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Tag: Dolapo Osinbajo

  • Maritime: President seeks more women participation

    President  Muhammadu Buhari is determined to provide platforms that will encourage more women participation in maritime to boost economic growth,  First Lady Aisha Buhari said on Tuesday in Lagos.

    She spoke at an event to mark the 2019 Day of the Seafarer. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) chose the theme: Onboard with Gender Equality, which resonates with its theme for this year’s World Maritime Day.

    Dr. Buhari stressed the need to promote gender balancing in the seafaring career. She said the president is aware of the economic benefits that come with encouraging women in the sector.

    Represented by the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, Dr Buhari commended NIMASA’s efforts to encourage women in the maritime sector. She noted that it was in line with the president’s aspirations for the sector.

    Read Also: Buhari appoints acting alternate chairman of NNPC governing board

    Dr Buhari said: “Under the current leadership of NIMASA, we have seen significant strides aimed at making women active players in the blue economy industry. Mr. President is desirous of seeing more women play active role in the maritime industry. This celebration focusing on women seafarers is, therefore, apt.”

    She urged all government agencies, especially those in the maritime sector, to ensure the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5, which is aimed at attaining gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.

  • Buhari extols Osinbajo’s virtues at 62

    On the occasion of 62nd birthday anniversary of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, President Muhammadu Buhari has described his relationship with his vice as one of a special bond.

    The President, in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Friday, said he joined Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, her children and other Nigerians across the country as well as friends around the world to celebrate Prof. Osinbajo.

    “I join the world in celebrating this erudite scholar, Minister of the Gospel and a very dependable deputy with whom I share a very special bond,’’ Buhari said.

    Read Also: Osinbajo to meet Aba traders today

    Buhari expressed gratitude to God for preserving the life of Osinbajo.

    He added that in the past four years, Osinbajo has diligently championed the values of setting the foundation for the peace, progress and stability of the country, working very hard to build a resilient economy, while promoting transparency and accountability.

    The President also extended special appreciation to the Vice President, wishing him many more years of robust health, happiness and fulfillment in his service to God, the nation and humanity.

    According to the President, he looks forward to sharing many special moments of celebration with Osinbajo as they take the country to the ‘Next Level’ in the years ahead.

    NAN

  • Osinbajo, wife set to vote in Lagos

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his wife, Dolapo Osinbajo, will exercise their franchise in the 2019 presidential election at the Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos.

    Osinbajo, who is from Ikenne, Ogun State, lived and worked in Lagos before he became vice president in 2015.

    He was Attorney-general and Commissioner of justice in Lagos State from 1999 until 2007.

    Read also: I have no relation to or interest in Act Technologies —Tinubu

    Osinbajo also worked as a professor of law at the University of Lagos for many years.

    The vice president arrived in Lagos for the exercise following close of campaigns on midnight Thursday.

  • Aisha Buhari, Dolapo Osinbajo, governors’ wives for Ibadan APC rally 

    Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, will today play host to the wife of president, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, Vice President’s wife, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, and wives of All Progressives Party (APC) governors across the country for the South West Women and Youth Presidential campaign rally.

    Other women and youths, as well as their leaders across South West, will also join them at the rally scheduled for  the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke Ado, Ibadan at 10am.

    The wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, who is the South West Zonal Chairperson of the Media Committee of the APC Women and Youth Presidential Campaign Team,  said yesterday that  the wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, is coordinating the event in her capacity as the South West Coordinator for Women and Youth Presidential Campaign.

    Read also: How we killed three police officers, by robbery suspects

    Others to coordinate their women are Mrs. Bolanle Ambode of Lagos State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun of Ogun State, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu of Ondo State and Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola of Osun State.

    She said that the Governor of Oyo State,  Abiola Ajimobi, will be the chief host of the  event which is  designed by  Mrs. Aisha Buhari and other top women and youth leaders of the ruling party to mobilize women and youths for active participation in the forthcoming elections.

    Mrs. Fayemi urged the electorate to vote wisely in the forthcoming elections so that the nation can consolidate on the laudable achievements of the APC government in the areas of massive infrastructural renewal, improved security, diversification of the national economy and the significant arrest of corruption and national drift.

  • Don’t criminalise drug addicts- Aisha Buhari

    Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, ‎on Thursday said the society should not criminalise those addicted to hard drugs.

    She made the remark at the Official flag-off of Youth Against Drug Abuse (YADA) Campaign in Kano state, organized by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Collaboration with Young Pharmacists Group(YPG) at the Government House Kano.

    According to her, rather than isolating and discriminating, the society should look beyond the problem and begin to look at the main cause of the problem and address them for a lasting solution.

    Represented by the wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, Buhari decried the prevalence of drug abuse among youths.

    She said that drug abuse has prevented persons suffering from injuries and other illnesses to have access to drug such as tramadol and other strong pain killers as they have been banned by the government.

    “As a result of drug influence, the lives of many youths have been destroyed as they engage in all sort of heinous crimes which has led to their incarceration.

    Read Also: Aisha Buhari to Nigerian women: Vote Buhari again

    “It must be understood that whatever crime someone under the influence of drugs commits is influenced by the drug.

    “I want to commend the efforts of all government agencies in the fight against drug abuse in the country and that such efforts has led to the arrest and confiscation of 86 containers containing prohibited drugs,” she said.

    Earlier, Gov.  Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state, advised youths to shun all forms of drug abuse and engage in productive activities that would contribute to the growth of the state and nation at large.

    He said that his government was committed to transforming the lives of persons engaged in drug abuse to better persons as the Kano Reformatory Home was currently under renovation where patients would be rehabilitated and acquire vocational skills.

    In a remark, the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said about 70 per cent of youths essentially, young boys, abuse illicit drugs in Kano.

    Adeyeye who said that recent survey conducted revealed that prescription drugs abuse was fast-emerging a public health challenge especially in the Northern part of Nigeria.

    She regretted that young girls and women of childbearing age in Kano were not left out of the endemic nature of the hard drugs in the state which she claimed many users considered to overcome their frustration.

  • Don’t criminalize drug users, says Aisha Buhari

    The wife of the president of Nigeria, Aisha Buhari on Thursday in Kano said that  society should not criminalize drug abusers, but should find solutions that will help them overcome the situation.

    Aisha who was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo made the remarks during the official flag-off of Youth Against Drug Abuse (YADA) Campaign in Kano, organized by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in collaboration with Young Pharmacists Group(YPG) at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.

    According to her, rather than isolating and discriminating drug abusers, the society should begin to look beyond the problem so as to get to the root of the matter and understand the main cause of the problem and address such problems for a lasting solution.

    Mrs. Buhari, however, decried the prevalence of drug abuse among youths which has prevented persons suffering from injuries and other illnesses to have access to drug such as tramadol, cough syrup and other strong pain killers as they have been banned by the government.

    She maintained that as a result of drug influence, the lives of many youths have been destroyed as they engage in all sort of heinous crimes which have led to their incarceration.

    According to her, “It must be understood that whatever crime someone under the influence of drugs commits can be traced to his or her addiction to such drugs.”

    She applauded the efforts of all government agencies in the fight against drug abuse in the country, noting that such efforts has led to the arrest and confiscation of 86 containers containing prohibited drugs which would have been released into the society.

    Also speaking, Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje urged the youths to shun drug abuse and engage their time in meaningful ventures that can give them a better future.

    According to him, apart from rehabilitating the reformatory home in Kuru, his administration set up a taskforce comprising of all security agencies, including NAFDAC and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to fight the drug abuse among youths and children in the state.

    Read Also: Aisha Buhari to women: vote Buhari again

    Also speaking, the Emir of Kano, His Highness, Muhammad Sanusi 11, called on government at all levels to join forces in fighting drug abuse, which he said has  negative impacts on the socity, particularly, among youths.

    According to the Royal Father, it has become a rule in his Emirate that any member of the Emirate Council must pass through drug test so as to ascertain the persons psychological competence.

    In her address, the  Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye says about 70 per cent of youths essentially, the young boys abuse illicit drugs in Kano.

    The DG NAFDAC disclosed the alarming figure Thursday while flagging off youth Against Drug Abuse Campaign, holding in Kano.

    Professor Adeyeye who posited that recent survey conducted revealed that prescription drug abuse is fast-emerging public health challenges especially in Northern Nigeria.

    The NAFDAC boss regretted that the young girls and women of childbearing age in Kano are not left out of the endemic nature of the hard drugs in Kano which she claimed many considered to overcome frustration.

    She called on family support to inculcate cultural and religion values on children in order to guide them from destructive path.

    She noted that with over 98 per cent Muslims population and rich culture which is not separated from Islam, Kano should take the front banner in campaign on the fight against drug abuse menace in Nigeria.

  • Osinbajo tasks youths on scripture reading, better life promotion

    Wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, has called on young people to imbibe reading of scriptures, to learn proper ways of ensuring better future for themselves.

    Mrs Osinbajo made the call at the closing ceremony of the maiden National Old Testament contest in Abuja.

    The contest, organised by the Israeli Embassy in collaboration with the Christians United for Israel (CUFI), started from September to November.

    She said that the call had become imperative to encourage young people to gain requisite knowledge to become self-reliant through their knowledge of the scriptures.

    “I am delighted that visits to Jerusalem, the Garden of Gethsemane and the Red Sea, have exposed many people to study the scriptures.

    “Imagine all the students have been exposed to the peace that is found within the word, the knowledge, wisdom and understanding that is found in the verses.

    “I pray for all that as you study the scriptures you will indeed arise, that all the glory, all the blessings, all the goodness that is found in the word of God will come to light in your life.

    “If we know better, we can do better, now I know that through this context we can do better, arise, and shine according to the word of God.”

    She, however, read Isaiah Chapter 59, verse 20-21 and chapter 60 verse 1, from the Bible to admonish the participants to always read the scripture, to understand culture of Israel.

    Mr Nadav Goren, Charge de Affairs, Embassy of Israel in Nigeria, said that the Bible contest was initiated to be eye-opening towards the desire for knowledge about God among Nigerians.

    Read Also: Osinbajo delivers keynote address at IoD confab

    He described the Bible quiz initiative as a testament to the bridges of kinship and the shared values between Israel and Nigeria.

    He explained that this year’s edition of the competition marked 70 years celebration of Israel’s independence and 60 years since the first Bible contest was held in Israel.

    According to him, the theme of this year’s competition, “living peacefully in the promised land”, is to promote relevance of peace and reconciliation as reflected throughout the Bible.

    “As knowledge of this competition spreads near and far through the nation, let the message of tolerance sound.”

    Rev. Samson Ozovehe, the Executive Secretary of Christians United for Israel Prayer Outreach, a faith-based organisation, said that the competition began with 1,800 people nationwide.

    According to him, the number is the total of people of those who took the contest in the first stage being conducted via the internet in September.

    “Seventy-four top scorers competed in the second stage across the six geo-political zones of the country in October, while 12 finalists competed in the grand finale today to produce three winners,” Ozovehe said.

    Miss Nkechinyere Chidi-Mbah from Abia emerged winner of the competition.

    While Master Lukeman Lawal from Lagos and Master Odiba Stephen from Katsina took second and third respectively.

    Other finalists include Masters Samuel Jibion from Adamawa, Jakannde Josiah from Borno, Jacob Daodu from Lagos and Chibuike Daniel from Imo.

    Also, Bate Barde from Jigawa, Joel Ngozi from Nasarawa, Emmanuel Nzubechukwu from Cross River and Ayegba Oyare Akwa Ibom.

    The high point of the event was the presentation of awards of all expenses paid trip to Israel tickets to the three winners by the Israeli envoy.

    NAN

  • Aisha Buhari to Boko Haram, others: Leave our Daughters Alone

    Aisha Buhari to Boko Haram, others: Leave our Daughters Alone

    Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari has charged perpetrators of abductions and various harmful practices against women and girls to stop forthwith.

    She was speaking during an event to mark the 2018 International Women’s Day, on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at the National Center for Women Development, Abuja.

    Mrs. Buhari, in a statement by her Director of Information, Suilaman Haruna, observed that for Nigeria, the day must be marked with a difference considering the sad incidence of the abduction of girls, especially the case of Chibok and Dapchi, which must take the national spotlight.

    “As a mother, I share the sorrow and agony of the parents at this time, it is my sincere hope that efforts by government will soon lead to their release.” She said.

    She introduced a local theme tagged “Leave our daughters alone” which she said, is a strong call for the end of abductions, charging the media to own the campaign and spread the message.

    She also charged wives of the Governors to propagate the campaign in their various states, stating that the message must echo through all corners of Nigeria and be on everyone’s lips.

    “Leave our daughters alone, leave our daughters alone, leave our daughters alone” she charged.

    Speaking earlier, wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, while congratulating women as they celebrate the special day, said it is sad that Nigerian women were witnessing the worst of times because of many negative things that are happening.

    She however noted that at the same time they are also witnessing the best of times in many respects.

    This, she said, is because there are many good stories happening around women.

    Director-General of the National Center for Women Development, Barrister Mary Ekpere-Eta, said this year, there was an unprecedented global movement for women’s rights, equality and justice.

    She said sexual harassment, violence and discrimination against women has captured public discourse, propelled by a rising determination for change, which she noted were instrumental to the declaration by the Wife of the President on the harmful practices affecting women and girls in Nigeria.

    She drew attention to the plight of rural women, who despite their hard work lack basic infrastructure and services, decent work and social protection, and are left more vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

    She called for urgent action to reverse this trend and ensure better life for the rural women.

    Goodwill messages were delivered by UNICEF, UN Women, UNFPA and a host of others.

    Highlight of the event was an exhibition of women’s business products.

     

  • ‘Leaders should imbibe Awo’s ideals’

    ‘Leaders should imbibe Awo’s ideals’

    • Ambode unveils statue to honour sage

    Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode has urged leaders to embrace the ideals and principles of the former Premier of defunct Western Region, the late Awo.

    Ambode spoke yesterday at the unveiling of a statue of the sage in Ikeja, the state capital.

    The event was attended by prominent members of the Awolowo clan, including wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, Dr Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu and eminent politicians.

    Ambode said Awolowo’s legacies and achievements have endured and remained a source of inspiration and benchmark for progressive leadership till date.

    He said: “Awolowo was a symbol for the aspiration of Western Nigeria. His achievements remain indelible across the nation. The vision of new generation leaders, like us, is to consciously rise up to his ideals and principles.”

    Ambode said the need to sustain the Awolowo ideal prompted Lagos to join hands with five other Southwest states in Oodua Investment conglomerate to champion the political and economic integration of Western Nigeria.

    The governor recalled Awolowo’s commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria, especially during the post-Independence era, adding that he was a shining light among his contemporaries.

    He said the late sage also displayed an incredible ability to use leadership as a tool for the advancement of the welfare of the people.

    “In a few days, it will be 57 years since our nation attained Independence. The story of the struggle that led to that momentous occasion on October 1, 1960, will not be complete without mentioning the late Pa Obafemi Awolowo. He was a leading voice among eminent nationalists of his time; he successfully negotiated our nation’s liberation from the colonial masters.

    “Thirty years after his death, his thoughts and ideas on a wide range of issues relating to the economy, fiscal federalism and education, among several others, are still as relevant today as they were back in time. His legacies and landmark achievements, particularly in the Western Region – including Lagos colony – have endured and they remain a source of inspiration and benchmark for progressive leadership in the country…”

    The governor said Lagos was in sync with the position of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on restructuring, which seeks to amend the Constitution aimed at devolving powers to states and local governments to entrench true federalism.

    He noted that the unveiling of the statue is in recognition of legacies the Awolowo dynasty is enviably known for.

    Ambode said: “Hence, this monument is erected by the Lagos State government to celebrate the legendary achievements and contributions of an icon in political leadership, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    “This statue is not just about beautifying the environment or serving as a tourist attraction, but more importantly, it is meant to be a constant reminder to all of us and future generations of the need to value the sacrifice of our heroes and strive to uphold and promote the ideals which they stood for. May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain.”

    Dr Awolowo-Dosumu, who spoke on behalf of the family, said her late father was able to utilise taxes to drive most of his people-oriented policies.

    She said those who once criticised his tax drive later rallied round him and adopted same for economic growth.

    Dr Awolowo-Dosunmu recalled that over the years, her late father’s success story became a template for any government desirous of making meaningful impact in the lives of the citizenry.

    “What the governor is doing today is impressive. I stay in Ogun State but I visit Lagos occasionally. Each time I come, I marvel at the level of progress and development taking place in this state, which says a lot about the governor.”

     

  • Awolowo’s legacies remain benchmark – Ambode

    Awolowo’s legacies remain benchmark – Ambode

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos on Tuesday said the legacies and landmark achievements of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo remained a source of inspiration and benchmark for progressive leadership.

    Ambode said this at the unveiling of Awolowo’s statue on Awolowo Road/Lateef Jakande Road Junction in Ikeja, Lagos.

    He said that Awolowo displayed an ability to use leadership as a tool for advancing the people’s welfare.

    “Late Chief Awolowo was a leading voice among eminent nationalists of his time who successfully negotiated our nation’s liberation from colonial masters.

    “Awolowo was a symbol to the aspiration of western Nigeria and Lagos territory during his days.

    “His achievements at the helm of affairs in western Nigeria gave us supremacy, and that is what Lagos has always aspired to be.

    “The unveiling of the statue is, thus, in recognition of all the good legacies that the Awolowo dynasty is enviably known for,” he said.

    Ambode said that the statue was not just about beautifying the environment or serving as a tourist attraction but a reminder of the need to value sacrifices of past heroes and uphold and promote the ideals which they stood for.

    The governor said that the position of Lagos State on restructuring of Nigeria was as stipulated in the manifesto of the APC.

    “APC manifesto states: APC shall initiate action to amend our Constitution with a view to devolving powers, duties and responsibilities to states and local governments in order to entrench true federalism and federal spirit.

    “We as a people are adamant in making sure that this part of the party’s manifesto comes to pass, ” Ambode said.

    Earlier, Dr Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, one of the children of the late Awolowo, commended Lagos State Government for keeping the memory and legacy of her father alive by installing the statue.

    Awolowo-Dosumu said that her father was able to achieve free education and other laudable programmes because he judiciously utilised revenues from tax.

    She said that the state government followed her father’s footsteps by properly utilising tax payers’ money to implement development projects which directly impacted on the citizens.

    “When my father initiated taxation then, many people were not happy, but when they saw development in terms of education and infrastructure, they believed and trusted his initiative by paying their taxes promptly.

    “With the ongoing infrastructure upgrade in Lagos State, people will begin to support government policies and projects,’’ she said.

    The sculptor of the monument, Mr Hamzat Attach, said that the late Awolowo stood for quality leadership, education and mentorship to achieve effective governance and development.

    In her remarks, Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, Lagos State Acting Commissioner, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said that the government installed the monument to make the state an attractive destination for visitors.

    Also present at the event are Awolowo’s first grandson, Mr Segun Awolowo, and the Wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, who is also a granddaughter of the late icon.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Awolowo was the first Premier of the Western Region and later a federal Commissioner for Finance, and Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council during the Civil War.

    He died on May 9, 1987, at the age of 78.