What do we gain if we don't love each other

Reno is mad

Osinbajo is the man we need

Osinbajo is our choice

CLIMATE CHANGE: WHY AFRICA SHOULD DEFINE ITS ENERGY TRANSITION VISION – OSINBAJO

*“No country in the world has been able to industrialize using renewable energy,” Africa should not be treated differently, VP adds

The fact that Climate Change poses challenges of survival and economic development makes it imperative for Africa to define its plan and come up with a vision that addresses its own peculiarities, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Thursday at the Infrastructure Solutions Summit organised by the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Speaking on Africa’s position on the transition from gas to renewable energy, the Vice President said, “we are in a peculiar position; this is why Africa needs to come in very forcefully to chart a different path. We are not just challenged in terms of global warming, but for us, it is also the existential challenge of just survival.”

It is the point the Vice President has been advocating for more that a year both at home and international forums. This issue was one of the high points of the Summit which featured a set of two Fireside Chats with the VP and the President of Ghana Nana Addo Akufo-Addo, anchored by BBC's Nancy Kacungira.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, “there are several voices around the world and in Africa who are saying the same thing. I think that there is some change. The EU has categorized nuclear and gas as green investments, and they are saying they are going to need more investments in gas over the next 10 years so as to be able to meet their targets of 2050.

“They are leaving us room to say that we, in Africa, are going to be needing investments in gas in the next 30 years for us to be able to meet our targets.”

Continuing, the VP noted that “Africa first needs to come together to put out a vision that is ours for climate change or carbon neutrality by 2050, 2070 or whenever it is convenient.

“I don't think that Africa has articulated the vision yet, but there are ongoing efforts towards that. We think that at Egypt COP27 (forthcoming climate change conference in Egypt), we will begin to articulate an African vision and initiative, because all of the decisions were initiated and taken by wealthier countries where they defined practically everything about how we respond to climate change. But our own peculiarities and challenges are different.

“We need to have access to energy, access to electricity just to be able to survive and create industry for the millions of people. So, Africa has an existential challenge and survival around our economies,” he added.

Justifying the case for a wholly African plan and vision on Climate Change, the Vice President said, “no country in the world has been able to industrialize using renewable energy and we (Africa) have been asked to industrialize using renewable energy when everybody else in the world knows that we need gas-powered industries for business.

“We need to have investments in fossil fuels. we need energy access for development. I am sure the force of the logic will make it inevitable for African leaders to see that it is actually the way to go.

“We actually need to create room for investments, not just in natural gas for export, but for cooking and for industry. So, I think that the sheer force of the logic of using gas to benefit our communities will make it inevitable for us to invest in fossil fuels.”

Responding to a question on infrastructure development, the Vice President said the Buhari administration is committed to the infrastructure development of the country.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, “we have a Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund in the order of a billion dollars for a start. We started with the seed fund of about a trillion naira.”

He said “I think we have key opportunities, and it may be impossible now; we might need to do more. For me, I think what we need to do will be more innovation.

“There's a huge gap there, but I think innovation is what will play a significant part. For example, seeing the models that already exist, there is plenty of room for more improvements; (such as) insurance that has not yet been leveraged or used.”

Aside from President Akufo-Addo of Ghana, other speakers at the opening session of the summit were the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kingsley Obiora; President of AFC, Mr Samaila Zubairu; President of the AFREXIM Bank Prof. Benedict Orama among others.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
12th May, 2022

Osinbajo is our choice

All the best Prof

All the best sir

Osinbajo is the man we want

WE WILL FOCUS MORE ON IMPROVING SECURITY, ECONOMY, LIVES OF COMMON MAN, SAYS OSINBAJO IN BAUCHI

*If not (that I am an Emir), maybe I’d have asked His Excellency to make me his campaign coordinator for Bauchi – Emir to VP

*Tijaniyya Leader, Sheik Dahiru Usman assures VP "I’ll double up my prayers for you, now as Presidential aspirant"

*VP also meets with FCT delegates

Increasing opportunities for young people, providing lasting solutions to the country’s security challenges, improving the economy, and the lives of the common man are some of the reasons why Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, is in the 2023 presidential race.

The VP gave this indication yesterday in Bauchi State, in continuation of his engagements with stakeholders and delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across states.

Citing global challenges, including the previous slump in crude oil prices that had led to a recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia-Ukraine war, the Prof. Osinbajo stated that “the economy is one that we have to pay constant attention to… And, of course, security, is also very important. These are issues that concerns us, which we are trying to deal with every day.”

Speaking on security during his interaction with the delegates, the VP said the focus of the Buhari administration is to enhance local capacity on arms and ammunition production, adding that Nigeria must build on current challenges to develop a robust system that is able to tackle all of the challenges on scale.

On sustaining positive growth in the economy, the VP said interventions that promote youth employment will be prioritized, especially the provision of necessary infrastructure.

In agriculture, he noted that if basic infrastructure is provided, farmers will record improvements in yield and improved living conditions for their families. He added that the Buhari administration has prioritised ramping up local fertiliser production to support the massive farming activities going on across the country.

Regarding the power sector, he said changing the grid structure, decentralizing the distribution network and reviewing existing regulations are some of the decisions that are being considered to overhaul the power sector for better result.

Similarly, in the education sector, the Vice President noted that leveraging technological innovation to improve teaching methods and curriculum will greatly impact the quality of education in the country.

Later, while speaking to the media at the end of his interaction with delegates, the Vice President said his meeting with the APC delegates have been fruitful.

“It is not enough to say, ‘support me’; I also want to get a sense of what they want and what they would like to see from a government and an incoming government.

"The interaction is usually quite an intensive one, where we have a back-and-forth, and questions are asked; I think it has been very fulfilling and satisfying,” he stated.

Earlier, the Vice President, on arrival at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi, proceeded to the Emir’s Palace to pay a courtesy call on the Emir of Bauchi, HRH Dr. Rilwan Suleiman Adamu.

Speaking at the Emir’s Palace, the Vice President buttressed the need to further unite the country, considering Nigeria’s diversity in religion and ethnicities. According to him, “we must treat everybody with fairness and justice.

“I believe that this is one of the reasons why it is vital, even in putting ourselves forward for the position of President of Nigeria, to bear in mind that the unity of this country is one of the important things,” he added.

Thanking the Emir for his hospitality, the VP recalled his 2019 visit to the State to flag off the Rural Electrification Project for Ningi/Warji Local Government Area of the state, and also commission the Shared Facility for soap and groundnut oil making clusters during the MSMEs Clinic in the State.

The VP said, “our concerns as a government have always been how to ensure that the common man is given a fair chance to be employed, to have a decent living, which is why several of the projects that we are undertaking have been to better the lots of the common man.

“But also, we have been concerned about young people, how we can improve, not just the quality of education of our young people, but the opportunities for young people to get jobs, to be employed and have a decent standard of living.”

While praying for fruitful and successful deliberations for VP’s engagements, the Emir of Bauchi said, “we believe that power belongs to God and He gives power to who he wishes to give.

“Your Excellency, we are not politicians and cannot participate in politics, but still, we advise wisely and prayerfully for whatever would be the success. If not (that I am an Emir), maybe I would have asked His Excellency to make me his campaign coordinator for Bauchi,” the Emir stated with a smile, while praying for fruitful deliberations for the VP.

Similarly, a foremost Islamic scholar and cleric in the state, Tijaniyya leader, Sheik Dahiru Usman Bauchi, expressed his support for the Vice President yesterday, while the VP was in the State.

“We are going to support you. I have been praying for you, and now that you are seeking this position, I will double it, and by the grace of God, it is also my wish that the next time you come here, it will be as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the cleric stated.

During his visit, the Vice President also paid his respects at the tomb of late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first Prime Minister. There, he described the late Prime Minister as a role model “who always talks about the unity of this country, the unity of the faith, the unity of the different ethnic groups.”

“I pray that his legacy, the legacy of peace, the legacy of unity, tolerance, humility and integrity, will continue and that people who aspire to the leadership of our country, those who aspire to lead, and also the young people, will learn from it,” he said.

Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa from the State; former governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar; and other dignitaries accompanied the Vice President on the visit.

On return from Bauchi, the Vice President also met with APC delegates in the FCT, Abuja, last night, taking questions from them on several national and political issues.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
11th May, 2022

Sowore is a nuisance from day one

I love this piece

Osinbajo will win Primaries by the grace of Allah

Osinbajo is the man we need

Osinbajo is loved

Osinbajo is the man for the job

GOMBE GOV, EMIR, APC DELEGATES SHOW OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FOR OSINBAJO'S 2023 PRESIDENTIAL BID

*Gov. Inuwa to VP: The cap fits you squarely, we are committed to your aspiration to become president

*Emir of Gombe appreciates the President, prays for VP's success, says "your humility, integrity has endeared you to many"

As proof of the increasing appeal his engagements have continued to generate nationwide, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has again received massive support for his presidential bid, this time in Gombe State.

Notably, on his visit to the State on Monday, in continuation of his engagements with delegates and stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Prof. Osinbajo received the endorsement of Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, and the blessings of the Emir of Gombe, HRH, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar, as well as stakeholders in the State.

On his arrival on Monday afternoon at the Gombe International Airport, the Vice President was received by Governor Yahaya, amidst spontaneous cheers from residents and supporters who danced and sang along the way, as the VP’s convoy entered the city.

Prof. Osinbajo later moved to the Palace of the Emir of Gombe, HRH, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar, where he intimated the monarch of his aspiration to become President, soliciting his prayers and support.

Speaking during the visit to the Palace, Governor Yahaya assured the Vice President of support from the State, pledging also his personal commitment to the VP’s presidential aspiration.

Welcoming Prof. Osinbajo to the State, Governor Yahaya said, "today is yet another remarkable occasion, because on many occasions, the Vice President has been coming to the State as Vice President; but this time around, he has come to interact with our delegates preparatory to the primaries of our ruling party, the APC, and it is a convention that will produce him, by the Grace of God, as the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"Gombe is home to you, sir, for so many reasons, and looking at the dynamics... it is you that this cap fits squarely; nobody can doubt that. And I make bold to say that these people, that you see in the traditional (regalia) and on the government side, and the crowd outside, are really committed to seeing that you actualise this ambition by becoming the President of Nigeria, by God’s grace.

"We are patriotic, we want this country to progress so that we get to the level we want to attain. And, with you in charge, by God's grace, we shall reach the destination," the Governor added.

On his part, the Monarch expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his leadership and sacrifice in dealing with the challenges facing the country, assuring the Emirate’s continued support and prayers for his administration.

Similarly, the Emir of Gombe thanked the VP for the visit, noting that it "outlines the strength of friendship that exist between your office and the people of Gombe State."

Commending Prof. Osinbajo for his contributions to the successes recorded by the Buhari administration, he noted that “as the Vice President, you have been part of the success of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in your role as Chairman of the National Economic Council; and in many other roles, including that of acting president, you have left indelible marks in the annals of this country.

"In your interventions in the areas of economic policies, MSMEs, Ease of Doing Business, social investments and many other areas, you have left a lasting impact on our people.

"You have maintained a track record of excellent integrity as an accomplished legal luminary, religious leader and now, a politician. It is that attribute that endears you to many Nigerians across ethnic and religious persuasions. We, therefore, pray for your continuous success in all your endeavours.

“We don't doubt your achievements as vice president were made possible because of the level of trust and confidence that Mr. President bestows on you.”

In his remarks, Vice President Osinbajo thanked the Emir and Governor for the warm reception and hospitality, and for the Emir’s support at various times.

The VP restated that having served as Vice President over the past 7 years under President Buhari, he has been prepared for leadership and exposed “to all there is to know about governing.”

“Your Highness, in that period of the past 7 years, I have had the honour of serving under a transparent leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, who exposed me very diligently to all that there is to know about governing a complex and very diverse country such as ours.”

“With the experience that God has given me and the exposure that I have had, including being acting President on occasions; if God enables me to become president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I think my experience, all I’ve learned, will be extremely useful,” he emphasized.

Later, during the interaction with delegates, the Vice President assured them of a more prosperous Nigeria in the near future, adding that priority will be given to youth employment, security and the completion of ongoing ease of doing business reforms, among other major areas.

Like in previous interactions with APC stakeholders in earlier States’ visits, the VP took time to answer questions and discuss issues raised by stakeholders at the meeting.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
10th May, 2022

Osinbajo is our choice

Osinbajo is the people's choice, we are solely behind him

MayGod interevene

Osinbajo is more than fit

Nonsense

WHY CONSULTATION WITH THE PEOPLE IS CRITICAL FOR GOVERNANCE, BY OSINBAJO

*Speakers of State Assemblies encourage, offer VP support for 2023

*President trusts VP's capacity, by God’s grace, he will get the APC ticket, says Nasarawa Speaker

*VP has shown leadership qualities, honesty, hard work, loyalty – Katsina, Niger speakers

Consultations with the people is critical in governance and important for national development, especially in a country as diverse and complex as Nigeria, according to Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo, who was speaking at his official residence at the Presidential Villa Sunday evening during a dinner with Speakers and Deputy Speakers of a number of State Houses of Assembly, stated that "government by partnership is so important.

“That is the kind of relationship that I think makes governance easier. The only way to make a complex country like this work is by consultations. There is no other way,” the VP declared.

The Vice President also stated that he would apply this partnership model in governance if he was nominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its presidential flagbearer, and he is elected as President of Nigeria.

He also restated the value of his experience to lead Nigeria as President in 2023

"In terms of training on the job, I think I am quite well trained. So, I believe very strongly that, although there are other contestants who are also very capable and competent, I believe that just in terms of readiness, I think that if there is anyone who is prepared for that, I am certainly that person.

“So, if by the grace of God, I am nominated by the party and the electorate, I think that God helping us, we will be able to do much in office. And one of the very important things for me is what I would describe as a partnership.”

While interacting with the visiting speakers and their deputies from across the country, the VP recalled his tour of the Niger Delta in 2017, on behalf of the President, which birthed the administration’s Niger Delta New Vision, and restored peace and stability, among other significant development gains in the region.

Said he: "people want to be engaged, they want to be spoken to, they want to hear what government is doing, they want you to hear what their opinions are.

“That engagement taught me something very crucial, the most important thing of all in this country, is for us to be able to sit down and talk on any issue. People want to be able to express their views, and they want to be heard/helped, and we must create the time to hear them to understand their views.

"Whatever policy that is, engagement is always the best approach, I think that has succeeded in so many instances. I am confident that the partnership model is one that will always work.”

The VP also highlighted the partnership relationship between the Presidency and the 36 State Governors despite party differences, and how it led to President Muhammadu Buhari approving bailout to States to pay workers’ salaries, budget support facilities, Paris Debt refunds among other packages from the Federal Government in the past years.

According to him “the reason why we were able to, from day one, without discriminating along party lines, why we were able to ensure that all sides of this outstanding salaries were paid as soon as we got into office was just because we had established that (partnership) from day one. So, the governors were able to come to us to say there is a problem here, how do we solve it?

“The special packages that we put together for the States were on the basis of a partnership, we all worked together to ensure that there is success all round. I think that the governors would testify that that partnership model is a model that has worked.”

Similarly, Prof. Osinbajo noted that this partnership has also helped in the cordial working relationships with all the States governors under the auspices of the National Economic Council (NEC) which the VP chairs.

In their remarks, the Speakers and Deputy Speakers commended the Vice President for his efforts in the Buhari administration and in the general development of the country, while many of them endorsed his aspiration to become president in 2023.

Pledging his support for the VP, Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Wuse, noted that the VP has the best of the capacity to led as from 2023.

“Few people have the intellectual capacity, the capabilities that you are exhibiting as the Vice President of this country. We look forward to a situation where you will be the President. I believe that you will do more if given the opportunity to be president of this country,” he said.

In the same vein, Ogun State House of Assembly Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo, noted that Nigerians everywhere appreciated the Vice President who he said has shown total capacity in leadership. According to him, the country will experience transformation if the VP is elected president in 2023. “His coming will accelerate a lot of development in this country; also he will hit the ground running,” he added.

Also speaking, Katsina State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Tasiu Musa-Maigari, commended the Vice President’s “good qualities of leadership, honesty, hard work and loyalty,” adding that the VP would make a very good President.

In a similar vein, the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Speaker, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said, “we appreciate your capacity and intelligence. And we are thankful that we have somebody like Mr. Vice President in this country. We don’t need to be reminded that even Mr. President trusts you so much, and trusts your capacity. You love this country, and we are sure by the time Mr. Vice President takes over from President Muhammadu Buhari, you will start where he ends.

“By the special grace of God, the Vice President will take over the ticket of the APC. We are going to line up behind you. If truly, we want this country to prosper, this is the time to rally round Mr. Vice President. It is not about religion; it is about capacity. We are sure of your capacity and we are sure you are going to take us to the next level.”

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
9th May 2022

HOW WE ARE RAMPING UP OUR SECURITY ARCHITECTURE, BY VP OSINBAJO

*Receives CAC delegation, urges faith leaders to “reignite hope in the hearts of our people” at C&S symposium.

*I've been an admirer of President Buhari for a long time - CAC leader

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has again restated the seriousness with which the Buhari administration is confronting the security challenges in the country, noting the results and outcomes of the keen efforts of the Federal Government are certainly underway.

He spoke over the weekend at the Presidential Villa when he received a delegation from the Christ Apostolic Church, CAC led by its President, Pastor Samuel Oladele at his Aguda residence on Saturday evening.

"It's a huge country and with the security challenges, we need to ramp up resources, men and equipment. We need to ramp up the numbers, use of technology, get more military platforms and arms and ammunition," the VP stated, adding that all of these are now in progress.

Explaining the situation further, he noted that at times, some of these things take some time. For instance, he recalled that the Federal Government ordered and fully paid over $469 million for the Tucano fighter jets about 4 years ago, but only got delivered last year.

But he assured that FG is already "getting a handle on it. Now we are reconfiguring our security, local ammunition manufacturing is on the cards and a lot of work is going on. We pray we see some of the results soon."

He then affirmed that "our country has potential if we can keep having honest leadership. When I decided I will run for office, I thought, let's even put our minds to it. I have seen it for 7 years and I know it can be done”

Earlier in his remarks, the CAC President, Pastor Oladele while extending greetings and appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for his leadership, stated that he has always personally admired the President.

"I have been a great admirer of the President since he was head of State and so we encourage him to do more for peace and prosperity of our country. We believe that all will be well with the nation.

Meanwhile, the Vice President has also called on all faith leaders in the country to inspire the right values and greatness of the Nigerian nation in their leadership roles. This is particularly so, according to him, because the church and other faith leaders have played key roles in nation-building and in the development of public and private institutions for many decades in Nigeria and such should continue.

This was the summation of his remarks at a symposium organized by the Wardens’ Unit of Cherubim & Seraphim Movement Church, Surulere District, Ayo Ni O in Lagos on Saturday morning.

Prof. Osinbajo's remarks were delivered by the State House Chaplain, Pastor Seyi Malomo, who represented the Vice President at the symposium themed, “The State, the Society and the Church,” which also marked the 50th Anniversary of the C&S Wardens’ Unit.

The Vice President noted that with endemic corruption, among other societal vices that have dogged the nation for decades, the church must rediscover its role as a shaper of values.

“We have a duty and a charge by God Himself to challenge the moral conscience of leadership when we do not live up to the standards of our office.

“We have the ears and the hearts of the people. We must inspire them through our own great example to look to the future with hope, and to find that hope in their God-given abilities, in the strength of their character, in the enduring value of honest work and a patriotic commitment to the overall well-being of the Nigerian nation.”

He further urged the Church and all faith leaders to inspire great hope among Nigerians, especially now.

He added that “the fate of Nigeria rests in the aggregated efforts of ordinary people doing the best they can, where they can. That as citizens in a democracy they have the power to direct the course of the nation by engaging the electoral and political process; to look out for godly men and women with the capacity and elect them into offices. The church holds more power than it knows.

“The Nigeria of our dreams cannot be attained without an aggressive reawakening of our public consciousness; without a sense of collective values rooted in the very principles our faiths espouse, principles of honesty and hard work, of mutual respect, cooperation, tolerance, and fidelity to the common good.”

Despite the challenges, the VP noted that there was hope for Nigeria because of the faith and quality of its people.

“As a pastor who has spent over three decades in public service, I have unflinching faith in the capacity of the Nigerian people to build a country we can all be proud of. Like most of us, I have seen firsthand what Nigerians are capable of given the right environment and support,” the VP stated.

“The Nigerian people, particularly the young people of today, who are daring great odds to take their place under the sun, represent the beacon of hope for a new Nigeria. We must rise up to meet them with the values required to build a sustainable future, and inspire them toward the moral imperative of doing good and honest work to the best of their ability, as a service to humanity and to God.”

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
8th May 2022

Osinbajo 2023

HOW BUHARI ADMINISTRATION IS FIXING NIGERIA’S SECURITY ARCHITECTURE - OSINBAJO

*VP interacts with APC delegates in Anambra, Enugu

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

*VP joins APC leaders, other 2023 aspirants in Lagos meeting

In addition to implementing socio-economic measures for the benefit of the Nigerian people and national development, the Buhari administration has taken important steps to re-engineer the country’s security architecture, and the fruits of that are imminent, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Friday in Awka, Anambra State while speaking with delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in continuation of his engagements with APC delegates and stakeholders across the country.

The Vice President, who also visited Enugu State yesterday right after Anambra, has so far visited several other states, including Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Taraba and Adamawa before now.

Speaking earlier in the Southeast States, the VP assured that with the “re-engineering of the security architecture, with the view to be more effective on the ground, we will begin to see the fruits of that, especially with the acquisition of more platforms – mobile platforms, air platforms, and, of course, technology, that will be useful in resolving some of these problems.”

On arrival at the Anambra International Cargo Airport, the Vice President was received by the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim; and other senior state government officials, including Anambra State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Honourable Uche Okafor, and APC stakeholders in the state led by the State Chairman, Sir Basil Ejidike.

Stressing the need to enhance the security apparatus in the country, Prof. Osinbajo stated ways to improve the capacity and capabilities of the Nigerian military, adding that “technology would be useful and deployed to resolve the problem of insecurity."

Responding to questions from delegates, the VP restated his experience in government, noting that "after serving as Vice President and being exposed to several aspects of governance by President Muhammadu Buhari, I know that God made this possible so that I would serve the people as President."

During the courtesy visit to the Anambra State Governor, the VP also spoke on other issues, including measures being taken by government to improve the country’s power sector.

Applauding Governor Soludo for his wealth of experience, the VP said the governor has been a friend for many years, adding "I've sought Prof. Soludo's advice well before he became one of the members of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council.

Prof. Osinbajo further said, “We are looking forward to working with you; and I believe that all will be well with our country and Anambra State. Everyone is looking to Anambra state; this is one of the major hubs of industry, especially small businesses; and a place where we expect to see very significant contributions to national economy.”

Governor Soludo, who expressed excitement and hope of a cordial working relationship with the Vice President, said 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 VP 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.”

At his meetings with delegates in Anambra and Enugu, the VP received very favourable responses as he engaged in question-and-answer sessions, allowing for interaction and feedback from the APC delegates and stakeholders in all the States he has visited so far.

In Anambra State, the party Chairman, Sir Ejidike, while commending the way and manner the VP is widely consulting ahead of the APC Presidential Primaries later this month, observed that he was the very first Presidential aspirant to consult in the State.

In Enugu State the VP made a stop at the Southeast Zonal Office of the APC, accompanied by the State Chairman, Hon. Ugochukwu Agballa, and other party stalwarts.

After his visits to Anambra and Enugu States, the Vice President proceeded to Lagos State, where he attended the Southwest APC Elders’ meeting with other aspirants from the zone. The meeting was co-convened by the first Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, and a former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
7th May, 2022

Better o

Okay

Osinbajo is better than the rest

2023 PRESIDENTIAL BID: OSINBAJO RECEIVES COMMENDATIONS IN CROSS RIVER, BAYELSA STATES

*Continues consultations today in Anambra and Enugu States

The presidential bid of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has received wide commendations from stakeholders and traditional rulers in Cross River and Bayelsa States, following his visits yesterday.

The Vice President also restated that having served for seven years as VP, among other stints in public service, he has acquired sufficient knowledge, information and experience to be able to hit the ground running from day one if, by the grace of God, he is elected as president of Nigeria.

Prof. Osinbajo made this assertion yesterday during his meeting with delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and traditional leaders in Cross River and Bayelsa States capital respectively, as he continued his consultations with stakeholders and APC delegates across the country.

The Vice President, who was received in Cross River by the State Governor, Ben Ayade, was also accompanied by stalwarts of the APC in the South-South geo-political zone and beyond; including Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, former Minister, Edem Duke; former NDDC Managing Director, Obong Nsima Ekere, among others.

As is now common with all of the VP’s visits across the states, Nigerians from all walks of life on Thursday trooped out to welcome him as his convoy drove past the streets of Calabar and Yenagoa, the capital cities of Cross River and Bayelsa States.

The VP also paid courtesy calls on the traditional rulers in both states, where he was warmly received by the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, the Cross River State Traditional Council and the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council.

In his remarks to the monarchs, the VP noted that his experience for the past seven years has prepared him for the task ahead in 2023 and beyond, noting that he would not waste any time in continuing with the task of nation-building.

Speaking to members of the Cross River State Traditional Council, Prof. Osinbajo restated his reason to run for president, noting that Nigeria will surely overcome its economic and security challenges.

“The truth of the matter is that every country is faced with peculiar challenges – in our case, we are faced with security and economic challenges. But we also know that God Himself equips us with all the necessary resources to defeat every challenge. I believe very strongly that God helping us, our economic and security challenges will not only be dealt with but will be stepping stones for a greater nation and a more prosperous and secured nation.”

Speaking at the Palace of the Obong of Calabar, the VP restated the invaluable experience he has in government, as Vice President and at some point, Acting President.

“Your Royal Majesty and Paramount Ruler present, in my capacity as VP, I had the great fortune of working with President Buhari, who in every real sense exposed me to all one should know about governance at the highest level in our country. Our country is complex, diverse, and rich in resources, and with the diversity and various complexities, it obviously requires some experience. I have had the good fortune of serving for 7 years, observing first-hand the intricacies of our nation. On occasions also, I have served as Acting President of our country.

“I think that with all the experience I have been able to gather within that period, it is clear that God’s intention was that all that experience would become useful one day and I believe that that time has come when our country calls for a successor to President Buhari who, by May 2023, by the grace of God, would have served for 8 years."

While welcoming the Vice President to the State, the Obong of Calabar said the country needs more credible leaders and men of integrity. He added that he was happy that the VP was “standing up to take up the mantle of leadership in this country.”

Pledging support for the VP’s presidential bid, the Monarch said, “You have the experience, you are exposed; ...your remarkable administrative display to the people. We appreciate you; we appreciate all you are doing.

“We don't need to say most of these things now, but when the time comes, all we are praying is that you pick up the ticket, get the mandate. And at the time you step out to the field, most of us will show our support.”

Also speaking, Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, who had earlier received the VP at the Government House in Calabar, described the VP as his most respected senior professor, noting that “I have no doubt that he has the capacity to drive Nigeria’s hopes and dreams.”

“I have no worries about the Vice President’s ambition. I would like the people of Cross River State to carefully and attentively listen to him. He is a man of great intellect and value and he came in to respectfully honour our Obong.

"He (the VP) is someone that I share same ideas, hopes and aspirations with.”

Similarly, the Chair of the Cross River State Traditional Council, Dr Edet Okon Etim, likened the VP to “Mount Zion that cannot be moved.”

“God doesn’t destroy what he has ordained, therefore, you are an ordained man of God who is now into politics. All the weapons formed against you will not prosper because you are in the hands of the Almighty at all times,” Dr Etim prayed.

The Vice President then proceeded to Bayelsa State where he was received on arrival at the airport by the State Governor, Douye Diri, and senior state government officials.

After a befitting reception at the airport, the VP proceeded to meet with the Council of Traditional Rulers, stating his mission to the area.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, "as Vice President, I've served under a President who has given me every opportunity to understand, see for myself and observe at very close quarters, all of what is required to run this very complex, diverse nation called Nigeria.

"I've also served on different occasions as acting President when the President was away and that has also given me more than an insider's view of how to effectively rule this country, with its various challenges.”

The Chairman of the council, HRH Bubaraye Dakolo, had assured the Vice President of the prayers of the council, acknowledging the VP as one of the chiefs in the State.

In the same vein, the Vice President sought the support and partnership of APC stakeholders in Bayelsa in continuing with the transformational work of the party at the national level. He returned to Abuja last night.

He has since resumed consultation with APC stakeholders, visiting Anambra and Enugu States today.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
6th May, 2022

Osinbajo 2023

Osinbajo is the real deal