TheNewsGuru

Tag: Osinbajo

  • Osinbajo yet to declare interest in 2023 presidential race – Aide

    Osinbajo yet to declare interest in 2023 presidential race – Aide

    The Office of the Vice President says permutations around 2023 presidential race is a distraction as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has not declared interest to contest.

    Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the Office of the Vice President had no connection with an online attempt to rally support for Osinbajo.

    “The attention of the Office of the Vice President has been drawn to a website: supportosinbajo.ng that is calling on Nigerians to join a volunteer group mobilising support for Osinbajo ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

    “Details of this website and the solicitation of the group are currently trending on WhatsApp with a suggestion that Osinbajo has “quietly” declared interest in the 2023 election.

    “The Office of the Vice President is not in any way connected to this website or the group behind it and considers such an enterprise an unnecessary distraction.

    “Osinbajo has not declared any interest whatsoever in the 2023 election; but he is rather focused on working in his capacity as vice president in the current administration to address all the compelling issues in the country and concerns of Nigerians, including finding effective and lasting solutions to the security challenges.

    “Therefore, we ask that people desist from such unhelpful permutations while we all deal together with the challenges confronting us as Nigerians, and resolve them for the benefit of our people, peace, and prosperity in the land.’’

  • Osinbajo arrives Uganda for Museveni’s sixth presidential inauguration

    Osinbajo arrives Uganda for Museveni’s sixth presidential inauguration

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has arrived in Kampala, Uganda, to represent Nigeria at the inauguration of re-elected Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni.

    The event, which comes up on Wednesday at the Independence Grounds in Kampala, will be Museveni’s sixth inauguration as a democratically-elected leader.

    Museveni was declared winner of the January 14, 2021, election after defeating National Unity Platform’s candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine.

    Nigeria and Uganda share cultural, social and economic similarities.

    Both countries enjoy good diplomatic relationship, including working together as member-states of the Commonwealth, the African Union, and the United Nations, among others.

    The two countries have signed Bilateral Agreements on Technical Aid Corps, Trade, and on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation.

    Osinbajo is accompanied on the trip by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, and the Special Adviser on Economic Matters to the President, Amb. Adeyemi Dipeolu.

  • Osinbajo, Keyamo pay Adeboye condolence visit

    Osinbajo, Keyamo pay Adeboye condolence visit

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday visited the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye over the demise of his son,Pastor Dare Adeboye.

    Osinbajo was accompanied by the minister of state for labour and employment Festus Keyamo.

    “Yesterday, I accompanied the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to the Redemption Camp in Mowe, Ogun State, to pay a condolence visit to Pastor Enoch Adeboye on the unfortunate demise of his beloved son,” Keyamo wrote in an Instagram post on Friday.

    Also, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, in a statement on Thursday by his media aide, Ola Awoniyi, said, “May God Almighty comfort the highly respected Pastor, his family and the entire members of his flock over this great loss and repose the soul of the deceased in eternal bliss.”

    In his condolence message to the cleric and church, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, said it was painful for a father to lose his child at any point in time, noting that the younger Adeboye lived a life full of worship to the Lord and service to humanity.

    The Speaker, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, titled ‘Gbajabiamila commiserates with Pastor Adeboye over son’s death’, recalled how Dare took after his father in the work of God and rose to become one of the leading youth pastors in RCCG.

     

  • Nigeria will overcome her challenges – Osinbajo

    Nigeria will overcome her challenges – Osinbajo

    Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has said Nigeria will surely over her diverse challenges, problems and realise her potentials.

    He said this would happen if people who share progressive views continue to work together in the interest of the country.

    Prof. Osinbajo stated this Wednesday when he received on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, members of a Southwest Think-Tank, known as IMODOYE led by former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

    According to the Vice President, “I am very hopeful that this country will truly realize its potentials and I believe that all of us working together can make that happen. If the progressive ideas are put forward and we focus, then this country indeed will work.

    “The country is ours, we should make it happen, there will be many challenges but I think that we must be prepared to face it until progressive views of improved welfare for the citizens that we represent, eventually prevail.”

    Speaking on the efforts of the Buhari administration to address some of the challenges confronting Nigerians, the Vice President noted that “the best way out of where we are today is to have a massive plan for investment because that is really how to create opportunities for jobs, which is what we are hoping to achieve with the Economic Sustainability Plan, creating opportunities through the solar investments with 5 million connections, the Farms for Jobs Project and the Social Housing Scheme.”

    The Vice President then reiterated that the welfare of the people and the progress of the country has always been and would remain the priority of the APC and the Buhari administration.

    Earlier, Daniel said the visit was to identify with and support the cause of Prof. Osinbajo whom he described as “intelligent, hardworking, articulate” and a very proud son of the Southwest region.

    His words: “we want to let you know that you are appreciated, we are proud of you and the work that you are doing, we know it is not an easy job. We also want to let you know that we want to join you in nation-building, if there is anything, any assignment you want us to undertake, we are at your service, that is why we are here.”

    Daniel who is now an APC member led the Imodoye delegation which included some other new entrants into the party.

    He said having joined the party he has visited the President, Governors, and other leaders including Chief Bisi Akande.

    With him at the VP’s office were Mr Dare Babarinsa, a veteran journalist; and Otunba Opeyemi Agbaje, a policy analyst. Others were, Mr Ayodele Olaoye, Mr Kole Omololu, Mr. Kole Abe, Mr Deola Sosanwo, Mr Steve Oliyide, Mr John Obafemi and Mr Demola Folarin.

  • Osinbajo, Chidoka, Others set for 2021 Platform Conference

    Osinbajo, Chidoka, Others set for 2021 Platform Conference

    From Chuks Collins, Awka

    Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, and the former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka together with other eminent personalities have been scheduled to feature at this year’s Platform Nigeria conference coming up on May 1,2021 at 9 am Nigerian time.

    According to a release from the organizers, and signed by ‘Poju Oyemade Senior Pastor, The Convenant Nation and Convener, the Platform Nigeria, the virtual and physical conference would hold at the Covenant Place, Iganmu, Lagos.

    Pastor Oyemade said the format of this year’s conference with the theme, “Is devolution of powers the solutions to Nigeria’s problem” will be both virtual and physical. That it will have limited seat spaces and broadcast live on Television and via the internet globally.

    It will also feature a session for panelists that would include:
    Governors Kayode Fayemi, Ahmad El-Rufai, Nyesom Wike, together with Mr. Atedo Peterside.

    Oyemade said that the questions for panelists will be centered on administrative decentralization with respect to devolution of powers in Nigeria and its effects as we move the nation forward.

    The Convener urged anyone in need of further information or inquiry to go to their website.

  • Insecurity: Nigeria difficult to police – Osinbajo

    Insecurity: Nigeria difficult to police – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has blamed the current insecurity besetting the country on the difficulty in policing it.

    He made the declaration on when he received on a courtesy visit at the presidential villa, Abuja the traditional ruler of Yakanaje Uke in Nasarawa State, Alhaji Ahmed Abdullahi Hassan.

    He was, however, confident that the country will able to overcome the security challenge, which he said is the reason the federal government is reorganizing the entire security architecture in the country.

     

    A statement issued by his spokesman, Laolu Akande, on Tuesday quoted him as saying: “There is no question at all that we are facing security challenges, but we are able to overcome them. The role of the leadership is to sit down to think through the problems.

    “This is a big country, so policing is very difficult. There is a need for us to reorganize our security architecture, which is what is going on now.”

    The vice president assured that the present challenges will prepare Nigeria for a greater and prosperous future, urging the traditional institution to support the re-engineering process.

    His words: “I believe strongly that the reason why we are experiencing what we are going through today is that we are being prepared for the future.

    “A future where we will take into account all of the problems because if we haven’t gone through the problems we are going through now, it will be difficult for us to appreciate the importance of fairness and justice, the importance of giving people a voice and a representation. I am very pleased to hear about what you are doing.”

    Osinbajo explained that “one of the reasons why we have some of the divisions and conflicts in the parts of the country is because people do not feel included in the management of affairs in their localities.”

    Commending the Yakanaje for his leadership style, the vice president said “I think you have created an opportunity where the options are available for bringing appeals to a centre of fairness and justice for people from across the country, and its one that is to be emulated.

    “And I think that this is the way Nigeria should be. We should be able to say that no matter where you are from if you have the talent if you work hard, you will succeed wherever you are. You will not be constrained by your political, ethnic or religious affiliations.”

    “Every great society that has succeeded in the world is multiethnic and they succeeded because they brought in talents from all over the place,” the vice president added.

    The vice president urged traditional rulers to leverage the influence they have over communities to effect positive change for the good of the entire society.

    He further explained that “it is sometimes very easy to underestimate the importance of the traditional institution. But the sheer size of the places where you superintend speaks volumes about the potential of our traditional rulers.

    On his part, the traditional ruler commended the vice president for his ability to bring people of different ethnic groups in the country together. He said in his kingdom in Karu LGA of Nasarawa, “we are emulating your efforts, bringing ethnic groups in Nigeria together as one.”

    Commending the efforts of the Emir in promoting unity and peaceful coexistence, the vice president noted that “I have heard a lot about the work that is going on and particularly fascinating for me is the fact that you have somehow managed to bring together a representation of Nigeria into the management of the affairs of your kingdom.”

    Continuing Osinbajo said, “this is very commendable and it is something that we must commend and see how it is replicated in other parts of the country.”

    The paramount ruler appealed to the Federal Government to integrate the traditional institution in the implementation of some of its intervention schemes for small businesses and the less privileged.

    He said traditional rulers are closer to the people and understand the issues and needs in the localities hence the need to be involved in the implementation of the schemes.

    Nigeria difficult to police, Osinbajo says

  • Osinbajo presides as FEC honours late Mahmud Tukur

    Osinbajo presides as FEC honours late Mahmud Tukur

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday presided over the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    President Muhammadu Buhari is in London for a routine medical check-up.

    Before the proceedings, a minute silence was observed in honour of Mahmud Tukur, a former Minister of Commerce and Industry, who passed away recently.

    Ministers who attending the meeting are Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Information and Culture, Hajia Zainab Ahmed, Finance, Budget and National Planning

    Others are Abubakar Malami, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba while other ministers joined virtually from their offices.

    Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Funds Office, Mrs Habiba Lawal.

    The National Security Adviser, rtd Maj.-Gen. Babagana Munguno and the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari, were also present at the meeting.

    At its last meeting on March 31 FEC approved over N19billion for various projects for the Ministries of Transportation, Aviation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

  • Osinbajo, Osoba, others hail Alex Ibru at Guardian Book Launch[PHOTOS]

    Osinbajo, Osoba, others hail Alex Ibru at Guardian Book Launch[PHOTOS]

    The calibre of dignitaries at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos venue of the launch of ‘The making of the Nigerian Flagship..A story of the Guardian’ on Thursday April 8th, authenticated the contributions of Late Guardian publisher, Alex Ibru to print journalism in Nigeria.

    The Guardian pulled Nigeria’s top political and economic players to the venue.

    The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo in his speech at the epoch-making event said all notable Nigerian figures first established themselves through the media.

    “This dynamic was orchestrated by civil rule. The nationalization of the daily time. Right from its first edition the Guardian carved a niche for itself ”

    He recalled that while all other newspapers reported the death of Zik, “We reach out for the Guardian. It said Zik dead? Alive? Jubilation? A friend investigated the story and said Zik was not dead. ”

    He said that The Guardian had congregation of professional who were eager to make a change. “Others later joined to form. Alex Ibru was a visionary investor who trust the thinkers.”

     

    He recalled that Alex Ibru was a man with foresight. “Which he truly exemplified in the formation of the Guardian. We need such partnership. The Guardian played important role for democracy. Alex Ibru narrowly survived an assassination attempt. For decades, the men and women of The Guardian have lived with conscience is an open wound only truth can heal it.”

    Osinbajo also praised the efforts of the co -authors of the book: Aaron Okodie and O’ Seun Ogunseitan

    On why the book was written, Maiden Ibru wife of the late founding publisher of The Guardian said:” The place of Alex Ibru as one of the foremost makers of the Nigerian print media has not been properly documented. Thank God at last, here we are. The book is an idea, whose time has come. I know it’s the lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes. We did not commission the book, it is an independent project by these two great thinkers”.

    Former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, who wrote the foreword to the book, and close a ally of the late Alex Ibru stated:”Alex Ibru never interfered with the professionals in The Guardian. Today I am happy that his family is here, his friends are here. I want to thank the two writers who find it fit to put this together. The unfortunate thing in Nigeria is that we don’t write.Jakande died, inspirer of my pressure on him for over thirty, forty years on him to write, he didn’t”.

    Other dignitaries who also graced the event are Donald Duke former governor of Cross River State, Nduka Obaigbena, chairman of Thisday and Arise Television, Dr Patrick Cole, who was a pioneer director and now member of the Editorial Board and other notable Nigerians.

     

  • No First Lady has captured Nigerians’ imagination like Aisha Buhari – Osinbajo

    No First Lady has captured Nigerians’ imagination like Aisha Buhari – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has stated that in Nigeria’s history, no First Lady has captured Nigerians’ imagination as profoundly as wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Mrs Aisha Buhari.

    Osinbajo disclosed this during the launch of a book titled ‘Aisha Buhari: Being Different’, written by Hajo Sani, at the Presidential Villa on Thursday.

    According to him, while her views were sometimes controversial, she has established an ongoing conversation with the Nigerian people.

    He said: “Dr. Hajo Sani has written a most engaging book on an incredibly fascinating person, Her Excellency Aisha Buhari, Nigeria’s First Lady.

    “It’s unlikely that any First Lady in Nigeria’s history has, in such a few short years, captured the imagination of Nigerians as profoundly as Aisha Buhari.

    “She’s, of course, the first First Lady to be on Twitter, on Instagram, and other social media platforms, getting her unfiltered views across to the Nigerian people and she’s probably the first to receive, in real time, the opinions of Nigerians on her views.

    “With her views, forthright, crisp, truthful and once in a while controversial, she has established an ongoing conversation with the Nigerian people. The issues that concern them most, the issues that concern us the most, good governance, security, putting food on the table.

    “The education of our children, prompt payment of pensions to army veterans, drug abuse, the violation and victimisation of women and every once in a while she airs her own personal struggles, her annoyance, in a manner, probably unprecedented in the role of the First Lady anywhere,” Osinbajo said.

    Stating that there is no question that Aisha Buhari was different, Osinbajo said her difference has been empowering for the Nigerian people and there was never any question that her comments come from a good place, a place of genuine love and respect for the Nigerian people and several concerns.

    The vice president further stated that First Ladies may quickly fade into obscurity, when the curtains of time are drawn on the tenure of the administration of their husbands.

    According to him, the result is that the records and lessons of consequence that could benefit oncoming generations and enrich our understanding of history are regrettably lost.

    “But it’s unlikely that Aisha Buhari would ever be forgotten and even if there was a chance of this happening, this well written attempt to document her life and times and her contributions as First Lady to national life, through the causes that she has promoted, removes that possibility,” he added.

    On his part, chairman of the occasion and All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, stated that with Aisha Buhari’s achievements, no one can reasonably question the role of a First Lady any longer.

    Tinubu said the First Lady’s effort also contributed to President Buhari’s electoral victory in 2015.

    He said: “Join me in congratulating the book’s author, Dr. Hajo Sani, for making this important contribution to our collective knowledge by highlighting the role the First Lady has played in our society.

    “Given the First Lady’s achievements, no one can reasonably question the role of a First Lady any longer. Remember there were those who argued that the constitution does not assign an official role to the First Lady. Because of Dr. Mrs. Aisha Buhari, their concerns have been forever laid to rest.

    “The First Lady has played an uplifting, unifying role both in symbol and substance. She has been a voice of conscience calling us to be our better selves for the good of the nation and for the betterment of the weakest, most vulnerable among us.

    “As such she has been a strong pillar of support not only to the president but also to the Nigerian people whom they both serve with such patriotic commitment and high purpose.

    “Because of the humility of the presidential couple, Mrs. Aisha Buhari chose not to be addressed as ‘First Lady’ at the beginning of this administration. However, this could not be sustained. Neither her role nor her individual capabilities could be downplayed very long,” he said.

    Tinubu added that Aisha Buhari has truly shown herself to be the First Lady of Nigeria in title but also by virtue of her talent and temperament.

    According to him, “the role of First Lady provides critical support to the public functioning of the presidency. The author thus must be commended not just for documenting the background, education, career, family and public life of Mrs. Buhari in an enjoyable, easily readable manner but also in narrating the political and constitutional context within which Mrs. Buhari has moulded the position of the First Lady in Nigeria.

    He also stated that Aisha Buhari has a naturally strong connection with the average person because she speaks with sincerity and belief.

    “We noticed this very early during the historic 2015 campaign. Thus, we convinced her to play a vocal and visible role in that groundbreaking campaign.

    “Her efforts contributed to her husband’s success. She helped him make history during that campaign. Since coming to the office of the First Lady, she has not stopped making history.

    “She has been an active and dedicated voice to those whom society sometimes forgets. She gives comfort to the broken and seeks relief for the destitute. No one can doubt her concern. And her care for the wellbeing of women, children and the powerless has established the standard for the office of the First Lady for years to come.

    “Mrs. Buhari shows that a First Lady should not stand aloof and detached from what is happening in the country. Mrs. Buhari never shies from what she believes in. This makes her a reliable and true advisor to her beloved husband. No doubt that Mr. President’s administration has been enriched because of her active role and the teamwork that exists between husband and wife,” Tinubu said.

    In his remarks, Ekiti State governor and chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Kayode Fayemi, said if one is looking for the voice of the voiceless, defender of the defenders, candour and courage, there is no place to go but the direction of the First Lady.

    He said sometimes that candour may appear in the manner of indiscretion but it has endeared the First Lady to a majority of Nigerians.

    “We are proud of her and her convictions. I congratulate the First Lady for being different. She may not describe herself as her feminist but She is the ultimate feminist in Nigeria,” Fayemi said.

    Among dignitaries present at the occasion were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, represented by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), delivered the welcome remarks.

    Other dignitaries included Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala through a recorded message; Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), and Dr Amina Muhammed through a recorded message.

    Also present were the wife of the vice president, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo; former First Lady, Dr. Patience Jonathan; former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Godsday Orubebe; the Ooni of Ife Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar III; wife of former Vice President, Amina Sambo, and many more.

  • JUST IN: Osinbajo decorates acting IGP Baba

    JUST IN: Osinbajo decorates acting IGP Baba

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday decorated a Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, as the acting Inspector-General of Police.

    The event took place at Aso Villa in Abuja.

    President Muhammadu Buhari had on Tuesday appointed Baba to succeed Mohammed Adamu.

    The President is in London for medical check-up.