With the release of about N288B out of the N500B appropriated for COVID-19 intervention programmes under the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), at least 2.1 million jobs have been saved, including new ones created, while over 4000km of federal and rural roads are at least 30% completed since the commencement of the ESP months ago.
These were some of the highlights emerging from today’s meeting of the Economic Sustainability Committee presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, at the Presidential Villa.
While noting the considerable progress recorded, Prof. Osinbajo affirmed the President’s resolve to always look out for the Nigerian people, and urged members of the committee “to bear in mind that the vast majority of our people are not allowed to suffer.”
Ministers and heads of agencies executing the Buhari administration’s Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) reported significant improvement in the implementation of the plan, as the Federal Government ramps up funding for projects across sectors to impact more Nigerians. Already more than 50% of the appropriated sum for the ESP has been released.
Under the Survival Fund scheme specifically, 1.3 million jobs have been saved, and another 774,000 jobs created from the Public Works Programme. This is apart from the total 26,021 jobs created from construction and rehabilitation works.
Other highlights include the release of 100% (i.e. N5bn) appropriation for the COVID-19 Aviation intervention; 50% funding (N26bn) for the Public Works scheme hiring 774,000 persons across the country, among others.
Commenting on the reports presented by ESC members at the meeting, Prof. Osinbajo said “I think that it will be fair to say that on account of the very good work that you all have done, we were able to get out of recession much faster than anyone would have imagined, although only marginally.”
Urging ministers and heads of agencies implementing key programmes of government not to rest on their oars, the Vice President noted that “it is important for us to continually bear in mind that we really have a duty to ensure that the vast majority of our people are not allowed to suffer. So, I feel we should be thinking more about the next thing that we need to do.”
In digital skills support for youth and women, anchored by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mr Clem Agba reported that N1.5b which is 50% of the amount appropriated for the scheme primarily targeted for job creation has been released to the ministry.
He added that priority programmes for the intervention is the training of 600 youths (100 from each of the 6 geo-political zones) on VSAT technologies who will also be supported with laptops and stipends.
The Minister noted that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has received N625 million (representing 50% of appropriated funds) to implement an empowerment scheme for women through capacity building in innovation and vocational training.
For the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports, the Minister said N2.6 billion representing 50% appropriation was released for implementation of youth employability improvement scheme through;
*Capacity building in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies *Positioning Nigerian youths for digital remote jobs *Equipping of youths digital/robotic training centres across the 6 geo-political zones.
Another key highlight of the progress report is the release of N1.25 billion (50%) to the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons for implementation of programmes for vulnerable and displaced persons, specifically:
*The construction of 400 housing units for persons of concern in Zamfara, Yobe, Katsina, and Edo states; 8 PHCs and others *Empowerment of 900 persons of concern with skills, starter packs and startup capital.
The Minister also reported that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development received N2.45 billion representing 7.5% of N32.45 billion for cash transfer to the poor and vulnerable, while the balance of N30 billion is being processed.
In strengthening health system, the Minister said 52 Federal Tertiary Health (FTHs) Institutions received N23.57 billion (N853m each) for the establishment of ICUs, Molecular Laboratories and Isolation Centres.
The progress report presented by the minister showed that in 38 FTHs implementation is at an average of 47% completion with procurement process completed and equipment supply in progress.
Expected outcomes from the interventions in the sector include 520 fully equipped ICU beds available in FTHs; 52 Isolation wards with an aggregate of 1040 beds and associated patient monitoring equipment and 52 molecular labs with the capacity to carry out a minimum of 150 PCR test a day.
Other releases for the health sector, according to the minister include, N10 billion for the establishment of a bio-vaccine laboratory; N5.02 billion representing 50% to the Federal Ministry of Health for implementation of the following projects:
*Surveillance and Epidemiology *Establishing Laboratory *Point of Entry; *Infection Prevention and Control *Case Management *Health-related communication *Research and Development
In his presentation, the Minister of Agriculture, Alhaji Mohammed Nanono, said N17 billion has been released for rural roads project under the ESP while about 5.8 million farmers enumerated out of which the data of 3.6 million have been validated.
In the works sector, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola said a total number of 4,350 direct jobs were recalled and 18,321 indirect jobs were created through the engagement of the contractors and suppliers handling different works across the country.
Members of the ESC most of whom attended the meeting include Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed; Trade and Investment Minister, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Minister of Agriculture, Alhaji Mohammed Nanono; Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola; Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige; Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Mariam Katagum; Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mr Clem Agba; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk, and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Mele Kyari.
*Laolu Akande,* *Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,* *Office of the Vice President.* 25th March 2021.
Sometimes when we are about to move on,this idiot will just creep out from one hole and makes some senseless comments...
MeghaneMorgane: Hi, Please I recently created this account to avoid people knowing me as I am an active member.
Now I met a handsome young man through a professional group chat. One time I posted a message on the group, he went to check my dp and sent me a message afterwards. He is in his 30s and I'm in my 20s He asked me if I was married, I said no. I asked the same question he said no, and then he started to show so much interest in me. He went straight to the point about wanting something serious and wanting to know me better. We chatted for some days exchanged pictures and then I proposed we meet in person. Like joke, in less than a week of chatting the guy is coming to my city to see me.
I'm now beginning to realise that maybe this guy is not joking. Because of how serious he is, I am beginning to like him. I didn't read any meaning to our conversations when it initially started but now, it is like I'm falling head over heels for him. I'm trying to restrain not to show him that I like him too much so that he will not come and take me for granted. I am not being difficult but I'm just being cautious. But the problem now is that it is getting harder and harder to restrain myself by the day. Please I need advise on how not to show this guy that I like him too much.
PS: Please nobody should insult me. Just advice me. Thanks.
Don't come here to to prove that all men are the same! when em don bleep you...
A group, Society For Development (SFD), has charged the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, to confirm the names of the ex-service chiefs as non-career ambassadors following their nomination by President Buhari.
The SFD gave the charge in via letter to the National Assembly on Tuesday.
The letter was titled, “PETITION AGAINST THE NON CAREER AMBASSADORIAL NOMINATION OF LT. GENERAL TUKUR BURATAI RTD, AND OTHER IMMEDIATE PAST SERVICE CHIEFS”.
In the letter signed by Mr Akintunde Bello Sheriff, Coordinator, Society For Development (SFD), the group called on the Senate President to confirm Lt. General Buratai Rtd and other former service chiefs who have been nominated as non-career ambassadors without hesitation, saying the nominees performed well in securing the country during their service.
The letter read, With profound respect to your exalted office, we wish to laud your efforts and that of the National Assembly (joint chambers) which you lead on your pursuits in the consolidation of the governance of Nigeria with the Executive under the President and Commander in Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR). This has created the enabling stability upon which the administration runs and which is suggestive of your leadership maturity, diplomacy, and sense of patriotic candour.
“We read with utter disappointment, the baseless petition letter which was addressed to your good office which was published yesterday against the anticipatory and possible confirmation of all the immediate past service chiefs including Lt. General Tukur Buratai Rtd for the confirmation of their appointments as non career Ambassadors as nominated and forwarded by His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic.
“First, we must point out that the signatory to the fictitious petition is an unfocused character who has overreached himself by dubbing the power of the legislature, otherwise, it is laughable that a man being driven by ulterior motives and hatred will sit in the comfort of his room to damage the reputation of people who dedicated their lives for the protection of the territorial integrity of Nigeria and the security of Nigeria and her borders throughout their stewardship in the service. He the said Dickson Nnamdi Irogbu and his aggrandisement Nigeria Right Now are at best, was speaking for their parochial tiny and sectional non existent group. They have no mandate of the Nigerian people.
“On the allegations that the ex service chiefs should clear their names, we rise firmly to educate the ignoramus that LT. General Buratai Rtd has no pending case with any court or arbitration panel in his self posture. He left the military with a neat record and the facts speak for itself. Therefore, General Buratai's name remains unblemished and would not require any whitewashing according to the mischievous element and enemy of the Nation.
“Beyond rhetorics, the business of security is a complex architecture which required that all hands must be on deck. This was why LT.General Buratai Rtd, led the Nigerian Army in collaboration with his other colleagues during his time to ensure that Nigeria became safer than he met her when he assumed the office. It is apparent that the tide changed from the unfortunate and serial bombings that pervaded the atmosphere of the FCT and indeed all parts of Nigeria, thus, limiting the criminals in the society to perhaps only the extreme desert battlefield where the Soldiers are trying their best efforts to eliminate completely with evidential results of gradual conquest.
“The President of the Senate Sir, you are unarguably one of the most experienced lawmakers that Nigeria ever produced, therefore you know the rudiments. A non existent group food seeker will therefore not arm twist your leadership or take away your constitutional power of confirmation of the nominees of the President of the Federal Republic. His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) being a war veteran himself understood the sacrifices and loyalty of Lt.General Buratai Rtd and all other immediate past service chiefs to Nigeria. His nomination is therefore commendable and meet the expectations of majority people of Nigeria who do not see retirement as a curse but rather a blessing. Retirement is not a death sentence!
“Conclusively, we are unequivocal in our continuous trust in the leadership of the National Assembly under you to continue to stand firmly in the support of the government toward lawful causes as these nominations of the immediate past service chiefs and the likely confirmation of the Senate.
“We are proud that Lt. General Buratai Rtd typifies the rare spirit of the oneness of Nigeria throughout his duration of office as Chief of Army Staff and that has translated to significant infrastructure developments across the entire geopolitical zones of Nigeria in the military quest to promote participatory governance anchored on evenly distribution of dividends of democracy to complement the good effort of government at all levels. The reward of hard work, your Excellency Sir, is more work. We are therefore unanimous in the appreciation to Mr President for considering the immediate past service Chiefs for another duty in the call to service.
“Finally, it is on record that eminent stakeholders in Nigeria including the traditional or royal institution has not defaulted over the years in their support for the military and indeed the wider service in Nigeria and this resolve subsists. It is apparent in the embrace that the non career ambassadorial appointments of Lt. General Buratai Rtd and others has earned across Nigeria irrespective of creeds or clans or zones, since it was announced.
“May God continually equip you, Mr President of the Senate, with the energy and wisdom to sustain your leadership of the red chamber and indeed the National Assembly.”
wale377: Popular nollywood actress Toyin Abraham just recently bought a brabus gwagon for herself. This news was announced by her manager @officialsamolatunji
Alas, I can NEVER entrust my vote on most set of youths trained at this age, THEY WILL BE WORSE IN LEADERSHIP COMPARE TO THE PRESENT LEADERSHIP.
If you would reason with me, Check NANS leadership where an individual refused to conduct election after completion of his single constituted tenure.
Check all tertiary institutions Student Union Government, how they operates.
Finally ask 100 youths around you what they'll do should they have mantle of leadership, more than 80% response will be I WILL ALSO PACK MY OWN SHARE OF NATIONAL CAKE.
We need reorientation of the pupils in primary and some secondary school students now, those in tertiary institutions from above are beyond redemption if they've been badly oriented.
Secondly our political institution needs to change, Humongous amount for Political office holder's should be discouraged as well as our costly electioneering processes.
BITTER TRUTH
As long as we operate with this present constitution, we should forget serious turn around. If they most saint in the world govern with it, HE WILL FAIL
Restructure Nigeria NOW (Region forms of Government and review of our constitution)
valentineuwakwe: nothing new as the IGP might have his stay extended while they lobby for a credible person to fill the gap..the most senior police officer being the Bayelsa state born officer will be ignored for a northern candidate. ....so nothing new again!
They are looking on how to promote the lowest Fulani constable!
Bofoy4: Rivers is living on pass glory I keep on saying this.
The Government under wike is a big scam how can a state governor dash another state (kano) 50million to rebuit a burnt markt when 90% of his youth pop are idle, useless and unemploy, involving in cultism on daily basis.
ashacot: When I watched this video this morning, tears ran down my eyes. It is extremely emotional. This construction worker comes back home, exhausted after a whole day at work and meets this surprise put together by his wife and kids. He is a construction worker and his job may seem mean and makes him look dirty, but to his wife and kids, he is the best man on earth. Your superhero may be the richest man on earth or the man who walked on fire. That does not mean he is better than my cleaner superhero.
Be careful how you treat people. Everyone has someone looking up to them. That guard, that gardener, that driver, that trash guy, that mechanic, that man who does the meanest of jobs is someone’s hero. When you disrespect them or treat them badly just because you pay them or you think you are better than them remember that he too is another woman’s husband. He too has kids that look up to him. How will you feel if someone treated your father in that manner? How will you feel if someone disrespected your husband? How will you feel if someone treated you the same way you treat him?
The lady who cleans your home, takes care of your baby, sells by the roadside, serves in the restaurant etc. is someone’s wife and mother. She means the world to someone and deserves to be respected. How will you feel if someone treated your mother the way you treat her? How will you feel if someone spoke to your wife the way you speak to her? How will you feel if someone disrespected you the same way you disrespect her?
The same respect you want to be accorded is the same respect you should give to others. Do not respect people based on their social status. Respect them because they are humans. Just because life offered you a smile does not mean you are better off than other humans.
jamjo: One thing I want my people to know I'm not here to defend our politicians, but my observation and see if I will get answers. In one of the pictures, the roof of the warehouse was damaged and if you look closely there are watermarks on the wall that shows that the damaged roof is not new so my questions are why were the goods parked directly under the damaged roof not damaged by water? Is this a staged publicity stunt?
Rikidony: I did an early morning search on the Twitter page of the Nigerian Air Force today and realise they have apologies for the costly mistake after Sahara reporters call them out.
Seems the Air force have more intergrity than the Army.
Politics › Re: Bandits Ambush Army Convoy In Benue, Cart Away N28 Million Cash And Weapons by Buksaylor: 1:46pm On Apr 08, 2021
