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Tag: Osinbajo

  • Osinbajo, Jonathan mourn Keshi

    Osinbajo, Jonathan mourn Keshi

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday expressed condolence to the late Stephen Keshi’s family, friends and Nigerians.

    In a statement signed personally,  Osinbajo said the news of Keshi’s sudden death had saddened the nation.

    He said: “His personal triumphs and pursuits as a world-class professional footballer inspired many young talented sportsmen and women around Africa to strive for excellence.

    “His great work with our youth and senior national teams unified our country and brought joy to many compatriots. His feats within and outside the country, are a rich legacy, which will continue to live on in our hearts.

    “On behalf of the people and Government of Nigeria, I commiserate with the family of Mr. Stephen Keshi on this tragic loss. Our thoughts are with his children at this time of sadness especially so soon after the loss of their mother.

    “We send our deepest condolences to them and also to the countless friends he made in a lifetime of service.

    We pray that God grants the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

    Former President Goodluck onathan described the late football star and coach, as an inspirational figure, great patriot and worthy ambassador for Nigeria.

    Jonathan’s tribute, issued by his Media Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, said: “Keshi was driven by a high sense of patriotism and dedication which motivated him to always ply his craft from the front, leading his nation to win the prestigious continental football trophy at pivotal moments, both as captain and coach.

    “I still keep a personal recollection of the time I received the 2013 Nation’s Cup from victorious Keshi and his team as President, on behalf of all Nigerians. It was a moment of pride and strength for our country.

    “Keshi was, in deed, a trail blazer who brought glory and honour to his country and continent, nurtured the beautiful game of football to its full potentials in Nigeria, and mentored many professionals to become national and international idols.”

  • Osinbajo, service chiefs, governors meet in Aso Rock

    Osinbajo, service chiefs, governors meet in Aso Rock

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday met behind closed doors with service chiefs and some governors from Niger Delta.

    Besides the bombing of oil and power installations, some aggrieved militants have threatened to deploy missiles at targeted locations in Abuja, Lagos and Kaduna States.

    Osinbajo held the meeting in the Vice-President’s office wing of the Conference Hall in the State House.

    The governors in attendance were that of Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Ondo, Edo and Abia States.

    Also at the meeting are the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Uguru.

    The meeting is still in progress at the time of filing this report.

     

     

  • Osinbajo leaves for ECOWAS summit in Senegal

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo left Abuja on Friday for Dakar, Senegal, to attend the 49th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    A statement issued by the Vice Presidential spokesman, Mr. Laolu Akande, in Abuja said Osinbajo would represent President Muhammadu Buhari at the summit.

    The summit takes place this weekend, while Osinbajo is expected back in Abuja on Sunday, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

  • Niger Delta: Government will no longer tolerate oil theft – Buhari

    Niger Delta: Government will no longer tolerate oil theft – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday warned that the Federal Government would no longer tolerate theft and illegal refining of crude oil in the Niger Delta.

    Buhari, represented by Vice-President Yemi Osinbanjo gave the warning at the launch of “Clean-Up of Ogoniland’’ at Bodo, Gokana local government area of Rivers State, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    He urged the regulators of oil industry to carry out their responsibilities in line with the best practices.

    “The current oil theft and illegal refining will not be tolerated. The regulators in the oil industries must live up to expectations.

    “They must ensure that oil companies carry out their operations in line with universal best services,’’ he said.

    The President said government was laying a foundation for change to ensure the rule of law and safety of the people.

    He said the aim was to diversify the nation’s economy and provide jobs and wealth for the people.

    According to him, the clean-up of Ogoniland will have sustainable development components and benefit the people.

    “The methodology for the clean-up will ensure job creation for young people. The agro-allied industries required for processing of agricultural produce will also be put in place,’’ he said.

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, commended Buhari for inaugurating the implementation of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland.

    He said the state government would provide the platform for the smooth implementation of the Report.

  • Osinbajo: wilderness pains in Nigeria’ll soon be gone

    Osinbajo: wilderness pains in Nigeria’ll soon be gone

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has enjoined Nigerians not to lose hope as God’s hand is upon the nation.

    Osinbajo spoke at the Democracy Day Inter-Denominal Service at the Christian Centre Abuja,

    The event also marks the 1st year of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The Vice President was represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara

    He said: “All so soon, one year has passed. The word of the psalmist in Psalm 90:12 on an occasion like this comes to mind: “Teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom”.

    “As we count our days so also must we count our blessings and the promises of God for our great country. For indeed God has been faithful to us as a nation.

    “Many nations may not have withstood the several pressures and challenges that continue to confront us as a people. But by God’s grace we still continue to stand and we will prevail.

    “Although it appears as though these are trying times, I am confident that the Lord’s work of restoration will surely bring Nigeria to the promise land- and Nigeria shall fulfill its purpose of being a land flowing with milk and honey for all her people.

    “But as scripture reminds us, God will only act and quicken his work of healing our nation when His people act with integrity of heart and seek his face in prayer and repentance.”

    Osinbajo said the startling levels of wrongdoing by people of influence who also profess faith in Christ have added in no small means to the current condition of the nation.

    “As people of faith we have to be deeply aware of our faith, and not just observe the rituals of professing Him while ignoring the conscience of virtuous action.

    “So here’s an attempt to reflect aloud on what we must continue to set our sights on- all of us- Christians in government, in business, and other places of influence.

    “Our faith starts and ends with the example of Jesus. Jesus’ main preoccupation in His first coming, was the lives of people, the poor, sick, and rejected. Jesus goes so far as to suggest that caring for the poor—or neglecting to do so—is caring for or neglecting Him.

    “As Christians, we must take the welfare of the poor and vulnerable in our society very seriously. We must detest all acts of corruption that take away resources that could address the needs of the poor and put them in private hands.

    “Also, we must champion giving, and support systems that promote this objective. This is why I am appealing to you Brothers and Sisters to begin to pray for this administration’s Social Investment Programme.

    “This plan as a first of its kind intends to provide hope and substance to millions of our brothers and sisters who are struggling to survive. We must become personal champions of this programme.

    The Vice  President while using Jesus as an example said  “We must be humble and place the interest of others above ours. We must shun the clannishness that rejects as strangers those who are not of our ethnic stock. We must sacrifice what we must, voluntarily, as we press forward to the Promised Land.

    “The glory of a restored Nigeria is in your actions, sacrifices and prayers. I believe that God who has brought us this far will not take us back again. The wilderness pangs that we feel now will soon be gone. Herein lies our hope, herein lies our confidence that God is with us and He will never let us stumble.”

  • Osinbajo to inaugurate projects in Lagos

    Osinbajo to inaugurate projects in Lagos

    •State APC welcomes Vice-President

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will inaugurate some projects undertaken by the Lagos State Government today on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The President, who had been slated to make a two-day official visit today and tomorrow, will no longer make the trip.

    As at yesterday, the route the President would have taken had been decorated with banners.

    The presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport was wearing a new look.

    The presidential visitwould have been the first since 2002, when President Olusegun Obasanjo visited.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu confirmed that the VP will stand in for the President.

    He said the President “has scheduling difficulties”.

    According to him, Osinbajo would inaugurate a few of the projects while the President will still visit the state after Ramadan.

    Some of the projects to be inaugurated include the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency Rescue Unit in Cappa, Oshodi; the newly constructed Ago Palace Way in Okota, Isolo and the inauguration of security equipment and vehicles donated by the Ambode administration.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has said the two-day working visit will provide a platform for the party leadership and Lagosians to engage and interact with the President.

    A statement yesterday in Lagos by its Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, said: “The historic visit will provide an opportunity for the President to get first class knowledge of the massive transformation going on in Lagos.

    “The President will inaugurate few projects, assess the Lagos security architecture, meet Corporate Lagos, and hopefully engage the efficient and dynamic Lagos civil service.

    “President Buhari will use the timely visit to the ‘land of aquatic splendor’ to explain the activities of the government in the last one year.

    “The President is expected to tell curious and anxious Lagosians what they may not know about the struggle to reclaim Nigeria and the man-made obstacles on the way of progress.”

  • Osinbajo, Dangote others for ICC Africa regional confab

    Osinbajo, Dangote others for ICC Africa regional confab

    Arrangements are in top gear to host the first ICC Africa Regional Arbitration Conference in Nigeria from June 19-21, 2016.

    Tagged: ‘Arbitration and Africa: Prospects and Challenges’, the conference is expected to attract over 1000 lawyers across the nation.

    The event scheduled to hold at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, will be declared opened by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, as the Special Guest of Honour.

    The keynote speaker for this year’s conference is Mr. Alexis Mourre, President ICC International Court of Arbitration, Paris.

    Justifying the need for the conference, Chairperson, host committee, Mrs. Dorothy Ufot, said the conference is a platform for both experienced and young practising lawyers to exchange ideas and learn new things from the invited speakers that cuts across both the law profession and other relevant professions.

    “Experts in various fields have been lined up to speak at the conference with the view of uplifting the legal profession while adequate security arrangement have equally been put in place to ensure a hitch-free event,” she said.

     

  • Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea are partners in Africa – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday described Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea as important partners in Africa.

    He said the two nations share many things in common, especially in the oil and gas sector.

    Osinbajo made the observation in Malabo, the capital of the Central African nation, during the inauguration of President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo for another seven years in office, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    A statement issued by the Senior Special Adviser to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, said Osinbajo represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the ceremony.

    He said,” Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea are important partners in very many ways and, also share many things in common including, as you can see, in oil and gas.”

    Commenting on the ceremony which was attended by several world leaders, the vice president observed that Africans’ deep sense of unity is often on parade at such events, noting that the relationship among African nations “is very cordial and very close.’’

  • Price hike hard choice for Buhari, says Osinbajo

    Price hike hard choice for Buhari, says Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said yesterday that the hike in the price of petrol from N86 per litre to N145 per litre remained a hard choice for President Muhammadu Buhari.

    According to him, if there is any Nigerian who would not want the price of petrol to go up by one naira, he is President Buhari.

    The Vice President spoke at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Abuja, during the public presentation of a book “Anatomy of Corruption in Nigeria, Issues, Challenges and Solution”, written by Alhaji Yusuf Alli, SAN.

    The Vice President told the gathering that so many things that ought to have been done to address the suffering of Nigerians by the administration could not be done because of massive stealing and the depletion of Nigeria’s external reserves.

    He condemned the way and manner the nation’s wealth was pillaged by the previous government, saying  investigation had revealled that $15 billion was stolen from a single sector – an amount that is more than half of the nation’s foreign reserves.

    To Osinbajo, corruption is not just an evil, it is not just an immorality, it is existential because it could truly destroy lives and it has destroyed many lives and has continued to destroy the Nigerian economy.

    “When you consider that Nigeria’s reserves today stands at about 27 billion and you are investigating 15 billion for one sector alone,  that is over half of the entire reserves of the country… You cannot look at the problem and take your eyes away as if it is just petty stealing; it is not just stealing the resource of the cuntry, it is stealing the future of the country and that is why we have a situation that we find ourselves in.

    “In our case, we were unable to do so and the reason is because the reserve has been depleted and it is the same reason why it is difficult to do very many other things that we should be doing as a nation. I was saying in a message which I wrote in a chat book which eventually became public that if there is one person in Nigeria who insists that petrol prices should not go up by one naira, it is President Buhari.

    “If there is one person in Nigeria who I know does not want petrol price to go up by one naira, it is President Buhari, but he is left with no choice; what can you do if you dont have enough money in your reserves and you have to import fuel. All our refined petroleum products today are imported. A lot of the problems we have are associated with refineries and corruption-related issues even with the refineries.

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmood Muhammed, who was represented by Justice Musa Dattijo Mohammed, said a pandora box had been opened in Nigeria on corruption, with the resolve of the present administration and the reforms in the judiciary to fight corruption.

    He lamented that over the years some lawyers had been scuttling efforts to prosecute and administer justice on corruption cases, leading to endless adjournments, abandonement of cases and lack of fate in the justice system.

    Justice Mohammed, however, said given the damage done by corruption, the nation had a common cause to pursue the fight to a logical conclusion, especially considering the more proactive steps being taken by security agencies to tackle the scourge.

    Among dignatories at the event were Otunba Tunde Ayeni, Chairman of Skye Bank Plc who bought three copies for N10 million, Minister of Communications Adebayo Shittu, Prof. Ademola Popoola, the book reviewer, former Chief Justice of Nigeria Dahiru Musdapher, Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili, Justice Ibrahim Auta, Justice Nasir Ajanana, Justice S. D. Kawu and Augustine Alegeh, SAN.

     

  • Fuel price hike not subsidy removal —Osinbajo

    Fuel price hike not subsidy removal —Osinbajo

    •Says new price regime was caused by scarcity of foreign exchange

    ice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday alleged “many misconceptions” about the new petrol price of N145 per litre, stressing that  the new regime has nothing to do with subsidy removal.

    The new price came into effect on Wednesday from the former N86.50

    Osinbajo, is a statement titled ‘The Fuel Pricing Debate: Our Story’ and  personally signed by him, said the price was caused essentially by  foreign exchange problem in the face of dwindling earnings.

    He said: “I have read the various observations about the fuel pricing regime and the attendant issues generated. All certainly have strong points.

    “The most important issue of course is how to shield the poor from the worst effects of the policy.  I will hopefully address that in another note.

    “Permit me an explanation of the policy. First, the real issue  is not a removal of subsidy. At $40 a barrel there isn’t much of a subsidy to remove.

    “In any event, the President is probably one of the most convinced pro-subsidy advocates.

    “What happened is as follows: our local consumption of fuel is almost entirely imported. The NNPC exchanges crude from its joint venture share to provide about 50% of local fuel consumption. The remaining 50% is imported by major and independent marketers.

    “These marketers, up until three months ago, sourced their foreign exchange from the Central Bank of Nigeria at the official rate. However, since late last year, independent marketers have brought in little or no fuel because they have been unable to get foreign exchange from the CBN. The CBN simply did not have enough. (In April, oil earnings dipped to $550 million. The amount required for fuel importation alone is about $225million!) .

    “Meanwhile, NNPC tried to cover the 50% shortfall by dedicating more export crude for domestic consumption. Besides the short term depletion of the Federation Account, which is where the FG and States are paid from, and further cash-call debts pilling up, NNPC also lacked the capacity to distribute 100% of local consumption around the country. Previously, they were responsible for only about 50%. (Partly the reason for the lingering scarcity).”

    He said that the government realised that it was left with only one option: to allow independent marketers and any Nigerian entity to source their own foreign exchange and import fuel.

    Accordingly, government expected the marketers  to source foreign exchange at an average of about N285 to the dollar, (current interbank rate).

    “They would then be restricted to selling at a price between N135 and N145 per litre,” he said.

    “We expect that with competition, more private refineries, and NNPC refineries working at full capacity, prices will drop considerably. Our target is that by Q4 2018 we should be producing 70% of our fuel needs locally. At the moment, even if all the refineries are working optimally, they will produce just about 40% of our domestic fuel needs.

    “You will notice that I have not mentioned other details of the PPPRA cost template. I wanted to focus on the cost component largely responsible for the substantial rise, namely foreign exchange. This is therefore not a subsidy removal issue but a foreign exchange problem, in the face of dwindling earnings.”