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Osinbajo @ 64: Buhari, Tinubu, Lawan, Gbajabiamila, Oyetola, Others Pour Encomiums
Movers and shakers of the Nigerian society have been felicitating with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on today’s celebration of his 64th birthday.
Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari led the felicitation with his deputy, whom he described as reliable and dedicated and who “is not only admirably competent but also exudes confidence and passion in the performance of his job”.
Other national leaders greeting the Vice-President on today’s birthday include All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase and Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, President Buhari said: “I’m proud to have selected Osinbajo as my running mate and he has given a good account of himself since our journey began in 2015.”
According to the President, “the Vice-President is a cool-headed gentleman who puts the interest of Nigeria above other narrow considerations”.
He stressed that “Osinbajo is an incredibly patient politician who demonstrates remarkable intellectual and mental energy in the discharge of his duties”.
The President wished him many more prosperous years and God’s continued guidance.
Lawan, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media) Ola Awoniyi, said: “I pray that God Almighty will continue to imbue him with wisdom and good health as he ably supports President Muhammadu Buhari in their patriotic mission to transform Nigeria and unite its people in happiness and prosperity.
“Mr. Vice-President, here is again wishing you a happy birthday and many happy returns of the day.”
Gbajabiamila described Osinbajo as a patriot and democrat, whose services to his fatherland have been commendable.
In a congratulatory message he personally signed, Gbajabiamila said: “His Excellency, the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, is one Nigerian that should be celebrated at every point in time, but the occasion of his 64th birthday calls for more celebration.
“I, therefore, wish to join millions of Nigerians to celebrate the Vice-President on this memorable occasion. On this memorable day, I wish the Vice-President continuous good health and God’s protection.”
Wase, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Umar Muhammad Puma, said: “…Osinbajo has been a pillar of strength to the party.
“The Vice-President has come a long way in his service to the nation. As Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General of Lagos State, he contributed immensely in reforming the justice system.”
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, Governor Oyetola described Osinbajo as a patriotic Nigerian, an accomplished administrator and an exemplary leader, whose commitment to nation-building is commendable.
He said: “…Your humility, intelligence, excellent leadership traits and uncommon commitment to nation-building is commendable and worthy of emulation.
“We appreciate you for being a dependable ally of President Buhari and for your selfless service to our nation. I must also commend you for your contributions to the growth and stability of Nigeria’s economy in your role as Head of the National Economic Council (NEC).
“As you mark your birthday today, we thank Almighty God for your life and pray He grant you longer life, more wisdom and strength to continue to serve the nation and humanity.”
Also, the Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, will deliver a special public lecturer today to mark Prof. Osinbajo’s 64th birthday.
The lecture, titled: Building the Future of Nigeria Through Enterprise and Innovation, is organised by a Pan-Nigerian Coalition, Building the Future Forum (BTFF).
A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Conveners, Mohammed Abdullahi and Dr. Grace Ugochukwu, said the public lecture was a product of a collaboration among Nigerians in the Diaspora, professionals and private sector operators within the country.
Also, a group, “Friends of Prof.”, which comprises friends and associates of Vice-President Osinbajo, has announced the commencement of this year’s edition of its empowerment programme.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the group said it was building on the success recorded in 2020 with an expansion in the scope of the programme in honour of Osinbajo’s 64th birthday.
It advised young Nigerians to use the opportunity created by the group to benefit from the programmes.
The statement said on Osinbajo’s 63rd birthday, 100 young entrepreneurs received grants of N1 million each to help grow and advance their businesses, among other incubator support services from the group.
The “Friends of Prof” conceptualised “The March 8th Initiative” to inspire and promote communal, entrepreneurial and public-spirited endeavours within Nigeria to celebrate the birthday of Osinbajo.
It said, in addition to the Entrepreneurship Development Programme, the March 8th Initiative would recognise health workers nationwide.
According to the statement, health workers to be recognised are those who, in the face of a global pandemic, demonstrated exemplary courage and professionalism in carrying out their duties.
“The March 8th Initiative” is expanding its reach and scope with a view to impacting a broader spectrum of Nigerians.
“First, the Annual Entrepreneurship Development Programme has been reorganised into four categories providing more opportunities for young Nigerians between 18 and 35 years old, giving one-off business grants, ranging from N100,000 to N1 million to small businesses in Nigeria.
“The four categories cover varying stages of small business growth as follows: Big Idea Business Challenge, Business Support Challenge, Catalyst Support Challenge, and the Bold Innovation Challenge.
“Individuals are requested to nominate any health worker who has shown these qualities for a reward of N1 million under a Health Grant Reward category that acknowledges their invaluable service to our communities.
“Additionally, the “March 8th Initiative” is undertaking a nationwide ophthalmological intervention to provide succour in the form of surgeries and other therapeutic care for cataract and other eye defects,” the statement said.
It said that entries would open at midnight on March 8 and close at 11:59 p.m on March 14.
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Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”
He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.
He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.
“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
The former minister said his resignation was to enable him focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, citing provisions of the amended electoral law.
He added, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.”
“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”
Adelabu’s exit marks a major political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest the governorship election.
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Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency
The Presidency has clarified that Wale Edun (former Finance Minister) and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (former Housing Minister) voluntarily resigned from their positions and were not sacked by President Tinubu.
In a statement released this evening April 22, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said that contrary to public opinions, Wale Edun resigned on health grounds while Dangiwa also tendered his resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.
Onanuga stated that Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future” he wrote
Onanuga stated that on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa and held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.
The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.
‘’In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.
President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation” the statement concluded
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Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience
Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.
The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.
In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.
He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”
The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.
Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.
“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”
Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.
“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”
The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.
By hosting the webinar, Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.
The initiative underscores the Bank’s broader strategic focus on environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to financial inclusion.
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