of development partners.

Yesterday's meeting was attended by the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami; Ministers of Labour & Employment, Dr Chris Ngige; Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed; Ministers of State, Budget & National Planning, Prince Clem Agba; and Works and Housing, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu. The Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu, some of Nigeria’s development partners including officials of the World Bank and the President of the Africa Initiative for Governance, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, (a private sector representative and member of Steering Committee) was also present.


Speaking after listening to Dr Yemi-Esan’s presentation and subsequent contributions by ministers and other participants at the meeting, the Vice President noted that “it is evident that perhaps, for the first time in a long time, some very serious attention is being paid to all of the various issues in our civil service.”

According to the VP, “I think that we should really do something that is bold, big and that will really make the difference in order to address some of the issues especially that of accommodation for civil servants.

“We can do much more with mass housing. We have a target now of 300,000 houses under our ESP social housing scheme. CBN has allocated N200 billion, but we have seen that we can provide mass housing, and we can make civil servants beneficiaries of the scheme.”

“Though the housing scheme is very modest, it is the sort of thing that we can at least do, to begin to take into account, the fact that everybody who worked for the civil service deserves to live in their own home. There must be a strategy for giving everybody a place to live in,” the VP added.

Making the point about access to affordable homes being one of the easiest ways to get people out of poverty, Prof Osinbajo said “it is a vital part of what we are trying to do”, noting that “we must address it. A civil servant ought to be able to own a home, and justify to his family the reason why he went for the job”.

Relating his experience while serving as Attorney General in Lagos State, Prof. Osinbajo said that like what was done with the reform of the Lagos State Judiciary, fixing the welfare of federal civil servants would be key to addressing challenges associated with productivity and corruption.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation also presented a report on the implementation status of the Federal Civil Service Strategy Plan 2017-2021.

Earlier in her presentation, Dr Yemi-Esan identified staff welfare particularly, remuneration and housing as areas that require better focus and urgent intervention by the Federal Government.

She appealed for improved support, particularly in funding the implementation of successive strategy and implementation plans to overhaul the service for better productivity.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation said the current reform in the Federal Civil Service has enabled government to save huge sums through the verification of personnel payroll and digitization of some operations, among others.

The Head of Service would continue to lead the reform process as the 2021-2025 plan goes forward to the Federal Executive Council for approval.

Yesterday's meeting featured comments and observations on the proposed plan tabled on behalf of the Steering Committee chaired by the Head of Service.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
13th August, 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE


NATIONAL SECURITY, ECONOMIC SUCCESS, GREATNESS MORE LIKELY WHERE THERE IS UNITY & TOLERANCE -OSINBAJO



Some of the greatest nations in the world are multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious, and a united people working together are more likely to be economically successful, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa by a delegation from the Arewa Concerned People for National Unity and Religious Tolerance from Kano, led by Alhaji Auwal Maidabino and Prince Usman Ado-Bayero.

According to the Vice President, “there is no great nation anywhere that has not had this sort of challenge, especially where you have a multi-racial, multi-religious setup. And the greatest nations in the world are multi-racial, multi-religious, and multi-ethnic.

“As a matter of fact, some of these things are as important as the economy and security…. for the reason that a united people, people who see themselves as one, are more likely to be economically successful, more likely to be able to secure themselves and secure their borders, and more likely to work together for the goodness and greatness of their people.”

Continuing, the VP told the delegation that “it is the duty of the leadership, not just political leadership, but also the leadership of social groups and organizations such as yours, to ensure that we are focused on these issues of unity and tolerance.”

Prof. Osinbajo explained further that “as you know, religious tolerance and unity, is for me, a matter that goes beyond mere advocacy. I believe very strongly that the greatness of nations, wherever those nations may be, have always been on account of leaders who thought it fit to build those nations on the basis of unity and tolerance.

“I think that it is such an important issue that we cannot afford to discount it. There is a need for us to pay more time and attention to these issues in whatever way we can because every once in a while, we see some threats to the unity of our country, and we must not allow it to happen at all, we must continue not just in the advocacy, but in action that will bring about unity and religious tolerance,” Prof. Osinbajo added.

Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Alhaji Maidabino commended Prof. Osinbajo for his innovative approach to governance and the several initiatives of the Buhari administration anchored through his office and prayed God to provide the opportunity to enable him continue to serve the nation.

Alhaji Maidabino noted that through schemes such as TraderMoni, National Homegrown School Feeding Programme, N-Power, and the Ease of Doing Business initiative, among others, the Vice President has impacted many Nigerians across different sectors.

His words: “we wish to commend and congratulate you for your contributions in the area of promotion of good governance, transparency, and efficiency as exemplified with the core principles behind the Ease of Doing Business initiative of this government, and for the continuation of your uncompromising dedication to peace, unity, and economic progress, among others.”

He informed the Vice President of plans by the group to convene a national forum on unity as part of its contributions to entrenching peaceful coexistence and unity among Nigerians.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
11th August 2021

Why would you even compare Osinbajo to that dull skull.......Hmmmmm? Iku yato si orun mehn!!!!

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

WE WILL ENSURE COMPLETION OF CRITICAL NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS – OSINBAJO

*VP highlights Niger Delta’s diverse human capital, cites progress of FG’s New Vision initiative for the region



In furtherance of its New Vision development agenda for the Niger Delta, the Buhari Administration will ensure the completion of the critical projects it has embarked upon in the region, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo who was represented at the event by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Office of the Vice President, Mr. Edobor Iyamu, stated this on Tuesday at the 6th Anniversary Lecture/Niger Delta Awards Organised by Gbaramatu Voice Newspaper, which held in Lagos.

According to him, “in 2017, following my tour of the Niger Delta, which involved extensive consultations with key stakeholders in the region, the New Vision for the Niger Delta was birthed in response to the various challenges which had been plaguing our people. The objective of this New Vision is to ensure that the people of the region benefit maximally from their wealth, through promoting infrastructural developments, environmental remediation and local content development.”

Prof. Osinbajo said that the administration’s Niger Delta New Vision initiative has recorded some landmark achievements in the areas of education, environmental remediation, infrastructure and local content development, among others.

He added that “as part of the quest to expand economic opportunities in the region, this administration has promoted investments in modular refineries. The objective of this initiative is to address our present energy demands and empower the Niger Delta people through promoting local content.”

The Vice President stated that while there are several modular refineries at different stages of completion across the region, three have been completed including the Niger Delta Petroleum Resources (NDPR) Modular Refinery in Rivers State; OPAC Modular Refinery in Delta State, and Walter Smith Modular Refinery in Imo State.

He also noted the ongoing remediation exercise in Ogoni land, Rivers State, which was kick-started by the Buhari administration under the recommendations of UNEP.

According to the VP, “It is important to note that the Ogoni clean-up is the first of its kind in the history of the Niger Delta. Indeed, this is the first time the Federal Government is directly involved in remediation activities within the region.”

“We are equally committed to expanding infrastructure in the region, this includes the ongoing construction work on the 34-kilometers Bonny-Bodo Road/Bridge, which has been abandoned for decades. When completed, the project, which was flagged off in October 2017, would connect several major communities and boost socio-economic development in the region.

“The Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri Rail Line project, which was commissioned by Mr. President in September 2020, and has the capacity to handle both passengers and freight services, is connecting several communities and promoting commerce within the region.

“The Federal Government is also developing a number of deep sea ports across the region, including the Bonny, Warri, and Ibom Deep Sea Ports, among other development projects such as the establishment of Export Processing Zones to boost economic activities.

“In 2018, the National Universities Commission (NUC) approved the commencement of undergraduate degree programmes at the Nigerian Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Delta State, which happens to be situated in the great Gbaramatu Kingdom.”

The Vice President noted that “beyond its oil wealth, the Niger Delta region is incredibly blessed with diverse human capital across education, sports, technology, creative arts, entertainment, economy, and many other sectors.”

Speaking on the theme of the event, “The Dwindling State of Crude Oil Demand in the Global Market: The Way Forward”, the Vice President stated that factors such as the attendant decline in demand for our crude oil, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global energy demand and on government’s earning, the current situation, require creative and holistic approach to foster economic growth.

Noting that despite the fact that crude oil accounts for about 90 percent of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, the VP stated that the Federal Government from inception had shown a commitment towards the creation of economic opportunities for Nigeria’s population in a post-oil future.

The Vice President highlighted initiatives being taken by the Federal Government to reposition Nigeria’s economy by taking advantage of global trends in the energy sector.

This includes the SolarPowerNaija Programme under the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) which will complement efforts towards providing affordable electricity access to 5 million households, serving about 25 million Nigerians in rural areas and under-served urban communities nationwide.

The VP also highlighted efforts by the Federal Government on energy transition from crude oil to natural gas, as well as its National Gas Expansion Programme, also a component under the ESP.

He said, “as part of our drive to encourage investments in gas production and optimize our nation’s enormous gas potential, the Federal Government declared the period of 2020-2030 as the decade of gas. To this end, last November, the Federal Government launched its National Gas Expansion Programme, which focuses on the distribution of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) across gas stations operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

“By the end of this year, this administration will commence distribution of CNG as part of our strategy to gradually replace the high sulfur petrol. Our objective is two-fold. First, this is the administration’s effort at managing the necessary energy transition from crude oil to natural gas. We intend to increase our domestic gas supply to meet this demand by exploiting our abundant reserves of natural gas.

“Secondly, we are aiming to develop CNG into an alternative automobile fuel as a means of affording Nigerians cheaper, cleaner and additional fuel. In this way, we will reduce the ecological and economic costs of energy. The Gas Masterplan provides for investment in the necessary infrastructure for gas transportation across the nation. All of these will basically reduce our local crude oil dependency, whilst strengthening our drive for cleaner sources of energy as a nation. And crucially, it will create jobs in what will be a fast-expanding frontier of opportunity.”

In line with the Administration’s New Vision for the Niger Delta initiative to develop the region, the Vice President noted that the Federal Government has “also invested significantly in the Niger Delta as the region that holds the energy resources that have powered our progress for six decades as well as the keys to an emergent gas economy.”

The Vice President further noted that the Administration places top priority on peace and security in the region.

“In terms of addressing concerns around public safety and social security in the region, while ensuring peace and stability in the region, the administration has, among other things, sustained its commitment to the Presidential Amnesty Programme under which youths and ex-agitators are engaged in formal education, vocational skills acquisition and empowerment programmes that offer a pathway towards productive and dignified livelihoods,” he said.

Commending the publishers of Gbaramatu Voice Newspapers for organizing the event, the Vice President said the ‘cumulative effect of all these measures will have a positive transformational impact on the Niger Delta and on the future of our nation as a whole while ensuring sustainable peace and progress in the Niger Delta.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
10th August 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

AGRIC, TECH COLLABORATION BETWEEN NIGERIA, VIETNAM WILL DEEPEN RELATIONSHIP – OSINBAJO

**VP to Envoy: Let’s explore opportunities for our young people

**Vietnam recognizes Nigeria’s role in Africa as enormous

With the opportunities existing in agriculture & technology in Nigeria and Vietnam, both countries will benefit from effective collaboration in these sectors and thereby deepen their friendly relationships.

Prof. Osinbajo made this assertion on Monday at the Presidential Villa during a courtesy visit by the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Nigeria, Luong Quoe.

“There are specific areas where we have talked about in the past, agriculture is one. There was also talk about cashew processing and rice growing and rice processing where Vietnam has shown great innovation and great success. We think that these are areas where we certainly can do a lot more with cooperation.”

The Vice President also noted that other areas of collaboration between Nigeria and Vietnam would be in the interaction of young people actively engaged within the technology space in both countries.

According to him, “I know that Vietnam is doing interesting things in technology and telecoms sectors. I think that we should look for opportunities where young people in Nigeria and Vietnam can interact especially in technology and share ideas, innovation, and their different attainments. I certainly would like us to explore that possibility, especially in the area of technology with our young people.”

Prof Osinbajo further stated that there was plenty room for cooperation, and one of such ways is being effective in establishing relationships and ensuring the relationships endure if both countries are “able to structure the Bi-national Commission and then also some of the economic collaboration through agriculture and technology.”

The Vice President thanked the Vietnamese Government for the kind donation of medical supplies comprising of Droplet Resistant and Antibacterial Fabric Masks, Medical Face Masks and Real–Time Reverse Transcriptase (RT-PCR) Diagnostic Panel for SARS-COV 2 to the Nigerian Mission in Hanoi, Vietnam, in addition, to the donation of 100,000 high-quality 4-Fly Anti- Bacterial Medical face masks by a Vietnamese Pharmaceutical Company known as ANH THU Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment Investment Joint Stock Company–PSD Group.

In his remarks, Ambassador Quoe commended Nigeria’s role in Africa “as being enormous” and stated that Vietnam “would always wish to have Nigeria’s support in multilateral forums, most importantly the United Nations.”

He also mentioned that the economic potential between both countries is huge and hopes Nigeria “would soon recognize Vietnam as a country of full market economy and Nigeria and Vietnam would sign an agreement on investment, promotion, and protection.”

The Ambassador added that “there are five to seven thousand Nigerians studying and helping in the development of the economy of Vietnam” and also requested the consideration of direct flights between Nigeria and Vietnam.

Also present at the meeting was the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama and other top government officials.


Laolu Akande
Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President
10th August, 2021

*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*


*SUPPORT FOR MSMEs WILL CONTINUE, OSINBAJO ASSURES AFTER INAUGURAL LECTURE AT BABCOCK UNIVERSITY*

*Prof Oduyoye, the inaugural lecturer, to small business owners: integrity, customer satisfaction key to success


A pivotal element of the Buhari administration's economic direction is providing support to Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in order to raise hope, create jobs and opportunities that will produce growth and development in the country.

This was the summation of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, yesterday at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, where he was Special Guest of Honour at the University’s 33rd Inaugural Lecture, titled “From the Small Business to Big Business: A Future with Little Hope,”’ delivered by Prof. Oluseyi Oduyoye.

Prof. Osinbajo who spoke briefly at the end of the inaugural lecture noted that Federal and State Governments "must keep working on small businesses because that is the future of our country. There is no question that the economic future of our country will depend on small businesses."

He then explained that this was why the MSME Clinics were designed by the Federal Government to bring regulatory agencies, whose work affects the business experience of MSMEs, in direct interface with small business owners in the same spot.

"What we do is to visit the States with the regulatory agencies, we would also go with FIRS, NAFDAC, SON, CAC, and co. These regulatory agencies would meet with the MSMEs and discuss their various problems. The obvious reason is that MSMEs are indisputably the engine of growth in any economy.”

Speaking specifically on recent government interventions, Prof. Osinbajo said “one of the things we did with MSMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic and right afterward is what we call the MSMEs Survival Fund.”

“The MSMEs Survival Fund gave almost a million businesses support after the pandemic. We paid three months' salary of several of the MSMEs, especially private schools - private primary schools, private secondary schools. We paid for teachers and also for several other businesses.”

According to the VP, “as I keep saying, Nigeria is a large country, in order to deal with all those issues and in order to support more businesses in a way that they ought to be supported, a lot more money is needed.”

He added that the African Development Bank (AfDB) has agreed to support the government with $500million for MSMEs in technology in particular, noting that “this is something that will be very helpful in addition to the N75 billion (Youth Fund) which the government has set aside for young people in small businesses.”

Prof. Osinbajo commended the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, owners of the University, for the investment they have made in education, noting that “this is very commendable indeed and this is the direction that several religious organizations must follow.”

“The real work of ministry is a work of ministering to the people, especially those who cannot afford to do many of those things themselves. The work that the ministries did was the reason the likes of Professor Oduyoye and I are here.

“So, I believe that it is very important that religious organizations see this as primary in all of the tasks and things they choose to do,” the VP added.

Earlier in the lecture, Prof. Oduyoye, who attended Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos, at the same time with the Vice President, said while there was much to be done in the MSMEs space to achieve the desired objectives, issues around integrity in the conduct of small businesses has to be addressed as well. He submitted that lack of integrity is among factors militating against the growth of small businesses in the country.

He urged “aspiring small business owners who have the ambition of becoming big players in the future to note that the qualities of integrity and customer satisfaction are key to the success of any business.”

Prof. Oduyoye, a professor of Business Administration, further stated that as significant as MSMEs are to the economy of nations, it is noteworthy that the financing gap for the sector in many developing countries is a militating factor for growth. Hence the need for government, particularly the Federal Government, to give more financial assistance to small businesses.

Other dignitaries present at the event include Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Former Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Boss, Dr. Babatunde Fowler; board member of Nigeria-Canada Trade and Investment Group, Chief Taiwo Odutola; the Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Ademola Tayo; the Akarigbo of Remo, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi; the Olofin of Ilishan, Oba Arimasakin Olufemi Shonuga, among others.


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

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

OSINBAJO TO DEVP PLANNERS:
WITH FOCUS, SENSE OF URGENCY, WE CAN OVERCOME TOUGH SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

*VP Commends Zulum’s incredible achievements, lists COVID - 19 response, Security, Climate Change, Education, 4th Industrial Revolution, & AfCFTA, as priority areas


*Says all tiers of government must be open-minded, collaborative


Despite the current turbulent socio-economic conditions in the country and the tough challenges they pose, generating economic growth, eradicating poverty, developing human capital and building up Nigeria’s infrastructural backbone in a sustainable manner is certainly doable, especially with a sense of urgency, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has said.

In that effort therefore, all the tiers of government and critical partners ought to be focused, open-minded and collaborative in meeting shared aspirations, providing better and fuller lives, and decent jobs for Nigerians, especially the youths.

Prof Osinbajo expressed these views while virtually declaring open, the 20th meeting of the Joint Planning Board and the National Council on Development Planning holding today in Maiduguri, Borno State. Members of the Board and Council are drawn from the Federal Government and Economic Planning Commissioners from State Governments.

The Vice President who spoke mainly on the COVID - 19 Pandemic, Security, Climate Change, Education, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, noted that these issues require deliberate policy responses and deserve the attention of economic managers.

Speaking on the government’s response to the pandemic, the VP said “the COVID-19 pandemic has had a unique and devastating impact on our health, economic systems, and social life. For a vibrant and enterprising people like ours, the whole experience of lockdowns and social distancing has been quite trying while economic difficulties made existing socio-economic conditions even harder.

“The Federal Government responded by way of the Economic Sustainability Plan which focused on saving and creating businesses and jobs while boosting local production. Thus we had the very impactful MSME Survival Fund, the Agriculture for Food and Jobs, Mass Housing, the Rapid Response Register, and the SolarPowerNaija Programmes amongst other things.

“It can be said that the ESP worked in the sense that the economy recovered quite early from the recession occasioned by the pandemic, but it must also be said that we are not yet out of the woods.”

COVID-19
Continuing, he said “some people have described the current wave as a pandemic of the un-vaccinated in the sense that it is people who have not been vaccinated in developed economies that are most seriously affected.

“As economic managers, we are faced with two related challenges that might hinder our return fully to economic activity.”

“First we must find the resources to procure and administer sufficient quantities of COVID-19 vaccines and actively encourage our people to get vaccinated to enable us as a country to reach herd immunity. Secondly, we must ponder on ways and means of restoring and boosting local capacity to produce vaccinations, not only for COVID-19 but for the other diseases that continue to stalk the land.”

CLIMATE CHANGE
On climate change, Prof. Osinbajo restated his earlier calls for a just transition to net-zero emission, noting that Africa has contributed least to global warming but is expected to suffer the most from its consequences.

According to him, “global efforts to tackle climate change and ensure environmental sustainability will challenge us here in Nigeria in a number of ways. Quite evidently, the global drive to reduce the use of fossil fuels to mitigate the rise in global temperature will reduce demand for fossil fuels. This will affect us because of our dependence on oil and gas for revenues and foreign exchange earnings. We just have to find alternative sources.

JUST TRANSITION
“At the same time, we have limited resources with which to finance the technological and lifestyle changes needed to adapt to climate change. This means that the push by multilateral finance institutions to defund oil and gas projects will be particularly hurtful.

“This is why I continue to join other well-meaning leaders across the world to call for a just transition and a standstill of attempts to defund gas projects at the forthcoming 26th Conference of Parties of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow.”


SECURITY
On security, the VP said the Federal Government has over the past few years invested huge resources in equipment and human resources, noting that the emphasis for stakeholders including economic planners, “must be on effective synergies with the Federal Government.”


HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
Emphasizing the focus on human capital development, Prof. Osinbajo expressed the view that with adept planning, Nigeria can leapfrog into the digital age.

He explained: “there are those who wonder how a country like Nigeria will cope with the 4th Industrial Revolution given that we have struggled to catch up with the 2nd and 3rd Industrial Revolutions. But the answer is simple: education, education, education, especially basic education. It is scandalous for us to be dealing with out-of-school children.

“We must put resources into education; today we have no choice but to focus on relevant education. Education that will prepare our young people for 21st-century jobs and opportunities.

“At the same time, we must find the resources to invest in technology and related broadband infrastructure if we are to help the budding technology ecosystem in our country to continue to excel.”


$500M INNOVATION FUND
“This is why the Federal Government is working assiduously with the African Development Bank to launch the Nigerian Innovation Programme which will be backed by a $500 million fund to support the technology and creative sectors of the economy,” he added.

AfCFTA
On the African Continental Free Trade Area, the VP said “it is another development with great promise for Nigeria’s economic prospects but one for which we have to be well prepared.

“First, we must especially, as sub-nationals, take a more active interest in the agreement, its implications and opportunities for our States. The businesses and enterprises that will benefit or be at disadvantage on account of the free trade agreement are in our States. And we owe them and our governments a duty to look out for their interests.”

Prof Osinbajo also commended the Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, acknowledging “the great strides that he has been making.”

The VP observed that “looking at the work he has done in housing, education, small businesses, with little resources and in one of the worst-hit States in terms of terrorist disruptions, it is evident that our problem is often not the paucity of funds, but a paucity of dedication to the people and their wellbeing. Your Excellency, we are proud of the incredible achievements you have made in barely three years.”

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Zulum said the hosting of the annual meeting of economic planners across the country affords the State the opportunity to showcase its efforts across different sectors aimed at improving the lives of the people.

He said the reforms the State government introduced are rejuvenating the State’s economy despite the challenges posed by the insurgency and the COVID-19 pandemic and acknowledged the support of the Federal Government in the implementation of the measures.

On her part, the Minister of Finance, Mrs (Dr) Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed said the challenging times confronting the global and local economies required constant interactions among policymakers and synergy of ideas and resources with a view to finding possible solutions.

In a goodwill message, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon while commending the efforts of the Federal and State governments, said addressing the security challenge in Borno State and the entire Northeast will be critical to economic stability and general wellbeing of the people of the entire Lake Chad region.

Other officials present at the event include the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Umar Kadafur; Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba; Commissioners of Budget & Economic Planning across the Federation, and representatives of development partners, among others.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
5th August 2021

Job creations will combat so many atrocities. God bless PYO

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

WHY WE ARE PRIORITIZING JOB CREATION, BY OSINBAJO

*Receives NDC Course 29 research report

*VP commends restructuring of Nigeria’s stock exchange


Determined to create more opportunities for Nigerians and close the unemployment gap in the country, the Buhari administration has over the years, prioritized employment generation by integrating job creation in all its major policies, projects and programmes, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo disclosed this on Monday at the formal presentation of the Research Report of Course 29 of the National Defence College, titled “Creating Jobs & Opportunities for Africa’s Largest Youth Population”, at the Presidential Villa.

According to him, “If you recall, when the President was speaking concerning the budget in 2019, he mentioned that one of the critical things to do, concerning every Minister, is that, with every policy, we must state how many jobs to create.

“So, the key question that we ask regarding any government policy is how many jobs will this bring about, how many jobs it will create. And aside from that, there have also been several engagements with different policy bodies and ideas concerning job creation.”

Continuing, the VP said, “the whole idea of creating jobs and opportunities especially in an economy this size, is that government’s involvement must be in creating the enabling environment.”

Speaking on some of the programmes specifically designed to create jobs, Prof. Osinbajo noted that “you are probably aware of the current effort of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council which was launched recently - the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy, which I have the privilege of chairing its Steering Committee. This is another of the very broad plans of creating opportunities and more jobs.”

The VP noted that “there are also other several job initiatives. The Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) is a major plan of job creation, as a matter of fact, the major focus of our ESP is job creation - sustaining existing jobs and then being able to create other jobs.”

“The Food for Jobs programme which is an agricultural programme is a major initiative that has led to the identification of 5 million farmers, and these farmers are geo-tagged to their farmlands which is the first time that this has been done in the history of the country.

“They now have BVN numbers so that loans can be given to them and farm inputs as well. So, the Food for Jobs Programme is a major agricultural plan” Prof. Osinbajo added.

The Vice President also spoke about the social housing and solar connections being components of the ESP which have been prioritized by the Buhari administration to create jobs directly and indirectly for thousands of Nigerians, especially youths across the country.

Commending the management of the College, the VP said the NDC research initiative has been “extremely useful in agitating the ideas, thoughts and policies that could influence the direction of government.”

His words: “I really want to commend the resourceful and insightful work that has been done especially with this issue of job creation, as you can imagine, this is obviously one of the critical problems that we have as an economy and a nation.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Oladele Daji, said the presentation of the research report was in response to the request by the Vice President to look into job creation scenarios and strategy.

He noted that Course 29 of the College which comprised 96 participants across services within and outside the country, was presenting the report in fulfillment of the Higher Defence Management and Strategic Research.

The research report was presented on behalf of the Course 29 participants by Navy Capt TS Ngada. In 2019, the Vice President received a report from Course 27 on “Water Resource Management and Regional Security: Lake Chad in perspective”, and in 2020, Course 28 participants made a virtual presentation to the VP on “Border Management & National Development”.

In another development, Prof. Osinbajo has commended the completion of the demutualization of the stock exchange, noting that “it is a welcome development and fantastic that the process is now complete.”

The Vice President stated this when he received, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, the management of the Nigerian Exchange Limited led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Temi Popoola. The delegation made a presentation on the post-demutualization activities of the Nigerian Exchange Group to the VP, who urged the management of the company to explore areas of growing the stock market by venturing into emerging frontiers.

He assured the management of government’s support by way of policy to enable the company and the stock market reach greater heights.

Earlier in his presentation, the CEO of the Nigerian Exchange Ltd, Mr Popoola said the organisation has been repositioned for profit and to align to the tastes and preferences of the market.

He said under the new arrangement, the market will be opened up for more companies to be listed, resulting in more revenues for government as listed companies pay more taxes and are more responsible to the environment they operate in.

He appealed to the Federal Government to support the rejuvenation of the stock exchange, assuring of better times ahead both for the public and corporate.


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

I'm not surprised, Osinbajo is just so intelligent.

*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*

*WHY WE ARE TRANSFORMING OUR FOOD SYSTEMS, BY OSINBAJO*

**FG tackling inflation & other causes of food insecurity*

**National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy also addresses hunger & malnutrition*

**Forthcoming UN Food Summit, ongoing dialogues crucial – VP*


Transforming Africa’s food system is an obvious task requiring the active mobilization and prioritization of both public and private investments, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

This explains the resolve of the Federal Government in complementing existing development plans, sectoral strategies, and prioritizing investments in specific innovations and technologies to transform food systems in the country.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today in his remarks delivered virtually at the preparatory meeting of the United Nations Food Systems Summit 2021. The Pre-Summit is a prelude to the culminating global event scheduled for Rome, Italy in September, 2021, an event the Vice President described as crucial just as the previous dialogues held in several countries on food systems.

Sharing insights on Nigeria’s efforts, the Vice President noted that “the Nigerian Government is committed to addressing the drivers of food insecurity such as food inflation, changing consumption patterns and climate change, amongst other things.

“At the same time and as an outcome of 40 different food systems dialogues in which up to 5,000 people participated, Nigeria is prioritizing investments in specific innovations and technologies to scale up and transform food systems.

“These actions complement existing development plans and sectoral strategies such as our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, the National Policy on Food and Nutrition, and the National Policy on Food Safety.”

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo said “a specific aim of our recently launched National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy is to address hunger, malnutrition and poverty as part of our target of lifting a hundred million Nigerians out of poverty within a decade.”

The VP explained that at the heart of Nigeria’s post-COVID-19 response is the Economic Sustainability Plan, noting that the “plan has a major component, which is the Agriculture for Food and Jobs Programme (AFJP) where we seek to leverage suitable technologies to build a resilient food system for Nigeria.”

“Our Nutrition Policy addresses the issues of sustainable and nutrition-sensitive food systems - and the country has prioritized key nutrition actions that are impactful, cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable.

“An integral part of our food systems’ transformation strategy is to create an enabling and supportive environment to implement these policies in a participatory manner involving farmers, investors and State Governments,” the VP added, assuring significant improvements in crop yields, affordable and healthy diets, among others.

Making a case for initiatives that support Africa and other developing countries, Prof. Osinbajo said, "for example, when, as in our country and several others, population growth exceeds growth in national income, food supply would not meet the needs of people, especially when distribution systems are inequitable.”

According to him, “post-harvest losses in Africa, and particularly in Nigeria, are more than 20% of production for several food groups. And this is due mainly to poor storage, poor rural infrastructure and non-automation of food processing, amongst other things.

“The situation in many African countries is given increased urgency with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to growing levels of acute food insecurity. This is of great concern to all of us, especially if we recall that prior to the pandemic, the prevalence of severe food insecurity was as high as 22%.”

Acknowledging the work done by Nigeria earlier in her remarks, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed said “let me commend the effort of my home country, Nigeria, especially the Vice President, for leading six ministers including the Minister of Finance, in the dialogues and other efforts aimed at building sustainable food systems in the country.”

“Food unites us all, as families, as communities, as cultures and as humanity, now let’s use it to unite around the urgency and the actions that are needed to transform our world by 2030,” she noted.

She added that the summit is designed to guide national governments and other stakeholders looking to leverage their food systems to support the SDGs, noting that food systems play a central role in building a fairer, more sustainable world.

Aside from VP Osinbajo and Mohammed, participants at the second day of the preparatory meeting include the Prime Minister of Italy, Mr Mario Draghi; Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed; Ministers representing India, Canada, China, Norway, Egypt, amongst many other countries.


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

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

WHY THE JUDICIARY MUST EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY – OSINBAJO

*At NBA Lagos Law week, VP suggests hybrid approach to legal education

*Adds: Innovation is a matter of urgency for the legal profession

*Calls for deterrent costs against dilatory tactics

The Nigerian judiciary must embrace technology and innovation, not only for the evolution of the profession and national development but also to ensure that the country’s justice delivery mechanism is run on a system of enforceable, discernible laws and efficient institutions, according to Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this in a pre-recorded speech on Monday as guest speaker at the 2021 Annual Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch, themed ‘Disruption, Innovation and The Bar’.

Speaking on how the country’s justice delivery system can support critical investments in today’s very dynamic economy, the VP noted that “questions also need be asked about the readiness of our profession to engage in new markets as presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area. Already Nigerian Banks and financial services are crossing borders in Africa, acquiring banks in several African countries. So, the AfCTA will open new trans-border commercial opportunities, and our profession should pay attention to the rules of engagement for legal services and how they may propel our business.”

According to the Vice President, innovation in Nigeria’s legal profession requires urgency in both thought and action, especially in a world which currently thrives on knowledge economy, and where some jobs, including legal jobs, are being threatened by digitization and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Citing the example of how continuous improvement in the quality of smartphone cameras disrupted global sales of digital camera, the VP observed that now “AI is commonly used to perform tasks such as legal research and due diligence, document and contract review, and the prediction of legal outcomes - these are tasks that would have been performed by lawyers.”

“With the continuing progress in technology, it is only a matter of time before the time capsule catches up with us in Nigeria,” he stated while calling for continuous improvement in the institutional capacity of judges, court registries, court staff, and court infrastructure.

He added, “As digitalisation has already disrupted other industries, it is possible to predict that AI will go further and disrupt the business model of the legal industry.

"For example, the AI legal service called ROSS is an AI system that can research and offer legal opinions about questions that may be posed by lawyers. And ROSS is then able to provide an answer; a properly considered legal opinion, taking into account the case laws and statutory authority in order to be able to come to that conclusion… So, providing predictive legal opinion is no longer the exclusive domain of lawyers, and as the years go by, it will become even more so.

“We are part of the global marketplace for investment and legal services. So, the extent to which we can attract business to our country depends in part upon investor perception of the quality of our justice delivery system. If we are seen as inefficient and ineffective, we would lose out to more efficient systems.”

Speaking on the issue of delay in the country’s justice delivery process, Prof. Osinbajo further noted that the country’s judiciary ought to find ways to tackle jurisdictional challenges, particularly delays in court judgments, among others.

“I argued an appeal at the Court of Appeal in 2013, only to learn yesterday as I discussed with former colleagues in the law firm where I worked, that the appeal at the Supreme Court is not even listed to be heard in 2021. As someone said; our problem is not access to justice, it is exiting the justice system with some credible result.

"Should we not be evolving a cost award system that recognizes the court as a finite public resource, and as such delays and other dilatory tactics are visited with deterrent costs?

Noting that the Law week, as well as future engagements, provided an opportunity for some reflections by legal practitioners, the VP raised pertinent issues that would spur innovation and growth in the country’s judiciary.

He said, “For example, our jurisprudence on jurisdiction - does it promote legal certainty or help to cloud the issues even further? Have jurisdictional challenges become a potent weapon that strike blindly in all directions? What is the quality of judicial thinking, is it a mere recourse to formulas, catchphrases, and clichés instead of a rigorous analysis of legislative intent and public interest adding some common sense? Are procedural and adjectival rules a bane or tool for justice and speed?

“How does a system explain to society that the current rule established by our apex court is that the signature of a law firm instead of that of an individual legal practitioner on a court process could negate or extinguish the substance of the rights of individuals and commercial parties to justice in a decade’s old case or even in a case that is much older?

"Or how does justice delayed at the convenience of legal practitioners or the benefit of litigants become justice attained?

Also highlighting the need for innovation in legal training and the necessity of virtual hearings, the VP stated that “change is happening quickly all around us in every sphere of life. A sentimental clutching on to traditions will not serve us well. We have seen already that there is nothing sacrosanct about proceedings taking place in physical courtrooms. Virtual hearings are efficient and speedy.”

He commended States, including Lagos, that have embraced innovation and issued practice directions that permitted virtual proceedings during the pandemic lockdown, which he noted was “in line with the commitment the Chief Justice of Nigeria made recently to a full-scale digital revolution in the judiciary that would guarantee electronic filing of court processes, virtual hearings and delivery of judgments.”

Particularly, the VP highlighted how the Supreme Court delivered some time-bound judgments by Zoom (video platform) during the recent strike by Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) strike.

Suggesting a hybrid approach to legal education in the country, the Vice President urged the Association to consider how innovation in technology would impact on legal education in the future.

He said, “aside from all the issues around moving firmly to clinical legal education and a more problem-solving teaching orientation, we must also decide the question of whether the Nigerian law school needs to be an in-person residential course or mostly online, including taking examinations online.

"Today it is becoming obvious that cramping thousands of students into a classroom for lectures at the law school is a suboptimal teaching and learning environment.”

He added that “even mock trials can be more effectively done online and courtroom processes can be put on videos and re-watched several times by students. Of course, we may still retain court and chamber attachments.”

The Vice President further stated that the legal profession needs to go a step further by institutionalizing these innovations, because “our justice delivery system, practice norms, and service levels must also show a propensity for innovation, for growth and evolution.”


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

*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*

*20M YOUNG NIGERIANS TO BENEFIT IN FG, UNICEF EXPANDED EDUCATION SCHEME*

**VP says, initiative will impact future job growth*


An initiative between the Buhari administration and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), offering expanded education, training and employment, targeting 20 million Nigerians from ages of 10-24 years, between now and 2030 will positively impact the country’s future job growth enabling programmes, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo disclosed this Monday in a pre-recorded message delivered at the official launch of the Generation Unlimited (GenU) programme in Nigeria, a global multi-sector partnership that was initially launched in September 2018, in collaboration with over 200 partners. The programme has impacted more than 100 million young people globally through innovations and programmes in more than 40 countries across six continents.

In line with its job creation agenda, the Federal Government has over the past few months engaged multilateral agencies and the private sector in creating special opportunities for young Nigerians.

Besides, the opportunities created through the ongoing Economic Sustainability Plan, only last month, the administration in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP and other private sector partners announced a 20,000 yearly graduate job fellowship called the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, NJFP aimed at equipping young Nigerians with skills and experience required for the workplace.

Speaking on the GenU programme, the Vice President said “this program is important because it promises to provide 20 million Nigerians with digital skills, link them to entrepreneurial and other job opportunities and assist them in realizing their full potential.

“Over the next couple of years, we will provide digital learning, employment, entrepreneurship and engagement for and with 20 million young Nigerians. This process is not only significant for our socio-economic development as a nation in the coming years but also provides a learning asset for developing future job growth enabling programmes.”

According to him, “Nigeria has one of the world's largest young populations. And it bears repeating that our country's youth are the nation's present and indeed its future. The cost of failing to invest in them is quite simply, unimaginable.

“So, we are excited to be a part of the ambitious goal of reaching young Nigerians with this opportunity. The work is massive, and we know we cannot achieve this objective without strong partnerships. And so, the Presidency, the relevant Ministries and State Governments will be collaborating with Generation Unlimited Nigeria, the private sector, the international community and our young people themselves to make this a reality.”

The Vice President noted that “GenU Nigeria will have three key components; Digital Skills Development, The Workforce Readiness Programme and Youth Engagement. Youth Employment and especially the empowerment of female entrepreneurs is a major aspect of GenU Nigeria.”

Prof. Osinbajo commended private sector partners such as Airtel, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Jobberman Nigeria, amongst others for their innovative work with young entrepreneurs throughout the country and for their commitment to GenU Nigeria.

The introduction of GenU Nigeria is in collaboration with State Governors including Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State; Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Kano State; Mr Godwin Obaseki, Edo State, and also development partners such as Mr. Edward Kallon, UN Resident Coordinator. GenU Nigeria has a wide range of Development Partners including the African Development Bank, GIZ, ILO, UNDP, USAID, and private sector organisations.

In Nigeria, the target is to reach 2 million young people aged 10-24years by 2023 and 20 million by 2030 with education, skills training, employment, entrepreneurship, and empowerment.

GenU Nigeria will be implemented in 12 states distributed across the 6 geo-political zones in the country. In the North-west, Kano and Kaduna States; South-west, Lagos and Ogun States; North-east, Borno and Bauchi States; South-east, Ebonyi and Enugu States; North-central, Niger and Benue States and from the South-south, Rivers and Cross River States.

Dignitaries present at the launch include Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, Governor of Kano State; Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shuaibu; Minister of State for Science and Technology, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi, and Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Segun Dawodu, who represented the State Governor.

Other dignitaries include UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Edward Kallon; Country Representative, UNICEF Nigeria, Mr Peter Hawkins; Country Managing Partner PwC, Nigeria, Uyi Akpata; Global CEO GenU, Mr Kevin Frey, and representatives of youth groups.


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

I love this!

Nigeria shall prevail!

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE 
 
*OSINBAJO TO ECOWAS TRADE PROMOTION ORGANIZATIONS:  LET'S DRIVE INCLUSIVE TRADE TO BOOST SUB-REGIONAL ECONOMY*
 
With the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, there is need to drive more inclusive trade initiatives and expand intra-regional trade in the ECOWAS sub-region, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Friday evening in Abuja at the inaugural gala night of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Trade Promotion Organizations (TPO) Network.

The President of ECOWAS TPO Network is the Executive Director/CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Segun Awolowo; and the Vice President is the CEO of Cote d’Ivoire Export Promotion Organisation, Mr. Guy M'Bengue.

According to the Vice President, the TPO Network, which was established with the support of the International Trade Centre (ITC), “is a farsighted and insightful initiative of the ECOWAS, trade promotion organizations in the ECOWAS community.”

He added that the Network “must present a trustworthy platform for cross learning and the sharing of knowledge and information assets.”

The Vice President said, “the vision of our Heads of State and Governments in resolving to establish this network (TPO) is to build a more robust and broader economic space for trade and investment. A major part of that effort is that the network serves as a platform for businesses and trade promotion agencies in our sub-region to share knowledge and business opportunities, and develop trade capacity in our sub-region.”
 
According to the ECOWAS, the TPO Network is a public-sector led entity and will work in partnership with the ECOWAS commission to drive inclusive trade development initiatives within West Africa and beyond.

Prof. Osinbajo further said the Network has world class human resource capacity to succeed in achieving its set objectives.

“The combined experience of the TPOs that form the network is mind boggling. Second is our confidence in your resilience and commitment, which assures us that beyond the tunnel of those obvious challenges lies the bright light of a new era of trade prosperity for the people of the West Africa region and, indeed, the continent,” he said.

Commending the ECOWAS and the TPO network for the success of the launch and its First Annual General Assembly, the Vice President noted that “there is the imminent task of enabling our region benefit maximally from the AfCFTA and other intra and extra regional export opportunities.”

Dignitaries present at the event include the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo; Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Industry, Trade and Investment; Otunba Niyi Adebayo; his colleague Minister of State, Ambassador Mariam Katagum; Executive Director/CEO, NEPC, Segun Awolowo; the CEO of Cote d’Ivoire Export Promotion Organisation, Mr. Guy M'Bengue; the Vice President, ECOWAS Commission, Finda Koroma; among other senior government officials and development partners.
 
*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*18th July, 2021*

NLTP not RUGA

NLTP is not RUGA

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

OSINBAJO CALLS ATTENTION OF RIGHT INVESTORS TO TAKE THE ADVANTAGES, OPPORTUNITIES IN NIGERIAN ECONOMY


Adds: FG 'll be more intentional in seeking out investors


*Extended funding ability & right investment models critical


Going forward, the Federal Government will be looking for the right type of investors in its privatization and commercialization efforts, "looking out for the right models, the right type of investors and also looking at funding for these investors over an extended period of time,” according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo also restated the FG's strong commitment towards infrastructural and national economic development, and urges local investors and the international investment community to take advantage of the many opportunities offered by the Nigerian economy,

Some of these areas include the country’s tax credit initiatives to promote infrastructural development, as well as the ongoing reforms in the telecommunications, port, and power sectors.

The Vice President who is also the Chairman of the National Council on Privatization stated this on Tuesday at the one-day investors’ webinar organized by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) in collaboration with the Nigerian Exchange Group and Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), with the theme: Showcasing Investment Opportunities in the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Privatization and Economic Reform Programme.

Delivering the keynote address and declaring the Webinar open, the VP who noted that the webinar was an important platform to draw attention to investment opportunities for Nigeria’s local and foreign friends and collaborators, added that the Buhari administration places a premium on mobilizing private capital and participation for improving efficiency and driving economic growth.

According to the VP, “the Federal Government of Nigeria is strongly committed to this approach to national economic development and we consider it an important duty to create the enabling environment for the required and much-needed investment input.”

The VP noted that past sector reforms in Nigeria have brought about increased opportunities and extensive economic and social gains, including in the pension scheme, telecommunications, port, and power sectors.

“For example, our pension reform, which replaced the old defined benefit scheme with the contributory pension scheme led to the creation of the Pension Commission (PENCOM) which now has over N12.3 trillion in pension fund assets.

“Similarly, the reforms of our telecommunications sector increased the number of telephone lines in the country from about 450,000 in 2001 to currently well over 140 million active telephone lines and 97.9 percent teledensity.

“Equally notable is our port sector reform which led to the concession of various terminals, bringing about major investment and transformation of the various port terminals including in revenue, employment and operational efficiency,” Prof. Osinbajo said.

He emphasized that, despite the challenges, the Buhari administration remains committed to improving the country’s infrastructure and power sector, stating that “the Federal Government is working with key stakeholders in the sector to address some of the various challenges impeding its growth.”

According to him “our experience with the power sector underscores the importance of using the right moments in attracting investment, especially in the provision of infrastructure. And what we have seen is that while you are privatizing utilities of the size of our former Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), we simply have to be far more intentional in looking out for the right models and the right type of investors and also looking at funding for these investors over an extended period of time.”

In the area of infrastructure, Prof. Osinbajo noted that “a major challenge of the Nigerian economy is its limited infrastructure stock, which is estimated to be about 35 percent of GDP, as compared to 70 percent of GDP in peer countries.”

He added that “it is clear that there is a shortfall there and given the limited resources of government, government alone cannot provide the financial outlays needed to meet the very huge infrastructure deficit there is and the needs of the economy.”

Underscoring the importance of the Public-Private Partnership model in promoting infrastructure development and driving economic growth, the Vice President highlighted the success being recorded by the administration’s tax credit initiative, especially in the area of road construction.

“Today, several road projects that may have presented funding difficulties for the government have been done under a scheme that allows private entities, especially private entities that are corporate organizations in Nigeria to build, while government forbears on taxes they would have paid to the extent of their financial outlays on the infrastructure.

“For example, today, the NLNG is building the Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridge, and this is a huge project, almost N200 billion, and it is building it on that tax credit basis. Also, Dangote built the Obajana-Kabba road in Kogi State on that basis and is currently doing the Apapa-Oworonshoki road in Lagos, also on this tax credit basis.

“What this means is that if a private entity is prepared to build or participate in the building of government infrastructure, such a private entity would get a tax rebate or tax credit for the amount of money spent. Of course, these would have to go through the normal approvals and all that. This has proven to be very successful.”

Prof. Osinbajo further explained FG’s approval for the establishment of a N15 trillion Infrastructure Development Company (InfraCo) as another indication of the Buhari administration’s commitment to infrastructural development nationwide.

According to the VP, “the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, the NSIA and the Africa Finance Corporation, among others, collaborating to establish a N15 trillion infrastructure fund under the auspices of an InfraCo “is one among many exciting possibilities that will open several doors for infrastructure investment in Nigeria.”

“We believe that given the credibility of the actors – CBN, NSIA, AFC, and the quantum of resources that will be deployed, the InfraCo will make a major contribution to meeting the infrastructural needs of the Nigerian economy while promoting Public-Private Partnerships,” the Vice President added.

Other speakers at the event include the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Dr. Zainab Ahmed; Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Alex Okoh; Group CEO, Nigerian Exchange Group PLC, Oscar Onyeama; Executive Secretary/CEO of NIPC, Yewande Sadiku; and the CEO, Nigerian Exchange Limited; Temi Popoola.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
14th July 2021

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE 
 

*EFFECTIVE COLLABORATION WILL HELP ADDRESS SUB-REGIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES - OSINBAJO*

_*Nigeria, ECOWAS sign MoU on implementing Early Warning mechanism, centre_
 

Since security threats confronting Nigeria and the rest of West Africa are becoming more violent, asymmetric, cross-border by nature, and spreading faster than before, the need for an effective sub-regional collaboration on early warning systems has become a necessity, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
 
Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on the implementation of an Early Warning mechanism and for the establishment of a National Early Warning and Response Centre in the country.
 
The Strategic Framework for the establishment of National Early Warning and Response mechanisms was adopted by the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government at the 45th ordinary session which held in Accra, Ghana in July, 2014.
 
According to the Framework, the establishment of the early warning system is to provide real-time information on events or other incidents likely to affect social peace and security in the West African region. It also seeks to provide information on the occurrence of social and political events and climate change.
 
A major objective of a national Coordination Centre for the early warning mechanism is to strengthen the ECOWAS strategy for information sharing among Member States, so as to avert or reduce threats.
 
According to the Vice President, “I don’t think there is a better time for this process (than now) which will lead to full implementation of the Early Warning and Response System. We are at a time nationally, and sub-regionally, where the security threats that confront us are becoming more violent, they are asymmetric, spread faster than before, and they are cross border in their nature.
 
“There is no question at all that this is a moment when we really should be looking at how to collaborate in real-time and in increasingly more imaginative ways in sharing information, and also in sharing competence in order to confront our security challenges.”
 
Commending the sub-regional body for its foresight in the design of the regional warning system, the VP said “the clear expansion of the ECOWAS early warning and response network to include terrorism indicators is a very important thing.
 
“I think this has helped a great deal in not only focusing on terrorism, which is, today, possibly the most lethal threat that we face, but also in giving us an opportunity as a sub-region to bring the very best possible ideas and to be able to check these threats as quickly and as efficiently as possible.”
 
While assuring partners of the Buhari administration’s commitment to the programme, the Vice President said “the administration will ensure that the early warning and response system is implemented and we look forward to working with you – ECOWAS -in ensuring that it is fully implemented.”
 
On his part, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, said the signing of the MoU was a consolidation of discussions held at different levels by ECOWAS leaders to find ways of containing threats to security in the sub-region.
 
Also in his remarks, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, said the signing of the MoU reiterates Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and security in West Africa.
 
He recalled that the regional early warning mechanism was set up by the ECOWAS 1999 protocol relating to the mechanism for conflict prevention, management, resolution, peacekeeping and security, and to support the region in anticipating, mitigating and responding to challenges of human security.
 
“In order to support member states in strengthening their capacity in preventing human security challenges, the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in 2014 signed a supplementary Act, adopting the policy framework on the establishment of national early warnings, and rapid response mechanism,” he added.
 
While commending the Vice President’s leadership and support, Brou appealed to Nigeria to sign an Executive Order to give legal backing to the planned National Centre for Early Warning and Response System.
 
Senior government officials present at the ceremony included the Ministers of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (retd.); Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. Zainab Ahmed; Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq; Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen; and National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd.), among others.
 
*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*14th July, 2021*

*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*

*OSINBAJO TO NIGERIA’S OLYMPICS TEAM: “YOU STAND ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS”*

*VP charges team, recalling notable exploits of 1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney Olympics teams

As Team Nigeria to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics prepares to leave the shores of the country, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has called on the team to replicate the performances of past Nigerian Olympians, noting that “you stand on the shoulders of giants.”

Recalling the exploits of past Nigerian teams, the Vice President added that “you will also carry with you the encouragement of the great exploits of Nigerian Olympians before you.”

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today at the send forth ceremony for Team Nigeria
to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, at the Presidential Villa. The event also marked the formal handover of the Nigerian contingent to the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the unveiling of the team’s official outfit and kit.

He reminded the team of “such legends as Chioma Ajunwa who won the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics for the long jump and became the first black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event.

“The Super Eagles in 1996 who won the gold medal for football; that was the team that had the greats; Augustine Okocha, Celestine Babayaro, Daniel Amokachi (who was present at the event,) Sunday Oliseh, Taribo West, Kanu Nwankwo, Abiodun Obafemi, Emmanuel Amuneke, Emmanuel Babayaro, Garba Lawal, Joseph Dosu, Kingsley Obiekwu, Mobi Obaraku, Uche Okechukwu, Teslim Fatusi, Tijani Babangida, Victor Ikpeba, and Wilson Oruma —that was the year we defeated the world’s best footballing nations – Brazil and Argentina and we all held our heads high.”

Continuing, the VP said “in 2000, in Sydney again we beat the best in the world, we won the gold in 4×400 meter relay after the American team was disqualified for using performance-enhancing drugs. Our team then was Clement Chukwu, the late Sunday Bada, Enefiok Udo-Ubong, Jude Monye, and two other members of the team, Fidelis Gadzama and Nduka Awazie.

“And for anyone who thinks we are joking, maybe they haven’t seen our exhibition basketball game on Saturday with the USA team, especially that amazing block by Precious Achiuwa against KD - Kevin Durant, who is probably the best player in the NBA right now. So Precious, you are the real MVP!

“You stand on the shoulders of giants and with the quality and intensity of training you have received and your exploits during the qualification series for the Olympic Games, I am confident that by God’s grace, you will again make history and beat the best in the world.”

Urging the team to promote the Olympian ideals, Prof. Osinbajo said “Olympics is about fair play, honesty, teamwork, respect, and friendship. I trust that you will, as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria, represent our nation excellently.

“Fair play clearly enjoins every athlete not to use any prohibited substances or to cheat in any way. Half of the joy and satisfaction of victory is that it was won fairly.”

“Every one of you participating in the games is opening a page in history for yourself, your families, your community, and the nation.”

Prof. Osinbajo then assured the team of the prayers and support of all Nigerians as they compete with athletes from other nations.

His words: “Your performance at the games will inscribe your names in national and world sporting history. You carry the hopes and aspirations of millions as you compete in Tokyo. But you will in this endeavor, have the assurance of the prayers and best wishes of all Nigerians.”

While commending the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare for coordinating the various sporting Federations in preparation for the Games, the Vice President urged the athletes to make good use of facilities at its training ground in the City of Kizarazu to put themselves in proper shape ahead of the Games.

He urged the team to continue to observe all COVID-19 protocols and to strictly adhere to the IOC Playbook in order to safeguard their health and those of others around them.

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, said the athletes were ready to do the country proud and presented to the Vice President, the made-in-Nigeria kits for the Nigerian contingent.

“I am happy to announce today that the complete kit for Team Nigeria to the Tokyo 2020 Games was produced with a heavy dose of local content. We thank AFA Sports, Africa For Africa, a local sports equipment manufacturing company for delivering on the production of uniforms for Team Nigeria. This is a veritable testament and commitment of the Buhari administration to support and grow local content and industry in all sectors of the Nigerian economy.”

On his part, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr Habu Gumel thanked the President and the Vice President for honoring Team Nigeria and assured that the contingent will not disappoint the country.

“I am happy to inform Mr. President that all the 15 athletes on Olympic Scholarships qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games. Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, which slowed down the training momentum for the Games, we are still optimistic that the crop of Nigerian qualified athletes will do our nation proud at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

One highpoint of the occasion was the formal handover of Team Nigeria to the Nigeria Olympic Committee by the Vice President and the Sports Minister, and the unveiling of the official outfit and kit of the team.

Present at the ceremony were Federal Legislators, officials of the Japanese Embassy in Nigeria, 45 athletes and their coaches, officials of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, and the Nigeria Olympic Committee, among others.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
12th July 2021