Tag: Yemi Osinbajo

  • 2023: Osinbajo Meets Kaduna Delegates Ahead Of Presidential Primary

    2023: Osinbajo Meets Kaduna Delegates Ahead Of Presidential Primary

    Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo has visited Kaduna State in continuation of his presidential campaign ahead of the All Progressive Congress (APC) primary.

    Osinbajo arrived in the state on Sunday night where he met with the APC Adhoc delegates behind closed doors at the Murtala Mohammed Square.

    He was accompanied by Governor Nasir El-Rufai and the Director-General of his campaign organisation Senator Kabiru Gaya among other top government officials.

    Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Professor Osinbajo expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his discussion with the Kaduna APC Delegates.

    The Vice President added that the delegates were impressed by his presentation in the areas of security, economy, and healthcare service delivery if he is elected as the next president of the country in 2023.

  • Buhari, Osinbajo Condemns Killing Of Deborah Samuel In Sokoto

    Buhari, Osinbajo Condemns Killing Of Deborah Samuel In Sokoto

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday condemned the brutal killing of Debora Samuel, a student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto State.

    Samuel, a second-year student of the college, was killed on Thursday following an allegation that she had blasphemed Muhammad (SAW), the prophet of Islam.

    Speaking at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the Vice President commended the Sultan of Sokoto, the State Governor and other leaders in the state for condemning the dastardly act, insisting that the perpetrators be brought to justice.

    President Muhammadu Buhari has also condemned the killing.

    In a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, President Buhari said the news of the killing of the young lady by fellow students was a matter of concern.

    He, therefore, demanded an impartial, extensive probe into all that happened before and during the incident.

    The President stated that Muslims all over the world demand respect for the holy prophets, including Isah (Alaihissalaam, Jesus Christ) and Muhammad (SAW).

    He, however, explained that where transgressions occur, as alleged to be the case in this instance, the law does not allow anyone to take matters into their hands.

    President Buhari stressed that religious leaders have always preached that it was not for a believer to judge the actions of another person and the constituted authority must be allowed to deal with such matters when they arise.

    “No person has the right to take the law into his or her own hands in this country. Violence has and never will solve any problem,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.

  • VP Osinbajo to unveil Nigeria’s first Coconut Oil Refinery in A’Ibom

    Vice President Yemi Ssinbajo would on Friday inaugurate Nigeria’s first coconut oil refinery, St Gabriel Coconut Refinery, located in Mkpat Enin Local Council of Akwa Ibom following the successful test run of the factory.

    The multi-billion naira value-chain facility which would create thousands of job opportunities for Akwa Ibom people was facilitated by Akwa Ibom government under a Private Public Partnership and constructed by Turkish firm, VKS.

    With a capacity to crack one million nuts a day, the factory is expected to employ over 3000 direct workers at full capacity.

    The project is comprised of a factory complex complete with administrative offices, production areas, technical spaces, industrial firefighting systems, water treatment plants, effluent treatment plants and residential quarters for technical and managerial staff as well as parking areas for several raw materials bearing vehicles.

    The project is located in the serene environment of Ikot Akpan Okop village, along the East West Road in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. The project execution was flagged off by Governor Udom Emmanuel during a ground-breaking ceremony on May 24th, 2017.

    Already a two million fast yeilding hybrid coconut trees plantation on an 11,000 hectare of land to feed the refinery is ready in a swampland spanning Mkpat Enin, Ikot Abasi and Eastern Obolo Local Government Areas even as the Government has ensured that coconuts are cultivated at Okobo, Okon -Eket and other locations in the State.

    The plantation is regarded as the largest coconut plantation in Africa, and the most ambitious coconut project in the world.

  • Osinbajo Picks APC Presidential Form

    Osinbajo Picks APC Presidential Form

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has picked the nomination and expression of interest forms of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Senator Kabiru Gaya, one of the leaders of Osinbajo’s campaign picked up the forms on behalf of the nation’s number two man, on Thursday.

    Osinbajo, who joined the presidential race last month, has been going round the country to consult delegates ahead of the primaries which will hold at the end of this month.

    The APC has extended the form sale by four days.

    Details later…

  • 2023: Osinbajo Visits Oba Of Benin, Seek Blessing for Presidential Bid

    2023: Osinbajo Visits Oba Of Benin, Seek Blessing for Presidential Bid

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday visited the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II where he reiterated his desire to serve the country.

    Osinbajo visited the revered monarch as he continues consultations ahead of the 2023 presidential race.

    The former lecturer, who said he has been exposed to various areas of governance for years, noted that he is experienced to lead Nigeria.

    While he told the Oba he is in the state for political reasons, Osinbajo said he deemed it appropriate to make the Palace his first stop.

    The visit to the palace, the Vice President, explained is to inform the Oba of his intention to run for president in the coming election. He also said he is in the state to consult with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    On his part, the Oba of Benin said he admires the Vice President’s eloquence, calmness, humility, respect for culture, and fear of God. He also thanked him for having respect for culture.

    The Oba also believes that putting the electorate first should be a priority for political officeholders. He, however, regretted that while politicians make promises, and use all sorts of tactics, they eventually do not put the electorate first.

    Oba Ewuare, therefore, appealed to politicians not to continue in that trend.

    He noted that the country is blessed with resources but wondered why there’s suffering and poverty and crime.

    The monarch, who reminded Osinbajo that he (VP) is a cleric, said if he emerges as president, he would have a lot on his shoulders to turn things around.

    According to him, the VP is eminently qualified for the position as he prayed that the voters hear his voice. He wished Osinbajo well in the pursuit.

  • 2023: I don’t owe anybody allegiance – Osinbajo speaks on betraying Tinubu

    2023: I don’t owe anybody allegiance – Osinbajo speaks on betraying Tinubu

    The Vice President and 2023 Presidential aspirant, Yemi Osinbajo, has said he owes nobody any allegiance.

    Osinbajo said he owes no single individual any allegiance outside his oath of office and the allegiance he swore to Nigerians when he came into office in 2015.

    He disclosed this during his political consultations in Ogun State on Tuesday.

    Addressing his followers, Osinbajo said: “After all, I have learnt, if called upon to serve the nation, should I say No? I have decided that I will run for office.

    “I have sworn an oath to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is an oath to our people, our children, and the future of Nigeria. I owe nobody else any allegiance outside the oath.”

    Osinbajo disclosed this amid claims of betraying his alleged godfather and former principal, Bola Tinubu, by declaring for the Presidency when the former Lagos State governor is also contesting for the same office.

  • 2023 Election: I will be Betraying Nigeria If I don’t Contest – Osinbajo

    2023 Election: I will be Betraying Nigeria If I don’t Contest – Osinbajo

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday said it will be a betrayal to Nigeria if he doesn’t contest the presidency in the 2023 general elections.

    Osinbajo said this when he visited Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Ondo State in his office in Akure.

    The vice president hailed President Muhammadu Buhari’s open-mindedness in delegating to him serious tasks that had aided his experience.

    He said that it was God that put people in power, but noted that it would be a betrayal of his country for him to retire with all his exposure in government.

    He commended Akeredolu for the giant strides of achievements in the state.

    “It is such a special privilege to be called to serve, it is a very special privilege to serve either as ecxo, house of assembly, even as NWC member.

    “I am sure that everybody knows that I have formally declared my intention to run as president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “I did so on Monday April 11th, 2022 and I did so because, first of all there is nobody that can bear anything God does not decide that he would be, only God can make a person president, vice president, governor, anything whatsoever.

    “So, I believe the hand of God must be on anything we are doing, but I declared my intention based on first, the fact that I have served, again by the sheer grace of God, I have served for seven years and some months.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari, just out of his open-mindedness and his own generosity ensured that I was given very serious responsibilities as vice president and I also acted as president.

    “In those capacity, I got to know so many things that most people will never come across, even people in government will never come across and I gained a lot of experience on that account.

    “Many times the President, when he was away, said pointedly to me that look, I don’t want to feter your discretion in any way, as acting president, you are president, just make sure you are fair and just, don’t refer anything to me, don’t ask me any questions, just do whatever you need to do.

    “I think It will be a betrayal to our country, to our nation, this is a nation that many people died for, people died for this country, if I with all that have been given to me by the grace of God, retire quietly either to Lagos or Ikene and go and be writing my memoirs.

    “It will be great injustice to our country, that is why I throw my hat in the ring and ensure I make the best case for the position of President of Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

    Earlier, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu appreciated the vice president for the visit.

  • We must discuss issues dividing Nigeria now – Osinbajo

    We must discuss issues dividing Nigeria now – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said there is a need for frank discussions among Nigerians on issues that cause division.

    Osinbajo believes this would find lasting solutions and also chart the way forward towards building a better and more united nation.

    The VP spoke on Thursday during the public presentation of Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi’s memoir in Lagos.

    On the significance of the book and the lessons, Osinbajo noted that citizens need to talk “more to ourselves not at ourselves”.

    “We need frank discussions on the issues that divide us, we need openness about our fears and prejudices. Perhaps, that way we may gain each other’s confidence”, he said.

    The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) described Ogunbiyi, who clocked 75, as a brilliant university teacher, newspaper executive, debonair, connoisseur of wine and collector of fine art.

    In attendance were Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Ogun and Ekiti Governors, Dapo Abiodun and Kayode Fayemi, ex-Ogun and Osun Governors, Segun Osoba and Rauf Aregbesola.

    Others were former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Prof. Femi Osofisan, who reviewed the book.

  • FG calls for synergy among  Commissioners for Workable National Economic Development

    FG calls for synergy among Commissioners for Workable National Economic Development

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    Vice-president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has called for a synergy among Commissioners for an effective and workable national sustainable economic development.

    Osinbajo at the closing ceremony of the the 21st JPB/NCDP event held at Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, on Friday who made this call at that the Joint Planning Board and National Council on Development Planning’s (JPB/NCDP’s) annual event said the meeting is key to boosting cooperation between States and the Federal Government as well as providing a better coordination of economic policies for poverty reduction and sustainable development.

    He stressed that the need for synergy among all tiers of government remained paramount ”at this critical time when we continue to face the challenges of recovery from the onslaught of the Covid-19 now compounded by the ongoing Russia-Ukarine war.”

    The Vice President further noted that the Council had remained a very important platform for setting the tone of national economic discourses, adding that ‘it provides a good opportunity for Federal and State Governments to maintain their active collaboration for the well being of their people.

    He commended the effort of stakeholders from the private sector and civil servants in articulating the National Development Plan, NDP, 2021-2025.
    He stated that the strategic objectives of the NDP included establishing a strong foundation for a diversified economy, investing in critical infrastructure, enabling human capital development and improving governance, and strengthening security which would certainly contribute to achieving national development aspirations.

    Osinbajo disclosed that the outcomes of poor governance includes ineffective delivery of public goods such as collection of taxes, or delivery of social investment programme, public education, health services, and delivery of performance, among others.

    He said, ’’Any country that makes dishonesty, lack of transparency, bureaucratic corruption the norm has chosen backwardness and poverty of the majority of its citizens.”

    Addressing the Commissioners, Minister of State Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, appreciated the delegates and stressed that the theme of this year’s conference, “Good Governance and Institutional Capacity: Pathways to Sustainable National Development” was a reflection of the current efforts of the Federal Government in ensuring the effective implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021 – 2025.

    Agba stated that the conceptualization and effectiveness of good governance for sustainable development particularly in the context of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs had come into focus in recent years.

    He added that recognizing the role of the government in the management of the economy and the joint participation of state and non-state actors, civil society and the private sector was essential in the process of public governance.

    Agba said ‘’Emerging trends point to good governance as a panacea towards accelerated development in economic, political and social sectors of nations making it imperative for any country wishing to realize, promote or maintain economic, political and social strides to strive to embrace good governance. Efficient political and economic strands promote social order.”

    He stressed the need for achieving good governance, as well as, institutional capacity as very important objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP), launched by President Muhammadu Buhari is a holistic plan for the Nigerian economy particularly in the era of the COVID-19 challenges the president’s vision to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years remains an achievable dream.

    He said, ‘’I have always posited that good governance lies in the mindset of people. As long as the people do not remain a stumbling block to the ease of doing business, the people of Nigeria will reap a lot of benefits from the National Development Plan 2021 – 2025.”

    “We must remove all encumbrances to doing business, the biggest of which is the human factor linked to an unacceptable attitudinal disposition and the lack of a sense of urgency.”

    In overcoming these impediments to national development, the plan has a volume which captures the binding constraints and legislative imperatives for the ease of doing business’’ the minister explained.

    Prince Agba assured that the outcome of the meeting would be taken into action, also acknowledged that the success of the 21st JPB/NCDP event was as the efforts of the Permanent Secretary and other stakeholders in the ministry.

  • Nigeria Suffers $14bn Loss to Farmer-Herder Clashes – Osinbajo

    Nigeria Suffers $14bn Loss to Farmer-Herder Clashes – Osinbajo

    Nigeria has lost over $14 billion yearly due to the frequent farmer-herder clashes, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said yesterday.

    Osinbajo made the disclosure in Lagos, while declaring this year’s Livestock and Aquaculture Trade Fair open.

    Represented by the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) Delivery Advisor at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development, Efosa Onyezebe, the vice president, noted that it was disheartening that a country whose population was projected to rise to over 250 million by 2030, was suffering such a huge loss because of clashes between farmers and herdsmen.

    According to Osinbajo, in order to tackle the challenge, the federal government initiated the NLTP to support and strengthen the development of market-driven ranches in the livestock ecosystem for improved productivity through breed (genetic) improvement and pasture production, in addition to efficient land and water productivity improvement.

    The vice president explained that under the programme, about 22 states have so far sent letters of expression of interest, adding that 10 states have set up the state Livestock Transformation Office, just as four states have identified and mapped the gazetted grazing reserves in their domains and are ready for take-off.

    He said some states have received funding for the development of the pilot ranches.

    Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development, Mahmood Abubakar, called for the development of the nation’s fishing industry.

    Represented by Mrs. Omolara Oguntuyi, Abubakar noted that the nation has no business importing fish going by the nation’s abundant marine resources.

    The minister said: “If you look at Nigeria’s capacity for producing fish for example, it is enormous, and truly we don’t have any business importing fish. Fish do not grow on sand but in water and the country is blessed with abundant amount of water. We have lakes, creeks, rivers and Atlantic Ocean all filled with different kinds of fishes.

    “We also have diversity of fishes in our waters. So, what we should be doing is to take advantage of these natural resources which has been ignored for a very long time.

    “A typical example is the abundant stock of shrimps in our water, drift fish and large lantern fish population that we can use to make our fish feed which is important to aquaculture production.”

    According to him, “we have to develop our fishing industry and not be dependent on importation. God did not make a mistake when He gave us the Atlantic Ocean and those lakes we have, it is only a prodigal child that will have resources and will not use it and instead be looking at what others have.”

    “What we can do now is to promote what we have within our own country and a lot can be achieved in the livestock and aquaculture production. We have cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, rabbit, snail, tilapia and catfish among others that we can promote.

    “A lot of farm estates can be promoted, cage culture can be constructed within some of our rivers so that we can produce a lot of our own animals and fish needs.

    “The only thing that is unacceptable is for Nigeria to be totally dependent on other countries for animal protein source when we have land and water we are not making use of.”

    “The time is ripe for us to revolutionise agriculture in Nigeria especially in the livestock and aquaculture development and the youths should be the bedrock of our drive to transform this sector in agriculture,” he added.