Tag: Professor Yemi Osinbajo
-
Photo: Ambode, VP Osinbajo, Obasanjo at Lagos airport
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Acting President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Professor Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Wing of Murtala Muhammed Airport. The dignitaries at the Presidential lounge of Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos -
Saraki reads Buhari’s medical vacation extension letter, others
Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Tuesday read President Muhammadu Buhari’s medical vacation extension letter.
Saraki also read the letter seeking the confirmation of Acting Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Walter Onnoghen, as substantive CJN which was endorsed by Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
President Buhari in the letter notifying the Senate of the extension of his medical leave referred further to his letter dated 18th January 2017, in which he notified the Senate of taking part of his annual leave.
He noted that “During my leave, I took the opportunity to have routine check-ups and consult my long standing doctors in London.
“In the course of the routine examination, certain test result indicated the need for a course of medication and further appointments have been scheduled for next week.
“I am therefore, notifying the Distinguished Senate that I am extending my leave until the doctors are satisfied that certain factors are ruled out.
“In the circumstance, the Vice President will continue to act on my behalf.”
On the appointment of the Onnoghen as CJN, entitled “Re: Appointment of Chief Justice of Nigeria” the Acting President said, “Following the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, I hereby notify you (Senate) of the appointment of the Honourable Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen CFR as Chief Justice of Nigeria.
“The Senate President is requested to kindly present the said appointment of the Honourable Justice Onnoghen for confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, pursuant to Section 231(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Nigeria.”
Saraki also told the Senate that he led a delegation of the Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara and the Senate Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan to visit President Buhari in London.
The Senate President reiterated that they met President Buhari in good spirit, in good health and chatty as usual.
Saraki said that he led the delegation to convey the good wishes of the National Assembly to President Buhari.
President Buhari, Saraki said, “hopes to be back very soon.”
-
Places of worship will be protected – Osinbajo
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday assured that the Federal Government would protect Nigerians at their various places of worship.
He gave the assurance during the Service of Nine Lessons Christmas Carol, tagged: “Celebrating Jesus, The Light” taken from the book of John Chapter 1 Verses 1 to 5.
The Christian Carol took place at the Christian Centre, Abuja.
He said the federal government would continue to work hard to restore what the country had lost over the years.
Osinbajo said, “On the part of the government, you have our assurance that we shall continue to live by example, working hard and diligently every day to restore the years that the cankerworms have eaten.
“Government will continue to dutifully protect lives and property with all the means of the disposal while also protecting the life of every Nigerian to freely worship in their chosen faith.
“We shall continue to pursue dialogue, reconciliation and nation building as we continue to focus on some of the areas of divergence and differences in our national lives.
“When we live in love and we live in peace, we live in prosperity and so we should love our nation enough to serve it with diligence and upright awe.’’
The vice president said with God and the unrelenting determination by the government to resolve the problems facing the country, better days are ahead of Nigeria.
He reminded Christians to practice love, service to the Lord and exemplary characters as Christmas was just around the corner.
-
Buhari, Osibanjo, APC governors storm Edo for APC rally
President Mohammadu Buhari, his Vice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, All Progressives Congress Governors and the National leadership of the party will on Tuesday relocate to Edo state capital, Benin city for the grand rally for the Governorship Election of September 10.
Speaking with journalists in Benin on Monday, the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Barrister Anselm Ojezua said anytime the APC is holding rally, there is always mass mobilization, saying “once the people know that the president is coming our people will be so excited to receive him, celebrate and crown our efforts of moving round the entire state for the past few weeks.
Ojezua said the National campaign Council for the APC Governorship candidate, Godwin Obaseki, Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos state and his team are already in Benin to ensure smooth rally.
He said all logistics to ensure free movement of the visitors and party supporters across the state are also be perfected.
The APC Chairman therefore called on all Edo people in respective of party affiliation to come out emass to welcome Mr. President to the state.
Meanwhile, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in central city of Benin City is wearing a new look ahead of the President Mohammadu Buhari visit to Edo state.
When our reporter visited the stadium, Soldiers, Department of State Security Services, Anti-Riot Policemen and other Security agencies has taken over the stadium and all the major roads leading in and out of Stadium Area.
The Airport, Golf course road, and the Edaiken N’uselu palace where the President and his entourage visit had also been taken over by Soldiers and other Security agencies.
-
Perishable cargo exporters lament N100m loss
Exporters of perishable cargo/vegetable have lost a whooping N100 million due to government’s closure of export warehouses of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) and the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The warehouse was shut last week by officials of the Federal Operations Unit of Nigerian Customs Service following a tip off that the bonded facilities housed stolen and prohibited items meant for exportation.
This is just as they have stated that government’s closure of the export sheds at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos is sending wrong signals to the comity of international agro-allied supply chain, which portends grave danger for the economy’s agro-allied produce, if not curtailed.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Wednesday Chief Executive Officer of ABX World, Captain John Okakpu said the agro-allied exporters numbering over one hundred are worried that such incident is tantamount to economic loss.
He said international off-takers are developing cold-feet with regard to agricultural produce from Nigeria.Captain Okakpu, who said the exporters lost over N100million worth of goods within 48-hours the export warehouses were shut.
He called on the Federal Government through the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to urgently commence full-scale investigations into the immediate and remote causes of the warehouses closure to avoid re-occurrence.He said with government’s focus on agriculture as one of the panaceas to the rising inflation, restrictions in capital flows and depleting forex reserves, agro-allied exporters deserve protection as partners.
The warehouse was re-opened last Wednesday.He said: “Gentlemen, the truth is, we have made fundamental mistakes in the past as a nation by becoming a mono-economy. But, we cannot continue to lick the wounds. We have to reverse the case and agriculture provides us with a better option to grow. That is why as agro-allied exporters, we are seriously worried over the actions of some government officials, who seem not to underestimate the peculiarities of perishable items for export.
“Shutting down the warehouses was actually an indictment on customs, as they (Customs officials) ought to have carried out surveillance before shutting down all export businesses at the Lagos Airport. If such act is not checkmated in future it will compound issues and create a logjam in the system. Or, do we prefer to ship our cargos to countries like Ghana or Cameroun before we can be shipped to Europe and other markets? Presently, the yam sold in Europe as Ghana yams are actually from Nigeria!
“Go and investigate it! Because we seemingly abandoned our God-given potentials ‘to lick oil’, see how the economy has been battered. We wouldn’t want the issues surrounding brown beans and other agricultural produce from Nigeria, to happen to vegetables and other perishables like ginger, garlic, Nsukka-yellow pepper, among others. That is why we are calling on the Federal Government to urgently investigate the matter and punch who ever are the culprits to serve as deterrent to others. So, as Professor Yemi Osibanjo was inaugurating the new agric road map, those warehouses have been shut. What an irony. Enough is enough!”, he said.
He said any action contradicting Federal Government’s agricultural road map launched by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo recently should not be treated with levity.
Supporting Captain Okakpu’s claims, the President, Nigeria Vegetable Exporters Association, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Temitope, said that her company alone lost over N1million worth of cargo within 24-hours of the export shed closure.
She lamented the widespread impact on the Association’s members numbering over 20. She said, “It was a devastating day for us. We work at night so that as early as 6:00am our partner airline Arik Air would ship the vegetables. So, when the news got to us that customs have shut down both NAHCO and SAHCOL export shed my blood pressure shoot up.
“I have been on this business for over 30 years; exporting vegetables to South Africa and London almost every week. Unfortunately, the Customs Service and some other government agencies do not have regard for us. They do not any way intimate us before embarking on any clamp down. They know who are engaging in illegal businesses. Ask them, who cleared the items in the first place! In countries like Uganda and Ghana, vegetable/perishable goods exporters are accorded special attention; why is our different?”
Mrs. Temitope said that the Association members merit to be compensated by the government hence they are legitimately contributing their quota to the development of the economy.
“Most of us do take bank facilities, so when occasions like this occur you can imagine how difficult it becomes for us to meet up with the demands. Aside that, there are other markets offering more conducive environment; the principal reason most exporters now prefer Ghana to Nigeria. Customs have arrogated powers to themselves to the extent armored tanks were sent to the airport in hunt of illegal exporters whereas no items goes out of Nigeria without passing through Customs clearance. In fact, it should be investigated properly, maybe some secret or unknown forces sabotaging the county will be uncovered”, she added.
Also, Veronica Ezigbo, managing director of Kiverlin Foods said that the incident should be thoroughly investigated, citing the impact as a negation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s change mantra.
She said, “The impact is very huge, because we deal on perishable goods. We are ordinary citizens of this country and do not deserve this kind of treatment. Customs officials know the people they are searching for, where and how to catch them. They acted ignorantly, because our line of business is very competitive; if you fail to deliver within few hours the vegetables get damaged too.
“Think of it, our dear country is faced forex challenges. Is it not common sense that exporters should be encouraged? It takes a lot of stress to conduct this business, especially when Government no financial facility for us. We demand that this matter should not be swept under the carpet. If Nigeria will move forward, if we are sincere about agriculture, then, special recognition should be given to exporters like us”.
-
Osinbajo, APC governors storm Benin for governorship flag off
* as security operatives take Ogbemudia stadium, it’s environs
The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and All Progressives Congress Governors will on Saturday storm Benin City, the Edo state capital for the official flag off of the All Progressives Congress Governorship campaign of Godwin Obaseki for the September 10th election.
This was disclosed by the state Chairman of the party, Barrister Anselm Ojezua yesterday while speaking on the preparation on ground for the flag off.
Ojezua said some of the governors will arrive Friday evening ahead of campaign on Saturday.
He also said arrangements are on to mobilize all Edo people in and outside the state for the flag off.
The APC Chairman further revealed that some notable People’s Democratic Party members in the state will pick tent with All Progressives Congress at the flag off.
Meanwhile, Security Operatives have taking over the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium venue of the flag off and its environs ahead of the APC governorship flag Off on Saturday.
Vehicular movement have been diverted from stadium road, the popular Akenzua road, Zabayo and Plymouth road, while soldiers have also taking over some strategic zone around the stadium.
-
Ambode’s achievements in one year commendable – Buhari
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari on Monday commissioned series of projects in Lagos State, just as he commended the achievements of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode administration in one year.
Buhari who was represented at the events by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, said Lagos under Governor Ambode has continued to maintain its leading role in delivering good governance to the people.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit in Cappa area of Oshodi, his first point of call, Buhari described the facility as not only the first of its kind in Nigeria, but one that would go a long way to improve response time during emergency situations.
He said, “With this special rescue unit, it is evident that we have moved a notch higher. There is no question at all that this facility is a world class facility.” The LASEMA Response Unit boasts of an initial acquisition of 51 equipment including three Forklifts, one Crane, 13 trucks, 10 Paramedic Motorbikes, two Fire Trucks, Ambulances, among others.
President Buhari, who later commissioned the Ago Palace Way, Okota, described the initiative of the State Government to build the road as a fantastic idea, saying the road was an important economic road that would promote trade and investment and enhance movement along that corridor.
The Ago Palace Way is a link road that connects about four local governments and providing a viable alternative route for motorists trying to access Festac, Mile 2 and Apapa areas of the State with ease thereby reducing travel time.
At the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, where he handed over security equipment purchased by the State Government to the tune of N1.85billion, the President said that it was a testament to the premium the administration of Governor Ambode has placed on safety of lives and property of its citizenry.
Among the equipment commissioned include 140 brand new Ford Ranger Pick-Ups and 335 Power Bikes fitted with communication gadgets, Helmets, Bullet Proof vests and other kits.
The President said, “I have also seen already so much attention being paid to security and just earlier on we were at the LASEMA rescue operation unit which we just commissioned. Also here, we are about to commission several security equipment donation to the police and security agencies. In fact virtually all the security agencies including immigrations and Customs including NDLEA are to benefit from this latest gift of the Lagos State Government.
He said the State Government was blazing the trail with several commendable projects, including the two roads being constructed in each of the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas of the State.
“I must also say that I am impressed with the fact that the whole effort at security is an integrated one and so we have the Light up Lagos being an important component of that whole effort. I want to say that the Governor of this State deserves our commendation and all of the praise and support that he is getting”
He assured that the Federal Government would continue to support the State Government to actualise several projects, noting that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Kano and Lagos-Calabar are projects embedded in the 2016 Budget which would benefit the State immensely.
In his remarks, Governor Ambode said that the LASEMA Response Unit, aside the initial goal to significantly bring down response time by responders, the State Government is working tirelessly to roll out dispatch centres across key areas within the State with the goal of further reducing response times.
Governor Ambode, who also spoke at the commissioning of the security equipment, said it was in further demonstration of his administration’s resolve to strengthen the capacity of the security agencies.
He said the vehicles and equipment would be distributed among the 107 Police Stations and 13 Police Area Commands in Lagos State, and all the security agencies would also be beneficiaries of the equipment.
The Governor said, “These items are critical facilities required to address security and emergency challenges peculiar to modern city States like ours. It is our expectation that all these efforts, in addition to the “Light up Lagos” initiative and the Smart-City project, will guarantee a safer and more secure environment for business and leisure.”Governor Ambode also said that aside up scaling the security infrastructure, his administration was also giving attention to the welfare of the security personnel through payment of allowances and provision of insurance facilities to compensate for any unfortunate incident while on active duty.
“In addition, officers and men who demonstrate bravery, gallantry and high level commitment to duty are being acknowledged and appropriately rewarded,” he said.
Responding on behalf of all the security agencies, Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase thanked Governor Ambode for the security equipment, and assured that they would be put to optimal use.
Arase, who recalled that the security equipment was the second donation within six months by Governor Ambode, said the donation has led to the reduction of crime in the State.
He said, “When you (Governor Ambode) gave us the first set of equipment, I did promise you that to whom much is given, much is expected and the officers and men of the Command have worked tirelessly and assiduously to ensure that the crime rate in Lagos is within tolerable limit that will attract foreign direct investment and other investment in the State.
“I can’t thank you enough but I can also promise you today that we are not going to rest on our oars. We will continue to work and ensure that the peace and stability of Lagos State is guaranteed.”
-
Osinbajo seeks new leadership style
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday advocated a new leadership style for leaders across the country that builds bridges, keeps in touch with the people and offers a new way of thinking.
He made the call while receiving the new Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. According to him, the new Ooni of Ife represents a new generation of Nigerians through his outreach efforts and setting a new standard and leadership style.
In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, he said: “Some of what we have seen `Kabiyesi’ do, some of those steps he has taken, handshakes across prejudices, across traditional boundaries, a visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, and several other such important steps are not just symbolic.
“It is important to understand that they also have very deep implications for future relationships and for the way that our generation is perceived and also implications in the way that our country eventually shapes up,” Prof. Osinbajo noted.
The Vice President said leaders have to be accountable to the people adding that “one of the very important attributes of the Kabiyesi is the fact that he represents a new way of thinking, which is not just a generational way of thinking, but a whole new concept in the way he relate to power and authority.
He said that the new way of thinking and style which the new Ooni represents is not just about traditional leadership, “but it is something that relates to leadership at every level.
He commended the new king for his “great insight and leadership attributes,” and prayed that Almighty God will enable him fulfill the purpose of his enthronement.
He said “I think that he is one of those who have thought it fit to begin to express himself in a completely different way from what we had seen in the past. I think that one of the key things that we have learnt from leadership and one of the key leadership skills that he has taught, that his approach has taught us, is that you have to make contacts even with people and with authorities who in the past may have been considered adverse or adversaries one way or the other.”
Prof Osinbajo also praised the Ooni for his connection with young people, commended his embrace of modern communication, and observed that there were indications that a new generation had taken over.
By addressing the concerns of the young people who constitute a very substantial portion of the nation’s population, he said that the Ooni has demonstrated the understanding that it is not just about demographics but about the future of the country. In his remarks, Oba Ogunwusi who described the Vice President as “amiable,” noted that he had been “warmly received by Mr President and Mr Vice President to talk progressively about what can be done from the traditional aspect since monarchs are much closer to the people.
He appealed to Nigerians, “to be patient with our leaders. They have very good plan for us, very positive plans. If we can be patient we will all benefit from their lofty programmes’’ Earlier the Vice President received a delegation from the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers, NALT, led by its president, Dr. Abdulkarim Kana.
Prof. Osinbajo, himself a law teacher, expressed delight at the courtesy visit, and wondered what his life trajectory would have been if he had not become a professor of law.
Recalling how difficult legal research had been in the past, he cited an instance when it took him six weeks to get an authority and other details of a particular case in the high court in the early 80s. According to him, things have since become better now, with improved technology-aided tools that are available.
He encouraged the members of the delegation and the association made up of law professors and lecturers drawn from about four generations of law teachers to welcome practicing lawyers as university teachers.
“We should be open to those kind of interaction, great universities of the world allow for such interactions,” according to the Vice President. The leader of the delegation, Dr. Kana who told the VP, “I have brought your constituency to you,” described the Vice President as “one of our very best.”
He said the success of the Buhari administration is the success of Nigeria and pledged the support of the association. Other notable university teachers that formed part of the delegation included Prof. Ademola Popoola, Prof. Chioma Kanu Agomo, Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, Prof. Maxwell Gidado, SAN, and Prof. Festus Emiri among others
-
National Economic Council inauguration holds Monday
President Muhammadu Buhari will on Monday inaugurate the National Economic Council (NEC) to be constitutionally headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
The inauguration will hold at the Presidential Villa by 11am.
The NEC, which is expected to meet every month, normally have members including all state governors, Ministers of National Planning, Finance, and Justice.
Others who are usually members of the Council are the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
One of the constitutional responsibility of the Council is to give advise to the President on economic affairs of the Federation.
Particularly, the Council is to advise on the necessary measures for co-ordination of the economic planning efforts and economic programmes of the various government of the federation.
The NEC, under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, was not holding regularly and in some instances was not held for a period of six months.
-
‘Faith and Politics Nigeria’ plays host to Osinbajo today
The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential running mate, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, will today in Lagos speak on concerns Christians have about getting involved in politics.
The talk which is scheduled for Landmark Centre, Victoria Island is organised by ‘Faith and Politics Nigeria’ a platform set up by a group of Christian leaders. It starts at 5pm.
Prof. Osinbajo is a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). He is expected to address issues such as how a person of faith can survive and flourish in the world of politics and the place of faith in governance.
Others who are to speak at the forum are Leke Alder of Alder Consulting, Pastor Wale Adefarasin of Guiding Light Assembly, Bishop Mike Okonkwo of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, and Mr. Ayo Olowofoyeku, a PDP House of Representatives candidate in Osun State.