NewStats: 3,264,216 , 8,182,995 topics. Date: Tuesday, 10 June 2025 at 08:15 AM x6t2m

General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida fielding questions from Laolu Akande during featuring on 'Inside Sources' talk show on Channels TV on Friday, January 12, 2024


In the face of the economic hardship being experienced by many Nigerians, former Military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida popularly known as IBB, has stressed the significance of involving the Nigerian populace in the decision-making process of the government, advising President Bola Tinubu to carry the citizenry along on his policy decisions for more effective implementation.

Featuring on the fourth edition of Channels TV’s “Inside Sources” anchored by foremost journalist and a former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, on Friday, January 12, 2024, the elder statesman, shared his valuable insights on diverse issues affecting the country.


Babangida emphasized the need for President Tinubu to clearly articulate his policies, outlining their objectives, benefits, and potential challenges.


By doing so, the former military ruler argued, the president would have built trust and understanding among the Nigerian people, fostering a conducive environment for the successful implementation of his agenda.

“A lot of things in an economic situation is to take a decision because you know it is the right thing to do. Some people may not agree which is natural especially as far as Nigeria is concerned. My only advice is they should do more talking to the people so that everybody understands,” Babaginda stated.

Fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity, Babangida argued that the president could rally Nigerians behind his policies by engaging the media, maintaining open channels of communication and providing regular updates on policy developments.

“Unless a lot of talking is being done, arranging programmes on television and radio has been very very effective, people understand. So, if you come and then take the decision finally, you have no problem because you have talked about it,” IBB stated.


When asked if the intermittent military involvement in politics was the major cause of Nigeria’s failure to implement a workable federal system of government, in a candid and introspective manner, the former military ruler conceded that it played a great role and described that era as an aberration that should never have happened.

Giving his perspective on his personal reflections on the consequences of military rule, Babaginda expressed deep regret over the military interventions that disrupted Nigeria’s democratic process.

He acknowledged that the military incursions in the country hampered Nigeria’s progress toward a stable and flourishing democracy and in proffering solutions, stressed the importance of continuity, stability, and adherence to democratic principles as key drivers for sustainable development.

His words, “I think that is one of the effects of the aberration of the military regime, it tempered with the democratic process. Such things happened but I believe it wouldn’t happen again because the Nigerians are becoming more interested in becoming a truly democratic nation, at least, in Africa and I don’t think such a thing will happen,” he said.

When pressed further to give his view on whether the successive military governments were responsible for the country’s slow economic development, Babaginda said, “I think the military like we earlier talked about, we consulted same Nigerians on the economy and most of them if you recall in the 70s, a lot of reforms that were done handed over certain enterprises back to the people.”

Continuing, he said, “So it started with the military really and when we came, we did the Structural Adjustment Programme, (SAP) where we got the civil society involved in the economic management team and government no longer get interested in running an agricultural farms and something like that and allowed people to do it themselves.”

“We freed the economy, we allowed the private sector to be the hub of the economic development of the Country,” Babaginda said.

The former military head of state also shares his thoughts on the subject of restructuring, he said, “In 1989 we set up a committee on devolution of powers and under late Alhaji Abdul Rahman Okene, he looked at that. This is because we are thinking at that time how we would get the federation structured even though as a military regime then but we are thinking about it.”

He added, “I believe in restructuring if it means devolution of powers to the states. To give them more powers. That means we give them more resources to run their own affairs. So that we run a federal government the way federation is run all around the world,” IBB concluded.

https://thedailyleaks.com/policy-carry-nigerians-along-to-be-more-effective-babangida-advises-tinubu/

“I have lost a brother and friend of over 40 years.

May his soul rest in peace

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, at the weekend, visited the family of the late Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, in Ibadan. Osinbajo, who went on the condolence visit together with his wife, described the late Akeredolu as a bold, courageous, forthright, fair minded, kind and God-fearing leader.

They were received by the deceased wife, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and other family . Osinbajo said: “Dolly and I express our sincere condolence to Her Excellency, Betty Akeredolu, children, family, friends, associates of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu @rotimiaketi and the government and people of Ondo State on his ing.

“I have lost a brother and friend of over 40 years.

“Aketi was bold, courageous, forthright, fair minded, kind and God- fearing. He firmly believed in our democracy, justice and the rule of law. He loved the people of Ondo State and was ionate about their security and economic advancement.”

“We pray that the Almighty God will comfort the family and people of Ondo State on this great loss.”

https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/osinbajo-wife-pay-condolence-visit-to-the-akeredolus/

By Emmanuel Babafemi

Fresh facts have emerged on how former President Olusegun Obasanjo of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) together with General Ibrahim Babangida worked for the emergence of the then General Muhammadu Buhari as the candidate of the All Nigeria’s People’s Party (ANPP) in the build-up to the 2007 presidential election.

Former Zamfara State governor, Senator Ahmad Sani Yerima, gave this revelation on Friday, December 29, 2023, while featuring in an exclusive interview with a former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, on the second edition of his TV programme, ‘Inside Sources’ on Channels TV.

Obasanjo, who had already anointed Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as the PDP presidential candidate, rooted for Buhari to emerge as the opposition candidate, believing that would give him a less tedious ride to win the presidency for his party as he didn’t want Yerima, also a top contender in the ANPP then, to go head-to-head with Yaradua.

Recalled, on October 27, 1999, the then-governor of Zamfara State, Senator Yerima, introduced Sharia law in his state, and 11 other states in the north with majority Muslim populations, including those of Kano and Kaduna, followed suit, which made Yerima’s popularity to soar in the north and positioned him ahead of others as a likely winner in and general elections.

However, against the popular belief that Yerima was far ahead in the race as posited by political analysts, there was a dramatic turnaround which led to him stepping down at the party’s convention.

Narrating what happened to Akande, Yerima said, it was a result of a prior commitment he made to an unknown request for a favour from IBB as initiated by Obasanjo, which he said he couldn’t turn down.

As he said, “The Arewa Consultative Forum had a meeting in Kaduna and announced they announced President Muhammadu Buhari as the sole candidate of the North and set up a committee to go around the contestants in various political parties and talk to us to please step down for Buhari so the North can have a single candidate.

“They came to me and I listened to them and I said I would think over it. But President Obasanjo, you know made sure he brought General (Ibrahim) Babangida who is still alive and begged him to me. He was in PDP and I was in ANPP.”

When asked if it was true that Obasanjo didn’t want him to run against Umaru Yar’Adua, his preferred candidate in the PDP, Yerima affirmed the notion as true, saying, “Yes, he didn’t want me to run against Yar’Adua.”

According to him, Yerima said from the information he got, it was clear Obasanjo was afraid of his candidature because of his soaring popularity among his people.

“At that time, the security report showed him according to my information that because I had all the delegates in my hand, except Kano and Katsina, I left for Buhari, at that time. I had all the state chairmen of ANPP of all the 36 states and Abuja ing me. The government knew that if I got the ticket, it was going to be a very difficult task for PDP to win for Yar’Adua to become president.”

“Then, Obasanjo sent an aircraft to bring IBB and requested him to please, talk to me so I can step down for Yar’Adua. But I didn’t know until after I stepped down and Babangida sent the late Engr Abdulkadir Kure, the former governor of Niger State, and even the former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, they were sent to come to me and to beg me to step down,” Yerima said.

When further asked if Buhari was aware of all the background political scheming, Yerima said, “Yes.”

He went further, “IBB first called me and said, ‘Senator Yerima, I said, yes, sir, IBB, I have your number,’ then he said, ‘You know I’ve never asked you for any favour in my life? I said, yes, sir. He said I am going to ask you for one favour, I said I’ve done it for you, sir.’ I didn’t know what favour he wanted to ask from me. He said, ‘Okay, I won’t tell you on the phone, but I’m going to send Bafarawa and Engr (Abdulkadir) Kure to you to inform you.'”

Narrating how their visit went, Yerima said, “They came to me in the night after 8 o’clock, and after greetings, I asked my people to go out and they said IBB sent them to me, I said yes, he said you were coming. They said, ‘The only favour he wants you to do for him is to step down for Buhari tomorrow, the convention is tomorrow.’ I said, oh my God! Please, tell him I’ve accepted, I’ve committed myself that I was going to do the favour for him.”

“Then, they said ‘No, he said whatever your answer is, we should call him and you will tell him by yourself.’ And they called IBB and I told him, ‘Sir, tomorrow, I will step down for Buhari.’ Immediately they left, I went to the national chairman, Chief Chief Ume-Ezeoke, and I told him that tomorrow I was going to step down for Buhari.

“He said, oh my God, and he started dancing. I didn’t know he was promised the vice presidential candidate. And that night, he told Buhari and Buhari was telling me that he didn’t believe me until I climbed the podium and announced it because they changed the programme at the convention venue, the Eagle Square.”

On how he broke the news to his ers, Yerima said it was as he planned it at the convention venue, as he said the party had already concluded plans, even with a changed timetable of the programme to suit their interest.

“The timetable was opening prayer, then, there would be the national chairman’s opening remark, then all the candidates will start talking. But they changed the programme, and after the opening prayer, they said Yerima was going to speak. So, they called me first and asked me to talk. And I announced my stepping down and I appealed to all other candidates to also step down and they did, and Buhari became the only candidate,” Yerima concluded.

https://thedailyleaks.com/how-obasanjo-ibb-worked-for-buhari-to-emerge-yerima-reveals-on-inside-sources-with-laolu-akande/

Nigeria moving in wrong direction, Bisi Akande warns, as Channels
The veteran politician, Akande, who was the pioneer National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), gave this revelation on Friday, December 22, 2023, while featuring in an exclusive interview with a former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, on the debut of his TV programme, ‘Inside Sources’ on Channels TV.

In a groundbreaking move and highly anticipated debut Laolu Akande’s political program, “Inside Sources,” hit the airwaves with a bang with Chief Akande, a highly respected figure in Nigerian politics, who answered questions on burning national issues.


The programme according to the host is aimed to provide a platform for fresh ideas and meaningful conversations on Nigerian politics.


As “Inside Sources” premiered on Channels TV, captivating audiences across the country, the inclusion of the A-list Nigerian, Bisi Akande as the first guest may be seen as a strategic move, to highlight the programme’s commitment to engaging experienced political leaders and nurturing intergenerational dialogue.

During the episode, Chief Bisi Akande and the journalist engaged in a lively and insightful conversation, discussing a wide range of topics, including governance, leadership, politics and the future of Nigerian politics.

As the host engaged Akande, a seasoned politician with decades of experience, he shared his wisdom and perspectives, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the nation.

When asked whether Nigeria was moving in the right direction, the former Osun state governor said, ” Nigeria has been having a stunted growth, and today the sources of its nutrition are in deficit. The nutrition for a good polity is infrastructure and human capacity. Both we seem not to have in the right direction”


“So for that reason, I don’t see Nigeria in the right direction. But with the reason attempt to change the situation let’s hope Nigeria will be strong enough to bear the change, Akande noted.

Speaking on the deep cause of Nigeria’s diverse problems and possible solutions, Akande suggested a different approach to the educational system of Nigeria insisting the country must focus on effective education to be able to streamline the goal which he said would play a pivotal role in the development of Nigeria.


“The differences in the approach to education had created a sort of misunderstanding among the leadership and the people of the country. While some believe in deep education, a universal education some believe in different ways of looking at it, Akande stated

He added, “While some feel that everybody should be educated, some feel that it is unnecessary, only a few should be educated. And then we have one Nigeria, where some are educated partially, some are deeply educated and some are not educated. So we can’t understand ourselves. We need to look at our education properly to be able to streamline the goal.

He also spoke about two important controversial issues, religion and ethnicity, which he said are pivotal to the country’s political growth, as according to him, “The two factors are useful elements in the community development. It depends on the . With the right kind of constitution which we don’t have, religion and ethnicity can complement the efforts of the community makers.”

The two elements he referred to as the drivers, who can stem the tide of ethnicity and religion in politics he said are politicians and statesmen.


“We call them politicians and statesmen. Whoever wanted Nigeria to go forward could use the media and ethnicity to promote the understanding of the community towards a common goal. But the way the constitution is now, we need a true federal constitution.

“Federal constitution is a very difficult system of government. But it is a must constitution for diversity. You can’t use a unity government among the diverse ethnic communities.

“You don’t need a federal kind of government as a one nationality. But in a multi-ethnic nationality like Nigeria, you need a true federal constitution to make it work well,” Akande said.

He, however, chided the leaders who he said refused to be educated about what leadership means working against the national progress.

According to him, “But because the leaders don’t even want to be educated about what leadership really means. Because a leader must understand his people and you have to be very educated about the geography of the placement of your people, about the history of your people, and the sociological settings of your people. And about the variance in culture.”

Until you can get that, you can’t be a good leader. And that is where a federal constitution, a good true federal constitution let me put it that way is what we need to solve the problem of diversity,” Akande said.

He contended “We have no constitution now. What we have is the understanding of what is our constitution now is that the federal government takes a decision and the rest of us queue behind it.

“That is why you will see a market woman whose stall has been blown away by the wind and will be saying, ‘Ah! But we voted for Tinubu,” come and see flood in our community.’ That’s a local government job and should be directed by the state government. It has nothing to do with the federal government.


“But because our people, you know because the constitution is not well defined or simply defined, see how long it is. It is too long. All we need to do is to look at the schedule and say that this is your job, the federal government and this is your job state government. But the way it is coined and written, it is too difficult for the Nigerian people,” Akande concluded.

https://thedailyleaks.com/nigeria-moving-in-wrong-direction-bisi-akande-warns-as-channels-tvs-inside-sources-hit-airwaves/

By Oluwafemi Popoola


Former Presidential aide and seasoned journalist, Laolu Akande, is set to become a TV host as he prepares to make his debut on a groundbreaking TV political programme, called “Inside Sources” on Channels TV.

The TV show is set to debut on Friday, December 22, 2023, and viewers can watch exclusively on Channels Television station every Friday at 9:00 am.


Akande shared his thoughts about the announcement on his official Instagram page, where he invited many Nigerians to him to delve deep by dissecting Nigeria’s pivotal issues on governance and other pressing national matters.

“I extend a warm invitation to me every Friday at 9 am on my TV show, “Inside Sources” exclusively on Channels Television. Experience a thought-provoking journey through our nation’s current affairs, where we delve deep into insightful discussions on pivotal issues,” Akande said.

“Inside Sources” promises a unique fusion of well-grounded journalistic expertise and a commitment to public service. Your engagement is valued as we navigate and analyze the purse of our nation,” the new TV personality declared.

This highly anticipated show featuring the esteemed Laolu Akande is set to revolutionize the political discourse in a captivating and informative manner, providing insightful analysis and discussions on pressing political issues in Nigeria.


“Inside Sources” promises to be a breath of fresh air in the media landscape. Viewers can expect well-researched insights, thought-provoking discussions, and nuanced analysis. With a deep understanding of the political landscape, Akande, a thorough-bred journalist will provide viewers with a balanced perspective on various political topics, enabling them to form their own informed opinions.

Laolu Akande who will now be setting the stage for public discussions on TV screen, has had a stellar career in Journalism for the past three decades.

Akande’s career in Journalism started in 1989 when he ed the Guardian newspaper as a reporter. He worked with The News and Tempo newspapers as a senior writer, until he ed the Nigerian Tribune in 1995 as a Special Projects Editor and later became the Editor of the Tribune on Saturday title, furthering his career in the oldest newspaper in Nigeria, making him the youngest newspaper editor at the time.


From there, Akande later left the country for the United States, where he worked with Newsday as an Assistant Editor. He was also a Fellow of the Tribune Minority Editorial Training Program, METPRO. In 2004, he founded Empowered Newswire, a New York-based independent news agency reporting on Nigerian and African news from the US and North America.

Akande is regarded as the only Nigerian journalist to have interviewed a sitting American President in the White House when he interviewed former US President George W. Bush, at a White House African Reporters Roundtable.

He has also interviewed eminent personalities, including billionaire Bill Gates, and former US President Donald Trump amongst others. Akande has also been featured as a guest on several international radio and TV programmes in the United States and Europe.

The journalist will be bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience to the table on Channels TV, the programme that is set to the screen.

Akande’s sharp intellect, astute observation skills and ability to dissect complex political matters and communicate them in a way that resonates with viewers are his greatest assets that would be brought to the fore.

In an era where media bias is a prevalent concern, Nigerians expect the TV show to deliver objective reporting that is free from personal or political agendas and at the same foster an environment of open dialogue and promote healthy debate.

Akande’s unparalleled expertise will no doubt pave the way for engaging discussions that are capable of shedding light on the most pressing issues of our time while redefining the way we consume political information.

As we eagerly await the debut of this TV political programme, we are filled with anticipation for the enlightening discussions, informative analysis, and engaging dialogue it promises to deliver.

https://thedailyleaks.com/laolu-akande-sets-the-stage-as-inside-sources-debuts-friday-on-channels-tv/

By Oluwafemi Popoola


Former Presidential aide and veteran journalist, Laolu Akande, has described the ongoing rift between the minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, and his successor, Governor Sim Fubara, as “disappointing.”

As the two former allies got locked in a fierce political battle that has become a public spectacle, the former editor rebuked the FCT minister for not managing the conflict very well.

Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Thursday, November 15, 2023, Akande, who is the TV’s in-house political analyst, dissected the political crisis rocking the state and chided the FCT minister for failing to live up to expectations as an experienced and astute politician by using his expertise to resolve the matter before degenerating into in a bigger crisis.

“It is disappointing that the FCT Minister is not managing his own anointed governor, he clearly owns an anointed governor and the responsibilities are more on him than the governor,” Akande said.


He added, “It is said in the Yoruba language that when two people are fighting, regardless of the fact of the fight, the older one will always be the one to carry the brunt because people are going to say that ‘hey, you are supposed to be the wiser one.’

“Honestly, my first impression, just to answer your question is that the fact that, Mr Wike has allowed this to happen and I am not saying the governor has no responsibility. But Mr Wike is a senior partner in this matter and it is not good for him at all. Let me just put it like that. It’s not good publicity for Nyesom Wike.”

Appreciating the rising political profile of the FCT minister, Akande said Wike is one of the current Nigeria’s prominent politicians alongside President Bola Tinubu, mentioning that the former governor commands a great deal of respect from many Nigerians and as such should be able to manage the expectations around him.

“I think the most obvious point to make about what is happening in Rivers State is that it is very disappointing and that is been measured about it,” Akande stated.

Continuing, “A lot of people had significant iration and quite a bit of respect for the FCT Minister. Just like you referred to, a number of times I have been in the room when the Vice President (Osinbajo) went there (Niger Delta for peacekeeping) representing the President. You can tell very easily that Wike was just the kind of guy that gets things done. He got a reputation and he was called ‘Mr Project.’ There is quite a bit of political regard you have to give to him.

“Quite frankly, I think in this country today after the President, Nyesome Wike is the most prominent politician of the day.”

“So when somebody has attained that level of political relevance, one of the things that it means is that you really have to carry yourself with a lot of grace, with a lot of measured management of the expectations around you,” Akande concluded.

https://thedailyleaks.com/rivers-crisis-its-disappointing-wike-fails-to-manage-his-anointed-successor-says-laolu-akande/

By Oluwafemi Popoola


Wednesday December 13, 2023 — Former presidential aide and veteran journalist, Laolu Akande, has said that the decamped lawmakers in Rivers State may lose their seats should the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) decides to take legal action on the matter.

His comment came following the ongoing political crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly where 27 out of the 32 lawmakers in the state were announced to have decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, December 11, 2023.

There are media reports regarding the political crisis in the state which is said to have worsened despite a mediation by President Bola Tinubu to resolve the matter.

The state lawmakers are alleged to have split into two factions – one backed by the immediate past governor of River State and current minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the second faction loyal to Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara.

The 27 defected lawmakers are said to be the ones loyal to the FCT minister

The defection came about two weeks after Nyesom Wike told reporters that 27 lawmakers in the state were opposing the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Speaking on Channels TV News at 10 on Tuesday, November 12, 2023, Akande, who is the TV’s in-house political analyst, spoke on the political crisis rocking the state and gave a historical perspective to it.

The journalist gave a legal precedent to the defection issue stating that the defected lawmakers might have to do some legal fireworks in case the PDP decides to go to court to challenge the move.

He said, “There is a ruling of the Supreme Court in 2015, actually the lead judgement was read by the recently retired justice Datti Joe, where it was established that if you decamp from your party as a legislator except there is a division at the national level, then you might have to lose your case.”

He added, “In that particular instance, I believe Mr Abegunde who had won the seat in Ondo State House of Assembly under Labour Party decamped to the then (defunct) Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and then, of course, the Ondo State House of Assembly took the matter to court.

“Then, Mr Abegunde lost at the court at the first instance, went on appeal, lost on appeal and eventually the matter got to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court affirmed the judgement of both the lower and the Appeal Court.

“So, if that were to have a reflection on what happened today, then, one might say that the of the River State House of Assembly might have to do some kind of legal fireworks.

“But we don’t know how this is going to play out because if you look at that ruling very well, there is a distinction between a division at the state level and a division at the national level. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. But you are right, I think that there might be a threat if the party goes to court to get them retaining those seats,” Akande stated.

Giving a historical perspective to the crisis, Akande submitted that the fallout of the lingering drama in the southern state suggests a move by the people of the South-South to re-align with the incumbent national party which is the APC, maintaining that the
realignment is in tandem with Nigeria’s political history.

“I think that what is happening is a return to the politics of the Second Republic and I dare say that in the Third Republic, where the fact says the people of the South-South will normally align with the Central. Akande said

Continuing, he said, “If we in the Second Republic, the (defunct) NPN (National Party of Nigeria) had control of River State and Cross River in those areas and the same thing happened in the ill-fated Third Republic, where you had the (defunct) NRC (National Republican Convention) in charge of the party even though the NRC was not at the centre because of the election that wasn’t concluded.

“The point is that oftentimes, the people in the South-South normally align with the incumbent national party in this case the APC. What happened was that in 2015, with the emergency of APC which was an alliance essentially between the North and Southwest
the political problem of Nigeria shifted in such a way that the Southwest normally in opposition was now in the centre with the North.

“That sort of disorganized what normally be the South-South and South East aligning with the centre. So, between 2015 and now, we have a situation where almost the first time in Nigeria’s history, we have the people of South-South outside of the politics of the centre up to 2023.

“What is happening in Rivers State today might be the beginning of the return of the people of the South-South to be with whoever is in the centre. So, there is a lot of things we can say about it but I see it as a realignment that is in line with Nigeria’s political history,” Akande concluded

https://thedailyleaks.com/rivers-crisis-decamped-pdp-lawmakers-risk-losing-their-seats-says-ex-presidential-aide-akande/

Laolu Akande, a former presidential spokesperson and journalist, has called for a revisit of the Justice Muhammadu Uwais electoral reforms as he debuted as Channels TV political analyst.

Akande, who was analysing the just concluded off season governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States, noted that the voter apathy witnessed during elections in Nigeria is an important concern that needs more attention.

Speaking on Channels TV News at 10, Akande was asked what his takeaways were from the recent gubernatorial polls in the three states.

He said, “I guess the first one in my view will be the level of voter apathy in the country now. Not much has been said about this and of course, it’s even worse in this kind of off-season election compared to a place like Kenya where you have about 50-60% turnout.

“What you had even in the Presidential/National Assembly election is about 20%, this [off-season polls] is even below that, for me that is what one of the major things that we should be looking out for.

“Having said that, there is also the problem of violence, intimidation and all related stuff” citing the instance in Kogi state where election results were written ahead of even the time of voting.

“Now, what all of these point to is that there is an increasing level of impunity when you talk about electoral offences.

“I that in 2008 when the Uwais Report was released the report said then that at that time since 1960, there hasn’t been any conviction of electoral offences, I don’t know whether between 2008 and now is actually a significant change of that but that is a big problem because of the impunity we see in the electoral terrain all kinds intimidation.

“So I think the first thing we have to do is to take a good look at the Uwais Report again. Looking at the report again is going to be very helpful because many of the things we are still dealing with have been highlighted in the report.

“For instance the report states very clearly that there must be an end to all cases that are prosecuted from the elections before elected officials are sworn in, now for some reasons that recommendation was not accepted. If that had been accepted that means that the role of the judiciary in fact will be limited.

“What we have today is the judiciary playing too much role in the process something the Uwais report had also warned that it won’t be good for the system, it won’t confer credibility on the process if we have the judiciary determining the outcomes of the elections and not the voters.

“Today, I was reading an article written by Lasisi Olagunju where he said that the Nigerian Judiciary had become our electoral college because of the over-participation of the judiciary in our electoral process.”

https://dailytrust.com/laolu-akande-debuts-as-channels-tv-analyst-calls-for-revisit-of-uwais-report/#:~:text=31%3A11%20WAT-,Laolu%20Akande%2C%20a%20former%20presidential%20spokesperson%20and%20journalist%2C%20has%20called,as%20Channels%20TV%20political%20analyst.

Former presidential media aide and seasoned journalist, Laolu Akande, has condemned the alleged electoral abnormalities that occurred at the just concluded off-cycle Kogi gubernatorial polls, insisting the electoral body needs a long way to go to inspire trust and confidence in the people.

The veteran journalist expressed his views on Friday, November 17, 2023, while appearing as a guest analyst on Channels TV’s news documentary programme, Sunrise Daily, where he spoke on the Kogi gubernatorial election and other topical issues that bother on improving Nigeria’s electoral processes.

According to Akande, what happened in Kogi gubernatorial polls where there are reports of election results written by some alleged INEC officers, calls for serious concern and advises the electoral body to purge itself from some compromised individuals.


His words, “There are still ongoing developments but I think the case, it was in Kogi where the results were written ahead of even the voting, still raises quite a bit of concern. I don’t want to go pound on INEC again hoping that they are trying to fix the issues.

“But when you have a situation that results have been written out, I think it calls for some very profound reform of the agency itself if indeed you had your staff compromised up to the point that they released the result sheet and results have been filled.

“This kind of thing does not inspire any kind of confidence or trust but let’s hope that the commissioners and INEC leadership would be able to get to the bottom of this kind of storm,” Akande noted.

Continuing, he said, “We must concede that the people that work for INEC are also Nigerians, so it is not so much trying to say that this is something that is just localised to INEC, but it remains the responsibility of the leadership of INEC, the chairman, the national commissioners, the resident electoral commissioners to ensure that the enormous trust that the Nigerian people and government have given INEC is protected and secure so that we can begin to build trust of the people in the government.


“There is much cynicism and it is this kind of behaviour that encourages it. So, for the election, I think we’ve had, the election is gone, those who would go to court would go to court, but INEC needs to continue to work on improving the trust of the people in the process.”

Speaking on the importance of political awareness and sensitization of the public to drive popular participation in politics, Akande noted that the mindset of Nigerians must be tailored towards demanding good governance from their leaders, insisting power belongs to the people.

He said, “We should start with some kind of political education that creates awareness among the Nigerian people that power actually belongs to them. It is a democracy and it is a reason why voices have to be loud on this issue. It is a democracy and not a military rule. It is a government for the people, by the people and for the people.


Continuing, “Everybody ought to be on the board to ensure that the message goes in as deep as possible and that is why we have to keep on reforming the electoral process every and any time that we find a loophole.

“It has to do more with the mindset of the average Nigerian. Whether it be a politician or an ordinary citizen understand that at the end of the day, power belongs to the people.

“If we all think that those that get into government can do whatever they choose, if we don’t insist when we see an infringement, if we don’t raise our voices and say no we are not going to take that then they will continue to behave that way.

Referring to the controversial nomination and eventual confirmation of the Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s former Chief-of-Staff as resident electoral commissioner by the Senate, Akande lampooned the opposition senators in the chamber, noting the country needs a serious opposition party.

His words, “In such instances is the issue of the INEC commissioners, I think two or three of them is an issue we must keep alive. It is interesting that the PDP issued a statement and said that they are afraid that this current President or this government is leading to totalitarianism.

“I said you know, what did the PDP legislators say in the senate? We have more than thirty PDP senators in the Senate when the confirmation of those commissioners was going on, what did they say? It was only the publicity secretary who issued a statement from the PDP.

“We have PDP senators in that senate, sitting down, watching the whole affairs, watching Akpabio bring his Chief-of-Staff and former SSG to become a resident electoral commissioner and they all sat down there.”


“Now the same party is saying they are afraid that the government is going to become totalitarian. We must begin to take ourselves seriously. If PDP and LP are going to be an opposition, they have to be responsible oppositions, they have to take things seriously. I would have expected PDP and LP senators to raise hell on the nomination of Akpabio’s former SSG, but they did not,” Akande concluded

https://thedailyleaks.com/kogi-polls-akande-calls-for-electoral-reforms-says-inec-must-inspire-trust-confidence/

By Chijioke Okoronkwo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Over the years, climate change and its vagaries have featured conspicuously in global discourses.

From CoP1 in Berlin, in 1995 to CoP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, it has been intense advocacy and dialogue on how to mitigate the impact of climate change and achieve a just energy transition vis-à-vis phasing out fossil fuel.

Worthy of note, CoP28 schedule to hold in Dubai in from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12 is imminent and the contemporary climate change issues—energy transition, desertification, drought, floods, heat waves, disruption of food systems among others –will still ricochet.

For Africa, where many economies are struggling with strangulating external debts, energy transition remains a herculean and capital-intensive task.

In Nigeria, relevant authorities say over 410 billion dollars will be spent to deliver its energy transition plan by 2060.

On a bothersome note, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates that Nigeria’s external debt stood at N33.25 trillion as at Q2 2023.

The huge external debt leaves analysts worried that poor nations are being befuddled by the huge amount required to fund their energy transition plans.

In the light of the aforementioned, perceptive stakeholders are of the view that the Debt –for- Climate (DFC) Swap deal proposed by former Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, should be deliberated at the CoP28 scheduled for Nov. 30 to Dec. 12 in UAE.

Osinbajo, a climate change advocate, had, in 2022, proposed the DFC swap deal in order to ensure a just energy transition for African countries.

He made the proposal in Washington, U.S. while seeking global partnerships and for Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP).

The former Vice-President delivered a lecture explaining the DFC concept on a just and equitable energy transition for Africa at the Center for Global Development in Washington D.C, U.S.

According to Osinbajo, DFC is a type of debt swap where bilateral or multilateral debt is forgiven by creditors in exchange for a commitment by the debtor to use the outstanding debt service payments for national climate action programmes.

“Typically, the creditor country or institution agrees to forgive part of a debt, if the debtor country would pay the avoided debt service payment in a local currency into an escrow or any other transparent fund and the funds must then be used for agreed climate projects in the debtor country.

“Increase the fiscal space for climate-related investments and reduce the debt burden for participating developing countries.

“For the creditor the swap can be made to count as a component of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).”

He said there were significant policy actions necessary to make the deal acceptable and sustainable.

Osinbajo also proposed the greater participation of African countries in the Global Carbon Market while exploring financing options for energy transition.

He said there was a need to take a comprehensive approach in working tly towards common goals, including the market and environmental opportunities presented by the financing of clean energy assets in growing energy markets.

“In addition to conventional capital flows both from public and private sources, it is also essential that Africa can participate more fully in the global carbon finance market.

“Currently, direct carbon pricing systems through carbon taxes have largely been concentrated in high and middle-income countries.’’

Osinbajo encouraged developed countries to Africa to develop into a global supplier of carbon credits, ranging from bio-diversity to energy-based credits.

The vice president said that the central thinking for most developing countries was the issue of a just transition with two, not one, existential crises–the climate crisis and extreme poverty.

“The clear implication of this reality is that our plans and commitments to carbon neutrality must include clear plans on energy access if we are to confront poverty.

“This includes access to energy for consumptive and productive use and spanning across electricity, heating, cooking, and other end-use sectors,’’ he said.

He cautioned that limiting financing of gas projects for domestic use would pose a severe challenge to economic development, delivery of electricity access, clean cooking solutions, and the scale-up and integration of renewable energy into the energy mix.

Osinbajo said that ETP was designed to tackle the dual crises of energy poverty and climate change and deliver SDG-7 by 2030 and net-zero by 2060 while concentrating on the provision of energy for development, industrialisation, and economic growth.

Weighing in on Osinbajo’s proposal ahead of Cop28 a Professor of Environmental Engineering, University of Abuja, Adullahi Evuti, said it was weighty enough to be art of the agenda of the conference.

He regretted developing countries were bearing the brunt of the actions of developed countries; hence the need for such a deal.

“I the proposal considering the trans-boundary nature of the effect of climate change.

“The highest polluting nations are the advanced countries like America and China; they emit the largest percentage of greenhouse gases annually and the effect is felt worldwide and Nigeria and other poor nations are not shielded from the effects.

“For instance, in Nigeria now, we are having issues of flooding, unpredictable climate change issues, desertification among others.

“And these could be attributed to some of the effects of the activities of advanced nations.

“So, the call by the former vice president that our debt should be waived based on the consequences of the actions of developed nations on the climate is apt,’’ he said.

Dr Abdullateef Taye, Registrar, African Institute of Waste Management and Environmental Studies, Kaduna, said the proposal could be a valuable tool in achieving sustainable development and mitigating economic imbalances.

According to him, the primary goal of Debt-for-Climate swap is to channel financial resources towards addressing climate change and ing sustainable development in debtor countries, as opposed to servicing existing debt obligations.

He said that the approach aimed to encourage countries to invest in climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, which were crucial in the fight against climate change.

“Debt-for-Climate swap deal can be seen as a positive step towards addressing both environmental and economic challenges.

“By forgiving debts in exchange for investments in climate action, it can incentivise countries to take more sustainable measures, which is essential for combating climate change.

“However, the effectiveness of such deals depends on the specifics and commitment of the parties involved.’’

On whether the proposal should be further discussed at CoP28, Taye said it depended on various factors.

He listed the factors as the level of interest and from participating nations, the potential impact of such deals on global climate goals, and the details of the proposal itself.

“CoP meetings serve as forums for discussing and advancing climate-related initiatives; so, it could be a suitable platform for such discussions if there is consensus among nations to do so,’’ he said.

Sharing similar sentiments, Mrs Blessing Ewa, Founder and Director, Young Advocates for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future (YASIF) NIGERIA, said she was fully in of the proposal given the cost of addressing issues around loss and damage as faced by developing countries.

She said that proposal should be debated at CoP28 with emphasis on polluting countries who would continue polluting while developing countries kept cleaning their messes because they owed them money.

“They need to make conscious effort to stop polluting because climate change is not a business of cards; it is a global crisis and should be seen that way.

“More so, monies given to developing countries as loans to run damages caused by these same developed countries should stop.

“This is one major reason developing countries keep going deep into debts with them; because they lend us these monies to fix the mess they caused and expect us to pay back with high interest,’’ she said.

Deserving no less attention, Mr Steve Abu, Coordinator, Climate and Sustainable Development Network of Nigeria (CSDevNet), said he was favourably disposed to the tender.

“The proposal is perfectly in order; I that it becomes an agenda at CoP28,’’ he said.

Experts hold that Osinbajo’s Debt-for-Climate swap proposal is noble and a novel idea; hence, it should be given the attention and impetus it deserves at the forthcoming CoP28. (NANFeatures)

https://nannews.ng/2023/11/07/cop-28-revisiting-osinbajos-debt-for-climate-swap-proposal/

By Oluwafemi Popoola

Nigerians on social media have commended Nigeria’s former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, saying he is living a modest lifestyle after leaving office, concluding that his life has been an exemplary demonstration of humility.

This is coming at the backdrop of a post made on X (former Twitter) platform on Saturday, November 4 2023, by the publisher of Ovation Magazine, Chief Dele Momodu, who narrated a testimony of an unnamed source about his wife’s encounter with Prof. Osinbajo at the Detroit Metro Airport, Michigan, United States of America (USA).

The source marvelled that the former VP only left office six months ago but had no security orderlies hovering around him. He praised Prof. Osinbajo’s humility and his simplicity which was reflected in the manner he related with his wife at the airport.

Dele Momodu’s post reads, “Former VP, less than 6 months out of office, at the Detroit Metro Airport, no security, no orderly, na him carry him back (bag) all by himself like any other traveller, my wife didn’t even recognize (him) until he showed is (his) Nigerian port. Respect.” Unidentified Author.

However, the post has since gone viral on X platform and many Nigerians have taken to the platform to react, commending the former VP for his simple lifestyle.

They bared their minds in the comment section on X, describing Prof. Osinbajo’s simplicity as God’s gift while advising other past politicians to take after him.

Musa Jacob wrote, “Osinbajo’s simplicity while in office says it all, his leadership skills are natural, it is one that every politician must emulate. Without a doubt, the best ever to be, they know, we all know. It is obvious the world keeps pointing in his direction. Always representing humanity.”


Likewise, Lakuli said, “Let’s give it to Osinbajo he has moved on graciously. Hope we all see the simplicity of a leader who is already carrying his regular Green port not the Red Diplomatic port he is still entitled to carry. Since 1999, no other VP comes close to Osinbajo’s record. Period!”

Another commenting via Adewumi Collins described the former VP as being different from other Nigerian politicians, saying, “The former VP is a definition of humility and simplicity. He’s not like any other politician. When you understand life, you will live simply. That’s my leader.”

Then, Osagie Adams in his comment said, “Hey 😊 Yemi… I miss you so much, sir. You were a face of hope to so many Nigerians, despite we didn’t have the chance to choose you because of the Godfathers in APC. Miss you, man.😊😊😊🫶 So far for me, you have been the best human to occupy the villa.”

In his view, Adelekan Adeoye described Prof Osinbajo as a good leader, saying, “A good leader does not need to go about with heavy security everywhere. The Prof is having a good time around the world,” while another ionate Nigerian wrote, “Keyword “Less than 6 Months after” wow. If you know a politician, advise them to make an impact in the lives of people why they are in office and they should stay humble.”

Another X simply commented, “But you will see some former Rep and Senator going about with orderly

https://thedailyleaks.com/he-epitomises-humility-dele-momodu-others-praise-osinbajo-6-months-after-office/

This was ascertained as the court sitting in London ruled in Nigeria’s favour on Monday, October 23, 2023.

The West African country was on the hook for the sum – representing around a third of its foreign exchange reserves – after a little-known British Virgin Islands-based company took Nigeria to arbitration over the deal.

Process & Industrial Developments (P&ID) was awarded a 20-year contract in 2010, to construct and operate a gas processing plant in southern Nigeria, as part of a wider plan to exploit Nigeria’s abundant reserves of gas.

After the deal collapsed, P&ID took Nigeria to arbitration in London and in 2017 was awarded $6.6 billion for lost profits – a sum which has swelled with interest to over $11 billion, representing ten times the country’s 2019 health budget.

However, Nigeria’s lawyers say the country was the victim of “a campaign of bribery and deception” by P&ID, which they say paid bribes to senior officials to obtain the contract and then corrupted the country’s lawyers to obtain confidential documents during the arbitration.

P&ID denied that it procured the contract through bribery or that it corrupted Nigeria’s legal team during the arbitration, blaming the failure of the gas deal and the country’s arbitration defeat on institutional incompetence.
Judge Robin Knowles allowed Nigeria’s challenge in a written ruling on Monday.

“I have not accepted all of Nigeria’s allegations,” the judge said in his ruling.

But he added that the arbitration awards “were obtained by fraud and the awards were, and the way in which they were procured was, contrary to public policy”.

Recalled in 2020, a UK judge had lauded the timely observation and interventions of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, then as Nigeria’s Vice President, saying he was instrumental in how the P&ID case became known and identified as a fraudulent endeavour.

Citing a review of the court record, Sir Ross Cranston of the UK High Court of Justice Queen’s Bench Division Commercial Court explained that the Vice President was a regular fixture throughout the review process under the Buhari istration.

He noted that it was Prof. Osinbajo’s alarm in his “Fraud on the nation” statement in June 2018, that turned the case against P&ID in Nigeria’s favour

https://thedailyleaks.com/nigeria-wins-bid-to-overturn-11-billion-bill-for-collapsed-pid-gas-deal/

Nice one

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has said that due to the largest renewable energy potential and critical minerals located in the global South, the global North must collaborate with the South with openness and transparency to tackle climate change issues.

This, according to him is important rather than merely seeking influence and leadership of the South, which will waste this crucial opportunity for effective global action for climate, peace and security,

Prof. Osinbajo made these remarks during a discussion themed: “Resilient Systems: Managing Critical Dependencies” at the inaugural Future Resilience Forum (FRF), which was held in London on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

Other world and thought leaders who participated at the Forum include the Prime Minister of the UK, Rishi Sunak; the President of Senegal, Macky Sall; the President of Iraq, Abdul Latif Rashid; William Hague, Former UK Foreign Secretary; British Petroleum’s Senior Vice President (Europe) and the Head of UK operations, Louise Kingham, Independent Energy Policy Institute Chairman, Narendra Taneja, amongst others.

Prof. Osinbajo made the point that “every day, it is becoming more obvious that what the global south requires is more collaboration, more thinking together, rather than the exertion of influence.”

According to him, a lot of the resources needed to develop along a climate-conducive trajectory are located in the developing world, and with the rise of several nations to world power status, these host nations of resources now have a wider choice than before in choosing their preferred partners.

The inaugural Future Resilience Forum event opened on Monday evening, 9th October, with Prime Minister of the UK, Rishi Sunak, and President of Senegal, Macky Sall, giving keynote addresses on the theme: “Resilience of the Global South and Why it Matters.”

Other discussions at the Forum covered subject matters such as Resilient Systems, Democratic Resilience, Resilient Information Ecosystems, Technology and ability, as well as Resilient Food and Health Systems.

FRF, founded by Fiona Hill, is the world’s first security conference focused on promoting global resilience. The Forum aims to foster pragmatic depoliticized and long-term cooperation, and believes that democracies must push the definition of success to go beyond election cycles; helping governments, businesses and society understand the challenges they face from electorates navigating a divisive information age.

Later on in the month, Prof. Osinbajo will lead a discussion on “Navigating the Energy Transition” at the 10th Anniversary of the Financial Times Africa Summit coming up on the 17th of October, 2023, in the United Kingdom

https://thedailyleaks.com/osinbajo-s-pm-senegals-president-others-in-uk-at-inaugural-future-resilience-forum/

Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, has celebrated Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary, reminiscing on how his new outfit, Empowered Newswire, honoured 50 prominent Nigerians in the US and North America during the celebration of Nigeria’s golden jubilee independence anniversary in 2010.

In the throwback videos he shared, via his official social media s, Facebook and Instagram, some prominent Nigerian personalities are seen in the clip posing for group photographs while others are seen exchanging pleasantries.

These prominent persons include Harry Akande, Oby Ezekwesili, Joy Ogwu, late Ambassador Adebowale Adefuye, Prof. Toyin Falola, Billionaire Dr. Kase Lawal and so on.

Akande, who is the founder of Empowered Newswire, wrote on his official Instagram , “#ThrowbackThursday: A leap back to over a decade ago when Empowered Newswire honoured Nigeria’s golden jubilee. We celebrated 50 outstanding Nigerians, making waves in the US and North America. Time truly does fly when you are witnessing greatness. #ProudlyNigerian”

Also, in a separate post, Akande wrote, “More throwback clips from over a decade ago when Empowered Newswire honoured Nigeria’s golden jubilee. We celebrated 50 outstanding Nigerians, making waves in the US and North America. Some prominent faces seen in the clip from back then are; Harry Akande, @Obyezeks, Joy Ogwu, Late Ambassador Adefuye, Prof. Falola, Kase Lawal and so on.”


In one of the videos, Akande fielding questions from a female interviewer asking the veteran journalist how he came up with such an idea, said in his response: “We just figured out that the golden jubilee anniversary of Nigeria presented a great opportunity for global focus on Nigeria. And we thought that was the right time to come up with this idea. We do have issues in the country, at least we think the country can do better than what it is right now. And we thought what is there to celebrate, the people, especially the people that are here in North America.”

Continuing, he said, “So, we said OK, let’s celebrate the Nigerians that are here, that are distinguished. Let us use this opportunity to correct the often bad press that we get in the media. Like I said during the Programme, if we don’t shine the light on our people, nobody else is going to do it. So the golden jubilee anniversary presented a very good opportunity for us to capture that idea which has been on for a while and we said wow, this is the time to do it.”

While in Nigeria, Laolu Akande worked with media outlets such as The Guardian, The News and Tribune, (where he became an editor), among others. He turned out to become one of the youngest ever Nigerian journalists to edit a national newspaper when he was named the editor of Nigerian Tribune at 30 years old before he relocated to the US in 1998.

Having worked as a journalist in Nigeria between 1989 and 1998, Akande became a Foreign Correspondent for The Guardian in North America and also founded Empowered Newswire, a private news agency.

https://thedailyleaks.com/nigeria63-laolu-akande-recalls-memory-of-nigerians-honoured-by-empowered-newswires-in-us-13-years-after/

The organisation announced in a statement on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, saying, it “warmly welcomes H.E. Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN to the Board of Directors as Chair, with immediate effect.”

CAP-A Founder James Mwangi, in the statement, said, “We are deeply honoured to have Prof Osinbajo the CAP-A Board of Directors as Chair to assist with the next phase of our growth and our mission of unlocking Africa’s potential as a global hub for climate action.”

He noted that with “his vast experience and ion for transforming African countries’ economies in harmony with climatic needs,” Prof. Osinbajo “will be invaluable to CAP-A’s mission, especially coming out of the inaugural Africa Climate Summit that made a strong push for accelerated climate action.”

Prof. Osinbajo, who completed his two of eight years as Nigeria’s Vice President on May 29, 2023, reacting to his new appointment was quoted by the organisation in its release as saying, “Since the recent founding of CAP-A, I have witnessed their work in shifting the global and continental narrative from Africa being a victim of the climate crisis to holding the key to accelerating global climate action.

Hence, in acknowledging his appointment said, “I’m honoured to the Board of Directors as Chair in of CAP-A’s teams and programmes across the continent, and in realizing Africa’s economic development through Climate Positive Growth.”

Recalled Prof. Osinbajo was instrumental in setting up Nigeria’s energy transition plan as a VP, and in addition to serving eight years as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he previously served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, where he instituted reforms and fought endemic corruption.

As an accomplished lawyer and one of Nigeria’s leading legal experts, Prof. Osinbajo got to the peak of his career having attained the distinguished rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Also as a reputable academic, he formerly served as a Professor and Head of the Department of Public Law at the University of Lagos.

A member of the International Bar Association and the British Institute of International and Comparative Law, Prof. Osinbajo had also served on the Nigerian Body of Benchers and the Council for Legal Education of Nigeria.

During his time in public service, Prof. Osinbajo was involved in various government initiatives and policies, including economic reforms, social intervention programmes and efforts to address access to justice and energy security in African states.

He chaired the Inter-Ministerial Energy Transition Group, overseeing the development and delivery of the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan in 2022.

Prof. Osinbajo also led the implementation of Nigeria’s Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP) which featured the rollout of 5 million new off-grid solar connections to rural communities.

His dedication to this cause extends beyond his time in office as he continues to champion climate action initiatives, not only within Nigeria but also across the African continent and globally.

Prof. Osinbajo who esteems himself as a brilliant leader and , in recognition of his role as a leading advocate for Just Energy Transitions in Africa including scaling up Africa’s share of the global carbon market via the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI), was recently appointed as a global advisor of Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). He will GEAPP’s partnership with governments to enhance the enabling environment and delivery effectiveness to unlock faster and greater capital flows into the clean energy sector.

https://thedailyleaks.com/osinbajo-named-chair-board-of-directors-of-africas-climate-group/

A former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, has charged President Bola Tinubu to back his commendable and well-articulated speech at the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States, with appropriate foreign policy direction to attain desired goals.

Akande, who is currently in New York, covering proceedings at the General Debate of the UN General Assembly, expressed his views while featuring as a guest analyst live on Channel TV’s morning programme, Sunrise Daily, on Thursday, September 21, 2023.

The former award-winning journalist who is back on his beat said, “What the president must do now is to gather together his foreign policy team and articulate a clear foreign policy that will reflect some of these important ideals he has spoken about,” at the UN General Assembly.

Akande charged Tinubu must back some of the “important agenda” he set at the UN with formidable foreign policies, saying, “So that in all the things that we do at the level of international relations, starting of course from what is our domestic policies, people can see that we have a new Nigeria that wants to retake its place in its international relationships and also wants to be the spokesperson for the development of Africa and the developing world.”

Similarly, to attain part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), for the country, Akande said it has become necessary for the Federal Government to adopt a stick-and-carrot approach with the state government, especially in following through in the area of compulsory education for the pupils in their first nine years academic pursuit.

“I think one of the things the Federal Government should do is to adopt a stick and carrot approach to these things and tie incentives and some consequences to show states are supposed to step up in these important areas.

“For instance, look at the issue of education, so, by a constitutional mandate, every Nigerian child ought to have compulsory education for the first nine years. But guess what, these issues are domiciled in the subnational, state and local governments. And as you know, there is even Federal Government funding for universal education through SUBEB, and in many instances, the states are not coming up with their own margin ground to be able to tap into the available money at the federal level.


“So, the question of getting the states to collaborate is very critical. There can be no sustainable development in a federal country like ours without a consistent and active collaboration between the Federal Government and the state government.

“What I will suggest to take this thing more seriously is to adopt a stick and carrot approach and I think the president has promised.

“You will that a few months ago, the President decided that look we are going to hold back a portion of the increase we have seen in the federal allocation for infrastructure, though there were arguments and altercation at the federal allocation committee where the idea came up. But guess what, the President insisted and got his way.

“So, it is that kind of engagement consistently to let the states know that this thing has to be done because you guys in the state you know that is where development happens and it will even be useful for Nigerians to understand that all the focus, all the attention, all the criticism and all the observation should not be going to the federal alone. Yet, the federal carries the biggest burden everybody knows that as we continue to engage,” Akande said

https://thedailyleaks.com/akande-to-tinubu-draw-up-clear-cut-foreign-policy-to-actualise-unga-speech/

A prominent political analyst and former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for setting the right tone for achieving governmental objectives in his first 100 days in office amid a myriad of national challenges.

“Just to start on a very charitable note, I think the President has set a high tone, many people have made reference to this. The President told the governors, look, during the campaigns and elections, he said, sorry, we danced and did sorts of things and told the people we are going to deliver. So, he understands what is at stake and you also have to give it to him that he has a heart to leave a legacy,” Akande said.


Akande spoke during a current affairs programme while being interviewed on Channels Television noting that the President has been emphasizing on sound policies for Nigeria, and while recognizing the positive direction set by the istration, he stressed the vital need for effective coordination to translate these policies into action and achieve the President’s vision for the nation.

The veteran journalist underscored the significance of paying close attention to key ministries, with a particular focus on the humanitarian sectors as he emphasized the critical role of well-managed and efficiently run ministries in addressing the pressing needs of the Nigerian people.

He also suggested the implementation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and timelines for ministers to monitor their progress and ensure ability in delivering on these important policies.


“President Tinubu has started on a good note by implementing sound policies that will undoubtedly benefit Nigeria,” Akande stated. contending that, his istration must organize itself effectively to ensure the successful implementation of these policies by “paying close attention to ministries like humanitarian, where immediate action is necessary.”

While acknowledging the challenges associated with forming a capable and efficient cabinet, Akande expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to navigate this task with careful planning and selection.

According to him “putting together a capable and efficient cabinet is not an easy task.” However, he said it is definitely achievable with the right approach and selection process, saying, “We must it that indeed it is very difficult putting together a cabinet, especially for a consummate politician with the pedigree of the President, but I think this is one of the areas I expected a lot more in being decisive that this is what I’m going to go ahead with, I don’t have all the time in the world, I only have four years, there are serious problems that are very urgent and I need to go at a faster pace. I think it is possible, it is not an impossible thing to do, that is the first point.

“Second point, there is hardship in the land, some of them are not unexpected. The President himself understood the import of the hardship as he made a national broadcast to show that he knew what was happening and that is the reason the level of urgency has to be more critical. Two things are President needs to do, my views now, the President needs to first of all understand that if there is not an effective coordination of all the good things that he has spoken of, that would be the end of important things that you want to do. And two offices are important for that, the offices of the Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Government of the Federation,” Akande said.

However, the statement by Akande has gained significant attention within various political circles and has forced many to echo his assessment of the current situation, premising their call on the need for improved organization and efficiency within the istration to strongly resonate with Nigerians who are eager to witness tangible progress in the implementation of policies addressing critical issues such as poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and security.

Similarly, the focus on key ministries and the proposed introduction of KPIs for ministers is seen as a potentially instrumental step towards achieving the desired goals and delivering on the promises made to the Nigerian people.

In essence, President Tinubu’s commitment to good governance and transformative change, it is believed will continue to be a focal point of discussion and optimism among Nigeeians to drive home their desired future for Nigeria

https://thequesttimes.com/akande-commends-tinubus-policy-initiatives-urges-coordination-to-achieve-results/

Using Renewable Energy systems and minigrids can provide a reliable and affordable solution to Africa's energy poverty problem according to Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON.

The immediate past Vice President who is also Global Advisor at Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, added that GEAPP and himself are committed to reducing the cost of deploying such solutions alongside providing clean, reliable and affordable power in the continent.

Osinbajo spoke today during a side event organised by GEAPP, the World Bank and Africa Minigrid Developers Association, AMDA tagged “Powering Prosperity in Africa by Scaling DREs and Minigrids” at the Africa Climate Summit taking place in Nairobi Kenya.

DREs are Distributed Renewables Energy systems are (stand-alone and off-grid systems as well as mini-grids) that generate and distribute energy independently of a centralised electricity grid.

Prof. Osinbajo who gave the opening remarks noted that the “objective is clear: we are here to discuss how to accelerate the deployment of sustainable minigrids in Africa to power our people's lives and livelihoods, ultimately fostering prosperity on our continent.

“Globally, nearly 8 out of 10 people without electricity live in Africa. At the current rate of progress, 595 million Africans will remain unconnected in 2030. These numbers underscore the urgency of our mission.”

He went on to explain the advantages of adopting DREs and Minigrids, as a way of complementing traditional grids. His words: “Distributed Renewables Energy systems, DREs, and Minigrids offer a faster, more cost-effective solution.

“According to the World Bank, unleashing the potential of minigrids can improve the lives of approximately 500 million people, reduce carbon emissions by 1.2 gigatons, and create 2 million jobs globally. In Nigeria, where I've witnessed first-hand, minigrids have significantly improved livelihoods.”

Prof. Osinbajo also made the point of highlighting some of the challenges of using DREs and minigrids which include financing, sustainable business models and compelling value proposition. He stated that “powering 380 million people in Africa through minigrids by 2030 requires significant investment—$91 billion. At the current pace, we're far from reaching this goal.

“That's the challenge we face as a sector, and we cannot afford to fail. We must accelerate our efforts and do things differently.”

He added further that “one significant barrier is the lack of sustainable business models and a compelling value proposition. This is where the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, GEAPP and our partners come in. We believe in the potential of DREs and minigrids to offer a viable solution, and we're committed to reducing the cost of deploying them and providing clean, reliable, and affordable power.”

Speaking about GEAPP's ambition in mitigating the challenges, the immediate past Vice President affirmed that the Organisation seeks to “demonstrate that minigrids can outcompete generators, avoid 1.2 gigatons of CO2 emissions, stimulate a $120 billion investment, and generate a $15 billion annual revenue stream. So far, we've invested over $100 million in the minigrid sector since our launch at COP26.

“But we can't do this alone. We need a coordinated effort involving governments, the private sector, and development partners. We must governments in building enabling environments, align financing, and help the private sector develop scalable projects.”

Also, on the back of the Africa Climate Summit, Prof. Osinbajo met with inaugural of fellowships including Eisenhower Fellowships, Archbishop Desmond Tutu Fellowships, Obama Foundation Leaders, Mandela Washington Fellowships, and Aspen New Voices Fellowship, among others.

During the discussion on 'Is the Climate Crisis a Leadership Crisis?' he underscored the vital point that amidst the powerful voices of leadership, the climate crisis transcends mere leadership.

He noted that it's about comprehending the intricate challenges we face, acknowledging that the diverse fellowship gathering underscores the urgency to amplify our voices and actions. Then the former VP stressed the need to not only address leadership but also the intricate layers of change necessary to confront and overcome this defining challenge.


*Media Office of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON*
*Vice President (2015-2023)*
*6th September 2023*

It was feeble and though he meant it to hurt, Bello Adoke’s recent vituperations against his perceived enemies including former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, was just another proof of his low-life existence lately.

In a recently circulated interview entitled “Untold Story,” the former Attorney General of the Federation, threw a jab at his senior colleague, Osinbajo, reminiscing on the diatribes in his book, in which he had alleged that the former Vice President sent former acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, against him. But this was already a dead issue since 2019, as comatose as his name and reputation had become.

When asked in an interview with Adesua Giwa-Osagie, to “let’s talk about your prosecution” to which he abruptly responded, “For me to have contemplated at a time to commit suicide….” Then, the question continued, “There are four people in your book who are common threads, one of them is former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo…” Adoke answering, snapped at the learned man, saying, “He is a shame, I don’t want to talk about him…”

The interviewer was referring to claims made by Adoke in his memoirs, “Burden of Service: The Reminiscences of Nigeria’s Former Attorney-General,” published by Clink Street Publishers in London and New York and also put on sale in Nigeria, where he had alleged that Osinbajo, Senator Ali Ndume and Mohammed Abacha used the former EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu, to hoodwink him and implicate him in the OPL 245 bribery scandal.

But, in a strong-worded response issued on his behalf by Wilson Uwujaren, the then EFCC head of media and publicity, Magu had said he was alarmed at the “brazen attempt” by Adoke to “rewrite history and portray himself as a victim of persecution.”

The statement read: “Specifically, he claimed in Chapter 8 of the book, that Magu was recruited by Prof. Osinbajo to hound and persecute him despite, as he claimed, his role in reinstating Magu to the EFCC from the police ‘where he had been vegetating.’ Adoke attributes his source of information on the alleged Osinbajo instruction to Magu against him to an unnamed governor from the North West, who according to him, claimed Magu told him that he had the instruction of Osinbajo to ‘deal with Adoke.’”


Magu faulting Adoke, however, said his “claims are tissues of lies, contrived to entertain and attract underserved attention to himself,” as he categorically stated that “at no time did the Vice President discuss, counsel, or direct him in any way on any issue concerning Mr. Adoke. It is wicked and evil to make such a false allegation against anybody especially where it is based on hearsay.”

The EFCC had since 2019 trashed Adoke’s faulty and unverified claims as published in his memoir, noting that, “The s in Chapters 8 and 9… are not only inaccurate but self-serving.

It said, “For the records and emphasis, Magu never received any instructions from the Vice President, neither had he communicated verbally or in writing to any governor from the North-West… about such a patently false purported instruction from Osinbajo to ‘deal with Adoke.'”

While no one would be shocked that Adoke is already bereft of moral scruples, it is the attempt to reinvent himself as a credible figure in public affairs that is laughable.

Ordinarily, a character like Adoke, throwing invectives on national leaders, the like of former Vice President Osinbajo, who served creditably well with no established scandal, should not be walking freely on the streets in a sane clime.

Imagine the role he played in the OPL 245 scam, which involved an extraordinary series of events culminating in the release of US$1 billion said to have been held in an English escrow to a company named Malabu, and as the Attorney General, Adoke, was equally said to have received a substantial portion of these funds personally.

In printed testimonies against him in a United States District Court, during the P&ID case which Adoke exposed Nigeria to over $10bn dollars liability, a witness said, “Despite the high stakes of the Arbitration, the Attorney General at the time, Mr Mohammed Bello Adoke (“Mr Adoke”), who in 2019 was charged with facilitating a $1 billion bribery and fraud oil license scheme (with Mr Adoke himself pocketing more than $800,000)…”

These are issues Adoke should face to clear his name and ask for forgiveness from God and Nigerians whom he misrepresented in the course of a series of shady deals that went under him as the country’s AGF. He should rather resign into oblivion and keep his mouth shut forever and he lacks the credibility and integrity required of honourable men to dabble into issues of personal and national matters, especially as it concerns a highly and completely believable leader like Osinbajo whose fingers are not soiled like Adoke’s.

• Usman, a social and political commentator writes from Abuja

https://thedailyleaks.com/adokes-moral-bankruptcy-and-a-feeble-jab-at-osinbajo/

Former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday announced that application to participate in the Innovation to Transform Education Training (ITET) is now open.


Osinbajo in his announcement on X (formerly Twitter) said that ITET is a collaboration between Future Perspectives, one of his initiatives and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization & International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNESCO IESALC).

“We are delighted to invite you to apply for our “Innovation to Transform Education Training – ITET”, to be hosted in Lagos, Nigeria, in November 20-24, 2023,” Osinbajo said.

“The deadline is September 20, so apply today and become one of the 50 young Nigerian innovators in education to be selected soon.”

Osinbajo said the programme aims to empower young representatives with the knowledge and skills needed to drive positive change in the education landscape of Nigeria and Africa.


ITET is part of the capacity building components of the United Nations Global Youth Initiative (GYI), and Nigeria will be the first country to launch it.

“This is a great responsibility and opportunity for all Nigerian youths, and we really count on your inspiration and ion,” the former VP added.

“With a strong commitment to diversity and equity, we will select 50 exceptional individuals from diverse educational and social backgrounds who demonstrate a ion for EdTech and a commitment to shaping a brighter future for our communities.


“We encourage all aspiring education innovators to apply and embark on this rewarding journey of learning, collaboration, and meaningful impact.

“Together, let’s create an equitable and thriving educational environment that uplifts every learner and transforms their lives.”

Osinbajo said interested Nigerians can complete the application form by September 15, 2023 and ensure that all the required data and documents are correctly submitted. Incomplete applications will not be considered in the selection process.

https://guardian.ng/news/osinbajo-invites-applications-for-participation-in-itet/

Immediate past Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, alongside notable African leaders which include former Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwanda President, Paul Kagame and the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammadu Abubakar, among several others were recently named peace icons in Africa by a renowned international peace-based organisation, Peace Ambassador Agency Worldwide.

These prominent African personalities were unveiled at a press conference on Friday, August 18, 2013, in Abuja as “100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa,” where the Project Director of the group, Ambassador Kingsley Amafibe, said the peace icons were being recognized due to their dedication to promoting peace and calm in the continent.

He said the beneficiaries have laboured continuously to reduce conflicts, advance social bonds, and establish connections amidst diverse communities in Africa.

Dissecting the rich profiles of these African giants reveals their respective and profound contributions to the peace, stability and development of the African region. These strong individuals have sacrificed in their corners as political leaders, financial experts, religious leaders, and industrialists, amongst others, towards not only building a united and prosperous Africa but who have also embracing peaceful resolutions and stability in the continent.

But, for Prof Osinbajo, who is a law professor, former university lecturer, former attorney general of Lagos State and Vice President of Nigeria for eight years (2025-2023), it is a reward for his selfless service to the nation. During this period in public service, Prof Osinbajo is renowned as a prominent advocate for peaceful resolution and conflict management in Nigeria and across the African continent. Ditto for his commitment to fostering peace, unity and stability in the region.

The points below underscore the highlights of some of Osinbajo’s intervening moments where he provided stability and leadership to keep Nigeria’s many fractions from tearing one another apart. This, he was able to achieve by embracing peaceful resolutions, both domestically and outside the shores of Nigeria.


1. Promoting Dialogue and Mediation to Solve Niger Delta militants’ uprising:

Prof. Osinbajo recognizes the power of dialogue and mediation in resolving conflicts. During his spell as VP, he consistently advocated for peaceful negotiations as a means to address grievances and bridge divides. A case study to buttress this point was the role he played in ensuring there was lasting peace in the Niger Delta region after years of unrest and chaos witnessed by previous governments.

Prof. Osinbajo, in 2017, embarked on a peace-keeping mission across the Niger Delta states, engaging in strategic meetings with stakeholders and people in the region to ensure that peace and stability are maintained. Osinbajo as Acting President interfaced with communities in the creeks of the oil-rich Niger Delta on how to stabilise the region, fix their infrastructure and ensure a hitch-free flow of crude to the international market. This ended the series of pipeline explosions, restored the maximum oil productivity, and helped terminate the recession at that time. The purported neglect of the region, being the country’s economic power base was the major reason the militants put forward as the cause of their restiveness. By encouraging parties to engage in constructive dialogue, Prof. Osinbajo helped de-escalate tensions and prevent violence in numerous instances. His belief in the power of mediation also contributed to a more peaceful political climate in Nigeria.

2. ing Conflict Resolution Mechanisms:

During his tenure as Vice President, Prof. Osinbajo played a crucial role in ing and strengthening conflict resolution mechanisms in Nigeria. He actively engaged with various local and international organizations, such as the Nigerian Institute of Conflict Resolution and Alternatives Dispute Resolution, to promote peaceful resolutions at both grassroots and national levels. By encouraging the use of alternative dispute resolution methods, he helped to reduce the burden on the judiciary system and fostered a culture of peaceful coexistence.

3. Addressing Ethno-Religious Tensions:

Ethno-religious conflicts had plagued Nigeria for many years, leading to violence and instability. Prof. Osinbajo has been consistent in emphasizing the importance of religious tolerance, unity, and understanding as essential components of a peaceful society. As Vice president, Osinbajo spent meaningful time engaging with religious leaders and communities to foster interfaith dialogue, promote mutual respect, and discourage the manipulation of faith for political gain.

The latest of Prof’s persistent message of unity in the country came, just a few weeks before he left office. In Kuru Plateau State, the then-outgoing VP delivered a speech at the maiden Policy Making and Good Governance Lecture Series of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). At the event, he called for deliberate efforts to overcome ethnic and religious prejudices. Osinbajo warned that in the contest for power, leadership elites must not toy with prejudices that alienate or divide any section of the country. The law professor also condemned reported attempts in some parts of the country that denied some Nigerians their right to vote in the last general elections. He faulted the weaponisation of ethnic, and religious biases during polls. By addressing the root causes of ethnoreligious tensions, the law professor has contributed to a more harmonious and peaceful Nigeria.

4. Engaging in Diplomatic Efforts:

Beyond Nigeria’s borders, Prof. Osinbajo has been involved in various diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving conflicts across the African continent. He has represented Nigeria in regional and international forums, advocating for peaceful resolutions to conflicts in countries such as South Sudan, Libya, and Somalia. His diplomatic engagements have helped establish Nigeria as a key player in African peacekeeping and conflict resolution initiatives.

For example, the former VP was part of the 100 conflict mediators, high-level decision-makers, experts and peace process actors from around the world who gathered in Oslo, the capital city of Norway sometime two months ago.

The Oslo Forum focused on conflict mediation and peace processes where the dignitaries met to exchange experiences of peace diplomacy and discussed some of the present world’s most complex conflicts. The ongoing Russia vs Ukraine war that has lasted for over one year and three months, amongst other global conflicts was part of what was discussed at the forum.

5. Empowering Youth and Promoting Education:

Prof. Osinbajo recognizes that sustainable peace can only be achieved through the empowerment of youths and the provision of quality education. He has been a strong advocate for youth inclusion in governance and decision-making processes, acknowledging their role as agents of positive change. By investing in education and entrepreneurship programs, he has provided young Nigerians with opportunities to thrive and contribute to a more peaceful society.

Spanning over two decades of Prof Osinbajo’s political career, his commitment to peaceful resolution in Africa has been evident. Through his relentless advocacy for dialogue, for conflict resolution mechanisms, addressing ethnoreligious tensions, engaging in diplomatic efforts, and empowering the youth, he has played a vital role in fostering peace and stability.

Prof Yemi Osinbajo and his fellow peace icons must not be deterred in their shared devotion to ensuring the stability of the African region. Their actions should further inspire others to embrace peaceful resolutions by promoting peace and calm in the continent, paving the way for a brighter and more united future.

• Popoola is a political analyst, content analyser and news aggregator

Osinbajo's legacy as the vice president of Nigeria will forever be relevant and useful.

Immediate Past Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, has expressed profound grief at the ing of Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, the Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos.


In a personally signed statement, Prof. Osinbajo noted that even though Pastor Taiwo’s death was devasting, the firmness of his faith as well as the soundness of his scriptural expositions will be missed.

Below is the verbatim statement:

Odukoya“Dolly, I and our children are devastated by the news of the ing of our dear brother, and friend, Pastor Taiwo. Our hearts and prayers are with Tolu, Jimi, Tobi, Timilehin and Jomiloju.

We will miss the firmness of his faith in the most difficult times, the soundness of his exposition of the scriptures, his fidelity to the true gospel of Jesus Christ, his childlike love of God translated so easily to worship, his transparency, his servant-leadership, the love and affection he showed so easily, his honesty, forthrightness and humility at all times.

He inspired a whole generation of (then) very young men and women, many of whom are now grandparents and still in Christ and will by His grace be until we meet him again at the resurrection. Amen.”

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON
Vice President (2015 – 2023)
10th August 2023

Odukoya

https://thedailyleaks.com/osinbajo-mourns-pastor-odukoya-says-we-are-devastated/

The Immediate Past Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, has reaffirmed his commitment to the ruling Party, APC, even as he expressed his regrets for his inability to attend the caucus meeting of the Party scheduled for Wednesday 2nd August 2023.


In a letter of apology addressed to the Acting Chairman of the Party, the former VP explained that he was already abroad for engagements to which he had long been committed when he received the invitation to the meeting.


He had in fact cancelled some of his engagements abroad to be available for the two previously scheduled caucus meetings of the Party which had to be postponed due to exigencies.


While wishing the APC fruitful deliberations, he expressed his fidelity to the Party and his availability for future meetings and activities.


Media Office of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON
Vice President (2015-2023)
2nd August 2023


https://twitter.com/akandeoj/status/1686752905502568448?s=20

The UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC) is providing for Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s newly formed Organisation, Future Perspectives, partnering to launch the “Innovation to Transform Education Training” (ITET) in Nigeria.

Future Perspectives, a non-profit co-founded by the Immediate Past Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, will work with the UNESCO agency with the aim to equip young educational stakeholders with skills of innovation, policy and project implementation to their role as changemakers, capable of developing and implementing their own initiatives, as well as other collective efforts to transform education now and for future generations.

With a keen focus on Africa, the Organisation is convinced that in shaping the Future of the World, the voices of Africa's youth must be prominently woven into global conversations, their participation and activism will not only create a profound impact within the region but also bring forth the invaluable perspectives of Africa to the global stage.

This collaboration with UNESCO serves as the springboard of personal initiatives Prof. Osinbajo would be working on since leaving office in May 2023 and as he stated in the past, “education must respond to the dynamism, speed of development and massive changes in society, and educators must be trained to understand the skills required to take full advantage of a world dependent on technology.”

This project is part of the capacity-building component of the United Nations Global Youth Initiative, a ground-breaking multi-stakeholder global initiative for “Youth to be equipped with policy and project implementation skills to transform education.” The project would also include the UNESCO Better Innovation Better Outcome (BIBO) Academy which focuses on “Youth Empowerment and Leadership”, led by IESALC.

UNESCO is launching the ITET, a first of its kind, as a pilot in Nigeria through Future Perspectives because of Prof. Osinbajo’s continued commitment to ensuring that Nigerian youths have access to quality education, using technology and innovation to be competitive locally and globally.

While the consultation process began in July 2023, the upskilling training provided to ITET’s first cohort will take place in November 2023, gathering 50 young people from diverse sociocultural backgrounds and different connections to education in Nigeria. They include pre-service and in-service education stakeholders who are currently in higher education institutions with education-focused programs, interdisciplinary university students or practitioners who have a crossover interest or projects on education, education practitioners at national, provincial, and local levels, and youth leaders from major youth organizations based at higher education.

Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa and it is on its way to becoming the third most populous country in the world by 2050 and education would have to reinforce youth possibilities to a labour market undergoing rapid transformation.

This calls for initiatives such as ITET, with a focus on bridging SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and addressing young people as both beneficiaries and drivers of sustainable development that leaves no one behind. As an important regional hub, organizers hope the Nigerian pilot will ignite collaborative efforts for the launching of Innovation to Transform Education Trainings in other African countries affected by similar challenges among their youth populations.

As an important regional hub, organizers hope the Nigerian pilot will ignite collaborative efforts for the launching of Innovation to Transform Education Trainings in other African countries affected by similar challenges among their youth populations.

Future Perspectives and UNESCO IESALC are mutually confident that by providing Africa’s young education stakeholders with a seat at the table, ensuring their action space in the field, utilizing their collective power and equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills and tools, Africans are poised to unleash the incredible change in education that the continent desires.

Media Office of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON
Vice President (2015-2023)
31st July 2023

https://www.yemiosinbajo.ng/unesco-backs-osinbajos-new-organisation-to-transform-education-through-innovation/

With the right education for young people, a myriad of challenges facing developing countries can be tackled, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, has said.

This was the submission of the immediate past Vice President, Prof. Osinbajo, on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at a virtual interactive dialogue themed “EdTech for Transforming Education in Nigeria,” the first public event of Future Perspectives co-founded by him.

In fact, the virtual dialogue was a collaboration between Future Perspectives (an initiative of the immediate past Vice President and some of his young partners) and UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC) to the capacity-building component of the United Nations Global Youth Initiative in equipping young people with necessary skills for transformative education.

Six youth education innovators and stakeholders from different backgrounds and levels of engagement in EdTech, such as practitioners, creators, advocates, and policymakers were of the virtual discussion that explored the challenges faced within the Nigerian educational ecosystem. Speakers indicated some of the solutions they have applied to scale-up their innovations.

While giving the keynote remarks, Prof. Osinbajo noted that “if there were a single issue that could address problems of poverty, joblessness, inequality, and even better health outcomes, especially in developing countries today, it would most likely be education.”

He explained that at Future Perspectives, education is the “cornerstone of our organization’s work, as we recognize its profound impact on social change and youth empowerment.

“Our mission aligns perfectly with the aspirations of the high-level UN Transforming Education Summit, a crucial global summit held in September last year which responded urgently to the global education crises and placed education at the forefront of the global agenda.”

Acknowledging the important role young people play across the world, the former VP made the point that “no matter the resources available or the great ideas we have, very little of the change we desire can be accomplished without young people stepping up to their roles as catalysts and innovators of change.

“This is why Future Perspectives, the organization itself, is established to drive transformative change in Africa, through the power and potential of the African Youth.”

The lists at the virtual dialogue were Rachel Onoja, Head of Operations at AltSchool Africa and TalentQL; Afeez Saka, Founder of Community Tech Lab; Victoria Ibiwoye, Founder of One African Child Foundation; Oluwaseun Kayode, Founder/CEO of Schoolinka; Joy Ogbonna, Founder of Kareer Day and Julius Ilori, Founder of Learner’s Corner.

Guest speakers who provided their own insights were Mrs Folashade Adefisayo, Immediate Past Commissioner of Education in Lagos State; Lanre Ogundipe, CEO of Imperial EdTech; Oyedayo Otokiti, CIO of Lagos Business School; Karimot Odebode, Founder of Black Girl’s Dream Initiative; and Rasheedat Sadiq, 1MT (3rd DAN).

The dialogue featured representatives of UNESCO IESALC: Ms. Bosen Lily Liu (Lead on Young People Transforming Education, UNESCO/IESALC), Ms Giulia Ribeiro Barao, education stakeholders, tech advocates, of the diplomatic community, and the Executive Director of Future Perspectives, Mrs. Abby Asekun, (who gave the opening remarks). The event was moderated by Olanrewaju Oniyitan, whose Foundation provides holistic solutions to helping schools serving children from low-income families build lasting pathways to quality education.

Below are Prof. Osinbajo’s full remarks:

SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, THE IMMEDIATE PAST VICE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA AT THE VIRTUAL DIALOGUE EDTECH FOR TRANSFORMING EDUCATION IN NIGERIA ORGANISED BY UNESCO AND IN COLLABORATION WITH FUTURE PERSPECTIVES ON THE 27TH OF JULY, 2023

Good afternoon, distinguished guests, it is a real pleasure to be here at this important dialogue on EdTech for Transforming Education in Nigeria. Future Perspectives is a new organization and perhaps a new type of organization. And although I am said to be the founding Chairman, I am actually a co-founder alongside some very young people including Abimbola Asekun who just introduced me.

The point really is that all across the world it is becoming evident that no matter the resources available or the great ideas we have, very little of the change we desire can be accomplished without young people stepping up to their roles as catalysts and innovators of change. This is why Future Perspectives, the organization itself, is established to drive transformative change in Africa, through the power and potential of the African Youth.

Our belief at Future Perspectives is that Africa’s young voices will not only be at the fore of shaping crucial global conversation but also a driving force to some of the most pressing challenges facing our continent. We will be hearing from some of these brilliant young innovators during our conversations today.

Today the conversation is about education. Education is the cornerstone of our work at Future Perspectives. If there were a single issue that could address problems of poverty, joblessness, inequality, and even better health outcomes, especially in developing countries today, it would most likely be education.

Education stands as a cornerstone of our organization’s work, as we recognize its profound impact on social change and youth empowerment. Our mission aligns perfectly with the aspirations of the high-level UN Transforming Education Summit, a crucial global summit held in September last year which responded urgently to the global education crises and placed education at the forefront of the global agenda.

A key achievement stemming from the Summit is the United Nations Global Youth Initiative (GYI). The Global Youth Initiative is the first multi-stakeholder, global initiative to enable young people to engage and take leadership in education policymaking.

For, perhaps, the first time ever, young people are beginning to participate, become leaders in education policy-making, and in effect, own educational policies and become architects of their own educational journeys. And we at Future Perspectives are proud to be key partners in this ground-breaking global initiative dedicated to ensuring meaningful youth engagement and leadership in education policymaking, empowering young minds to become architects of their educational journey.

I am particularly delighted about our collaboration with UNESCO IESALC, which leads the capacity-building component of GYI, to co-launch the “Innovation to Transform Education Training (ITET)” in Nigeria later this year.

So Future Perspectives in partnership with UNESCO IESALC, will work towards strengthening the capacity of youth and students, especially the most marginalized, to enable them to become agents of change in transforming education in their specific national contexts through the “Innovation to Transform Education Training (ITET). This will involve equipping young education innovators with the essential skills of innovation, policy and project implementation.

These skills will be essential in ing their initiatives to engage meaningfully in educational practices and decision-making. With the large numbers of out-of-school children in Nigeria, the significance of this global initiative launching in Africa cannot be overstated.

And today, our dialogue on “EdTech for Transforming Education” is poised to be an eye-opening experience. We anticipate that this discussion will help contextualize the specific skills that our young EdTech innovators require to revolutionize education in Africa.
I am thrilled to be kicking off the UN Capacity Building Project through this dialogue, where we will have the privilege to hear directly from these young innovators. We will learn about their challenges and solutions and witness their tremendous impact on society.

I look forward to hearing from these remarkable young innovators and other education stakeholders and I extend my best wishes for a day filled with inspiration and insights.

Thank you for ing us for this important occasion.

Media Office of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON
Vice President (2015-2023)
28th July 2023

https://thedailyleaks.com/osinbajo-flags-off-new-organisation-future-perspectives-2/

Veteran journalist and former presidential spokesperson, Laolu Akande, has spoken on how the World Bank and recently, the Africa Network For Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), lauded the integrity of the National Social put in place by the former Buhari/Osinbajo istration.

Akande clarified that the composition of the National Social was done primarily by the states of the federation under the direct supervision of the governors, asserting that the process leading to the outcome of the was not only comprehensively done, it was fair, credible and objective.

He said that the World Bank and other development partners monitored the processes that led to the creation of the deserving people’s , dismissing the notion that many state governors were not carried along, clearing the air on the recent controversy raising integrity questions.

Akande, who was the spokesman to the former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, made the clarification on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, while speaking during Channels Politics Today anchored by Seun Okinbaloye.

Recalled, on July 20, the National Economic Council (NEC), presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, resolved to dump the National Social compiled under the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, claiming it lacked credibility.

Speaking to journalists after the council’s meeting, Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra State, said NEC agreed that states should develop their own s using formal and informal means.


But Akande, who was a regular attendee of NEC meetings, while speaking further on the matter said, “I think there are two important issues here and the first is that the National Social as a matter of fact is not the property of the Federal Government. If you look at the way it was developed, it is actually the state governors that were most instrumental in developing those s in their states.”

Continuing, he said, “So what you have at the national level is the Federal Government now putting it together from all the states.”

“The second point is that if you look at what has happened between 2015 and now (2023), it is unlikely that you would find a state government that is not using those s as we speak for their own local programmes. As we speak, virtually every state government is using the database that they have created for different programmes that are not even those from the Federal Government.

“So it’s possible indeed that the new set of governors and the ones that are not new, maybe there is some kind of a blind side I’ve not been able to figure out and there are also people that have argued that it is possible that the governors really want to have more control of the resources that is going to be coming from the Federal Government.

“It may be an issue of the governors wanting to have more control about where the money goes to and not necessarily a problem with the and I guess you know I don’t know this for a fact, but it seems and the theory has been tabled that it is probably a situation of calling the dog a bad name just so you hang it.”

Speaking on how the beneficiaries were drawn from all the 36 states of the federation, Akande said, “The composition of the list is fairly and actually very comprehensively objective process where enumerator will go to communities and each community determines and defines what it is that they consider to be poverty and then draw up the list from the community to the local government to the state where the is drawn.”

“And then it goes back to the Federal government and in time of disbursement, what happens and what people have seen is that the money goes directly from the covers of the Federal Government to the bank s of the beneficiaries.

“So, you don’t have the opportunities where there can be some kind of third party interference, I think it is a process that even the World Bank has come out to explain the credibility of this thing that we were part of it as a matter of fact, Africa Network For Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), issued a statement over the weekend about it.

“There it said, look it is on the basis of this that Nigeria was able to take back about 500 hundred million of the Abacha loot because the Swiss Court had insisted that, look, we are returning this money and we want to be sure that it goes back to the Nigerian people. It is the social that enabled that to happen,” Akande concluded.

https://thedailyleaks.com/how-world-bank-aneej-lauded-nigerias-social--by-laolu-akande/

Immediate past Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, with his new initiative, Future Perspective, is partnering with the UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC) to transform education in Nigeria, while building capacity for the youth.

To this effect, the two organisations, Future Perspectives and UNESCO IESALC would be hosting a virtual interactive dialogue with young education innovators in Nigeria on Thursday, July 27 2023, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm WAT, as part of the capacity-building component of the United Nations Global Youth Initiative.

According to the organisers, the theme of the event is “EdTech for Transforming Education in Nigeria,” and it will explore the main challenges viz-a-viz Social, Economic, Infrastructural, and Legal that EdTech innovators face in Nigeria to implement as well as solutions that have been applied to scale their innovations.

Six youth education innovators and partner stakeholders from different backgrounds and levels of engagement in EdTech, such as practitioners, creators, advocates, and policymakers will participate in the programme.

The Future Perspectives had signed an agreement to co-launch the UN Global Youth Initiative Capacity Building — Innovation to Transform Education Training (ITET) with UNESCO IESALC in Africa.

The founder of Future Perspectives, Prof Osinbajo, and a special guest, will give the keynote address to kick off the event which is also aimed at exploring how Nigerian youth are adopting EdTech to innovate their own learning paths through higher education and their transition to the labour market.

Coming with a solution-providing template, the programme will “Discuss, Analyse and Explore,” as according to organisers, the format is to:

“Discuss how is EdTech being incorporated within Higher Education Institutions and what are the main challenges for its meaningful adoption by learners and teachers.

“Analyze how EdTech is contributing or can further contribute to democratizing access to higher education.

“Explore the main challenges, social, economic, infrastructural, legal – EdTech innovators face in Nigeria to implement and scale their creations.”

https://thedailyleaks.com/osinbajo-partners-unesco-iesalc-to-transform-education-in-nigeria/

By Oluwafemi Popoola

The immediate past Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, has been celebrated by his kinsmen and a host of political leaders across the country for his successful stint serving as Nigeria’s Vice President for eight years.

They congratulated the former Vice President for his successful two-term eight-year service to the country and humanity.

The tributes flooded in at a public thanksgiving and appreciation reception held on Sunday, July 9, 2023, in honour of the former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo for his unblemished service to his fatherland.

The well-attended event, which was organised by the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee of an ethnocultural group, Ikenne Development Association, in honour of Prof. Osinbajo, who is the “son of the soil,” took place at Obafemi Awolowo Square, Ikenne, Remo, Ogun State.

The chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas, Akarigbo of Remoland and paramount ruler of Remo Kingdom, Oba (Dr) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, spoke glowingly of the former VP, declaring that Osinbajo represented them very well.

Attesting to Osinbajo’s integrity, the monarch recalled the unfounded allegations against Osinbajo during the first term of his tenure, saying he went to inquire from the former VP about what happened and Osinbajo told him he was Innocent.

He said, “I recall when he was at the helm of affairs, I had to gather eminent sons and daughters of Remo, we went to see him in Lagos. We asked him Mr Vice President all these things we are hearing are they true that you took this, you took that.

“He looked me right in the eyes and said Kabiyesi, I know where I am coming from before I became the Vice President, I knew who I was with all the opportunities I now have, I won’t take anybody’s kobo.

“Immediately he told us that, we went on the offensive saying it is not possible, It can’t happen because we believed what he told us. Osinbajo is a man of integrity and he has represented us well,’ His Royal Majesty concluded.

The Chairman of the group, Otunba Adedoyin Adesina, the Aare Asoludero of Ikenne land, in his welcome address, thanked the former VP for the numerous projects he spearheaded in his hometown throughout his tenure as VP for eight years while he began to mention several of the projects to the amazement of the audience.

He also mentioned that it was Osinbajo who commissioned the foundation of the edifice used for the thanksgiving and appreciation event in his honour.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is remarkable to highlight that the foundation laying ceremony of the edifice that we are in today was done by our former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on 7th November 2015,” Otunba said.

He added, “And today we are hosting the thanksgiving and appreciation procession in his honour under this roof.”

“At this juncture, we want to accord honour to whom such is due as a mark of reciprocation of the good gesture of His Excellency, Professor Yemi Osinbajo towards elevating the status of Ikenne-Remo.

“On behalf of the good people of God’s own city of joy, the mega and Jerusalem of Nigeria’s politics, the city of joy and the town set of a high hill that cannot be hidden, the famous Ikenne Ereke, where money grows and the entire Remonians.”

“I want to welcome Professor Yemi Osinbajo and his amiable wife (Dolapo) back home after those eight years of sojourn at Abuja on the hot seat of power under intense pressure, unimaginable risks and unavoidable experiences in and at the receiving end of different banters in the political sphere,” he concluded.



Thank you for your service to Nigeria — Gov Dapo Abiodun

In his tribute, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, thanked the former VP, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, for showing the Omoluabi ethos in his handling of public office.

He said, “To our very own immediate past Vice President, His Excellency, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, we thank you for your extraordinary leadership, remarkable accomplishment and unwavering dedication to service of our great country.”

“On behalf of the entire government and the people of Ogun state, I want to thank God for the strength and wisdom He has given you through which you’ve been able to sail through the murky waters of politics in a heterogeneous country like Nigeria.”

Osinbajo gave his all to his people — Seriake Dickson

Former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, who also attended the programme personally in his tribute said, “We are here because we see in the former Vice President a man of character, a man who served this country meritoriously.”

“We are also here in the reciprocity of whom the former Vice president has been to our state in his official capacity as Vice President of this country,” Dickson said.

According to him, “He has visited Bayelsa before me and even when I was a governor not less than five times officially. At any time that we called upon him to do one thing or the other, he has always been there. He has done a lot for our state, Bayelsa.”

He added, “He has elevated our sons and daughters in the course of his duties as Vice President of this country and so we want to say on behalf of the people of Bayelsa State, a very big thank you to the former Vice President and also the people of Ikenne in congratulating him and welcome him back home and this is how it should be at the end of service for a man who has given his all to his people.”

Working with Osinbajo was a unique experience — Gov Obaseki

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki said working with Osinbajo as Vice President was a special experience for him and he was eternally grateful for the opportunity.

“Working with a man who had a vision, a man who is committed to this country, a man who has character and a man who has integrity, for me was a unique experience,” Obaseki said.

“During our National Economic Council (NEC) session, we see an intellectual, who worked through all the papers presented to us. I know Ikenne people are known for hard work and diligence. He brought those characteristics to us in NEC. Your Excellency, we say thank you.

The high-profile gathering was well attended by eminent Nigerians cutting across different segments of the society, which include Governor Diri Duoye of Bayelsa State, former Osun State governor and immediate Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and former Ekiti State governor and immediate past Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, among others.

https://thedailyleaks.com/you-represented-us-well-remo-paramount-ruler-tells-osinbajo-as-kinsmen-honour-former-vp/

Spokesperson of Nigeria’s immediate Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Laolu Akande says he has reflected on his maiden voyage working in Nigeria’s public service for eight years, concluding that it was worth it while expressing gratitude to everyone who worked in the Media Unit of the Office of the Vice President.

Akande’s gratitude is coming following a post he made on Monday, May 29, 2023, on his official Twitter handle @akandeoj, sharing a photo of himself alongside his former principal.

The caption reads, “Ended my 1st attempt at public service – ie working for govt – today. So I reflected. One stretch of 8 years by a particularly independent, atimes feisty reporter; driven by a STRONG desire to bring out the greatness God has deposited in us as a people. Conclusion is I AM SO THANKFUL”


Akande, who followed up on the same tweet, made a number of posts underneath, today, May 31, 2023, e as he expressed appreciation to his colleagues who worked together alongside him in the Media Strategy Team of the office of the Immediate Vice President, Prof. Osinbajo.

Akande also specially appreciated the 25 journalists across the country who had written a book in honour of the past VP, detailing his contributions to the public service, his achievements as VP for eight years and his service to humanity. “Expect more from me. We must tell Nigerians,” Akande declared.


The full posts read, “Shout-out to my colleagues in Media Unit of the Office of the VP: Laolu B, Ibilola, Tolani, Timmy & Ruky. You guys were simply phenomenal. And kudos to all the civil servants in the unit, especially Mr Abiola, Jude, Mfon, Hassan & everyone else. I learnt a lot working with u all.”

https://thedailyleaks.com/first-attempt-at-public-service-ends-well-thankful-says-laolu-akande-lauds-media-team/