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Tag: Prof. Yemi Osinbajo

  • …He ‘s a worthy partner — Tinubu

    All Progressives Congress National Leader and former Lagos governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has congratulated Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on turning 62.

    He described Osinbajo as an erudite legal luminary and worthy partner with whom he worked along with other technocrats to lay a solid foundation for the Lagos that is the envy of others today.

    In a statement on Friday by his Media Adviser, Tunde Rahman, the former Lagos governor said as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Osinbajo led Lagos to institute and win most of the important cases that changed the political landscape and advanced the course of restructuring and true federalism.

    He said: “Since I knew him, he has n’t changed one bit in brilliance, commitment to causes he believes in, selflessness and loyalty to the nation.  He remains an erudite legal luminary and worthy ally.

    “Together with Osinbajo and other technocrats we helped to lay a solid foundation for an egalitarian and prosperous Lagos that is blind to ethnicity and religion.

    “Most of the landmark cases Lagos won at the Supreme Court bore his imprint. He is a champion of restructuring and true federalism of sort because he used the instrumentality of the law to advance the course of restructuring.

    “One of such landmark cases won by Lagos is the one on creation of Local Governments where the Supreme Court held that the state had the power to create additional councils and complied with the extant constitutional provisions.

    “That judgment helped in expanding the centres of development which has changed the Lagos political landscape forever”.

    Asiwaju Tinubu commended the vice president for working harmoniously with President Muhammadu Buhari. He again congratulated the duo for winning re-election.

    While wishing Osinbajo continued good health, renewed vitality and many more years of meritorious services to the country, he congratulated Osinbajo’s wife, Dolapo, and other members of the family on the birthday.

     

  • Osinbajo, Ambode, Fashola, Sanwo-Olu meet in Lagos

    Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State and Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola on Saturday met in Lagos.

    The gathering was made known by the Lagos State All Progressives Congress Governorship candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a photo tweeted on his official twitter handle.

    It was also attended by Chairman of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, (AMCON) Muiz Banire and President Muhammadu Buhari Deputy Chief of Staff, Adeola Rahman Ipaye.

  • Peaceful polls victory for Nigeria, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday told Nigerians to see the peaceful conduct of the February 23  presidential election as a victory for the nation.

    Noting that an election should not be seen as a war, the President said the “victory is enough cause for joy without deriding those in the opposition now that election is over.”

    The President’s message was contained in his remarks at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, after receiving the Certificate of Return as the president-elect from the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu.

    Buhari’s deputy and running mate Prof Yemi Osinbajo also got the Certificate of Return as vice president-elect.

    Besides, the President urged Nigerians to stand in brotherhood for a bright and fulfilling future, assuring that his administration will be inclusive and open.

    Buhari, whose second term in office will begin on May 29,  also assured Nigerians of seeing the country moving to the “Next Level”.

    The ICC, which was being used as the Collation Office for the presidential election, also hosted governors, ministers, members of the private sector and supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    The President also reached out to his opponents at the poll, urging them to join him to build the country that will be a pride to all.

    He said: “I am grateful to God for sparing our lives to witness another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic development,  namely conclusion of the presidential election in an overwhelmingly peaceful manner.

    “I wish, Mr Chairman, to congratulate all the presidential candidates and their teams on a hard-fought campaign. We may have had different views during the campaign, but the one thing most of us have in common is love of our country and our desire to improve conditions for Nigerians.

    “From the comments of several observers both local and foreign, it is obvious that the elections were both free and fair.

    “Now that the elections are over, and a winner declared, we must all see it as a victory for Nigeria, our dear country. That was why I encouraged my teeming supporters, in a speech I read earlier today, not to gloat.

    “Our God-given victory is enough cause for joy, without deriding those who were in the opposition.  All Nigerians, going forward, must stand in brotherhood, for a bright and fulfilling future.

    “I, therefore, want to assure that we will continue to engage all parties that have the best interest of Nigerians at heart. Our government will remain inclusive and our doors will remain open.

    “That is the way to build the country of our dream; safe, secure, prosperous and free of impunity and primitive accumulation by those entrusted with public offices.

    “The hard work to deliver a better Nigeria continues, building on the foundations of peace, rule of law and opportunities for all. We will roll up our sleeves afresh, and give it our all. We have no other motive than to serve Nigeria with our hearts and might, and build a nation which we and generations to come can be proud of.

    “I am very grateful to the over 15 million citizens who voted for me, those who contributed in many ways in the running of our successful campaign, and those at home and abroad who expressed confidence in me and the APC government. I thank you all.

    “I can assure that you will see a country moving to the Next Level, as we consolidate on our fundamental areas of securing the country, reviving the economy, and fighting corruption. Many other focal areas, as stated in our campaign manual, will be added, to the good things we plan for our country.

    “Let me pay tribute here to those who lost their lives either through accidents or mindless violence during the course of these elections. My heart and thoughts are with the families of the victims. May God comfort and give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

    “Election is not war, and should never be seen as a do or die affair. I pray that we all accept this democratic approach to elections, however contentious.”

    Buhari and Osinbajo were declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at exactly 4.39am yesterday, having scored the highest number of votes, 15,191,847.

    They defeated their closest rivals – former Vice President Abubakar Atiku and his running mate, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, who polled 11,262,978.

    The PDP and its candidate have resolved to contest the results at the tribunal.

    Buhari and Osinbajo arrived at the ICC in the company of their spouses, Hajia Aisha and Dolapo at 2:11pm.

    They got the Certificates of Return from the INEC boss at about 2:20pm.

    In a short remark, Prof Yakubu described the presentation of the certificates as a statutory requirement based on the Electoral Act which requires winners of elections to be given their certificate of return within seven days.

    The vice president, decked in a white native attire, was all smiles as praise singers sang “Oke Oke la oma lo” (meaning we will always make progress).

    The praise singers changed the tune to Sai Baba when it was the turn of the president to receive his certificate.

  • ‘Baba Suwe’ on admission at LUTH- TAMPAN President

    Babatunde Omidina popularly known as ‘Baba Suwe’ has been admitted at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Idi Araba, Lagos.

    Mr Bolaji Amusan, the National President, Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Producers Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

    Amusan popularly known as ‘Mr Latin’ as his stage name said that the development was as a result of the approval of the association’s appeal to the Federal Government to foot the medical bill of Baba Suwe.

    He said the ailing veteran comedian, who was alleged to be suffering from an unknown sickness, had been promised a first class treatment by the Federal Government at LUTH.

    Amusan said the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, had made arrangements for the comedian to be treated while the Federal Government will foot the medical bills.

    Amusan said: “Myself and other association members have just taken Baba Suwe to LUTH from his residence.

    ”I want to appreciate the minister for this gesture, we are happy that our colleague will be back on his feet after a comprehensive treatment.

    Read also: Don’t blame us over Baba Suwe’s ailment, says Dele Odule

    ”He is receiving first-class treatment and we feel so honoured.

    ” I also thank the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, for his generosity, having donated N1m toward Baba Suwe’s treatment.

    “I also thank everyone who had made donations toward our appeal for him, we can’t appreciate them enough.

    ” As the new president of the association, the welfare of my members is paramount on my mind which I have determined to improve within my four years’ tenure,” he said.

    NAN efforts to confirm the admission of Baba Suwe as a patient from the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of LUTH, Mr Kelechi Otuneme, was not successful as he did not pick calls made to his mobile phone.

    NAN reports that the ailing comedian had been soliciting financial support to enable him seek urgent medical attention.

    Some of his colleagues in the industry had made generous donations coupled with the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Oshibajo who donated N1m.

    The comedian began his acting career in 1972 but came into limelight after he featured in a movie titled ” Iru Esin “, a film produced by Olaiya Igwe in 1977 and had produced several Nigerian movies.

    His career, however, nosedived in 2011 when the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested him for allegedly trafficking in substances suspected to be hard drug.

    The allegation that was described as false and defamatory by the ruling of a Lagos High Court.(NAN)

  • Police confirm attack on Osinbajo’s campaign train in Ilorin

    The Kwara Police Command has confirmed an attack on the campaign train of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday in Ilorin.

    The Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Ilorin.

    He said the Vice President was not at the scene where the unknown gunmen shot at the mammoth All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters, who came out to hail the Prof. Osinbajo at Isale Aluko area in Ilorin.

    The Kwara Police spokesman confirmed that two persons sustained gunshot injuries while others who ran for safety suffered various degrees of injuries.

    Read also: Police foil plot to kidnap oil merchant by employees

    He said first information available to him has it that the attack was allegedly carried out by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) thugs in the state.

    Okasanmi said investigations into the matter had begun and promised that the police would unravel and bring those involved to justice.

    NAN reports the Vice President was in Ilorin to conclude the door-to-door campaign to mobilise votes for the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Meanwhile, Kwara PDP has denied involvement of its members and supporters in the attack on the vice-president.

    The denial was contained in a statement by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Tunde Ashaolu.

    He, however, said that the incident was an intraparty affair involving members of the APC arising from the endless crisis confronting the party. (NAN)

  • Why Nigerians should reelect Buhari, by APC Scandinavia

    The All Progressive Congress (APC) Scandinavia chapter has urged Nigerians to re-elect President Muhammadu Buhari and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo tomorrow, (Saturday) in order to consolidate on their achievements so far

    They also said the reelection of Buhari will ensure the continue diversification of the economy from oil dependent to Agriculture.

    In a statement on Thursday, the APC diaspora chairman, Lawal Ayoola, said the last minute call was to remind Nigerians that they cannot afford to return Nigeria back to the corrupt elites and unrepentant looters of the collective wealth of our country again.

    He said, “We are not claiming perfection in our APC Buhari led administration over the last 3 and the half years, we can categorically say that President Buhari’s nearly 4 years in office already surpassed uninterrupted 16 years of the PDP in power. 

    “If we may recall, about 20 states were in the financial comatose state as a result of accumulated unpaid workers` salaries during the PDP era, but the President Buhari led government bailed them out irrespective of party affiliation”.

    “Over 58,000 projects including over 300 federal roads across the country that were started but abandoned by the PDP administration and even in those instances where the funds had been paid for from the public treasury to contractors who did nothing,  the Buhari administration priotized them and we can see for ourselves active work going to complete these projects”.

    “In the 16 years of PDP led administrations contracts were awarded and re-awarded in such a manner that the project could not fly and impossible to revoke the contracts without government facing the legal battle such as the one Nigeria is facing in the UK”.  

    “In recent times, a London arbitration Tribunal awarded  $8.9 billion fine against Nigeria in favour of the British firm, Process and Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID)”.

    “The company initiated the moves to recover a judgment debt of $6.6 billion in damages plus $2.3 billion in uncollected interest, which was calculated at $1.2 million a day, according to a lead judgement by Lord Hoffman”.

    “The Buhari led government has been focused in diversification of our economy from oil dependent to Agriculture as well as the  N-Power programme, blocking of financial leakages across board, ongoing recovering of our stolen wealth, anti-graft war etc”.

    “The PDP led administration looted our country dry such that when President Buhari took over the rein of office in 2015 and with the price crash of the country main source of revenue, the crude oil, Nigeria was on her way into recession”.

    “The cruel and stupendously corrupt PDP governments were master of padded economy and fake financial publications”.

    “Over 16 billion dollars on power improvement and the power distribution companies sold to their friends but nothing to show for it but with less than 4 years of Buhari administration, the improvement is 4 times far better than the PDP 16 wasted years”.

    “Apart from the ongoing infrastructural development going on in the East including 2ndNiger Bridge, the much campaign mantra of PDP for several campaign seasons, the immediate payment of pension arrears to all ex-Biafra police officers and N88Billion released for the reconstruction for damages in the south-east shows that Buhari is an authentic leader”. 

    “The PDP Presidential candidate, Alh Atiku eight years as vice president of Nigeria was best described by his boss, Olusegun Obasanjo”. 

    “Atiku recent statement of amnesty and tax break for the people that put Nigeria in such a messy situation for 16 years shows that he is just interested in power and not the values Nigeria needs. Nigerians are facing the consequences of what PDP did for the past 16 years. Many untimely deaths due to lack of good roads, hospitals and sound health care, companies closed in record numbers due to lack of electricity and other infrastructures, our public schools and education far below standard now due to their cruel wickedness while their families are living large in and out of Nigeria”.

    “We call on all eligible voters to compare the values and antecedents of these two candidates of PDP and APC, we can categorically say that the difference is clear”.

    “We can not afford to return the people that blindly and confidently looted our collective wealth and put us through the suffering the nation is going through with no repentant attitude”.

    “Please, the future of Nigerians will greatly be affected by our decision on Saturday 16th Feb 2019. Please vote wisely by voting APC across board and President Mohammad Buhari and Osinbajo to continue the great job they already embarked on for Nigeria and Nigerians”.

  • Osinbajo launches school feeding programme in Edo

    …as FG feeds 9.3 million children

     

    Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has launched the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) in Edo State, to provide free meals for children in public schools in the state.

    During the launch of the programme at Eyaen Primary School in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state, Osinbajo said the NHGSFP feeds 9.3 million children in 49,937 public primary schools in 27 states, including Edo State.

    Earlier, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who received Prof. Osinbajo at Western Boys High School in Benin City, thanked the Vice President for the visit, and commended him for the Social Investment Programme, which has added value to the lives of Nigerians.

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    In his speech, Osinbajo noted that the programme employs 94,422 cooks while over 100,000 small-holder farmers are linked to the programme.

    The Vice President said in feeding the children across the country, 594 cows are slaughtered, 138,000 chickens killed, and 83 million tonnes of fish used in preparing the meals.

    He said the NHGSFP is part of the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme which is one of the largest safety net programmes in Nigeria.

    According to him, “N-Power employs over 500,000 graduates and 200,000 non-graduates across the nation. Two million people benefit from our Micro Credit Scheme which includes Trader-moni and Market-moni. This will be expanded to the next level to enable more Nigerians benefit from it.  We will be able to reach five to 10 million Nigerians.”

    The Vice President said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has been able to achieve these because it has fought corruption to secure the country’s resources and develop the nation.

    Speaking on the impact of the Social Investment Programme, Obaseki said the programme has provided an opportunity for vulnerable families to feed and send their children to school.

    He explained that the NHGSFP would be linked to the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation programme to bring out the best in school children, and thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and Prof Yemi Osinbajo for the initiative to feed children in schools.

    “This is a new dawn in Edo State that is ensuring that our children in schools across the state are not malnourished,” he added.

    The focal person of N-Power in Edo State, Ms. Osayuwamen Aladeshelu, said the NHGSFP has benefited thousands of Nigerians, who now include people in Edo State.

    “The programme is targeted at making children healthy. We are starting from Uhunmwode and Orhionmwon local government areas before spreading to other areas in the state.”

  • Buhari will not share public funds to friends, family — Osinbajo

    The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has assured Nigerians that when re-elected, the President Muhammadu Buhari administration will not share public funds to friends and families.

    The Vice President made the pledge at a dialogue organised by Christian Youths in Lagos State, under the
    aegis of the GRILL, Ikeja Branch, at the Podium Events Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.

    He said President Buhari deserved to be re-elected because of the way he had been able to address grand
    corruption, which was the main problem that led to the destruction of the nation’s economy.

    “Corruption has had detrimental effects on Nigeria’s economy. This country was subjected to corruption
    for many years. Grand corruption perpetuated by previous governments is responsible for the state of the
    economy.

    “Many of the projects in the country initiated by the previous government are not completed because of
    corruption. Grand corruption makes people start projects and never complete them.

    “Grand corruption is when the head of government takes money from the treasury and shares it to the people.
    You will never find people stealing from the public treasury under this administration.

    “The same individuals who robbed this country are saying they want to come back and fix the problems.
    We should ask them what they are going to do about grand corruption? How are you sure they are not going
    to enrich their friends with public funds,” the VP said.

    Osinbajo, while answering questions from the audience on the dismissed Secretary to the Government of
    the Federation (SGF), Mr Babachir Lawal, and the Director=General of the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA),
    Amb. Ayo Oke, said the duo were recommended for prosecution by the committee he chaired.

    “I think the first thing for us is that the report was acted upon; the former SGF was dismissed.

    “Secondly,  the president has directed that the SGF and former DG of NIA should be prosecuted.

    “So, we are expecting that prosecution will take place. The next of course is that criminal allegations will be
    filed against them and the prosecution process will be completed,” he said.

    The vice president, however, called for more tolerance among Christians and Muslims in the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the VP later held closed door meeting with various
    representatives of Igbo groups and organisations in Lagos state. (NAN)

     

  • VP Osinbajo takes TraderMoni to Warri, Asaba markets

    The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Friday visited the Warri Main Market and Ogbe Ogonogo Market, Asaba in Delta State to assess the disbursement of the TraderMoni scheme.

    TraderMoni is an Empowerment Scheme of the Federal Government created specifically for petty traders and artisans across the country.

    Under the scheme, two million petty traders across the country would get N10,000 collateral-free loans this year.

    Osinbajo, shortly after touching down at the Warri Airport, proceeded to the Palace of Olu Of Warri Ogiame Ikenwoli for a courtesy visit.

    Osinbajo was given massive welcome at the palace where he addressed an enthusiastic crowd.

    He explained that TraderMoni, a brainchild of President Muhammadu Buhari, was meant to empower no fewer than 2 million petty traders in 2018.

    “Today, I am here to flag off the TraderMoni scheme –one of those schemes initiated by President Buhari.

    “We have looked at the whole commercial landscape of Nigeria; the largest number of people engaged in commerce are petty traders.

    “They are small traders; some of them table top traders; some of them selling on trays and the whole is usually not more than N2000 to N5000.

    “The president then decided, following an experience which he had with the Katsina Foundation which he was the chairman, that it is important to give these petty traders some kind of a loan—N10,000.

    “When they pay back, we give them N15,000, when they pay back, we give them 20,000 and we keep increasing all the way to N100,000 so long as they come back.

    “It is meant to empower the petty traders,’’ he said.

    The vice president said that there was nothing political about the scheme as was being insinuated.

    He said it was unfortunate that because the scheme had gained popularity, some people were attacking it.

    At the Warri Main Market, Osinbajo was given a rousing welcome by a waiting crowd which cheered and hailed as the vice president acknowledged cheers.

    He went round the market lines and stalls to have a one on one exchange with the traders.

    Afterwards, the vice president proceeded to palace of Ovie of Ughelli Wilson Oharisi 111 on a courtesy call.

    At the Ogbe Ogonogo Market, Asaba, Osinbajo was also received by broom wielding crowd.

    He went round the market and had one on one interactions with the traders who told the vice president their successes with the TraderMoni.(NAN)

  • Problem with Nigeria is finding upright men in authority, says Osinbajo

    The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, says that the problem with Nigeria is finding upright men in positions of authority.

    Osibanjo said this on Friday in Enugu during a book presentation by former governor of Enugu State, Mr Sullivan Chime.

    The vice president said that the widely held belief that the problem with the country was ethnic and tribal based was wrong and misplaced.

    He said that those who wanted to privatise the resources of the country and build human capital were the major cause of friction in the country.

    He said that such leaders instigated the division of the country along ethnic and tribal lines in order to sustain their empire.

    “The problem of our country is finding forthright men in positions of authority,” he said.

    Osibanjo described Chime as a man with strong values who made the desired change in the state during his time as governor.

    He called on political office holders to discharge their responsibilities with good conscience and responsibility.

    Osibanjo said that the country would be a better place if politicians think of what the future would hold for their people rather than how to win their next election.

    “At the end of the day, integrity pays and I congratulate Chime for the successes he recorded during his time as governor,” Osibanjo said.

    In the book review, Prof. Chidi Onyia said that the book, written by the former governor, filled the gap in contemporary history of the state.

    Onyia said that the book, which encapsulated the good and rough times of the Chime administration, covered how to achieve growth in governance.

    He said that the book covered the achievements of the former governor, including the construction of 332 km rural roads, 222km rural connecting roads and 471km Enugu urban roads.

    Onyia also lauded the construction of bus stops, installation of street lights as well as implementation of a new waste management scheme in the state under the former governor.

    He pointed out that it was under the Chime administration that the Rockefeller Foundation named Enugu as one of the resilient cities in the world.

    “The efforts of the governor paid off and opened up the state for massive investments,” Onyia said.

    Earlier, the chairman of the event, Prof. George Obiozor, described Chime as an unsung hero who preferred to be a hero in thought and action.

    Obiozor said that the accomplishments of the former governor would remain a monument in the South East, adding that the continuity in developmental strides in the state was a pride to all Igbos.

    In a vote of thanks, Chime said that his administration did its best to bring smiles to the faces of residents of the state.

    The former governor said that he worked with an excellent team that saw one another as equals.

    “I am happy that after that, rather than people throwing stones at you, they see and appreciate what you did,” he said. (NAN)