₦airaland Forum

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has expressed the condolences of the Federal Government to the people and government of Ogun State on Wednesday, while stating that Government will improve on the drainage infrastructure in the affected areas.



Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Wednesday when he visited Abeokuta following the flooding in some areas in the capital city over the weekend, where at least 11 lives were lost and several houses were destroyed



The Vice President, who was received by the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, further said that Government will provide immediate assistance to those affected.



He said, “What has happened here is very unfortunate indeed, because you will see that a lot of work has gone on, a lot of drainage has been done, but the rains appear to have been so heavy and simply overcame the infrastructure that was already in existence. What we are looking at is how the drainage and canalisation can be enhanced. We are in discussions with His Excellency, the Governor, to see in specific ways how the Federal Government can be of assistance. We have to sit down and really look at those issues carefully.



“Of course, we are providing immediate relief materials to support the State Government, the Director General of NEMA is here, providing that immediate succour and assistance. On a more permanent basis, we would be working very closely with the government to see how we can assist in improving the drainage and sewage infrastructure. That’s a more substantive issue and we have to look at it carefully.



Prof. Osinbajo, however, called for more citizen awareness so as to avoid future occurrences.



He said, “It is difficult to avoid flash flooding anywhere. We are fortunate that it didn’t happen late at night, because if it did, and there was a sudden surge of water, it would naturally cause the kind of disaster we have seen. This would happen anywhere.



"One of the things I’d want to say is that we have to change our habits in terms of blocking drainages. By and large here, if you look at the channels, they are huge. They have done quite a lot in terms of canalisation and drainage. But still, where you have a large amount of rain falling within a short period of time, you are likely to have flash flooding”



“What we need to do, especially where the rains are heavy, is to warn people to move quickly to higher grounds, especially those in the valleys. There is nothing you can do about a valley, a valley is a valley, and water would invariably collect there if it’s very heavy rain.



“On the whole, the loss of lives is very unfortunate, and we commiserate as the Federal Government. But I also want to say that God had been truly gracious to us. It could have been much worse, but for the large infrastructure here, canalisation and drainage, which helped to move the water quickly, the water has practically receded despite the surge.”



The Vice President, who was taken round the affected areas, including Kuto, and Isale-Igbein, commended the State government for its prompt response to the incident.



“I think that we should be thankful to God and commend the State Government for first of all, providing the right type of infrastructure, and for very quick response to the needs of those who suffered loss and damage,” he said.



Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity,

Office of the Vice President,

19th July, 2018

The recent trip of Vice president Yemi Osinbajo to the United States of America has turned out to be a catalyst for potential foreign direct investments in the ICT, Entertainment, Film and Technology industries as American investors shift their attention to Nigeria. His strategic thinking, approach and delivery of relevant messages to the various audiences his delegation came in contact with have placed Nigeria on the global map of countries to be reckoned with in business.

Most importantly, Professor Yemi Osinbajo was able to impress the audiences about the several innovative measures the federal government is making to facilitate and promote investments in Nigeria. Some of the measures include providing conducive regulatory environment, enabling laws and removing various obstacles that hinder businesses and economic growth. Professor Osinbajo’s attendance of several investment drives which culminated in a road show helped immensely to showcase the numerous business and investment opportunities available in Nigeria.

His determination and passion to woo value-adding investors to Nigeria was evident and pronounced throughout his interactions with the various audiences. His assurances of federal government’s protection for intellectual property no doubt excited investors in creative arts, movie industry and film-making.

Professor Yemi Osinbajo also used the opportunity of the meetings to narrate the true picture of things in Nigeria different from the negative picture being painted about terrorism and sundry crimes obviously reassured the potential investors as they had a better understanding, hence their determination to shift their investment focus to Nigeria.

His major interest during the trip was to attract United States investments in the area of technology and creative arts and this was largely achieved as major American movie companies spared time to listen to the vice president and took investment decisions. Definitely the fruits of the meetings will start manifesting in no distant time. They include Sony, Paramount pictures, 20th Century Fox, Lions Gate, IMAX Entertainment, Warner Bros, Walt Disney, Bet International and the National Association of Theater Owners. The list is an assemblage of the leading movie and entertainment companies in America.

Indeed the vice president’s visit was action-packed and full of possibilities as he has ventured and opened other untapped areas of foreign direct investments to Nigeria. Professor Osinbajo talked about the potentials in the Nigeria Digital economy and harped on protection for investments as he realised that this is usually a concern for many top flight investors.

Professor Osinbajo also availed the audiences about the diversification policy of the Buhari administration which seeks to deemphasise Nigeria’s total reliance on oil, bearing in mind that the future of the country will depend mainly on knowledge-based economy. The Nigerian investment summit which held at Silicon Valley attracted top American business people and Vice president Yemi Osinbajo once again continued his marketing and public relations project about Nigeria.

By Chukwudi Enekwechi JP

1.The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to news making the round alleging attack on soldiers and capturing of military vehicles by Boko Haram in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

2. The Nigerian Army wishes to state categorically that the report is not only untrue but misleading as the said report is blown out of proportion by the media.

3. Contrary to the report, the Nigerian Army wishes to put the record straight on the issue and assure members of the public particularly residents of the North East to disregard the report as their safety is guaranteed.

4.The Nigeria Army wishes to state that there was an attempted attack on troops at Kwakwa and Chingori communities in Bama area of Borno State by suspected Boko Haram Terrorists as a result of difficult terrain where our vehicles bugged down. The terrorists also attempted to cart away troops operational vehicles, but were successfully repelled by our gallant troops with the support of the Nigerian Air Force.

5. About 22 members of Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. Efforts are being intensified by the troops to get the fleeing members of the Boko Haram terrorists.

6. Unfortunately, one officer and a soldier sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at the military medical facility.

7. While the Nigerian Army would not join issues with the media, certain facts must be reported with caution particularly now that numerous successes have been recorded by the troops in the fight against insurgency.

8. Members of the public are hereby advised to disregard the report and go about their legitimate businesses as the Nigerian Army is on top of the situation.

9. It is my well-thought-out opinion that in future, media practitioners should endeavour to verify facts from the appropriate military authority before rushing to the press.

10. Thank you.



TEXAS CHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations

BY
COMRADE ISSA AREMU, mni
NEC MEMBER, NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC)

AT THE UNVEILING OF BUHARI CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION (BCO) OFFICE IN ILORIN, KWARA STATE ON THURSDAY JULY 12, 2018


GREETINGS

· ALLH, EMIR

· OTHER DIGNITARIES

1) BUHARI; MINIMUM WORDS, MAXIMUM IMPACT
– Inaugural Speech in 2015

2) ECONOMY
· MACRO ECONOMICS DESPITE THE COLLAPSE OF THE OIL PRICE - Today Nigeria has stable exchange rate and declining inflation rates. With increasing external reserves, improved productivity in agriculture, President Buhari needs more time to implement the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) so as to enhance Naira value, create more jobs and revive the industry.

3) GOVERNMENT HAS BUSINESS IN BUSINESS
· We bear witness that through the activist facilitation of the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo and Honourable Ministers of Trade and Investment namely, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah and Aisha Abubakar, Buhari administration has initiated a number of measures aimed at industry revival.

· President Buhari initiated and signed three (3) unprecedented Executive Orders by Vice President Osibanjo in line with the promise of President Buhari on the ease of doing business. Of special importance to textile industry is the order mandating Government agencies to spend more of their budgets on locally produced goods. This singular order would help in the recovery of the textile and garment industry.

THEREFORE:

· President BUHARI NEEDS more tenure to ensure that the public agencies make the executive orders a reality by patronizing locally produced textiles. The police and Customs department should stop buying officers uniforms from Bangladesh and China, when the surviving textile factories can produce at home.

· Nigeria currently spends over US$4 billion annually importing textiles and readymade clothing when it has the potential to produce for the local market and even export to the ECOWAS market of over 175 million people, as well as to the developed world (e.g. the United States under AGOA and EU GSP scheme which Kenya, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Madagascar and a number of African countries are already exploiting).

4) A KIND AND CARING PRESIDENT;

- CONDITIONAL CASH TRANSFER

- POVERTY ALLEVIATION AS A RIGHT FOR THE POOR, NOT A DASH

· President Buhari Federal administration has commendably also implemented Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) payments in almost 36 States that include Borno, Kwara, Bauchi, Cross River, Niger, Kogi, Oyo, Ogun and Ekiti. Indeed State governments regardless of parties should emulate the Federal government and build a kinder caring states.

· As a caring President, Buhari deserves another term to make sure that CCT is made universal as a right not passing interventionist fad. Both the Federal governments and States should make the cash transfer to the poor as a matter of right not charity.

· Buhari has fulfilled the provision of the 1999 constitution which says “the primary purpose of governance is the security and welfare of the citizens.” We should therefore support Buhari re-election such that there should be an annual increase of public expenditure on social protection to cover cash transfers to the old people, students in forms of bursaries and scholarships and cash for widows.

5) PRESIDENT BUHARI IS “PRESIDENT INFRASTRUCTURE”

- RAILWAYS

· Today in Abuja, President Muhammadu Buhari commissions the recently-completed first phase of the Abuja light rail project. He is also expected to flag-off the railway services signaling the commencement of unprecedented operations of the long-awaited rail services in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. The 45.245km standard gauge rail line from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to the Abuja Metro Station is the first of its kind in West Africa.

· The project had been in the works for over 11 years but only Buhari makes it a reality. The commissioning marks formal commencement of rail service and the fulfillment of a long-awaited dream for a modern state-of-the-art mass transit system for the FCT. The project that took more than a decade to complete, was flagged-off by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration in 2007 but abandoned. The project which links some 13 communities with 12 stations at the Abuja Metro, Stadium, Kukwaba 1 and 2, Wupa, Idu, Bassanjiwa, Airport, Gwagwa Dei-Dei, Kagini and Gbazango.”

· ROAD RECONSTRUCTION-MOKWA JEBBA ROAD

6) ANCHOR BORROWERS AGRIC PROGRAMME

7) ANTI-CORRUPTION: MR. INTEGRITY
· All agree that Nigeria today proudly has a President that is incorruptible. Buhari should be supported to continue the ongoing fight against corruption which has restored Nigeria’s integrity in the world. President Buhari is exposing and catching public thieves but commendably prosecuting them.

· We support Executive Order 6. It is a constitutional move to check the corruption cancer. The perception of Nigeria as a corrupt nation is changing. The whole Africa has appointed President Buhari as the AU anti-corruption champion. President Buhari must be encouraged to continue the good jobs of the EFCC under Ibrahim Magu.

· Between January 1 and August 30, 2017 the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had reportedly recovered about N409 billion and $69.5 million (totalling N430 billion), among other foreign currencies, as proceeds of corruption.

· This recovered loot is more than the states budget of Niger: N108B Abia: 107B Enugu: 105B and Imo: 102 Billion and half of Lagos state’s budget of 813 Billion and same as Rivers state: N470 Billion. While South Africans decry state capture by Gupta families, the challenge Nigerians face is Republic capture by some corrupt leaders. Corruption has certainly almost killed most African countries, it's time we joined forces to exorcise it.

cool SECURITY
“Besides Boko Haram, we are confronting other long-running security issues, namely herdsmen vs. farmers, cattle rustling, and kidnappings. This Administration is firmly resolved to tackle these challenges and to defeat them.” – President Muhammadu Buhari





9) DEMOCRACY

PRESIDENT BUHARI ON JUNE 12 AS DEMOCRACY DAY

Hail Buhari
· The courage and sensitivity of President Muhammadu Buhari for ensuring democratic consolidation by posthumously honouring Chief MKO Abiola, acclaimed winner of June 12 1993 Presidential election makes us to support him.

· The singular act of conferment of the highest national honour, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) on Chief MKO Abiola, President Buhari had commendably rekindled faith in sustainability of democracy in Africa’s largest democracy. President Buhari gave the correct signal that never again would any group of people violate the mandate of Nigerian people through mandate annulment.

· President Muhammadu Buhari directed that henceforth Democracy Day will be marked every year on June 12, rather than May 29 which had been observed as Democracy Day since 1999 when the current democratic dispensation began. Kwara should join the democratic band wagon.

Nigeria’s Integrity Restored
· President Buhari had brought integrity to governance by shunning the hypocrisy and shameless denials of past leaders of Nigeria that June 12th was truly a watershed in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria.

10) LABOUR FRIENDLY

“How can anyone go to bed and sleep soundly when workers have not been paid their salaries for months”? – President Muhammadu Buharu

“I actually wonder how the workers feed their families, pay their rents and even pay school fees for their children.” – President Muhammadu Buhari

· Inauguration of the minimum wage review committee on Monday 27 November. It's better late than never. The 5 year cycle of the current Minimum Wage Act legally backing the subsisting negotiated minimum wage of N18000 signed by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010 was due for negotiation in 2015, two years ago. The historic inauguration once again demonstrates the globally acknowledged concern of President Muhammadu Buhari to the welfare of the workers and citizens in general as contained in 1999 constitution.

11) INTERNATIONAL - GAMBIA

· BUHARI STOOD FOR DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA


12) LABOUR HAILS PRESIDENT BUHARI ON AFCFTA
· We hail the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari in allowing for more consultations and deliberations on the controversial African Union Continental Free Trade (ACFTA) Area expected to be ratified on Wednesday in Kigali, Rwanda. Labour also acknowledged and commended “the vigilance of all stakeholders”, namely manufacturers, NLC and business in calling for caution on international trade agreements that could undermine Nigerian development aspirations.

· While intra-African Trade can bring economic benefits to member states, there should be broad consultation and participation in the CFTA negotiations to avoid what he called “pit-falls of past trade agreements which have turned to be more devastating and negative”.

DEMAND

· We hereby demand a bi-partisan support for President Buhari.
· We demand coalition of Nigeria DEVELOPMENT NOT for Power.

- The project was conceived since 1977 made up of 6 Lots.
- Lot 1 has just been commissioned by President Buhari - it is a double track line covering a length of 45km
- It has 12 passenger stations
- The Idu Station is to serve as a transfer station, transferring to the national rail line
- The Idu Station would also serve as a maintenance base
- Some of the economic benefits include:
- It would accelerate National Economic Growth; It would provide a better investment climate; it would improve the living conditions of Nigerians in the Abuja metropolis; it would create more employment; it would save energy; it would provide for greater social stability; it would ease transportation in the FCT.

On 11 July 2018, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will sell Nigeria’s technology and entertainment industries to global leaders at the Silicon Valley and Hollywood respectively. With his track record for impeccable sales pitch, companies and individuals are waiting impatiently for the investments and attention that will follow this historic visit.



We all know that when it comes to thinking outside the box, Prof Yemi Osinbajo ticks all the boxes. He's naturally pumped up to achieve goals that are daunting and Herculean. So when I read chatter surrounding Prof Osinbajo, I wonder if Nigerians think he should be a superhero out of a Marvel flick. They sometimes blame him for things that he has NO-Business with.



But like we often say, the reward for hard work is MORE work, and Prof Osinbajo is clearly confirming that saying. He is a workaholic, he is a perfectionist, he is a result-oriented and goal-driven person, so we often expect him to do the job of the security agencies, the ministers, the governors and in some cases the local government chairmen.

But we wouldn’t really appreciate VP Osinbajo if we do not understand his job description (JD) in the constitution. I think it’s because Nigerians are ignorant of his JD that they expect him to do everything.

According to the 1999 Constitution, “The executive functions of the Nigerian vice president includes participation in all cabinet meetings and, by statute, membership in the National Security Council, the National Defence Council, Federal Executive Council, and the Chairman of National Economic Council. Although the vice president may take an active role in establishing policy in the Executive Branch by serving on such committees and councils, the relative power of the Nigerian vice president's office depends upon the duties delegated by the president.”

I think Nigerians should appreciate Osinbajo and not overwhelm him at every opportunity they get. The man clearly wants a better Nigeria and will work his sock off to make it happen. He travels across the country on daily basis as if he were teleporting or Hubert Davenport of ‘Rent-A-Ghost.

Without understanding his JD many of us say he did not speak up at this instance or at that occasion or on this issue but we do not understand that the man cannot step out of his jurisdiction.

Look across the globe, how many Vice Presidents names can you remember off hand. I’m sure Mike Pence will come to mind for those who follow US politics but not many can recall the last time they saw Mike Pence.

Just because VP Osinbajo is hardworking, diligent and committed to the Nigerian project is not enough reason to rub it in and demand that he does things that he shouldn’t do. When I read people asking him to speak up on matters, I chuckle because that is the job of a spokesperson.

He is redefining the role of the VP and I think he deserves more support.


By Bernard Okri

In recent updates following the visit of the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to Plateau and Lagos States respectively, Nigerians have taken to social media to applaud the efforts of Prof. Osinbajo in resolving the conflicts.

Some have described him as a leader who feels the pain of the masses.

Several Nigerians have affirmed their unwavering support and love for Osinbajo, while others called for the perpetrators to be brought to book in earnest.

See reactions below:

dboi‏ @ab_osayande

Replying to @ab_osayande @ProfOsinbajo

The man cannot call shots without authorization from President @MBuhari. The most I believe he is permitted to do is to call a press brief and try to contain the situation as quick as possible. But for him to call the shots is above his position.



IMPRESSOR‏ @BaJOkay

Replying to @ProfOsinbajo

I appreciate the Vice President concern about this, obviously he has expressed sadness over the killings. Sir your immediate visit to Plateau is an applaudable development. I believe restructuring can also end these incessant killings

IMPRESSOR‏ @BaJOkay

Replying to @BaJOkay @ProfOsinbajo

And what i mean by Restructuring is not dividing Nigeria but states should be able to control their own resources, control their own SECURITY, be able to generate more income and exercise greater freedom, according to the Vice President.

HANIIF UMAR ��‏ @_iamHanif

Replying to @ProfOsinbajo

May God bless My Vice President. I pray Peace shall flourish all Over the Nation. And Pls Sir, ignore all these Biafrans for they do not know what they are doing

Dr. Sulaiman Kumo, II‏ @dr_kumo

Replying to @ProfOsinbajo

By God's grace sir and we appreciate your efforts.

Jerry koko‏ @kokomatic

I will campaign properly for Buhari/Osinbajo in 2019. If you are not comfortable, block me in advance. Thanks

MUKHTAR RIGACHIKUN‏ @RIGACHIKUN123 Jun 27

Replying to @kokomatic

We are here to support you

Prince Adeshina‏ @RealAdeshina Jun 28

Replying to @kokomatic

I will also campaign for them.

Reno Omokri‏Verified account @renoomokri

I commend VP @ProfOsinbajo for declaring support for state police as a panacea to the spate of killings in Nigeria. The old Osinbajo is back. It is the only solution that makes sense. You cant call Governors Chief Security Officers if they have no police officers at their control

Ibrahim Mela Bilal‏ @MelaBilal

Replying to @ProfOsinbajo

My prayer is that this Goodwill, reach the right people.... @ProfOsinbajo

The cash transfer office has dismissed rumours that the scheme is deriving poor Nigerians of their benefits and entitlements.

Sources from the office revealed that not everybody captured in the National Social Register (NSR) is being paid the bi-monthly 10,000 given to the poor and vulnerable.

This is because the poor and vulnerable households captured in the NSR are being ranked via Proxy Means Test to get the categories of potential beneficiaries to be enrolled on the programme of which those enrolled on are paid.

Moreover, it was revealed that some beneficiaries from pilot states has experienced as at today nine payment circles (a circle is two months) while other beneficiaries has experienced three payment circles which means they have been paid six months stipends.

For Oyo state particularly, beneficiaries has been receiving payment right from the commencement of payment on the programme and the new set of beneficiaries that came on board in February/March 2018 has also experienced their second payment circle (4 months of payment) which ended last week.

The source also revealed that some other beneficiaries in the following states; Bauchi, Ekiti, Osun, Kogi, Kwara, Cross River and Niger has experienced nine payment circles except for Niger state that has only experienced three payment circles( six month of payment) because it came on board the programme in December 2017/January 2018 as second set of beneficiaries.

It was disclosed that nobody on this programme is forced to save from the stipend they receive rather they are encouraged to form groups to enable them save something from their stipend.

The source concluded that every beneficiary on the programme is paid his/her actual amount of 10,000 as at when due and there is no irregular payment or forceful deduction.

Meanwhile, there is a grievance redress mechanism put in place to address some issues of concern in order to ensure that beneficiaries and non- beneficiaries make complaints with the view to seeing them being resolved.

Everybody loves this attribute, “Being active in whatever you do”. Nobody appreciates a dormant or docile personality, ranging from school, work and even in politics or governance. Many would wonder why the vice president of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) is loved and appreciated in the country, well the answer to this is the Professor’s pro-activeness to urgent matters and his not ever sitting in the villa attitude.

Nigerians who couldn’t see or access their Vice President years ago are now coming to know a visible one. This article seeks to take a look at the current Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo’s body language, and behavioural attitude to matters of urgency and national importance compared to the previous administrations’ hidden and mostly inactive vice president.

The recent visit of the Vice President to Plateau State where there were disastrous killings over the weekend is of worthy mention. One would have expected the usual sending of delegates or the service chiefs to assess the site as was the case in other dispensations, but here it was not the case. The Vice President and the President both visited the state to get a first-hand brief on the crisis and to know the kind of solutions to tackle it with rather than just being briefed.

The Vice President has been of great assistance to the President as well. He has represented him at key events and carried out these functions graciously, unlike what many have described as the ghost Vice President in the former Vice President Namadi Sambo.

So far the Vice President has visited sixteen states of the Federation as an evangelist of the President Buhari agenda especially in promoting technological innovations, the social investment programmes and MSMEs.

Prof has indeed redefined the position of Vice President giving whoever would succeed him in years to come hard work to do in matching his records. Traditionally, a person occupying the position of the Vice President may choose to hide in the shadows of the villa and be non-accessible, but it takes determination and high value for what one does to step out from the traditional way of doing things.



On May 15, 2018, the Vice President arrived Benue amidst crisis in the state and further went to an internally displaced person camp for on-site assessment; that same day he later addressed stakeholders in providing solutions to the crisis in the state.

Due to the recent killings in Plateau State Professor Yemi Osinbajo paid a condolence visit to the state and the people who are currently in grief after losing their loved ones and also met stakeholders to proffer solutions to the killings in the communities.

The Vice President also recently visited Ibadan for the state’s edition of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Clinic and a town hall meeting with the youths. As described by Adeyemi Agaba, the Oyo State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives; “This programme is one of the socio-economic interventions of the Federal Government domiciled in the Office of the Vice President to assist businesses to thrive in Nigeria,”

In May 2018, Professor Yemi Osibanjo inaugurated Kano state’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises for viable enterprises in Kano State, he also inspected the on-going construction of Zaria Road, Dangi Underpass and Overhead Bridge and the state’s skill acquisition centre; he was also in Enugu State where he commissioned the Vocational Skills Training Centre at the Anamco Automobile Plant in Emene where youths are to be trained.

He also went to Abia State where he launched the Multi-Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Umuobiakwa in Obingwa Local Government Area of the state. In driving Nigeria’s technology revolution, Osibanjo has championed a very robust campaign on technology and entrepreneurs, he has visited tech hubs across the country and also partnered with many of them.

Afterward, Prof Osinbajo declared open the North East Innovation Hub in Yola, Adamawa. Days later, he was in Benin City, capital of Edo State where he commissioned the first Benin Innovation Hub that will host over twenty-five Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies for the training of people and residents of the state on various ICT-based skills. He has also visited loads of hubs in Lagos and Abuja. On the 23rd of June 2018, he inaugurated a large tech hub, which he said could drive Nigeria’s technology growth and export of innovations.

We have also seen the Vice President travelling from one state to another – sometimes in just one day he visits up to three states.

Also worthy of note was the event tagged “The Student Innovation Challenge” aimed at promoting innovations by the youths of Nigeria ably supported by Professor Yemi Osinbajo. The Student Innovation Challenge (SIC) held in the University of Lagos on the 22nd of June 2018 and was graced by the Vice President. During the visit he noted that “…The Student Innovation Challenge is about collaboration, innovation, and creativity. Students from across Universities and Polytechnics in Nigeria will pitch their innovative ideas, learn the skills required to start and grow a successful business, perfect pitch delivery, receive business developmental support and join a network of successful entrepreneurs and innovators.”

The support offered by the Vice president didn’t come as shocking to many as he has always been accessible to the Nigerian youths.

From all these, and even more unmentioned, we can easily conclude that we have a very visible Vice President in Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

By Kazeem Shuaib

It is an indisputable fact that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo shares some fundamental values with President Muhammadu Buhari in terms of integrity and vision to rejuvenate Nigeria into a prosperous country. This is amply demonstrated in his approach to the revival of moribund national institutions and establishment of new ones.

Realising that economy remains the engine room of development for any country, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has continued to make deliberate efforts aimed at providing the enabling environment for the various states and Nigeria’s economy in general to once again witness a boost.

For example, the creation of MSME Clinics under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan is meant to provide spot-on solutions to the challenges of the Medium and Small scale Enterprises in Nigeria. To realise this objective, the clinics partner with key government institutions like Bank of Industry, Corporate Affairs Commission, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Nigeria Export Import Bank and Bank of Agriculture.

Some of the benefits accruable from the MSMEs Clinics are speedy access to finance, business registration at 50% in some cases, product registration and certification within a record time. Already the federal government has launched the pilot scheme of the One Stop Shop Solutions for MSMEs in five states while more states will still benefit.

So far the vice president has visited sixteen states of the federation for the MSMEs Clinics.

His inclination to think out of the box as the leader of the federal government’s economic team has in many ways boosted the country’s economy and attracted the inflow of foreign direct investments. Presently Nigeria is the preferred destination for foreign investors while the stock exchange and Nigeria’s foreign reserve are on the upward swing. Professor Osinbajo is also applying ingenuous solutions to the myriad of problems in the country.

A typical example is the federal government’s initiative in setting up National Social Investment Programme NSIP Innovation Technology Hubs across the country. The focus is to use these hubs to fix problems that are peculiar to each of the six geo-political zones of the country and to ensure their sustainability the federal government is partnering with the private sector. The Innovation Hubs are tailored to meet the peculiar needs of each geo-political zone. For example, the North East Innovation Hub will support innovative solutions to the humanitarian challenges in the North East part of the country, and this will be in partnership with the private sector and the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

The South South Innovation Hub is meant to find workable solutions to the challenges in Tourism, Education, The Environment and Oil & Gas, while the South East and North Central Innovation Hub is tailored towards solving problems associate with commerce, finance, governance and agriculture. Similarly, the federal government is partnering with Ventures Platform Foundation to realise the objectives. This unique problem-solving model will be replicated in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria

There is no doubt that his unrelenting support to various state governments, federal ministries, agencies and parastatals has served as a catalyst for the turnaround we are currently witnessing in the various sectors of the economy. Firstly, on assumption of office, Professor Yemi Osinbajo with the support of President Muhammadu Buhari rolled out various policy measures aimed at alleviating the plight of the most vulnerable groups in our midst.

To cater for the needs of poor school children, a school feeding programme was introduced across the thirty six states of the federation, whereby every primary school child was entitled to one meal a day. Similarly the N-Power programme of the Buhari/Osinbajo administration has become institutionalised and a global model for empowering jobless youths.

It is also worth remembering that based on the collective vision of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Nigerians realised that Nigeria can actually be a rice exporting country. Today that vision has been realised as we are now self-sufficient in rice production. This achievement is unprecedented and was unimaginable until the duo came to the saddle.

Professor Yemi Osinbajo can be said to have brought innovation into the way Nigeria’s economy is being managed as his innovative ideas have seen businesses being revived, industrial clusters being set up, technology hubs being established and markets being electrified with solar power across the country.

These systematic and deliberate efforts by the federal government have helped to create jobs for the country’s teeming youth population and released the creative energies of the Nigerian people. There is no doubt that with the commitment the federal government has brought to bear on rejuvenating the economy that a solid foundation is being laid for the rapid industrialisation of the country.

It is also gratifying that serious attention is being paid to the economy as it forms one of the three major planks of President Muhammadu Buhari’s cardinal objectives in government. Security and war against graft are equally receiving adequate attention.

Professor Yemi Osinbajo has been tireless and focussed at ensuring that Nigerians reap the dividends of democracy as encapsulated in the ‘’change agenda’’ of the administration, and so far his efforts are reverberating across the country and yielding expected results.

As a man of vision imbued with rare leadership qualities he is not given or predisposed to inanities and trivialities, rather he always concentrates on dealing with developmental issues that can impact positively on all Nigerians.

From Kano to Edo, Lagos to Enugu, Calabar to Benue, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has become the man of the moment as he continually enjoys the goodwill and support of President Muhammadu Buhari in their collective vision and desire to make life more meaningful for Nigerians.

Perhaps it needs to be restated for the umpteenth time that with the various programmes and policies being put in place by the Buhari/Osinbajo administration such as the revival of the railways, agricultural revolution, and fight against corruption, poverty eradication, youth empowerment and support to businesses, Nigeria is on an irreversible path to growth, progress and development. This is possible and can only be achieved with the unalloyed support of the people.

By Chukwudi Enekwechi JP

An Abuja Based Journalist

Kwechis19@yahoo.com

BY YAHAYA WADA
Reading through my brother, Yushau Shuaib's article, about some decisions taken by some organizations, I was not too surprised about his motive for the write-up, taken into account his antecedents.
Ordinarily, I shouldn't have responded to this malevolent and unsubstantiated article knowing full well what the writer represents, but, for the fact that it is a deliberate attempt to drag the reputation of a man that has clearly shown a high level of patriotism, the Vice President of our beloved country, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, into mud. I have mandated myself not to keep quiet, without informing the readers about the truth, hence the reason for this rejoinder.
Before I address the issues raised in his boring article, let me briefly inform Nigerians, that Yushau Shuaib is a known articulate and ready tool, to be hired or sponsored by any blackmailer.
Yushau Shuaib's shady deals earned him compensations from powerful politicians into some Federal MDAs. Among them are Federal Ministries of Information, Finance, Health, as well as the Revenue Mobilization Allocation & Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). The last Federal Government Agency he worked before he was exposed and subsequently fired, was the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), after his sponsorship by some powerful politicians from a particular zone, to attack the former Minister of Finance, Dr. Okonjo Iweala. (Link: http://www.informationng.com/2013/04/nema-spokesman-removed-from-office-for-criticising-okonjo-iweala.html)
Now, let me go to the issues raised in Yushau Shuaib’s disjointed and unintelligent article. In his first paragraph, he ignorantly and stylishly accused the Vice President of being the board Chairman of agencies, according to him, that victimize and destroy the career of innocent and competent Public Officers, through illegal and arbitrary means of political appointees.
May I remind Yushau Shuaib, that history would always be kind to Professor Yemi Osinbajo, for being the first State Attorney General that introduced pro bono to assist innocent and competent Public Officers, from illegal and arbitrariness who could not afford the services of lawyers in Nigeria. Think about it my brother Yashuaib.
Thank God, my brother acknowledged the fact that Vice President has a reputation to protect, and it is that reputation, that is free of ambiguity or doubt, that the Vice President is trying to protect, by refusing to compromise his integrity, a posture that has made it difficult for corrupt officers to strive under the MDAs he chairs.
On the issue of Bolouri Opukin, I expected that the personality of Yashuaib's status would have done due diligence, by doing thorough investigaton before coming to the public to make unguided comments against a patriotic Vice President, whose interest is about Nigeria's unity and progress. For your information sir, the case between the lady in question and her organization is about misconduct in service. Her office based its actions on public service rule (PSR) 030407, which defines ‘false claims against government officials’ as a serious misconduct for which an employee should be dismissed as ultimate penalty.
The Public Service Rule is very clear about the penalty for serious misconduct in Public Service. So, it will be unfair and callous for anyone to link the Vice President to petty issues as this. Although, Yashuaib acknowledged it was a claim, now the question begging for answer is how an experienced and educated character like Yashuaib relies on conjecture to make public comments? It is indeed very unfortunate.
As for Mrs. Mariam Danna Muhammed, I sincerely sympathise with her, but the fact must be told, her case is that of employer and employee relation. The Vice President cannot impose his decisions, or any other person’s for that matter, on a private company that is out to make profit. So, citing the recommendations of the Attorney General of the Federation does not add up, it was just an advisory. The onus is on the company to either re-absorb her or not.
NDPHC is private limited liability company and had the right to hire and fire, they can take a decision to disengage any staff without stating any reason. In Samson Babatunde Olanrewaju V. Afribank Nigeria Plc (2001)13 NWLR (Pt.731) 691, the Appellant’s employment was dismissed by the Respondent in a letter which stated no reason.
The terms of employment gave power to the respondent to dismiss for gross misconduct which was proved at trial. The Supreme Court per Katsina-Alu JSC stated; “the law regarding master and servant is not in doubt. Under this class of employment, there cannot be specific performance of a contract of service. The master has the right to terminate the contract of his servant at any time and for any reason or for none.”
As for the NEMA staff suspended, I expected Yashuaib to have done his findings before embarking on a futile sojourn as this one. The suspension of those officers by the Board of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), came as a result of the recommendation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in order to allow detectives unfettered access to vital document.
It may interest Yasuaib and his sponsors, to note that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita and the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, both appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Emergency and Disaster preparedness, investigating the activities of NEMA and made some salient clarifications backing the legality of the suspension of the affected officers (link: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/04/nema-suspension-six-directors-osinbajo-board-order-hos/ ).
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation also made it categorically clear, that the suspension of the affected officers were in order, citing the relevant provisions in the Public Service Rule (Link: http://www.nan.ng/news/suspension-of-nema-directors-staff-in-order-hos/)
As for the needless comparison, let me tell Yashuaib that comparing the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, with other people that held that same position since 1999, is like comparing light with darkness. The Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria before now, was tagged as “spare tyre” office, but the vibrancy and productiveness of Professor Yemi Osinbajo has changed that mind-set!
May I strongly inform my brother Yashuaib, and his sponsors, that the Vice President is known for his diligence and has not disappointed the majority of Nigerians that elected him in 2015. No amount of campaign of calumny and blackmail, can deter the Vice President from continuing with the good job he is doing.
God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria

Wada Yahaya

Stabilizing The Economy Through MSMSE Clinics

By Amaechi Agbo.


“In a society in which nearly everybody is dominated by somebody else's mind or by a disembodied mind, it becomes increasingly difficult to learn the truth about the activities of governments and corporations, about the quality or value of products, or about the health of one's own place and economy.

In such a society, also, our private economies will depend less and less upon the private ownership of real, usable property, and more and more upon property that is institutional and abstract, beyond individual control, such as money, insurance policies, certificates of deposit, stocks, and shares. And as our private economies become more abstract, the mutual, free helps and pleasures of family and community life will be supplanted by a kind of displaced or placeless citizenship and by commerce with impersonal and self-interested suppliers...

Thus, although we are not slaves in name, and cannot be carried to market and sold as somebody else's legal chattels, we are free only within narrow limits. For all our talk about liberation and personal autonomy, there are few choices that we are free to make. What would be the point, for example, if a majority of our people decided to be self-employed?"

Above excerpts from Wendell Berry's, The Art of the Commonplace: The Agrarian Essays, sums up how a society would be when government policies and programmes were not well-tailored or targeted at the people.

For all that government does, no matter its name or configuration, the people are at the centre. It is based on this that every government that wants to win and retain the support of the masses or its citizenry, must go a long way in fashioning and churning out policies and programmes particularly economically, not only to empower the people but also to engage them and prosper them for greater contributions to the national economy.

In keeping with its three cardinal election campaign promises, one of which is economic stability, the federal government led by President Muhammadu Buhari in January, 2017 launched the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Clinics.

In many ways the administration has attempted to ensure that it betters the lives of its citizenry through establishment of the right economic policies and empowering institutions geared towards overseeing the economic welfare of the people. Because a healthy populace, is a healthy and stable economy.

Upon assumption of office in 2015, the administration has been working round the clock to ensure that Nigerians - over 70% of them living below one dollar per day - live better lives, engage in businesses of their choices and contribute, in greater propensity, to the growth of the economy. Economically empowered citizens contribute towards building a vibrant and robust capital development of the nation.


To fast track this, the federal government launched its Economic and Recovery Growth Plans, ERGP in 2016. Embedded in the policy is the Micro, Small Medium Enterprises, (MSMEs) Clinics launched in 2017.

The programme, apart from ensuring increased production of goods in the manufacturing sector, agriculture as well as provision of substitution to hitherto imported goods, is also designed to bring about significant and sustainable Gross Domestic Product, (GDP) growth, spur employment generation and increase in local productivity, thereby reducing import bills on food and essential products that can be produced locally.

MSMEs Clinic also realigns the role of government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) as facilitators of business as well as bring about increase in foreign exchange earnings through export.

By so doing, the clinic addresses all the plethora of challenges affecting the growth and productivity of MSMEs in Nigeria.

The principal objectives of the MSMEs Clinic programme are to create a platform for stake-holders and businesses to discuss issues affecting set-up and operations of small, low-income businesses in the country; create a platform where government and other stakeholders can share and provide information of all the policies, programmes and initiatives currently existing in the country for encouraging MSMEs.

At different times and cities, the MSMEs Clinic has been launched in some States with Aba in Abia state, Nigeria's largest commercial hub kicking off the establishment of the scheme across the states on January 26, 2017.

This was followed by the establishment of that of Onitsha, the commercial nerve of the South East in Anambra state.

Other states that the scheme has been established include Cross River, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, Kwara, Kano, Katsina, Anambra, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Ondo, Osun, FCT, and Kogi.

Like in the FCT, Onitsha launching had 4, 000 beneficiaries in attendance while Kano recorded 12, 000 participants.

Although official documenation on the actual figure of MSMEs in Nigeria remains a subject of debate, it is estimated that Nigeria currently has a total of 39 million micro, small and medium enterprise businesses.

In the same way a hospital clinic is established with doctors deployed to diagnose, cure and provide professional medical advice to patients, in the light the MSMEs Clinics operate.

MSMEs Clinic agencies such as Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN; Bank Of Industry, BOI; National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, etc, who offer specialized incentives to the small business owners meet with the businessmen and women with the intention to identify and discuss business hindrances or obstacles militating against their growth, offer professional advice and provide solutions to the challenges.

The federal government has intensified its outreach in championing the establishment of the MSMEs Clinic in the states across the federation with the latest being that of Edo State which was carried out on Thursday, June 14, 2018.

In launching the MSMEs Clinic in the Federal Capital Territory, the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osibanjo, explained the importance of the clinic to over 4, 000 beneficiaries who turned up for the event.

According to the Vice President, “MSME Clinics serve as a one stop shop to address challenges faced by small business owners in the country

“Working very closely with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, we came up with the idea of MSMEs Clinics as an important building block not as a silver bullet, but as an important block in finding a solution.

"The term Clinics was chosen deliberately to reflect three things all borrowed from the health sector. The first is that individual MSMEs face problems that can hopefully be addressed through direct access to relevant officials.

"The second is that direct consultations with very senior experts will find solution.

"The third is that a reasonably large number of people can be attended to without any need for expensive and time consuming travel to agencies offices,” he stated.

Relevant agencies being mobilized to ensure the initiative achieve the objectives include: Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), Nigerian Export Promotion Council(NEPC), Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN).

Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Export-Import Bank and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Others include, Bank of Industry (BOI), Nigeria Customs Service, Ministry of Trade and Investment, among many others.

It could not be forgotten that Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had launched the MSME Development Fund with a share capital of N220 billion, in order to support the MSMEs programme

In launching the MSME Clinic in Onitsha, Anambra State, in April last year, the VP explained the reasons for the scheme and its importance to the growth of the nation's economy as well as roles that certain agencies will play to make the scheme a success.


“As individual units, MSMEs may be small, but together they account for up to 50 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and over 80 percent of the labour force. It therefore follows that they are of decisive importance in the national economy.

“MSMEs have tended to be neglected in this country over the years. This is partly as a result of competing priorities and a tendency to discount their contribution to the national economy.

“The MSME Clinics were conceived in this context and they are designed to bring the regulatory agencies whose work affects the business experience of MSMEs nearer to them. This will enable MSMEs to bring their business-related problems to regulatory agencies for solution outside the formal and sometimes intimidating offices of these agencies.

"Of course, having all the agencies in one location at the same time saves MSMEs the travel time and cost of going to different agencies.

“MSME Clinics have also enabled regulatory agencies to gain a better understanding of the difficulties that MSMEs face and caused them to take steps to remedy the situation where required. For instance, several agencies have reduced the cost and timelines for service delivery to MSMEs. Since the launch of this programme last year, it has been easier for small businesses to access funds, because the Bank of Industry (BoI), Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) and NEXIM Bank have used it to expose their products and increase their loans to MSMEs.

“NAFDAC has made it easier to do business, by reducing the cost and waiting time for product registration for small businesses. What used to take 8 months now takes 3 months.

"On its part, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) now registers businesses within 48 hours and also carries out registration during the Clinics at reduced prices.”

“The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) have both slashed their charges on various products and services, just to support small and medium enterprises.

“To foster continuity after the Clinics, at least five State governments have set up ‘One-Stop Shops’ that bring all the relevant agencies together in one place, so as to enable small businesses access their services on an on-going basis with relative ease,” he said.

The states that have established MSMEs Clinic One-Stop Shop include Plateau, Kwara, Katsina, FCT, among others.

World Bank in its report on the MSMEs' roles in fast tracking the development of economies of 3rd World nations noted that:“MSMEs are, collectively, the largest employers in many low-income countries, yet their viability can be threatened by a lack of access to such risk-management tools as savings, insurance and credit. Their growth is often stifled by restricted access to credit (loan), equity and payments services.”

Access to financial services can therefore boost job creation, raise income, reduce vulnerability and increase investments in human capital.

MSMEs account for a significant share of employment and GDP around the world, but, when they have limited access to finance, the economy suffers a series of negative consequences: Economic and social opportunities are restricted or lost entirely, enterprise creation and growth are restrained, households and enterprises are more vulnerable to threats, and payments are costlier and less safe.

A World Bank Enterprise Survey found that the smaller firms are less likely to have access to capital – a factor that constrains their ability to grow and become more productive. They are also more likely to rely on informal sources of capital – a factor that is often negatively associated with growth and firm performance.

Access to finance is disproportionately difficult for smaller firms in the least developed countries (LDCs), with 41 percent of SMEs in LDCs reporting access to finance as a major constraint to their growth and development, by comparison to 30 percent in middle-income countries (MICs) and only 15 percent in high-income countries (HICs).

These are the problems the MSME Clinics are tackling in Nigeria.

The renewed focus on MSMEs sector is significant because they constitute the bedrock of economic development in most countries, with four out of five new jobs being created by the sector in emerging markets such as Nigeria's.

To underscore the importance the Federal Government attaches to the MSMEs Clinic, the Vice President, during the establishment of the MSMEs Clinic in Jos, Plelateau State, gave this caveat “Every time that a public servant is an obstacle to anyone seeking approvals or licenses, he or she attacks the Nigerian economy and its future. Our individual and collective vision or objective as civil or public servants must be advancing the social and economic prosperity."

Amaechi Agbo is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja.

The Methodist Archbishop of Abuja, Oche Job, says he admires President Muhammadu Buhari because he is a man that fears no one.
The archbishop’s remark was sequel to the recent signing of four bills into laws by Mr Buhari.
The president had on June 8, assented to the Constitution Fourth Alteration Bill, which grants financial autonomy to the State Houses of Assembly and the states’ Judiciary nationwide.
The law is to ensure that the budgetary allocations of the states’ Houses of Assembly and the judiciary will no longer go through the budgeting process of the executive arm at the state level, but will be transferred directly to the their accounts.
Mr Buhari also signed into law the Bill No. 16 which stipulates that where a Vice-President succeeds a President or a Deputy Governor succeeds a Governor, he or she can no more contest for that office more than once.
Other bills signed into laws were the Constitution Amendment No. 21, which relates to determination of pre-election matters and the Bill No. 9 which gives the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) sufficient time to conduct bye-elections.
The clergyman, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, said if Mr Buhari “is a man who fears what people will say, by now, he would have become very nervous.
“For sure, I commend him. You see, Buhari fears no one and that’s why I like him. He makes up his mind and says and does what he thinks is the best for the nation.
“People may not praise him now but by the time he leaves the seat, and somebody comes in and they begin to do comparison, they will say if it were in the time of Buhari, oh my God, this thing would have been this.”
President Muhammadu Buhari speaking
He said the financial autonomy for the states’ legislators and judicial officers would ensure accountability at the state level.


“First, the autonomy in terms of finances, I think it is for accountability. So that one is perfect.
“It is the best way because if somebody is controlling what you have or you live in fear when the money comes to you, you cannot give proper account of what has been bestowed to you,” he said.
The archbishop said with the signing of the Bill No. 16 into law, the president had justified Nigerians’ action on the 2015 presidential election.
“Let’s take former President Goodluck Jonathan as example. He took part of Yar’Adua’s tenure and by the time it came to him properly, he was elected properly.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan
When he sought for re-election, people were already tired of him because the period he took from Yar’Adua plus the period he spent on his own which he was elected, people had already known everything about Goodluck Jonathan and they were tired of him.
“Money could not change the minds of the people. And so when I heard about the signing of the bill, I said it is only now that they want to resolve what Nigerians have been covering.”
This nation cannot be taken for a ride. By the time you completed the two years which the other man could not complete and you have done your four years which you won, they have known that if you were to fix Nigeria, you would have fixed Nigeria within that six years.
“And if things were falling apart, they have correct judgment in their heads to see that you must get out of that place,’’ he said.
He urged that every leader in a position of power should hit the ground running as soon as he or she was elected into office.
“Begin to count your days. I would say that any time you have the opportunity to hold an office, put in your best. Don’t be counting years before you will really show the nation who you are.


“Show something different and that will make them to re-elect you. Deliver dividend of democracy and then you can return to your village,” he said.
The clergyman also said that a good leader must have self-confidence.
“If you must rule and have the blessings of the majority, you need to have what is called self-confidence,” he said.
He noted that though there are cabals in Aso Rock at present, they were not as pronounced as in the period of former President Jonathan.
“There are cabals in Aso Villa till now but they are no longer well-pronounced like before. At the time of Goodluck Jonathan, every time and then, you hear of cabals.
‘But I think because Buhari makes up his mind and he knows where he is going, he doesn’t listen to people. That’s why the issue of cabal is no longer pronounced like in the past,” he said.
(NAN)

We are not fools, you have a political motive for saying these things. You also betrayed Abiola back then.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said the Buhari Administration will not be distracted by frivolous allegations from any quarter, especially those cleverly choreographed to divert attention from a widely-acclaimed presidential proclamation and to shore up support for a waning and egotistical cause.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Friday, the Minister said the administration is too busy trying to clear the mess of 16 years and build on its unprecedented achievements over the past three years to waste its energy and time on framing up anyone or dwelling on issues that are not grounded in fact.

He said while those who have skeletons in their wardrobes should be afraid, even of their own shadows, innocent persons need not worry about any investigation, whether real or imagined.

”This administration will never engage in a frame-up of innocent citizens. That is neither in the character of President Muhammadu Buhari nor in that of his administration. Only the guilty should be worried. To paraphrase an African proverb, a man who has no wife cannot lose an inlaw to the cold hands of death.

”The administration is also strongly committed to the tenets of democracy, including freedom of speech and the right to dissent. But we understand that those who, in their time, were untethered to those principles would find it hard to believe,” Alhaji Mohammed said.

The Minister said it was curious that the frame-up and witch-hunt allegations came a day after a major presidential proclamation reversing some past acts of injustice was made, to the relief and acclamation of a long-expectant nation.

”Apparently, the impact of this proclamation was too much to bear by those who, through acts of omission or commission, helped to deepen the wounds inflicted by the blow of injustice that followed an election that was widely acclaimed to be free, fair and credible, hence they felt the need for a red herring that will distract the nation.

”Added to that is the frustration brought about by the fact that the contraption they have so much hyped as a freeway to power has failed to gain traction. Faced with this double tragedy, even the strongest of men may begin to succumb to a figment of their imagination. They may start crying wolf where there is none,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said the unprecedented achievements of the Buhari Administration are also enough to cause sleepless nights, with the attendant symptoms that include phantasm, for those who had better opportunities to make the country great but floundered on the altar of narcissism.

Segun Adeyemi
SA To Hon Minister of Information and Culture
Lagos
8 June 2018

Omololu007:
Buhari has not achieve 30% of what he promised to do

Yes I agree with you on the percentage of achievement but 3 years is not enough. Okbye!

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the Not Too Young to Run Bill, a landmark piece that was conceived, championed and accomplished by young nigerians.

The president who received in audience the coordinators of the bill at the State house earlier today applauded them for establishing a formidable legacy.

The bill which was proposed to reduce the age qualification for President from 40 to 30; Governor from 35 to 30; Senator from 35 to 30; House of Representatives membership from 30 to 25 and State House of Assembly membership from 30 to 25 had the omission of age reduction for Senators and Governors as originally proposed by the sponsors.

However,The president assured that the omission issue will be addressed while going forward.

President Buhari notified the youths that their focus and contributions has successfully increased the quality and maturity of Nigerian democracy hence, expanded their playing field for their participation in politics.

The President pointed out that the youths are undoubtedly Nigeria's most important resources and assured that this administration will continue to do everything in its power to make Nigeria Work for them and the good people of Nigeria.

Moreover, he implored young people to be innovative, inculcate the spirit of self help, engage in legitimate work that will result in long term sustainability and also take full advantage of the opportunities provided not only by this constitutional amendment but also through Nigeria's boundless prospect.

Finally,the president expresses his delight on the accomplishment and hope to see young people transform Nigeria in their own way through various means for the present and future generations.

The best VP Nigeria has had from 1999 till date is Professor Osinbajo. Osinbajo deserves some accolades.

For those who are asking what Osinbajo have done to affect the life of ordinary Nigerians to deserve the accolades see below:

1. Osinbajo played a major role in bringing peace to the Niger Delta in the last 1 to 2 years. It is this peace that have allowed oil to flow uninterrupted which alongside with improving oil price contributed to the stabilization of the Naira and more than double foreign reserves from around $20bn to about $48bn today.

2.Osinbajo actions which has contributed to Naira stability is partly responsible for the continuous drop in inflation for the last 5 months or more. We all know what the price of things were when 1 dollar was almost 500 Naira and what the price of things are today. Anybody who feign ignorance to this fact is just a bitter person.

3. Osinbajo is the head of the team in charge of school feeding. There is school feeding in Anambra state,Ebonyi state, Enugu State and other 17 states currently in Nigeria. What I have learnt about Nigerians who have access to social media is that these sets of Nigerians are the most selfish people in this country. Because many of us who have access to social media are not among those who have kids or siblings in govt/puplic primary schools, we tend to completely ignore the importance of the feeding scheme because our kids and siblings are in private primary schools.

4. Osinbajo is in charge of N Power. And he just launched N Build in Enugu state and Abia state this week where he was received by huge crowds with joy.

5. The conditional cash transfer to the poorest Nigerians is also being handled by Osinbajo. The fact that those of us in social media are not among the poorest of the poor we tend to down play the importance of this programme.

6. Nigeria improvements in ease of doing business was championed by Osinbajo. This has help improve our ranking in the world. Many Nigerians who go to United State to give birth have benefitted alot from this. Before now, u need to get a Visa placed on your child US passport before u can travel with your baby to Nigeria.This was expensive and tedious for many because Nigeria embassy only exists in two states in the United state. Today all u need do is just to send an email to immigration and they usually reply the email within 72hours. With the replied email u can travel with your baby to Nigeria.

7. Osinbajo has been a Bridge Builder and promoter of peace both nationally and across party lines. The way PDP Governors receive him warmly show the degree of respect they have for his person. On the herdsmen issue that is ravaging the country Osinbajo has done his best in driving the discussion towards fact and reality rather than extreme hate and ethno religious bigotry some people would prefer just to blow up the country. For his mature and fact base handling of the issue some ignorant bigots have tag him a coward. Why some out of bitterness and envy call him mere commissioner or conductor.

There are many more contributions Osinbajo has made to Prosperity, Peace and Progress (PPP) of this country.

We must also commend Buhari for allowing Osinbajo to shine without being Jealous that Osinbajo may take the shine away from him. Despite my dislike for Buhari nepotic tendencies, this is one area Buhari deserves commendation and some accolades too.

There's no point pulling a tooth that is not shaky.
Your quest is like asking Jesus to appear now if truly he is the son of God.

I can never forget what PDP did to my state. Blood suckers!
Under PDP in my state, hunger nearly consumed everyone because workers were owed salary for years.
Pensioners died while our governor went about acquiring properties and making so many local and international investments.
God will punish them if they don't leave the v.p alone.

Mr. Laolu Akande is the latest target in the seemingly determined fight back of the defenders of our national commonwealth.

He is no slouch in media matters, being an accomplished reporter and leading journalist who became a national editor way back in 1997 before his 30th birthday. His last reportorial assignment was at the US where he represented The Guardian newspaper including reporting from the White House and the UN. Since he left the paper is yet to fill the vacuum he filled for very many years before returning to Nigeria in 2015. Laolu Akande’s journalism credential is sterling and he has brought this to bear in the way he relates with reporters and media practitioners on his present job.

If one newspaper reporter chooses to isolate himself when most media practitioners have always commended his way of handling thorny media issues, then it’s unfortunate and shows something else including bad belle is at play here.
The art of information management requires that synergy exists between reporters/media and the government. It does not necessarily imply that a frosty relationship must exist between the media and government. The basic knowledge we acquire in mass communication class is the need to communicate so that the society will continue to develop and not to use the power of the pen to destroy. This does not obviate the watchdog role of the media.

To the best of my knowledge, Laolu Akande has in the course of his duties passed the integrity test and indeed surpassed the expectations of many Nigerians in his job performance. In discharging his assigned duties he has always been calm and collected. His human relations has remained a source of pride to many of his colleagues in the journalism profession.
A close contact with Mr. Laolu Akande will prove to any discerning mind that his humility is disarming and sense of judgement inspiring. For many people Laolu Akande has utilised any available opportunity to mix well with his colleagues and he does not have a record of begrudging people, even his adversaries.

In the estimation of many Nigerians Mr. Akande’s decision to leave America and return to serve in the present administration is a mark of patriotism and it is only deserving that we avail him of our support as he continues to serve the nation in his present capacity.

Nigeria is at a stage when all hands must be on deck to support the Buhari administration in its efforts to reposition the country, and this can only be realised with the cooperation of all Nigerians including the media. It does not augur well for practitioners in a strategic sector like the media to be pulling apart when they can work together for the interest of the ordinary Nigerian.

As a proof of the impression most Nigerians have about the Vice President's spokesman Mr Laolu Akande, here are some of the reactions on social media:
'' I am interested in knowing Laolu Akande, the man; quietly being an indispensable figure at the villa, for good reasons'' - Alexander Nochie Onukwe (@nochieonukwe).
'' When you are good, you are good! Laolu Akande, Welldone Sir....'' - Siraj (@sirajabdsamiu).
'' I can't but admire the candour with which Laolu Akande is reporting the activities of the Acting President" Son of David (@osy_suave).
The above randomly selected quotes aptly speak for themselves about the person of Laolu Akande and his job rating. I rest my case.

By Chukwudi Enekwechi (JP)
An Abuja-based Journalist
Kwechis19@yahoo.com

crazysam001:
How is "corruption" now fighting back? Instead of coming out to sing praises at once, you just come and waste somebodys 3 minutes for nothing.

You see why people like you does not have sense?
Yes! Corruption is now fighting back, take it or leave it.

BankeSmalls:
Trash

Anti progress you!
Remain in your darkness if that's what you can't think after reading this article.

This is the dumbest news I've ever came across.
We all need to pray and fast for mad people who sit down to create fake news.

Both the originator and writer of this news are in high level psychosis.

limeta:
There was life during jona time
Right now with Apc nothing but death..
Buhari the terrorist .
Leader of boko haram
Chairman of fulani killers herdsmen
President of death

Stop being stupid!
Thesame man whom you are praising nearly sold you out by looting everything we have in Nigeria.

CodeTemplar:
This strategy of blaming past leader is fast becoming stale. Let this govt stop innocent killings and abduction of innocent Christians and minority tribes instead of blaming past leader they are suppose to persecute.

Let not your mouth put you in trouble, the Government has nothing to do with killings anywhere.

Wow! This is shocking.
These people nearly sold Nigerians out.
Imagine if they had continued, God forbid.

Ngokafor:
You can never vote Jonathan??...is he contesting elections??....kindly focus on the mega failure and disaster you voted called buhari and leave Jonathan be...He is in the past.

And you are clapping for him. Someone who wrecked us and we're suffering the consequences?

This article is baseless and does not portray nothing but confusion.

This is not true! I can't believe an unconfirmed report.
It's not coming from a reliable source.

It's good that everyone has heard from the horse's mouth. Nice one!

IJOBA2:
MUSLIMS ARE ALREADY HERE TO DEFEND THEIR PROPHET

This is why people like you who have been embedded and jaundiced with sentiments would never grow but remain in shallow mindedness.