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Tag: Yemi Osinbajo

  • Osinbajo Hint Security Operatives on How to Tackle Security Challenges

    Osinbajo Hint Security Operatives on How to Tackle Security Challenges

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has suggested ways in which Nigeria can tackle the current security challenges in the country.

    Osinbajo said Nigeria’s current security challenges and emerging threats require the country’s military and other relevant stakeholders to be several steps ahead of perpetrators while also stepping up local production of armaments.

    The Vice President said this after receiving a presentation on “Defence Transformation and National Security: Strategic Options for Nigeria of the Future”, by the National Defence College Course 30 participants late Wednesday during a virtual interaction.

    He said, “if you look at the challenges that we are facing and the nature of those challenges, it is evident that we need to be many steps ahead of non-state actors in particular who are perpetrators of this asymmetric warfare that we are experiencing.”

    Osinbajo added that “it is clear that given current realities in our security situation, there is absolutely every need for us to fast-forward all our plans for the future so that we can be much more effective in dealing with the current threats and the threats that we will experience as we go into the future.

    “One of the most critical areas is the question of local production of military hardware and I think it is low-hanging fruit when it comes to manufacturing some of the hardware that we will need. I think that there is a need, especially now to really look very closely at local production of our hardware, beginning with armament.

    “We mentioned India, Brazil, and even the more developed economies of the world, during the first world war, the second world war, it was these challenges that led to the development of their military-industrial complexes. We have a challenge today, there are so many zones where there are conflicts. Our law enforcement is spread out everywhere.

    “If we say the local companies should produce some of the mobile platforms like Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle (MRAV), if we give them the contracts, they will produce, but if we choose to import rather than produce locally then we will never develop our military-industrial complex.”

    Osinbajo also spoke about the need for transparency in the management of resources meant for the acquisition of hardware for the defence and security agencies.

    “There needs to be more accountability because every time you hear, ‘we do not have enough equipment,’ but there must be accountability. I would like to see a framework for greater accountability within the Ministry of Defence that ensures that they are able to account for military expenditure,” he said.

  • Osinbajo Support Group Congratulates Tinubu, Tasks Him on Good Governance

    Osinbajo Support Group Congratulates Tinubu, Tasks Him on Good Governance

    A support group, The Osinbajo Think Tank, has congratulated the All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his recent victory at the Party’s Primary at Abuja.

    The group equally urged the APC National Leader to strengthen good governance in the country, when he becomes President.

    Mr. Olugbenga Olaoye, the Group’s spokesperson said that the group was pleased with the peaceful conduct of the primary election.

    Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja defeated our dogged Principal and Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and 12 other candidates in a presidential primary election held at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

    He said that his group in accordance with its vision of promoting good governance is in support of every process of democracy, as demonstrated by the All Progressives Congress.

    He described Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory as a well-deserved one, considering his contributions to the development of democracy in the country, since its advent in Nigeria.

    “The Osinbajo Think Tank, congratulates APC National leader on his recent victory at the party’s primaries. We urge him to uphold good governance in Nigeria, as he has always done”, he said.

    Olaoye assured Nigerians of the group’s commitment to a united Nigeria, urging all political aspirants to toe the path of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

    He eulogized Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s unalloyed affinity for the Nation, which led him to being a frontline Presidential aspirant.

    Olaoye also congratulated Osinbajo for his show of maturity and unwavering conviction, despite the pressure to step down.

  • Tinubu Visits Osinbajo In Abuja

    Tinubu Visits Osinbajo In Abuja

    The flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu has visited Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at his Aguda residence in Abuja.

    Asiwaju had earlier visited the President at his residence in the Presidential Villa and afterwards decided to make a surprise call on the VP. He was accompanied by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    At the time Asiwaju arrived, the VP was meeting with Senator Kabiru Gaya; former Defence Minister, Major General Dan Ali (retd), and other associates.

    The VP received Tinubu alongside his other guests and they exchanged pleasantries.

    The former Lagos Governor defeated a former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, Osinbajo, and others, to secure the APC ticket for next year’s general elections.

  • Osinbajo’s campaign spokesman congratulates Tinubu

    Osinbajo’s campaign spokesman congratulates Tinubu

    The spokesman of the Yemi Osinbajo Campaign Organisation, Richard Akinnola, has reacted as Bola Tinubu, a Presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, took an early lead in the party’s presidential primaries in Abuja.

    Akinnola congratulated Tinubu for taking an early lead in the presidential primary in Abuja.

    In a Facebook post, Akinnola said he has no regret in supporting Osinbajo in his push to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

    According to Akinnola: “Congratulations, Asiwaju Tinubu, the presumed winner of the primaries. In any contest, there must be a winner.

    “However, I’m very proud of my choice of support in the person of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

    “I have no iota of regret over my support for him. It was a privilege to play a pivotal role for him during the process. I would gladly do it over and over again. It’s a matter of conviction.” He said.

  • Three Presidential Aspirants Stepped Down For Osinbajo – Senator Gaya

    Three Presidential Aspirants Stepped Down For Osinbajo – Senator Gaya

    As the national convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is underway, former Senate President, Ken Nnamani and two other presidential aspirants have stepped down for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    APC chieftain and Chairman, Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Kabiru Gaya, disclosed this while briefing Channels Television on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Although he didn’t mention who the other aspirants are, there are speculations that they are ex-Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, and a Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate, Ajayi Boroffice.

    Noting that the ruling party has decided to zone the presidential slot to the South-West region, he stated that the aspirants are expected to address the delegates shortly.

    “We have Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Bola Tinubu; it comes down to the South-West. I’m aware that a few aspirants have stepped down for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. They are Ken Nnamani and two others. I think that will be announced later,” he stated.

    “Whatever the number the party decides; it is up for because the people need to come and address the party members and tell them if they are stepping down, why are they stepping down, and for who. If they are not stepping down, let them tell Nigerians what they intend to do to improve the situation in the governance of Nigeria.”

    The Chairman, Senate committee on INEC, Kabiru Gaya, briefs Channels Television on the update of the APC National Convention in Abuja on June 7, 2022.

    According to Gaya, the APC took its decision to give its presidential ticket to the southern region in the spirit of equity and justice.

    He believes that the ruling party has sent a signal to Nigerians that it is not a regional or sectional association but one that is meant for all the masses.

    “In principle, we have President Buhari from northern Nigeria that is serving seven years going to eight years; I think naturally, the power should shift to the south. That is what we have been talking about for over two years. I believe that Nigerians will believe that APC is the party for all. It is not a sectional or regional party.

    “In any decision you take, it has merits and demerits. When the merits are more, then you say ‘we’, that is the majority. So, the majority of Nigerians accept that let the leadership of the presidency of APC or Nigeria go to the south and we all agreed to that,” the lawmaker added.

  • Osinbajo Pays Condolence Visit To Owo After Attack

    Osinbajo Pays Condolence Visit To Owo After Attack

    The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on Monday paid a condolence visit to Owo, Ondo State where Christian worshippers were gruesomely killed by gunmen.

    The incident happened at St Francis Catholic Church in Owo leading to the death of scores of people while many were injured. The situation has thrown the nation into mourning with President Muhammadu Buhari, and several governors among others condemning the attack.

    Meanwhile, the presidency has debunked rumours that Osinbajo was involved in a car accident while heading to the airport en route to Owo.

    Several reports had surfaced in the early hours of the day claiming that Osinbajo had been involved in an auto accident.

    But the Presidency rebuffed the claims in a tweet on its official Twitter handle.

    “Vice President @ProfOsinbajo was not involved in an accident,” the tweet read.

    “On his way to the airport, en route to Owo, Ondo State on a condolence visit, his convoy stopped to assist the lone victim of a car accident.”

  • Shettima Apologises for labelling Osinbajo ice-cream seller, Lawan tomato vendor

    Shettima Apologises for labelling Osinbajo ice-cream seller, Lawan tomato vendor

    Former Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, on Sunday morning apologised to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, saying he did not mean to denigrate them.

    Shettima’s apology comes barely 48 hours after his interview on Channels Television programme ‘Politics Today’ on Friday.

    The former governor, who is a strong ally of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, had described Osinbajo as a decent man who should be selling popcorn and ice cream.

    He said, “Osinbajo is a good man; he’s a nice man. But nice men do not make good leaders, because nice men tend to be nasty. Nice men should be selling popcorn, ice cream.”

    On Lawan, Shettima said the facts are clear that the senate president, who cuts the image of a tomato trader, lacks capacity to confront the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

    “Go to Ohafia or Arochukwu and ask for Ahmed Lawan, the first thing that will come to their mind is that of a tomato dealer who is bringing tomatoes from Maiduguri. Go to any part of the south. Does the brand name sell?” he said.

    However, a remorseful Shettima took to his Twitter account to apologise days later, saying his remarks were misrepresented.

    He said, “My interview on Channels TV was taken out of context. When I appeared on Channels TV last Friday amidst the tension rippling through our political arena, it was to underline the promise of Tinubu’s presidential bid held for those yet to establish the certainty of the hurdle ahead of the convention.

    “I never set out to denigrate the personality of any aspirant, and definitely not that of my dear friends and allies. None of them is an opponent, so their aspiration isn’t a threat to us.

    “They appear so in the sprint to become the party’s presidential flag-bearer in the 2023 elections, but they are our allies in the marathon.

    “My assessments of the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, and Senator Ahmad Lawan, were well-intentioned. I never set out to subject them to ridicule but, rather, to stir up interest in the contrasting virtues of the cast of aspirants putting up a fight against my preferred aspirant, one most favoured and advantaged to guarantee APC’s victory in the forthcoming presidential election.

    “The interpretations of my remarks on Osinbajo and Senator Lawan are, thus, being done literally and overblown. The interpretations of my remarks on Osinbajo and Lawan are, thus, being done literally and overblown.

    “My words weren’t woven to portray them as unworthy aspirants, but merely to qualify them as non-threatening contenders. I, however, take full responsibility for my utterances and wish to appeal to our teeming supporters to neither take my words out of their metaphoric contexts nor interpret them as a measure and declaration of hostility towards my dear friends and allies.

    “I, hereby, tender my unreserved apologies to the Vice President and the President of the Senate for the unintended pains my jibes might have caused them and their families and supporters.

    “A divided house, even if in the assumptions and imaginations of supporters with a distant grasp of our relationships with other aspirants, is the last impression we wish to create among Nigerians. I want this to be taken as an appeal to our supporters across all political camps to build bridges and mend fences as the actual journey is just about to begin. Victory, for the discerning, has always been the first lap of the race.”

  • Nice men like Osinbajo should be selling ice cream – Sen. Kassim Shettima

    Nice men like Osinbajo should be selling ice cream – Sen. Kassim Shettima

    A former Governor of Borno State, Senator Kassim Shettima, has said despite the good personality of the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, he is unfit to win the 2023 presidential elections.

    Shettima, who is representing Borno Central Senatorial District, spoke when he appeared on Channels Television program on Friday night.

    According to him, the VP who is one of the presidential aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, can not defeat the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

    The lawmaker claimed that only the National leader of the ruling party, Bola Tinubu, is capable of winning the election come 2023.

    He said, “Nobody has ever doubted the competence of Professor Osinbajo, but we believe that in terms of intellectual capacity, and someone who is capable of winning the election, is Bola Tinubu.

    “We need someone who can match and even overshadow the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Osinbajo is a good and nice man but nice men do not make good leaders, nice men should be selling ice cream”.

  • FG needs 1 trillion to lift children out of poverty – Report

    FG needs 1 trillion to lift children out of poverty – Report

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    A new report launched by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to mark the 2022 Children’s Day has revealed that Nigeria needs 1 trillion to lift children out of poverty along side exposed the depth of poverty children face in households.

    The three fold Reports launched on the Children’s Day namely , The Situation Analysis of Children in Nigeria, the Multidimensional Child Poverty Analysis in Nigeria and Monetary Child Poverty in Nigeria prepared by the Ministry of Budget and National Planning in collaboration with UNICEF, reveals the new evidence on the situation of child deprivation in Nigeria.

    According to the report 24.56% of children face extreme poverty by living in households that spend less than $1.90 a day as the analysis indicates that the country would need as roughly as 1 trillion naira to lift children out of poverty.

    The report notes that children are most affected by poverty because they are   vulnerable, and that poverty has long-term impacts on the well-being of children, even into adulthood.

    The Multidimensional Child Poverty Analysis using Multidimensional Overlapping Deprivation Analysis approach reveals that approximately 54 % of children in Nigeria are multidimensionally poor by facing at least three deprivations across seven dimensions of child rights including nutrition, healthcare, education, water, sanitation, adequate housing, and information.

    The Situation Analysis also indicates that child poverty rate is highest among children aged 16– 17 years and least among children aged 0–5 years.

    Multidimensional poverty in children is more prevalent in the rural (65.7 %) than urban areas (28.4 %). There are also high state disparities ranging from 14.5 % (Lagos) to 81.5 % (Sokoto), the report showed.

    The monetary child poverty report shows that 47.4 % of children face monetary poverty by living in households with expenditure less than N 376.5 a day – national poverty line. Slight differences are observed between boys (47.98 %) and girls (46.8 %) while there are high geographical and state disparities (from 6.5% in Lagos to 91.4% in Sokoto).

    UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins said,”Data is critical for effective budgeting and decision making – and the data from these surveys together paint a picture of the situation for children and families in Nigeria.”
    “We still have a long way to go towards ensuring the well-being of children and families in Nigeria, with persistent multi-dimensional poverty being a crucial obstacle.”

    The findings of these reports will help guide the federal and state governments as they plan their budgets – providing evidence for where more funds need to be allocated and wisely spent, Hawkins explained.

    According to the UNICEF lead, an analysis of the reports indica the need for improved social protection measures to ensure that children are protected from risks, along with an expansion of access to much-needed social services.

    Whether looking at poverty from a monetary or non-monetary point of view, the data show that children are more likely to live in poverty than other groups, he emphasized.

    Hawkins stressed the need to pay special attention to planning and programming for children, based on the policy recommendations and calls to action contained in the reports, adding that the data provided offers a clear direction and key actions necessary for the realization of children’s rights in Nigeria.

  • 2023: Group Begs Tinubu, Other Aspirants to Step Down for VP Osinbajo

    2023: Group Begs Tinubu, Other Aspirants to Step Down for VP Osinbajo

    A support group, The Osinbajo Think Tank has urged a leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other aspirants to jettison their presidential ambition and back Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, ahead of the 2023 Presidential election.

    This was made known in a statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Mr. Olugbenga Olaoye, in Lagos on Friday.

    The statement issued at the end of a-day strategic meeting by members of the group, appealed to Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and others to consider the strategic role VP Osinbajo will play in developing the country after the 2023 elections.

    “No doubt, VP Yemi Osinbajo presents an intimidating credential that can guarantee electoral success for the APC in the presidential elections,” the statement stressed.

    “We therefore appeal to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other stakeholders to rally support for the presidential aspiration of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, in the overall interest of the party and our nation, Nigeria.

    The group added that it has followed with keen interest, the presidential aspiration of Osinbajo and his efforts at reaching out to stakeholders nationwide on his presidential ambition.

    It further pointed out that the Vice President’s commitment to ensuring sustainable growth and development in the Nation cannot go unnoticed.

    It also noted that Osinbajo, at this time, has served as a bridge-builder, desirous of one Nigeria.

    The group therefore advised the APC leader and other presidential aspirants to throw their weight behind Osinbajo, to emerge as the President in 2023.

    The group argued that by doing so, the aspirants would unite the south, ahead of the 2023 elections.

    It added that the level of support the vice president has garnered over the past two weeks of consultation across the nation speaks volume of his level of acceptance by Nigerians.