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Tag: Prof. Yemi Osinbajo

  • Osinbajo advocates legislation against Female Genital Mutilation

    Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, says there is  need for state Houses of Assembly with high prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation(FGM) to legislate against the practice.

    Osinbajo expressed this view during an interaction with a team from Pearls Africa Foundation on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa.

    Pearls Africa Foundation is a Lagos-based social enterprise that promotes the cause and advancement of young girls and women using technology.

    The three girls in the team—Okpose Ayajenu, Mariam Matti and Moriat Alade, all built tech-based project/ websites through which they tried to solve already identified problems of their societies.

    Their respective projects are Makoko Fresh App, built by Ayajenu to connect fishermen and lovers of seafood, Hope Basket, by Matti to connect beggars and donors and Break the Blade Website, built by Alade to stop FGM.

    The vice-president said that what the girls were doing was innovative and should be encouraged.

    “Ordinarily it should be a crime to practice FGM, I think one of the things you should do is to write the state Houses of Assembly; and ask them to pass laws making it a crime punishable by a prison term to practice FGM.

    “That is one of the quickest means of bringing peoples’ attention to the issue, the advocacy is good but it will be better if the states pass laws, these things are within the jurisdiction of state governments.

    “This is very innovative; it is encouraging to see young girls, who are very sharp, very innovative, it requires commitment and a lot of hard work.

    “Sometimes you might find you are not getting as much attraction as you want within the period that you wanted, so you really need to be devoted over a long time, you need to be focused. People want to see that you are there.

    “For the Hope Basket, I do not know  how you are going to store the things; that is a challenge, you also need a standard for some of the things people might give, people can just come and dump some rags,’’ he said.

    Earlier, Mrs Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin, Founder, Pearls Africa Foundation, said that the essence of the visit was to intimate the vice president with the activities of the foundation.

    She said that the foundation promoted various initiatives for girls and women, citing `Girls Coding’ where girls were taught computer programming to enable them identify problems in their immediate environment and provide solutions to them.

    “For instance, the three girls are team leaders of different projects.

    “When they identify these problems, we merge them based on common interests.

    “For instance the Makoko Fresh App sold over N200, 000 in less than two months, connecting buyers and sellers of seafood,’’ she said.(NAN)

  • Osinbajo tasks editors on values, ethics of journalism profession

    The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday, tasked the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) to save the journalism from total collapse by enforcing the rules and values of the profession.

    Osinbajo gave the advice in a goodwill message at the opening of the 14th All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC) in Asaba, the Delta capital.

    Read Also:Fed Govt gives N15b interest-free loans to traders, says Osinbajo

    He noted that most profession, particularly journalism, had been threatened by artificial technologies, adding that social media had virtually taken over the conventional media in terms of readership and followership.

    Osinbajo, titled the goodwill message: “The end of Professions, the end of Journalism.”

    According to him, the burden is on the guild to set the agenda and the rules as well as enforce and keep them.

    “For journalism, are we at the end of the profession? Today, social media has totally become the choice of everybody and read by many people than the newspapers”.

    He noted that apart from the challenges of technology, the professionals remain a challenge to themselves, such that people had lost confidence because most information lacked objectivity and accuracy.

    He said that the journalism profession had today become partisans and were being influenced by politicians and nonprofessionals.

    He charged the media to fight corruption in the system, adding that corruption, like cancer could eat up the fabrics and eventually kill the victim if not checked.

    “The guild must make personal sacrifice that will save the profession by removing the bad eggs,” the VP said.

    NAN

     

  • Jallo tackles Osinbajo over comment on IBB 

    …says no gov’t has performed like IBB’s

     

    Former National Democratic Party (NDP) chairman in Kaduna State and a die-hard supporter of former Military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) during the build up to 2011 presidential race, Hassan Mohammed Jallo, has tackled the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo over the VP’s recent public comment against the past regime of IBB.

    Osinbajo who was answering questions from Nigerians at a town hall meeting in Minnesota, United States last Sunday, had spoken on how huge funds went down the drain in previous administrations, which earned much and invested little in infrastructure.

    Read Also:Osinbajo tackles Obasanjo, IBB, Jonathan over oil cash

    On OPEC statistics on oil revenues accruable to Nigeria under successive administrations between 1990 and 2014, the Vice President said not much had been done in terms of infrastructure, despite the huge oil revenues.

    He said: “Under the IBB/Abacha administrations (1990 – 1998) Nigeria realised$199.8 billion; under the Obasanjo / Yar’Adua governments (1999 – 2009), the country got $401.1 billion; and during the Jonathan administration (2010 – 2014), Nigeria got $381.9 billion from oil revenues.

    “The question that we must all ask is what exactly happened to resources? The question that I asked is that where is the infrastructure?”

    However, addressing journalists on Monday, Jallo who said he is for IBB till eternity, advised Osinbajo to retrieve his comment, particularly against IBB administration.

    He said this was because IBB’s achievements were too lofty not to be noticed by any Nigerian, adding that the Aso Rock, the seat of the Federal Government was built by IBB.

    He listed few of IBB achievements out of 277 items to include construction of ECOWAS Headquarters, Abuja international airport phase 1&11, Nigerian Dockyard Snake Island, Lagos,  National Assembly, Abuja, Maitama General Hospital, Abuja, boreholes for 1004 Housing Estate, Third mainland bridge, Lagos.

    Others, according to IBB supporter, was the removal of Decree 4 on the press, establishment of Nigerian Broadcasting Commission along with Nigerian Telecommunication Commission which has powers to give private license.

    Jallo challenged the number two citizen to tell him the most productive and widely accepted Nigerian leader other than the former military president.

    He said, “It is unfortunate that since the declaration of intention of IBB to contest the 2011 presidential elections, certain negative reaction and stories are being made by very few unprogressive Nigerians, but the glorious image of IBB as an excellent God fearing leader, father, peacemaker, diplomat and a living legend of our time remains positive in the minds and memories of the Nigerian majority.

    “There is no respected statesman as much as IBB in Nigeria and that is the role he is playing. He is ready to support whoever emerged the flag bearer of PDP presidential race because he is a founder and a card carrying member of the party.

    “I will continue to react and redirect whoever makes derogatory comments on my leader (IBB) because no Nigerian leader dead or alive had achieved what IBB had achieved for the country”.

  • Osinbajo: Local technologies to deal with climate change issues

    The development, deployment and transfer of locally relevant climate technologies remain the best solution to climate change challenges, the Acting President , Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has said.

    The Office of the Vice-President said Osinbajo made the statement on Friday at the inauguration of the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC) situated at the Enterprise Development Centre of the Lagos Business School.

    Mr Laolu Akande, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice-President, made Osinbajo’s view known in a statement on Saturday.

    The Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre is a public-private partnership involving the Federal Government, the World Bank Group and the Pan-Atlantic University.

    The Centre provides holistic, country-driven support to accelerate the development, deployment and transfer of locally relevant climate and clean energy technologies.

    Osinbajo said the task of advancing climate action was crucial, especially for Nigeria, in the view of the challenge of climate change and the need for the adoption of an innovative approach.

    “The pressure for livelihoods and food for a huge population will put tremendous pressure on natural resources and the implications for climate change will be dire indeed.

    “The creation of an enabling environment for climate-smart businesses to thrive is simply the only way to go,’’ he said.

    Osinbajo said he had visited several start-ups, technology hubs and innovation spaces around the country and seen innovativeness, creativity and drive of Nigerians.

    He said Nigerians were “constantly developing and deploying solutions in many sectors’’, including “agriculture, health, transport, security, climate action and many more locally relevant climate technologies’’.

    According to him, one of the key sectors where there is potential for high impact interventions by green technologies is the off-grid solar sector.

    Osinbajo said the Solar Home Project and  Energising Economies Initiative were some of the private-sector-driven efforts targeted at providing off-grid power to homes, markets and economic clusters across the country.

    He said that so far, 13,000 shops at Sabon-Gari Market in Kano were currently being powered through high-capacity stand-alone solar systems.

    He said more were expected to come on stream soon at the Ariaria Market in Aba, Sura Market in Lagos, and other markets in Oyo, Edo and Ondo states.

    The acting president challenged the new climate Centre to develop and deploy technology and expertise required to deliver clean energy in areas prone to oil pollution and other related hazards.

    According to him, the innovation Centre must seek to develop the technology and expertise required to deal with the oil spill challenge in the Niger Delta region.

    He said the Federal Government was investing considerably in Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) to help overcome challenges and risks brought about by the use of kerosene and firewood in homes.

    Osinbajo tasked the NCIC team to come up with innovation in smart cooking equipment that could utilise LPG in the most efficient manner.

    The acting president urged stakeholders in the off-grid power sector to take advantage of the Green bond issued by the Federal Government and the opportunities provided at the newly inaugurated climate Centre to fund their projects.

    “It provides a platform to attracting or unlocking venture financing and private equity funds for climate-smart businesses and Nigerians providing climate-smart solutions,’’ Osinbajo said.

  • EdoJobs, Curators Academy commence training on programming for youths

    Less than two weeks after the Vice President, Prof.  Yemi Osinbajo, commissioned the Edo Innovation Hub, the Edo State government in partnership with the Curators Academy, have commenced training on Python, Data Science, and other programming tools, at the new facility in Benin City.

    The Special Assistant to the Governor on Job Creation and Skills Development, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, who disclosed this to journalists in Benin City, said the Curators Academy has opened its laboratory for Edo youths, to acquire on-demand tech skills.

    According to her, “Beginners and intermediate classes would be held on Python and Data Science programming for youths who were part of the boot camp held when the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, launched the Edo Innovation Hub.”

    She added, “In preparation for this class, the lab is now open for people who are interested in learning Python and Data Science programmes to come in and use the lab to learn.”

    She explained that “Those who were trained during the launch of the Edo Innovation Hub are practicing, working and using the knowledge and tools to improve their skills. This kicks off a one-year partnership where 600 young people in Edo will be trained as tech entrepreneurs and tech experts participate in international competitions and get jobs globally in the tech space.”

    Mrs. Dare also noted that the Edo State government will be organising a 2-day training programme on Book Keeping and Financial Management in partnership with Recounting Limited.

    “Edo Innovates is focused on leveraging technology for job creation and enterprise development so it is a connection point for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts. At the financial management training, entrepreneurs will be trained by accounting experts. It is targeted at giving business owners up-to-date skills needed to manage business finance. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply on the EdoJobs portal before June 28.”

    She further said that Mobicure, a social enterprise, is the first tech business to secure office space in the Edo Innovation Hub and encourages other start-ups and businesses to take full advantage of the facility and training programmes.

  • Azura-Edo IPP proof of enabling environment for private investors – Osinbajo  

    The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has attributed the impressive delivery of the Edo-Azura 450mw Independent Power Project (IPP) as a testimony of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration’s posture in creating an enabling environment for private businesses.

    The Vice President, who said this during a visit on Friday to the Azura-Edo IPP, near Benin City, said the project demonstrates the capacity of Nigerian engineers as well as Nigerian enterprise.

    He said the plant has greatly increased the capacity of Nigeria to generate power, noting, “with the 450mw from this plant and the quality of this particular plant, I think we are on to a very good thing. I think with the capacity to increase generation from here, I think this is very positive.”

    “All that we need to do is to create the environment for businesses to thrive. As you know, this is a privately-owned plant and a private initiative but with the active support of the government. This is one of the reasons why I am here. To give all the support that we can and ensure that the environment is right for those who want to invest in the power sector is what we will do and what we will continue to do,” he assured.

    Read Also:Obaseki, World Bank Directors, inspect completed Azura-Edo power plant

    He described as fantastic his experience in the state for the two days, noting, “I have been to the groundbreaking of the housing units at Emotan Gardens. I have also gone to see the innovation hub, which we describe as the South-South Hub, a collaboration between the Federal Government and the State Government. I saw all of the young, creative Nigerians involved in technology and innovation, doing wonderful things. I was here to commission that; and to see our N-Power and Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP). I am glad that I came and I will be back.”

    Earlier on Friday, Prof. Osinbajo met with Christian religious leaders in Edo State at the Government House, during a Breakfast session and paid a visit to the Benin Monarch, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akplokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, in his palace.

     

  • Edo, reference point for good governance – Osinbajo 

    …lauds Obaseki’s reenactment of Ogbemudia’s devt’al strides

     

    The Vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has said that Edo State in the last decade, has retained her status as a reference point with regard to good governance in the country.

    Osinbajo gave the commendation at a State Dinner held in his honour at the Edo Government House in Benin City, as part of his 2-day visit to the state.

    He expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led adminstration in reenacting the developmental strides recorded in the administration of the late Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia.

    The Vice President assured of the federal government’s readiness to support Edo State in her effort to bring development to the people.

    Read Also:Osinbajo, Obaseki partner to give Edo life-changing projects

    He said the various projects which informed his visit to the state, would boost the Edo economy, especially the federal government’s South-South Innovation Hub.

    In his remark, Obaseki expressed his appreciation to the Vice President for his continued support for the state, noting that the several initiatives of the Office of the Vice President have provided jobs for Edo youths.

    “The N-Power and N-Build programmes have remained major sources of encouragement for the state in her journey to greatness,” the governor said.

    The Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Phillip Shaibu, solicited for more support from the federal government to enable the state government benefit more from the initiatives of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

    Obaseki at the dinner, announced full scholarship to Miss Obakpolor Esosa, a Senior Secondary School 1 student of Idia College, in Benin City, due to the depth of her presentation on the Menace of Human Trafficking.

  • Osinbajo commends private sector-led economic expansion in Edo

    …lauds Obaseki on 1800-unit Emotan Gardens project

     

    The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday in Edo State, commended the private sector-led economic expansion in Edo State under Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    Osinbajo gave the commendation at the groundbreaking ceremony of the 1800 housing-unit Emotan Gardens, in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

    He said, “It is good to see the great and dynamic work the governor is doing. I was in Auchi recently to commission the Edo Fertiliser and Chemical Company Ltd. I was in this local government for the Benin Industrial Park. I commend the governor and MIXTA Africa for this excellent idea.”

    He lauded the governor’s investment drive and the increased participation of the private sector in the state’s economy.

    Chairman, Board of Directors, MIXTA Africa, Eddy Eguavoen, said that the firm was excited about the partnership with the Edo State Government on the project, noting that from his experience with other governments across Africa, Edo State government’s support for the private sector is unparallel.

    According to him, “Our experience has been remarkable. I want to assure Nigerians and those in the diaspora that this project will be delivered with the quality and standards that MIXTA Africa is known for.”

    Governor Obaseki said that the project is the realisation of his campaign to turn the state into an economic hub, noting that the project is in line with the pledge to revive the state’s economy.

    He said, “I promised to create 200,000 jobs in the first instance, and some of them were to be in agriculture and construction, among others.

    “We realised that housing is also key. Hence, we have re-enacted the Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) law and set up a new management. This project is a reflection of the new direction.”

    Read Also:Eight Edo indigenes returning from Spain die in Ogun accident

    Noting that the state has proven that much can be achieved with the private sector, he said, “I am happy that we have proven that it can be done.

    Obaseki added, “This building was put up in record time. I assure you that 80 per cent of materials used for this project was manufactured in Edo State. They will be used for the entire project.

    “We are starting a new paradigm. We expect that the houses will sell from between N3 million to N12 million. We are praticalising policies being enunciated in Abuja.”

    Former Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, noted that the Vice President’s visits to Edo State indicate that the Edo economy is on track with Obaseki as governor.

    Oshiomhole maintained that the VP’s visits, the third since Obaseki assumed office, have always been to commission or kick-start economic projects that will propel growth and development and not for tea party.

    “These visits confirm that Obaseki is building on the foundation I have laid for the growth and development of the state.

    “I am happy because those that have doubt about our governor now know that we have a credible and a performing governor who is building on our development.”

    Oshiomhole added that the governor had assured that he would concentrate on the economy and create jobs for Edo youths, noting “this he has been doing, and has attracted private investors to the state”.

    The Vice President also launched the South-South Innovation Hub at the Edo Innovates facility. He also attended the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Clinic, where he and the governor had a chat with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme (SIP).

     

     

  • Osinbajo’s visit: EDPA-MIXTA Africa intensify work on Emotan Gardens project

    As activities rev up for the hosting of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on a two-day visit, Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), and MIXTA Africa, are intensifying work on the development of the 1800-unit Emotan Gardens.

    Executive Chairman, EDPA, Isoken Omo, in a chat with journalists during a tour of the site, said that the partnership with MIXTA Africa has been fruitful and the response to the development of the affordable housing units by residents in the state and those in the diaspora have been tremendous.

    She said that work on the estate in preparation for the Vice President’s visit has reached advanced stage and all is set for the August visitor.

    According to her, “We are happy that the Vice President is coming to commission this landmark project. This project holds a lot of history for the state. It is the first state government housing project in the state after 16 years.

    Read Also:Osinbajo’s visit: Taraba governor flags off Wukari-Tsokundi road

    “Our partner, MIXTA Africa, has been very supportive and we are working round the clock to ensure that the project site is ready for the ground-breaking ceremony,

    Noting that some units will be ready for the Vice President’s visit, she said, “We are committed to this project and want to assure the people that we will deliver on our promises. The project is going to be a major pull for residents and those in the Diaspora to invest in bespoke real estate in Benin.

    We are sourcing materials for this project within the state, which is quite remarkable, as this means that the building will be quite affordable at the end of the day.

    “We assure that some level of structure would be on ground for the ceremony by the Vice President. This is to show how serious the state government and MIXTA Africa are to deliver on the project.”

    Head, Sales and Marketing, MIXTA Africa, Korede Lawrence-Salu, said MIXTA Africa is impressed with the partnership, and promised that it would work round the clock to deliver on the project, assuring on delivery of high quality, valuable housing stock.

    According to him, “after we sealed the deal to construct the 1,800-unit project, we have been inundated with enquiries from those willing to have a stake. So we are confident about this project. We have recorded high interest, especially among Edo people in the diaspora too.”

  • Start-ups to solve local problems with local solution – Osinbajo

    Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Vice President, says Start-ups are created to stimulate ideas to solve local problems using local solutions.

    Osinbajo said this on Friday at the inauguration of the innovation support hub of the North Central in Abuja.

    Osinbajo was represented by Mr Afolabi Imokwode, the Senior Assistant, National Social Investment Programme (NSIP).

    According to him, the government is working at expanding opportunities for youths, especially those who are unemployed.

    “Today its really about technology and innovation, Nigeria is a youthful population and with this, part of what we have done is to create platforms that will allow youths engage with their creativity.

    “With innovation particularly using technology, we are already aware of the success of the programme, which is a technology induced programme.

    “What it does is really to stimulate a lot more ideas. How do you use technology using Nigerian start-ups and technologies to solve problems.”

    He said in the north central, government was looking at how to use technology and innovative ideas to solve governance problems and agriculture related problems.

    The Vice President added that technology was also being use to resolve problems of security in the north central.

    Mr Kola Aina, the Founder, Ventures Platform Hub, partnering with the Federal Government on the programme, said it was an important intervention by the government.

    “The programme is to support the start-up ecosystem by expanding the works that hubs are doing around the country, this is done by making direct investments into start-up in terms of funding and capacity building.

    Mr Ife Adebayo, the Special Assistant on Innovation to the Vice-President said: “We are here to launch the Federal Government’s support programme for the north central and we are working with ventures platform.”

    ‘We are supporting private sector organisations that are supporting individuals and supporting enterprises and we have given these private enterprises a free hand to make their decisions and select impactful companies.

    According to him, government is looking out for companies that are solving local problems by providing local solutions to local problems.

    “ We need companies and ideas that are disruptive in nature, that can make an impact, either social or economic impact in the country, so these are the key things we have to look out for.

    “And out of more than 8,000 applications, they have been able to come up with top 30, and the top 30 were asked to pitch with a select team of judges, which produced have the top 10 that we have today.”

    NAN reports that Start-up Nigeria is an intervention of the National Investment Programme under the Office of the Vice President to support private sector innovation hubs for strategic increase of entrepreneurial and technological capacity across Nigeria. (NAN)