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Tag: Osinbajo

  • Obasanjo, Osinbajo, govs, others bid Ayo Adebanjo farewell

    Obasanjo, Osinbajo, govs, others bid Ayo Adebanjo farewell

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-Vice President, Pastor Yemi Osinbajo, governors Dapo Abiodun(Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Seyi Makinde(Oyo) and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party and former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, Senator Gbenga Kala and other eminent Nigerians yesterday paid their last respect to Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

    The elder statesman’s  remains were committed to mother earth at Isanya Ogbo, his home town in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State amid eulogies from eminent citizens who described him as a dogged fighter and an unyielding advocate of true federalism.

    He died in Lagos on February 14, 2025, aged 96.

    In his tribute to the late Afenifere leader and NADECO chieftain during the funeral service held at St Philip Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, Governor Abiodun said Adebanjo was a titan of integrity and justice, and a dogged fighter for true federalism, who was vocal in demanding the best for Nigeria.

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    Abiodun added that late Adebanjo was also a committed lover of the  Yoruba ethnic group, fought for his people and helped revitalise Afenifere, the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group into becoming a potent force in the clamour for regional integration, restructuring, and devolution of powers.

    At the funeral which also had in attendance, ex -governors of Ogun State—Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso and Chief Ayo Opadokun, among other dignitaries, Abiodun noted that Adebanjo was a lover of democratic ideals, and reckoned him as one of the few Nigerians who risked their lives fiercely against military dictatorship in the country.

    He said that  the deceased elder statesman was one of the heroes behind the democratic governance the country savours today.

    “Chief Adebanjo was a dogged fighter for true federalism. He persistently argued that Nigeria’s over-centralised system of government bred economic imbalance and ethnic tension.

    “Under his leadership, Afenifere, the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, was revitalised, becoming a potent force with democratic wisdom pushing for regional integration, restructuring, and devolution of powers.

    “Beyond politics, he was deeply committed to preserving the rich Yoruba culture. He denounced nepotism, corruption, and impunity whenever they reared their ugly heads, becoming a moral compass for all.

    “As Nigeria continues its walk towards democratic consolidation, the life of Chief Ayo Adebanjo remains a timeless blueprint for Nigeria—one defined by courage, conviction, and unbending integrity.

    “His ideals will continue to live on in the hearts of millions, and his contributions shall serve as a path to building a just, united, and truly federal Nigeria,” Abiodun said.

    In his homily, the Archbishop of the Lagos Ecclesiastical Province of the Anglican Church and Bishop of the Remo Diocese, Bishop Olusina Fape called for a life of purpose and selflessness from Nigerians, especially the nation’s leaders, just like Chief Adebanjo lived.

    Bishop Fape harped on the need for one to utilise the gift of life for service of God and humanity before the end comes as he delivered the sermon captioned, “The Purpose of a Glorious Life.”

    Anchoring his reflection  on the gospel of John 18: 37-38, Bishop Fape said that death is an inevitable end for every mortal, hence the importance of living a purposeful life on earth while it lasts.

    The Bishop said Jesus lived a life of purpose by fulfilling God’s mission to save mankind, stressing that in the same vein, it could be said of Adebanjo, whom he noted was a fearless advocate of democracy, good governance, justice, equity, and fairness in his lifetime.

    He charged the country’s leaders to emulate the late nationalist and foremost Yoruba leader, expressing the confidence that Nigeria would do well when both leaders and citizens demonstrate more selflessness and commitment to nation building.

  • Obasanjo, Osinbajo, Fagbemi, others extol ex-AGF’s Ajibola’s virtues

    Obasanjo, Osinbajo, Fagbemi, others extol ex-AGF’s Ajibola’s virtues

    Eminent Nigerians have extolled the viruses of a former jurist at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), The Hague, Prince Bola Ajibola.

    They described him as a man of many parts who made feasible impacts as a lawyer, a judge, president, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation and founder, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    They spoke in Lagos last week at a book launch in his honour: “Tribulations and Trophies, Bola Ajibola in His own Words!”, an autobiography of the former AGF.  

    In his remarks, former President Olusegun Obasanjọ, said the late lawyer lived a life worth living. 

    Obasanjo, who shared stories of their upbringing, added that Ajibola’s legacies were loud enough for people to see.

    “Bola was committed to excellence and hard work. He was given outstanding performance and attainments. His legacies were worth emulating.”

    “Those of you who knew Bola, would agree that he was one of the most humorous human beings, who laughed and made others laugh at him.”

    According to him, Ajibola was a great dreamer, who always achieved his set goals, adding that reflected in all that he did.

    Also, the immediate vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) described Ajibola as a symbol of truth, trustworthiness, hard work, vision, and a goal-getter. 

    According to him, Prince Ajibola believed in project Nigeria and he remained so till he passed on. 

    “I worked closely with Prince Ajibola and I can attest to his unquenchable drive for hard work, diligence, promptness and forthrightness. 

    “He was a man of many parts, yet, excelled in all areas he decided to venture into.

    “As a bar man, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, a judge, an educationist, among others, he attained excellence”, he said.

    Former Lagos State governor and two-term minister, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who recommended the book for all said, Ajibola was a man of many parts and indisputably, a giant.

    “He was a role model for many of us in the legal profession.

    “He was born a leader and an actualiser, who stood against unfavorable policies.

    “He found opportunities in many adversities.

    “Prince Ajibola was also a man of excellence and distinction.

    As a bar man, he was consummate in all that he did.

    The incumbent Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi described Ajibola as a reformer and an achiever, whose legacies in the justice sector live on.

    According to him, the ministry of justice under Ajibola’s headship went through several reforms that remain an inspiration to him and many other legal practitioners in the country.

    “He was a man of sterling qualities, impeccable character and integrity, who was always speaking the truth.

    Read Also: Ex-president Obasanjo hails Otti’s development stride

    “In the Ministry of Justice, the records are there. He did so much in terms of law reforms, in the establishment of critical agencies and giving advice to the authorities at critique time.

    “Every lawyer should strive to emulate this great man, who did so much in Nigeria and beyond.”

    The scion of the late Ajibola, Adesegun (SAN) said he was happy for having the author as his father.

    He said his father’s legacies speak for themselves, adding that the children decided to publish the book his father wrote while alive to give further insight of himself to the public.

    “His national life is out there, his service speaks for itself and the heart of generosity with which he related with people was clearly stated in the book.”

    “He was selfless, and he felt the general public should benefit from. Otherwise, of what benefit was it to him to have established a university at the age of 70 years? That again, showed his person.”

  • Tinubu celebrates longtime associate Osinbajo at 68

    Tinubu celebrates longtime associate Osinbajo at 68

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to his longtime associate and former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, on his 68th birthday.

    In a statement on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu lauded Osinbajo’s service to the nation, describing him as a close ally, friend, and brother. 

    The President highlighted Osinbajo’s contributions as Vice President from 2015 to 2023, during which he worked closely with former President Muhammadu Buhari to drive governance and deliver critical infrastructure projects.

    Reflecting on their longstanding relationship, Tinubu recalled Osinbajo’s role as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, emphasizing his contributions to political and judicial reforms. 

    The President also commended Osinbajo’s leadership when he briefly served as Acting President during Buhari’s medical leave.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Tinubu, Obasanjo, Osinbajo, Adeboye, other personalities born in March

    Acknowledging Osinbajo’s decision to contest the 2023 presidential primaries, Tinubu affirmed that political competition had not strained their relationship. 

    “Professor Yemi Osinbajo will always remain my friend and associate. He served our country meritoriously as Vice President to that patriotic leader, President Muhammadu Buhari. 

    “He made all of us in the All Progressives Congress proud by working collaboratively and harmoniously with the president without rancour,” Tinubu remarked.

    The President joined Osinbajo’s family, friends, and well-wishers in celebrating his achievements and wished him many more years of good health and success.

  • Tinubu hails ‘close ally’ Osinbajo at 68

    Tinubu hails ‘close ally’ Osinbajo at 68

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, on his 68th birthday.

    Tinubu described Osinbajo as a close ally, friend, and brother.

    The President’s congratulatory message was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, March 8.

    The statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu congratulates his longtime ally and friend, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on his 68th birthday.

    “Professor Osinbajo was vice president of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023.

    “President Tinubu notes that Osinbajo, a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, worked harmoniously with President Muhammadu Buhari to deliver good governance and critical infrastructural projects for the country.

    Read Also: Osinbajo, Anyaoku, Adeboye, Obi, others at Adebanjo’s house

    “President Tinubu recalls how Osinbajo proved his mettle when he briefly acted as President while President Buhari was on a medical vacation in the United Kingdom.

    “Describing him as a close ally, friend, and brother, the President affirms that as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in his administration as Lagos Governor, Prof. Osinbajo partnered with him to institute many political and judicial reforms in the state, using the instrumentality of the law.

    “President Tinubu acknowledges that Professor Osinbajo exercised his ‘democratic right and freedom’ in 2023 when he contested alongside him for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress.

    “The President remarks: ‘Professor Yemi Osinbajo will always remain my friend and associate. He served our country meritoriously as Vice President to that patriotic leader, President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “He made all of us in the All Progressives Congress proud by working collaboratively and harmoniously with the president without rancour. “

  • FULL LIST: Tinubu, Obasanjo, Osinbajo, Adeboye, other personalities born in March

    FULL LIST: Tinubu, Obasanjo, Osinbajo, Adeboye, other personalities born in March

    Birthdays are special. They remind people of the date they began their earthly journey.

    March, the third month of the year, is also the birth month of many prominent personalities in Nigeria.

    From politicians, to movie stars, to musicians, to technocrats and many others, these march-born outstanding personalities light up the society with their talent and exceptional contributions.

    In no particular order, here’s a list of prominent Nigerians born in March:

    Olusegun Obasanjo – March 5

    Olamide Baddo – March 15

    Yemi Alade – March 13

    Yemi Osibanjo – March 8

    Bola Tinubu – March 29

    Tony Elumelu – March 22

    Pete Edochie – March 7

    Pastor E.A Adeboye – March 2

    Actor Ali Nuhu – March 15

    Patience Ozokwor – March 25

    Lil Kesh – March 14

    Ruth Kadiri – March 24

    K1 De Ultimate – March 3

    Akin Alabi – March 31

    Emeka Ihedioha – March 24

    Matthew Ashimolowo – March 17

    Benedict Ayade – March 2

    Kanayo O. Kanayo – March 1

    Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi –

    Kemi Adeosun – March 9

    Hadi Sirika – March 2

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    Bukky Wright – March 31

    Abdurahman Dambazzau – March 14

    Eyinnaya Abaribe – March 1

    Adebayo Shittu – March 23

    Tara Fela-Durotoye – March 6

    Cecilia Ibru – March 22

    Uche Secondus – March 22

    Jimi Agbaje – March 2

    Kemi Lala-Akindoju – March 8

    Victor Ndoma-Egba – March 8

    Heineken Lokpobiri – March 3

    Adenike Osofisan – March 11

    Kawu Sumaila – March 3

    Gershom Bassey – March 18

    Odia Ofeimun – March 16

    Farooq Kperogi – March 30

    Oba Fatai Ayinla Aileru – March 11

    Folashade Jaji – March 10

    Babafemi Ojudu – March 25

    Uche Secondus – March 22

    Allen Onyema – March 28

  • Osinbajo celebrates 35th wedding anniversary, pens heartfelt tribute to wife Dolapo

    Osinbajo celebrates 35th wedding anniversary, pens heartfelt tribute to wife Dolapo

    Former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, is celebrating 35 years of marriage with his wife, Dolapo Osinbajo.

    Marking the milestone on Instagram, Osinbajo shared a heartfelt letter expressing his deep appreciation and admiration for his wife.

    He lauded Dolapo’s exceptional qualities, including her generosity, unwavering faith, and remarkable skills. 

    Highlighting her selflessness, Osinbajo praised her dedication to their family and her notable achievements, such as authoring books, organizing national prayer meetings, and establishing shelters for vulnerable women.

    Read Also: Osinbajo, Tijani others for Lagos tech confab

    He wrote on Instagram: “My darling @dolapoosinbajo , every year of these 35 years you’ve proved that true love is not a myth or a fanciful phrase—through your willingness to give up everything for me and our children, through your generosity with your time, skills, and great faith by which you have helped us all navigate our sometimes bewildering journeys.

    “In all of this, you’ve written several books, run several national prayer meetings, run shelters for vulnerable women, trained thousands of young people in different skills, crocheted a storm, and developed numerous gardens!

    “I thank God daily for the gift of you to me. I love you always Dolly. Happy 35th Anniversary. Yemi.”

  • Osinbajo, Tijani others for Lagos tech confab

    Osinbajo, Tijani others for Lagos tech confab

    Former Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani are among dignitaries expected to grace this year’s conference on Technology, New Media, Citizens and Governance (TNCG) scheduled for November 28 in Lagos at The Zone, Gbagada, Lagos.

    Speaking ahead of the conference which is being organised by civil society organizations, BudgIT and Enough is Enough (EiE), Country Director of BudgIT, Gabriel Okeowo, said the forum will focus on leveraging technology for accountable governance.

    “At BudgIT, we’ve observed that some government agencies are increasingly open to using technology to enhance public service delivery. While there’s still progress to be made, with support from civil society, these efforts can become more impactful and effective,” he said.

    He said the conference, which has been rebranded from its former name, “New Media, Citizens, and Governance Conference,” will focus on “Technology: The Present and Future of Political Action in Africa”as its theme and examine the growing influence of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), on governance across the continent.

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    He said the former Vice President will deliver the keynote address while Dr Tijani will participate in the discussions and give the closing remarks. Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies of South Africa, Mr. Mondli Gungubele, will also participate reflecting the conference’s pan-African scope.

    Executive Director of Enough is Enough Nigeria, Opeyemi Adamolekun, said the conference will address critical issues at the intersection of technology and governance. “Technology has given ordinary Nigerians unprecedented power to hold their leaders accountable and shape public discourse. The TNCG

    “Conference will explore how we can continue to harness these tools to deepen political engagement and drive systemic reforms that strengthen democracy,” she said.

    Aside Prof Osinbajo and Dr Tijani, the conference has also confirmed the participation of prominent speakers including Ousman Kallay (iLAB, Liberia), Mutemi Wa Kiama (Co-Chair, Africans Rising Movement Coordinating Collective, Kenya), Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (MD, Futures Africa, Nigeria), and Hannah Kates (Head Stears Open Data, American in Nigeria).

    In collaboration with TASCK, a leading creative talent management organisation, there will be a pitch session for content creators to make governance issues more accessible and engaging. The top two creators will receive awards in cash and kind for their innovative contributions.

    The bi-annual, pan-African hybrid conference will bring together policymakers, private sector leaders, academics, students, and civil society actors to explore innovative ways to enhance citizen engagement and governmental service delivery through technology.

    The organizers emphasized that while attendance is free, registration is required through tech.newmediagov.ng. They encourage widespread participation from all stakeholders interested in leveraging technology for better governance in Africa.

  • Osinbajo to religious leaders: preach peace, productivity, for national transformation 

    Osinbajo to religious leaders: preach peace, productivity, for national transformation 

    The immediate past vice president of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has urged religious leaders, particularly Christians, to preach and teach what he described as real gospel in the interest of peace and national development 

    According to him, the real gospel that transforms nations is not the message that places emphasis on riches and wealth without recourse to hardworking and productivity.

    He warned that when preachers places premium on benefits and rewards, wespecially on Christians in government and position of authority, it makes national development suffer because the peoples mind will be soiled and unable to do what is right 

    Osinbajo spoke while delivering a lecture at the 68th Anniversary and 58th Annual International Convention of The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT) at the weekend

    The lecture was entitled: “Thr Christian Faith in the political struggles: A case study of Nigeria.”

    He said many prosperous nations of the world have no natural resources while many nations with many national endowments are lurking in poverty because people do not play according to the rules of hard work and productivity.

    Read Also: Osinbajo celebrates wife’s 57th birthday with heartfelt message

    He added, however, that many countries in Europe and America that we seek to be like thrived based on the true gospel of Jesus Christ that was preached from the pulpit coupled with other virtues as hardwork, productivity, integrity, protection of the poor among others.

    He said many preachers do not care to question the source of wealth of their members but attributes almost any unexplainable wealth and riches to miracles.

    He urged preachers to teach the right doctrines in their messages from the pulpit, such that the Godly and Christians’ values to make a positive difference and impact on people around them will take priority. 

    Osinbajo said: “The major responsibility of christians, responsibility of the church is propagating the correct version of the gospel of Jesus Christ and it is that correct version of the gospel of Jesus Christ that transformed other nations of the world. 

    “The nations that we copy, the nations we want to emulate, the nations whose developments we have seen, the nations in Europe, America, it is the gospel of Jesus Christ and the virtues of hard work, productivity, integrity, protection of the poor preached from the pulpit that transfer this nations.

    “If we must transform and impact on our nations as Christians and as a Church, we must be mindful of the messages we preach, such that it will encourage and promote virtues of hardwork, integrity, productivity while also caring for the poor and needy around us.”

  • 58-hour chess marathon: Osinbajo sends best wishes to Tunde Onakoya

    58-hour chess marathon: Osinbajo sends best wishes to Tunde Onakoya

    Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has sent his well wishes to Nigerian Chess Master, Tunde Onakoya, as he attempts to break the 58-hour chess marathon record.

    The event is scheduled to take place from 10 am on April 17 to 8 pm on April 19, in Times Square, New York City.

    Osinbajo wrote on his official X page: “Dear Tunde, Best of luck in Times Square as you attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the Longest Chess Marathon! Your resilience and spirit inspire us all. Remember your own powerful words: “It is possible to do great things from a small place.”

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    “Let the dynamic energy of Times Square amplify the greatness that you, a proud Nigerian, bring to the chessboard. We’re all behind you—show the world the strength and determination you are made of! God Bless You @Tunde_OD”

    The Nation reported that Onakoya announced his attempt to break the record on his social media handle on Friday, April 12.

  • Book on Buhari’s administration wise thing to do -Osinbajo

    Book on Buhari’s administration wise thing to do -Osinbajo

    Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has described the book by Femi Adesina, former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Muhammadu Buhari as “very wise and proactive”. 

    He said it gives the “the most reliable account’ of his experiences at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Osinbajo made the comment in Lagos over the weekend when Adesina formally presented a copy of the book titled: Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023) to the former Vice President.

    The book will be launched on January 16 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja from 10a.m. prompt.

    Receiving the work, published by Safari Books Ltd, Osinbajo commended its quality and the speed at which Adesina churned it out, coming just seven months after they left office.

    On the idea of the author coming up with the publication at this point in time, Osinbajo said:

    “I think it is a very wise and proactive approach. I think it is wise to do so especially because he was an insider. He has all the information about the personal issues, personal details that are covered in the book. It is the right thing to do, so that he defines the narrative ahead, and anyone else who wants to write would have to use this as their soft material. Obviously, this is the most reliable account of his experiences in there.”

    Lauding the quality of the book and the richness of information in it, Osinbajo posited that it is “in many ways a personal discussion or conversation with Nigerians about who President Buhari was.” And Adesina is “possibly the person who would best represent who the (former) President was.”

    According to Osinbajo, this is more so as Adesina has all the “the kind of care and attention that would be required to do a proper and in-depth analysis” of the era.

    Read Also: Osinbajo, Makinde, Ooni, other dignitaries arrive Ogbomoso for Ghandi’s coronation

    The former Vice President added everything up and described the book “an honest account”.

    Expected at the launch on January 16, are President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is the Special Guest of Honour; the subject of the book, former President Muhammadu Buhari, as Special Guest; while former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, and General I.B.M. Haruna are Chairman and Co-Chairman, respectively.

    A royal delegation from the Saudi Arabia Royal Family, led by HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Faisal Al Saud, will grace the occasion that will have Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, billionaire businessman and founder/chairman of Oriental Energy Resources Limited, as Chief Launcher.