NewStats: 3,263,536 , 8,180,469 topics. Date: Friday, 06 June 2025 at 11:52 AM 5169a

Dr. Alausa meets UK education officials to discuss Nigeria-UK education reform
Minister of Education Tunji Alausa
In an era marked by pressing global educational shifts and the urgent need for homegrown solutions, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, is charting a visionary path, one that harmonises international collaboration with domestic transformation. His recent strategic mission to the United Kingdom signals not just a diplomatic engagement, but a remarkable leap forward in aligning Nigeria’s education system with global best practices.

At the heart of Dr. Alausa’s UK visit was a bilateral meeting on Monday, 19th May, with the UK Secretary of State for Education, Rt. Hon. Bridget Phillipson. In what was widely seen as a high-value diplomatic dialogue, the Minister introduced a forward-thinking agenda, shifting from dependence on aid towards strategic, capacity-building partnerships in foundational education, early childhood learning, and technical training.

The trip was not merely ceremonial. It marked a shift in Nigeria’s approach to international education engagement, from reactive to strategic. Gone was the familiar request for handouts; in its place, Dr. Alausa presented a transformative proposition: mutual partnership with delivery-driven outcomes.

“The goal is no longer survival but transformation. We must build a system that works for every Nigerian child, at home, not abroad,” Dr. Alausa affirmed.

This new outlook found fertile ground during a pivotal UK-Nigeria Education Roundtable co-hosted with Sir Steve Smith, the UK Government’s International Education Champion. The conversation, held behind closed doors but echoed across corridors of policy influence, produced three defining outcomes.

First, both nations affirmed a shared commitment to work hand-in-hand in transforming Nigeria’s education sector, not as donor and recipient, but as partners with equal stakes in the outcome. Second, the dialogue highlighted the urgency for real results: talk was no longer enough. Measurable actions must follow. Finally, to ensure these ambitions don’t fizzle into forgotten minutes, a t Working Group was proposed, tasked with maintaining alignment, ensuring continuity, and holding both sides able for agreed timelines and goals.

The impact of Dr. Alausa’s visit was not confined to policy rooms. On the ground, seeds of transformative change were already taking root. In Birmingham, he held strategic discussions with the Vice Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, one of the UK’s top-ranked institutions and a member of the elite Russell Group. Plans are now underway to establish a University of Birmingham campus in Lagos. If realised, the project will grant thousands of Nigerian students access to world-class education without the financial and emotional strain of studying abroad.

“This is how we fight the ‘japa syndrome,’ by raising the quality of what is available at home. We’re building ladders, not fences,” said Dr. Alausa.

The proposed campus is more than infrastructure, it is a statement of intent, signalling Nigeria’s readiness to provide competitive, globally-aligned education on its own soil.

But the Minister’s vision goes beyond the university elite. In his meeting with His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, Dr. Alausa explored how Nigeria’s youth, especially those not headed for university, can be equipped with essential life skills.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, chaired by the Prince, provides young people with a developmental journey that blends skill acquisition, volunteering, physical challenges, and adventurous expeditions. Dr. Alausa sees this as a perfect complement to Nigeria’s soon-to-be-launched National Skills Enhancement and Re-tooling Initiative (NESRI), a flagship programme designed to equip out-of-school youth with technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial capabilities.

Together with the ongoing reform of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), NESRI aims to tackle unemployment by matching young Nigerians with 21st-century job demands. The Ministry intends to mainstream the Duke of Edinburgh Award into Nigeria’s public education system as a scholarship opportunity that blends personal development with global recognition.

The results of Dr. Alausa’s mission are already gaining traction. Plans for a University of Birmingham campus in Lagos signal a new chapter in accessible, high-quality tertiary education, bringing world-class learning opportunities directly to Nigerian soil.

Equally significant is the integration of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with the National Skills Enhancement and Renaissance Initiative (NESRI), which offers a practical, demand-driven solution to Nigeria’s youth unemployment crisis.



Further deepening the impact, the new partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh Foundation provides a transformative framework for youth development, experiential, inclusive, and designed to nurture life skills beyond the classroom.

To ensure continuity and measurable outcomes, the establishment of a UK-Nigeria t Working Group guarantees that this mission will not end as a one-off event but evolve into a results-driven partnership anchored in shared ability.

These are not just policy intentions, they are building blocks for a new educational order. As Sir Steve Smith rightly noted during the roundtable: “It is time to move from dialogue to delivery. And Nigeria, under Dr. Alausa’s leadership, is ready.”

From royal chambers to roundtable negotiations, from university boardrooms to community-focused youth programmes, Dr. Alausa is forging global pathways that are firmly anchored in local relevance. With sustained political will and clear execution, Nigeria may soon emerge, not just as a beneficiary of global aid, but as a thought leader in education reform.

https://www.chronicle.ng/education/forging-alausa-education-future-gesinde/

PRESS RELEASE

The attention of the Federal Ministry of Education has been drawn to a false and misleading press release circulating in the media under the title “BEA: Education Minister receives committee’s report.” The release falsely claims that the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, inaugurated a committee to oversee the reintegration of returning Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholars into Nigerian universities following the alleged cancellation of the BEA Programme.

The Ministry categorically states that no such committee was inaugurated, and no reintegration plan for BEA scholars is in place. The public is advised to disregard this misinformation in its entirety.

As clearly communicated in the official press release dated 07/05/2025, the Federal Government has discontinued the BEA Scholarship Programme as part of a strategic policy shift to prioritize and strengthen domestic tertiary education. This decision followed a comprehensive policy review, recognizing that all courses previously studied abroad through the BEA are now available—and often of higher quality—within Nigeria’s universities and polytechnics.

However, the Ministry reiterates that all ongoing BEA scholars will continue to receive full government until the completion of their academic programmes. This includes tuition, stipends, and all approved entitlements.

The public is strongly advised to rely only on verified information from the Ministry's official communication channels.

Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press & Public Relations
Federal Ministry of Education
17/05/2025

https://thedailyleaks.com/alausa-debunks-false-claim-of-bea-programmes-return-to-nigerian-universities/

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has dismissed reports of illegal deductions from student loans disbursed by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), assuring the public that no funds were lost and no trust was broken.

In a statement addressing the controversy, Alausa clarified that the perceived discrepancies were due to systemic gaps in the interface between NELFUND and tertiary institutions. He announced a series of reform measures aimed at harmonising student charges and disbursement processes.

“These reforms will ensure a clearer, more able and efficient financial process for students across the country,” he said.

https://x.com/DrTunjiAlausa/status/1922986594996203806?t=vZ1gO_BG6a-zwbdtsTnIAw&s=08

Charles Ogwo

May 13, 2025

Alausa attributes 2025 UTME abysmal failure to JAMB’s anti-examination malpractice technologies (1)
Share
…JAMB orders review of 2025 UTME amid candidate complaints

Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, has attributed the mass failure noticed in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to the success of the t ission and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) advanced anti-examination malpractice technologies.

Alausa claimed while speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief programme, he defended the examination outcome, claiming the computer-based system had made cheating “nearly impossible.”

The minister went ahead to recommend that other national examination bodies, such as the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO), should adopt similar technology-driven measures.

Meanwhile, JAMB has announced an immediate review of the 2025 UTME after receiving an extraordinary flood of complaints from candidates and parents nationwide.

Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s spokesman, confirmed in a statement what he described as an “unusual volume of complaints” since the UTME results were released.

The concerns range from alleged technical malfunctions during the exams to incomplete questions and record-low scores.

According to JAMB, the surge in grievances has compelled it to expedite its post-examination review process, which typically takes place months after the examinations.

“We are particularly concerned about the unusual complaints originating from a few states within the federation. We are currently scrutinizing these reports to identify and rectify any potential technical issues,” the statement read.

Moreover, experts have been drafted to investigate UTME 2025 complaints, according to the board. JAMB said that the review would cover the entire UTME cycle, from registration to examination conduct and result release.

To aid this investigation, the board has engaged several independent experts, including of the Computer Professionals Association of Nigeria, chief external examiners from tertiary institutions, education assessment specialists, and vice chancellors.

“If any faults are confirmed in the system, appropriate remedial measures will be promptly implemented, as we’ve always done in such cases,” JAMB assured.

https://businessday.ng/news/article/alausa-attributes-2025-utme-abysmal-failure-to-jambs-anti-examination-malpractice-technologies/

Oluwafemi Popoola

Across the country, millions of Nigerians are feeling the squeeze, grappling with the punishing effects of skyrocketing living costs and the fallout from the removal of fuel subsidies.

Despite repeated assurances from both the official and unofficial spokesmen of the governments both at states and federal levels that relief is on its way, public frustration continues to swell.

Yet, amid the challenges at the national level, one man is quietly leading a transformative charge where it matters most: education.

Dr. Tunji Alausa, is not merely implementing policies, he’s reimagining the entire framework. With bold moves and a clear-sighted agenda, Alausa is emerging as a quiet force of change, signaling a much-needed rescue mission for Nigeria’s struggling education system.

Since his appointment, Dr. Alausa has emerged as one of the standout performers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet and his much talked about Renewed Hope agenda. Alausa is not only a critical thinker but he firmly understands the imperative of people-first policies. Perhaps this explains why he has begun to reposition the education ministry as a model of efficiency and innovation. These qualities have earned him the nickname “the reform-minded minister” among stakeholders, educationists, and policy analysts alike.

And it’s not just because Alausa once restored failing kidneys being a nephrologist in his US reputable career, he’s applying the same clinical precision to resuscitate Nigeria’s ailing education sector, diagnosing deep-rooted problems and prescribing solutions with the confidence of a seasoned medical expert.

Take what is happening in the States regarding basic education. The parlous state of basic education in the country, seeing how primary school pupils learn sitting on the floor, sometimes under the shade outside with no roofs over their heads.

Even when pupils study inside, in many places in this country, it is under dilapidated and decrepit classrooms & buildings. There is serious concern about the poor welfare for teachers and below par teaching skills, especially in basic education and people are clamouring regarding the alarming figures of out-of-school across the country.

All of this, while several State Govs are not tapping into available federal funds, and in particular the Universal Basic Education Fund which has hundreds of billions of Naira for states to use to transform primary and JSS in their States.

Alausa is now making the move to persuade States to do something and offering credible data driven analysis of how the states can transform basic education in their domains.

While some in the government are busy with political gymnastics and social media stunts, Alausa is indeed running national education reform clinic.

From unplugging scholarships that encouraged brain drain to powering universities with clean energy and taking bold steps against bullying in schools, the good doctor is serving us something rare in today’s political climate — intentional governance. He may not have the flashiest title, but he’s fast becoming a silver lining in an otherwise cloudy public service landscape. He is exactly the kind of reformer this country needs: low ego, high output.

And to be fair Dr. Alausa is not flying solo in this rising tide of ministerial performance. What is certainly undeniable is the serious attention that a big part of Human Capital Development-ie education is now getting in this country offers everyone something worthwhile to cheer about.

Since Alausa’s redeployment from the Ministry of Health to Education in October 2024, he has been operating like a man on a rescue mission. And in truth, that’s exactly what Nigeria’s education sector needs — resuscitation.

Just recently, on May 7, 2025, he signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Energizing Education Programme (EEP). The agreement will see mini-grid systems — ranging from 1.1 to 12.5MW — built across Nigerian tertiary institutions and teaching hospitals. Universities like UNILAG, OAU, UNN, ABU Zaria, UniBen, and UI were recently onboarded under Phase IV. Now, instead of running their labs and lectures on diesel fumes and wishful thinking, students will have access to reliable electricity. The Ministry isn’t just lighting up campuses — it’s powering possibility.

And in what can only be described as a bold, pragmatic move, Alausa announced the discontinuation of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme — the same initiative that sent scores of brilliant Nigerians abroad, never to return. Some critics called it harsh. I call it smart governance. According to the Minister, “Every course Nigerians travel abroad to study is now available — and often of higher quality — within our own universities and polytechnics.”

Truth be told, Alausa has a point. Why keep exporting brilliance when we can build brilliance at home? But Alausa didn’t stop there. He recently launched Nigeria’s first-ever National Anti-Bullying Policy — a significant step forward in ensuring schools become safe, inclusive spaces for all children

Bullying has become a pervasive issue in many Nigerian schools, manifesting in various forms such as verbal abuse and physical violence. The case of Sylvester Omoroni is still fresh in the memory. Sylvester was a victim of bully in his school Dowen college, which resulted to him losing his life after sustaining internal injuries from the bully.

As a once upon teacher myself, I understand the silent trauma many students endure daily — the ones who suffer in the hands of bullies while everyone turns a blind eye. With this move, Alausa is saying, Not on my watch. Brilliant, isn’t it?

In addition, the consequences of bullying extend beyond the individual. It has an adverse effects on the overall school climate and the mental health of students.

The success of this initiative will depend on collective efforts from educators, parents, students, and the community to foster an environment where every child can thrive free from fear and intimidation.

And because Dr. Alausa’s heart never left the health sector, he’s also leading efforts to rehabilitate 18 medical schools across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Through the TETFund High Impact Intervention Project, the ministry is tackling Nigeria’s alarming shortfall of medical professionals. Currently, the country faces a deficit of over 300,000 doctors. This effort isn’t just about infrastructure — it’s about ensuring we stop exporting healthcare seekers and start producing world-class caregivers.

All these initiatives are part of the Nigerian Education Sector-Wide Renewal Initiative (NESRI) — the overarching reform blueprint guiding the Ministry’s current direction. NESRI aims to reposition the sector around STEMM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences), digital learning, infrastructure upgrades, and teacher development.

It’s refreshing to see someone treating education with the seriousness it deserves. And not just because it sounds good in a press release, but because the future of the nation literally depends on it.

It’s easy to be cynical. Trust me, I know. Every day, we wake up to headlines that drain optimism like a faulty borehole. But every now and then, someone comes along with a different kind of energy — not the “go viral” energy, but the “go to work” energy. That’s the kind of vibe Dr. Tunji Alausa is bringing to the Ministry of Education.

If the Renewed Hope agenda were to be judged strictly on performance, it would be impossible to ignore Alausa’s contribution. He’s holding the fort. He’s engaging it. He is wiring it with solar s, writing a new curriculum, and while he’s at it — kicking bullies out of the schoolyard.

Let’s be thankful for people like Alausa in governance and leadership. Who knows, their positive energies could be infectious!

Popoola is a journalist and political analyst.


https://leadership.ng/alausas-redeeming-posture-in-education-sector/

By Gideon Maxwell


May 7, 2025

The Federal Government has announced the complete discontinuation of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme in a bold move to refocus Nigeria’s educational direction.

Speaking in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, stated: “Every course Nigerians travel abroad to study through the BEA is now available and often of higher quality within our own universities and polytechnics.

“It is no longer justifiable to fund overseas studies with public resources when local alternatives exist.”

The reform-minded minister explained that this decision followed a comprehensive policy review and reflects a strategic shift to consolidate national investment in domestic tertiary institutions. Emphasising the rationale, he said:

“The costs involved in sponsoring students abroad including airfare, stipends, tuition, and living allowances are better redirected into strengthening local institutions where more Nigerians can benefit.”

Dr. Alausa described the step as a comionate and equitable way to manage Nigeria’s limited public funds. However, he clarified that the Federal Government is still open to accepting fully funded foreign scholarship offers.

“The Federal Government remains open to foreign governments offering fully funded scholarships to Nigerian students under bilateral or multilateral arrangements.


“These offers must cover tuition, accommodation, transportation, living expenses, healthcare, and provide a monthly allowance of no less than $500, without any financial obligation on the part of the Nigerian Government,” he stated.

The Minister further gave assurances to current BEA beneficiaries: “We will honour all existing commitments,” he affirmed.

“All current beneficiaries of the BEA Programme will continue to enjoy full government until the completion of their studies.”

Dr. Alausa also confirmed that this policy change will not affect other domestic scholarship programmes, which remain in place. These include:

• The Nigerian Scholarship Awards for students in public universities and polytechnics

• The Federal Government Bursary for Education students

• The Presidential Scholarship for NYSC Ex-Corps

Also, in a statement released by Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, Director, Press & Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, the Minister reiterated the istration’s commitment to internal capacity development by expanding the Nigerian Student Loan Programme, which “provides interest-free loans to students pursuing higher education within the country.”

Closing his remarks, the Honourable Minister underlined the government’s enduring commitment to educational equity, access, and sustainability.

“This is not an end, but a new beginning. Our focus is now on building a stronger, self-reliant education system that leaves no Nigerian behind,” he said

https://thedailyleaks.com/fg-discontinues-bilateral-scholarships-to-strengthen-local-education/

• Nigeria must lead in restoring hope in democracy in W/Africa, former VP adds

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has called for the intentional development of Nigeria’s military-industrial complex, emphasising the urgent need for the country to manufacture its own weapons, including an indigenous version of the AK-47.

Osinbajo, who was the guest lecturer at the National Defence College Course 33 public lecture today in Abuja, noted that President Bola Tinubu had recently announced plans to establish a military-industrial complex, stressing that this must be approached with a clear mission and urgency.

Speaking on the broader implications of security and national stability, Osinbajo stated, “Empirical evidence strongly suggests that there is a definite correlation between poverty, low human capital development indices, and high instability and insecurity in a country. Indeed, today, the new paradigm for measuring security is human security. Human security goes beyond the absence of war and conflict; it includes the availability of the means to live, means to food, shelter, and clothing.”

He further emphasised the role of education and healthcare in national security, saying, “Because state and local governments are responsible for basic education and basic healthcare, the Federal Government must work with them to deliver a practical plan to deploy relevant basic and secondary education. We must be aware that we may not be able to achieve the scale, quality, and speed of the educational ambitions we must have to meaningfully engage the future using brick and mortar alone. Technology will be key.”

On food security, the former vice president noted its direct link to national stability. “Food security is at the heart of the security of a nation. The food shortages caused by supply chain disruptions in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine have demonstrated to us that you cannot leave feeding of the populace to the whims of geopolitics. We can grow our own food. This must be approached as a strategic imperative,” he said.

Osinbajo noted that with internal crises and insurgencies, the Nigerian Army has struggled to keep its personnel well-trained and well-equipped. He pointed out that the cost of arms and ammunition has increased exponentially, while the politics surrounding arms procurement has often delayed the delivery of weapons, even after advance payments have been made.

“The cost of arms and ammunition has gone up exponentially, and the politics of arms procurement has often hampered prompt delivery of even arms and ammunition for which we have paid in advance. It is becoming harder daily to have a well-equipped military. There is a need for the intentional development of a military-industrial complex,” he said.

He emphasised that Nigeria must move swiftly to develop its defence industry through collaboration between the private sector and the government.

“This is a collaboration between private industry and the public sector in the production of the arms and ammunition that the country requires for its internal and external defence.

“The government’s role is crucial. First, government must initially fund research and development and enable access to concessional capital. Government is the major consumer of weapons, so government must intentionally decide to procure weapons locally and issue long-term supply contracts to local manufacturers of military hardware,” he explained.

He referenced the existing legal and policy framework that s local arms production, including the National Defence Policy of 2017 and two key Acts—one establishing the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) and another amending the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

“DICON has had a chequered history, but it has remained resilient. Although its manufacturing infrastructure needs to be revamped, it has some capacity to produce. It has set for itself, in the defence policy, a baseline of producing 50,000 bullet vests and ballistic helmets per year. It has also set a baseline for the production of 150 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAPs), Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), medium tanks, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs),” he said.

He insisted that Nigeria’s ambitions for local arms production must be far greater. “Our ambitions for local manufacture of arms and ammunition must be much bigger than these projections—first in the range and volume of ordnance that we should produce, including guns, cannons, missile launchers, and other armaments; the volume and range of ammunition—bullets, shells, rockets, and bombs; explosives—grenades, landmines, and other explosive devices; and military equipment.

“We should produce all our small arms locally. There is no reason why we should not have our own version of an assault rifle like the AK-47. This is possibly the most widely used weapon by our troops and police. Already, we have seen many skilful fabrications of similar assault rifles. This capacity would come from fully engaging private sector players and private capital. Government budgeting for arms production simply cannot provide the needs of an army adequate for a country of Nigeria’s size and military importance.”

Osinbajo observed that several private Nigerian companies are already engaged in arms and equipment manufacturing, with some even exporting their products. “Already, there are several private arms manufacturers and equipment manufacturers producing MRAPs and APCs, some even exporting. These include Proforce, Imperium, Epail, and Innoson.

“Proforce, for example, has diversified into satellite technology and aerospace. Through collaborations with notable defence manufacturers, the company has been able to offer advanced technologies like UAVs and satellite solutions. These partnerships often involve t ventures, product localisation, and, in some cases, intellectual property transfers,” he said.

He urged the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Defence, and the Office of the National Security Adviser to adopt an all-government approach in facilitating these t ventures and technology transfer processes. Beyond military hardware production, Osinbajo stressed that Nigeria must also take a leadership role in restoring confidence in democratic governance across West Africa.

“Nigeria must lead in restoring hope in democracy in West Africa. Our democratic values, our institutions, and our ability to defend our sovereignty must be backed by a strong, self-sufficient military industry,” he concluded

https://thedailyleaks.com/how-we-can-urgently-develop-our-military-industrial-complex-osinbajo/

January 28, 2025

• To drive Mission 300 and boost energy access

President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, attended the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit held from January 27 to 28, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The summit focused on advancing Mission 300, a key initiative aimed at providing electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030.

This mission is part of a broader effort to address the significant energy access gap in Sub-Saharan Africa, a region where energy access remains a critical challenge for economic development and quality of life.

During the summit, President Tinubu was expected to deliver a national address, reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to achieving universal energy access.

His address emphasized Nigeria’s critical role in the Mission 300 initiative, outlining the country’s strategy to increase investments in the energy sector, promote renewable energy, and encourage private sector involvement in energy infrastructure development.

This speech reinforced Nigeria’s strategic positioning as a leader in shaping Africa’s energy future.


A significant highlight of the summit was the meeting between President Tinubu and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who was a prominent figure in the discussions on energy access.

The meeting underscored their shared interest in reforming Nigeria’s energy sector and advancing the continent’s energy agenda.

The leaders discussed the importance of increased private sector investment and the role of renewable energy in addressing Africa’s energy challenges.

Their interaction emphasized the value of collaboration among African leaders to ensure energy security and sustainable development for the continent.

In addition to his discussions with Osinbajo, President Tinubu also met with Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Their meeting focused on fostering financial for energy projects across Africa, particularly through multilateral institutions like AfDB, which has been a strong advocate for financing large-scale energy projects on the continent.

Key Objectives and Outcomes of the Summit

Mission 300 Initiative: The initiative aims to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030. This aligns with the United Nations’ SDG 7, which seeks universal access to affordable and sustainable energy.

Renewable Energy Focus: Summit discussions highlighted the importance of renewable energy as a sustainable option to meet Africa’s growing energy needs. The event featured talks on expanding solar, wind, and hydro power generation to address the continent’s energy challenges in an environmentally friendly way.

Private Sector Investment: The summit underscored the critical role of the private sector in driving investments into Africa’s energy infrastructure. Emphasis was placed on creating public-private partnerships and exploring innovative financing models to fund energy projects.

Strengthening Regional Cooperation: African leaders acknowledged the need for a unified approach to energy challenges. Strengthening regional cooperation will be vital in sharing resources, knowledge, and technologies to enhance energy access across the continent.

The summit also featured various stakeholders, including international investors, energy experts, and industry leaders, all advocating for collective action to address Africa’s energy needs.

President Tinubu’s participation, alongside his meeting with Osinbajo and Adesina, demonstrated Nigeria’s strategic role in shaping the energy policies that will drive Africa’s future.

Summit was a defining moment for Africa’s energy sector. It provided a platform for leaders to reaffirm their commitment to improving energy access, explore renewable energy solutions, and foster public-private partnerships.

The dialogue between President Tinubu, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and Akinwumi Adesina is expected to lead to impactful initiatives, addressing Africa’s energy needs and driving sustainable development in the coming decade


https://thedailyleaks.com/tinubu-osinbajo-meet-at-africa-energy-summit-in-tanzania/

David Hundeyin’s latest article on Parallel Facts demonstrates a troubling reliance on falsehoods, as he accuses Nigeria’s former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, of reducing Pfizer’s $6bn settlement to $75m after the Trovan drug trials. This claim is not only baseless but also reflects a recurring pattern of deliberate distortions aimed at tarnishing Osinbajo’s well-documented record of integrity and service, which speaks for itself.

It is crucial to first clarify the key points about the Trovan case and Osinbajo’s role. Contrary to Hundeyin’s claims, Osinbajo was not the lawyer representing the Federal Government of Nigeria in this matter. In fact, Osinbajo, at the time, was representing the Kano State Government, not the federal government. The legal team working for the Federal Government was entirely separate from Osinbajo’s. Moreover, it was not Osinbajo or his team that facilitated the reduction of Pfizer’s settlement. Instead, it was Pfizer’s own legal strategy that aimed to reduce their financial exposure in the matter.

Osinbajo’s legal team worked tirelessly to advocate for the interests of Kano State, securing damages for the state and pushing for Pfizer to take responsibility for the harm done to its citizens. One of the significant victories was ensuring that Pfizer funded the construction of a large hospital in Kano as part of the settlement. This outcome demonstrated Osinbajo’s commitment to justice and his unwavering stance in defending the rights of the people he represented.

David Hundeyin’s claims against Osinbajo are not an isolated event in his pattern of reckless reporting. Recently, Hundeyin found himself in legal trouble when he was found guilty of defamation against a BBC reporter. The court ruled that he had wrongly labelled the journalist, causing damage to her reputation, and ordered him to pay £95,000 in damages. This disgraceful episode revealed his tendency to misuse the platform afforded to him by the media, making unsubstantiated and harmful claims.

It is noteworthy that this is not the first time Hundeyin has made unfounded attacks on Prof. Osinbajo. In the past, his misleading assertions were met with widespread backlash from Nigerians, who quickly recognised that his accusations lacked any factual basis. Hundeyin’s attempts to discredit a man of Osinbajo’s stature, who has built a career based on integrity, excellence, and service to the Nigerian people, only highlight his own dishonourable agenda.

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s reputation as a legal scholar, practitioner, and public servant remains untainted by Hundeyin’s baseless allegations. Throughout his career, Osinbajo has been recognised for his unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and service. As a law lecturer in University of Lagos, UNILAG, he mentored countless students, instilling in them the values of integrity and excellence. As a legal practitioner, he built a distinguished career in private practice before dedicating his life to public service.

During his tenure as Vice President, Osinbajo consistently demonstrated a deep sense of responsibility and service to Nigerians, from championing significant legal reforms to ing initiatives that fostered economic growth and social welfare. His actions and achievements speak for themselves, and his commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity is widely recognised.

It is high time that David Hundeyin is held able for his repeated attempts to destroy the reputations of men and women who have made significant contributions to society. His recent attacks on Prof. Osinbajo, just as in the past, are rooted in deceit and a clear lack of respect for truth. Instead of engaging in character assassination, Hundeyin should consider making a public apology for the damage he has caused to the BBC reporter and others he has defamed.

Prof. Osinbajo, by contrast, continues to inspire Nigerians through his work, his ethics, and his dedication to building a better future for the country. It is not surprising that he remains a respected figure, despite the efforts of individuals like Hundeyin to tarnish his reputation. As Nigerians, it is crucial that we continue to and uphold the integrity of leaders who strive to make a positive impact, rather than giving space to those who seek to destroy them through falsehoods and fabrications.

In essence, David Hundeyin’s baseless and misleading attack on Prof. Yemi Osinbajo should not be given any credence. The truth is clear: Osinbajo stood firm in defending the interests of Kano State during the Pfizer case and achieved a significant victory for the people he represented. It is time to reject the tactics of those who seek to undermine truth and honour, and instead, celebrate the legacy of individuals like Prof. Osinbajo, who continue to serve Nigeria with distinction and integrity.


https://thedailyleaks.com/osinbajos-integrity-exposes-hundeyins-fabricated-claims-on-pfizer-case/

My darling, every year of these 35 years you’ve proved that true love is not a myth or a fanciful phrase—through your willingness to give up everything for me and our children, through your generosity with your time, skills, and great faith by which you have helped us all navigate our sometimes bewildering journeys.

In all of this, you’ve written several books, run several national prayer meetings, run shelters for vulnerable women, trained thousands of young people in different skills, crocheted a storm, and developed numerous gardens!

I thank God daily for the gift of you to me. I love you always.

Happy 35th Anniversary.
Yemi.


💍 ❤️ 🌺

Former presidential aide Laolu Akande on Tuesday called on former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to accept part of responsibility for Nigeria’s situation and issue a public apology to the nation.

The veteran journalist made this known while appearing as a guest on Sunrise Daily, a program on Channels Television.

Recall that Chief Obasanjo called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s electoral process, emphasizing the urgent need for the dismissal of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Mahmood Yakubu and other officials at all levels during a recent lecture delivered at the prestigious Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum held at Yale University in the United States. Obasanjo also said at the lecture that it is glaring that Nigeria is a failed state.

Akande’s remarks delve into the legacy of Obasanjo’s three times in office, from 1976-79, 1999-2003 & 2003 to 2007 and argued that by some of his actions and inactions, he also did contributed to the systemic problems the country faces today.

“President [Olusugun] Obasanjo is a stateman, a patriot. I don’t think anyone can deny that he loves the country. He has fought a war. So, we have to give him his due credit for that. But to the extent that President Obasanjo actually has been president for three times, he basically had three and there’s nobody that has had that experience – 11 years altogether, to that extend he must take responsibility for the state of the nation where the country is today if he were to be honest.

“If former President Obasanjo were to be honest, he should be telling us that ‘Look, I share in the responsibility of where Nigeria is in today’. That way, people will take him serious.

“Because, a lot of things that we are sorting out today, Obasanjo is part of the problem. And, it’s difficult for any honest analysis to ignore that. Is it the question of corruption? It’s under Obasanjo that they brought cash to the National Assembly. We can’t forget how much he corralled state governors and businessmen to fund his Presidential Library, some of them with state funds. So, Obasanjo cannot talk about corruption. So, he should take responsibility. If he is not willing to do that, he should please keep silent.”

Akande noted that other former heads of State are keeping silent for the most part and none of them have called Nigeria a failed state.

The former aide who hosts the bi-weekly programme Inside Sources with Laolu Akande emphasized that Nigeria’s problems are not limited to political leadership but extend to systemic moral decay.

“I think there’s a major systemic problem that I have been reflecting over. It’s not just the political leadership. There is fundamental problem with the political leadership. We don’t have leaders who really are committed to the public good. But, part of the problem for that is because they also come out of a system that is losing its moral values.

“What has to happen in Nigeria now is for politicians and non-politicians to be involved. Non-politicians must take active role. Don’t let us allow politicians to turn it only into an issue for getting elected. The politicians will weaponise all these issues so that they can win the next election. And I think that’s what President Obasanjo is trying to do.”

Akande accused Obasanjo of harboring a personal vendetta against President Bola Tinubu, rooted in past political battles. He highlighted the controversial withholding of local government allocations from Lagos State during Tinubu’s tenure as governor, even after a Supreme Court ruling declared it illegal.

“Part of the problem is that Obasanjo, it will seem, has personal vendetta against [incumbent President Bola] Tinubu. And everybody knows it. And I can give you examples. Obasanjo was the one that refused to pay local government allocations for Lagos state when Tinubu was Governor even after the Supreme Court said it’s illegal to hold the funds.

“Obasanjo left office not making the payments. Obasanjo violated the ruling of the Supreme Court,” he noted.

He also recalled the 2003 elections, where Obasanjo allegedly employed electoral malpractices to wrest control of the South-West, leaving Tinubu as the sole governor to withstand the onslaught.

“In 2003, when Obasanjo raided South-West, with his electoral malpractices, it was only Tinubu that was able to hold down fire to fire. So, there is a personal vendetta between Tinubu and Obasanjo.

” This his [Obasanjo’s] lecture should have been said when he ought to have attended the Council of State meeting. A statesman like him should make the point in the Council of State meeting. Obasanjo is fighting his own personal vendetta against President Tinubu. Nigerians should not be fooled. The only thing that Obasanjo can do now is to tell us ‘I own up for my own part.“

The former aide insisted that Obasanjo owes Nigerians an apology for his role in the country’s decline. He noted, “If Obasanjo or anyone gets on the pulpit to pontificate, we are going to question their moral basis. And I’m saying that Obasanjo does not have the moral basis to go against Tinubu.

“All the things that he said which are true, he perpetuated them too when he was in power. There is nothing that he said that he did not perpetuate when he was in government.”

“Obasanjo owes Nigerians an apology. He owes us to say ‘I was part of these problems’. Why do you think Babangida is keeping quiet? Why do you think Abdulsalami is keeping quiet? They are doing so because they don’t want to take what Obasanjo is taking. He must own up to his irresponsibility when he was president. It’s the right thing and we must not ask for less as a people.”

“Obasanjo must own up to his past mistakes. It’s the first step towards genuine ability and healing for Nigeria,” Akande concluded.

Obasanjo’s legacy remains a contentious issue in Nigerian political discourse. While some regard him as a patriot who contributed significantly to nation-building, others, believe his istration laid the foundation for many of the systemic problems plaguing the country today.

https://dailytrust.com/accept-part-of-responsibility-for-nigerias-situation-ex-presidential-aide-tells-obasanjo/

By Ebunoluwa Sessou

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has urged President Bola Tinubu to focus on improving Nigerians’ welfare as the country grapples with significant economic challenges.

Speaking at the 2024 Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) conference, Osinbajo highlighted the urgent need for social welfare programs and accessible healthcare as Nigerians struggle with rising costs in essentials like food, transportation, and housing.

“The cost of living is overwhelming Nigerians’ hope for survival,” Osinbajo remarked. He emphasized the growing issue of food insecurity, particularly affecting children, and called for stronger systems to ensure basic needs are met.

Addressing the country’s literacy challenges, especially in the northern region, Osinbajo noted that over 67% of women in northern Nigeria are illiterate. “A country where half the population is socially and economically disempowered due to illiteracy will find development difficult, if not impossible,” he warned.

To tackle this, he stressed the need for large-scale social interventions that address systemic issues, including literacy and economic empowerment.

Reflecting on the theme of the conference, “Dream, Dare, Do,” Osinbajo praised WIMBIZ for exemplifying resilience in pursuing impactful change. “It’s not just about having dreams or starting enterprises—it’s about resilience and the courage to persevere through challenges,” he said. He also addressed the unique pressures faced by Nigerian entrepreneurs, who often feel compelled to maintain an image of success that exceeds their business’s financial reality. “There is immense pressure on Nigerian business owners to sustain an appearance of success that their businesses cannot always ,” he added.

Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, Executive Director of WIMBIZ, also spoke at the event, focusing on the obstacles women face in leadership, including stereotypes and self-doubt. She explained that the conference theme aimed to inspire both women and men to pursue their goals confidently.

“WIMBIZ is working to change the narrative on national impact by advocating for policies that include women in decision-making roles,” Akingbohungbe said. She noted that WIMBIZ continues to push for a minimum of 35% representation of women in leadership positions, a target she hopes will strengthen governance by bringing together the unique strengths of both genders.

Akingbohungbe contrasted Nigeria’s 6% female representation in parliament with countries like Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa, where women hold over 45% of seats. “This isn’t about pitting one gender against the other—it’s about recognizing the value that both bring to leadership,” she asserted.

The WIMBIZ conference underscored the critical need for inclusive policies, robust social welfare, and economic empowerment as pillars for Nigeria’s development.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/11/osinbajo-to-tinubu-prioritize-nigerians-welfare-amid-economic-hardship/

By Oluwafemi Popoola

Many Nigerians may not know that their former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, recently made a notable appearance in Brussels, Belgium. He attended the Mo Ibrahim Foundation board meeting on November 2nd, ing an influential gathering of global and African leaders. Osinbajo’s participation in the Foundation's board meeting in the European country, is more than just an appearance, it underscores his evolution into the African statesman that Mo Ibrahim himself had urged him to become during last year’s event in Nairobi.

On the sidelines of the event activities in 2023, Mr. Mo Ibrahim had pulled the then VP aside and commended him for his leadership qualities and for being a good example for other African leaders. He then asked Prof Osinbajo to embrace a statesman’s role and to “say it as it is” for the benefit of Africa’s progress. He was highlighting qualities that Osinbajo has consistently demonstrated.

Taking that advice to heart, Osinbajo has emerged as a respected voice on governance and development, not just for Nigeria but across the continent. His presence alongside influential leaders like former Senegalese President Macky Sall, former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, and former Irish President Mary Robinson, among others, signals his steady commitment to fostering African resilience, ability, and growth.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, a prominent African organization founded by Sudanese-British philanthropist Mo Ibrahim, is dedicated to promoting good governance, effective leadership, and sustainable development across Africa. This board meeting addressed critical issues such as economic resilience, security, climate adaptation, and the need for ability in leadership—topics that resonate deeply with Osinbajo’s own legacy in Nigeria.

Back home, Osinbajo’s presence at such an impactful event reminds Nigerians of the quality of leadership they lost when he left office. His journey to Brussels isn’t just a personal accolade but a testament to the profound respect he commands internationally as a statesman who champions ability, governance, and progress for the African continent. The fact that he is seated alongside such global leaders speaks volumes about the impact he’s had, not only in Nigeria but on the broader stage.

During his time as Vice President, Osinbajo demonstrated a proactive approach to governance, leading critical reforms and pushing for policies that promoted economic stability and transparency. One standout initiative under his leadership was the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), which sought to make Nigeria more business-friendly and improve its ease-of-doing-business ranking. Thanks to these efforts, Nigeria’s business landscape began to shift, attracting more investors and enabling local businesses to thrive. Osinbajo’s commitment to economic diversification and youth empowerment was evident in his for small and medium-sized enterprises and his consistent efforts to foster digital innovation. He understood that a prosperous Nigeria would only be possible if its youth and entrepreneurs had the tools they needed to succeed.

When Osinbajo lost the APC presidential primary in 2023, many Nigerians felt a palpable loss, sensing that his vision for a stable, forward-looking Nigeria might have been the answer to some of the nation’s most pressing challenges. His brand of leadership—rooted in transparency, empathy, and hands-on governance—was rare and refreshing. Osinbajo had a unique ability to connect with people across different backgrounds, addressing concerns directly and listening intently to the voices of ordinary Nigerians. He prioritized people-centric policies and demonstrated, time and again, that true governance means placing the interests of the people first.

As Nigeria grapples with mounting socio-economic challenges, from inflation to insecurity, the absence of a leader with Osinbajo’s focus on inclusive growth and reform is keenly felt. The nation’s current landscape often leaves Nigerians questioning, “What could have been?” if Osinbajo had taken the helm. His forward-thinking vision, combined with his understanding of Nigeria’s economic and security complexities, could have provided a more solid pathway toward stability.

Even outside of government, Osinbajo continues to serve Nigeria. His voice on global platforms, such as the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, amplifies the potential of African governance and highlights Nigeria’s role within it. His unwavering dedication to his nation is a testament to his enduring patriotism—a commitment to Nigeria that transcends office or title.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/183Uux4XwS/

By Oluwafemi Popoola

A fresh despicable chapter has unfolded in the Nigeria's oil sector. The latest is the high-stakes dispute between Dangote Refinery, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), and fuel marketers that has left everyday Nigerians feeling like collateral damage.

The once steady flow of fuel has dwindled to a trickle, like water stolen from a parched well. Its price has soared. The increase in fuel price and scarcity in parts of Nigeria, which could have been resolved, has become yet another example of how the nation’s elites are prioritizing profit and power over the welfare of the citizens. This is no mere scarcity; it's a deliberate game of brinkmanship, a battle where the welfare of the people is cast aside like an unwanted child.

At a recent sit-down with the president, Africa's wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, challenged NNPCL and fuel marketers to halt the importation of fuel, insisting that his refinery is more than capable of meeting the country's demand. With the capacity to produce 30 million liters daily, Dangote confidently assured Nigerians that his refinery is stocked with over 500 million liters of fuel, ready to be distributed across the country. However, in an ironic twist, marketers are reportedly reluctant to buy from him, opting instead to continue the cycle of imports.

Dangote revealed that fuel shortages could be easily resolved if local fuel marketers would patronize his refinery. While some Nigerians see his statements as an attempt to end an unholy reliance on imports, others suspect this might be yet another case of self-serving interests. It’s a bitter irony—within reach is a solution to the fuel crisis, yet an ugly power tussle keeps it out of the hands of citizens who are desperate for relief. Who has put Nigerians in unending bondage?

This conflict goes beyond simple business competition. It’s a painful reminder that, in Nigeria, the machinery of government often operates to serve the elite, not the people. Politicians and business tycoons seem to dance to the same tune, leaving citizens to bear the brunt of their decisions. Instead of ensuring affordable fuel for everyday Nigerians, the current situation appears to be about controlling profits and wielding influence. Dangote has been vocal, claiming his refinery is more than ready to meet demand if only the NNPCL would provide a steady supply of crude. But here we are, a nation struggling with fuel scarcity despite having half a billion liters sitting idle in storage tanks.

And what of the president? One has to wonder, where is the so-called leader of the people in this whole saga? Sitting back, watching from the sidelines? Or is he perhaps too deep in a web of promises to truly act in the interest of the masses? A comic scene indeed, as the government, supposedly the guardian of the common good, looks almost helpless amid the power play between titans. Is it possible we’ve elected yet another spectator instead of a leader?

The sentiments of average Nigerians are telling. Some feel this is a ploy, perhaps a conspiracy, to frustrate Dangote’s efforts or push him out of the fuel industry, favoring other international interests. Others believe the entire saga is yet another example of a business giant leveraging his position to pressure competitors and, by extension, the government. No matter the perspective, one thing is clear: those who suffer most are the citizens who cannot afford the increasingly high cost of fuel, with or without scarcity.

Ultimately, the issue at hand goes beyond fuel. It is a testament to how greed, power struggles, and unchecked political ambition are tearing the fabric of Nigeria’s economy apart. Millions of Nigerians are grappling with hunger and homelessness, but these struggles remain far removed from the boardrooms where Nigeria’s future is being decided. The government, entrusted with the mandate to serve, seems all too willing to play spectator to the elite’s power games, turning a blind eye to the suffering of ordinary people.

In the end, whether or not fuel is available is not the central issue. The core problem is that millions of Nigerians are being priced out of survival by the very institutions meant to protect them. As long as elites remain entangled in their own web of avarice, the people will continue to struggle, bearing the weight of their unchecked greed.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Y5TNugx6c/

By Oluwafemi Popoola

Oh, how the mighty have fallen or should we say, how they continue to fall without ever landing in a ministerial chair? Reno Omokri, that unyielding social media gladiator, staunch "voice of the people," and former PDP loyalist (we’ll come back to that part), has once again managed to miss a spot on President Bola Tinubu’s adjusted ministerial list.

One might expect that after tirelessly defending the APC istration's policies and bending over backwards to justify the sheer weight of suffering Nigerians are enduring, Omokri would have been given at least a pat on the back from the current government. But no, not even a glance in his direction.

How heart-wrenching it must be to watch your comrades climb up the political ladder, while you, Reno Omokri, the self-proclaimed defender of truth and fairness (in your head), remain stuck on the outside, vigorously typing away on your phone, desperately trying to trend on X (formerly Twitter). How is it possible that a man so devoted to defending the APC government and praising President Bola Tinubu to high heavens could be left off such an important list?

Let’s not forget the irony of it all. For years, Reno has portrayed himself as an "uncompromising" PDP operative. We his undying devotion to Atiku Abubakar, the perennial presidential aspirant. Omokri, the "Atikulated" soldier, fighting the good fight for his boss against the APC juggernaut. But then, a strange metamorphosis occurred. Suddenly, the opposition party’s sharpest mouthpiece began defending the very policies he once derided. One minute, he’s telling us that APC policies are ruining Nigeria; the next, he’s explaining to Nigerians why Tinubu’s policies are the bitter pills we all need to swallow.

Did Reno think Nigerians wouldn’t notice the flip-flop? Oh, we noticed. We noticed his swift transformation from a critic of bad governance to an apologist for an istration that has led the nation into unprecedented hardship. When the average Nigerian can barely afford a loaf of bread, Omokri is busy telling us that we must embrace these "sacrifices" for the greater good. The only sacrifice here is his credibility, and, clearly, that wasn’t even enough to secure a ministerial post.

Perhaps the most delicious irony here is that Omokri’s campaign of digital bootlicking hasn’t earned him the recognition he so clearly craves. After all that online footwork as if he’s some moral com of our time, he didn’t even make the ministerial cut. Poor Reno. One would think that such ionate loyalty would count for something. But no, not in Tinubu’s Nigeria. Perhaps someone in Aso Rock realized that a man who can so easily flip sides might not be the most trustworthy addition to the cabinet. Just a thought.

So, dear Reno, we sympathize with you. You’ve worked so hard, typing day and night, defending policies that even your past self would have scoffed at. Yet here you are, still without a coveted title or an office in Abuja. Maybe next time. After all, you’re a veteran in the political trenches. Surely, there’s a consolation prize somewhere—perhaps an appointment as the minister of tweets?

For now, enjoy your status as the loudest cheerleader in the stands. You may not be on the field with the big boys, but hey, someone has to stay on the sidelines and defend the game, right?

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/B8eofRhhxYCoDwyC/?mibextid=qi2Omg

By Oluwafemi Popoola

Of all thousand sicknesses or maladies a man can be infected with hypocrisy is the worst. Unfortunately, men like Reno are hypocrite that have neither principles nor scruples. They are chameleons of convenience, shedding principles like worn clothes to fit into the latest power brokers' circle. Their mouths are like wind vanes.

It's hypocritical for Reno, who's famous for switching sides for personal gain, to question former VP Osinbajo's integrity. How do you explain an individual who's willing to sell himself up like a slave as a spin doctor for president Tinubu. Give him small position and he will throw his former Boss Atiku under the bus.

Osinbajo did nothing wrong in contesting for the highest office of the land. True integrity lies in standing for what's right, even when the path is challenging or controversial. Besides, running for office with the goal of bettering lives, even if it means going against a benefactor, is a testament to integrity. Prioritizing the welfare of the people over personal loyalty is a bold and principled decision, reflecting a genuine dedication to doing what's right

.https://www.facebook.com/share/p/N1R2p27kVo5pbPC7/?mibextid=oFDknk

Osinbajo, the man of the people

It is not possible to know my father and miss out two very important attributes. The one is the power and place of faith and the other is the abiding currency of integrity.

In Elder Peter Babatunde Akande’s home, no matter how late you sleep, the 5:30 am prayer bell is non-negotiable, and you dare not be absent. With 8 children and other relatives he raised, the morning devotion always had at least 12 people. The session begins with hymns, followed by the reading of

Psalms, and concludes with everyone kneeling for prayers.

This morning routine, filled with spiritual and mental enrichment, shaped my growth and development into adulthood."Akande"


Elder Peter Babatunde Akande
My father’s prayers were lengthy, focused more on gratitude than requests, often thanking God for even the unseen and overlooked blessings. A tireless prayer warrior, he firmly believed in the power of prayer. He instilled in us a deep faith in Jesus Christ, not just through his words but through his devoted and God-fearing life, which we, his children, have come to cherish and follow.

I have seen him demonstrate faith and
integrity. He is also a strict disciplinarian who held us able, but his love and care for the family were always evident, with the unwavering of my late beloved mother.

I in 1981 when the Naira was more valuable than the dollar and my father easily coughed out $25k to send one of my two elderly brothers to an American university. I suspect that caused him not to buy the status symbol Mercedes Benz car at that time, rather keeping to his Peugeot 505. But thank God, my brother sent him the Benz some years later from abroad.

He loved education intensely and did everything to all of us to go as far as we wanted and had the capacity.
for in of learning & schooling. I that he was so glad when I got ission to the University of Ibadan in 1986 after a couple JAMB attempts!

He has lived and continues to live a life of many accomplishments in his career as a business executive of major business firms in the country, such as Odutola Tyresoles where he became a senior Branch Manager and the Michelin, where he rose to become the National Marketing Manager next in line to the General Manager and CEO. He actually acted in that capacity at some point with the understanding that he would be the first Nigerian CEO of Michelin. But that is a story for another day.

He resigned from Michelin and proceeded to start his own tyre sales business in Ibadan where the family had been based although he had been moving from Onitsha to Kano and then Lagos in his business executive career especially in those two above-mentioned companies.

In the community, he was a church leader as the Patron of the Choir and the Boys Brigade at the C.A.C Itabale Olugbode and Oke Alafia parishes both in Ibadan. In fact, he was not just an ordained C.A.C elder he was also the Treasurer of the Olugbode Church, which is the founding parish & missionary headquarters of the CAC in Nigeria & Worldwide.

Baba PB has been a truly devoted man of God, who has served as an elder since the 70s when he was in his 40s. And because of his prudence, and forthrightness, church leaders kept him on the voluntary job of Treasurer all the way to his 90s.

And his faith has been tested several times. In fact, he could accurately say like Job did in Chapter 13:15 “though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.”

Baba lost his wife, my darling mother in 2003 on the eve of her 70th birthday. Then he lost his 4th daughter in 2014, and his 5th daughter in 2024-only few months ago. But his faith in God remains incredibly strong. I have seen the pain and the sorrow that he carried when these transitions occurred and even beyond, but there is an overcoming conviction that he has that God is faithful.

In 2015 when then Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, picked me as his Spokesperson, it was a year after his 4th daughter died-she is the one right ahead of me. When my wife shared the news of my appointment with my father, he said to her in shaken voice saying “I didn’t know I would still receive good news like this ever again!

That was both a reflection of the pain of his previous losses of loved ones, and at the same time gratitude for a cheerful development. When we eventually spoke about my job at the presidency then, he would say to me that God had told him that his children will get to the very top and that he was keenly grateful to see that come through!

I recall one of the family’s most trying times in 1997. My immediate elder sister married then Major Seun Fadipe in 1993 and when General Sani Abacha became head of State, General Oladipo Diya was the Chief of General Staff, the effective number 2 man in the then Federal Military Government.

When General Diya took office, my brother-in-law, Major Seun Fadipe, became his Chief Security Officer, similar to Major Al-Mustapha’s role with Abacha. Despite my position as a senior journalist and editor of Tribune on Saturday in 1997, Fadipe, being a never-say-die & disciplined officer, never shared any information with me, or offered leads for exclusive news reports. He was so tight-lipped!

But I worked closely with Dr. Olu Onagoruwa, the Attorney-General under Abacha’s regime, and a group of notable Nigerians to push for a Constituent Assembly to draft a new constitution. We often held planning meetings at Onagoruwa’s country home in Odogbolu, away from Abuja where he served as AGF. The name of the group then was Network for Democracy with notable Ibadan based public intellectuals such as Uncle Yemi Farounbi who later served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Philippines and Prof. Olu Atinmo, then top UI professor.

But trouble started for the Akande family in December 1997 when on a Saturday news broke that a plane meant to take Diya from Abuja to Makurdi was found to have been laced with a bomb which exploded and eventually killed two security aides. But the lives of Gen. Diya, Major Fadipe and others billed to fly the plane were spared as this happened just before Diya arrived to board. As editor of a weekly newspaper, I published a cover story the following weekend with the headline WHO WANTS DIYA DEAD?

Bisi Abidoye who is still a leading journalist in Abuja was the writer of the story as the Tribune Bureau Chief. I am not even sure if Bisi was aware that his editor-myself was related to Diya’s CSO. In any case we did the story on its own merit.

No sooner after the story was published, a screaming headline on that Tribune on Saturday edition, the Federal Military Government alleged that actually Diya and 14 others had been planning a coup and they have since been arrested.

My father who had travelled to the United Kingdom to attend the Leeds University M.A International Studies graduation of my younger sister hurriedly cut his trip short and made for home. As soon as he landed, he declared a fast and commenced round the clock praying.

By that time details where still sketchy about what happened. But Major Fadipe, his son in law was already in custody and I that when they were brought before the Military Tribunal, he pleaded guilty!

My mother on hearing this just couldn’t understand and she kept asking in Yoruba “kini won ni Seun so? giliti?Translated this meant “what did they say Seun said, guilty? Her consternation was based on General Diya’s own statement that the coup was “a set up from the top.”

By April 1998, the Tribunal came to a guilty verdict on Diya, Fadipe and several
others, and a death sentence imposed! It seemed the worst feared thing had come!

But Baba PB continued in fasting and prayers from that December 1997 and continued all the way, breaking daily in the evenings until Abacha ed away and a tragic death of his son in law miraculously averted!

I have never seen a more appropriate illustration of that Christian witty saying “PUSH: Pray Until Something Happens.”

So in conclusion, let me also say in the words of my sister, Evangelist Mofoluwaso Akande Ogunbiyi, in her tribute to Baba PB as he turned 94 last Saturday, “My Daddy is my Hero! GOD

bless you Dad, l love you & you know it! I am loving you forever, Baba mi! You have shown all of us the light and you have been the best dad anyone could ask for! May GOD bless your new age. Happy 94th Birthday.”

https://thedailyleaks.com/faith-and-integrity-as-baba-pb-turns-94-laolu-akande-pays-tribute-to-dad/

By Gideon Maxwell

September 4, 2024

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, will be the keynote speaker at Miva Open University’s Second Matriculation Ceremony.

According to the school, the event is scheduled for Saturday, October 19th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.


“We are thrilled to inform you that Miva Open University’s 2nd Matriculation Ceremony is just around the corner.


“We are honoured to share that Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, former Vice President of Nigeria and a distinguished leader in law and governance, will be a keynote speaker at this momentous event,” said Miva Open University in a statement released on Tuesday.

The university noted, “His participation underscores our dedication to fostering leadership, innovation, and academic excellence within our university community.

“This momentous occasion marks a new chapter for our students as they embark on their journey with us.”

In addition to his former role as Vice President, Professor Osinbajo is currently the Global Advisor for the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), emphasising his commitment to global sustainability and energy solutions.


He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Advisors for the Museum of Modern and Contemporary African Art London (MoMCAAL), where he is dedicated to the promotion and advancement of contemporary African art.

To reinforce the importance of Professor Osinbajo’s presence, whom Miva Open University has described as a “visionary, patriot, and leader,” it added, “This momentous occasion marks a new chapter for our students as they embark on their journey with us.

“We look forward to an inspiring experience as we celebrate the future of education together.”

The ceremony follows Miva Open University’s inaugural matriculation on October 28, 2023, which inducted the university’s first cohort of students into various bachelor’s degree programmes in the School of Computing and the School of Management and Social Sciences.

For its commitment to advancing academic learning, Miva Open University, licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC), continues to expand educational opportunities and uphold academic excellence

https://thedailyleaks.com/osinbajo-to-inspire-as-keynote-speaker-at-miva-open-universitys-2nd-matriculation-ceremony/

August 20, 2024

Former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, and other notable Nigerian political figures, including Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, are attending the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the United States as Special Guests of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) based in Washington DC.

Former Senate President Ken Nnamani was also at the Convention, while the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, was also invited, but it remains unclear if he accepted the invitation.

The National Democratic Institute, a non-profit and non-partisan organisation founded in 1983, promotes democratic values worldwide.

It s democratic institutions through technical assistance to political parties, civic groups, and election processes, with a focus on citizen participation, transparency, and ability.

Osinbajo’s presence underscores his growing international engagement since leaving office in May 2023.


The involvement of these distinguished Nigerians at the convention highlights their commitment to global democratic practices and their intention to enhance governance and democracy in Nigeria through international insights.

The Democratic National Convention, a significant event in the US political calendar, serves as a platform for discussing policies and strategies and formally nominating the party’s presidential candidate, currently US Vice President Kamala Harris.

It also offers global leaders a chance to participate in discussions shaping international political trends.

Osinbajo, Obi, and other Nigerian leaders’ participation demonstrates Nigeria’s active role in the global democratic community and their dedication to learning from global experiences to improve governance at home.

https://thedailyleaks.com/osinbajo-obi-others-attend-2024-democratic-national-convention-in-us-as-special-guests/

By Seyi Gesinde


Nigeria’s former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo took to social media to honour his beloved wife, Dolapo, on her special day in a touching tribute.

Osinbajo expressed his deep affection and iration for his partner, describing her as a loving, kind, and generous, and someone whose life has enriched the lives of those around her.

With his heartwarming tribute and cherished moments shared with the public, Osinbajo’s message was a testament to the couple’s enduring love and partnership.

He wrote, “Happy Birthday, my love @dolapoosinbajo. Your love, kindness, and generosity make all our lives so much happier. Love you always, Yemi Bleep.”

According to him, “This year I decided to share my favorite photos of Dolly @dolapoosinbajo doing her favorite things.”

To further celebrate his wife’s birthday, Osinbajo shared a collection of his favourite photos of Dolapo engaging in her cherished activities, providing a glimpse into their joyful life together.


These intimate snapshots captured the essence of their relationship, showcasing the deep connection and mutual respect that has sustained their union over the years.

A celebration of love and devotion

Osinbajo’s heartfelt tribute and the sharing of these cherished moments serve as a heartwarming celebration of his love and devotion to his wife.

The former Vice President’s public display of affection not only honours Dolapo’s birthday but also highlights the strength and resilience of their relationship, inspiring others with the power of true partnership and the enduring nature of love.

Dolapo Osinbajo, fondly called “Dolly” by her husband is a woman of grace and comion, and has been a pillar of for her husband throughout his political career and personal life.

As the wife of a prominent figure, she has used her platform to advocate for social justice, women’s empowerment, and the welfare of children and families in Nigeria.

A shared vision for a better Nigeria

Together, Yemi and Dolapo Osinbajo have dedicated their lives to serving the people of Nigeria and working towards a more just and equitable society.

Their shared vision and commitment to public service have inspired many and earned them the respect and iration of their fellow citizens.

A lasting legacy of love and service

As Yemi Osinbajo celebrates his wife’s birthday, he not only honours her as a loving partner but also acknowledges her invaluable contributions to their family and the nation.

Dolapo Osinbajo’s legacy of love, comion, and service will continue to inspire generations to come, and her birthday celebrations in the past years to date serve as a testament to the power of love and dedication in shaping a better world.

https://thedailyleaks.com/osinbajo-deeply-adores-wife-dolapo-on-birthday-shares-cherished-memories-in-celebration/

By Marvellous Nyang

June 21, 2024

In a scathing critique, a former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, has highlighted the Dangote Refinery as both a testament to Nigerian capability and a stark example of governmental failure.

Drawing attention to the refinery’s completion in record time and at a fraction of the cost $6 billion as Dangote disclosed while speaking during his appearance at the recent Afrexmbank’s AGM in The Bahamas, compared to $25 billion said to have been spent on the turnaround management (TAM) of failed state-owned refineries, Akande lamented Nigeria’s chronic mismanagement in public sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Speaking during his latest edition of “Inside Sources with Laolu Akande” on Channels TV on Friday, the veteran journalist in his analysis titled “What a Nigerian can do versus the Striving of our statehood,” highlighted the stark contrast between Nigeria’s potential, showcased by achievements abroad, and its domestic challenges.

Akande pointed out Nigeria’s export of highly skilled professionals in fields like medicine and literature, juxtaposed against dismal domestic services and educational standards, mentioning acclaimed figures like Dr. Olayinka Oluloye and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, underscoring the irony of their global success amidst local neglect.

In his widely circulated talk show, Akande ionately criticised Nigeria’s systemic failures that prevent the country from replicating the sterling achievements of Nigerians abroad at home, as has commended Aliko Dangote for his unwavering commitment that culminated in the successful completion of his refinery project.

He began by illustrating Nigeria’s global contributions, stating, “Let’s take the doctors for instance, doctors from Nigeria are part of an outstanding healthcare delivery system in many countries abroad. We have names like Dr. Olayinka Oluloye, who achieved the rare surgical feat operating successfully on a fetus in Texas, and Dr. Phil Osua, who leads one of the biggest healthcare organizations in New York, both of them in the US.”

He highlighted the acknowledgment from a former US president, emphasising how Nigerian professionals abroad significantly contribute to global healthcare systems, contrasting sharply with the struggles of Nigeria’s local healthcare delivery.


“There was in fact an acknowledgement by former US president who said that Chicago healthcare can’t possibly be what it is today were it not for the Nigerian doctors. But what is the situation with our healthcare delivery at home? At best, it’s a massive struggle. On the literary front,” Akande said.

“On the literary front,” Akande continued, “There are at least two Nigerian writers Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyinka, not to mention the more recent Chimamanda Adichie. They lead the literary world. In fact, Achebe’s book, ‘Things Fall Apart,’ has been translated into several foreign languages and is considered among the top 100 books of the last century.”

He lamented the state of public education in Nigeria, noting the disparity between the international acclaim of Nigerian literary giants and the millions of Nigerian children currently out of school.

“Now, there are tons and tons of Nigerians with similar outstanding records at home and abroad in various fields of human endeavor,” Akande remarked.

“Take another example, Bayo Ogunlesi, a Nigerian who rose to the top of global investment banking and is now a part-owner of Gatwick Airport,” Akande said.

He then turned his attention to Nigeria’s governance, criticising past leaders for grandiose yet unfulfilled projects such as Nigeria Air, contrasting sharply with the success of individuals like Aliko Dangote.

“So, we see one of the most definitive collective indictments of our existence, in how we govern ourselves and the mediocrity that we have tolerated in many facets of our public life,” Akande observed.

He said, “Let’s take a recent example, the way we run down publicly procured oil refineries in the country and bungled every effort and attempt to rehabilitate them in the last two decades.”

Akande underscored the contrast between the struggling state-owned refineries and Dangote’s private initiative, saying, “While we all watch our refineries go to nought in the last two decades, especially just one of us, Aliko Dangote, has built the world’s largest refinery in this country. He did it with less than $6 billion, according to him.”

“Compare that to how much we spent on turnaround maintenance of the refineries that are not working in the last two decades, over ($)25 billion according to the House of Reps, yet, not all of our refineries are working right now. But the private Dangote refinery built at less cost in less time is now up and running.

“So we can congratulate ourselves, but just a shame. It comes together, ironically. So as we celebrate the Dangote refinery as a proof that Nigerians are well and able to do great things, and as we encourage ourselves that Nigeria can’t possibly fail, with citizens made up of such stellar stuff, like Dangote, Let us also realize that we can no longer leave politics in the hands of our politicians anymore,” Akande said.

He informed as Dangote revealed, “International bankers tried and told Dangote no more funding, mafias at home and abroad try to frustrate him, yet, he was on face, but it’s just one Nigeria billionaire who has a sense of mission and commitment. And he had the of other Nigerians like Benedict Orama and the late Herbert Wigwe. And there he has completed the refinery. But our government can’t even fix one refinery as yet.”

As a result to hasten development from within, Akande called for increased citizen participation in governance and transparency, urging Nigerians to take proactive roles in shaping the nation’s future.

“Imagine how much we can do if we only sought out our politics,” Akande implored.

“Imagine how quickly we can resolve the problems and many of our challenges if and when we get the critical mass of well-meaning Nigerians involved in our public life and our national life. Just imagine there’s only one way to change this,” Akande said.

The former presidential aide concluded with a call to action, stressing the need to combat corruption and promote ability in Nigeria’s public institutions.

“No more sidon look, no more political apathy, especially from people in the middle class,” Akande asserted.

“We must oil our politics with ability and transparency. We must take the fight against corruption seriously. EFCC must remain fired up, IC too, and all of our enforcement agencies, we must end the impunity which continues to deny us the righteousness that exalts a nation. We must start doing it now,” Akande charged.

Akande in his imioned address on “Inside Sources” highlighted the urgency of comprehensive reforms to harness Nigeria’s potential and overcome longstanding governance challenges


https://thedailyleaks.com/how-dangote-refinery-is-feat-and-shame-for-nigeria-by-former-presidential-aide/

June 15, 2024

In a significant display of leadership and diplomacy, former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, met with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as he engaged with prominent figures at the Afreximbank Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the Bahamas.

The event also saw him meeting with former Nigeria’s President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prime Minister of The Bahamas Philip Edward Davis, and Professor Benedict Okey Oramah, President of Afreximbank, among other dignitaries.

Prof. Osinbajo’s presence was notably impactful, as he described the Afreximbank meeting as “one of the most intriguing” he had attended in recent times, emphasising the profound significance of the theme, “Owning our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa,” which underscored the ambition of a globally united Africa.

“Convening the meeting in the Bahamas was strategic; it was a visit of homeland Africa to our brethren in the diaspora, not merely a sentimental visit but one where actual investment deals were consummated and in-depth discussions took place,” he stated.

He added, “Africa will continue to prioritise long-term partnerships that serve our continent’s best interests,” addressing issues at a session on “Navigating Economic Transformation in a Polycrisis World: Strategies for Global Africa.” Prof. Osinbajo emphasised, “Africa’s only permanent friends are those who permanently our interests,” highlighting the importance of self-reliance and local .

He also underscored the role of the private sector in driving economic growth, citing the example of the Dangote project, which includes a 650,000 barrels per day refinery, as a testament to the private sector’s ability to attract cheap capital for investment.

This sentiment encapsulated the essence of the event, highlighting the tangible outcomes and the symbolic reunion of African nations with their diaspora.


Governor Sanwo-Olu echoed Osinbajo’s sentiments, expressing his satisfaction with the connections made during his time at the event. “During my time at the AAM and ACTIF2024, I had the pleasure of connecting with former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Prime Minister of The Bahamas Philip Edward Davis, and Professor Benedict Okey Oramah, President of Afreximbank,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“These events are dedicated to tackling the pressing issues impacting African and Caribbean economies, fostering economic growth, and facilitating trade and investment both within Africa and with the diaspora,” Sanwo-Olu added, highlighting the importance of the AAM and ACTIF2024 events in addressing the critical issues facing African and Caribbean economies.

At the Afreximbank meeting, Osinbajo’s insights and strategic vision resonated deeply with attendees, marking him as a pivotal figure in the ongoing dialogue between Africa and its diaspora.

Moreover, Prof. Osinbajo underscored the collaborative spirit of the gathering, which saw the convergence of leaders from different generations and backgrounds, both from Africa and the Caribbean.

His remarks reflected a broader vision of economic unity and growth, paving the way for future partnerships and prosperity.

The Afreximbank AGM in the Bahamas stands as a testament to the power of unity and shared goals in shaping the future of global Africa, with Prof. Osinbajo’s contributions being particularly noteworthy in driving forward the agenda of economic prosperity and collaboration.

https://thedailyleaks.com/osinbajo-meets-sanwo-olu-obasanjo-other-dignitaries-at-afreximbank-agm-in-the-bahamas/

Former Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, is among the distinguished delegates who have gathered at the Kigali Convention Centre for the commencement of the 11th Africa CEO Forum

This year’s event, attracting approximately 2,000 delegates, marks its return to Rwanda since its last session in 2019.

Key highlights:

Notable attendees include Amir Ben Yahmed, President of the Africa CEO Forum, and Sérgio Pimenta, IFC’s Vice President for Africa and Co-host of the forum.

The Africa CEO Forum, the premier international gathering of the African private sector, has drawn business leaders, investors, and policymakers from across Africa and the globe.

For two days, the summit will feature conferences, debates, and high-level meetings dedicated to highlighting the crucial role of the private sector in the continent’s development.

The forum will tackle four transformative agendas: leadership, digital transformation, continental integration, and financing.

The event has attracted a diverse range of participants, including more than 1000 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), 75 Presidents, Ministers, investors, and journalists from 73 countries.

This diverse gathering of influential leaders is poised to shape the future of Africa’s economic landscape.

Significance of the event:

Amir Ben Yahmed, President of the Africa CEO Forum, in a statement, emphasised the importance of such gatherings in shaping partnerships and strategies that elevate Africa’s economic status.

He called upon the community of leaders to recognise the lasting impact of their actions during this critical period, urging them to forge innovative strategies and partnerships that will propel the continent into new opportunities.

Sérgio Pimenta, IFC’s Vice President for Africa and co-host of the forum, highlighted the pivotal role of the private sector and Africa’s policymakers in driving Africa’s GDP to new heights by 2050.

He emphasised the need for an empowered African private sector, ed by policymakers, to create markets, boost intra-African trade, and promote investment on the continent.

Pimenta stressed that turning Africa’s $3 trillion GDP into $30 trillion by 2050 will require a concerted effort from both the private sector and policymakers.

The Africa CEO Forum stands as the continent’s foremost gathering, uniting Africa’s top executives, global investors, and government leaders annually.

This year’s flagship event, co-hosted by IFC, is poised to shape the future of Africa’s economic landscape, providing a platform for leaders to discuss and implement strategies that will drive growth, increase intra-African trade, and advance investment on the continent.

Background:

The Africa CEO Forum was founded in 2012 and is the leading platform for African CEOs, global investors with interest in Africa, heads of state, ministers, and representatives of the main financial institutions active on the continent. It is a forum for fleshing out ideas by the continent’s leading private sector operators in both the business and finance world.

The Africa CEO Forum was created by Jeune Afrique Media Group and its Annual Summit is co-hosted by IFC, a member of the World Bank Group

https://thedailyleaks.com/osinbajo-yahmed-pimenta-global-leaders-in-kigali-for-11th-africa-ceo-forum/

Sanchini:
I received a shabby appointment letter from a so called endeavour mining coporation too, and it was a friend I consider as trusted that claimed to have recomended me. The letter had no or any form of correspondence. This was after he asked for my CV, NIN, email and port photograph. I really believed him and was already planning to go. I couldn't have imagined he would lure me into this kind of dangerous venture. I am so grateful to God I came here to realise it's actually a scam. It is true what they say that it's who you know and trust that can easily kill you. People are heartless sha. Even after explaining everything I was going through to him. It's really sad. Thanks for saving me guys. Thank God for una. Na so I for waka lost

Please I'm facing same issue right now, can we share more experience on this

Reno is a first- class FRAUDSTER

Is anyone ever reading or believing @renoomokri, one of Nigeria's worst boys, who ran out of the country because of his shady deals after serving as an errand boy to Goodluck Jonathan, the worst President in Nigeria's history.

Reno Omokri is a rabble-ro, recalcitrant, diversionist, #fakenews merchant, paid agent provocateur and an abysmally irresponsible Nigerian cyber thug, commissioned to disparage Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, an advocate of global repute, who is best Vice President in Nigeria's democratic history.

Not only that, Prof Osinbajo is the only Vice President to officially assume the role of an Acting President, also in the country's democratic history, and he performed excellently well than the former Presidents, especially Reno's boss, Jonathan, who recorded abysmal failure after he corruptly emptied the national treasury, where Reno and his other colleagues who benefitted and ran out of the country are still being looked for by security agents to answer charges.

Also, you will how an American woman in 2014 accused Omokri, Jonathan’s errand boy of impersonation and identity theft.

Precisely in February 2014, Omokri wound up in a scandal after the digital footprint of an article that tried to link the spike in Boko Haram attacks to the suspension of Mr Sanusi as CBN governor was traced to him.

To cover for his fraud, he allegedly used the pseudonym, Wendel Simlin, in the article circulated to bloggers and journalists but the document's digital signature was identical to previous documents Omokri had sent to Times.

The Califonia- based woman, Deborah Campbell, then later told Sahara Reporters in a series of emails and telephone conversations that her son, based in Hercules, California, is the real Wendel Simlin.

She explained that she is married to Mr Omokri’s brother-in-law and that the president’s aide exploited the relationship to perpetrate forgery.

“I am the true Wendell Simlin’s mother here in the States. Appalled to find out my son has been a victim of identity theft, judging from the articles I recently read in your newspaper. Reno met my son after I married his wife’s brother,” she said in an email.

“There are pictures on my Facebook of Reno’s wife, kids and my ex-husband Godwin Melle. He is Reno’s wife’s brother,” the real Wendel's mother said.

As we can see, this Reno is a real fraudster! Since he ran away in 2014, he has never visited Nigeria. Security agents want him badly at home. Report him to the nearest police station if you spot him abroad, in the US or his other hiding places! He is a fraudster!

So, please, disregard the NONSENSE post of this irresponsible boy!

https://www.instagram.com/p/JAsEsLDsk/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

The construction and development of critical infrastructure that will transform the economy and create more job opportunities for citizens is one way to build a modern and prosperous future for all Nigerians, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today in his remarks at the maiden test flight into the recently constructed Gateway Agro Cargo International Airport in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.


"This is how we build a modern, prosperous future for all Nigerians. I have no doubt that the culture of innovation and progress that the Gateway Agro Cargo International Airport has already brought will continue to motivate the people of Ogun State even more,” the VP said at the momentous occasion.


According to the Vice President, the State “is now poised to provide facilities for a world-class economic zone,” because beyond being a fulfilment of a vision, the airport project “is one of the infrastructures for building a dynamic economic area.”


He emphasized the significance of the Agro Cargo Airport and Kajola Dry Port projects in the operationalization of the Special Agriculture Processing Zones, and Nigeria’s participation in the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).


Said the VP “the future is even more exciting than today. The airport will serve the Special Agriculture Processing Zones established with the generous assistance of the African Development Bank. It is also an essential tool in our preparation for full participation as serious players in the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement.


“In a few months, Kajola dry port will also be operational. I am confident that this airport will transform the entire Southwest region, and serve as a catalyst for economic growth and development in our nation and sub-region.”

Commending the State Government and past istrations for the actualization of the project, the VP said “it is a tribute to the wisdom and understanding of our current governor, Prince Dr Dapo Abiodun that he took it from the idea, re-envisioned it in the light of the opportunities, needs and realities of today; and birthed the Gateway Agro Cargo International Airport, Ogun State.”


Similarly, the VP commended the former Governor of the State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, whom he said conceived the idea of the airport and eventually secured approval from the Federal Government.


He added that “Ogun is definitely taking a huge step forward in fulfilling the dreams of our forebears; dreams of a vibrant, modern and industrious community living together in peace and prosperity.”


According to him, “this project is the fulfilment of a vision but the airport is only the infrastructure for building a dynamic economic area. We are now poised to provide facilities for a world-class economic zone.”

Earlier, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State paid glowing tributes to the VP and his predecessors including Chief Segun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel for their in the construction of the airport, noting that the airport was among the best in the country.

According to him, “this airport is a category 4E airport. It is one of the best-constructed airports in Nigeria. It can accommodate an Airbus A380, a Boeing 777 and a Boeing 747. It has a 4-kilometre runway, a 36-metre control tower, a fire station, a cargo apron and terminal buildings. It has 82, 000 square- metres of cargo apron for types E and C aircrafts when completed.”

On his part, Minister of Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika while commending the visioners of the airport said it is "a product of people that sat down to think what can add value to the economy, to the social well-being of the people, and it has happened.”


He added that the construction of the airport was part of the achievements of the Buhari istration in the aviation sector, noting that “during the Buhari government, aviation became the fastest growing sector of the economy before COVID-19. This is according to the National Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Finance. We have doubled the number of airports and have doubled the number of airlines.”

Other dignitaries at the event included the Wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo; Wife of Ogun State Govenror, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, former Governors of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole, traditional rulers and top State government officials.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
23rd February 2023

Fake info...
Tinubu never mentioned Osinbajo in this video naw

Tackling crude oil theft and sabotage remains a major concern of the Federal Government and those in charge must be able because, besides economic consequences, institutional and personal reputations are at stake, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today in his remarks as Special Guest of Honour at a Stakeholders Conference on Oil Theft and Losses in Nigeria held at the Trasncorp Hilton, Abuja.

According to the VP, "so grievous a crime cannot simply be a subject of summitry; people must do their jobs and if they are unable to do them, then there must be an ing for such failures. Institutional and personal reputations are at stake."

Prof. Osinbajo expressed concern that "oil theft and sabotage of oil and gas assets are a clear and present danger to our economy and national security. Not only do they pose a serious threat to oil exploration and our energy economy, but they also impact negatively on revenue accruals to the Federation and the business prospects of investors in the oil sector."

Noting that the Federal Government prioritised the development of the Niger Delta, as well as the protection of oil assets, the VP stated that “the theft of crude oil and the accompanying attacks on our energy infrastructure, especially in the Niger Delta, have since the inception of our istration, been of utmost concern.”

Against the backdrop of huge production cuts and revenue losses, the Vice President also highlighted the work done by the National Economic Council, which he chairs.

He stated that the Council set up an Ad-hoc Committee to ascertain the magnitude of oil theft and losses in Nigeria and recommend appropriate remedial measures.

“Most of the recommendations of the Ad-hoc Committee informed the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 and are being implemented. Even so, acts of vandalism of oil and gas infrastructure, oil theft as well as low production yields are still being reported in damaging and unacceptable proportions,” he further said.


Prof. Osinbajo noted that President Buhari had enacted the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021 aimed at revitalizing the oil and gas industry.

“Among other things, the Act stipulates elaborate provisions to accommodate the needs of the Host Communities in the oil and gas producing areas. The aim of these provisions is to assuage their sensibilities, give them a sense of belonging and foster unity of purpose with oil companies for the mutual benefit of all,” he explained.

Speaking on the theme: 'Protecting Petroleum Industry Assets for Improved Economy', the VP said "this istration is confronting these acts of economic terrorism on multiple fronts and with a range of tools.

"We have invested significantly in scaling up our maritime security architecture. In June 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari flagged off the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure Project otherwise known as the Deep Blue Project - a collaborative multiagency effort involving the armed forces, the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Maritime istration & Safety Agency (NIMASA), tly led by the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Defence.


"The project provides air, naval and land assets for surveillance, policing, and search and rescue operations in our coastal waters and our exclusive economic zones.

Afterwards, the VP recalled that he was at the Navy Headquarters "where I commissioned Falcon Eye, a maritime surveillance facility that networks sensors installed along our nation’s coastline. It is designed to provide actionable intelligence in real-time on maritime security threats and enable the swift and preemptive interdiction of criminals.

"Taken together, these two initiatives are huge investments in making our waters safe for energy commerce and inhospitable for the criminals that violate our vital economic interests," Prof. Osinbajo added.

Aside from scaling up our maritime security architecture, Prof. Osinbajo also highlighted the efforts of the istration through its New Vision for the Niger Delta initiative.

The Vice President recalled how the country’s oil installations were sabotaged by militant groups within a year of the Buhari istration being in office.

He observed that given the importance of oil and gas for federation revenues and export earnings, "it was no surprise that the economy went into recession in 2016 for the first time in twenty years with the economy contracting by -1.6 percent that year. It was clear to the government at the time that to speedily exit the recession, we needed to ensure that oil production went back to its over 2 million barrels-a-day levels.”

The VP further recalled that in 2017, on the directive of the President, he undertook “a tour of all oil producing states especially in the Niger Delta to engage with stakeholders and get a measure of the grievances that formed the backdrop to the sabotage of the oil installations.”


Following the Vice President’s tour of the region, the Buhari istration’s New Vision for the Niger Delta was developed in 2017, as a forthright partnership between the Federal Government, State Governments, Private Sector and Local Communities, through which the people of the region can maximally benefit from the wealth of their land.


“As a result of those engagements and based on the we had received from the communities, we were able to draw up the New Vision for the Niger Delta which helped to calm the situation and stem the attacks on oil facilities. These efforts led to significant success.


According to the 2018 Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Annual Report, the VP said crude oil production at the time went back up to an estimated daily average production of 2.12million barrels per day. But he added that this upward trend was upended later by the COVID-19 crisis.

Prof. Osinbajo noted that one of the pivots of the New Vision initiative was the establishment of modular refineries to curb illegal artisanal refining in the region and create employment opportunities for the region’s youths.

According to him, following the recommendation by an Ad-hoc Committee of the National Economic Council, it was determined that “creating employment opportunities for the youths of the oil-producing communities and making petroleum products available in these communities will go a long way to reduce hardship and criminality in the region.”


Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo stated that “one of the ideas we pursued under the New Vision for the Niger Delta was licensing modular refineries to discourage illegal artisanal refining. The refineries were designed to be privately owned but with a small percentage of shares owned by the host communities. It was hoped that this could draw in the illegal refiners and thus shut down one of the most potent sources of sabotage of oil assets especially the destruction of pipelines.”

The Vice President then assured that the Buhari istration remains committed to "captaining the ship of governance to the very last hour," noting that "we committed to leaving our best actions, thoughts and ideas for use of the next istration and the benefit of our nation."

The Vice President commended the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno, CFR, for his dynamism, and the Chairman of the Special Investigative on oil thefts and losses, Major General Barry T Ndioumu, and of the for organizing the Conference.

Dignitaries present at the conference included heads of government agencies, oil and gas industry players and traditional rulers.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President
21st February, 2023

Improving the welfare of citizens by investing in the health and wellbeing of women and children in particular remains paramount to the Buhari istration, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

This is why, according to him, the Federal Government is collaborating with States and development partners so that for instance “no young person should go through the needless frustration of joblessness.”

The Vice President spoke yesterday at Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area, Ogun State, where he commissioned two FG human capital development projects: the 100-bed Mother and Child Hospital and the Skills Acquisition Centre.

Also, preparatory to this week’s National elections, and next month’s State elections, the Vice President, accompanied by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR, also visited of the All Progressives Congress in the Ikenne LGA, Ogun State.

He interacted with leaders and of the APC in Ward 1 of the Ikenne Local Government.

Party leaders in Ikenne who received the Vice President include APC Ward 1 Chairman, Hon. Segun Awomuti; party leader, Hon Kayode Shodiyan; the Vice Chairman of the Ikenne Local Government Council, Madam Bolanle Fakoya, and other party stalwarts including Hon. Rotimi Onajole. Revd. Emmanuel Adebajo also accompanied the VP to the meeting.

Speaking in Iperu at the commissioning, the VP said the Federal Government has ensured that “we provide, in collaboration with State Governments, places for the development of human capital. These include technology hubs and Skills Acquisition Centers."

According to Prof. Osinbajo, “in the last few years, our government has also taken several steps to improve the quality of life of our citizens. We have increased access to education, promoted sustainable agriculture, and improved infrastructure. Our objective is to provide opportunities for young people to have well-paying jobs.”

The VP further stated that the projects commissioned “symbolised the tremendous progress the Federal Government has made in achieving the SDGs and, in that process, promoting the health and welfare of our people.”

“The hospital is a testament to our commitment to the healthcare of women and children, and to ensuring that we secure the future of Ogun State and Nigeria. The facility will not only provide primary healthcare to treat preventable diseases, but will also ensure that women have access to pre and postnatal care, which is absolutely vital to the wellbeing of our communities,” he added.

Continuing, the Vice President emphasized that the project delivery also underscored Government’s recognition of the importance of healthcare facilities.

He also expressed optimism that “the hospital and Skills Acquisition Centre will serve as a model for other states to replicate, and that their establishment will contribute positively to the health, wellbeing and livelihood of all in Remo, Ogun State and Nigeria in general.”

Prof. Osinbajo noted that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government continues to make efforts towards attaining the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, noting that the projects were implemented by the SDGs office in the Presidency.

The VP then listed other ongoing projects under the SDGs in the Local Government Area to include “the construction of 250- bed Mother and Child Hospital, Ikenne (already 97% completed) and the Construction of a Mega School, Ikenne Community High School, as well as a Mini stadium at the Ikenne Community High School - nearing completion.”

“There is also the construction of 36 classrooms at the Mayflower School, Ikenne, and another Skill Acquisition Centre, at the Isanbi High School at Ilisan, which is also completed,” he added.

*(Other projects that have been mostly concluded in the Ikenne Local Government Area include constructions of Smart schools, and the construction of senior secondary and junior secondary classrooms in Mayflower.

*Equally, there has been the construction of a block of classrooms, istrative office, toilets and borehole in Ikenne Community High School.

*Ongoing is a Tech hub, which will also have chalets for staff & visiting experts. There is also the 250-bed Hospital to be commissioned soon in Ikenne.

*Other concluded projects are the modernization of the Ikenne Market and several installations of solar street lights in 10 different locations:
1. Ogunsanya Oduname Street
2. Ademolu Odeneye/ O&A road
3. Olaolu Ebun-Adubifa Avenue
4. Opanubi street
5. Ajina Street
6. Ayodele Soyode/ Bisi Onajole Street
7. Florence Oyetola Street / Idowu Salami street
8. IYC street
9. Alakenne
10. Aiyepe junction

*There have also been completed Erosion control works and Water supply schemes in Ikenne and Ilisan.

*There is also the construction of a Smart Model school along old Sagamu road (for Early years, Primary & Secondary school students with facilities for special students.

*A 500 KVA transformer was also installed on Awolowo Avenue).

Prof. Osinbajo then thanked Governor Dapo Abiodun “for creating the enabling environment and working actively with the SDG Office to ensure the actualization of this project.”

He also commended the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, for “her revolutionary, focused and result- oriented approach to delivery of government’s human capital developments projects.”

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
19th February, 2023

I don't think we should accuse Osinbajo for anything about MM ticker again, he has made his opinion known long ago, and if you look at the way things is going in the party you will see his body language that he (Osinbajo) is not in for that. Knowing fully well that he has no right and power to impose on the party, he is just a member, whatever the party decides is the final. Have you ever seen him campaigning for anyone?