The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has applauded the giant stride of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on the implementation of various infrastructural projects across the State.
Professor Osinbajo gave the commendation during the official inauguration of the Oyo Governor’s Lodge located at Asokoro District of Abuja.
He said the building, joined the legacies of the continous improvement in the live of Oyo State and of course, Nigeria, and a pointer to greater possibilities for collective betterment.
The Vice said: “Let me commend you for ensuring the completion of Governor’s Lodge here in Abuja and most importantly, I also take this opportunity to congratulate you on the very many infrastructural projects that you have undertaken in Oyo State.
I recall, I was in Ibadan just this last week, and I was taken round by the Secretary to the Government of the state where we were commissioning a new project in Ibadan and I recall you and I had spoken a number of times by the various things that you were doing in Oyo state, many of which are not even included in the brochure we are seeing.
“Let me congratulate you on the fresh mandate also that the people of Oyo State has given you and I pray you will succeed marvellously in this Omituntun 2.0 beginning on Monday.”
In a remark, Governor Seyi Makinde who doubles as the Vice Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) said the building would serve as accommodation for government officials on government assignment to the nation’s capital, Abuja.
Governor Makinde said his administration did not wait till the FCT administration demolish the building standing here because it was dilapidated or being a nuisance to the Asokoro landscape before government take definite action.
“The project had to be prioritised because the time has come and what beautiful project it is, befitting the status of Oyo State and providing suitable accommodation for any liaison work that we have to carry out in Abuja especially, in our drive to attract more investment to our dear state in the next four years.
“As I promised during my swearing in 2019, I said my administration will build on programmes of past administration that were structured properly that will be beneficial to the masses of Oyo State and this is why one of the key features of infrastructural development in Oyo state has been reviving moribund facilities in the State,” he said.
The event was witnessed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as well as Senators and Members of House of Representatives from Oyo State; Oyo State Chief Justice, Justice Iyabo Yerima; former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief Mrs. Mutiat Oladoja, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Olubadan of Ibadan, Mogajis and other Oyo State Traditional Rulers as well as Yoruba Chiefs across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
National Economic Council, on Thursday, in Abuja, said it has agreed that petrol subsidy should “not be removed” as earlier planned for June 2023.
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, disclosed this to State House correspondents shortly after the valedictory Council meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Ahmed said the Council agreed on the need for continued discussions on the issue adding that the FG, together with states and representatives of the incoming administration, require more preparatory work.
She said, “Council agreed that the timing of the removal of fuel subsidy should not be now. But that we should continue with all of the preparatory works that need to be done and that this preparatory has to be done in consultation with the states and other key stakeholders including representatives of the incoming administration.
“Council agreed that the fuel subsidy must be removed earlier rather than later because it is not sustainable. We cannot afford it anymore. But we have to do it in such a way that the impact of the subsidy is as much as possible, mitigated on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
“So, this will require looking at alternatives to the fuel subsidy that needs to be planned for and subsequently put in place. But also what needs to be done to support the people that will be most affected as a result of the removal.”
Ahmed added that the FG will be working together with representatives of the states between now and June 2023.
“We have a plan that we will start working on, putting the building blocks towards the eventual removal of the first subsidy.
“And if I may remind this forum that the budget for 2023 has a provision for fuel subsidy only up to June 2023 and also the Petroleum Industry Act has a provision that requires that all petroleum products must be deregulated 18 months after the effective date of the PMS removal and that that period is also up to June 2020,” the minister explained.
Vice-President Professor Yemi Osinbajo has congratulated President-elect Bola Tinubu on his 71st birthday.
The vice president conveyed his felicitations in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday in Abuja.
Professor Osinbajo prayed to God to grant the president-elect more wisdom and strength in the years to come.
“Dolly and I rejoice with you, the family, friends and associates on this occasion of your 71st birthday. We thank the Almighty God for his grace and enablement upon your life that has made possible your many years of service and contributions to Lagos State, our nation and our great party,” stated Mr Osinbajo.
He added, “This occasion of your 71st birthday is unique, as it occurs as you prepare to take on your most significant assignment yet as president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The Vice President further stated, “All we can offer you in this solemn period is a prayer; that the Lord will help you in this assignment and give you good health, strength and wisdom to serve our people and our nation excellently. Happy Birthday! God bless you.”
President Muhammadu Buhari has rejoiced with Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on the occasion of his 66th birthday, March 8, 2023.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, mr Femi Adesina, the President equally felicitated the entire Osinbajo family, wishing them many happy returns, as their son, husband and father turn another year, in good health and sound mind.
President Buhari lauded the sterling service the celebrant had provided to the country, as an academic, Attorney-General of Lagos State (1997-2007), and Vice President (2015 till date).
“President Buhari wishes the Vice President and his family joyful celebration, and greater grace ahead,” the statement said.
Similarly, the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has congratulated the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, as he turned 66 on Wednesday.
In a statement released by his media officer, Tunde Rahman, the president-elect applauded his former protégé’s administrative skills and professional accomplishments as an academic and erudite lawyer, which have seen him, serve successfully as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice during his administration as Lagos governor.
He said, “I rejoice and celebrate with our Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, on attainment of 66 today. Professor Osinbajo has been a remarkable intellectual in public service since he served with me in Lagos as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. He contributed immensely to the success of our administration and led our justice sector reforms.
“As the Vice President of our country, Professor Osinbajo has partnered very well with our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, to deliver on the progressive programmes of our party to make life better for Nigerians especially in areas of massive infrastructural development and life-changing.
Wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, Dolapo Osinbajo, has eulogised her husband, professor Yemi Osinbajo as he turns 66 today, March 8th.
Taking to her Instagram page, Yemi Osinbajo shared a photo of her husband surrounded by doves, as she compared him to the gentle birds.
According to her, her husband is a gentleman and is as gentle as a dove.
Dolapo prayed for him to continue walking with doves.
“Oluyemi the gentleman. Gentle as a dove. Walk with doves my love. Happy birthday”.
In a follow-up post, she expressed gratitude to God for keeping her husband alive to see a new age.
https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.560.0_en.html#goog_2009555124 “66 today. All praise and thanks to God. Be blessed forever in Jesus’ name Amen.
Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo has inaugurated Omeife, Africa’s first humanoid to boost Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technological development in Nigeria and the continent.
Professor Osinbajo was represented at Friday’s inauguration ceremony in Abuja by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, who in turn was represented by the Director-General, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Omeife was developed by the Uniccon Group.
Omeife is with near-human resemblance, language competency, movement, navigation, and behavioural intelligence using AI and computer vision capabilities.
“We are living in an exciting time of advanced technological advancement, where the science fictions of yesterday are becoming the reality in products and services of today,” he said.
VP Osinbajo said the Federal Government had the responsibility to ensure the success of the project and urged stakeholders to key into it to achieve likewise success as well as develop new ones.
He also allayed fears that technology or artificial intelligence would take over human jobs and render people without employment, arguing that, after all, it was humans that created Omeife and other robots.
CEO, Uniccon Group of Companies, Chucks Ekwueme said Omeife had the ability to speak eight different languages: English, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, French, Arabic, Kiswahili, Pidgin, Wazobia and Afrikaans.
He said the six-foot-tall female African humanoid provides language as a service for businesses that need to integrate native African audiences, adding that it is a multipurpose and assistance robot.
President Muhammed Buhari is presiding over the National Security Council meeting at the State House, Abuja.
Among those present are Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the government of the federation; Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of staff to the President, and Babagana Monguno, the National Security Adviser.
Other are Abubakar Malami, the Attorney-general and minister of justice; Rauf Aregbesola, minister of interior; Geoffrey Onyema, minister of foreign affairs; Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, minister of police affairs, and Bashir Magashi, Minister of Defence.
President Muhammadu Buhari has wished Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo a speedy and full recovery after the VP underwent surgery for a leg fracture on Saturday.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, the President gave God glory for the success of the surgery and prayed for Professor Osinbajo’s quick recovery.
He also commended the medical team at the Duchess International Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos for “their competence and a job well done”.
The Vice President announced via a Twitter post on Saturday that he had been admitted and was billed to undergo surgery after experiencing pain in his leg, discovered to be from a fracture he sustained while playing squash.
His spokesperson, Mr Laolu Akande, later issued a statement saying the surgery was a success.
According to him, the Vice President is alert and well after the procedure at the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos.
“The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, was admitted to the Duchess International Hospital GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, today on account of a fracture of his right femur (thigh bone), possibly related to a longstanding injury associated with a game of squash,” stated Dr Adedoyin Dosunmu-Ogunbi who is the medical director of the hospital.
“He had a surgical operation performed by a team of specialist doctors, including Dr Wallace Ogufere (Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon), Dr Om Lahoti (Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon), Dr Babajide Lawson (Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon), Dr Ken Adegoke (Consultant in Anaesthesia & Critical Care), Dr Oladimeji Agbabiaka (Consultant Anaesthetist), and Dr Adedoyin Dosunmu-Ogunbi (Consultant Physician & Medical Director).
“The operation was successful, and he is expected to be discharged within the next few days.”
With his visits to Benue and Lagos States on Wednesday, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has now concluded his engaging interactive sessions with stakeholders and delegates of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in all the 36 States and the FCT, Abuja.
The Vice President had declared his intention to contest the 2023 presidential election under the platform of the APC on Monday, April 11, in a televised and online broadcast which went viral on traditional, digital and social media platforms, with scores of millions at home and abroad welcoming the VP’s presidential declaration.
“I believe that the very reason why the Almighty God gave me these experiences, these insights, and these opportunities, is that they must be put to the use of our country and its great people,” the VP had stated in his declaration speech.
Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity in the Office of the Vice President in a statement said the Vice President then began the interactive sessions with the delegates in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday, April 22.
At every of those interactions with stakeholders and delegates from the 36 States and the FCT, Prof. Osinbajo had robust question-and-answer sessions while also discussing and exchanging ideas.
During the interactive sessions, Prof. Osinbajo fielded questions on various national issues, including security, economy, technology, education, health, youth, women empowerment, social investments; and exchanged ideas on issues of national development, governance and politics.
At the end of each interactive session, the VP took time to personally share moments with all the delegates and stakeholders while taking photographs with every one of them individually.
During the visits across the country, he also paid courtesy calls at the palaces of traditional rulers, meeting with many of the Traditional Council in the respective States.
The APC Special Convention for the presidential primaries comes up on Sunday May 29, 2022.
Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has challenged political office holders to see their positions as rare privilege to serve the people.
Professor Osinbajo who is one of the APC presidential aspirants stated this while in Akure to seek the support of Ondo APC delegates in the coming primary Election.
Our correspondent reports that on arrival, the Vice President received a rousing reception from the airport by excited residents .
Professor Osinbajo while addressing APC members said Nigeria needed a man that would serve the nation .
Earlier, Ondo state governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in a remark prayed for a more prosperous Nigeria.
Professor Osinbanjo also paid homage to the palace of the Deji of Akure Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi.
Nigerian comedian, Ayo Ajewole, popularly known as Woli Agba, has a message for parents concerning their female children.
His advice is coming days after singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu was confirmed dead from domestic violence.
In reference to her untimely death, the comedian advised parents to teach their daughters that coming back home from a failed marriage is better than coming home in a coffin.
He wrote, “Teach your daughters that coming back home from a failed marriage is better than coming home in a coffin… If you die in the marriage, there would be another to replace you immediately”.
It would be recalled that Woli Agba, had reacted for being among the few delegations of young Nigerian Comedy Skit Industry practitioners who paid a courtesy visit to the Vice president of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo.
Beyond core regulatory roles, Government agencies must always show that they are responsible to the people that they serve and that they hold them in high esteem, according to Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Monday when he received at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, a delegation of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in town for the Council’s 70th Annual Meeting.
“It is very important that we show respect for our citizens and show that we are concerned about them, that we are not just a regulatory body that feels that its role is just to be a policeman, and all of that. I think we must also show that we are responsible for the people that we serve and that we hold them in high esteem,” the Vice President said.
For instance, Prof. Osinbajo highlighted and praised the prompt response of the examinations body to the issue of some candidates having difficulties regarding the National Identification Number (NIN), where the body responded that due to the challenges with the NIMC portal at the time, the affected candidates could still sit for the exams.
“These kinds of quick responses show respect for citizens,” the Vice President stated, adding that he is also personally happy that the Examinations Council is responsive and aligning with the digital technology age in different areas.
“Just looking at the press reports and what WAEC has done, it has shown that it is very responsive to the needs of society. I was particularly impressed by the new digital certification that was announced some time ago, that if one lost his/her WAEC certificate, you can apply for the digital copy, which means your records are never lost.
“There is no need for the long and hard process of seeking for a certified (physical) copy. I think this is true response to the times. That is very good,” he said.
The VP also congratulated WAEC for its achievement since it was established about 70 years ago.
While highlighting the important role of the Council in the nation’s educational development, Prof. Osinbajo said many Nigerians have benefitted from the WAEC certification over the years.
“It (WAEC certification) is almost like a birth certificate,” the VP stated, underscoring the significance of the Council’s certificate.
“Everyone who has watched WAEC progress over the years would agree that WAEC is a huge part of our history as a nation. WEAC certification has that importance and it has been like that for 70 years. So, I think it is worthy of celebration and commendation, WAEC has done so very well through the years.
“So, I congratulate you, the Nigerian team, and the WAEC Council, not just for being given the special privilege of hosting the 70th anniversary, but also because we are clearly the largest contributor and beneficiary and this has been so for 70 years.”
In her remarks, the leader of the Nigerian members of WAEC, who is also the Director, Senior Secondary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, thanked the Federal Government of Nigeria “for the opportunity to host the 70th Annual Council Meeting, as well as the support to the Council over the years.”
She added that the Council is the highest decision-making body of WAEC with membership drawn from the 5 member countries – Nigeria, the Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Ghana.
She also disclosed that the Annual Council Meeting is used to deliberate on providing qualitative and educational assessment, encouraging academic and moral excellence, promoting human resource development, and promoting international cooperation among the five-member countries.
Laolu Akande Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity Office of the Vice President. 14th March, 2022.
It is a relief that the European Union (EU) supports the view canvassed by Nigeria that gas be considered a transition fuel as the global community moves towards net-zero emissions targets.
Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, said this while receiving at the Presidential Villa last night, a delegation of the European Commission led by its Executive Vice-President, Margrethe Vestager, who is currently on a visit to the country.
According to Prof. Osinbajo, “we are relieved to hear of the EU’s support on gas as a transition fuel. It’s some bit of relief.” Nigeria has been in the forefront of the international advocacy on the issue and the Vice President has spoken and written about it in different international forums.
Issues discussed at the meeting included the use of Digital Technology, Trade and Investment. The importance of the energy relationship between Nigeria and the EU also featured, while a consideration of all options for increased supply of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) from Nigeria to the EU was agreed to, following a request from the EU.
A technical meeting on this will be convened shortly.
The European Commission’s Executive VP informed Prof. Osinbajo on the announcement by President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, of a Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package worth €150 billion.
In that context, she announced an EU-Nigeria Digital Economy Package of at least €820 million until 2024. The package will help enhance secure connectivity, digitalise public services, support entrepreneurship and build digital skills, while developing a human-centric, democratic governance framework for technology.
Welcoming on the EU Digital Economy support, which the Vice President Osinbajo described as impressive, he noted that the use of Digital Technology is crucial in Nigeria’s recently released National Development Plan.
Finally, the importance of a renewed Nigeria-EU partnership was noted during the meeting, including expectations for a successful EU-AU (European Union – African Union) Summit in Brussels later this week, specifically on the 17th-18th of February.
Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Office of the Vice President. 14th February 2022.
Public office is an instrument of service and responsibility to the people and should not be synonymous with the accumulation of power, privilege and wealth.
This was the submission of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Professionals Forum’s Conference, held on Monday, 7th, February 2022, at the old Statehouse Banquet Hall, Abuja.
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According to the Vice President, professionals interested in politics and nation-building must turn the tide where “holding public office in Nigeria at any level is largely perceived as synonymous with the accumulation of power, privilege and wealth.”
He added that the professionals that would shape the country’s future in one way or the other are those that have the “understanding that public office is an instrument of service and responsibility to the people.”
The Vice President also observed that Nigerians must break the paradox of individual genius and collective underperformance, especially as the country has “many gifted, accomplished and remarkable individuals across all walks of life all over the world.”
“There is a clear mismatch between our individual quality and our national outcomes. We have not yet become greater than the sum of our individual selves,” the VP said.
In his view, the needed synergy between living up to the merits of professional calling and dedication to public service will produce the desired national impact.
“While it is true that we have several excellent individuals in various spheres of society, we must recognize that success in a country such as ours can no longer be defined in personal or individual terms…True progress is about reimagining our collective circumstances and creating an environment that enables prosperity for us all.”
“To this end, we must see ourselves as stewards of the common good who have been entrusted with the privilege of managing our collective destiny – the collective destiny of our people – for an allotted time. It is only through public-spiritedness and dedication to the common good that we can as a people truly become greater than the sum of our parts.”
Prof. Osinbajo stated that professionals in politics must also see beyond tribal, religious and other sentiments if they truly want to make significant impact in national development.
“There is no point in having professionals in politics if the professionals are driven by ethnic, religious and other parochial considerations. Because the whole point of professionalism is that you are defined by merit, by your professional acumen.
“The usefulness of professionals in politics is that you have people who are used to being assessed on the basis of their own achievements and who are unafraid to make competence the first advertorial of their acumen. In other words, professionals emphasize the role of merit in public life.”
He noted that an important advantage of having professionals in politics is lost “if we do not recognize that our role as merit-driven persons must be to fight the temptation of ethnic, religious and other parochial considerations in making the crucial decisions for the development of our nation.”
To further buttress his point, the VP said that: “nobody would place their lives in the hands of an incompetent doctor because they share the same faith or continue to patronize a dangerously inept auto-mechanic because they belong to the same tribe.”
This is why Nigerians must also especially refuse to be swayed by those whose sole argument for power is an appeal to sectional sentiments, the VP added.
“We must resist it and we must say “no” to it; otherwise, we fail in our professional calling,” he emphasized.
It is this common good that professionals, who are the elite in a poor society, must seek to pursue in their calling, the VP stated.
In his words, “the privileged or the elite, both individually and collectively, have a responsibility, an obligation to society to plan, organise, order or reorder it, and, above all, to make sacrifices for the maximum benefit of all.”
In what he termed as ‘the burden of privilege,’ the VP noted that “It is our expected role to find common cause across professions, vocations, ethnicities and faiths defining the minimum terms and conditions for the safety, security, growth and prosperity of our communities.
“It is the elite that define clearly what is lofty, noble, and deserving of honour, and how these values can be sustained, preserved and enforced.”
This obligation is a major reason why the Buhari administration is focused on the welfare of the common man, the VP stated, adding that the ruling APC developed its manifesto with that in mind.
He said, “It is indisputable that the heart and soul of the APC was and remains essentially Left of centre. In other words, a party committed, devoted to the common man.
“Our presidential candidate then, now President Muhammadu Buhari, was a product of the firm will of common man, not the product of an elite consensus. And despite elite collaboration or conspiracy, he repeatedly won elections and, at least, was able to deliver significant votes in every election since 2003.”
The Vice President highlighted how the APC developed and started the implementation of the largest social investment policy in Africa.
The VP further said that the Administration’s Social Investment Programmes, SIPs, has continued to feed over 9.5 million children in public schools daily, providing jobs for over 500,000 Nigerian graduates through the N-Power scheme, as well as microcredit loans for farmers, petty traders and ordinary Nigerians,
“Our opponents who are on the Right would argue that, “why are you giving money, why are you giving small loans to these people?” But they do not argue that in this same country, over N5 trillion is what a couple hundreds of Nigerians owed banks before AMCON was created. But we spent just N20 billion on 2 million Nigerians – traders and farmers etc, in providing them with micro-credits.”
Prof. Osinbajo disclosed that despite the challenges of overcoming two recessions and the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Buhari government, through its economic and social investment policies, has continued to ramp up its efforts in providing solutions to improving the economy and wellbeing of Nigerians.
Such policies include the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, the Economic Sustainability Plan, Ease of Doing business innovations and now the National Development Plan, which “focuses on value addition, across all sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, digital services, tourism, hospitality, sports, entertainment.”
The VP also noted the important role of technology in the development plan, even as he disclosed that “since 2016 Nigeria has developed 6 unicorns tech companies worth over one billion dollars.
“We believe that we can leverage technology and innovation to create the millions of jobs and opportunities which we would require now and in the coming years,” he said.
He added, “The President has promised to move 100 million people out of poverty within a decade, to provide good paying jobs for the largest number of Africans under the age of 30.
“We must educate millions of children, provide good healthcare for millions and a public health system robust enough to handle pandemics when they occur.”
Prof. Osinbajo also highlighted the efforts of the Buhari administration in addressing security challenges, noting that it remains committed to “ridding our nation of terrorism and gang criminality.”
Present at the conference were some members of the Federal Executive Council, APC Chieftains, and leaders of the APC Professional Forum led by former Bauchi State Governor, Mallam Isa Yuguda.
Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, departs Abuja for Accra, Ghana this morning to represent President Muhammadu Buhari at an Extraordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to discuss the political situation in the Republic of Mali.
The meeting which is expected to be attended by leaders across the region, follows previous meetings and efforts by the leaders to resolve the situations in Mali and Guinea.
In 2021, Professor Osinbajo participated in meetings of leaders across the sub-region on the issues exploring solutions.
On September 8, the VP participated in a virtual summit of the regional body where sanctions were imposed on the military junta in Guinea, and on the 16th of the same month, attended another ECOWAS summit where further sanctions on individuals and groups fueling the crisis in Guinea and Mali were discussed.
Later in November 2021, Prof. Osinbajo again joined other leaders in Accra for the 3rd Extraordinary Summit of leaders across the sub-region to review decisions and the political situations in Mali and Guinea.
In compliance with the decisions of the leaders, ECOWAS mediator, former President Goodluck Jonathan travelled on January 5th, 2022 to Mali to meet with authorities in the country over the timetable for democratic transition. Indeed Dr. Jonathan briefed President Buhari on the matter recently.
Prof. Osinbajo who is accompanied by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, is expected back in Abuja today.
Laolu Akande,
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,
The Buhari administration alongside state governments will continue to ramp up its efforts towards improving the country’s Human Capital Development in Nigeria ensuring quality access to education, and health services for all Nigerians, according to Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
Professor Osinbajo stated this on Tuesday at the Human Capital Development (HCD) Strategy Validation Event, which held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.
The Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) to the President, Office of the Vice President, Mr. Ade Ipaye, delivered the VP’s speech at the event, which also had in attendance Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State; the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Mannir Yakubu; the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, representative of the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, state commissioners; and other senior government officials and development partners.
Nigeria’s HCD programme was launched in March 2018 by the National Economic Council (NEC), which is chaired by the Vice President. The NEC conceptualized the HCD programme with the realization that human capital development plays a critical role in addressing poverty and ensures participatory and sustainable economic growth.
The programme is also designed to increase investments in the Nigerian people and improve the country’s human development indices.
The goal of the National HCD Vision – which was launched at an extended meeting of NEC focused on the Human Capital Development in December 2018 – is for “Healthy, Educated and Productive Nigerians by the Year 2030”, with targets across three thematic areas; namely Health and Nutrition, Education and Labour Force Participation.
The Vice President commended the HCD Core Working Group (CWG), set up by NEC for its work so far “towards the development of Human Capital in Nigeria, and the diligent attention to all the details required to progress the course of Human Capital Development in the country.”
The CWG was established with a mandate to develop a National Human Capital Development Strategy, engage States to ensure prioritization of HCD, ascertain quick wins at the Federal and State Levels, and institute a robust countrywide Monitoring and Evaluation Framework to track progress.
Noting that stakeholders, including the ministers of health, education and others, have been making significant contributions towards moving HCD forward in the country, the VP added that, “we cannot do this quietly all the time, even though many of us wish we could.
People have to know what we are doing; stakeholders have to be carried along, and the effects have to be so visible and to be publicized such that others would be fired up to join the efforts which we are making towards improving Human Capital Development in Nigeria. Hence, this communication strategy.”
He added, “we want to ensure that everybody has a shared understanding of the HCD objectives and its importance to Nigeria. Those of us here, right from the governors, ministers and state commissioners, directors and focal persons; we are the critical people to make sure that we first understand the programme, and we follow up on its implementation at all levels of government so that we can really begin to see the effects.”
“It is not enough to make all these grand plans and to even try to implement them, we must let the ripples spread; we must get other people to know what’s happening, to know that these are the benefits for our people in making this happen, and get them to come along with us to make it happen.
“Therefore, we need a strong and positive brand identity for the programme, which will inspire others to join in its objectives and implementation. Then, we need to streamline the HCD communications activities to people at the areas of most impact, those that should know should know, those that would benefit should also be aware of what entitlements that they should rightly expect.”
Also speaking at the event, Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai commended VP Osinbajo for leading the HCD initiative for government.
“If we don’t invest in education, health care, nutrition and skills, our situation would get worse. This is why I must pay compliments to His Excellency, the Vice President, for being at the lead to getting the political attention needed to address this challenge, because it’s all about political will. We’ve spoken here, there is a clear strategy, now we talk about implementation,” Governor El-Rufai noted.
In the same vein, the VP also thanked Governor El-Rufai for his efforts in spearheading the initiative, adding that, “it is no wonder then that he is personally here with us this morning. He is someone that believes in the course, both in theory and practice of it, and we see it in motion in Kaduna State.”
The representative of the VP and Governor Rufai led other dignitaries at the event to unveil the logo of the Human Capital Development campaign.
The objective of the HCD Strategy Validation Meeting was to validate the outcomes of the HCD Communications Strategy event, present the HCD Brand Identity and launch the HCD website.
Also at the event were representatives of the National Assembly – including the Chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere and Hon. Tanko Sununu; Dr. Lanre Tejuosho; partners to the CWG, Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), Regional HCD Focal Persons, Media Experts, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), HCD Champions, other relevant stakeholders and government officials.
Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo will today declare the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival open.
This was stated by the secretary, Main Organizing committee, Mr. Peter Nelson.
He said Professor Osinbajo will pay homage to the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, before proceeding to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for the opening of the national sports event.
The programme, which starts at 7pm and runs for two hours, will showcase the rich Edo cultural heritage, with musician Fire Boy also performing at the event.
According to the MOC secretary, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare will officially welcome the athletes, while Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy Philip Shaibu will also speak on the festival.
Mr. Nelson added that to ensure compliance with COVID-19 protocols, there would be restrictions to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, with people gaining access with invitation cards, while states will be allowed to present only 20 athletes for the ceremony.
The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has encouraged state government to continue to train, educate and formalize their local security structures to enable them to complement the Federal law enforcement agencies.
Professor Osinbajo made the call during the revalidation and registration exercise of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ikenne local government area of Ogun state.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who stressed the need to strengthen the community policing structures expressed optimism that the new service chiefs would adopt fresh strategies in the fight against insurgency in the North East as well as banditry and kidnapping in other parts of the country
The Vice President pointed out that with the collaborative efforts of the Police, State and Federal Ministries of Justice, those that have been arrested for kidnapping, banditry and all forms of criminalities would be prosecuted .
Professor Osinbajo also said that the party registration and revalidation exercise was an opportunity to reach out to members from the polling booth level towards, Local Government, and Federal constituencies
The Vice President who acknowledged that the country was facing challenges, said the APC led administration was working hard to ensure that the problems are addressed.
Professor Osinbajo who pointed out that apart from various microcredit schemes, payroll support programmes, Npower, and the 774000 jobs programme, the Federal Government had launched a mass housing scheme, mass agriculture and solar home systems for 5millions homes.
Also, the state Governor prince Dapo Abiodun who revalidated his membership at Iperu 1, ward 3, Ita Osanyin, in Ikenne Local Government area of the state enjoined members of the ruling party to accommodate and receive all new members from other parties with love.
In a remark, the Governor of Niger state, Abubakar Bello who is the National chairman Registration and Revalidation committee, said that doors were open to others who want to join the party, adding that the exercise would be conducted in a very peaceful manner.
Recently, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo made an assertion that the country’s desire and pursuit of economic growth and sustainable development can be achieved through the adoption of merit as a national value.
Professor Osinbajo explained that merit is crucial in an economically viable system as it rewards talent and enterprise and drive sustainable growth.
He noted that as essential as federal character is to create balance which must be based on merit, such that if an office is reserve for a particular zone, that zone should be able to produce the best candidate.
The principle of federal character is enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria for such laudable reasons as inclusion, representation, sense of belonging and balance in the polity.
In section fourteen subsection three of the 1999 constitution ‘the composition of the government of the federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria.
Also, to promote national unity and command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states, ethnic or other sectional groups in the government or any of its agencies.
The constitution as well empowers the federal character commission to promote, monitor and enforce compliance with the principles of proportional sharing of all bureaucratic, economic, media, and political posts at all levels of government.
As the constitution stipulates, any government that violates this necessary provision has not only broken the law, but also betray their respective oaths of office.
With this principle, there is no zone, state or local government that cannot offer quality human resource for any public office.
Federal character principle serves as a uniting force in a multi-ethnic, multi -religious country.
One of the hindrances to its effectiveness is that people saddle with the responsibility of selecting or recruiting does so for motives that have little to do with a transparent and excellent discharge of duty.
Merit is the least considered in terms of integrity and competence, when choosing persons for public office.
As the vice president rightly noted, the country could only make progress if the right people are put in the right position of authority.
It is however regrettable that even as public officials know and say the right thing, they do not march their action with words.
This is evident in the appointment of people into public office when a section of a country takes the majority of the post leaving the other sections to fight for the rest.
Diversity in a polity can be strength, or a weakness, depending on how it is managed by those entrusted with the affairs of the state.
Fortified with the constitutional provision, there should be no reason for any government to fail to act for inclusiveness, balance and stability in the political and administrative setup for the country of multi ethnic people.
If the federal character commission act is transparently implemented, it will foster equity and give a sense of belonging among the constituent groups in the country and improve trust, cooperation and development.
When all aforementioned are put in place, it would build people’s confidence in government and enhance stability, peace and national development.
vice president, Yemi Osinbajo has summoned an emergency meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) for Monday, October 26, 2020.
Constitutionally, the Vice president is the chair of the NEC, which has as members state governors.
The meeting is to, among others, enable the Council to receive briefings from the state governors and security agencies on the state of the states and the nation.
The virtual emergency EC meeting was convened amidst looting of COVID-19 palliatives at warehouses as well as the vandalisation of public and private property across the country.
