The FIRS Chairman, Muhammad Nami, yesterday led members of his management team on a visiting tour of the Central Security Clearing System (CSCS) Plc’s facilities.

The FIRS has initiated the Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS) project to digitize and archive its records as well as automate its workflow.

The visit by the FIRS Executive Chairman and his management team to the CSCS office was to get firsthand information on the experiences of the the organization in deploying Document Management Systems for itself and its clients.

It is no longer news that my dear friend Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is playing host to my brother from the west, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his yearly Colloquium where the master politician gathers intellectuals and politicians to discuss on contemporary political and social issues, while proffering solutions where necessary.

Asiwaju means well when he hosts these events yearly. But he is a man with methods. He does not just come out dancing, except he has gathered the drummers and informed them the rhythm they must play.

This year’s Colloquium would not be different from the many others the South West’s leader has hosted. But it would have a significant touch of the master planner’s road to achieving his presidential ambition for 2023.

The most significant reason that this colloquium would be the most political, if I may use that word, is that it is being hosted in the seat of the North’s machinery for churning out votes—Kano State. And to embellish this fact, is the fact that the host, my friend, Dr. Ganduje, has been given promises, and he has made his too.

Kano State gave President Buhari over 77% of the votes cast in the last election. A whooping 1.4 Million votes. This is the equivalent of the total of votes from three to four South Eastern States. All handed to Mai Gaskiya. Asiwaju knows that to fulfil his 2023 ambition, he must earn the love of the North, and their votes, too.

His choice of Kano is not perchance. It is a calculated selection. But there are many other reasons that Kano has become the darling of the West’s master planner.

*The Dollar Connection*

Dr. Ganduje owes a lot to Asiwaju. His life in fact is owed to Asiwaju.

When the embarrassing video of Ganduje showing off his babariga stashed with dollars from an alleged bribe he was seen collecting, the man’s career was in the mud. He became a pariah at once. He was the symbol of stark naked corruption. Ganduje, notorious for his AIKI! AIKI! AIKI! did not make any appearance on this matter, and kept mum for weeks.

His re-election at the primaries was only a few months away. The party was worried about the perception crisis this ugly scenery was going to give to the party. There were one or two alternatives being propped up here and there, and Ganduje’s life and career were about to be cut off.

Then came Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Asiwaju was quick to rally those he could and sent gifts to those he could not. He is reported to have provided the needed funds that Ganduje’s pockets could not provide, and paid off the media, the noisy politicians and their social media warriors.

Ganduje made it to the primaries, pumped Asiwaju’s dollars into the delegates stomach’s and moved to round two, where he got stuck at with a re-run.

He tactically manoeuvred the system and emerged the winner of the elections. But that was not the end for Ganduje.

*Asiwaju Comes Through Again!*

With a very suspicious win, Ganduje was in the court rooms defending his Asiwaju-earned electoral victory. This was too much a burden for him. My friend did not have enough friends to pull an Wike-Odili-card that would ensure a smooth ride in the courts.

Then again, Dr Ganduje turned to the West. Our brother Asiwaju came through again. 

During the 2019 Colloquium, he showered Asiwaju praises from heaven to earth. Called him all sort of sweet names, that a man wooing a woman would use. 

Asiwaju deserved it, he had literally made Ganduje all that he was!

*The Promise of a Vice President*

Asiwaju is a taunter. He throws a promise here and there to his friends and makes them happy. If you think I am lying ask Rotimi Amaechi. In 2015, under the bunkers of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Asiwaju promised that if Amaechi could rally all the Governors to support Buhari in the primaries, he would give him the slot for the Vice Presidential candidate.

Ganduje has been offered this same promise. It is not surprising that Ganduje is mobilising all resources available to deliver Asiwaju in 2023.

He is heard to have promised to finance Asiwaju’s campaign for the 2023 elections.

Now he is setting the campaign mood for his benefactor.

*The Emirs Are Gathered*

On Monday the 29th of March 2021, Dr. Ganduje would gather a host of Northern bigwigs and kingmakers to come and pay homage to the man he is sponsoring for President.

Among these wide range of Northern elites would be several Emirs. They would come and bless Asiwaju’s 2023 ambition with their presence and their sweet words.

Ganuje’s Colloquium for Asiwaju Tinubu indeed tells the story of the Common Bond between the two, more than it is of Nigeria.

Shettima Mai Ungwa is a political activist, commentator and lives in Kano State

Too early to say sure...

Nigeria’s leading Islamic figure, the Sultan of Sokoto, HRH Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar as well as the Governor of Kano State, Dr Umar Ganduje would play a prominent role in the unveiling of Tinubu’s Presidential 2023 Campaign, in Kano, on Monday.

Kano State Governor, who is playing host to the yearly Tinubu Colloquium, would lead a host of Northern elites to flag off the unofficial campaign of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Presidential ambition come 2023.

Among those that are expected to be in attendance is Nigeria’s most revered Islamic leader, the Sultan of Sokoto, who would be joined by several Emirs from across Northern Nigeria.

Dr Ganduje is reported to be seeking to be the major sponsor of Asiwaju’s 2023 campaign, as there are reports that he is to be given the Vice Presidential slot.

It is no longer news that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is geared towards pushing to become the President in 2023. He has begun consultations in the North and has met with most of its leaders.

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep sadness and shock over the passing of Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu, representing Imo North Senatorial District.

Commiserating with the family of the late distinguished senator, the leadership and members of the National Assembly, and the government and people of Imo State on the tragic transition, the President prays for divine comfort for all who mourn.

President Buhari avers that as a politician and community leader, Sen. Uwajumogu dedicated his life to service, which eminently earned him the trust of the people of Okigwe zone in Imo State, who elected him to represent them first, in the State House of Assembly, where he served as Speaker, and later, in the Senate.

The President notes that from the torrent of tributes that have greeted his unfortunate demise, it is clear that Sen. Uwajumogu served his constituency and fatherland well.

He prays God to grant rest to the soul of the senator.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 19, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep sadness and shock over the passing of Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu, representing Imo North Senatorial District.

Commiserating with the family of the late distinguished senator, the leadership and members of the National Assembly, and the government and people of Imo State on the tragic transition, the President prays for divine comfort for all who mourn.

President Buhari avers that as a politician and community leader, Sen. Uwajumogu dedicated his life to service, which eminently earned him the trust of the people of Okigwe zone in Imo State, who elected him to represent them first, in the State House of Assembly, where he served as Speaker, and later, in the Senate.

The President notes that from the torrent of tributes that have greeted his unfortunate demise, it is clear that Sen. Uwajumogu served his constituency and fatherland well.

He prays God to grant rest to the soul of the senator.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 19, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has been described as an avatar, a visionary and futuristic leader who is determined to take Nigeria to the loftiest height.

The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) in a birthday felicitation with the President who clocks 77 tomorrow (17th December) described President Buhari as "akin to a man who is planting a tree he will not take shade under, but the future generation will not only take shade under it but pluck the fruits thereof."

In a statement signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke, the group noted that President Buhari's desire to lay a solid foundation for the country’s development is already yielding expected results, especially with the completion of several abandoned projects across the country- some abandoned as long as thirty years ago.

"Regardless of the views being canvassed by the opposition against the administration, we are convinced that his style of leadership, his dedication and commitment to a government of the people, for the people and by the people has returned government to ordinary Nigerians.

"This is unlike in the past when a few elites used their privileged positions for personal aggrandizement."

The group noted that President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption has reduced waste in government at all levels, and the result is manifesting gradually.

"We believe that with the strong foundation he has laid for the development of the country, the trajectory will be difficult to reverse after his administration. This is more so as institutions are now allowed to work without unnecessary interference."

Wishing the President more fruitful years on earth, BMO urged Nigerians to continue to give their unalloyed support to the President and his administration in order to bequeath a country where ordinary Nigerians would be the focus of all decisions.

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE

 
 

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, will today, Sunday, 8th December, 2019, depart Abuja for the City of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates to speak on "The Role of Religions in Promoting Tolerance: From Possibility to Necessity." 
 
The topic of the Vice President's speech is the theme of the Sixth Assembly of the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies opening tomorrow in Abu Dhabi.
 
Prof. Osinbajo's speech is scheduled as the forum's keynote address.
 
Also, tomorrow, at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, the Vice President will meet with Sheik Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nayan, the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces. Both leaders will discuss bilateral issues on how to continue to expand diplomatic and economic relationships between Nigeria and the UAE.
 
The Assembly of the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies is an annual event organized by the government of the United Arab Emirates.
 
According to the UAE government, “the Sixth Assembly will build upon the discussions and outputs of previous assemblies, as well as appreciation of the UAE’s decision to proclaim 2019 as the year of ‘tolerance’.
 
“The Sixth Assembly envisages an opportunity to initiate a civilized dialogue on the formulation of a new concept of tolerance, one that is humane and generous, and to transform a perspective that makes tolerance a religious imperative.”
 
The Vice President is expected back later on Monday, 9th December, 2019.
 
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
8th December, 2019

*Sultan of Sokoto says Osinbajo’s leadership from God

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has been described as the pride of Nigeria by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) on Friday.
Prof. Osinbajo who gave a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the General Assembly of NSCIA was praised for his commitment to the country.

Ishaq Oloyede, Secretary General of NSCIA said Prof. Osinbajo has successfully combined his religious commitments with public administration, something that is worth emulating.

“He is a model of a person combining religious commitment with public administration. He has done that creditably well. Mr. Vice President we want to thank you on behalf of the Muslim community of this country. You are a pride to this nation, we thank you and pray that God will continue to be with you,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, President-General of NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar, applauded the Vice President for his leadership, which he said was given to him by God.

“We have the privilege of having the Vice President here who is a pastor, and I am pleased that he is here to listen to the comments we will make and to listen to him giving the keynote speech, which I believe he will say a lot having known him for some time.

“He has leadership given to him by the lord God Almighty, it is a trust and responsibility and he is here in his capacity as VP and we invited him to give the keynote speech as VP of Nigeria and he accepted to be here,” the Sultan of Sokoto said.

Prof Salisu Shehu, Deputy Secretary General of NSCIA praised the Vice President for gracing the event. “I believe as you have graciously accepted to be here to honour this event by coming personally, I believe that when resolutions are presented to you, we are sure that you’d give the necessary executive support to those resolutions.”

In his keynote address, Osinbajo commended the NSCIA for bridging the religious gap in Nigeria. “This Council is of particular importance to us as a nation because it not only promotes solidarity among Nigeria’s Muslims but also serves as an important intermediary between the government and the Muslim community and between Muslims and persons of other faiths.

“As the highest decision-making body of the Council, I offer to you this morning, both a commendation and a challenge.


“First, the commendation to you for the great leadership you have shown in galvanizing the Muslim community in Nigeria despite denominational differences. But also, for making the Council available for the promotion of interfaith peace, and religious tolerance in Nigeria.

“The challenge stems from the theme of this meeting which is “Islam and National Development.” Permit me to put the topic in context so that we do not miss the essence of the topic. So, I recast the theme to read as follows quote, “The Role of Islam in the Development of a Multi-religious and Multi-ethnic Nation.” This is the gravamen of the matter and I believe my brother, Isa Pantami (Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy who delivered the keynote address) did an excellent job.

“Decades ago in this same country, it would not have been a major topic. Leaders in the first republic did not consider religious intolerance as a major national issue, they were more concerned about the issues that touched everyone regardless of religion or ethnicity; they were concerned about providing food, shelter, education and decent livelihoods. But today, no true leader can ignore the threat that religious bigotry and intolerance poses for the development of our nation. That is just the way it is.

“But it is my respectful view that the burden of ensuring that faith promotes national development as opposed to impeding it is on leaders. This is the challenge I pose to you today.

“A few months ago, at an interfaith gathering, I told the story of an occurrence on the 20th of June 2018. Christians in their village Nshar Yelwa, Plateau State were attacked by a horde of persons who were said to be Muslims, who had attacked other villages and had killed several Berom farmers who were mainly Christians.

“As Imam Abdullahi was finishing mid-day prayers, he and his congregation heard gunshots and went outside to see members of the village’s Christian community running helter-skelter. Instinctively, the Imam ushered 262 Christians into the mosque and some into his home next to the mosque.

“The Imam then went outside to confront the gunmen. He refused to allow them to enter, pleading with them to spare the Christians inside the mosque and his home. When the assailants were adamant, he told them that they would have to kill him first if they were going to kill the Christians, he had given refuge. They eventually left without killing any of the Christians in the mosque or in his home. Imam Abdullahi’s selflessness and sacrifice saved the lives of hundreds of people of a faith different from his own.

“Imam Abdullahi not only refused to give up the Christians he had given refuge; he even offered his life in exchange for theirs. His moral courage is rooted in a profound recognition of our common humanity. His compassion, empathy and selflessness are an example to us as people of faith.”

Leave Osinbajo out of the Npower issue. Npower is no longer under the VP's office. A new ministry is now in charge of it.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision not to run for a third term in office is sacrosanct, final and irreversible. Those pushing the agenda should respect the President and back off.

The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO), giving this warning in Abuja yesterday, said it had believed that the President’s declaration would put the matter to rest finally.
“We want to restate that President Muhammadu Buhari, as an acclaimed democrat and a man of integrity, will keep his words especially in a situation where he made reference that he swore by the Holy Book to abide by the constitution which stipulates only two terms of four years for any incumbent President.
“We want to challenge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to show Nigerians evidence of any of their past Presidents who kept faith with Nigerians and abided fully with the constitution as it relates to the constitutional terms of office.
“It is important to acknowledge that President Buhari’s major concern is to rebuild the dilapidated infrastructure in the country, eradicate corruption and fight insecurity, thereby bequeathing a country that works for all citizens.”
The group says it believes that with the bold declaration of the President not to seek for a third term Nigerians should ignore calls for the elongation “as it will never materialise. As a man of integrity he will not renege on his promise, and neither will he bastardise the Nigerian constitution for personal gains, no matter the pressure.
“We are confident that with the measures already put in place by the Buhari administration, Nigeria is already well-positioned for development which will lead to job creation, economic growth and rapid socio-political development of the country.
“Definitely third term is not on the agenda of the President as it runs contrary to the oath of office he has sworn to.

“We want to reassure Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari remains focussed in improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians by embarking on programmes and projects that will positively impact on Nigerians.”

PHOTOS: H.E Vice-President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN presides over NEC Meeting. Photos; Tolani Alli

Even the man in the opposition has acknowledged the effort of Osinbajo in SIP.
Wailers should rest....

President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday signed Executive Order 009 entitled, The Open Defecation-Free Nigeria by 2025 and Other Related Matters Order, 2019.

The Order declares as follows:

1. That by this Order, Nigeria is committed to being open defecation free by 2025.

2. That the National Open Defecation Free (ODF) Roadmap developed by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources with support from other key sector players across Nigeria be put into effect.

3. a. There is established in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources a National Secretariat called “Clean Nigeria Campaign Secretariat”.

b. The Secretariat is authorized on behalf of the President to implement this Order by ensuring that all public places including schools, hotels, fuel stations, places of worship, market places, hospitals and offices have accessible toilets and latrines within their premises.

4. All Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government shall cooperate with the Clean Nigeria Campaign Secretariat.

5. The National Assembly and the State Houses of Assembly shall enact legislation on the practice of open defecation with appropriate sanctions and penalties.

6. All development projects shall include construction of sanitation facilities as an integral part of the approval and implementation process.

7. The Secretariat shall terminate when Nigeria is declared Open Defecation Free.

8. All enforcement authorities are hereby directed to diligently collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in implementing this Order.

The Executive Order 009 came into being against the background that:

Nigeria is ranked second amongst the nations in the world with the highest number of people practicing open defecation estimated at over 46 million people – a practice which has had a negative effect on the populace, and has contributed to the country’s failure to meet the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs);

President Buhari had described the statistics on open defecation and access to pipe borne water service and sanitation as disturbing, and had declared commitment to implement the National Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Action Plan;

The President had declared a State of Emergency on Nigeria’s water supply, sanitation and hygiene sector, the action being imperative as it will reduce the high prevalence of water borne diseases in different parts of the country which have caused preventable deaths;

Nigeria has committed to end open defecation throughout the country by 2025 in consonance with her commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);

This Executive Order takes effect from Wednesday, November 20, 2019.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 20, 2019

PHOTOS: Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo SAN launches & flags off the Use The Toilet Campaign earlier today, a campaign to stop open defecation in Nigeria. Photos; Tolani Alli

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE





President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates most warmly, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the November 16 election in Bayelsa State, David Lyon, on his impressive victory.

President Buhari also commends APC supporters in particular and Nigerians in general in the State who exercised their civic rights in a peaceful manner, notwithstanding the pockets of unrest recorded in some locations.

Condemning the loss of lives in Bayelsa, particularly prior to the election, the President commiserates with the families of the victims.

According to President Buhari, ‘‘Violence during elections vitiates our commitment to demonstrate to the world and upcoming generation that we are a people capable of electing leaders in a peaceful and orderly manner.’’

He notes that while officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies did their best within the ambit of the law to ensure free, fair and credible elections, it is unfortunate that pockets of unrest, mostly sponsored by desperate politicians, were recorded during the poll.

The President looks forward to working with the incoming government to improve the lives of the people in Bayelsa State, while ensuring the security of lives and property of all citizens.

President Buhari urges Governor-elect Lyon to carry other divergent interests along in the next phase of governance, imploring those not satisfied with the outcome of the poll to seek redress through the constitutionally established channels.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Adviser)
November 18, 2019

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says young Nigerians are creative, energetic, and willing to work, especially in the area of digital entrepreneurship.
Osinbajo stated that their creativity and resourcefulness in the technology space present great opportunities for partnerships with global technology giants while receiving a delegation of Chinese techpreneurs led by the co-founder of AliBaba Group, Jack Ma, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Ma was in Nigeria at the behest of the vice president as part of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government’s efforts to promote technological innovation among young Nigerians as a means of job creation.
Osinbajo said, “Just as you said, Nigeria represents an incredible opportunity and potential, and we had spoken a few minutes ago about how Nigeria will, in another two decades or so, become be the third largest in terms of population in the world.
“Those who make up the largest segment of that population are young people, under 25, who will be over 60 percent of that population.
“I think you will find a very energetic, creative group of young men and women and older men and women who are increasingly interested in entrepreneurship, especially digital entrepreneurship.”
According to the number two citizen, the potential is tremendous and incredible, adding: “So, we are at a point, and your coming is very strategic, in our trajectory and in the progress of our country.”
The vice president spoke on some of the steps already taken by the Buhari administration to support young Nigerians in the technology space, in building skills and capacities as well as creating opportunities for themselves and others.
“But just as I said earlier, one of the critical things for us is that with a huge population and so many people living in the rural areas, we have major issues around financial inclusion for a large number of our people.
“So making a payment or doing financial transaction across the country presents a challenge which we have to meet.
“The point you made is important, namely, that government must provide the infrastructure to enable the entrepreneurs to do more effective business,” he added.
In his remarks, Ma said he had always looked forward to visiting Nigeria and that his company was working on promoting technological innovation in the areas of e-frastructure, entrepreneurship, e-governance and education in Nigeria and other African countries.
Four Nigerian technology entrepreneurs were among the top 10 African entrepreneurs to be supported by the AliBaba Group, he added

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

PRESS RELEASE




*VP receives Co-founder of AliBaba Group, Jack Ma

The creativity and resourcefulness of young Nigerians doing incredible things in the technology space across the country and beyond present great opportunities for partnerships with global technology giants, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

The Vice President stated this on Thursday when he received a delegation of Chinese technology entrepreneurs led by Co-founder of AliBaba Group, Jack Ma, at the Presidential villa.

Mr Ma is in Nigeria on the invitation of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to promote technological innovation amongst young Nigerians as a means of job creation.

According to him, “…just as you said, Nigeria represents an incredible opportunity and potential, and we had spoken a few minutes ago about how Nigeria will in another two decades or so become be the third largest in terms of population in the entire world. The largest segment of that population are young people, under 25, who will be over 60% of that population.

“This is exciting time for us and we are really happy that you are here and I know the young people and lots of businesses and entrepreneurs are looking forward to your interaction with them later today.

“I think you will find very energetic, very creative group of young men and women and older men and women who are increasingly interested in entrepreneurship especially digital entrepreneurship.

“So, the potential is tremendous, it is an incredible potential that we have. So, we are at a point, and your coming is very strategic, in our trajectory and in the progress of our country.

“I think, it is a very important moment and what we are seeing - a lot of entrepreneurship, a lot of young people who are very actively engaged in the digital economy at various levels.”

Continuing, the Vice President spoke about some of the steps already taken by the Buhari administration to support young Nigerians in the technology space in building skills and capacities to create opportunities for themselves and others.

He said, “But just as I said earlier, one of the critical things for us is that with a huge population and so many people living in the rural area, we have major issues around financial inclusions for large numbers of our people. And so making payments or doing financial transactions across the country presents a challenge which we have to meet.

“The point you made is important, namely, that Government must provide the infrastructure for purposes of enabling the entrepreneurs to do more effective business.

“So, that is one of the critical areas for us. We have a programme that is called Broadband Connectivity for all by 2023 which is basically to see how we can deepen connectivity for all.

“We are also looking just as you said about e-government, that’s also crucial because government tends to be viewed with a great deal of suspicion, nobody is quite sure of what the government is up to all the time. We think that government can benefit from the efficiencies that the digital economy provides.

“So we are at a point where we are also looking at how to revolutionize government businesses so that we can do more in terms of business with the ordinary citizens, give more information, do more transactions, get passports and licenses and approvals online and that kind of thing.”

Speaking specifically about the impact of the Federal Government’s N-Power programme the Vice President said, “We started a job programme for young people called N-Power where we engaged half a million young people.”

“We wanted to build the E-frastructure to make this happen, so we gathered a group of young entrepreneurs, so they put together the system which enabled us to engage the half million people.

“We pay them online, we teach them online, we put materials in open portals for them so that they can actually access these portals. They also have equipment (like the one I have) which helps them to train as extension workers for farms. They also work as teachers, so, we train them also using these open portals and all others and it proved to be tremendously successful,” he added.

Earlier in his remarks, Mr Jack Ma who made very commendable remarks about Nigerian entrepreneurs said he had always looked forward to visiting the country.

He said his company was working on promoting technological innovation in the areas of E-frastructure, Entrepreneurship, E-governance and Education in Nigeria and other African countries.

Mr Ma disclosed that four Nigerian technology entrepreneurs are among top 10 African entrepreneurs to be supported by AliBaba Group.

Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President

14th November 2019

PHOTOS: H.E Vice-President Prof. @ProfOsinbajo In audience with the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria.

The man Festus is a chronic being, Osinbajo is a team player who will n never pray sure prayer.

Reno is so obsessed with Osinbajo. The man is just purveyor of lies and fake news.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN attends The Public Lecture and Book Presentation in honor of APC Party Chieftain Chief Bisi Akande.
Photos; Tolani Alli

Here is a recap of some of the things we were up to last week.

Please follow the journey ������ https:///I6FZ8YRPAT

PHOTOS: H.E Vice-President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN attends the Cuppy Gold Foundation Gala In Conjunction with Save our Children. Photos;Tolani Alli

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT



*Adds: Its modernization by Buhari Administration will provide linkages, job creation, & more

*After riding the Lagos-Ibadan train from Iju to Kajola, VP performs ground-breaking of wagon assembly plant in Kajola, Ogun State

"This ceremony is not just another event, it is a historic turning point, for us, the railway is not just an alternative and comfortable mode of travel, it holds the master key to transforming commerce in Nigeria and across the continent.

"...the citing of the plant here in Nigeria and the commitment to hiring Nigerians and Nigerian businesses affirms the Presidents directives in Executive Order 5 on prioritizing Nigerians and Nigerian businesses in the innovation, production and procurement of engineering projects and services.

"The plant would offer an important platform for engineers, technicians, artisans and other professionals to gain the specialized skills required for the production and maintenance of rolling stock. This will invariably conduce to spin-off businesses in the region of operation in particular and across the country wherever rail networks are in existence. The plant is expected to generate about five thousand (5,000) direct and indirect jobs."


Below is the full text of the Vice President's speech.


ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AT THE OFFICIAL GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY OF THE RAIL WAGON ASSEMBLY PLANT AT KAJOLA, OGUN STATE ON SATURDAY, 9TH OF NOVEMBER, 2019


It is my special pleasure this afternoon to perform the official ground-breaking ceremony of the Wagon Assembly Plant here in Kajola. The plant which is a private investment undertaken by Messrs CCECC. It is an important project for so many reasons. It is central in the production of rolling stock spare parts and maintenance equipment needed for the railway modernization programme being implemented by the administration of Muhammadu Buhari.


This ceremony is not just another event, it is a historic turning point, for us, the railway is not just an alternative and comfortable mode of travel, it holds the master key to transforming commerce in Nigeria and across the continent.


By linking our ports to rail lines and now, building the rolling stock locally, import and export business within and out of Africa’s largest market will be completely transformed. When completed, it is expected that the plant would produce some parts of the wagons for the Lagos – Ibadan and Abuja – Kaduna rail lines, but also for the central rail lines and to satisfy the needs of other rail operators within the West-African sub-region.


Secondly the citing of the plant here in Nigeria and the commitment to hiring Nigerians and Nigerian businesses affirms the Presidents directives in Executive Order 5 on prioritizing Nigerians and Nigerian businesses in the innovation, production and procurement of engineering projects and services.


The plant would offer an important platform for engineers, technicians, artisans and other professionals to gain the specialized skills required for the production and maintenance of rolling stock. This will invariably conduce to spin-off businesses in the region of operation in particular and across the country wherever rail networks are in existence. The plant is expected to generate about five thousand (5,000) direct and indirect jobs.


I have a message also for you from the President and this is to CCECC which is that we expect that you move on very quickly to the next phase of this project which is the assembly and construction of coaches and locomotives.


This for us will be a significant breakthrough and we look forward to hearing from you as quickly as possible when this will come into operation.


After completing the Abuja – Kaduna Railway project in July 2016, this administration commenced construction works on the Lagos – Ibadan Railway modernization project in March 2017, following which we initiated the rehabilitation and completion of the abandoned Itakpe – Ajaokuta – Warri rail line which was started over three decades ago.


Furthermore, last month, we signed an agreement with Messrs China Railway Construction Company International to construct the Itakpe – Ajaokuta rail line which will be extended from Itakpe to Abuja through Baro Inland Water Port in Niger State with a branch line to Lokoja in Kogi State. This rail line will link into the new Warri sea port being constructed under the agreement.

Also, we are optimizing the Lagos-Ibadan rail modernization project by extending it to the Apapa Port, the nation’s busiest port for the efficient movement of cargo from the port to various destinations. This will expedite import/export flows, decongest the ports, and depressurize our roads in the process.


Also, we are putting all mechanisms in place to achieve the swift completion of the Ibadan Inland Dry port which will off-take containers and cargoes from Apapa port through the Lagos – Ibadan rail line.


Let me take this opportunity to appreciate the support shown by the leadership of the host communities here in Kajola and around this environment, for this project and other relevant Federal and State government projects. The implementation of these projects is important. It is imperative that our host communities continue to support government’s efforts by effectively cooperating with the contractors in safeguarding and protecting these lasting investments so that we can ensure that all intended objectives and mutual benefits are attained.


Let me also commend the Federal Ministry of Transportation led by the very able and dynamic Hon. Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi or Chibuike Amaechi, (today he is Rotimi since we are in the South West) for the very hard work and commitment he has demonstrated from the inception of our rail modernization project. And also, to the Chinese government, particularly the investor, CCECC Nigeria Limited for this significant and strategic investment.


The vision you have shown and the initiative you have taken in the larger development journey of this great country will reap unparalleled rewards for you and great opportunity for our people.


In a few minutes, I will have the special privilege of performing the official ground-breaking ceremony for the establishment of this Wagon Assembly Plant here in Kajola Ogun State, and I hope that this will be only be the beginning of the development of the railway infrastructure, not only here in Ogun State, but across the country.

Thank you all and God bless.


Released by:

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
9th November 2019

I think the constitution Is clear on this, the Vice President role is assigned by the President.

PHOTOS: Vice-President YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AT THE OFFICIAL GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY OF THE RAIL WAGON ASSEMBLY PLANT AT KAJOLA, OGUN STATE ON SATURDAY, 9TH OF NOVEMBER, 2019 Photos; Tolani Alli

H.E Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, representing President Buhari at the Extraordinary ECOWAS Summit in Niamey, Niger Republic

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, will be representing President Muhammadu Buhari at an Extraordinary ECOWAS summit holding today in Niamey, the capital city of the Niger Republic.
 
The Summit, which will include other ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, will focus on and review the ongoing situation in Guinea Bissau.
 
The Vice President will depart Abuja this morning and return later today.
  
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
08th November, 2019

PHOTOS:H.E Vice President Yemi Osinbajo attending the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit . Themed Leveraging Diaspora for Economic Growth.

Nothing to fight about. This PDP SAN has come again with fake news.
Osinbajo is doing his job according to the constitution.

PHOTOS:Vice-President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN today presided over FEC Meeting. Photos; Tolani Alli