₦airaland Forum

Osinbajo is a great leader

Happy girl child day

Nigeria shall prevail

We really can't know what's going on behind closed doors

EX-BAUCHI GOVERNOR MOHAMMED, METHODIST CHURCH DELEGATION, BRIEF OSINBAJO ON PRELATE-ELECT'S INVESTITURE

*Incoming Methodist leader says VP is “father, we can always run to”

Religious leaders in Nigeria must remain open while making efforts to unite people regardless of their faith, social backgrounds and political differences, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today when he received in audience, a delegation from the Methodist Church of Nigeria led by its Prelate-Elect, Most Rev. Oliver Ali Aba, at the Presidential Villa. The delegation came to brief the Vice President on the forthcoming investiture of the Prelate-Elect next month in Lagos.

The Prelate-Elect was accompanied by the immediate past Governor of Bauchi State, Barr. Mohammed Abubakar who is part of the planning of the investiture and also facilitated the visit of the delegation to the Vice President.

Emphasizing the point about unity, the VP said, “it is a Muslim (ex-Bauchi governor) who came with the Methodist delegation for this meeting. We have Muslims, Christians in our country, and even those who do not believe.”

Speaking on the task before religious leaders in the country, the Vice President emphasized the need for leaders of faith to be open at all times, accommodating various interests and views regardless of religious or socio-political backgrounds.

According to him, “as believers, we have to be open and reach out to everyone. Christ died for all which is why it is very important that you reach out to everyone for the sake of unity.

“Part of the duties of Christian leadership is how to ensure that we are able to display Christ’s love so that many people can see and emulate.”

Recalling comments attributed to the Prelate-elect in an interview (about fighting corruption in and outside the Church), Prof. Osinbajo noted that a “major weakness in our country is lack of integrity. There are no perfect plans, no perfect budgets because all are eroded by corruption.”

He also spoke about what is being widely preached in churches often.
“Sometimes even inside the church, leaders emphasize more of giving without talking about integrity”, the VP observed.

Prof. Osinbajo expressed his support for the incoming Methodist leader at all times as he takes on the office of the Prelate next month.

Earlier in his remarks, the Prelate-Elect, the Most Revd. Aba, who hails from Benue State praised the Buhari Administration for all they have achieved saying the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari has been delivering on the democracy dividend.

He also commended the efforts and commitment of Prof. Osinbajo to the development of society, describing him as the “father of Christians in Nigeria," in his capacity as the VP, being the highest-ranking Christian officeholder in government.

He said “you are the father of Christians in Nigeria, you are the only one we can run to in times of need.

“There is so much that can be learnt from you, your humility, doggedness in governance and commitment to the service of the people. I have learnt all of these attributes and I shall replicate the same in leading the Methodist Church. I believe I can take the Methodist Church to higher grounds replicating your virtues.”

He then prayed “God will continue to bless you, may God keep you long and continue to preserve you for all the good things you have done for our country.”

The Prelate-Elect also presented the invitation letter of his investiture to the Vice President and requested his presence at the event.

Other members of the delegation besides the former Bauchi State Governor included the wife of the Prelate-Elect, Deaconess Mariam Aba and the Chairman of the Investiture organizing committee, Comrade Adams Otakwu.

Prelate-Elect Aba will be the first from Northern Nigeria. He was elected to the position at the biennial conference of the Methodist Church on August 14, 2022.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
11th October, 2022

FFK is a useless guy jare

You should read it o

tollyboy5:
no need to read at all. thats a long CAP.

nigeria might cease to exist!

WE CAN BECOME WORLD LEADERS IN DIGITAL ECONOMY, ONLY LIMIT IS VISION, OSINBAJO SAYS

*VP adds: We must develop policies, regulations that promote not inhibit innovation, commerce

In a speech where he lucidly details the significant advancements already recorded in Web applications, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has submitted that Nigeria as a country has the requisite talents, creativity and acumen to become a world leader in the digital economy.

He stated this on Monday at this year’s Nigeria Digital Economy Summit (NDES) with the theme “Web 3.0, Blockchain & DeFi: Impact on Africa’s Digital Economy.”

He observed that with the right approach and policy, as well as the country’s human capital and potential, “we can actually become world leaders in digital technology in all its various ramifications.”

Delving into the different levels of progress recorded since the advent of the use of the Web on a large and global scale since Web 1 in 1989, Prof. Osinbajo who was the Special Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker at the event, highlighted the future of technology, digital economy and what it means globally but especially for Nigeria.

“A whole new world is unfolding before our very eyes, unlike Web 1 and 2 where we were relatively disadvantaged,” he said.

He continued, “in 1989 we didn’t have mobile phones so we could not take advantage of the reach and depth that mobile telecoms gave digital innovation and financial inclusion. We are now better positioned to be significant players in Web 3.

The VP further noted that “we have already shown that we have the talent, creativity and acumen to build and grow major tech companies. At the last count, we have 6 unicorns and many more on the way. But we must spend time on the development of digital skills.”

Urging for more synergy between Government (public) and the private sector in driving the digital economy revolution in the country, the Vice President added that both sectors must find ways to ensure “policy is way ahead for development.”

According to him, "we must think through and develop appropriate policies and regulations that promote, rather than inhibit, innovation and commerce. We can be world leaders in the Web 3 revolution. The only limit is our vision,” he said.

Using examples such as the technology-driven Growth platform by the Bank of Industry, and the implementation of the Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme (GEEP), one of the schemes under the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programmes (SIPs), the Vice President observed that the technology platform deployed in the implementation of the microcredit schemes such as TraderMoni and MarketMoni was built by Eyowo, a local Nigerian tech company.

Then the Vice President spoke about digitization in the public sector.

“Web 3 will also mean that the digitization of government’s services will come with more options, government agencies can then be smarter, faster and more efficient in delivering their services.

“But I think most importantly, digitising government processes and services is a sleeping commercial giant. The whole range of government services will provide several opportunities for innovation,” Prof. Osinbajo observed.

Prof. Osinbajo also noted the category of licences created and made available to some FinTech companies by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the past few years as a significant example of how government policy can drive innovation and economic growth.

This category of banking licences accessible to fintech companies are at a far cheaper rate when compared to the cost of actual traditional banking licenses by the CBN, the VP disclosed.

He also emphasized that there must be the adequate regulatory framework to ensure ripple effects across the digital economy value chain.

“From a policy perspective here in Nigeria, we may need to again expand the range of banking licenses available to enable more players in the financial mediation value chain.

“We must also set clear rules to enable crypto markets and trading in other digital assets. Identity in the Web 3 age is a key development. It means the user owns his or her own identity and personal data,” he said.

Highlighting the Web 3 revolution, Prof. Osinbajo added that “we are in the early days of Web 3.0. Its defining components, as we can already see, are blockchain technology, smart contracts, DEFIs (Decentralized Financing), tokens, both fungible and non-fungible tokens (NFTs); and the whole range of token economics; unlike Web 2.0 where data is mostly centrally stored. Web3.0 data will be interconnected in a decentralised way and will also be machine-readable.”

Continuing, he said: “decentralised protocols as you know is at the heart of blockchain, cryptocurrency technology and the whole range of DeFis. So, these systems will be effectively integrated and interoperable and automated through smart contracts.

“That data will be machine readable is very significant, which is why Web3 is sometimes described as the Semantic web. This means that users and machines using AI and Machine Learning will be able to creatively interact with data.

“Now these developments mean a whole lot. First is the increasing sovereignty of the user, the user will have more control over personal data. DeFi will mean cheaper and faster financial transactions, as the middle institutions will be retired. So, this means more room for FinTechs, and not just for banking services but insurance and consumer finance.

“Even central banks will have to rethink their roles since blockchain will challenge the centralization of monetary authority with its clear imperfections. Who knows, we might actually be in the last days of the central banking system as we know it.”

The Vice President then commended the organisers and their partners, noting that the annual summit was a testimony to the joint commitment of the government and the private sector to the rapid and value-driven development of Nigeria.

“The outcomes of past summits have contributed positively to an improved-policy environment and better governance in the areas of innovation and investment over the years. Amongst other things, the NDES has over the years, helped to foster better understanding between the public and private sector on the realities and opportunities in Nigeria’s present day,” he said.

Aside from the VP, the event also featured remarks from the Convener of the Summit and founder/CEO of the Foresight Group, Mr. Lanre Osinbona; a representative of Bank of Industry (BOI), Mr Seun Tubi, as well as Silicon Valley investor, Director, Plug & Play, Abu Dhabi & Middle East, Babak Ahmadzadeh.

In his remarks, Osibona, who was previously Senior Special Assistant for Information and Communications Technology in the Buhari Administration noted that collaboration was key to implementing successful digital transformation strategies.

“The key to achieving real change lies in actualising the true potential of our youth and preparing them to think and act for a future better than their past. They can learn from previous mistakes and build a better world for themselves and their children. Let us all work together towards using technology to build a sustainable Nigeria for future generations to come,” he stated.

The Nigeria Digital Economy Summit (NDES) is a privately funded public-private partnership forum to support Nigeria’s digital transformation into a globally leading digital economy.

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

Electricity has actually improved

We're all sad

All I know is the VP Osinbajo is best VP ever liveth in the history of Nigeria

Nigeria shall prevail

OSINBAJO AT ARCHITECTS INSTITUTE MASTERPLAN CONFERENCE:
LET'S ALWAYS KEEP UNDERPRIVILEGED MEMBERS OF SOCIETY IN MIND

*VP adds, “this Administration has invested significantly in infrastructure for sustainable growth”


In planning for Nigeria’s infrastructure and building sustainable cities for the future, architects and other relevant professionals should among other factors, consider the underprivileged in the society, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

"I urge you to see infrastructure planning as an opportunity to create a physical environment conducive for social mobility,” the VP stated in his remarks at the ongoing National Integrated Masterplan Conference organized by the Nigerian Institute of Architects. The conference is themed ‘Creating Sustainable World-Class Cities in Nigeria.’


Speaking on the need to have an infrastructure plan that takes care of all strata of society, Prof Osinbajo said “it is important that you all as professionals keep the underprivileged members of society in mind as you plan the country's infrastructure.

“In building our cities, we must deliberately ensure that the benefits of becoming world-class cities accrue not only to wealthy individuals but across all strata of society.

“A city cannot be considered world-class if it lacks a vibrant economy driven by qualitative infrastructure, functional social services and efficient urban governance that optimally deliver public goods,” he added.

Making reference to the present administration’s efforts in social housing and other welfare programmes, the VP noted that the investments “demonstrate our consciousness of the inadequacies that cities across the world face.”

According to him, “the Federal Government has invested significantly in Infrastructure. Over the past seven years, we have ensured that the capital expenditure for infrastructure projects is prioritised in the budget. We have embarked upon new projects as well as overseen the completion of ongoing projects.

“Our investments in rail, highways, fibre optics, digital penetration, energy pipelines, electricity transmission and distribution lines and renewable energy, are not just about meeting today’s demands, they are the infrastructural arteries that will link tomorrow’s cities and give them the capacity for sustainable growth.”

Prof. Osinbajo also spoke about the N15 trillion Infrastructure Corporation (InfraCorp Nigeria), the National Development Plan, as well as the master plan for infrastructure development, urging improved private sector participation in their implementation.

Speaking further on urban planning and social integration, the VP said “sustainable urban planning must involve planning for the clean energy needs of large numbers of people, from renewable energy for homes and work spaces, to providing infrastructure for clean cooking.”

He added that “the case for sustainable cities is obvious. They can invigorate regional economies and catalyze growth on a regional scale. The positive multiplier effects are inestimable – and the benefits are not just economic.”

Continuing, Prof Osinbajo said “new frontiers of opportunity for social engineering with a view to strengthening social cohesion are opened up.

“The opportunity to shape the living spaces of millions of people from diverse backgrounds clustering in new cosmopolitan precincts is an exciting one. It is a task that we must embrace with a good measure of strategic intentionality and imagination.”

Underscoring the significance of partnership in developing Nigeria’s infrastructure, the VP noted that “if there is synergy between all the professionals in this sector, we will see even greater returns on our collective investments in the sector.

“It is refreshing to see this collaboration between all the professional associations in the built environment, and the pledge to take ownership of the National Integrated Infrastructure Development Master Plan and the National Development Plan.


“This is what partnership is about - the Government creates an enabling environment through policy, and the private sector operationalizes the policy goals through its investments,” he added.

The event was attended by officials from both States and Federal Governments and there were presentations by experts and professionals from the private sector.

Goodwill messages by the Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed; Water Resources, Engr Suleiman Adamu; Mines and Steel Development, Mr Olamilekan Adegbite, and Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, underscored the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in infrastructure planning.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
6th October, 2022

#architects #osinbajo #archibuiltexposition #vposinbajo #nigeria #akandeoj

OSINBAJO HARPS ON TECHNOLOGY & HOW IT CAN ADVANCE EDUCATION IN NIGERIA, CALLS TEACHERS MOST IMPORTANT PERSONS

Says no society can grow beyond its educational attainments

Teachers are critical in the transformation and development of a country, and this is why they should harness the power of cutting-edge technology in their work so as to better prepare young people for today’s world.

This was the summation of the speech by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, today in commemoration of the World Teachers’ Day at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s World Teachers’ Day, ‘The Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers,’ Prof. Osinbajo noted that teachers should embrace innovation because they also have an important responsibility to themselves, “for them to be at the cutting edge of advancements in education and especially the use of technology and modern teaching methods.”

Emphasising on the significance of the knowledge economy in global development today, the Vice President said, “Whereas our previous pedagogy inadvertently produced students who were good stores of crammed information, the demands of the future require that we position our young people to think for themselves, to absorb and process the wealth of information available to them, and to tease out useful knowledge.

“Education must respond to the dynamism, speed of development and massive changes in society. Educators must understand the skills required to take full advantage of a world dependent on technology. In addition to listening, education today includes writing, ideation, imagining, and critical thinking skills. It is no longer merely learning by rote,” he added.

While thanking them for their services to the country and its people, the VP who himself was a teacher for 40 years since 1981 urged teachers to continue to “plug themselves into the global knowledge pool”

According to him, teachers should “reach for every resource available to us to better equip ourselves for the challenging and rewarding task of preparing our young people to meet the demands of our changing world.”

“We cannot give what we don’t have, so we must stay on the cutting-edge of research, learning, and development. We can only guide our students in the direction where we ourselves have been,” he said.

Similarly, the VP noted that this year’s World Teachers’ Day was a special day to celebrate teachers, describing them as “the very best of us and perhaps the most important persons in our nation,” praising them as “those men and women who daily go into classrooms to banish ignorance, imbue knowledge, inspire and nurture the minds of millions of young people one school day at a time.

“It is the day in the year when we say what we should say every day to our teachers: thank you. Thank you for your patience, commitment, your sacrifice, and your hard work amidst many challenges.

According to the VP, “no society can grow beyond its educational attainments.”

He said one of the major differences between healthy, well-functioning and prosperous societies and poorer societies is education.

“We owe so much of our well-being as a nation to our educators at every level,” he observed.

Continuing he said, “our future as a nation is so heavily dependent on education and our educators. This explains why the Federal Government is determined to return teachers, teaching and the teaching profession to their rightful places.

“To this end, we are fully implementing the professional teaching and teacher qualification framework standards that will invariably impact on education outcome and teacher performance at the pre-school, basic, secondary and tertiary levels.

“We are also developing a verifiable database of teachers in Nigeria, already the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has registered 2,108,342 teachers and licensed 1,250,000 teachers.”

“Our new teachers’ policy is already being implemented at the Federal level and in some States and I urge States that have not, to do so immediately, the gains are already showing.”

He added that the Federal Government has also launched the Nigerian Learning Passport; a digital learning platform with online, mobile, and offline capability that enables continuous access to quality education.

On the important role of teachers in mediating the transition to the digital age, the Vice President observed that, “we live in one of the most rapidly advancing moments in human history. Technology is redefining every aspect of our lives at a dizzying speed, and those who do not keep pace will be left behind. This is true for our children and the young people under our watch today, as it is true for teachers.

“But in spite of how intimidating and disruptive new waves of technology appear to be, they usher in opportunities for greater efficiency, increased productivity, and growth. We only need to rise to its demands.

“The truth is, we have a huge opportunity in our hands to leapfrog development in education through technology. But to do this we must continue to invest in expanding our capacity as teachers. We cannot integrate technology successfully, as urgently as we need to, without training and equipping teachers.”

The Vice President, who restated the commitment of the Administration to continue championing teacher training and development, noted that under the Buhari Administration, the N-Power Scheme, “provided a technology platform that enabled quick and efficient training for large numbers of teachers in every local government.

“Collaborating with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Oracle Academy, Microsoft, Cisco Academy, and IBM, it was a successful test case for the readiness of Nigerian teachers to run smart classrooms, and for what government, at all levels, could do to deepen teacher training and expand the integration of technology in our educational systems.”

The Vice President also recognized the significant efforts of young Nigerians in the private sector in leveraging technology to democratize access to high quality education across all levels.

He cited a few examples:

*Over 200 Edtech startups across Africa providing impactful, homegrown, innovations to bridge the gap in education,

*The work of Nigeria’s serial entrepreneur, Sim Shagaya’s U-Lesson, which provides a variety of educational content online for primary and secondary students in line with the curriculum of five countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, United States and United Kingdom, and

*Edu-Koya, which raised $3.5 million in pre-seed funding in 2021, and is working to build a pan-African classroom.

The VP noted that in addition to leveraging technology and innovation for educational transformation, “we must engage with these homegrown solutions, provide feedback, and adapt them as they fit.”

The Vice President further reiterated that Government will continue to support teachers and development of education in the country, urging them “to continue to strive and push the boundaries of your most honorable profession.”

Present at the event were Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State; Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu; Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede; NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba; President Nigerian Union of Teachers, Comrade Audu Amba; representatives of UNESCO, UNICEF and ILO and other senior government officials.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
5th October, 2022

Happy Teachers Day

He would have been a good president but APC are so dumb to have make a stupid decision

OSINBAJO TO NDA GRADUATES:
INNOVATION IS CRITICAL IN TACKLING SECURITY CHALLENGES

*VP adds: Our Armed Forces is a unifying institution


With a far more complicated current security environment, the new crop of military officers is the generation of warrior-scholars that will confront enemies of the state with an arsenal of unconventional skills, unorthodox strategies and critical thinking, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Tuesday in Kaduna at the 32nd Convocation Ceremony and the Graduation of 69 Regular Course Cadets and Postgraduate students of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

“It has fallen on you to be thought-leaders that will advance development both on and off the battlefield,” the Vice President told the new graduates in a speech on the contemporary security environment and emerging challenges for security and defence services. He noted that “the threat environment that you are tasked with engaging is not the same threat environment that existed just a decade ago.”

He said the new generation of officers will need to define their cause and fight their battles as they are operating in this new environment with peculiar challenges.

“In strategic national security terms, you will be operating in a new age. While your challenges are new, it is also true that every generation must define its cause and fight its own battles.”

Speaking on the contexts of the new security environment, Prof. Osinbajo said “you must contend with the mix of asymmetric conflicts, hybrid warfare, insurgencies and armed criminal activities perpetrated by criminal non-state actors. These are conflicts that are novel in their viciousness but dated in their origins.

“How do you engage a vicious lawless enemy along the lines of the Geneva Convention? What are the new rules of engagement with well-equipped criminal non-state actors?”

The VP also spoke on the digital age dimensions. According to him, “we must take note of the realities of living in the digital age. Digitization has created a whole new world, cyberspace, where all transactions and activity commercial, social, financial, and even crucial military intelligence take place.

“There is no doubt that the digital domain is one of the frontiers that your generation of our armed forces will be increasingly tasked to defend. More broadly, It is clear that we cannot secure or defend a country of this size with human assets alone. We must leverage technology,” the VP added.

Prof. Osinbajo then noted that “at a time when national resources are stretched thin, we have to come up with technology-driven solutions to addressing our security needs.

“We must become savvier in the deployment of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tools to complement our human resources. When applied creatively, technology can be a force multiplier, amplifying our potential and our capacity to effectively secure our territory.”

On the implications of Climate Change for national security and military planning, the VP said “aside from the serious revenue loss from declining earnings from oil and gas, there are the disruptions that may be caused because of our military’s dependence on fossil fuels for transport, logistics, mobility and weapons deployment.”

He explained that “we must rigorously consider the implications of these shifts on our national defence apparatus because as our country pursues energy transition, it is worth setting as a goal for our defence and security sector, an equivalent energy transition strategy for our military.”

Besides, Prof. Osinbajo also noted that “in a country the size and population of Nigeria, with threats to our citizenry and sovereignty, in different locations, it is absolutely imperative that we build our indigenous national defence capabilities.”

“This means revitalizing our local military industrial complex and investing in the local capacity to manufacture armaments,” he added.

The VP then commended the leadership of the academy for the innovation in the curriculum of the institution, urging the “warrior-scholars (graduating cadets) to devote themselves as their forebears have done to preserving the unity of our country.”

According to him, “the Armed Forces of Nigeria have long been considered one of the most unified and unifying of our institutions. We must not allow the rhetoric and actions of those determined to use ethnicity and religion to advance their often narrow and selfish interests to affect our belief in the righteousness, strength, and prosperity for all that a large diverse and united nation offers to all its peoples.”

Prof. Osinbajo was Special Guest of Honour at the Convocation Ceremony held at the Permanent Site of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. He was accompanied by the Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai who received him at the airport, alongside Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd) and some top military officers.

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

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

Congratulations to them

He's not

VP is not obedient

Happy Independence Nigeria

United we stand

Prof is always on point

ELITES MUST BE WILLING TO SACRIFICE SO PEOPLE CAN BENEFIT, SAYS OSINBAJO AT INDEPENDENCE DAY LECTURE

*VP also commissions new Governors Forum Secretariat

*How Osinbajo managed NEC professionally, by ex Gov. Yari

To build a successful society and nation, there must be a deliberate effort to create unity, with equity, justice, the rule of law, accountability as components.

And the onus particularly lies on the elites of that society, who must be prepared to make the sacrifices for the benefit of the people.

This was the summation of Prof. Osinbajo’s remarks today at the "Nigeria at 62 Independence Day Anniversary Public Lecture" at the Statehouse Banquet Hall, Abuja, where he was Special Guest of Honour.

The guest lecturer at the event was the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi who spoke on the topic, Elites and National Unity.

In his lecture, Prof. Afolabi noted what he described as the “immense responsibility of the Nigerian elite” in resolving the country’s challenges, fostering national unity and development.

Also speaking on the topic after listening to the lecture, the Vice President noted that “the story of successful societies is quite simple. It is usually the story of how the society’s elite - its best educated, its political, religious class, influence, direct and lead their societies to progress.

“Put differently, every successful society is the product of a conscious, elite consensus: the implicit and explicit agreements of the elite to change their societies for good. But the elite must be prepared to make the sacrifices for the benefit of everyone.”

According to the Vice President, even though elitism confers privilege, that privilege also comes with responsibility.

He explained that “we who are the elites are a privileged class. But privilege comes with responsibility. It is the French who describe it as “Noblesse Oblige”, the responsibility of privilege.

“There is a responsibility that comes with who we are as the elite. The first responsibility of the elite is sacrifice, the ability to make sacrifices on behalf of the communities that you represent.”

While the VP noted that there is that temptation for society’s elite - whether political, religious or intellectual elites - to seek benefits for self only, the greater good demands a higher sense of sacrifice and responsibility.

“As Prof. (Afolabi) describes it from the original etymology of leadership, it means, ‘go forth to die.’ People who are prepared to make sacrifices, even if it is the ultimate sacrifice, people who are prepared to sacrifice on behalf of their communities. That readiness to sacrifice is so important,” the VP observed.

Using as an example, the N-Power jobs programme under the Administration’s Social Investments Programme, which has engaged over 500,000 young Nigerians, the VP noted the fact that young Nigerians successfully applied wherever they are in this country with a fair chance of being selected for that programme.

He said the other alternative way to administer the programme "is for the elite, those in government, either in the Executive, Legislature, or perhaps even the Judiciary, to say, 'let us give ourselves slots.

“When we give ourselves slots, it is because we are not prepared to make the sacrifice that will enable these young people to say, I belong to a country where there is equal opportunity. But we want these young people to believe in the country. We want them to believe that they belong to a country. We want a united country, but we are not prepared to make the sacrifice that is required."

According to the Vice President, because of the urge to maximise so-called elites’ rights and privileges by some, the basis of national unity and equal opportunity is jeopardized.

Recalling a relevant encounter with President Muhammadu Buhari on the success of the N-Power, Prof. Osinbajo recalled that "when we started the N-Power programme, one day, the President, President Muhammadu Buhari called me, and he said: “I was listening to the Hausa BBC service, and two young men called from Bauchi state. They said we applied for the N-Power programme, and we didn’t know anybody, and we were taken. And we have started receiving our salaries. Thank you, Baba Buhari!”

Continuing he said the President "told me this story...And he said, look, if this is possible, then all these young people can truly begin to believe in this country…

“So, the truth of the matter is that these things are possible, but they are only possible if the elite is prepared to make the sacrifice.

He observed that "every step of the way, in human civilization, the bringing together of societies, have been by the sacrifices that the elites have made. They’ve sacrificed their privileges and because they have sacrificed their privileges, their societies have moved forward. Where the elite fails in its responsibilities, the society itself eventually fails.”

The Vice President concluded with a recollection of a personal experience while he was working United Nations Justice sector expert in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1994.

Prof. Osinbajo recalled that “After several years of misrule, corruption, neglect of social justice and disregard for the rule of law, Somalia became effectively managed by warlords; area boys or whatever you call them.”

The VP observed that although “this was a society that had everything, with a proper system of justice, judges, as well as the elites, “it (Somalia) eventually failed because the elites had not responded to the needs of their society.”

He added: “At that time, there was hardly any food, there was chaos everywhere in Mogadishu. In one of the camps where hungry men, women and children queued up for food in a long line with their bowls in their hands. On that line were, former university professors, former senior public servants, former Supreme Court justices, former journalists, all hungry; waiting in line with their little bowls for food from the World Food Programme.

He then concluded that such a scenario occurs “when the elite fails to make the sacrifices that a nation requires to stay united and to believe in their nation enough not to destroy it. So, it’s our responsibility as the elite, not because we are nice people, not because we are men and women of great faith. No, but because in order to preserve, even our own privileges, to preserve this society, to preserve this nation, we must make those sacrifices.”

The event also featured remarks by both the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed; and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha as chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the 62nd Independence anniversary celebrations.

Also at the event were members of the Federal Executive Council; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, Permanent Secretaries; heads of government agencies and parastatals; and members of the diplomatic corps, among other dignitaries.

In another development, the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo later commissioned the new Secretariat of the Nigerian Governors Forum in Abuja, at an event where he represented the President.

The complex located at the Maitama area of the Federal Capital Territory will house offices for the chairman of the forum, the Director General as well as staff of the secretariat.

Speaking shortly before the commissioning by the VP, past chairmen and the current leadership of the forum, commended Prof. Osinbajo’s leadership of the National Economic Council (NEC), a constitutional body, the VP chairs, comprising all State governors, some members of the Federal cabinet and the Central Bank Governor.

They noted that his leadership of NEC impacted positively on the activities as well as objectives of the forum.

Addressing the VP, the former Zamfara State Governor and immediate Past Chairman of the NGF Dr. Abdulaziz Yari stated that “in the past we know how NEC was handled, but the VP handled it professionally and not partisan, all governors given equal rights. We thank you for that leadership.”

Shortly after formal commissioning of the building, the Vice President undertook a tour.

Present at the event where the current chairman of the forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, and other former chairmen of the forum, Mr. Lucky Igbinedion of Edo; Senator Bukola Saraki of Kwara; and Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers.

Current State Governors present included Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto; Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos; Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi; Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa; Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa; Muhammad Inuwa of Gombe; Bala Mohammed of Bauchi; Douye Diri of Bayelsa and Godwin Obaseki of Edo State. There were also the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Hadiza Balarabe; Moses Ekpo of Akwa Ibom and Mohammed Yakubu of Katsina.




Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
29th September 2022

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

Osinbajo, our own person

Osinbajo is a always after the betterment of this Country. God bless him

Incredible presidential material

"Anywhere you have been, the fact that you are so good and you have performed so well and won medals, is evident that you are patriotic and you are truly Nigerian and you love your country and you want your country to do well,”

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE


WORLD-CLASS YOUNG NIGERIAN GYMNASTS IN PRESIDENTIAL VILLA THRILL OSINBAJO, WHO SAYS NIGERIA IS FILLED WITH GREAT TALENTS

*VP says there are incredible talents in Nigeria, urge Nigerians to speak well of our country always

At once impressionable and impressive, vibrant and agile youngsters fascinated the Vice President yesterday with scintillating gymnastics and acrobatic displays alongside stories of their experiences in national and international tournaments winning laurels for Nigeria, yet unsung.

They are the world-class gymnasts from TIG International Gymnastics Club, Abuja, a private sporting club whose members, on Monday, visited Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, decked in sporting outfits, accompanied by their coaches, parents and handlers, altogether a group of about 40.

The gymnastics club tutored by Coach Anthony Asuquo is blazing the trail, nurturing young talents and featuring them in several competitions already.

After the introduction of the delegation and brief remarks by their leader, selected members of the club took turns to speak about their experiences so far in the sport.

Multiple gold medal-winning athletes - Stephanie Onusiriuka and Tomisin Babatunde, and spokesperson of the club, also a youngster Dolapo Adedeji, spoke particularly about their experiences as international athletes, winning laurels for Nigeria, even as upcoming gymnasts.

8-year-old Dolapo Adedeji who spoke on behalf of the young gymnasts was full of praises for the Vice President especially for finding time to meet the team and “for all the good things you are doing for our country to make it a better place.”

She spoke about gymnastics training at the club and some of the challenges faced by athletes and officials, especially in the area of facilities, seeking the support of the government and well-meaning Nigerians.

Dolapo assured the Vice President that athletes at the club will continue to work harder to make their parents, the club and the country proud at both national and international competitions.

On his part, Tomisin Babatunde who has bagged gold and 6 bronze medals to his credit so far, thanked the founder of the club and sponsors for the support given to him especially in actualizing his dream of becoming a professional gymnast.

He thanked the Vice President for finding time out of his busy schedule to meet members of the club, noting that the gesture will spur them to soar higher.

On her part, teenage sensation, Stephanie Onusiriuka, who started professional gymnastics in October 2018 and won a gold medal at the recently held Africa Gymnastics Championships in Pretoria, South Africa, thanked the Vice President for the visit to the Presidential Villa.

At the 2019 National Youth Games in Ilorin, Stephanie won several silver and bronze medals to become Nigeria’s youngest medalist in gymnastics.

Speaking after the remarks by the athletes and a video presentation of their participation in the recent championship in South Africa, Prof. Osinbajo expressed delight at the conduct of the gymnasts, their coaches and parents, especially as he was only becoming aware of the abundance of talents in the sport in Nigeria.

According to him, “this for me is very heartwarming, intriguing and exciting because there is really great hope for gymnastics in Nigeria, especially people who are starting so very young.

“I want to commend TIG Gymnastics International, and of course, Coach Anthony Asuquo and other coaches and even the parents. I think you are pioneers of some sort in encouraging your children to be gymnasts.”

Continuing, the VP said, “I am greatly encouraged by what we are seeing, especially that so many of the kids are winning medals and doing well in gymnastics.

“I see a lot of the athletics categories and how well people are doing, but I think that we really have some great potential, and just seeing the video, it is evident that there is a lot of promise and talent that is available here in Nigeria.”

Prof. Osinbajo then thanked the two gymnasts, Dolapo and Tomisin, “for the very kind words, it is very nice to say that we have done very well.”

Acknowledging the abundance of talents in the country, the Vice President noted that “what we are seeing here is what Nigeria truly is. Nigeria is a country filled with incredible talents and there are also incredible opportunities.”

Urging the coaches, athletes and their parents to be good ambassadors of Nigeria, the VP said “when you listen to people talk about their countries, many countries are not anywhere near as good or as promising as Nigeria, but people always speak well of their countries, especially outside the country.

“I want to encourage you to always think of your country in a positive light and to speak well of your country because nobody will speak well of your country better than you will.

“There are many countries that are not in any way near Nigeria, but their citizens speak well of their country. So, it is very important, first of all, that you speak well of your country and that you represent your country well.


“Anywhere you have been, the fact that you are so good and you have performed so well and won medals, is evident that you are patriotic and you are truly Nigerian and you love your country and you want your country to do well,” the VP added.

He then commended the founder of the club for his efforts over the years, noting that areas of possible support from the government would be explored especially in ensuring that more talents are nurtured to national and international prominence.

Earlier in his remarks, the founder of TIG International Gymnastics Club, Mr Asuquo, said the club founded 11 years ago, has trained 3,000 athletes, nurtured several gymnastics coaches and represented the country at international competitions.

He solicited support, especially in the provision of training facilities, and sponsorship of athletes and officials to national and international gymnastics competitions.

The youngsters came to the Presidential Villa with robust sporting acumen, shown partly in some sporting performances they put up after hearing from the VP and judging from what they said afterwards, both the youngsters and their handlers left with even more inspiration.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
27th September 2022

Best comment have seen today

tracychelsea13:
The only reason Peter Obi is enjoying this buzz is because APC failed to put Osinbajo forward by now the election would have been over and Nigeria would have been on course for good

Campaign aftr election......shior

WHY WE MUST MAINTAIN MOMENTUM BUILT ON MSMEs, BY OSINBAJO

*‘Made in Nigeria Project’ group applauds VP’s commitment to sector

*Lists MSME Clinics, Survival Fund as successful interventions


The momentum built on the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector by the Buhari administration in the last seven years must be maintained given its crucial position in the economy.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated this on Monday when he received members of the Made in Nigeria Project led by Mr Adedeji Alebiosu, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The group, representing a coalition of MSMEs in Nigeria, were at the Presidential Villa to commend the Federal Government and appreciate the Vice President’s support for MSMEs in the country over the past 7 years.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, “we must be as determined as possible going forward in maintaining the momentum built over the years in the MSME space.

“How we sustain the MSME Clinics, how it is institutionalized in a way that the incoming Vice Presidents or Presidents are obliged to pay close attention to whatever is happening in the sector, is very important.”

The Vice President then assured MSME stakeholders in the country that “we will make sure that we provide everything that is required to enable the incoming administration to step into the positions that we have created in the MSME space. We are in a very good place.”

Speaking about the Made in Nigeria concept and the need to develop local capacity, the Vice President said “we must find where we fit in, in that value chain.

“It is true that no economy can be entirely self-sustaining but it is important to emphasize that we have the capacity to do a lot in our country.

“What we need to do is to find our comparative advantage and develop capacity in the value chain around the manufacturing of electric vehicles, arms manufacturing etc.”

Continuing, the Vice President said “there is a bigger challenge in manufacturing of items, creating jobs and wealth. So, we have got to think in terms of scale.

“There is a lot of real and serious work that needs to be done. What should our approach be in terms of the value chain? We are a huge economy and a huge market.”

“The problem people have always faced is how to engage our massive population in a meaningful way because anything you do seems like a drop in an ocean due to the enormity of the problem,” the VP added.

Earlier in his remarks, Mr Alebiosu praised Prof. Osinbajo’s personal commitment and support for the growth of small businesses in the country.

He acknowledged the contributions of the Vice President through key interventions supervised under his office, noting that they positively impacted small businesses in the space.

According to him, “initiatives supervised by your office such as the MSME Clinics, the Survival Fund, and the MSME Awards, among others, have positively impacted many small businesses over the years.”

He said, “you have done so much in the MSME space in the country, we have never had it so good, that is why we are here today, to show gratitude for the support the Federal Government has given to MSMEs in Nigeria.”

Mr Alebiosu said the visit to the VP underscored the importance of collaboration and partnership in growing the MSME space in the country.

Members of the Made in Nigeria Project delegation include Director of Operations, Tosin Ashiru; Director of Special Projects, Samuel Adewale; Director of SME Engagement, Tola Ajayi and Director of Partnerships, Destiny Enakhimion.



Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
26th September 2022