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Our Stories Must Be Of Aspirations, Dreams, Hopes -Osinbajo
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has urged Nigerians to project the country’s image in good light and push narratives of aspirations, dreams and hopes.
Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement, said the vice president spoke recently in Abuja at the formal presentation and book launch.
The book is titled “The Memory of Seasons,” written by award-winning writer and journalist, Arukaino Umukoro.
The theme of the presentation was, “Conversations on Nigeria’s Unity in Diversity: Challenges, Opportunities.”
The book is a collection of poems on nationhood, faith, life and humanity.
The vice president, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, said that, “a big part of Nation building is talking up your nation.”
According to Osinbajo, every country talks up their own country and people of every country talk up their own country.
“When we get home, we can criticize ourselves, but we must talk up our country; what are the narratives that we push about Nigeria?
“The stories of nations written by others focus on their own agendas, the agendas of the authors; the negatives, of course, sell more and much faster, we must tell our own stories.
“We belong to one side; and that side is the Nigerian side; someone was talking about Arsenal a few moments ago, that Arsenal would win this premier league.
“Because that’s our side, we take the side; they may not be the best, they may not win all the time, but that’s our side; this country is our side.’’
According to him, Nigerians must talk up the country and give the very best impression of the country.
The vice president said that Nigeria was not about its politicians, religious leaders or its business leaders but for everybody.
“Our stories must be stories of our aspirations, our dreams and our hopes, planted on the successes of our journey and the future of great hope, because we have the incredible talents and material resources, and already on that journey, we are very far ahead.
“And I think the poem– Imagine Nigeria– which is in the book, captures the story we want to tell the world; and I’m going to read portions of it just to encourage us.”
Osinbajo congratulated the author for delivering such a wonderful set of poems.
“Sometimes, we have to reflect when you read Umukoro’s poetry; you have to think again and reflect.
“I am overwhelmed by the achievements of Umukoro; we have heard about all the awards he has won,’’ he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Rabiu Suleiman, Chief Executive Officer, RiftOil Petroleum Company Limited, commended the author for an important literary work that spoke to nationhood.
“I am proud of his achievements and how far he has come since then.
“ It is obvious that the vice president is a big inspiration to him. Umukoro talks a lot about Osinbajo’s exemplary character, selfless service and dedication to nation-building,” he said.
Highlights of the event included spoken word performances focused on nation-building from Umukoro’s book – including “Imagine Nigeria’’ and “Rebirth of a Nation.’’
They were performed by Tamara Dogubo and Abdullahi Haruna.
There was also a panel discussion on the theme of the event.
The panel, which was moderated by journalist, Irene Ubani, featured Tolu Ogunlesi, Special Assistant to President on Digital and New Media, and Maupe Ogun, co-anchor, Channels Television prime-time breakfast show “Sunrise Daily.”
Other panelists were Novo Isioro, founder, Anisza Foundation, Myani Bukar, Lawyer and Development Economist.
The conversations were aimed at driving meaningful discourse that will promote national unity.
The founder of Project One Nigeria, Busayo Busari-Akinnadeju, gave goodwill remarks that urged patriotism and pride in Nigeria and its greatness.
Ade Ipaye, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, in the Office of the Vice President, Amb. Adeyemi Dipeolu, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, among other senior government officials were also at the event.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.