"I am running for Senate in FCT to raise the bar of leadership, standard of representation and quality of service. For far too long, the people have been offered substandard deliverables in these three strategic areas of development" ~ @OlanrewajuLOsho

#FCTNewDeal #Osho4FCT

FCT NEW DEAL
The Manifesto #Osho4FCT
F - Fantastic Representation
C - Community Engagement
T - Transport Sector Development

N - New Opportunities for Youths Development
E - Economic and Social Justice for Original Inhabitants of FCT
W - Women Affairs and Empowerment

D - Development of Security, Infrastructure and Tourism Architecture of the FCT
E - Education, Environment, Health
A - Agricultural Revolution
L - Leadership Excellence

FANTASTIC REPRESENTATION
"Democracy is all about representation. I will offer my constituent Fantastic Representation that will amplify their voices and champion the issues that bother them as citizens of the FCT."

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
“Every elected official is required by the law of conscience to regularly engage with the electorates to account for their stewardship. I will engage with my constituents twice annually to connect, provide updates, consult and forge ahead."

TRANSPORT SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
“Promoting transportation infrastructure upgrade across the multi-nodal arrangement to improve accessibility, safety and comfort of the people of FCT is an advocacy I am irrevocably committed to.

Your vote will set us on course to make this happen."
#FCTNewDeal #Osho4SenateFCT #Abuja

The Manifesto:

Women Empowerment
"I will champion women rights and empowerment programs that will enhance the capacity of our women across sectors to lead a more fulfilling life and contribute more to the progress of our city and nation." ~ Olanrewaju Osho

#FCTNewDeal #Osho4FCT

FCT New Deal
The Manifesto #Osho4SenateFCT

The Covenant: I Osho Olanrewaju, do solemnly under God, to work tirelessly and selflessly for the good people of FCT in the spirit and letter of this manifesto, carefully and consciously prepared by me for the progress of FCT.

I will serve with humility, simplicity, sincerity and fear of God committing to championing issues that will promote the safety, welfare, security and overall interest of my constituents as well as the unity, peace and prosperity of our nation Nigeria. So help me GOD!

PRESS STATEMENT

The PYO Presidential Campaign Council welcomes our distinguished delegates from across the country to Abuja for our presidential primaries.

As you settle down in Abuja, we implore you to kindly disregard various fake news making the rounds that Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has stepped down.

The purveyors of these fake news are afraid of the huge political support base of Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

Please note that no such action is being contemplated. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is the leading aspirant, as attested to by the report of the party’s screening committee. He is ready for the primaries and very sure of his victory.

Kind regards

Richard Akinnola, Chairman, PYO MEDIA COUNCIL
June 5, 2022

*FACT CHECK*

Did Tinubu actually win 2015 Election For Buhari, or is it just a Propaganda?

_by HardMirror_

Tinubu supporters have always acclaimed the political genius Tinubu is. How without Tinubu, Buhari can never become president, How tinubu ensured Buhari won.

How True is this?

To get the truth, we have to look at the facts, to get the facts we have to look at the records.

2007
In 2007 Tinubu and Atiku aligned against Obasanjo and Yaradua. They spent money, played all their cards but still lost to Yaradua. Not only did they lose, Atiku came a distant 3rd.

Yaradua had 24.6 Million votes
BUHARI HAD 6 million votes
ATIKU WITH TINUBUS HELP ONLY HAD 2.6 million votes.

Buhari had 4million votes more than tinubu and atiku could get without spending the money tinubu and atiku spent
So tinubu proved to be a light weight in national politics in 2007.

2011
Tinubu regroup again in 2011 with his ACN party and presented Nuhu Ribadu. How well did they do?

Jagaban was only able to get 2million votes where Buhari without the money and Media strategies of Mr. Tinubu got a whopping 12 million votes. JONATHAN WON WITH 22MILLION VOTES!

Again Tinubu failed woefully in 2011, he even got lesser votes than in 2007. But Buhari got double the votes he had in 2007. Showing that Buhari was getting more popular and stronger.

2015
2015 was finally the year that projected tinubu to the status he hold till date. It is believed that tinubu helped Buhari win. BUT DID HE? Let us look at the results again.

LAGOS AND OSUN STATE ARE THE 2 STATES COMPLETELY UNDER TINUBU YET BUHARI ONLY WON NARROWLY BY ABOUT 100,000 VOTES IN BOTH STATES. TINUBU could not deliver massive votes for Buhari in the Entire SW. It was embarrassing.

Buhari only managed to win GEJ thanks to KANO, KATSINA and KADUNA. Where he massively floored GEJ. If not for Buhari's popularity in the North, he would have lost as he only narrowly won GEJ. This is also thanks to Kwankwaso as you can see how mu h kwankwaso helped Atiku in 2019 again. Proving kwankwaso is a bigger fish than tinubu in national politics always giving his candidates massive results.

Please note that TINUBU had zero influence in the states that gave Buhari massive votes in 2015.

GEJ HAD PDP CRISIS AT THAT TIME HEADED BY OBASANJO WHO LEFT PDP. not tinubu.
North felt Yaradua did not finish his tenure and a northerner must continue not GEJ.
CHIBOK GIRLS kidnap also was a big factor that tarnished Gej as incompetent.
In all this Tinubu had almost no positive contribution that helped Buhari win.
He paid media and people to go online and start spreading the news that he was the master mind behind Buhari winning. Buhari had always been bigger than tinubu in national politics and the results are there for all to see. Tinubu could not even deliver for Buhari in 2015


Copied.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has said Nigerians must create a country that works for us all.

Speaking when he was formally honoured with the award for Leadership Person of the Year 2021 at the Leadership Newspapers’ Annual Conference and Awards ceremony which held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), in Abuja, Osinbajo said a peaceful and secure society founded on law and order and the rule of law is desirable.

Speaking after receiving the award, the Vice President noted that we must also create a country that can provide, “by means of an effective social welfare scheme, a safety net for the very poor and the vulnerable; a united and tolerant nation where all, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political persuasion, are respected, treated fairly and justly, and have equal access to all opportunities.”

“We must build a Nigeria where a boy or girl does not say that, ‘I am from the South-West, or I am from the North-West, or South-South or North-East, or North-Central or South-East, but that I am a Nigerian, a citizen of one of the greatest and most prosperous nations on earth.”

“This is the kind of Nigeria that those of us in this political tendency, to which Sam Nda-Isaiah belonged, all attest to and believe,” he said.

Prof. Osinbajo dedicated the award to “millions of Nigerians who believe in this new Nigeria, and who retain faith in our possibilities as a people and are doing their best every day in their various corners to build this nation through honest endeavour.”


“To these people of goodwill who are working hard to promote peace, tolerance and to build a country that truly represents all of our dreams; to those working hard to build bridges, those who have refused to be frustrated or even wearied by the trials of our country as it grows and continues into the fullness of its manifest destiny.”

According to him, “it is because of such Nigerians, that despite the great challenges we are passing through on our march of progress, I am certain that we will build this great Nigerian nation that we all yearn for.”

Dignitaries present were several State Governors, including Dr Kayode Fayemi – Ekiti; Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya – Gombe; Bala Mohammed – Bauchi; Aminu Tambuwal – Sokoto; members of the National Assembly and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs and Strategy, Mr. Muhammad Sani Zorro, who represented the First Lady, Aisha Buhari.

Other dignitaries included His Royal Highness, the Etsu of Nupe and Royal Father of the Day, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, who presented the award to the VP; Rev. Father Patrick Alumuku, who represented the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan-Kukah; and also delivered the keynote address themed, “Resetting Nigeria: Culture, Politics, Geography and the role of Big Ideas.”

Senior government officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps also attended the event.

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Osinbajo: Why We Must Create A Country That Works


By
Muideen Olaniyi
Tue, 17 May 2022 18:07:29 GMT

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has said Nigerians must create a country that works for us all.

Speaking when he was formally honoured with the award for Leadership Person of the Year 2021 at the Leadership Newspapers’ Annual Conference and Awards ceremony which held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), in Abuja, Osinbajo said a peaceful and secure society founded on law and order and the rule of law is desirable.

Speaking after receiving the award, the Vice President noted that we must also create a country that can provide, “by means of an effective social welfare scheme, a safety net for the very poor and the vulnerable; a united and tolerant nation where all, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political persuasion, are respected, treated fairly and justly, and have equal access to all opportunities.”

“We must build a Nigeria where a boy or girl does not say that, ‘I am from the South-West, or I am from the North-West, or South-South or North-East, or North-Central or South-East, but that I am a Nigerian, a citizen of one of the greatest and most prosperous nations on earth.”

“This is the kind of Nigeria that those of us in this political tendency, to which Sam Nda-Isaiah belonged, all attest to and believe,” he said.

Prof. Osinbajo dedicated the award to “millions of Nigerians who believe in this new Nigeria, and who retain faith in our possibilities as a people and are doing their best every day in their various corners to build this nation through honest endeavour.”


“To these people of goodwill who are working hard to promote peace, tolerance and to build a country that truly represents all of our dreams; to those working hard to build bridges, those who have refused to be frustrated or even wearied by the trials of our country as it grows and continues into the fullness of its manifest destiny.”

According to him, “it is because of such Nigerians, that despite the great challenges we are passing through on our march of progress, I am certain that we will build this great Nigerian nation that we all yearn for.”

Dignitaries present were several State Governors, including Dr Kayode Fayemi – Ekiti; Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya – Gombe; Bala Mohammed – Bauchi; Aminu Tambuwal – Sokoto; members of the National Assembly and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs and Strategy, Mr. Muhammad Sani Zorro, who represented the First Lady, Aisha Buhari.

Other dignitaries included His Royal Highness, the Etsu of Nupe and Royal Father of the Day, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, who presented the award to the VP; Rev. Father Patrick Alumuku, who represented the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan-Kukah; and also delivered the keynote address themed, “Resetting Nigeria: Culture, Politics, Geography and the role of Big Ideas.”


Senior government officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps also attended the event.


After the Abuja event, the VP proceeded to Kano State to continue his nationwide consultations with stakeholders and delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State.

Earlier on arrival in Kano this afternoon, the Vice President stopped by the scene of Tuesday morning’s explosion in Sabon Gari area of the State, to commiserate with victims, before proceeding with the interactions with the APC stakeholders.

9 dead bodies were recovered from the rubble of a collapsed building beside a primary school, following explosions from gas cylinder on Aba Road in the Sabon Gari area of Kano State earlier today.

DG of NEMA Mustapha Habib Ahmed was at the site of the incident and coordinated the rescue operations in collaboration with sister agencies.

Recall Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who was on scheduled consultations with party Delegates and Stakeholders in Kano, made a stop at the scene of the incident for on-the-spot assessment of the situation.

Two other persons injured by the explosion were taken for treatment at Airforce Hospital, Kano, as rescue operation is concluded, following complete removal of rubble from the location.

Over the last 7 years, Nigeria has instituted and implemented the largest social safety net programme in Africa.

The programme has supported the poorest families, job seekers, traders and artisans in the country through the following:

• Conditional Cash Transfers to the poor families

• N-Power jobs for young jobseekers School Federal Government school Feeding program for primary and secondary school children

• GEEP soft loans for traders, artisans and farmers

The Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF)

The Nigerian Jubilee Fellowship Program (NJIF)

The COVID-19 Targeted Credit Facilities

Undoubtedly, the Osinbajo-led Economic Sustainability Plan, ESP was voted as the best blueprint for economic growth and recovery by the IMF and the World Bank.

As President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo will consolidate on the progress made by the social investments programme by expanding it to reach even more Nigerians.

He will work with the National Assembly to enact a legal framework to institutionalise the programme.

Osinbajo Means Business!

Over the last 7 years, Nigeria has instituted and implemented the largest social safety net programme in Africa.

The programme has supported the poorest families, job seekers, traders and artisans in the country through the following:

• Conditional Cash Transfers to the poor families

• N-Power jobs for young jobseekers School Federal Government school Feeding program for primary and secondary school children

• GEEP soft loans for traders, artisans and farmers

The Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF)

The Nigerian Jubilee Fellowship Program (NJIF)

The COVID-19 Targeted Credit Facilities

Undoubtedly, the Osinbajo-led Economic Sustainability Plan, ESP was voted as the best blueprint for economic growth and recovery by the IMF and the World Bank.

As President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo will consolidate on the progress made by the social investments programme by expanding it to reach even more Nigerians.

He will work with the National Assembly to enact a legal framework to institutionalise the programme.

Osinbajo Means Business!

NIGERIA NOW NEEDS THE RIGOUR & DISCIPLINE TO IMPLEMENT, SAYS OSINBAJO AT NIPSS GRADUATION
*Policy not the issue but implementation, VP submits

“One thing that we must bear in mind, which is my challenge to NIPSS; the problem of Nigeria has never been a shortage of ideas, there is no policy that has never been thought of, but the problem has always been implementation.

“In my respectful view, NIPSS must graduate from a “think-tank” to “do-tank”, and this is the case. We are at a point in our country where policy is not the issue, but the rigour and discipline that is required to implement is what is needed.

“I want to urge NIPSS, that our subsequent studies must be based on the need to attain some level of understanding of how to implement and get things done. Once we are able to do that, we are on our way.”

Below is the full text of the Vice President’s Speech:

SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE COURSE 41 OF 2019 OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR POLICY AND STRATEGIC STUDIES (NIPSS) ON SATURDAY, 23RD OF NOVEMBER, 2019

It is a special pleasure to be here at this graduation ceremony of the Senior Executive Course 41 of 2019 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies. I bring you the warm felicitations of President Muhammadu Buhari, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. And on his behalf, I congratulate you all, participants of the Senior Executive Course, for your stellar performance and your elevation to the privilege of Member of the National Institute, MNI.

I also congratulate family and friends, and especially, spouses of participants on this joyful occasion. NIPSS is our Nation’s foremost think tank. It is here over the years that major policy issues have been originated, debated or proffered.

By bringing together some of the brightest and best Nigerian minds from the armed and non-armed services, business, labour, and the professions to think through policy ideas and options, NIPSS affirms the eminently correct notion that our country is strong because of its tremendous human capital and the richer by its diversity, which leads me to the seminal presentation that this course made yesterday to the President and members of the Federal Executive Council on the crucial subject of “Funding Universal Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria”.

Your in-depth assessment of the issues and insightful recommendations deserve every commendation. Just as the President said yesterday, they certainly will go into thinking through our financing policy, but more importantly, they will form the pillars of our health policies. NIPSS must remain the go-to institution for thinking ahead for our Nation’s development.

Permit me then to say a few words about a phenomenon that we all accept will fundamentally determine the future of our nation and indeed our world, that is the technology revolution, described, I think, accurately as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. To quote Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum, “The First Industrial Revolution used water and steam power to mechanize production. The Second used electric power to create mass production. The Third used electronics and information technology to automate production. Now a Fourth Industrial Revolution is building on the Third; the digital revolution that has been occurring since the middle of the last century. It is characterized by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital and biological spheres.”

The speed and scope of this Fourth Revolution clearly outstrips all previous revolutions put together, the frequency and speed of breakthroughs is mind boggling and the disruption to every aspect of human existence - from healthcare to education, business, agriculture, the professions, entertainment, the arts, security, warfare, sports - is as varied as it is profound. For example, take the smartphone that we all carry, it has 100 times more computing power than the Apollo aircraft that landed men on the moon in 1969. The average smartphone has the capacity to store and access more information than is available in most standard libraries. The phone, through various platforms, connects the user to millions of other phone users all over the world, creating enormous market possibilities. And these possibilities, observes Schwab, “will be multiplied by emerging technology breakthroughs in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, autonomous vehicles, 3-D printing, nanotechnology, biotechnology, materials science, energy storage, and quantum computing.”

There is no question that practically minute by minute every aspect of life is being transformed by technology. There is a need to constantly interrogate our current position in the technology story. There is a need to determine what we need to do to leverage on technology to leapfrog in the development journey.

So, let’s take data as an example. There is no doubt that data, big data, which is the aggregation of information from and by various sources and its use in predicting consumer behaviour, or the present and future needs of communities is crucial. Technology is crucial to the collection and the optimized use of data.

For us as government, we recognise the potential benefits to government from the capacity for better forecasting, to greater accuracy with budgetary planning, enhanced security by overcoming the challenges of anonymity and, especially for citizen empowerment through the ability to be able to bring more of the excluded populace into an inclusive economic participation through digital identification of each and every citizen.

This explains the Federal Government’s commitment to the digital registration of all citizens and legal residents, which, in turn, will be linked to the civil registration of birth and death.

In 2015, we began to harmonize existing databases of government bodies. So far, the harmonization process has increased the records of Nigerians in the central identity database from 7 million to more than 37 million. We are adopting an approach similar to the Indian Aadhaar model, aiming to provide all Nigerians with a unique identity by leveraging the existing enrolment facilities of Government Agencies such as the Immigration and the Federal Road Safety Commission, INEC, CBN (through BVN registration) and enforcing this enrolment of Nigerians for the National Identification Number (NIN) so that we have accurate and up-to-date information on our citizens.



But the more exciting news is the use of technology for more effective private sector financing of agriculture. For example, Farmcrowdy and Thrive Agric are digital agriculture portals that crowdsource funding for farms across Nigeria. So, they pool together money from multiple investors to establish farms and hire smallholder farmers. They then pay the investors dividends from the harvests from these farms.

It is evident that our rapidly increasing population and the advent of the fourth industrial revolution has posed several different challenges, but it is clear also that those challenges can be resolved, and we can do all manner of things using technology.

The educational challenge before us is one. It is obvious from the new curriculum we are developing, the STEAM education in Nigeria - Science, Technology, Engineering Arts and Maths, technology is going to enable us to benefit maximally from technology and have now identified early stage investment in primary and secondary schools all the way to tertiary education as key to achieving Nigeria’s economic aspiration of becoming a knowledge-driven economy. We are poised to do some incredible things.

One thing that we must bear in mind, which is my challenge to NIPSS; the problem of Nigeria has never been a shortage of ideas, there is no policy that has never been thought of, but the problem has always been implementation.

In my respectful view, NIPSS must graduate from a “think-tank” to “do-tank”, and this is the case. We are at a point in our country where policy is not the issue, but the rigour and discipline that is required to implement is what is needed.

I want to urge NIPSS, that our subsequent studies must be based on the need to attain some level of understanding of how to implement and get things done. Once we are able to do that, we are on our way.

Let me congratulate all our participants for the very excellent performance, and also congratulate the new Director-General of the Institute, who has already shown that a lot more is going to happen here in NIPSS, as well as the directing staff for the excellent work they are doing.

I say to the family and friends, congratulations, well done and God bless you.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
24th November, 2019

NIGERIA’S TIME TO LEVERAGE OPPORTUNITIES & PARTNERSHIPS WITH GLOBAL TECH GIANTS IS NOW, SAYS OSINBAJO


*VP receives Co-founder of AliBaba Group, Jack Ma

The creativity and resourcefulness of young Nigerians doing incredible things in the technology space across the country and beyond present great opportunities for partnerships with global technology giants, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

The Vice President stated this on Thursday when he received a delegation of Chinese technology entrepreneurs led by Co-founder of AliBaba Group, Jack Ma, at the Presidential villa.

Mr Ma is in Nigeria on the invitation of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to promote technological innovation amongst young Nigerians as a means of job creation.

According to him, “…just as you said, Nigeria represents an incredible opportunity and potential, and we had spoken a few minutes ago about how Nigeria will in another two decades or so become be the third largest in terms of population in the entire world. The largest segment of that population are young people, under 25, who will be over 60% of that population.

“This is exciting time for us and we are really happy that you are here and I know the young people and lots of businesses and entrepreneurs are looking forward to your interaction with them later today.

“I think you will find very energetic, very creative group of young men and women and older men and women who are increasingly interested in entrepreneurship especially digital entrepreneurship.

“So, the potential is tremendous, it is an incredible potential that we have. So, we are at a point, and your coming is very strategic, in our trajectory and in the progress of our country.

“I think, it is a very important moment and what we are seeing - a lot of entrepreneurship, a lot of young people who are very actively engaged in the digital economy at various levels.”

Continuing, the Vice President spoke about some of the steps already taken by the Buhari administration to support young Nigerians in the technology space in building skills and capacities to create opportunities for themselves and others.

He said, “But just as I said earlier, one of the critical things for us is that with a huge population and so many people living in the rural area, we have major issues around financial inclusions for large numbers of our people. And so making payments or doing financial transactions across the country presents a challenge which we have to meet.

“The point you made is important, namely, that Government must provide the infrastructure for purposes of enabling the entrepreneurs to do more effective business.

“So, that is one of the critical areas for us. We have a programme that is called Broadband Connectivity for all by 2023 which is basically to see how we can deepen connectivity for all.

“We are also looking just as you said about e-government, that’s also crucial because government tends to be viewed with a great deal of suspicion, nobody is quite sure of what the government is up to all the time. We think that government can benefit from the efficiencies that the digital economy provides.

“So we are at a point where we are also looking at how to revolutionize government businesses so that we can do more in terms of business with the ordinary citizens, give more information, do more transactions, get passports and licenses and approvals online and that kind of thing.”

Speaking specifically about the impact of the Federal Government’s N-Power programme the Vice President said, “We started a job programme for young people called N-Power where we engaged half a million young people.”

“We wanted to build the E-frastructure to make this happen, so we gathered a group of young entrepreneurs, so they put together the system which enabled us to engage the half million people.

“We pay them online, we teach them online, we put materials in open portals for them so that they can actually access these portals. They also have equipment (like the one I have) which helps them to train as extension workers for farms. They also work as teachers, so, we train them also using these open portals and all others and it proved to be tremendously successful,” he added.

Earlier in his remarks, Mr Jack Ma who made very commendable remarks about Nigerian entrepreneurs said he had always looked forward to visiting the country.

He said his company was working on promoting technological innovation in the areas of E-frastructure, Entrepreneurship, E-governance and Education in Nigeria and other African countries.

Mr Ma disclosed that four Nigerian technology entrepreneurs are among top 10 African entrepreneurs to be supported by AliBaba Group.

Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President

14th November 2019

RE: Laolu Akande: The Supplanter Comes Full Throttle

By: Adetayo Adekunle

Let me start by saying that I do not hold brief for Mr. Laolu Akande (SSAP Media, OVP) or anybody for that matter.

Accordingly, I urge readers to kindly consider this rejoinder as that of *"a meddlesome interloper"* who jumped into the fray after reading an article and a response.

With all sense of responsibility, Mr. Festus Adedayo's response to Mr. Laolu Akande's rejoinder is rather too shallow, puerile, jejune and below board.

In the article under review, Mr. Adedayo committed the same infractions he alleged Mr. Laolu Akande for.

The entire writeup is high on vitriolic but ephemerally low on substance.

Rather than go personal, methinks it's better to respond to the questions posed to him by Laolu Akande in his rejoinder.

Or was Mr. Adedayo expecting "his supposed friend" to say thank you for spewing unsubstantiated gibberish against his principal?

Without any doubt whatsoever, Mr. Adedayo must have been consuming cheap substances to have alleged that the VP viciously prayed to be substantive President when his boss was sick. Like a scene from a Yoruba movie, Festus further asserted that a PMB ally came in and the VP as well as his Pastors were shell shocked.

If this is not a lie from the pit of hell, what then is it?

Can Mr. Adedayo swear with whatever he believes in that this is the truth?

Since Mr. Adedayo has also decided to be afflicted by selective amnesia, I will assist him to put certain things in the right perspective.

To start with, Mr. Laolu Akande *"NEVER SUPPLANTED"* anybody before he got his editorial job in the Tribune. Facts at my disposal indicates that prior to his (Akande's) appointment, there was a competitive exam and interview where he led with barely 1%. A colleague, Akinjide Akintola came second in that examination.

Secondly, to all intents and purposes, Mr. Akande was your senior colleague at Tribune. You would recall that as early as 1992, Akande was already a household name in Guardian and Nigerian journalism as a whole. As a matter of fact, he was a senior editor before the then Mr. now Prof Wale Adebanwi brought you on board as a writer/reporter. You were at best a subordinate, co-worker and acquaintance but certainly not a friend.

Mr. Adedayo, can you say you have paid your benefactor Wale Adebanwi rightly and justly for all he did for you? What is your relationship with him today?

Furthermore, Akande is still friends with other members of the the 5- man circle you referred to -Prof. Wale Adebanwi of Oxford, Prof Adeolu Akande of Igbinedioun University, Dr. Segun Olatunji and Mr. Bode Opeseitan. All the aforementioned were his friends and they are still best of friends till today.

The same Laolu Akande you described as stagnant has had the rare privilege of interviewing a sitting President of the United States and is currently serving in the Presidency of Nigeria. His appointment and reapportionment were effected effortlessly.

Nigerians surely know the writer that vehemently criticized the process leading to Dr. Ahmed Lawan's emergence as Senate President in daytime only for the so called public intellectual to attend an interview with the aim of working for that same government he pretends to loathe. If I may ask, where is the integrity?

Mr. Adedayo, it is good to flaunt one's achievements but then as a Yoruba man you ought to know about the proverbial child who described his father's farm as the largest in the land before visiting larger farms.

The likes of Rt. Hon. Mojeed Alabi (with six degrees in Law and Political Science), Dr. Akin Onigbinde (another fine gentleman with chain of degrees in Law and Political Science) and other greats whose academic achievements are mouthwatering do not gallivant around town with their degrees but they carry themselves with grace and humility.

While I wish you well in your delusion of grandeur, I can only pity youngsters who see a role model in you.

But please don't forget to unveil the identities of "the Pastors" and "the Buhari ally" who strayed into "frantic prayers for Osinbajo".

Until then, ire oooooooo.

Adekunle, a public affairs analyst, writes from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

RAILWAY HOLDS MASTER KEY TO TRANSFORMING NIGERIA'S ECONOMY - OSINBAJO

*Adds: Its modernization by Buhari Administration will provide linkages, job creation, & more

*After riding the Lagos-Ibadan train from Iju to Kajola, VP performs ground-breaking of wagon assembly plant in Kajola, Ogun State

"This ceremony is not just another event, it is a historic turning point, for us, the railway is not just an alternative and comfortable mode of travel, it holds the master key to transforming commerce in Nigeria and across the continent.

"...the citing of the plant here in Nigeria and the commitment to hiring Nigerians and Nigerian businesses affirms the Presidents directives in Executive Order 5 on prioritizing Nigerians and Nigerian businesses in the innovation, production and procurement of engineering projects and services.

"The plant would offer an important platform for engineers, technicians, artisans and other professionals to gain the specialized skills required for the production and maintenance of rolling stock. This will invariably conduce to spin-off businesses in the region of operation in particular and across the country wherever rail networks are in existence. The plant is expected to generate about five thousand (5,000) direct and indirect jobs."


Below is the full text of the Vice President's speech.


ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AT THE OFFICIAL GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY OF THE RAIL WAGON ASSEMBLY PLANT AT KAJOLA, OGUN STATE ON SATURDAY, 9TH OF NOVEMBER, 2019


It is my special pleasure this afternoon to perform the official ground-breaking ceremony of the Wagon Assembly Plant here in Kajola. The plant which is a private investment undertaken by Messrs CCECC. It is an important project for so many reasons. It is central in the production of rolling stock spare parts and maintenance equipment needed for the railway modernization programme being implemented by the administration of Muhammadu Buhari.


This ceremony is not just another event, it is a historic turning point, for us, the railway is not just an alternative and comfortable mode of travel, it holds the master key to transforming commerce in Nigeria and across the continent.


By linking our ports to rail lines and now, building the rolling stock locally, import and export business within and out of Africa’s largest market will be completely transformed. When completed, it is expected that the plant would produce some parts of the wagons for the Lagos – Ibadan and Abuja – Kaduna rail lines, but also for the central rail lines and to satisfy the needs of other rail operators within the West-African sub-region.


Secondly the citing of the plant here in Nigeria and the commitment to hiring Nigerians and Nigerian businesses affirms the Presidents directives in Executive Order 5 on prioritizing Nigerians and Nigerian businesses in the innovation, production and procurement of engineering projects and services.


The plant would offer an important platform for engineers, technicians, artisans and other professionals to gain the specialized skills required for the production and maintenance of rolling stock. This will invariably conduce to spin-off businesses in the region of operation in particular and across the country wherever rail networks are in existence. The plant is expected to generate about five thousand (5,000) direct and indirect jobs.


I have a message also for you from the President and this is to CCECC which is that we expect that you move on very quickly to the next phase of this project which is the assembly and construction of coaches and locomotives.


This for us will be a significant breakthrough and we look forward to hearing from you as quickly as possible when this will come into operation.


After completing the Abuja – Kaduna Railway project in July 2016, this administration commenced construction works on the Lagos – Ibadan Railway modernization project in March 2017, following which we initiated the rehabilitation and completion of the abandoned Itakpe – Ajaokuta – Warri rail line which was started over three decades ago.


Furthermore, last month, we signed an agreement with Messrs China Railway Construction Company International to construct the Itakpe – Ajaokuta rail line which will be extended from Itakpe to Abuja through Baro Inland Water Port in Niger State with a branch line to Lokoja in Kogi State. This rail line will link into the new Warri sea port being constructed under the agreement.

Also, we are optimizing the Lagos-Ibadan rail modernization project by extending it to the Apapa Port, the nation’s busiest port for the efficient movement of cargo from the port to various destinations. This will expedite import/export flows, decongest the ports, and depressurize our roads in the process.


Also, we are putting all mechanisms in place to achieve the swift completion of the Ibadan Inland Dry port which will off-take containers and cargoes from Apapa port through the Lagos – Ibadan rail line.


Let me take this opportunity to appreciate the support shown by the leadership of the host communities here in Kajola and around this environment, for this project and other relevant Federal and State government projects. The implementation of these projects is important. It is imperative that our host communities continue to support government’s efforts by effectively cooperating with the contractors in safeguarding and protecting these lasting investments so that we can ensure that all intended objectives and mutual benefits are attained.


Let me also commend the Federal Ministry of Transportation led by the very able and dynamic Hon. Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi or Chibuike Amaechi, (today he is Rotimi since we are in the South West) for the very hard work and commitment he has demonstrated from the inception of our rail modernization project. And also, to the Chinese government, particularly the investor, CCECC Nigeria Limited for this significant and strategic investment.


The vision you have shown and the initiative you have taken in the larger development journey of this great country will reap unparalleled rewards for you and great opportunity for our people.


In a few minutes, I will have the special privilege of performing the official ground-breaking ceremony for the establishment of this Wagon Assembly Plant here in Kajola Ogun State, and I hope that this will be only be the beginning of the development of the railway infrastructure, not only here in Ogun State, but across the country.

Thank you all and God bless.


Released by:

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
9th November 2019

Buhari Osinbajo Solidarity Front cautions opposition groups on calculated attempts to discredit the Vice President


A sociopolitical group, Buhari Osinbajo Solidarity Front (BOSF) has caution members of the opposition groups in the country to seize from engaging in every acts to discredit and bring down the name of the Vice President of the Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo to mud.

The group led by its National Chairman, Mr Liberty Olawale Badmus acknowledged that opposition groups over the recent time has resolved to always build lies and transfer untrues on the Vice President after they have found nothing wanting or suspicious about the president.

Mr Liberty noted that the Vice President shall remain an identity of good governance, service to the good people of Nigeria and loyalty to the present dispensation of the country.

"His Excellency Vice President is a gentleman, a visionary leader and of course someone who is driven by true vision and service to the good people of our country. It is too bad for opposition groups to tag him with nepotism and a bigot. The VP is far from being a person of that nature"

"To interest you, the Vice President on numbers of occasions has lectured us on reasons why we must continue to live as brothers and sisters as fellow countrymen and women. The VP is always concerned about the pains of Nigerians and way to serve them better, not their tribe, religion or maybe you come from Lagos or Yobe. That is what good governance should entail and that is what the vice president is doing", Mr Liberty Badmus noted.

The group similarly addressed the attempt of the opposition groups to bring the Vice President in to the "unripe" 2023 political games, and noted the Vice President will not act that cheap.

"It is laughable and funny to say the vice president has kept quiet and mute about the treatment being meted on him. How on earth will some people sit in the comfort zones of their homes and choose to send unverified and untrue things to the public. We all know the power of social media, things go viral easily and there are little or no effort to verify the truths behind them"

"The Vice President I know will never go so cheap or decide to harbour injustice. The incitement about 2023 is very unripe and distracting. Oppositions are only trying to distract the VP but I can assure you he will not be distracted."

"The Vice President is busy daily to justify his inclusion in this government and his constitutional duties as the Vice President, that is what he is doing, that is what is paramount to him now", Mr Liberty Badmus noted.

He addressed forward that the vice president remain a loyal individual to the president and particularly to the country.

"I think it is not a crime anywhere on earth to have an hardworking and loyal vice president. Maybe because it has not happened before in Nigeria for us to have a vice president that is intelligent, brilliant and loyal to the president and the country."

"It is uncalled for to submit that the president is making appointments for the vice and the VP have nothing to do to it. These are attempts to foil the good relationship between the president and the VP. The duo have a wonderful relationship together and that has never happened before in Nigeria", - Mr Liberty Badmus said.

"Some of our people have been forced to call us and enquire about some things they keep hearing from foes of this government. All of which are untrue and engineered by hatred. We have listened to our people asking why the vice president is appointing some people as against some people. We are tasked to explain to them because the social media and her accompanying bad agents has distributed too much of lies."

"The truth is, going deeply into the appointment details of the office of the vice president, he has been equitable, just and fair in making those appointments. The appointments cut across various devides of the country, there are Muslims, Christians, people from south, east and north."

"The vice president is a Nigerian and a vice president of all Nigerians. He is not entertained by making choices above others, he appoint proficient hands to serve in the cabinet and of course serve Nigerians in those capacities", BOSF national chairman addressed.

The BOSF group however advised Nigerians to shun opposition from feeding them with unreliable and unverified news that are capable of causing unrest and crisis in the country.

Mr Liberty said "let me advise the good people of this country, Nigeria is ours and not for some sects. Some groups can not gather somewhere and decide what we ear or listen to or believe. It is wrong. Nigerians should be watchful and careful of some opposition groups and people."

"Opposition is expected to be responsible and sane, but it is quite unfortunate that the opposition we have in Nigeria is far beyond that standard. We only have opposition that is concerned about the president family matters and not how what the government is doing on infrastructure, health, education, social investment and others"

"Nigerians should please be careful of lies coming from them, let us be very careful. Let us ask questions and make our own findings. Many of these untrues are capable of causing fisticuffs and communal disorder, that we pray Nigeria do not witness any. Let Nigeria be driven with ideal of peace and unity to move forward", Mr Liberty Badmus noted.

NIGERIA MOST LOGICAL DESTINATION FOR INVESTORS TO REAP MAXIMUM BENEFITS IN AFRICA, SAYS OSINBAJO AT NIGERIA-CANADA INVESTMENT SUMMIT





ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AT THE NIGERIA – CANADA INVESTMENT SUMMIT 2019 (NCIS – 2019), ABUJA, ON MONDAY, 4TH NOVEMBER 4, 2019





Protocols



I am extremely pleased to be here with you at the Nigeria-Canada Investment Summit 2019. I was here at the 2018 summit and I mentioned then, that the summits are important processes, not just events in deepening the socio-economic ties between Nigeria and Canada. There is no question that both our governments and business communities realize that there is enormous potential in our relationship.



Indeed since 2018, aside from summits in both countries, the sheer number of high-level contacts and visits of so many high-level officials, really endorse the fact that this is a very important relationship.



In 2018, the Governor-General of Canada, and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Canada, Her Excellency Julie Payette visited. There was also an earlier working visit of Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada’s Minister for International Development and La Francophone (now Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food) and thereafter, Canada’s Minister in Charge of Immigration, Honourable Ahmed Hussein.



As we have heard, two Royal Canadian Navy ships berth to Lagos for very important joint training in security in the Gulf of Guinea. And as we have also heard, this was the first in the 108 years of the existence of the Royal Canadian Navy.



Our trade and commerce relationship have also been long-standing, and Nigeria has remained a major trading partner to Canada in Africa. We’ve also heard that bilateral trade is in the order of $984 billion. When that is put in context, we really have a long way to go. Canada’s imports include; mineral, fuels and oils, cocoa, rubber, lead and processed foods. Canada’s exports include; vehicles, equipment, manufacturing equipment, software and aircraft. We also have in place a double taxation agreement, which came into force I believe sometime in 1999 and we expect that our Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA) will be concluded and ratified by both countries as early as possible in 2020.



We expect that in the first quarter of 2020, we ought to have that agreement in place. This summit is particularly important, we have much richer private and public sector participation than before. The focus is on mining, power, agriculture, housing, education and technology. These are sectors that Nigeria has identified as crucial to the success of our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. And we are determined to work collaboratively with investors to create the best possible environment for business in these sectors. We are determined, not just to ensure that we keep to the plans that we put in place, but that we encourage all our partners to work with us.



In mining, our Mining Industry Growth Roadmap lays out the scale of our ambitions in this sector and it goes beyond just extraction and exportation.



We intend to create a broad spectrum of value-added services by fully maximizing the abundant opportunities for mineral resource beneficiation, exploiting the possibilities in support services and support industries that will be nurtured around core mining activities. We are, of course, all excited about the prospects evident in the Spring Fountain and Bullion Mart collaboration and we look forward to that coming to fruition.



In the power sector, we believe that investment in renewable energy is bound to benefit from our focus, especially on off-grid and mini-grid options for delivering power to our huge population and commerce. Our Energizing Education Programme, which is installing private solar power facilities in several of our universities, and the Energizing market programme also, which is private solar power in markets and economic clusters all around the country; these have demonstrated that businesses are prepared to pay for regular power supply, and that this is a tremendous area of growth for renewable energy, for business and commerce in that respect. Given the very high radiation all around the country, the solar option makes perfect sense.



In agriculture and agri-business also, there are tremendous prospects. Our government believes that the next few years are crucial for our vision of food security and especially self-sufficiency in the production of different food and cash crops. But the whole agri-business value chain is open for investment. The sheer size of our market now, and in the immediate future, the export potentials point inexorably to the importance of investment in this sector.



Housing is also a crucial area of focus for us. With a housing deficit of about 17 million, the demand is obvious. Our Family Homes Fund is a special public-private sector fund dedicated to our mass low-cost housing scheme. Solving the off-taker constraints also calls for mortgage finance solutions. There is plenty of room for activity in the housing sector.



The next few years promise to be exciting for industry, trade and commerce in Nigeria, especially with the coming into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement. Nigeria remains the most logical destination for reaping maximum benefit from these agreements. Consequently, we have devoted considerable attention to improving the Nigerian business environment and we have by all accounts, recorded notable success.



Since 2016, we have risen by an aggregate of 39 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings. Just two weeks ago, the World Bank also rated Nigeria as one of the 10 best reforming economies in the world. We are set for business, and we look forward to continued engagement with the Canadian government and business community in the coming months and years.



Let me commend the Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada His Excellency, Ambassador Ade Asekun, and his team, and Mr. Taiwo Odutola, MD/CEO of the Nigerian Investment Summit, for the incredible hard work that they have put into this summit and previous summits and engagements here and in Canada.



We welcome all the Canadian businesses, government representatives, and all our friends, partners from Canada to Abuja, and to this summit. In particular, we welcome the distinguished delegation from the City of Brampton, and we certainly look forward to meeting with them.



I urge all our friends from Canada to be sure to take in the sights and sounds of Abuja while you are here and, of course, indulge in some of our well-known culinary delights. My recommendation last year was Suya, this year it is our world-famous jollof rice! I would like you to take part in it.



It is now my special privilege and pleasure to declare open the Nigeria – Canada Investment Summit 2019.



Thank you very much.



Released by:

Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity

Office of the Vice President

4th November 2019

A TALE OF PROGRESS: Ease of Doing Business In Nigeria Is Picking Steam Indeed


Progress is not an illusion, it happens - George Orwell

The World Bank’s 2020 Doing Business Index (DBI) which has ranked Nigeria 131 out of 190 countries, up 15 places from 146 positions last year, up from 170 since 2014 is a testament to the progress of our nation. For those wondering, the Doing Business Index is an annual ranking that objectively assesses prevailing business climate conditions across 190 countries based on 10 ease of doing business indicators.

This celebrated feat would not have been possible without the much needed reforms implemented by this Administration over the past four years through the establishment of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).

PEBEC has the aim of minimizing the constraints that come with running businesses in the country works towards the fulfillment of the projections of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP 2017-2020), which strives to deliver sustainable economic growth in Nigeria by investing in our people, and building a competitive economy. Some of the strategies that brought about this feat include cutting down the time it takes to register a business through the use of the electronic platform, new grid connections for electricity, upgrading election systems for imports and exports and also educating business owners on vital business strategies.

Since 1995, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Act has taken steps to dismantle years of controls and limits on foreign direct investment (FDI), opening nearly all sectors to foreign investment, allowing for 100 percent foreign ownership in all sectors (with the exception of the petroleum sector, where FDI is limited to joint ventures or production sharing contracts), and creating the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) with a mandate to encourage and assist investment in Nigeria. The Government has introduced several programmes to boost FDI, notably in agriculture, exploitation and mining, oil and gas extraction, as well as in the export sectors. Tax incentives are granted to pioneering industries deemed beneficial for the economic development of the country and employment of its workforce (such as clothing); allowances facilitating capital investments and the deduction of interest on loans for gas companies are few reforms aimed at promoting public-private partnerships and strategic alliances with foreign companies.

The implementation of various strategies in pursuit of increasing the ease of doing business has had and continues to impacts on entrepreneurs in Nigeria. One of whom is Ola Brown, founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria, a medical emergency services company, whose business has been transformed by the review of the requirements for Nigerian visas in order to make it more assessable and customer-friendly to improve the country's business climate by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS). She disclosed during her interview with CNN how a simple policy change has transformed her business, allowing her the comfort to bring patients to Nigeria without having to get a visa in advance.

Speaking in detail at the Lit Subnational Tour organized by The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council and the Lagos State Government, Dr. Brown spoke about how the Visa on arrival policy has enhanced her business and ensure better and faster healthcare delivery. “For me, visa on arrival has changed the way my business runs forever. Flying Doctors like every air ambulance service in the world is focused on moving patients from an area where there is an overwhelmed level of care to a more suitable level of care.”

She went further to illustrate the numerous economic opportunities for not just her business but several others catering to the value chain: “imagine trying to move an American or a European that’s had an accident in Chad into a Nigerian hospital, you have to move them to the center of Chad first and wait two days for a visa there while the patient is critical before you can get them into Nigeria. However, now we can fly directly there and bring them straight into Lagos, they get their visa on arrival when they get to Lagos and we can take them to hospital and I will tell you what that does, each of these patients are intensive care patients, they spend around $50, 000 each. So you can imagine if we are bringing one thousand to five thousand of those patients every year into Lagos, It just props up my business. The business services are making money because now they are making money from their charges when they issue visa. The hospitals are making money; the doctors can be paid better salaries. Even sometimes the relatives have to fly in to stay in hotels in Lagos. So it is a really huge boost to the economy.”

Founder of Farmcrowdy, Onyeka Akumah, remarked about his firm’s progress operating from Lagos under a better business environment brought about by the Ease of Doing Business Reforms Policy. He spoke about the strides of the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, under the new policy. He said: “When investors are coming into the country, it’s a lot easier for them to locate on their phone where the organization is across the country. So CAC registration is not just allowing people to register online easily but it also makes customers discover you online and that has been beneficial to us.”

The Ease of doing business policy of the federal government in collaboration with the state governments is aimed at ensuring that investors and entrepreneurs are able to carry out their business activities with little or no impediments or obstacles.
The policy is hinged on implementing enabling business environment interventions across the country with Federal Government ministries, departments and agencies working to ensure that processes and regulations are simplified and automated to ensure easier, faster and stress free business environment. Key features of this initiative include ease of business incorporation, trade across borders, prevention of double taxation, faster registration of property, introduction of visa on arrival, and successful legislation of a new Company and Allied Matters Bill 2018, among many others.

Subsequently, another vital reform that resulted in Nigeria’s progress as seen in the World Bank’s 2020 Doing Business Index (DBI) is the integration of more agencies into customs electronic data interchange system, and the introduction of an e-payment system for port authorities, thus speeding up both exports and imports.
Over the past 3 years, Nigeria has implemented more than 140 reforms all aimed at improving how business is done in the country. The World Economic Forum (WEF) has consequently recognized Nigeria’s business environment as one of the most entrepreneurial in the world, and highlighted Nigeria’s improved competitiveness in Enabling Business Environment.

Bernard Okri is the President of the Global Economic Policy Initiative.

STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY MUHAMMADU BUHARI PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE FIRST RUSSIA-AFRICA SUMMIT IN SOCHI, RUSSIAN FEDERATION
24TH OCTOBER, 2019

PROTOCOLS:

I am delighted to participate in this first and historic Russia-Africa Summit. I thank our chief host, His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of the Russia Federation for this important initiative and for the warm and generous hospitality accorded to us.

2. I also commend His Excellency, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt, for his visionary and collaborative leadership of the African Union.

3. Today, we live in a world where collective peace and prosperity can only be achieved through collaboration and mutual respect. This reality was aptly captured by the Late Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior when he said and I quote:

“We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

4. Nigeria’s relations with Russia just like the rest of Africa, began during the Soviet era when diplomatic relations were first established in 1960. That relationship covered areas such as education, healthcare, solid minerals development and military assistance especially during Nigeria’s civil war.

5. More recently, our partnership has extended to the oil and gas sector as well as military and technical assistance in support of our fight against Boko Haram insurgency. At this point, I would once again like to thank His Excellency, President Putin for his support especially in the area of security.

6. It is my hope that through this forum, Russia and Africa will revitalize their time-tested relationship by exploring new opportunities for the collective benefit of our peoples.

Excellencies,

7. Since the collapse of the USSR in 1991, relations between Russia and African nations have lagged behind historical levels. The former Soviet Union had been a key partner of Africa.

8. We all remember the strong support we received from the former Soviet Union in our anti-colonial struggles. Africa will continue to remember this, and many other significant gestures of solidarity and support that shaped our history as a continent. We are eternally grateful to the Soviet Union for coming to the aid of Africa in its hour of need.

9. As we live in an increasingly changing world driven by trade, technology and innovation, the time has come to inject new energy and pragmatism in Africa-Russia relations for the mutual benefit of both Africa and Russia.

Excellencies

10. I want to emphasise that this mutually beneficial relationship must go beyond trade and business. Our re-energised partnership must also address challenges such as counter-terrorism, poverty eradication, human and drug trafficking, illicit financial flows, climate change and migration to mention some of the many contemporary challenges facing our peoples.

11. Our continent is rich in human and natural but is lagging behind in capital and technology. This is why we see increased conflict, migration and instability that is also impacting many nations outside Africa.

12. On our part, we in Africa have continued to view Regional Integration as a key development priority. Our integration is one that seeks to address our infrastructure deficit, conflicts and terrorism, climate change, human trafficking and of vitality, trade.

13. Our integration process also takes into account our diversity as a continent and our unique challenges at the national and sub-national levels. This is why progress has been slow but steady.

14. With a population of over 1.2 billion people, for us in Africa, getting our socio-economic integration right presents enormous opportunities as we stand to promote robust, equitable and inclusive growth that will minimize conflict and enhance economic development.

15. Today, these aspirations are captured in the Agenda 2063 of the African Union. We are confident that with strong partners like Russia, our goal of having a peaceful and prosperous continent is achievable.

Excellencies,

16. Nigeria is the largest economy and most populous country in Africa. Today, our population is almost over 200 million people. It is expected to grow to approximately 400 million by 2050. This will make Nigeria the third most populous nation in the world behind China and India.

17. Our economy is heavily dependent for its foreign exchange on oil. With the result that our high Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is not as a result of domestic sector productivity.

18. In the circumstances, although we still remain an oil dependent nation, our government in the last four years has focused on diversifying our economy by supporting key job creating sectors such as agriculture, mining and ICT.

19. To achieve this, we invested aggressively in infrastructure development and introduced policies and programs that enhance our ease of doing business, reduce corruption in the public sector and enforce the rule of law.

20. It is this inclusive economic diversification agenda that we want to forge a new Nigeria-Russia cooperation. Already, we are seeing progress in areas of power generation, solid minerals development and rail transportation and I hope this will be expanded to Agriculture, Manufacturing and other means of Transportation.

21. We already have over 200 Nigerian university students in Russia benefitting from Russian Government scholarships which have been on-going since 1960. Earlier this year, Nigeria signed a Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) with Russia which will expand the human capital development support we are already receiving.

Excellencies, Heads of States and Government,
Distinguished participants,

22. Let me clearly state that the time has come with this historic summit today, for Africa and the Russian Federation to develop new mutually beneficial relations. On our part, I want to assure our Russian friends that Africa is resolute and ready.

23. We look forward to embracing the new dawn of Africa-Russia partnership in general, and the revitalized Nigeria-Russia relations in particular.

I Thank you.

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE

BUHARI'S EASE OF DOING BUSINESS REFORMS WILL BRING DRAMATIC CHANGES TO THE ECONOMY, SAYS OSINBAJO

*VP receives 2019 Compliance Report on Executive Order 001 on promotion of efficiency in Nigeria's business environment

The Buhari administration will continue its determined pursuit of reforming Nigeria's business environment until the full attainment of the objectives, which will bring dramatic changes in the country's economy, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo made the assertion while receiving at the Presidential Villa earlier today, the 2019 Compliance Report of the Presidential Executive Order 001 which was on the promotion of transparency and efficiency in the business environment.

The report was presented by the Minister of State on Industry, Trade and Investment Mariam Katagum and the Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole during the meeting of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, PEBEC attended by a representative of the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Honourable Dolapo Badru, who is the House Committee Chairman on Industries, nine federal ministers, the Ag. Head of Service, Mrs. Folasade Yemi-Esan, and several heads of government agencies.

Besides, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, other Ministers at the meeting included the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN; Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Fashola, SAN; Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola; Information Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Mohammed Bello. Others are Police Affairs Minister, Mohammed Dangadi; Transport Minister of State, Gbemisola Saraki; and the Minister of State for Power, Godwin Agba.

According to the Vice President, "we will keep updating ourselves on the progress of the ease of doing business reforms," while noting some of the progress already recorded in the last three years since the commencement of the ease of doing business reforms.

For instance, in 2017, in the World Bank Doing Business Ranking, Nigeria moved up 24 places and was also listed among the top ten reforming economies in the world. This year the World Bank also named Nigeria one of the top-20 improvers in doing business out of 190 countries.

Among the notable results of the reforms, besides the better ranking by the World Bank Doing Business Rankings and commendations include that the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, launched a centralized e-payment channels contributing to a 20% reduction in time businesses spent on documentation and payment of taxes, the launching by the Immigration authorities of a fully digitized e-visa process guaranteeing visa approvals in 48 hours, how the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, re-engineered registration processes and reduced processing time from 12 to less than 3 months, and how the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, improved user experience at airports by eliminating passenger service charge stickers and manual check-in bag searches.

Some of the other results recorded include how the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, simplified company registration processes, resulting in 50% reduction in processing time and the passage by the National Assembly of the Credit Reporting Act 2017, among others.

Commending the collaboration with the National Assembly on driving the reforms, and urging for the eventual attainment of all the other outstanding reform objectives, the Vice President noted that, "if we can clean up our business environment, the difference would be dramatic."


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President
22nd October, 2019

WHAT NIGERIAN FINANCIAL REGULATORS MUST DO TO PROTECT CUSTOMERS' DEPOSITS & BANKS, BY VP OSINBAJO


“…most reliable studies show that overly generous financial safety nets or system have generally tended to increase bank risks and systemic fragility. My respectful view is that there must be some rethinking of the short and long term implications of the use of these tools and their sustainability in the coming years. A reference was made in the past that we may not even have that option of the AMCON-type bailout given the sheer amount of money that will be involved.

“There is no question that regulatory institutions must now spend more time and resources on researching the nature, management of new risks such as the speed of transactions, cross border transactions, money laundering concerns and data privacy and security issues. Training to meet the required compliance capacity will also be crucial.

“Thirdly there are the challenges associated with the move towards financial inclusion.

“The other issue is coping with the implications for banking, of the disruptive technologies that are quickly changing the landscape of financial services. It seems to me that FINTECHS will continue to be most profound force for change for both good and ill ever seen in the financial services industry.”

BELOW IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH:

SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, VICE PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE NDIC 30TH ANNIVERSARY LECTURE/BOOK LAUNCH, MONDAY OCTOBER 21, 2019 AT TRANSCORP HILTON HOTEL, ABUJA

It really is a special pleasure to join you today here at the 30th anniversary celebration of this unique institution and I am extremely grateful to the board and management for the kind invitation.

We have already heard of the various institutional achievements of the NDIC in the past three decades of its existence. The part that it has played in stabilizing the financial system especially the periods immediately after the early days of privatization and private ownership of banks, its role in the failed banks crisis that followed immediately after, and the various professional and standards distinctions that it has received through the years.

Few will deny that even its mere existence has reassured a sometimes nervous system that banks will be able to convert liabilities to cash to fulfill their potential obligations to their customers. I must also join others in commending the NDIC for its professionalism, its steady unexcitable and conservative profile and for gaining international respect amongst peers for itself and for Nigeria.

Not only are you a reference point for deposit insurance institutions globally but also NDIC officials have been preferred to Executive Council (EXCO) membership of the highly respected International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI), as well as the current Chairmanship of the IADI-Africa Regional Committee (ARC).

I must say again that the NDIC has continually demonstrated that it is an institution that deserves all of the accolades and commendations that it has received today and in the past. It is said that one of the great disincentives to greater glory is past glory.

Sometimes the status quo is so comfortable that the preparing for and taking on new challenges may not gain adequate attention.

I trust that the current board (whose talents and dynamism I can personally attest to) will be ahead of the challenges of the future. But it will be remiss of me not to mention some of my perceptions on some of the dynamics of engaging the future of our financial safety systems.

First is the number of institutions, and implicit and explicit tools in our safety system and their sustainability. Perhaps the most significant challenge to the financial system that we have experienced so far was that bank crisis of 2009. Going by the manner of resolution it appears that the preferred option was the establishment of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria - an option that cost something in the order of N5 trillion. Since then we have also seen the use of a mixture of bailouts and bridge banks.

The problem, of course, is that the most reliable studies show that overly generous financial safety nets or system have generally tended to increase bank risks and systemic fragility. My respectful view is that there must be some rethinking of the short and long term implications of the use of these tools and their sustainability in the coming years. A reference was made in the past that we may not even have that option of the AMCON-type bailout given the sheer amount of money that will be involved.

The other issue is coping with the implications for banking of the disruptive technologies that are quickly changing the landscape of financial services. It seems to me that FINTECHS will continue to be most profound force for change both for good and ill, ever seen in the financial services industry.

Indeed, already banks all over the world are investing in FINTECHS and may in time become FINTECHS themselves as these smaller firms are eating faster, with more innovative systems, into the customer base of most of our banks - in mobile payment systems to the various crowd funding ideas. There is no question that regulatory institutions must now spend more time and resources on researching the nature, management of new risks such as the speed of transactions, cross border transactions, money laundering concerns and data privacy and security issues. Training to meet the required compliance capacity will also be crucial.

Thirdly there are the challenges associated with the move towards financial inclusion. In the past four years the Federal Government launched the Social Investment Programme, and in particular the micro-credit programme covering over two million informal traders, and then our Conditional Cash Transfer scheme meant to cover over a million of the poorest in our communities. All of these have formalized to a certain extent services to millions of individuals who were outside the banking system. And with our commitment (and the President has already stated that), we intend to lift 10 million persons annually from extreme poverty for the next ten years.

So, we are looking at a much more phenomenally larger customer base for the banks and of course, with all of the implications that this will have for regulations. With the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreements, we are also bound to see even greater opportunities for our banks whose footprints are already firmly all over Africa. Again these opportunities plus technology present their own issues both for the NDIC, domestic deposit insurers in sister African countries and the regional deposit insurance bodies.

So, the future is without a doubt exciting, but I dare say, will also call for a proactive, nimble and savvy NDIC as well as all other institutions constituting our financial safety net. And we must note this especially when those who should know like Mr. AIG Imoukhuede say without blinking that the regulatory infrastructure today belongs to yesterday, and we may not be prepared for the future. And that is as frightening as one could possibly have the facts, so there is a lot of work to be done.

Let me again congratulate the NDIC for thirty years of exemplary practice. You should be justly proud of your excellent history and antecedents, especially the firm shoulders of the pioneering leadership on which you now stand, you truly have every reason to celebrate.

We pray that the next thirty years will be more glorious for you as individuals and for the NDIC.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GOD BLESS YOU.


Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President

21st October, 2019

WHAT NIGERIAN FINANCIAL REGULATORS MUST DO TO PROTECT CUSTOMERS' DEPOSITS & BANKS, BY VP OSINBAJO


“…most reliable studies show that overly generous financial safety nets or system have generally tended to increase bank risks and systemic fragility. My respectful view is that there must be some rethinking of the short and long term implications of the use of these tools and their sustainability in the coming years. A reference was made in the past that we may not even have that option of the AMCON-type bailout given the sheer amount of money that will be involved.

“There is no question that regulatory institutions must now spend more time and resources on researching the nature, management of new risks such as the speed of transactions, cross border transactions, money laundering concerns and data privacy and security issues. Training to meet the required compliance capacity will also be crucial.

“Thirdly there are the challenges associated with the move towards financial inclusion.

“The other issue is coping with the implications for banking, of the disruptive technologies that are quickly changing the landscape of financial services. It seems to me that FINTECHS will continue to be most profound force for change for both good and ill ever seen in the financial services industry.”

BELOW IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH:

SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, VICE PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE NDIC 30TH ANNIVERSARY LECTURE/BOOK LAUNCH, MONDAY OCTOBER 21, 2019 AT TRANSCORP HILTON HOTEL, ABUJA

It really is a special pleasure to join you today here at the 30th anniversary celebration of this unique institution and I am extremely grateful to the board and management for the kind invitation.

We have already heard of the various institutional achievements of the NDIC in the past three decades of its existence. The part that it has played in stabilizing the financial system especially the periods immediately after the early days of privatization and private ownership of banks, its role in the failed banks crisis that followed immediately after, and the various professional and standards distinctions that it has received through the years.

Few will deny that even its mere existence has reassured a sometimes nervous system that banks will be able to convert liabilities to cash to fulfill their potential obligations to their customers. I must also join others in commending the NDIC for its professionalism, its steady unexcitable and conservative profile and for gaining international respect amongst peers for itself and for Nigeria.

Not only are you a reference point for deposit insurance institutions globally but also NDIC officials have been preferred to Executive Council (EXCO) membership of the highly respected International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI), as well as the current Chairmanship of the IADI-Africa Regional Committee (ARC).

I must say again that the NDIC has continually demonstrated that it is an institution that deserves all of the accolades and commendations that it has received today and in the past. It is said that one of the great disincentives to greater glory is past glory.

Sometimes the status quo is so comfortable that the preparing for and taking on new challenges may not gain adequate attention.

I trust that the current board (whose talents and dynamism I can personally attest to) will be ahead of the challenges of the future. But it will be remiss of me not to mention some of my perceptions on some of the dynamics of engaging the future of our financial safety systems.

First is the number of institutions, and implicit and explicit tools in our safety system and their sustainability. Perhaps the most significant challenge to the financial system that we have experienced so far was that bank crisis of 2009. Going by the manner of resolution it appears that the preferred option was the establishment of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria - an option that cost something in the order of N5 trillion. Since then we have also seen the use of a mixture of bailouts and bridge banks.

The problem, of course, is that the most reliable studies show that overly generous financial safety nets or system have generally tended to increase bank risks and systemic fragility. My respectful view is that there must be some rethinking of the short and long term implications of the use of these tools and their sustainability in the coming years. A reference was made in the past that we may not even have that option of the AMCON-type bailout given the sheer amount of money that will be involved.

The other issue is coping with the implications for banking of the disruptive technologies that are quickly changing the landscape of financial services. It seems to me that FINTECHS will continue to be most profound force for change both for good and ill, ever seen in the financial services industry.

Indeed, already banks all over the world are investing in FINTECHS and may in time become FINTECHS themselves as these smaller firms are eating faster, with more innovative systems, into the customer base of most of our banks - in mobile payment systems to the various crowd funding ideas. There is no question that regulatory institutions must now spend more time and resources on researching the nature, management of new risks such as the speed of transactions, cross border transactions, money laundering concerns and data privacy and security issues. Training to meet the required compliance capacity will also be crucial.

Thirdly there are the challenges associated with the move towards financial inclusion. In the past four years the Federal Government launched the Social Investment Programme, and in particular the micro-credit programme covering over two million informal traders, and then our Conditional Cash Transfer scheme meant to cover over a million of the poorest in our communities. All of these have formalized to a certain extent services to millions of individuals who were outside the banking system. And with our commitment (and the President has already stated that), we intend to lift 10 million persons annually from extreme poverty for the next ten years.

So, we are looking at a much more phenomenally larger customer base for the banks and of course, with all of the implications that this will have for regulations. With the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreements, we are also bound to see even greater opportunities for our banks whose footprints are already firmly all over Africa. Again these opportunities plus technology present their own issues both for the NDIC, domestic deposit insurers in sister African countries and the regional deposit insurance bodies.

So, the future is without a doubt exciting, but I dare say, will also call for a proactive, nimble and savvy NDIC as well as all other institutions constituting our financial safety net. And we must note this especially when those who should know like Mr. AIG Imoukhuede say without blinking that the regulatory infrastructure today belongs to yesterday, and we may not be prepared for the future. And that is as frightening as one could possibly have the facts, so there is a lot of work to be done.

Let me again congratulate the NDIC for thirty years of exemplary practice. You should be justly proud of your excellent history and antecedents, especially the firm shoulders of the pioneering leadership on which you now stand, you truly have every reason to celebrate.

We pray that the next thirty years will be more glorious for you as individuals and for the NDIC.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GOD BLESS YOU.


Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President

21st October, 2019

Fani Kayode is an embarrassment to Nigeria. After all his misdeeds he could still come out and be talking. Something is smelling.

*President Buhari’s Cuts To The Cost of Governance: Travel Series*

In a bid to curb leakages of government resources, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved for immediate implementation the following cost saving measures aimed at instilling financial discipline and prudence.

*Government Trips Must Now Have Documentary Evidence*

- All public funded travel trips must be strictly for official purposes and must be backed with documented evidence/proof.

*Government Officials: Only 8 Trips A Year Allowed* 

- Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Chairmen of Extra-Ministerial Departments, Chief Executive Officers and Directors are restricted to only two (2) foreign travels in a quarter. That is 8 foreign trips in a year.

*Not More Than 4 People Are Allowed For Entourage*

- Ministers are allowed a maximum of 4 people including the relevant Director, Schedule Officer and one (1) Aide of the Minister. 
- Below ministerial level maximum of three (3) people

*Fly Economy, Business Class limited to only topmost government officials*

- Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants to the President, Chairmen of Extra-Ministerial Departments and Chief Executive Officers of Parastatals are allowed to fly business Class.
- Other categories of Public Officers are to travel on Economy Class.

*No More Extended stays* 

- Duration of official trips is limited to only the number of days of the event as contained in the supporting documents to qualify for public funding.

*No More Estacodes On Travel Days* 

- Estacode allowances will no longer be paid to officials for days of travel

*Ministers and Government Officials Must Submit Yearly Travel Plans*

- Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are required to submit their Yearly Travel Plans for review& clearance to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and/or the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation 
- Submission of plans are to be made within the first quarter of the year (Jan - Mar). 
- Plans are to be submitted with supporting document as evidence/ proof for approval.
- All travel arrangement that do not follow this guideline or met the criteria will not be paid for by the Government.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT INAUGURATES, SETS AGENDA FOR ECONOMIC ADVISORY COUNCIL

President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday in Abuja administered oaths of office on members of the newly constituted Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), and also set an agenda of what they should accomplish in the shortest possible time.

Speaking at a meeting with the 8-man Council chaired by Prof. Doyin Salami, President Buhari charged them to focus on developing reliable data that will properly reflect what is happening in the country.

The President who called the task before the PEAC ‘‘most important national assignment’’, said:

''As you develop your baseline study, I would like you to focus on primary data collection.

'' Today, most of the statistics quoted about Nigeria are developed abroad by the World Bank, IMF and other foreign bodies.

'' Some of the statistics we get relating to Nigeria are wild estimates and bear little relation to the facts on the ground.

'' This is disturbing as it implies we are not fully aware of what is happening in our own country.

'' We can only plan realistically when we have reliable data. As you are aware, as a government, we prioritised agriculture as a critical sector to create jobs and bring prosperity to our rural communities.

''Our programs covered the entire agricultural value chain from seed to fertiliser to grains and ultimately, our dishes.

''As you travel in some rural communities, you can clearly see the impact. However, the absence of reliable data is hindering our ability to upgrade these programmes and assure their sustainability. ''

The President also used the occasion to set agenda and expectations from the Council, constituted on September 16, 2019, to replace the Economic Management Team (EMT).

On the Social Investment Programmes (SIPs), the President told members that his administration was working to measure the impact of the programme targeted at improving the well-being of millions of poor and vulnerable citizens.

As such, the President said he had directed the new Minister for Humanitarian Affairs to commence a comprehensive data-gathering exercise in all Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the North East.

'' Today, we hear international organisations claiming to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on IDPs in the North East. But when you visit the camps, you rarely see the impact.

'' In 2017, when the National Emergency Management Agency took over the feeding of some IDPs in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, the amount we spent was significantly lower than the claims made by these international organisations.

'' Therefore, actionable data is critical to implement effective strategies to address pressing problems such as these humanitarian issues.

'' I, therefore, look forward to receiving your baseline study as this will help us shape ideas for a sustainable and prosperous future, '' the President said.

On his expectations from the council, the President urged them to proffer solutions on how to move the country and economy forward.

The President directed the Council to coordinate and synthesize ideas and efforts on how to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years, working in collaboration with various employment generating agencies of government.

''I am told you worked throughout last weekend in preparation for this meeting.

''I have listened attentively to findings and ideas on how to move the country and the economy forward.

''Yes, Nigeria has exited the recession. But our reported growth rate is still not fast enough to create the jobs we need to meet our national ambition of collective prosperity.

''Reason being we had to tread carefully in view of the mess we inherited.

''Many of the ideas we developed in the last four years were targeted at returning Nigeria back to the path of growth.

''I am sure you will also appreciate that during that time, our country was also facing serious challenges especially in the areas of insecurity and massive corruption.

''Therefore, I will be the first to admit that our plans were conservative. We had to avoid reckless and not well thought out policies.

''However, it was very clear to me after we exited the recession that we needed to re-energise our economic growth plans. This is what I expect from you, '' he said.

President Buhari also assured the Council that the Federal Government will ensure that all their needs and requests were met before the next technical sessions in November.

He said all key ministries, departments and agencies will be available to meet and discuss with them on how to collectively build a new Nigeria that caters for all.

''Now, no one person or a group of persons has a monopoly of knowledge or wisdom or patriotism.

''In the circumstances, you may feel free to co-opt, consult and defer to any knowledgeable person if in your opinion such a move enriches your deliberations and add to the quality of your decisions, '' he said.

Chairman of Council, Professor Salami, said the mandate was about ''Nigeria first, Nigeria second, and Nigeria always, '' adding that it was about Nigerians, not as numbers, but as people.

He added: ''Our goal is that the economy grows in a manner that is rapid, inclusive, sustained and sustainable so that Nigerians will feel the impact. ''

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 9, 2019

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE

WHY STATES MUST HAVE MORE POWERS – OSINBAJO
*Adds: We must strengthen states for a more productive nation

*Says devolution of more power to States enables them to control more of their resources

*VP advocates for States & community police forces, correctional facilities, special courts


NIGERIA can become a stronger and more prosperous nation if states have more powers, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this while speaking at the 59th Independence Anniversary Lecture at the Island Club, Lagos, on Friday.

The Vice President, who titled his lecture “the whole is only as great as the sum of its parts,” said Nigeria’s population and diverse ethnic groups has necessitated that states in the country be strengthened to enable them contribute more to national productivity and development.

Prof. Osinbajo stated that this can be achieved with “stronger, more autonomous States that are able to generate and control more of their resources.”

According to the Vice President, the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is ensuring that states collaborate more with the Federal Government on different initiatives to improve visionary governance in the country.

“The most important transformative change we can make in Nigeria is to lift the majority of our people out of deprivation by speedily creating wealth and opportunity leading to the eradication of poverty,” he said.

He further said that “The nation cannot be wealthy when its component parts – the states – are poor. The standard of living of the federation depends on the standard of living of people who live in the states. In other words, the federation can only be as rich as its richest state and as strong as its strongest state. Our national indices merely aggregate the realities of our weaknesses and strengths as present in all our constituent units. Consequently, we can only build a stronger and more prosperous nation by building stronger and more prosperous states.”

He said, “Building stronger states means ensuring the devolution of more power to the states, enabling them to control more of their resources and make more of their own administrative decisions such as the creation of Local Governments, the establishment of state and community police forces as well as state correctional facilities; creation of special courts and tribunals of equivalent jurisdiction to high courts. The point I am making is that states must have more powers and more rights.”

The Vice President stated that, “The challenges confronting us now are about strengthening internal coherence and cohesion. It is about moving from affirmations of unity to the achievement of synergy in which the sum of our strengths exceeds the totality of our constituent parts.”

He noted that, “Opportunities for smart and visionary governance abound. So, for example, while states may not be able to right now establish their police forces, they can collaborate with the federal government on initiatives such as community policing which also revolves around the idea of localized law enforcement. Our administration is currently pursuing this option. When we set our minds to solving problems, we will find that what is truly possible is not as distant from the ideal that we seek.”

The Vice President further noted that Nigerians, despite differences, must draw inspiration from its history of a common shared belief, in order to attain the quest for collective progress and continued unity.

He said, “In order to do so, we must draw inspiration from the deep wells of our history. The founding fathers of our republic – Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo and Ahmadu Bello. These three differed on many things but shared a clear belief in the Nigeria’s boundless capacity as a united country. Regardless of their keen rivalry, they agreed on the crucial necessity of Nigeria staying united despite the many centrifugal pressures that buffeted the young nation. On this matter of unity, their differences were those of degree rather than category.

“Each of them occupied different niches on the spectrum of national integration but they all shared the view that the ideal situation was one in which a united and prosperous Nigeria took its rightful place in the world as the most populous black nation on Earth and as the foremost black power.

“From the foregoing, it is clear that the founding fathers were of one mind as far as Nigeria’s world historic significance was concerned. They also recognized that her ability to fulfil her destiny was dependent on her continued unity.”

The Vice President added that, “The point of this excursion into history is to show that strong sub nationals led by visionary leadership is what it takes to develop the Nation. What we require today is stronger, more autonomous States able to generate and control more of their resources and visionary leadership.”

Speaking during a Q&A session, Prof. Osinbajo added that the Buhari administration will continue its fight against corruption.

“Two governors have been convicted for corruption, and they are in jail today. It took almost 10 years because our legal system is extremely slow, but we achieved it,” he said.

“The other thing I think we have to take note of is the fact that corruption fights back, and we also as citizens have to much more up and doing, because corruption fights back. They throw mud at everybody, give the impression that, “everybody is corrupt.”

“If we don’t control corruption, it’s the worst possible cancer that any nation can have, and as we can see from anything else, it just destroys a country by installments.”

Prof. Osinbajo stated that he will continue to give his best in service to the country under the Buhari administration.

“I intend to do everything that is necessary, everything that I can to ensure that we achieve the promises that we made and to ensure that we achieve the kind of country that we want to achieve. And I will do that every day, every minute, for as long and God gives me life and opportunity,” he said.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President
05th October, 2019

DSS ARRESTS ABDULRASHEED MAINA

This is to confirm that the Department of State Services (DSS), in a combined operation, on 30th September, 2019, arrested Abdulrasheed Maina, former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT).

The arrest which was effected at the Pennsylvania Avenue Hotel, Utako, Abuja followed a request by the EFCC to the Service to assist in the apprehension of the suspect.

Maina was arrested in company of his 20 year old son, Faisal Abdulrasheed Maina, who unsuccessfully tried to resist the arrest.

The lad even pulled a pistol against the security agents involved in the operation. He was, however, disarmed and arrested. He is a final year student at the Canadian University of Dubai where he is studying Telecoms Engineering.

Items recovered from the suspects include a pistol with live ammunition, a bullet proof Range Rover SUV, a BMW Saloon car, foreign currencies, a phantom 7 drone and sensitive documents.

The suspects and the recovered items will be handed over to the EFCC for further investigations and appropriate necessary actions.

It is instructive to note that the operation is as a result of a renewed interagency collaboration among security and law enforcement agencies.

The Service has always subscribed to such collaboration believed to be important in national security management and therefore, hopes to sustain the initiative in mitigating the current threats against public safety and national critical assets.

Peter Afunanya, Ph.D
Public Relations Officer
Department of State Services
National Headquarters,
Abuja
2nd October, 2019

NSIO PRESS STATEMENT
 
HOW BUHARI’S SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES HAVE GARNERED GLOBAL ACCLAIM
 
 
*Schemes now moving to full fledge ministry status as part of sustainability process
 
*SIPs commended for its social impact by Action Aid (Nigeria), ANEEJ, NESG 
 
*Global awards include African Bankers’ Awards’ financial Inclusion Award 2019 for GEEP scheme 
 
*WEF Public Social Entrepreneur award
 
*African Leadership Institute recognition
 
 
 
In a strategy aimed at ensuring the continuity and sustainability of the Buhari administration's Social Investment Programmes, the schemes are being upgraded to a full ministry status with the take-off of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
 
 
Endorsed by the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), World Bank and the World Economic Forum, as testament of its national impact in Africa’s most populous country, the National Social Investment Programmes (N-SIP) truly embodies what it means to go global while making local impact.
 
 
Regarded as the largest social protection programme in Nigeria’s history, the Social Investment Programmes has four broad programmes, namely: N-Power, Conditional Cash Transfers, National Home-Grown School Feeding and Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programmes, GEEP). 
 
At inception, the Office of the Vice President was responsible for overseeing the N-SIP since 2016, while issues of funding, contract awards and procurement had always been undertaken by the Ministry of Budget and National Planning. An inter-ministerial Steering Committee, chaired by the Vice President and composed of several Ministers including from the ministries of Education, Health, Finance, Budget and Planning, Labour and Employment, Women Affairs and others, also had policy oversight on the programme implementation.
 
In his Independence speech earlier today, President Muhammadu Buhari stated in order to "institutionalize these impactful programmes, we created the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development which shall consolidate and build on our achievements to date."
 
Indeed, the Social Investment Programmes have also been recognized by several local and international organizations for empowering Nigerians and meeting the urgent needs of Nigerians in different areas including providing employment, supporting small businesses and poverty alleviation.
 
Organisations like Action Aid (Nigeria), of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) have all commended the NSIP for its nationwide social impact
 
The impact of the SIPs has duly attracted the attention of the rest of the world. Among the global recognition for the impact of its schemes are the Financial Inclusion Award, which was at the 2019 African Bankers’ Awards: where BOI won for the GEEP scheme; the Tutu Leadership Fellowship for 2019, where GEEP CEO, Uzoma Nwagba, named among recipients; the Public Social Entrepreneur award, given by Schwab Foundation, a sister organization of the World Economic Forum, WEF, to Mrs Maryam Uwais, the Special Adviser to the President on Social Investments; and recently.
 
One of the SIP components, GEEP, which is executed through the Bank of Industry (BOI) was recognized as the most impactful Financial Inclusion programme in Africa during the African Bankers’ Awards ceremony which held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea on June 14th, 2019. The award was for BOI’s role in implementing GEEP, which includes the popular TraderMoni scheme. The awards event featured financial institutions and projects from all 54 countries in Africa, as well as the international community;
 
TraderMoni is one of the microcredit schemes under GEEP, where millions of petty traders get N10,000 loans. Upon repayment within 6 months, the beneficiary becomes eligible for a larger amount of N15,000 and all the way to N100,000 if and when the collateral-free loans are repaid. The other microcredit schemes are MarketMoni and FarmerMoni.
 
Also, in April, the impact of the SIPs was recognized by the African Leadership Institute when the GEEP COO, Uzoma Nwagba was named among the recipients for the prestigious Tutu Leadership Fellowship for 2019.  According to the AFL, Nwagba’s role in GEEP, which it described as “the world’s largest micro-credit scheme” was critical. “GEEP to date has leveraged the power of a technology-driven operation to disburse and manage a portfolio of two million loans to underbanked Nigerians, demonstrating the biggest advancement of financial inclusion via credit in Africa,” the citation read.
 
Recently, Mrs Maryam Uwais MFR, the Special Adviser to the President on Social Investments, was conferred with the prestigious Public Social Intrapreneur award by the Schwab Foundation, a sister organization of the World Economic Forum WEF. It was another pointer to SIP’s global endorsement. Uwais was named among 40 other global leaders selected from different countries to receive the award in recognition of their innovative approach and potential for global impact.
 
Similarly, with the N-Power job scheme, which currently engages 500,000 young graduates and 200,000 non-graduates in different key sectors, and the School Feeding Programme, which currently feeds almost 10 million school children in 32 states, the SIPs’ impact is truly felt nationwide.
 
Indeed, millions of Nigerians can testify of the impact of the largest social welfare programme in sub-Saharan Africa. This is because since its implementation in 2016, the N-SIPs have impacted over 12 million direct beneficiaries and over 30 million indirect beneficiaries, comprising family members, employees of beneficiaries, cooks and farmers.
 
 
Justice Tienabeso Bibiye
 
Communications Manager,
 
National Social Investment Office NSIO

INDEPENDENCE DAY SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY MUHAMMADU BUHARI

PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA



ON THE



OCCASION OF THE 59TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY





1st OCTOBER, 2019











Dear Compatriots,



1st October each year is an opportunity for us to reflect and thank God for his endless blessings on our country.

2. It is also a time for us, collectively, to:

3. Remember the sacrifices made by our Founders and great leaders past; by soldiers, by distinguished public servants; by traditional leaders, by our workers ---- sacrifices on which Nigeria has been built over the 59 years since Independence in 1960; and

4. Rededicate ourselves to attaining the goals which we have set for ourselves: a united, prosperous and purposeful nation in the face of 21st century opportunities and challenges.

5. In the past four years, the majority of Nigerians have committed to Change for the Better. Indeed, this Administration was re-elected by Nigerians on a mandate to deliver positive and enduring Change – through maintaining our National Security; restoring sustainable and inclusive Economic Growth and Development; and fighting Corruption against all internal and external threats.



6. This Change can only be delivered if we are united in purpose, as individuals and as a nation. We must all remain committed to achieving this positive and enduring Change. As I stated four years ago, “Change does not just happen… We must change our lawless habits, our attitude to public office and public trust… simply put, to bring about change, we must change ourselves by being law-abiding citizens.”







SECURITY:

7. Good Governance and Economic Development cannot be sustained without an enabling environment of peace and security. In the last four years, we have combatted the terrorist scourge of Boko Haram. We owe a debt of gratitude to our gallant men and women in arms, through whose efforts we have been able to achieve the present results. We are also grateful to our neighbours and allies – within the region and across the world – who have supported us on this front.



8. The capacity of our armed forces to defend our territorial integrity continues to be enhanced by the acquisition of military hardware as well as continued improvements in the working conditions of our service men and women.



9. The Ministry of Police Affairs has been resuscitated to oversee the development and implementation of strategies to enhance internal security. My recent assent to the Nigerian Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Act has created a legal framework to support our Police with increased fiscal resources to enhance their law enforcement capabilities.



10. These initiatives are being complemented by the ongoing recruitment of 10,000 constables into the Nigeria Police Force. This clearly demonstrates our commitment to arrest the incidence of armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes across our nation.



11. We remain equally resolute in our efforts to combat militant attacks on our oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta and accelerate the Ogoni Clean-up to address long-standing environmental challenges in that region.



12. The recent redeployment of the Niger Delta Development Commission from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs underscores our commitment to enhance the living standards of our communities in the Niger Delta, through coordinated and appropriate programmes.



13. Our attention is increasingly being focused on cyber-crimes and the abuse of technology through hate speech and other divisive material being propagated on social media. Whilst we uphold the Constitutional rights of our people to freedom of expression and association, where the purported exercise of these rights infringes on the rights of other citizens or threatens to undermine our National Security, we will take firm and decisive action.



14. In this regard, I reiterate my call for all to exercise restraint, tolerance and mutual respect in airing their grievances and frustrations. Whilst the ongoing national discourse on various political and religious issues is healthy and welcome, we must not forget the lessons of our past – lessons that are most relevant on a day such as this.



15. The path of hatred and distrust only leads to hostility and destruction. I believe that the vast majority of Nigerians would rather tread the path of peace and prosperity, as we continue to uphold and cherish our unity.



ACCELERATING SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE ECONOMY GROWTH



16. This Administration inherited a skewed economy, where the Oil Sector comprised only 8% of Gross Domestic Product but contributed 70% of government revenue and 90% foreign exchange earnings over the years. Past periods of relatively high economic growth were driven by our reliance on Oil Sector revenues to finance our demand for imported goods and services. Regrettably, previous governments abandoned the residual Investment-driven Non-Oil Sector, which constituted 40% of Gross Domestic Product and comprised agriculture, livestock, agro-processing, arts, entertainment, mining and manufacturing activities that provide millions of jobs for able-bodied Nigerians and utilize locally available raw materials and labour for production.



17. To address this imbalance, our commitment to achieving economic diversification has been at the heart of our economic strategies under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, which I launched on the 5th of April, 2017.



18. This medium-term development plan charted the trajectory for our economy to exit from recession and return to the path of sustainable, diversified and inclusive growth for Nigerians. Pursuant to these reforms, the economy has recovered and we have had 9 successive quarters of growth since our exit from recession. The exchange rate in the last 3 years has remained stable, with robust reserves of US$42.5 billion, up from US$23 billion in October 2016.





19. Learning from the mistakes of the past, this Administration is committed to responsibly managing our oil wealth endowments. We will continue to prudently save our oil income and invest more in the non-oil job-creating sectors.



20. In this regard, we are significantly increasing investments in critical infrastructure. Last year, capital releases only commenced with the approval of the Budget in June 2018. However, as at 20th June this year, up to N1.74 trillion had been released for capital projects in the 2018 fiscal year.



21. Implementation of the 2019 Capital Budget, which was only approved in June 2019, will be accelerated to ensure that critical priority projects are completed or substantially addressed. The Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning has been directed to release N600 billion for Capital Expenditure in the next 3 months.



22. To maximise impact, we shall continue to increasingly welcome and encourage private capital for infrastructural development through Public Private Partnerships. Through the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, which I initiated in January this year, we are giving incentives to private sector inflow of over N205 billion in 19 Nigerian roads and bridges of 794.4km across in 11 States of the Federation.



23. As we push to diversify the economy, we still remain focused on optimizing the revenues generated from the oil and gas sector. We will, working with the Legislature, soon pass the Petroleum Industry Bill and amendments to the Deep Offshore Act and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act into law, to ensure Government obtains a fair share of oil revenues, whilst encouraging private sector investment.



24. We will also continue our fight against illegal bunkering of crude oil and the smuggling of refined petroleum products across our borders, including the diligent prosecution and conviction of offenders found guilty of these acts. Whilst Nigeria remains committed to free and fair continental and international trade, we will not hesitate to take all necessary steps to tackle illegal smuggling, transshipment and other predatory trade practices that destroy jobs in our country.



25. We are resolute in reforming the power sector. In August this year, we launched the Presidential Power Initiative to modernize the National Grid in 3 phases: starting from 5 Gigawatts to 7 Gigawatts, then to 11 Gigawatts by 2023, and finally 25 Gigawatts afterwards. This programme, in partnership with the German Government and Siemens, will provide end-to-end electrification solutions that will resolve our transmission and distribution challenges.



26. The programme will also look to localize the development and assembly of smart meters as well as the operations and maintenance capabilities of transmission and distribution infrastructure.



27. I am pleased with the improved inter-agency collaboration between the Ministry of Power and the regulators in the banking and power sectors to ensure that electricity sales, billings and collections are automated and become cashless.



28. These initiatives are important to ensure that the technical and collection losses in the sector are substantially reduced. I remain confident that Nigerians will have affordable and uninterrupted electricity supply in the not too distant future.



29. Our efforts to improve the power sector will complement other infrastructure investments projects under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, which is investing in the Mambilla Power Plant project, as well as key economic road infrastructure such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Second Niger Bridge and Abuja-Kano Expressway. The first set of these projects remain on track to be completed by 2022.



30. Our journey to food security and self-sufficiency is well underway. We have made remarkable progress in almost all segments of the agriculture value chain, from fertilizers to rice, to animal feed production. We shall sustain these policies to ensure additional investments are channeled, thereby creating more jobs in the sector. We must not go back to the days of importing food and thereby exporting jobs.



31. Our commitment to achieving macroeconomic stability and economic diversification, has been underscored by the merger of the Ministry of Finance with the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.



32. This combined Ministry has the important mandate to enhance the management of domestic and global fiscal risks; coordinate policies with the trade and monetary authorities; raise and deploy revenues to fund budgeted expenditure; and integrate annual budgets and medium-term fiscal strategies.



33. With this, our revenue-generating and reporting agencies will come under much greater scrutiny, going forward, as the new performance management framework will reward exceptional revenue performance, while severe consequences will attend failures to achieve agreed revenue targets.



34. I recently constituted an Economic Advisory Council to advise me on inclusive and sustainable macroeconomic, fiscal and monetary policies. This independent body will work with relevant Cabinet members and the heads of key monetary, fiscal and trade agencies to ensure we remain on track as we strive for collective prosperity. However, we are also committed to ensure that the inconvenience associated with any painful policy adjustments, is moderated, such that the poor and the vulnerable, who are most at risk, do not bear the brunt.



35. Our ongoing N500 billion Special Intervention Programme continues to target these vulnerable groups, through the Home-grown School Feeding Programme, Government Economic Empowerment Programme, N-Power Job Creation Programme, loans for traders and artisans, Conditional Cash Transfers to the poorest families and social housing scheme.



36. To institutionalize these impactful programmes, we created the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development which shall consolidate and build on our achievements to date. To the beneficiaries of these programmes, I want to reassure you that our commitment to social inclusion will only increase.



37. Our population growth rate remains amongst the highest in the world, presenting both challenges as well as opportunities. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that we provide adequate resources to meet the basic needs of our teeming youth.



38. Accordingly, we shall continue to invest in education, health, water and sanitation, as well as food security, to ensure that their basic needs are met, while providing them with every opportunity to live peaceful, prosperous and productive lives.



FIGHTING CORRUPTION AND RESTORING GOOD GOVERNANCE:



39. On fighting corruption, our institutional reforms to enforce the Treasury Single Account policy, introduce the Whistle-blowers’ Initiative, expand the coverage of the Integrated Payroll Personnel and Information System as well as the Government Integrated Management Information System have saved billions of Naira over the last four years, and deterred the rampant theft and mismanagement of public funds that have plagued our public service.



40. The Ministry of Justice, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will continue to address this menace. We are determined to ensure that transparency and good governance are institutionalized in public service.



41. We must commit to installing a culture of Good Governance in all we do. This Administration has fought against corruption, by investigating and prosecuting those accused of embezzlement and the misuse of public resources. We have empowered teams of prosecutors, assembled detailed databases of evidence, traced the proceeds of crimes and accelerated the recovery of stolen funds.





42. Furthermore, we partnered with our friends abroad to combat tax evasion, smuggling, terrorism and illicit financial flows. In June 2018, I assented to the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, to provide a domestic legal framework for obtaining international assistance in criminal matters.



43. This measure has already strengthened our law enforcement agencies in obtaining evidence, investigating suspects and facilitating the recovery, forfeiture and confiscation of property implicated as proceeds of crime.



44. An example is the US$300 million recently identified as part of the Abacha money-laundering case, working closely with the Government of the United States of America. The Federal Ministry of Justice is working with the US Department of Justice to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding to expedite the repatriation of these funds.



45. The P & ID Arbitral Award has underscored the manner in which significant economic damage has been caused by the past activities of a few corrupt and unpatriotic Nigerians.



46. The policies that we are putting in place today are to ensure such criminal and unpatriotic acts do not go without consequences. Our renewed partnership with the 9th National Assembly will facilitate the swift passage of enabling laws that will institutionalize these anti-corruption efforts in our criminal justice system.



47. In this connection, I call upon our States to intensify their own efforts to instill greater fiscal transparency and accountability. And to ensure greater fiscal efficiency and optimum use of our very scarce resources.



48. The blight of Corruption is fighting back. Nevertheless, this is a battle that we shall see through and this is a war, which we shall win by the Grace of God.



49. I will also call upon all Nigerians, from every walk of life, to combat Corruption at every turn. By choosing to question and confront corrupt practices, by reporting unethical practices or through whistleblowing. Together, we can overcome corruption and will no longer be a country defined by corruption.



50. Fellow Nigerians, let me reiterate my call for unity across our dear nation.



51. Nigeria will emerge from our present challenges stronger and more resilient than ever – but only if all of us join hands to entrench Good Governance, foster Inclusive Economic Development, and defend and protect our Nation from all those who would wish us ill.



52. I thank you most sincerely and wish you a Happy Independence Anniversary.



53. May God bless you all, and may He continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

NIGERIA NAMED ONE OF WORLD BANK’S TOP-20 IMPROVERS IN DOING BUSINESS FOR 2020

Friday, 27th September, 2019



The World Bank Doing Business (DB) team has just announced Nigeria as one of the top-20 improvers in doing business out of 190 countries. This announcement comes ahead of the 24th October release of the 2020 World Bank Doing Business rankings.



The World Bank Doing Business Report is an objective assessment of prevailing business environments based on a number of ease of doing business indicators. In Nigeria, the report assesses doing business conditions in the two largest commercial cities of Lagos and Kano.



The World Bank’s announcement acknowledges reforms spearheaded by the PEBEC in the areas of “operationalising a new electronic platform that integrates the tax authority and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)”. It also acknowledges reforms carried out in some of the World Bank Doing Business indicator areas such as starting a business, registering property, getting construction permits, getting electricity, enforcing contracts, and trading across borders.



“The CAC also upgraded its name reservation platform and, in Kano, there is now an electronic platform for registering business premises online, eliminating the need to appear in person. In Lagos, land administration was made more transparent following the digitisation of cadastral plans in a geographic information system; digital copies of cadastral plans are now easily obtainable. Nigeria also made getting electricity easier by allowing certified engineers to conduct inspections for new connections. Initiatives also made commercial litigation of smaller cases more efficient. The Chief Judges in Lagos and Kano issued practice directions for small claims courts introducing pre-trial conferences and limit adjournments. Finally, customs integrated more agencies into its electronic data interchange system, and port authorities launched an e-payment system, speeding up both exports and imports.”



Over the past three years, Nigeria’s score has steadily improved in the World Bank Doing Business Report, after years of decline in both score and ranking in the years preceding 2016. In 2017, Nigeria moved up by an unprecedented 24 places on the Doing Business rankings. For the first ever, Nigeria was also recognised as one of the top 10 reformers in the area of doing business that year.



Welcoming the announcement, the Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said that “the recognition being given to Nigeria as one of the top 20 most improved countries, who have implemented the most reforms this year, is significant because we weren’t even able to achieve some of the key reforms we had pursued, but what we have done so far is being recognised. This validation confirms that our strategy is working and we will continue to push even harder.”



These improvements in the standing of Nigeria trail the reform agenda being implemented at national and sub-national levels across the country since the establishment of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) by President Muhammadu Buhari in July, 2016. The PEBEC works towards the fulfilment of the projections of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP 2017-2020), which is striving to deliver sustainable economic growth in Nigeria by restoring growth, investing in our people, and building a competitive economy.



The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council through the Enabling Business Environment Secretariat has carried out over 140 reforms so far in a bid to remove bureaucratic constraints to doing business in Nigeria and make the country a progressively easier place to start and grow a business.



With the impending ratification of the Companies and Allied Matters Bill and the introduction of the Business Facilitation (Omnibus) Bill, 2019 in view, along with other pending regulatory, judicial and sub-national reforms, Nigeria is poised to meet its goal of being a top 100 ranked economy by 2020. The announcement is indicates that our goal of moving into the top 70 doing business destinations by 2023 remains achievable.



https://www.doingbusiness.org/en/reforms/top-20-reformers-in-db2020




Signed

Dr Jumoke Oduwole

Special Adviser to the President, Ease of Doing Business
Secretary, PEBEC

Presidential powers and the VP,
by Reuben Abati

President Muhammadu Buhari recently set up an Economic Advisory Council to replace the country’s Economic Management Team. He also moved some departments and agencies of government to the new Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. I don’t see why this should become a source of agitation and frustration for some Nigerians. The Economic Advisory Council is chaired by Prof. Doyin Salami, a seasoned intellectual. The members are persons of great technocratic ability with a track record of achievement as economists and policy wonks. The Council will meet every month and meet with the President every quarter. The Nigerian economy can certainly benefit from new ideas and perspectives. It is also refreshing to see the President put together a team that is not made up of party members, dead woods, or sycophants. Each member of the Economic Advisory Council inspires confidence. There is a consensus that the President got it right with the list. What the Advisory Council needs is the President’s support and an enabling environment for it to be able to make a difference. How do we achieve double-digit economic growth? What are the fiscal and monetary policies that can position the Nigerian economy differently, for better performance? What do we need to do to reduce unemployment? What kind of injection does the real sector need? The Council can also help generate robust discussions within government on key issues that affect all of us. It is also a good development that the President is personally taking charge of the economy. The Council will report to him directly. I don’t have a problem with that.
I also like the idea of a new Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. Such a sharply-focused Ministry should serve as a strategic hub for the management of the many disasters that keep occurring across the country. The missing link in existing efforts is the lack of co-ordination and synergy among various agencies and between the states and the Federal government. This ministry could help send a signal that the Nigerian government now intends to place a higher premium on human lives. It is about time the country took disaster management and humanitarian care more seriously.
I expected many Nigerians to focus on the value of these two initiatives. Instead, what I hear is a disturbing conversation about how both amount to an “enemy action” to whittle down the influence and authority of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. Previously, the Vice President was the chairman of the Economic Management Team and the National Economic Council. The first is an ad hoc administrative structure focusing on the economy; the latter is a statutory, constitutional body. I do not share most of the views that have been expressed, or the obvious attempt to politicize what in reality is within the authority of the President. Afenifere says for example, that the “office of the Vice President has been rendered useless, impotent and irrelevant.” How? Just because the President sets up an Economic Advisory Council and created a new Ministry to ensure greater service delivery in a critical area of national concern? The Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) says Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is being “maltreated” and “that the unconstitutional stripping of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s official attributes amounts to …continuous humiliation of Christians in high positions of current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.” There you go. Nigerians are always quick to play the ethnic and religious card. Some other commentators claim that they see the hands of an anti-Osinbajo cabal in the matter. At least one Pastor has prophesied that the cabal will fail. Others have argued that certain forces are determined to stop Vice President Osinbajo just in case he is nursing a 2023 Presidential ambition. Persons have been named who have been penciled down as the VP’s likely replacement. The various conspiracy theories seem suspicious.
Of course, I know that there is never a shortage of mischief-makers in the corridors of power. The relationship between Presidents and Vice Presidents and between Governors and their Deputies has also always been quite tricky in Nigerian politics. Should the President become incapacitated or he is removed from office, the Vice President replaces him. He is thus just a step away from the office. Deputy Governors stand in the same regard to the Governors in the states. With the kind of politics that we play, Governors and their supporters always keep an eye on the Deputy Governor. If he shows any sign of disloyalty or ambition, all the hawks within the system will go after him and ensure that he is removed, marginalised or humiliated. Presidential politics is worse. The Presidency is clearly the highest office in the land, it is the home of even more vicious intrigues. And indeed we have had cases in the past of conflicts within the Presidency, between the President and the Vice President. Many will recall how the relationship between President Olusegun Obasanjo and then Vice President Atiku Abubakar deteriorated rapidly after the 2003 Presidential election. The Presidential Villa practically became a war zone. All kinds of opportunists cashed in on this and there was never a shortage of salacious tales emanating from the Villa, from faceless persons casually referred to as “sources within the Presidency.”
Those “sources” are at work again. But we all need to learn from the past. A divided Presidency short-changes the people. Many will also recall the travails of President Goodluck Jonathan as Vice President to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. There was a deliberate attempt to frustrate him by those who did not want him as a successor to the late President whose tenure was defined majorly by the politics of illness and death. When President Yar’Adua left the country for medical treatment, there were persons within and outside the Presidency who insisted that VP Jonathan would not be allowed to act as President. It took the intervention of men and women of reason and the National Assembly for the letter and spirit of the Constitution to take effect. When VP Jonathan became President, he chose Arc. Namadi Sambo, then Governor of Kaduna State, as his Vice President. Arc Sambo and President Jonathan had a good, rancor-free working relationship, but that does not rule out the fact that certain mischief-makers tried to come between them.
My view is that Professor Yemi Osinbajo would rank as one of the most influential and visible Vice Presidents that Nigeria has had since the return to civilian rule in 1999. With the possible exception of Atiku Abubakar between 1999 and 2003, he has been able to engage the public and connect with the people in a manner no other Vice President before him, did. This probably explains why there has been so much concern about his place in the Presidency, and his relationship with his principal. It also explains why he may attract envy and criticism. I like the fact that he has been very calm and dignified in the face of it all. He has refrained from making any statement that may convey the impression that he also believes the narrative that some persons, wielding long knives, are out for him. He has not shown any desperation in the face of speculations that he may be removed, nor has he responded to any suggestion that he is under pressure to resign. His media team has not over-reacted. I commend him for his tact, and for staying above the fray.
However, one person who is convinced that the Vice President’s office is truly under siege told me the other day that Professor Osinbajo should go to court. Why would he allow the President to take away his powers over the management of the economy, including bodies of which he is statutorily the Chairman? I laughed. I told the person that the Vice President will do no such thing. He has no special powers of his own except powers delegated to him by the President, and even that is entirely at the discretion of the President. It is not impossible that many of the persons who are protesting that the Vice President is being marginalized are also under the illusion that there is a power sharing arrangement between the President and the Vice President of Nigeria. No. There is no such thing. Even the VP’s Chairmanship of the National Economic Council, under Section 18 of the Third Schedule is at the pleasure of the President; in any case, the Economic Council, like the Economic Advisory Council, and many such bodies is merely an advisory body. There is only one President of the Federation. He is granted so many powers under the 1999 Constitution, the Nigerian President is almost a constitutional monarch. He is the country’s chief economic manager. He is the “head of State, the Chief Executive of the Federation and Commander-in-Chief of the Federation” (Section 130(2). Whereas in defining the powers of the Federal Government, the Constitution vests legislative (Section 4) and judicial powers (section 6) in institutions and not individuals, Executive Powers (section 5) are vested in the person of the President. It is as follows:
“5(1): Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the executive powers of the Federation –
(a) shall be vested in the President and may, subject as aforesaid and to the provisions of any law made by the National Assembly, be exercised by him either directly or through the Vice-President and Ministers of the Government of the Federation or officers in the public service of the Federation.”
In other words, the Vice President exercises executive powers only as delegated by the President. The manner and extent to which he does so is at the entire discretion of the President as provided in Section 148 (1): “The President, may in his discretion, assign to the Vice President or any Minister of the Government of the Federation responsibility for any business of the Government of the Federation, including the administration of any department of government.” The operative phrase here is “may in his discretion”. And for the benefit of those wondering whether the President acted rightly by setting up an Economic Advisory Council, Section 151 of the Constitution refers – to wit: “The President may appoint any person as a Special Adviser to assist him in the performance of his functions.”
This, to the best of my knowledge, is the position of the Constitution on how the Vice President stands in relation to Presidential powers. In the eyes of the Constitution, the buck stops at the President’s desk. His government fails or succeeds strictly on the basis of the choices that he makes. He is not first among equals. He is the boss. The Vice President is at best his number one aide and adviser. The circumstances, however, under which the Vice President can replace him or act on his behalf are properly spelt out in the same Constitution. It is not for nothing that the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in a ruling on the 2019 Presidential election recently declared that the Vice President is an ‘appendage.”
When I canvass this view, I am told that I don’t understand the politics that is currently going on in the Villa. My suspicion is that the people who are playing politics are the people latching on to the announcement of an Economic Advisory Council or the revelation that the Vice President must take directives from the President (which is not a problem by the way), to project their own fears onto the national screen- namely their ethnic interests, religious sentiments and personal interests. They do so in rather hyperbolic terms. Just as there are persons threatening to march on the Villa “to defend our VP”, there are those who are seizing the moment to launch personal attacks on the Vice President.
Those who claim to be defending him may be expressing their admiration of him – it is clear he has a followership and a constituency behind him – but they should be careful not to damage his politics and his relationship with his principal. There is definitely also a lesson here for the President and the Presidency. Perception is everything. Given Nigeria’s politics of suspicion, even the most innocent of gestures could create wicked problems; hence, government must always think ahead and communicate with greater clarity. Flip side: it is definitely clear that Professor Yemi Osinbajo’s followers want him to be given more responsibilities, not a demotion. They don’t want him to be used and dumped, no matter what. Off the books, beyond legalese: address this perception problem. Above all, something must be done about those so-called “reliable sources” in the Presidency. I never liked them. They only make things difficult for everyone.

Osinbajo's agonistes

By Chooks Oko
(BOSF South East Coordinator)

There is something about archetypes. They follow a pattern. They have expected features, coloured in some expected hues and flowing in an expected course. Perhaps, that is why they are called so, they have to fall into the mould designed for them. Anything short of this makes the subject a rebel, an iconoclast of sorts.
The Malcolm X story readily comes to mind. Little Malcolm had shown promises of academic brilliance in school prompting his teachers to take a special notice of him. One day, his teacher asked him what he will want to be in future. The young man proudly told the teacher that he desired to be a lawyer. Boom! There began Malcolm's problems. Lawyer? How can a young black man, the son of a slave, aspire to be a lawyer in America at that time? Who will be the carpenter, bricklayer, mechanic, and other artisans if this young man dreamt of being a lawyer? They labeled him a bad nigger. The challenges that followed shaped the man you know as Malcolm X or shall we call him Malik El Shabbaz, his Muslim name. He refused to be the archetypal black man and got the full dose of heat that goes with being different.
This might not be about an Afro American rights crusader, but I certainly find Yemi Osinbajo, an erudite professor of law and vice president of Nigeria in this light, suddenly.

Apparently, Vice Presidents do have a pattern, their typical expected pattern. Docile, meek, unobtrusive with a servant mentality that sees no wrong, knows none and does none. Archetypal? Perhaps. In our part of the world, this profiling is that of the jobbers around any government waiting to pick holes where none exist. Waiting to interpret a smile as a grimace, a grin as a rue, a laugh as a glee. They wait to see a clap as a heckle, walking as swagger and a hand shake as a proof of alliance against the master. For them, a Vice has no life of their own. Like Emperor Nero, they expect such a person to take permission to die. Talk of archetypes!
That is probably the sin of the man who has refused to fit into their archetypal mould. Obedient, dutiful, loyal and focused, Osinbajo is not your run-of-the-mill veepee. He is busy pursuing the agenda of the government he was elected to serve and has no time to engage in frivolities. That is probably the annoyance of the columnists. Don't worry whether they are of the fifth grade or more, but the jobbers are confused and annoyed. They cannot understand such aloofness from a man who should either be busy amassing wealth or building a political empire. They cannot seem to find a point of ridicule so they turn to twisting government business rules to mean a twisting of fortunes or a clipping of wings. This makes it clear that Osinbajo's case is like that of a piece of gold. My people have a saying that for want of what to scorn the gold with, they say it has the colour of excreta. But, does this colour and the attendant insinuation detract from the goldness of the gold?
In the recent past weeks, stories of whittling of the veepee's powers nay functions, spurious conspiracy theories and unfounded propaganda have assailed the person and office of Yemi Osinbajo. But trust him. He let his persona become the key weapon in this infamous agonistes.
I remember a football dribbling style dubbed "don't dirty me" in the days of Ogidi Ibeawuchi of Rangers International then, and I remember Osinbajo's style. He does his job with finesse, plays by the rules and fills his watchers with admiration. That is probably why he has attracted the full wrath of 2023 campaigners who do not know what to make of him. Is he a contender? A cheer leader? Or just an on-looker? Certainly, only God and time will tell. As this agonistes is forced on him, by people who want to know where he stands, it is clear that he cannot be bothered. Clear conscience, they say, fears no accusation. Isn't it the case with the Vice President? Kashimawo, as the Yorubas would say, let us watch and see.

TIMI FRANK’s COMMENTS ON FIRS, NONSENSICAL, UNTRUE AND MISLEADING - ISD

The Initiative to Save Democracy has responded to the claims by PDP stalwart, Timi Frank that 90 Billion Naira was used from the FIRS to prosecute the 2019 elections stating that this claim was uncalled for, untrue and misleading.

The Pro-Democracy Group in a statement by its Publicity Secretary Peter Oladele stated that the statements issued Timi Frank were blatant fake news and an abuse of the constitutional right to freedom of speech, further stating that all the “so-called activist wanted was to muddy clean waters with an absolute untruth from nowhere, and attempt to smear the names of good men.”

“It is disheartening to see the very medium to inform and enlighten citizens being used as a tool for spreading rumours and propaganda. The recent statements by Comrade Timi Frank, making its runs on several media platforms, hauling unfathomable accusations at the Vice President and the FIRS boss is one of such misuse of media.”

The group highlighted that reports by the FIRS already made clear that the agency had not received up to N100 billion per annum  as Cost of Collection from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC, a public institution, whose records are a matter of public records and thus to insinuate the agency supported the APC, through the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo with N90 billion in the concluded election is outrageous and outlandish. 

“The FIRS is neither a money dispensing or electoral funding organisation, and like several other organizations, they have processes and structures before a single dime can be spent. The FIRS Budget and expenditure approval processes pass through the Budget Office and the Ministry of Finance, after which they are presented to the National Assembly for Appropriation into Law. The National Assembly committees, consisting of all parties - whether PDP or APC - exercise oversight function on all agencies of the Federal Government to ensure agencies keep to the letters of the Appropriation Act.”

“Thus FIRS’ operations are subjected to scrutiny and close monitoring by the National Assembly, the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee and the Ministry of Finance. There is therefore no way such an amount as claimed by Timi Frank could have been expended without it being sighted by either of these institutions.”

ISD further stated that: “To believe the preposterous existence of the alleged sum is to accuse esteemed individuals of collusion and oversight but more detrimental, is to undermine the great work of the outstanding members in such offices. To insinuate that these governmental organizations are involved in electoral misconduct is an affront to public trust and an insult to our democracy as well as the electoral process.”

“What makes a source credible is the presence of verifiable proofs, however Mr Frank has provided none of such because the events portrayed in his statement are factless and borderline vindictive. They are baseless accusations which only seek to destroy the confidence placed in the government and its organizations and processes by her people.”

The democracy group urged the media houses to conduct due diligence by fact checking articles as well as conduct their own investigative journalism to avoid being pawns and tools by scrupulous, ill meaning and self serving individuals like Timi Frank.

It further urged Nigerians not to be too hasty in believing the worst and to weigh information they come across especially those from questionable media outlets before forming and spreading opinions.

“We must not loose the trust instilled in the administration and her members, as a house divided amongst itself cannot stand.” It added.