Human Angle

PICS: Osinbajo, Adeboye, Peter Obi Visit late Adebanjo’s Residence

By Web News 285

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, have visited the residence of the late leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Pa Ayodele Adebanjo.

The former Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, Labour Party’s governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi, were also at Adebanjo’s residence to pay their respects.

In a post on X.com on Sunday, Rhodes-Vivour wrote: “Earlier today, we joined the Adebanjo family in thanksgiving and prayers for God’s comfort and strength for the family”.

“Pa Adebanjo lived a full life and was always excited to share his values, vision, and ideology with the next generation. He was a principled man who embodied the ideals of equity, justice, and true federalism. We celebrate a life of impact, a life lived to the fullest.”

Sunday’s visit followed the passing of the 96-year-old Afenifere leader, who died on Friday at his Lekki residence in Lagos State.

Reports say that Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, have expressed condolences over Adebanjo’s death.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

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Lifestyle

Osinbajo, Oseni Commiserate with Akeredolu’s Family

By Web News 234

By Olawale Asake

Former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has expressed condolences to the family of the former Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who died yesterday.

Professor Osinbajo sent his condolences to the Wife of the Deceased, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, children, family, friends and associates of the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and the government as well as the people of Ondo State on his passing.

He said he had lost a brother and friend of over 40 years, describing him as bold, courageous, forthright, fair-minded, kind and God-fearing. 

The former Vice President who said the deceased believed in the Nation’s democracy, justice, and the rule of law, noted that Arakunrin Akeredolu loved the people of his State and was passionate about their security and economic advancement.

Similarly, a member representing Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency, Oyo State in the House of Representatives, Engineer Remi Oseni has described the death of former Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as a monumental loss to the Country.

Engineer Oseni who is a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Oyo State said the news of the death of Arakunrin Akeredolu was a rude shock and very devastating to him and the Party.

In a Statement, the Representative of Ido/Ibarapa East lamented that the death of the Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, would rob the Zone of a committed Statesman who remained steadfast in the project of the Country.

He maintained that as painful as the bad news was, he had the solace that Governor Akeredolu lived a purposeful life that would continue to linger in the hearts of those who had come in contact with him, directly or indirectly.

Engr Oseni commiserated with the entire family of Arakunrin Akeredolu, the government and the people of Ondo State, praying that God will give them the fortitude to bear the loss of the courageous, dogged fighter and progressive personality.

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Health

Osinbajo Inaugurates Health, Skill Projects in Ogun

By Web News 569

Bolanle Adesida

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has inaugurated two projects facilitated by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals to boost healthcare services and youth empowerment in Ogun State. 

The Vice President, while inaugurating the 100-Bed Mother and Child Hospital at Iperu-Remo, said the facility would enhance pre-natal and post-natal care for pregnant women and strengthen primary health care delivery for the treatment of preventable diseases. 

At the inauguration of a fully equipped Skills Acquisition Centre for the town, the Vice President said the project would give youths the opportunity to acquire vocational skills as vital tools to create sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs Adejoke Orelope Adefulire had urged certified traditional birth attendants to support the government in preventing maternal and infant mortality by promptly referring pregnant women to the health facility for cases beyond their capacity. 

Mrs Orelope-Adefulire said the Skills Acquisition Centre was fully equipped to help create jobs for the youths and reduce poverty, promising that her office would continue collaborating with relevant stakeholders towards alleviating poverty in the country.

In a remark, Governor Dapo Abiodun, who commended the Federal Government for the projects, pointed out that the sustainable Development Goals Office had funded about 80 projects across Ogun State.

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Politics

Osinbajo Departs for US

By Web News 542

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has departed Abuja for the United States of America on Wednesday morning to seek global partnerships and support for Nigeria’s recently launched Energy Transition Plan.

Prof Osinbajo is leading Nigeria’s Energy Transition Implementation Working Group (ETWG) on the US mission to promote the plan and secure global support from the US government, the private sector, and other development partners.

According to the statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity to Vice President, Laolu Akande, Prof Osinbajo is expected to meet US Vice President, Kamala Harris; US Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm; Secretary of Treasury, Janet Yellen, and President of World Bank Group, David Malpass, among others.

The Vice President is also scheduled to speak on Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan at the Centre for Global Development in Washington DC.

”At the launch, the World Bank and a renewable energy organization – Sun Africa, pledged a sum of $1.5 billion each totalling an initial $3 billion investment to support the implementation of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan”. Laolu Akande stated.

The Energy Transition Implementation Working Group which is chaired by the Vice President comprises relevant ministers and other top government officials.

Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan officially launched last week at a global virtual event is a homegrown, data-backed and multi-pronged strategy developed for the attainment of 2060 net-zero emissions commitment in 5 critical sectors: Power, Cooking, Oil & Gas, Transport & Industry.

Nigeria needs $410 billion to deliver the Transition Plan by 2060.

Prof Osinbajo will also meet US Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm; Secretary of Treasury, Janet Yellen; and President of World Bank Group, David Malpass; among others.

The Vice President’s delegation to the US will include Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed; Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu; Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.

The Vice President will return to Abuja early next week.

Adeniyi Bakare/Adetutu Adetule

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Security

Osinbajo Advocates Collaborative Efforts Against Human Trafficking

By Web News 462

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called for collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking and migration.

The Vice President made the call in Abuja at the grand finale of the 2022 United Nations, UN Day Against Human Trafficking.

Represented by Mr Adéọlá Ipaye, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, stated that it was only by working together that the war against human trafficking could be won.

According to him, human trafficking is a global phenomenon and encourages everybody to rekindle their commitment so that the fight against the menace can be won.

He said that President Buhari’s administration had continued to deploy political will in the fight against human trafficking, saying that the drive would continue in that direction.

Osinbajo congratulated NAPTIP for the progress it had made in the fight and other stakeholders for the support it had given the agency for the feat it had achieved.

He said that the policy documents would continue to set the agenda and reverse human trafficking in order to ensure the safety of Nigeria in the Federal Government standard procedure.

The Vice President has called for collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking and migration.

Represented by Mr Adéọlá Ipaye, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, stated that it was only by working together that the war against human trafficking could be won.

According to him, human trafficking is a global phenomenon and encourages everybody to rekindle their commitment so that the fight against the menace can be won.

He said that President Buhari’s administration had continued to deploy political will in the fight against human trafficking, saying that the drive would continue in that direction.

Osinbajo congratulated NAPTIP for the progress it had made in the fight and other stakeholders for the support it had given the agency for the feat it had achieved.

He said that the policy documents would continue to set the agenda and reverse human trafficking in order to ensure the safety of Nigeria in the Federal Government standard procedure.

“All organisations offering shelters and homes to trafficked persons must ensure people are not exploited, we will continue to scale our efforts in the areas of protection, prosecution and others.

“We can only win this fight by working together with a common vision,” Osinbajo stressed.

Earlier, the Director General of NAPTIP, Dr Fatima Waziri-Azi, said that the agency had recently commenced a nationwide establishment of trafficking in persons and violence against persons vanguard across the 110 Federal Government Colleges.

She said that the vanguard was intended to increase the capacity of students to identify and report incidents of human trafficking and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, in and outside schools.

She stated that the idea was to raise a generation of young people empowered to advocate against these crimes and promote safe migration as an option rather than irregular migration.

According to her, we can do a lot of prevention work just by opening their eyes to the problem.

Waziri-Azi said that the theme for the 2022 UN Day Against Human Trafficking “Use and Abuse of Technology” which featured debate for and against between Baze University, Abuja and Veritas University, Abuja, was timely.

According to her, traffickers are misusing technology to drive their agenda in trafficking many young Nigerians, saying that, there is a need to change the narrative.

“Human traffickers now operate online as much as they operate offline. If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it is the re-enforcement of the need for a digital channel of communication.

“Human traffickers have also caught on to this digital transformation, there is an obvious shift from physical to virtual recruitment as traffickers have kept pace with technology, becoming proficient at using the internet for their trafficking operations.

“The theme: “Use and Abuse of Technology” for the 2022 human trafficking day. This theme focuses on the role of technology as a tool that can enable, as well as impede human trafficking.

“This theme is timely, could not have come at a better time considering the fact that at NAPTIP, we are seeing an increase in fake job advertorials and fake scholarships via social media.

“Traffickers use it to recruit and catfish unsuspecting victims,” she said.

Waziri-Azi said that NAPTIP in partnership with the US- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, NCMEC, will enhance tracing and diligent investigation of all cases relating to online child abuse, human trafficking and other related crimes.

She said that the partnership would also help detect persons who use social media platforms to electronically distribute pornographic materials to either blackmail or exploit victims.

According to her, the agency is currently investigating its first  “sextortion“  case, adding that it has set up a cybercrime task team that is dedicated to tackling online crimes.

NAN/Vanguard/Taiwo Akinola

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Politics

I Have Enough Experience to Rule Nigeria – Osinbajo

By Web News 462

Nigeria needs a radical departure from its education methodology and must employ technology driven education to produce youths that will meet the present world standard and needs.

The vice president , Professor Yemi Osinbajo stated this in Osogbo during an interactive session with All Progressives Congress, APC, stakeholders in Osun state government house, Osogbo.

Answering questions from the  APC stakeholders Professor Osinbajo noted the nation needs more modern weapons, ammunitions as well as more security personnel to overcome the security challenges.

He explained that he was well equiped for the task of presidency as he had garnered enough experience and knowledge having served with  President Muhammadu Buhari for 7years during which he acted as acting president.

The Vice President had earlier visited the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun during which the monarch prayed for him and appealed for speedy completion of the Federal Secretariat in the town.

Abiodun Adeoye

Politics

Presidential race: “I have experience to serve you if elected” – Osinbajo

By Web News 617

Vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo says the experiences and opportunity gathered in his seven years of service in the present administration has equipped him to deliver as a president if given the mandate.

Professor Osinbajo who is also running to pick the presidential ticket under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, made this known in Ibadan while meeting with party delegates, leaders, and faithful in Oyo State.

The vice president believed that the opportunities to understand governance at the highest level of government, both within and outside the country was an exposure that had impacted and prepared him for future responsibility to serve.

He said “All that I have learnt was not just to sit down and write my memoir, no, it was to come handy one day, I believe the time has come and I have the responsibility to my country, to you, to all our children and coming generation, to give all what I’ve learnt and to serve our country faithfully, honestly and transparently”.

Professor Osinbajo said the experiences as the vice president was an advantage to hit the ground running immediately the mandate of the people were given to him as the president.

Vice president Osinbajo while commending Oyo state APC members for their support for the party promised to prioritize reward system for party members.

“When we go into politics we expect to be rewarded with positions, opportunity to serve which is why I’m saying to you all, all delegates, all our politicians, that as far as I’m concerned they must be the priority whenever we are making political appointments, you must be a priority ” he explained

Professor Osinbajo said there will be partnership that would be based on trust with the political class .

Earlier in their separate remarks, senator Teslim Folarin, Chief Niyi Akintola and a senator during the second republic under president Sheu Shagari, senator Jastimi Nado described Professor Osinbajo as the right candidate to become the next president.

Dignitaries at the occasion included former Governor of Edo state, Professor Osareme Osunbo former deputy governor of Oyo state, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, some members of the national assembly, Oyo state APC party executives and party faithful.

Meanwhile the vice president had earlier paid homage to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun at his alarere Ibadan residence and to seek his royal blessings.

Kayode Banjo

Yoruba

Osinbajo Pefun Ibasepo Lati Le Mu Amugboro De Ba Eto Ilera

By Web News 672

O se Pataki ki ajosepo was laarin ijoba ni gbogbo eka ati ileese aladani lati mu ki amugbooro de ba nini anfani si eto ilera to koju owo.

Igbakeji Aare, Ojogbon Yemi Osinbajo lo soro yi lasiko to n siso loju ipade apero eto ilera alabode kan nilu Abuja.

Ojogbon Osinbajo tenumo pe ibasepo laarin ijoba nigbogbo eka, ni yoo wojutu si gbogbo ipenija to n suyo leka eto ilera alabode.

Ninu oro tie, alakoso feto isuna, Omowe Zainab Ahmed so pe ijoba apapo ni o fe ki eto ilera adojutofo kari gbogbo eeyan, papajulo awon to ku die kato fun.

                        Okareh/Afonja

News

President Buhari Delegates Osinbajo To ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit On Political Situation In Burkina Faso , Mali & Guinea

By Web News 703

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, departs Abuja this morning for Accra, Ghana to represent Nigeria at an Extraordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government deliberating today on the political situation in Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea.

The meeting which is coming as part of the resolutions reached at last week’s virtual meeting chaired by Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo, will review the report of the ECOWAS delegation despatched to Quagadougou to meet with the military junta who recently seized power in Burkina Faso.

The summit will be attended by regional leaders who will be considering imposing additional sanctions after the country was suspended from the regional body last week.

Last Monday, soldiers forced the removal of democratically elected President Roch March Kabore from office in a military coup. The military takeover of government in Burkina Faso follows the same occurrence in Mali and Guinea recently.

It would be recalled that the President has been delegating the Vice President to represent Nigeria at a series of ECOWAS leaders’ summits on the issues of undemocratic, military takeover of governments in the region.

The Vice President will be accompanied by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, Presidential Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu, himself also an Ambassador, and other top Nigerian diplomats. The VP is expected back in Abuja later today.

Adewumi Faniran /PR

Yoruba

Ijoba Apapo n gba lero ati pese ina oba fun milionu marun idile

By Web News 613

Ijoba apapo ti sope ohun ti se ifilole okan-o-jokan eto lawon ekun idibo mefeefa to n be nile yi ki amuse le deba adehun pipose ina oba fun milionu marun idile pelu itansan oorun titi odun 2023.

Igbakeji Aare ileyi, Ojogbon Yemi Osinbajo lo soro naa lasiko to n siso loju ipade apero lori oun amusagbara nilu Abuja. Ojogbon Osinbajo ti alakoso keji foro ayika, Arabinrin Sharon Ikeazor soju fun, salaye pe igbiyanju naa lo wa ni ibamu pelu eto toro mo oun amusagbara.

O sope eto ohun ni yoo lapa lara apapo milionu meedogbon omo ileyi pelu pipese ise fun egberun lona otalerugba odin mewa eyan.

Ewe, eni tiise oga agba ile ise elepo robi nileyi, Malam Mele Kyari sope ile ise naa ni yoo ma ate siwaju lori atunse eka ohun amusagbara ile yi.

Ayodele Olaopa

Politics

I Will Greatly Miss Ahmed Joda’s Wise Counsel – Osinbajo

By Web News 635

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has described the late Alhaji Ahmed Joda as an “exceptional statesman, committed patriot, outstanding technocrat and bridge builder.”

In a statement he signed personally, Prof Osinbajo said he will greatly miss Alhaji Joda’s “profoundly wise counsel on a wide variety of economic and social issues.”

Joda was Chairman of the Presidential Transition that followed the victory of the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket in the 2015 election.

Below is the full text of the Vice President’s statement today on the transition of the elder statesman who passed on yesterday:

“I join the President in expressing sincere condolence to the family and associates of an exceptional statesman, committed patriot, outstanding technocrat and bridge builder: Alhaji Ahmed Joda.  

I will greatly miss his profoundly wise counsel on a wide variety of economic and social issues. We have lost a passionate believer in a nation, where all, regardless of faith or ethnicity can live together and achieve their dreams in peace. 

We pray that the Lord will comfort his family, associates and the people of Adamawa State from whence he hailed. May his memory always remain blessed.”

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

News

FG Places Priority On Job Creation- Osinbajo

By Web News 1132 2

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

Politics

Nigeria’s Challenges, Stepping Stones To Great Future-Osinbajo

By Web News 543

The challenges Nigeria currently faces as a nation are not insurmountable, but they are stepping stones to a great future, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Professor Osinbajo stated this today in Owerri at a special interdenominational thanksgiving service to mark the first anniversary of the administration of the Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma.

The Vice President, who delivered the felicitations of President Muhammadu Buhari to the Imo State governor and the people, also observed that faithful service to the people in public office is a way of honouring God who gave the opportunity in the first place to leaders.

 “Let me say that despite the challenges our Nation faces, by the grace of God, we, the Nigerian people, are more than able to surmount them. So I say to you, people of Imo and the great people of Nigeria; yes, we have work to do, yes we have much to repair, but we are undaunted. The problems we see today are the stepping stones to our great future. We are, by the grace of God, mightier than our challenges,” the VP said.

 The Vice President was received at the airport by host Governor Uzodinma, as well as some former Governors – including Orji Kalu of Abia and Mohammed Bindow of Adamawa. There was also FEC members like Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige.

 While he acknowledged some of the strides so far recorded under Governor Uzodinma, the VP urged the him to stay focused on delivering quality leadership in service to the people of Imo State, while ensuring their well-being remains a cardinal point for the state government.

 “There are at least three possible forms of opposition to government. One is political opposition, the second is time, and the third is the leader himself – i.e. when the leader is discouraged or distracted. But the most critical factor is you, the leader. How you deal with time and political opposition will determine success or failure. Don’t look back. Keep focused. Stay on track,” he said.

 Charging the Governor, Prof. Osinbajo noted that, “this is a State with a population of close to five million people. Since this state was created in 1976, there have only been 16 governors and you, Gov. Hope Uzodinma, are one of them.  Since 1999, only six elected governors and you are one of them.

“Some may say that you are here because you are the smartest, I am sure you know that being the smartest doesn’t mean you will get here.

Referencing the Holy Book, the VP noted that, “Time and chance happens to them all. And the Almighty God controls Time and chance. So you are here today by the Grace of God. And so, my brother, life is a loan and public office is a loan of even shorter tenor.”

He added, “Morning shows the day, and you have started well. I am aware that over the past year, your administration has invested extensively in construction and rehabilitation of physical infrastructure, the rehabilitation of educational and health institutions, as well as markets.

“The administration is currently undertaking a number of measures aimed at restoring power supply to rural communities and increasing power supply to urban areas. I know that you have also issued an executive order reducing the right of way charges for telecoms companies laying broadband infrastructure – which bodes well for the use of technology and emergence of an innovation economy in this state.

“I understand that these are only a few of the initiatives that this administration is undertaking. I am told that this year’s budget has been tagged a “budget of wealth creation.” This theme is apt because we recognize that our major challenge as a nation is that of creating enough wealth and opportunities to meet the expectations of our fast growing population. The theme also gives an insight into your focus and orientation.”

Prof. Osinbajo then wished Gov. Uzodinma administration good success in piloting the affairs of the State in the years to come.

The service, which featured ministrations from Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and Pentecostal clergy, also had in attendance the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase; and a coterie of State Governors – including Alhaji Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, who is also the APC Caretaker Committee Chairman. Others include Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman, Nigeria’s Governors Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi; and Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi, among others.

Laolu Akande,

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,

Office of the Vice President.

14th March 2021

News

Yahaya Bello Rejoices With Prof. Osinbajo On 64th Birthday

By Web News 523

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has felicitated with Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN, on the occasion of his 64th birthday anniversary.

Governor Bello in his birthday message by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed, described Professor Osinbajo as a great gift and asset to Nigeria who has contributed immensely to the country’s development over the years.

He said Vice President Osinbajo has proved himself as a loyal and dedicated deputy to President Muhammadu Buhari since the inception of the APC-led government in 2015.

According to the statement, the Vice President has been very instrumental to successes and giant strides of the Buhari’s administration especially in the aspects of the Federal Government’s various social investment programmes and economic growth initiatives of the government.

The governor while expressing gratitude to God for adding another year to the Vice President, prayed God to grant him many more years in sound health to enable the Vice President’s continue to  contribute to the overall development of the country.

Olaolu Fawole

Politics

Ekiti Gov. Felicitates Vice President

By Web News 548

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi has felicitated with the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN; who turns 64 years today.

Dr Fayemi in his congratulatory message in Ado-Ekiti by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode described Prof Osinbajo as a distinguished Nigerian, a pragmatic leader and man of honour with proven integrity, who deserves all the accolades befitting a national hero.

He described the Vice President as a man of many paths, who, early in life has devoted his time, training and talents to the service of God, nation and humanity.

Governor Fayemi also hailed Prof Osinbajo’s sacrifices during the country’s critical period, describing him as an invaluable asset, a selfless leader and a supportive Vice President to President Mohammadu Buhari.

“Prof Osinbajo is not only an accomplished Nigerian, he is a statesman par excellence and a leader who is truly committed to the unity and prosperity of our dear country.

“We can only wish him many more years of uncommon grace and honour as he continues to contribute to nation building.

Amos Ogunrinde

Politics

Speaker Gbajabiamila celebrates VP Osinbajo at 64

By Web News 521

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, has felicitated with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, as he clocks 64 years today.

Mr Gbajabiamila said Osinbajo has been a patriot and democrat, whose services to his fatherland have been commendable, particularly since he became the Vice President in 2015.

He noted that the VP has for many decades dedicated himself to serving humanity, serving variously as a teacher (lecturer), pastor and a politician of repute.

The Speaker said as a lawyer, Prof. Osinbajo has distinguished himself and rose to become not only a professor of law but also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), which is the pinnacle of law practice in the country.

Mr Gbajabiamila, recalled the fond memories of Prof. Osinbajo’s laudable contributions to the development of Lagos State when the VP served as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice for eight years – from 1999 to 2007.

According to him, the younger generations of Nigerians have a lot to learn from the life of the VP.

Frcn, Abuja

Economy

PMB Approves Formation Of Infrastructure Company

By Web News 681

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of a Public -Private Partnership styled Infrastructure company named Infra-Co with an initial seed capital of N1 Trillion.

It is envisaged that, over time, the entity will grow to N15 Trillion in assets and capital.

Infra-Co will be one of the premier infrastructure finance entities in Africa and will be wholly dedicated to Nigeria’s infrastructure development. The entity has been developed with concept designs from the National Economic Council (NEC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The President had asked Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, to chair a Steering Committee tasked with setting up the company.

The initial seed capital for the entity will come from the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA, and the Africa Finance Corporation.

The board of Infra-Co will be chaired by the Central Bank Governor and include the Managing Director of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, President of the Africa Finance Corporation, as well as representatives of the Nigerian Governors Forum, and the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning. The Board will also have 3 independent directors from the private sector.

To address Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit, the Buhari Administration continues to explore innovative options, including through financing initiatives such as the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) designed to cater for the 2nd Niger Bridge, the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, and other projects.

There is also the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme which is being used for the funding of the Bodo-Bonny Bridges and Road (with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG), and the Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonshoki Expressway (with Dangote Group), among others.

Infra-Co will finance public asset development, rehabilitation and reconstruction as well as invest in cutting edge infrastructure projects for Roads, Rail, Power and other key sectors.

Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity

Office of the Vice President

12th February, 2021