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Tag: Yemi Osinbajo

  • 2023: Buhari has given me an opportunity no other VP has been given – Osinbajo

    2023: Buhari has given me an opportunity no other VP has been given – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday said President Muhammadu Buhari has given him an opportunity that he thinks no other vice president has been given in the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Osinbajo made this known while interacting with stakeholders and delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State.

    The Vice President, who was in the State in continuation of his nationwide consultations with APC stakeholders and delegates ahead of the party’s presidential primary, insisted that Nigeria deserves the best.

    TNG reports the thrust of the vice president’s message in Dutse, the Jigawa capital, was that decisions on the 2023 elections should be based on Nigeria’s best interest.

    The vice president was received by a crowd of supporters at the airport and on the streets, APC chieftains and senior state government officials led by Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdulkadir Adamu, who represented Gov. Badaru Abubakar who was out of the state.

    At the town hall style meeting with the delegates, the vice president restated his view that decisions about the 2023 elections should be based on what should be the best for the country.

    ”We should make a decision based on the future of our children… we can make progress; we can move on. All I ask you to do is what is in the best interest of Nigeria; vote in the interest of our children,” he said.

    He also restated how his training and experience in governance serving as vice president under President Muhammadu Buhari would help him to lead the country effectively as president on the APC platform.

    “As vice president, the president has given me an opportunity that I do not think any other vice president has been given,” he added.

    Also speaking with journalists after the meeting, Osinbajo said that he was happy with the interactions with the Jigawa delegates.

    “Obviously, all the issues that we discussed are issues that concern the country very significantly. We talked about agriculture, we talked about youth empowerment, education, technology and a wide variety of issues.

    “I think it was extremely fruitful, and at least we all understand where we are coming from and where we ought to be in the few years ahead. All of us are very happy that we were able to have this engagement,” he said.

    Delegates, who spoke during the interactive session, included members of the state House of Assembly, local government officials as well as grassroots politicians and women leaders.

    Many of the delegates spoke about the successes of the Social Investment Programme, especially the National Homegrown School Feeding programme, which the delegates recalled offered first time jobs for several women.

    They also commended the contributions of the vice president to the initiative, while citing other achievements of the Buhari administration such as the efforts to make fertiliser available and affordable as witnessed in the state.

    Others at the interactive session highlighted the reputation of the vice president as “a man of proven integrity and fear of God,” in addition to his “excellent track record, loyalty and support of Mr President.”

    Several delegates also called for the expansion of the Social Investment Programme should Osinbajo emerge president in 2023 while providing federal support to the state’s agrarian economy.

  • 2023: Emefiele’s fate hangs in the balance as Buhari considers asking non-cabinet members to resign

    2023: Emefiele’s fate hangs in the balance as Buhari considers asking non-cabinet members to resign

    President Muhammadu Buhari is considering whether to ask non-cabinet members interested in running for office in the 2023 General Elections to resign or not, leaving the fate of the likes of Mr Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) hanging in the balance.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this is coming after President Buhari directed all cabinet members wishing to contest elective positions in the 2023 general elections to resign their appointments on or before Monday.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed revealed this when he briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    ”The mandate I have from the president is to announce that all members of the Federal Executive Council contesting for elective office must resign their ministerial cabinet appointments on or before Monday, the 16th of May, 2022,” Mohammed said.

    When asked if the directive affects the vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who is vying for the post of president, the minister said: ”The Vice President was elected; he was not appointed”.

    On the fate of other political appointees, who had been linked with the contest for the presidency in 2023, the minister said the directive might be extended to non-cabinet members.

    ”As of this moment, the mandate I have is for members of the Federal Executive Council. Subsequently, it might affect other political appointees but that will be made known. If there is going to be any amendment or any inclusion, you will be informed in due course,” he added.

    TNG reports that those affected by the president’s order include Ministers of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio.

    Others are Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige; Science, Technology and Innovation, Ogbonnaya Onu and Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba.

    The ministers joined the presidential race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Also included are the Ministers of State for Mines and Steel, Uche Ogar as well as Justice and Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, said to be running for governorship seats of Abia and Kebbi respectively.

    The Minister of Women Affairs, Paulline Tallen, who declared her ambition to contest for a senatorial seat in Plateau, is also expected to resign her appointment.

    Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has on Wednesday, set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court in Umuahia which voided the provision of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022.

  • Poll: Osinbajo, Obi, two geniuses in 2023 presidential race, who does the cap fit?

    Poll: Osinbajo, Obi, two geniuses in 2023 presidential race, who does the cap fit?

    Both Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi have been tipped as the geniuses in the 2023 presidential race.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Obi was the running mate to Atiku Abubakar in 2019 and Osinbajo is currently serving as deputy to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.

    While the Vice President is contesting the presidential ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the former Governor is contesting that of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    As the race to clinch the presidential tickets of the APC and PDP heats up TNG conducts this poll to sample the opinion of Nigerians of who among the two geniuses they think is best fit for the position of president.

    Polls

  • 2023: Why I am the best hand to replace Buhari as president – Osinbajo

    2023: Why I am the best hand to replace Buhari as president – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has again emphasized why he is the best hand to replace President Muhammadu Buhari after the end of his tenure in 2023.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Osinbajo was speaking on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Sulaimanu when he made this known.

    The Vice President said that improving the quality of education for young people and creating job opportunities are some of the reasons that made him join the 2023 Presidential race.

    Osinbajo was in Bauchi as part of his consultations with All Progressives Congress(APC) stakeholders, ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

    “Our concern as a government has always been how to ensure that the common man is given a fair chance to be employed and to have a decent living which is why several of the projects that we have undertaken especially the Social Investment Programme, have been to better the lot of the people.

    ”But also, we have been concerned about young people; how we can improve not just the quality of the education of the young people but the opportunities for young people to get jobs, to be employed.

    “And this may also explain why I am running for president of this country in 2023.

    “I have served as vice president to President Muhammadu Buhari for the past seven years and God helping me, I will serve out that term by May 2023,” he said.

    Osinbajo added:” And in that capacity, as your royal highness will know, I have been exposed to governance at the highest level, thanks very much to the openness and transparency of the President and I have learnt a lot.”

    The vice president said that he was able to acquire different leadership skills and garner more experiences while acting at various times as the president of the country.

    According to him, one of the critical things that one recognises is that a diverse country such as Nigeria – different religions and ethnicities– the people have different desires but we must treat everybody with fairness and justice.

    “I believe that this is one of the reasons why it is important for us to bear in mind that the unity of this country is very critical, there is no point trying to govern a country that is not united and of course securable.

    “These are issues that are important which we are trying to deal with presently,” he said.

    Osinabajo recalled that in his last visit to the place, he was in the state for the rural electrification project of communities in Ningi Local Government Area in 2019.

    The vice president said a Shared Facility for groundnut oil producers as part of the MSMEs clinics was also established in the state.

    Osinbajo added that Bauchi state was one of the biggest beneficiaries of the N-Power programme.

    Earlier in his remark, Sulaimanu, thanked the vice president for the visit and wished him well in his pursuit.

    “Let me share my delight on behalf of the emirate for this important visit; I believe you are in Bauchi for political activities but you still found time to visit me at this material time. It shows the love you have for me and the people of Bauchi State.

    “We believe that power belongs to God and He gives power to who he wishes to give; by virtue of our position, we are not politicians; we don’t participate in politics but we advise wisely for whatever will be for success.

    “We pray that whatever you are doing here on Bauchi State will be fruitful.

    “We wish you and your entourage a peaceful and pleasant stay in Bauchi; peaceful deliberations and a safe return back to Abuja,” he said.

  • Soludo to Vice President: You are leading well, acting excellently

    Soludo to Vice President: You are leading well, acting excellently

    Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state has praised Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for leading Nigeria very well when he has had the opportunity, stressing that, he acted excellently.

    Soludo made the remarks when he received Prof. Osinbajo at the Anambra State Government House on Friday as the Vice President continued his consultations with APC delegates.

    The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria noted that the Vice President has been one of the biggest promoters of Made in Nigeria products.

    Soludo expressed excitement and hope of a cordial working relationship with the Vice President, noting that, he was most delighted to welcome Prof. Osinbajo to Anambra State, adding that the VP has been instrumental in promoting MSMEs and youth development.

    “You have been to Anambra severally, but the one that I was part of, in receiving you, and the one dear to my heart, was when you came to commission the shoe factory (at Ogbunike).

    “Our government is about promoting made in Anambra, made in Nigeria (products). You came to empower us with that, with the MSMEs and thousands of youths and the less privileged in that particular industry.

    Prof. Soludo also commended the Vice President for his efforts in government and for steering the National Economic Council, as its chairman, noting that NEC “coordinates all economic agenda of the 36 states of this country.”

    “And in that capacity, I must state that Mr Vice President, also coordinating several of the special intervention programmes of the Federal Government, has been leading us well. In various areas and capacities where he has been assigned to do that, he has acted excellently,” he added.

    Governor Soludo noted that all the progressives should come together to build a better Nigeria and make it work, “because we believe that if all the 36 states of the Federation work, Nigeria works.”

  • 2023: Osinbajo woos traditional rulers

    2023: Osinbajo woos traditional rulers

    The Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has sought the support of the Cross River Traditional Rulers Council for his presidential ambition on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Osinbajo, who visited the Traditional Rulers’ Council on Thursday in Calabar, said that traditional rulers, who being the closest institutions to the people play an important role in the growth of the country.

    He told them that having served as Vice-President for seven years he has garnered enough experience to lead the country as the president.

    “I am here to seek your support and prayers. The traditional institution is the closest to the people. The influence and control you exercise in your different domains is very important.

    “I have served as Vice President for seven years; within this period, it has been a great fortune having been exposed to governance.

    “My experience will be useful in governance, especially in solving our nation’s challenges,” he said.

    Responding, Etinyim Etim-Okon Edet, Chairman of Cross River Traditional Rulers Council, said that traditional rulers would be greatly involved in who becomes the next president of Nigeria.

    Edet said that they would ensure that the right persons are elected into the presidency, National Assembly, as state governors and State Houses of Assembly in 2023.

    `We want a president, governors and National Assembly members that will be responsible to Nigerians and do justice to our laws.

    “Let us assure you of our support as you move around the country. You are in our prayers.

    “We are going to use our traditional approaches to ensure that the right persons are elected into political offices; we wish you well in your aspiration,” he said.

  • Lamido of Adamawa to Osinbajo: I hope you succeed in your efforts to become the President

    Lamido of Adamawa to Osinbajo: I hope you succeed in your efforts to become the President

    The Lamido of Adamawa, His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Musdafa, on Wednesday prayed for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo succeeds in his efforts to become the next President of Nigeria.

    Prof. Osinbajo who was in Adamawa state to meet with the All Progressives Congress (APC) delegates.

    The monarch recalled VP’s chieftaincy title as the Jagaba of Adamawa. The monarch then prayed for the realization of the VP’s presidential aspiration.

    “I hope your coming will add more light to Adamawa because you are the Jagaba of Adamawa. I hope you succeed in your efforts to become the President of this country,” the Lamido of Adamawa said.

    Adding that, As long as when you’re coming to Adamawa, and with your visit to my palace, this will encourage people to see that you are really the Jagaba of Adamawa,” the Lamido said.

    Also speaking at the palace, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa welcomed Prof. Osinbajo to the state, adding that, “we pray that God will answer your heart’s desires. I also hope that the APC delegates will see the reason to put a square peg in a square hole. I welcome you to Adamawa and I wish you the best of luck.”

    Speaking earlier, the Vice President explained why he was running for the Office of President. According to the VP, “my reason for aspiring for the office of the President of Nigeria is to serve the Nigerian people. I have no other reason or objective except to serve.

    “After one has been in office as Vice President for 7 years, I know that God did not give me that opportunity so that I would seat down somewhere and write the history of my service as Vice President.

    “It is for the purpose of serving the people, and that is why I am so determined that if God gives me the opportunity to serve, the Nigerian people would realise indeed they have done the right thing by putting me in office because I would serve the country with everything, with all my heart and commitment,” Osinbajo said.

  • While Tinubu and Osinbajo are dancing in Lagos, APC presidential plane may overfly South West – By Godwin Etakibuebu

    While Tinubu and Osinbajo are dancing in Lagos, APC presidential plane may overfly South West – By Godwin Etakibuebu

    The All Progressives Congress [APC] may really want to replace itself in government, come 2023. It means the political party that had dominated the Nigerian political terrain for the past Seven Years – with one more year to go in completing its tenure of two terms, would want; by all means, and this could be by hook or crook, to continue governing Nigeria. And there is nothing bad with such anticipation. It is the wish and desire of every political party.

    So, the APC; boasting of being the largest political party in Africa [the People Democratic Party – PDP, once boasted so], is massively gathering all stones to be able to achieve this great expectation in 2023. It is not leaving any stone unturned to achieve this political noble goal of another APC president being sworn-in to office on May 29, 2023.

    The journey could be easy for the political party. It might as well be difficult for the party – the APC. There are too many things to decide this. The performing patterns of the Party in the last number of years would remain a great evaluation factor – all things being equal. Have everything, at any given time, in the political evolution of Nigeria, be equal? Too many Nigerians might want to argue that nothing have ever been equal in this country. That itself – the inequality, might become another factor of evaluation of the APC heading towards 2023.

    Of course, there obviously shall remain many perimeters or templates of gauging the reality of the Party [APC] arriving 2023, in continuity. Whatever the number of perimeters that the People of Nigerian might be adopting in this matter, it shall be minus one major template. And this template, that shall be missing this time around, can make or mar the process bringing the expectation of the Party to reality.

    The major template is the name of Muhammadu Buhari that shall not be on the ballot paper in the 2023 General Election. Fact remains sacrosanct therefore that the absence of Buhari’s name on the Ballot Papers of 2023 presidential election should be giving the ruling political party [APC] some heartache for now, even before 2023 comes. There is no doubt that the APC is already having one terrible heart palpitation, even as we write this.

    What there remains the most challenging assignment for the APC in order for it to overcome this dilemma of replacement? Even in a community where there are many contenders to the replacement of Buhari? It is the name that shall be replacing that of Muhammadu Buhari in the presidential contest of 2023. Who would that contender be in midst of all these hats being thrown into the ring?

    Yes, many of these CONTENDERS are people of different characters – some fictitious, some just for lifetime ambition, some nobble pretenders, some most dubious, some with baggage and luggage of fraudulent packages, some with outstanding character of crimes and criminalities, some just stooges being plodded into the race without voyage compass being giving to them, while a very few – extremely few, are genuinely included. Even in the camp of the latter – the genuine few, there is fear, in them, of how to repair a country that has been massively destroyed. Let us fast-track the discussion please.

    The APC has declared its stand boldly that it believes in the principle of zoning as enshrined in its Constitution. In furtherance of that belief, it zoned the Party’s Chairmanship to the North – from North/Central precisely. From where the anointed Senator Abdullahi Adamu; former Governor of Nasarawa State, picked it. In continuous adherence to the same principle the Party zoned the presidency to the South – consisting of three geopolitical zones; South-West, South-South and South-East.

    Now, we are moving to the point of dilemma to some of the personae dramatis contending to the throne of inheritance.

    All over the years, it is not a hidden truth that there is one of the politicians in the South-West who looms larger than his contemporaries, not only within that geopolitical zone but across frontiers. It is also on record that this same man helped very much for Muhammadu Buhari to emerge the democratically elected president of Nigeria in 2015.

    It meant that if this man did not agree in that year, Buhari would have been rejected in the Poll as he had been rejected severally in all his previous attempts. The wife of President Muhammadu Buhari – Hajia Aisha Buhari, alluded to this fact in two public gathering.

    The name of this man is Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu; the Asiwaju of Lagos and Jagaban of Bogu, in Niger State. Bola Tinubu did not, from onset, hide his desire of becoming the Nigerian President from anybody at all. And when he went to declare his interest in running for the presidency, come 2023, to President Muhammadu Buhari a few months ago, he returned to tell the Media that “it is my lifetime ambition”. Too often, too many people regarded him as the “Kingmaker waiting to be crown a King”.

    So when the APC zoned the presidency to the South-West all eyes were on Tinubu, saying the Plane flying the APC political ambition, having taken off from the Villa in Abuja, should be landing in the South-West, where the “anointed” kingmaker is waiting to be crowned”.

    However, while the plane is still airborne, there entered some twists and these twists are looking like concrete instruments of destabilizing smooth landing of any aircraft. First is to look at these destabilizing concrete instruments before any attempt in checking the flight-plan of the plane to know if it is landing in the South-West or not.

    When the name of a none political entity – Godwin Emefiene, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, suddenly came out of the Nigerian political drum beaters so resolute, and the music carried authority of Principalities and Powers of the Nigerian Powers of Darkness, there came a great suspicion amongst the People that something is happening to navigational program of the flight coming from Abuja.

    While this jigsaw was being decoded, Honourable Rotimi Amaechi; a former two-times Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-times Governor of Rivers State, two-times Director General of Buhari Campaign Organisation and now two-times Minister of Transport, name thundered out as running for the Nigerian presidency in 2023. There are other jigsaws to be fixed.

    Then in the South-West; which has hitherto considered an exclusive comfortable zone of Bola Tinubu, arose a name heading to the contest of the presidency in 2023. And the name of this entrant is Professor Yemi Osinbajo, a Professor of Law, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and now, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – a man described as having served President Muhammadu Buhari very faithfully for these past Seven Years.

    His entrance into the race of contestants jolted every Nigerian that has interest in the South-West’s assured presidential ticket holder. It jolted the Bola Tinubu Camp; a Camp that spread throughout Nigeria. Who wouldn’t be worried about the arrival of Yemi Osinbajo?

    The men; Yemi Osinbajo and Rotimi Amaechi are competent Nigerians and they have their rights to contest for the Nigerian presidency. Ahmed Bola Tinubu has his right of contesting too, ditto many other Nigerians that are contesting.

    However, if the plane carrying the 2023 Presidency Product is heading towards the South-South, say to consult with another new entrant – this time former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan [or have you not heard the latest news?], Rotimi Amaechi, or even Godwin Emefiene [which is not likely], can the same plane be landing in the South-West?

    Or, if the same plane is heading South-East, for the sake of Rotimi Amaechi; who has declared recently that he is a fully Igbo man, or for any other candidates [but none other is politically visible] can the same plane be landing in the South-West?

    Let us push the last question forward please. Should this precious plane be landing in the South-West, who shall the Product be handed over to – Bola Tinubu, Yemi Osinbajo or even Tunde Bakare [a man who has anointed himself as “16th President of Nigeria after Muhammadu Buhari” – or is he a spiritual joker?]?

    The reality of this political Abracadabra is giving political aviation experts’ tough headache of decoding if the plane may be overflying the South-West, and if so, where of the remaining two Southern Nigerian zones it may be landing.

    Yours Sincerely – The Guru himself, is a bona-fide member of this worried community, thinking that the Plane might be overflying the South-West on this expected and assuredly most expensive flight of destiny.

    Godwin Etakibuebu; a veteran Journalist, wrote from Lagos.

    Contact:

    Website: www.godwintheguru.com

    You Tube Channel: Godwin The Guru

    Twitter: @godwin_buebu

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    Phone: +234-906-887-0014 – short messages only.

    You can also listen to this author [Godwin Etakibuebu] every Monday; 9:30 – 11am on Lagos Talk 91.3 FM live, in a weekly review of topical issues, presented by TheNewsGuru [TNG].

  • 2023: Why Osinbajo should be next president – Alake of Egbaland

    2023: Why Osinbajo should be next president – Alake of Egbaland

    The Alake of Egbaland, in Ogun, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo says Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has paid his dues and deserves to be elected Nigeria’s president in 2023.

    Gbadebo spoke on Tuesday in his Abeokuta, when he hosted the vice-president who was on a courtesy visit.

    Osinbajo, accompanied by Gov. Dapo Abiodun, was in Ogun as part of his consultations with stakeholders ahead of the 2023 presidential election in which he had declared interest to run.

    The traditional ruler said that Osinbajo had creditably acquitted himself in service to the nation and was eminently qualified to be the next president.

    “Every president from this part of the country that has passed through here has succeeded in becoming the president.

    “Every time the vice-president has passed here and gone for something competitive, he has always won; this will not be an exception.

    “By the grace of God, our vice-president has paid his dues; he has gone through serving others and has been winning colours all the way.

    “He had the same subjects in high school like I had and won laurels.

    “In the university, through his research work, and in the legal practice, he has been most outstanding.

    “Why should we not ask you for just one more position to the glory of God, and for the benefit of all Nigerians and you will say `no’? Certainly, not here,’’ the traditional ruler of Osinbajo’s home-state said.

    He prayed that Osinbajo’s next visit to the palace would be a “thank you’’ visit after his victory at the poll.

    Earlier, Osinbajo said he was in the palace to brief the traditional ruler on the progress that he had made so far in the pursuit.

    “Of course, Kabiyesi knows that on April 11, I formally declared my intension to run for the position of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “And after I did, I have consulted with our governors; consulted with our legislators and I have been in one or two states.

    “Today is very special; today, I am formally reporting progress to our Kabiyesi, the Alake of Egba Land, my own dear father, whom I know, has been behind several of the other journeys in this political terrain.

    “I want to say that our state has never been short of notable personalities in leadership,’’ he said.

    Osinbajo said that when he was called upon to serve as vice-president of Nigeria, it was purely providential as he was not a politician then.

    He said that President Muhammadu Buhari had been extremely fair to him in various ways and had exposed him to every aspect of governance.

    “He has kept no secret of governance away from me; he has made sure that I have seen everything that needs to be seen.

    “Again, I had the good fortune of serving as acting president on many occasions and on each of those occasions, he would tell me that as far he is concerned, I am the president of Nigeria; `do not refer anything to me.’

    “Do not call me; just take the steps that you need to take, I will not question your discretion in any way and he never did.’’

    The vice-president said that in the past seven-and-a-half years of serving as vice-president, he had been able to see for himself and observe for himself what had been done right.

    He said he had observed what could have been done better and various other things.

    “I think that when the opportunity arose for me to decide whether or not to run as president of Nigeria, I had only one question to ask myself.

    “That question was whether I would be faithful to my oath to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to the people of Nigeria to serve with all my heart and to serve with my entire mind.

    “That is the only question I had to ask myself because I have served previously; I have served others in various capacities and I have given everything.

    “I served under Prince Bola Ajibola, Judge of the World Court at The Hague; I served when he was the Attorney-General of the Federation; I was one of the only four advisers in the entire federation at the time.

    “I was his adviser for five years; when he went to the World Court, I was with him there for at least, a couple of years; I served as Attorney-General of Lagos State for eight years.

    “Of course, I served in United Nations; I have served for the past seven-and-half years as vice-president.

    “I want to say that every one of those people who I served in their most difficult moments did not regret it. I am not talking about when everything was going well because that is when you know your friends.

    “In their most difficult moments; in moments even when their jobs where threatened; in moments, sometimes when their lives were threatened, I was with them.

    “Sometimes, I was the only one standing with them; I cannot go into details for confidentiality reasons, but that is the truth,’’ Osinbajo said.

    He urged the traditional ruler to support him in his quest to better the lives and fortunes of Nigerians.

    The vice-president also paid courtesy visits to the Akarigbo of Ijebu-Remo and the Olu of Ilaro, both traditional rulers in Ogun.

  • Osinbajo, Okowa, Omo-Agege, others pay glowing tributes to Keyamo’s father

    Osinbajo, Okowa, Omo-Agege, others pay glowing tributes to Keyamo’s father

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and other top dignitaries attended the funeral ceremony of late Pa Matthias Keyamo and paid glowing tributes to the late patriarch of the Keyamo’s family.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports late Pa Keyamo is the father of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Chief Festus Keyamo, the burial of whom took place in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government area of Delta State.

    The State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa and Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege were among those in attendance at the funeral ceremony.

    Speaking at the ceremony on Saturday, Osinbajo urged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of celebrating individuals who distinguished themselves in public and private endeavors, notwithstanding their status.

    The vice-president highlighted Pa Keyamo’s contributions to national development as a foremost cooperative officer and urged the family to sustain his legacy.

    He said that the deceased was a patriot, who sacrificed to support humanity and contributed to nation-building.

    “We celebrate here today, a true Nigerian who was born in Delta State, raised in Kaduna and got married to a Yoruba woman, Mama Caroline Keyamo.

    “It is important for us always to bear in mind that with the nature of our nation, we really must celebrate men and women like this; men who go completely outside their comfort zone and who make Nigeria happen in a very distinctive way.

    “So, we celebrate this true Nigerian and we know that he was someone who has proved in public service that you can serve the public, serve society and distinguished yourself and still be a person who is highly regarded as a person of integrity and honesty.

    “We celebrate this excellent Nigerian and l will want to say that just looking at his life and looking at all of the things that he managed to achieve; first he was one of the pioneers of cooperative societies in Nigeria.

    “He was also someone who by dint of hard work and honesty, became an auditor, one of the first internal auditors in the then Mid-Western Government.

    “Even after that, he went into private life and worked as the Managing Director of Olori Group of Companies and distinguished himself there as well,” he said.

    Osinbajo added that the deceased must be celebrated in every possible way, saying “l think that as they say, the legacies of great people, the legacies of great men and great women do not need any elaboration.

    “It is very evident from even their children and grandchildren as we have seen and heard today. We have heard from his children, we have heard from his grandchildren and we know that all of them in public and private lives have distinguished themselves.

    “And, we know that he had always himself, all through his life, demonstrated exactly what he wants his family to be like after him and his children had proved that.

    “Like you heard in previous tributes, this was a great man with large heart and a generous spirit and l think that it is now up to us and up to his children and grandchildren to ensure that we continue in the way that Pa Keyamo had demonstrated and to continue to live our lives in the certain examples that he had set.

    “On behalf of the President, President Mohammadu Buhari and the government and the people of Nigeria, l will like to express my deep condolences to the Keyamo family, the governor and the people of Delta State over the passage of Pa Keyamo, the father of my dear brother, Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Labour and Employment and his siblings.

    “May Pa Keyamo’s memory also be blessed and may the good Lord comfort Mama Caroline Keyamo and all members of the family.”

    In his tribute, Governor of Delta, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, said that late Pa Keyamo left indelible footprints in the sands of time and urged the children to emulate the legacies of their late father.

    “I thank God for the life of our departed father and it is my wish that many parents will continue to raise their families like the Keyamo family because when that happens we have a peaceful state and country.

    “I am excited that papa brought up lovely children who have also brought forth other great children.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Delta state, I express my condolences to the Keyamo family and I pray that God grant you all the fortitude to bear the passing of papa,” Okowa said.

    On his part, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, said the late Keyamo lived a good and fulfilled life and urged the family not to mourn but to celebrate his life and times.

    “On behalf of the people of Delta Central Senatorial District, I wish papa farewell and it is my prayer that God grant the family the fortitude to bear this loss,” he stated.

    Former Governors – James Ibori of Delta and Adams Oshiomhole of Edo, Minister of Women Affairs, Dr Pauline Tallen, Speaker of Delta House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori were among dignitaries that attended the ceremony.