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Politics › Why Nigeria Is Changing To Cleaner Energy By Osinbajo by MANofMEN(op): 8:33pm On Feb 11, 2021

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*WHY NIGERIA IS CHANGING TO CLEANER ENERGY BY OSINBAJO*

_*Nigeria’s plan is to reduce carbon emission by 20% by 2030 as FG commissions another university-based solar plant*_

*_*VP also chairs inaugural meeting of Cabinet Committee to review Draft National Transport Policy_*

With the commissioning of yet another solar hybrid power plant by the Federal Government in one of its universities, Nigeria’s energy transition plan to renewables is on course.

And this is in line with the globally endorsed Climate Change agenda and the Buhari administration’s effort to connect more communities to off-grid power and reliable energy sources, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Thursday in a message delivered virtually at the commissioning of a 1.12 MW Captive Solar Hybrid Power Plant at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.

The project executed under the Energizing Education Programme (EEP), an initiative of the Federal Government, is aimed at providing 37 Federal Universities and 7 Teaching Hospitals with captive energy solutions that will ensure sustainable and reliable power for students and faculty.

According to the Vice President, “renewables are the fastest growing segment of energy today and will certainly be a key economic driver well into the future.

“Indeed, Nigeria intends to have 30% of its electricity supply from renewables by the year 2030. Our future workforce therefore need to be ready for this energy transition. The training centers constitute a critical additional benefit of this project.”

Continuing, he noted that “besides, this programme reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to global best practice as we transition to cleaner sources of energy in line with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

“These projects being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency are strategic to fulfilling our commitments to the agreement as they strive to reduce Nigeria’s carbon footprint.

“The leveraging of renewable energy technology is in line with the Federal Government’s mandate and related activities. Nigeria’s plan to reduce carbon emission by 20% unconditionally and 45% with international support by 2030, aims to limit the damaging effect of climate change.”

Speaking on the benefits of the EEP, Prof. Osinbajo said “already, 22,000 students and faculties across the country are connected to completed projects in Kano, Ebonyi, Benue and of course, now in Bauchi. But apart from providing a reliable source of captive power for these institutions, each institution will have a renewable energy workshop and a training center to provide training for students on renewable energy.”

He said “the project also entails the installation of street lights and the electro fitting of existing ones for better illumination and provision of security on the campus and its environs. And there is provision for on-the-job training for 20 female students undergoing STEM courses in the beneficiary institutions. The training focuses on the design and installation of various components of the project.”

While commending the implementing agency, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) for its hard work and resourcefulness in the implementation of the programme, Prof. Osinbajo charged the agency to redouble its effort in “rolling out the Energizing Education Programme with speed and quality across the country”.

In the same vein the Vice President acknowledged and commended what he described as “a strong display of partnership between the Federal Ministries of Power, Education and Environment, the National Universities Commission and the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission”, in making the project a reality.

It would be recalled that the Federal Government, under the EEP has inaugurated 3 solar off-grid hybrid power plants in 3 universities located in Kano, Ebonyi and Benue States.

In August 2019, through the Rural Electrification Agency, the Federal Government completed and inaugurated the first plant under the EEP, a 2.8MW first solar hybrid power plant at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI) in Ebonyi State. The project also included lighting of 7.5 KM of solar powered street lights in the university.

In September of the same year, the Buhari administration commissioned the largest off-grid solar hybrid power plant in Africa at Bayero University, Kano (BUK). The project which is providing students and faculty with constant electricity supply also includes provision of 11.41 kilometres of solar-powered street lights as well as a world-class renewable energy training centre.

In the same vein in December 2020, the Federal Government commissioned a 8.25M Solar Hybrid Power plant at Federal University of Agriculture (FUAM), Makurdi, Benue State. As a result, FUAM students and faculty now have access to electricity supply from the solar power plant. The project also includes installation of 13.23km solar powered streetlights for illumination and safety on the University campus.

All universities, under the programme are also provided with world-class renewable energy workshops and training centres.

In another development the Vice President presided over the inaugural meeting of the Cabinet Committee for the Review of the Draft National Transport Policy.

The terms of reference of the Committee include the determination of "which ministry or agency has statutory authority to administer tolls on Nigeria roads," and to determine the "appropriate roles of the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning and the Ministry of Works and Housing vis a vis the Ministry of Transportation in respect of the Road Fund proposed by the policy."

Committee members at the meeting held at the Presidential Villa include the Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, Works and Housing Minister Babatunde Fashola and Budget and National Planning Minister of State Clem Agba who represented the Finance Minister.

*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President.*
11th February 2021

Politics › Millions Of Nigerians Impacted By Esp/covid-19 Stimulus Packages by MANofMEN(op): 12:50pm On Feb 09, 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

MILLIONS OF NIGERIANS IMPACTED BY ESP/COVID-19 STIMULUS PACKAGES

*How FG is preventing retrenchment in the Private Sector

*Over 5million farmers enumerated

*30,000 N-power exited beneficiaries hired as Agric enumerators

*About one million already received govt’s cash under Survival Fund, CBN intervention

*3200 hectares being cleared for farming

*344km roads under construction to link 500 farms

*Broadband penetration now 45%

Federal ministers and heads of agencies are reporting further progress in the implementation of the Economic Sustainability Plan of the Buhari Administration as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, presides over a meeting of the Economic Sustainability Committee earlier today at the Presidential Villa.

Highlights of the reports presented to the Committee include the release of N37B for the Survival Fund covering such schemes like N50,000 Payroll Support for three months to over 300,000 beneficiaries, one-time grants of N30,000 to about 100,000 artisans, and 100,000 business name registrations paid for by the Federal Government.

While the Minister of State for Industry, Trade & Investment Ambassador Mariam Katagum reported the progress of the Survival Fund to the Committee, the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele also reported on the bank’s intervention including disbursement of over N192B for household/MSMEs grants to 426,000 beneficiaries across the country, with plans to do over N100B more in that category named Targeted Credit Facility.

The CBN Governor also disclosed that under the collateral-free Agric-Business/Small & Medium Enterprise Investment Scheme, there are ongoing grants of concessionary loans from between N150,000 to N2.5million. In that category, the Governor disclosed that over N106B has been disbursed so far to over 27,000 beneficiaries.

In the Agric sector, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Alhaji Sabo Nanono also reported that under the ESP, a total of 5.4million farmers have now been enumerated to get the support under the plan. He added that for the enumeration which involved geospatial tagging, almost 73,000 N-Power volunteers were trained and 30,000 of them deployed to 774 Local Government Areas. For the purposes of funding through the CBN, the Minister disclosed that 2.9million of the farmers have had their BVN enrollment validated.

Also, the clearing of 3,200 hectares of land for farming is ongoing in several States including Edo, Plateau, Ekiti, Cross River, Ogun, Kaduna, Kwara, and Osun States while rural road constructions have reached about 28% completion covering 344km, linking about 500 markets across the country.

The Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami also briefed the Committee that broadband penetration in the country has moved from 38% last year to 45% now, while over 170 institutions have been registered to conduct the NIN. He also said Telcos would be licensed for the enrollment, while over 1060 registration centers have been activated across the country for the NIN. He reports that a total of 56.18million NINs have been collected by mobile network operators.

Others who briefed the Committee included the Labour, Employment and Productivity Minister, Dr. Chris Ngige, and his Minister of State colleague Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN. In his presentation, Dr. Ngige listed the Federal Government’s efforts to prevent the retrenchment of staff in the Private Sector because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He listed some hotel companies who agreed not to retrench and it was also disclosed that bankers have all committed not to retrench staff at this time.

Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Fashola reported on the ministry’s coordinated FG Public Works Programme, while Mr. Keyamo reported on the progress of the Special Public Works that hires 774,000 workers across all Local Government Areas of the country.

Other presentations were made on the Rapid Response Register launched recently by the Vice President and the Social Housing Scheme of the ESP.

Other ministers at the meeting were the Industry, Trade and Investment Minister, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Petroleum Resources Minister of State, Mr. Timipre Sylva.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
8th February 2021

Politics › Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu Appoints Engr.mrs Bisoye Coker-odusote As Acting Gm by MANofMEN(op): 7:04pm On Feb 03, 2021

The Executive Governor of Lagos State, BabaJide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has approved the appointment of Engr. Mrs. Bisoye Coker - Odusote as the Acting General Manager for the Lagos State Infrastructural Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA).

She is taking over from Engr. Funsho Elulade, the former General Manager, who was redeployed to the Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory.

Before her new appointment, Engr. Bisoye Coker - Odusote was the Deputy General Manager of LASIMRA. She had worked as Special Adviser to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Technology.

Engr. Bisoye Coker - Odusote had also previously worked in the United Kingdom and Nigeria, with 15 years working experience across technology, real estate/construction, oil and gas, finance, media and advertising industries.

She is also the founder of tech-advance initiative, the Bibi Coker Foundation, which gives education grants to women studying STEM related undergraduate degrees, to encourage more women to join the male dominated industry.

Politics › Text Of The Press Conference Address By The All Progressives Youth Forum (apyf) by MANofMEN(op): 1:15pm On Jan 27, 2021

TEXT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESS BY THE ALL PROGRESSIVES YOUTH FORUM (APYF) ON THE APPOINTMENT OF THE NEW SERVICE CHIEFS BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI, GCFR IN ABUJA ON 27TH JANUARY, 2021.

PROTOCOL
Gentlemen of the press, we thank you most sincerely for honouring our invitation to this press conference.

2. We have called you today as members of the All Progressives Youth Forum (APYF), a foremost youth wing of the APC to share our excitement with the news of the appointment of the new service chiefs by the Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

3. We are delighted with this news. We have always believed that renewed invigoration was needed for the leadership of the armed forces. This, in no way diminishes or waters down the massive successes our military have achieved, especially recently, under the outgoing retired service chiefs.

4. The significant successes recorded by the immediate past service chiefs in the last days of their tenures were very encouraging and signified that these gallant officers had the capacity to deal decisively with the terrorists, bandits and criminals. It is fulfilling that these retiring service chiefs bowed out with their head highs. They set foundations that are reference points in the war against terrorism.

5. No doubt, Nigerians all over the world, with the recent news of the victories being recorded most especially against the dreaded Boko Haram, are proud and grateful to the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; ex-Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; former Chiefs of Naval and Air Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas; and Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar for their services. We wish them a peaceful retirement and the long life to witness a completely secured Nigeria that will serve as legacy for their long years of sacrifices.

6. The All Progressives Youth Forum would also like to congratulate the newly appointed Service Chiefs and wish them a successful tenure. It is our prayers that they would be able to sustain and even build on the recent successes achieved by their predecessors. We have looked at their resumes, and we can say that they are stellar and deserving of the roles they are going to be playing. They are experienced in the battlefield terrain, and we are sure that these Service Chiefs will deal the final blow that ends terrorism in Nigeria. Nigerians expect victory, and nothing less.

7. We call on all Nigerians to exercise patience with the newly appointed security chiefs, and to offer them our full support in the firm belief that the President must have taken into consideration their long years of experience in arriving at the decision to saddle them with the responsibilities of prosecuting our nation’s security policies during one of the most challenging times in our history.

8. Our prayers are with the newly appointed service chiefs and, indeed, with all gallant officers who have continued to work day and night in a bid to ensure we all live peacefully in a well secured country. May your efforts and those of all our fallen heroes never be in vain, and may Nigeria, during our lifetime, live up to its promise of a peaceful and prosperous nation.

9. Thank you.

Abu Andrew Abu
For: All Progressives Youth Forum, APYF

Nairaland General › Brains And Hammers Pays Compensation To Host Communities Of Bungalow by MANofMEN(op): 6:59pm On Jan 26, 2021

Press Release
26/01/2021
Lagos, Nigeria.

For Immediate Release

BRAINS AND HAMMERS PAYS COMPENSATION TO HOST COMMUNITIES OF BUNGALOW CITY

Brains and Hammers Ltd, Nigeria’s leading Infrastructure, Hospitality, commercial, and residential real estate company, has fulfilled yet another aspect of its community relations initiative by paying compensation to the members of the host communities of the second phase of its “Bungalow City” project in Abuja. The company disclosed this at a ceremony marking the cheque presentation to the host communities.

Making the presentation to the host communities on behalf of Brains and Hammers, Niger-State Commissioner for Housing, Alhaji Muktari Na-sale, praised the company for taking up the challenge of providing affordable houses for Nigerians. He also noted that the timely payment of compensation fulfills one of the core components of the company’s sustainability initiative focused on Technology, Education, Health Care, and Community Relations (TECH.)

The Commissioner said, “The public-private partnership between the government of Niger-State and Brains and Hammers on the provision of affordable housing through the “Bungalow City” scheme is a confirmation of what is possible when government and the private sector work together. It is even more fulfilling to know that Brains and Hammers is a Nigerian company providing the solution to a major challenge in the country.”

Speaking for the host communities, the Dakachi Jibi (district head of Jibi,) Alhaji Dahiru Daudu, thanked the company for the timely payment of the compensation. He also pledged continued support to the company in her quest to actualize its target of providing over five thousand (5000) housing units in the area. This project is a boost for the community, state, and country at large.

In his opening remarks, Brains and Hammers Chief Operating Officer, Affordable Housing (North,) Mallam Kabir Gano, praised the partnership between the host communities and the company and solicited their continuous support as the project enters a rapidly expanding phase 2.

Mallam Gano said, “We have resolved to provide affordable houses for Nigerians complete with all the amenities that make for meaningful living. With a vision to turn hinterlands into suburbs, we have embarked on an ambitious target of building affordable cities across the country. We started with the Brains and Hammers City in the Life Camp area of Abuja, and now, Bungalow city, our second affordable city initiative. We are proud of what we have achieved with both projects in just over three years.”
Also present at the event were the Niger-State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Land and Housing, TPL A. Hussain, the District head of Alhaji Dahiru Daudu, and the council chairman of Tafa, Hon. Ibrahim Mami Ijah.

Brains and Hammers’ hospitality, residential, commercial, and infrastructural portfolio covers thousands of acres of land in urban, suburban, and satellite communities in Abuja, Kano, and Lagos in Nigeria. Backed-up by over a decade’s worth of insight and expertise, the company has become a partner of choice for affordable and luxury homes by government agencies, the private sector, and Nigerians in general.
For more information, contact;

Onome Okwah
Head, Strategic Communication
Brains and Hammers
07031323600
onome.okwah@brainsandhammers.com

Politics › APC REGISTRATION: Progressive Professionals’ Forum Begins Massive Awareness by MANofMEN(op): 9:00pm On Jan 23, 2021

*APC REGISTRATION: Progressive Professionals’ forum begins massive awareness*

A Pro-Democracy group, Progressive Professionals’ Forum (PPF) commenced her rural sensitization drive today, Jan 23rd, 2021 as part of her efforts to complement the upcoming All Progressive Congress membership registration across the country.

The sensitization which came up at Angwai Community, FCT-Abuja saw members of the forum engaging the residents of the area on the need to be part of the political process and also emphasising the roles of community, youth, women and student leaders as a critical tool for massive mobilisation and information dissemination.

According to the convener of the forum, Mr. Lekan Paul, there is a need for the Progressives Professionals’ forum as civic duties to support the party in attaining its utmost efficiency.

Lekan noted that democracy is built on the principle of participation where all citizens are expected to play active roles.

“The forum is embarking on creating an aggressive community sensitization and awareness strategies across the FCT to ensure rural communities actively participates in the upcoming membership registration of the party which commences on the 25th January, 2021.”

“Efforts are ongoing for members in the 36 states of the federation to kickstart awareness on monday, we are confident for a fruitful outing”.

The Secretary of the Forum, Theresa Tekenah in her words revealed that the APC membership registration process is a clarion call for the forum to establish her presence within the progressives caucus and most importantly; to streamline accurate information to the 774 wards to ensure a successful outing for the party.

Theresa continued; “The Progressive Professionals’ Forum goal is to bridge the lacuna in information dissemination and advance the support base of the APC Led Government across all states of the federation. The forum’s establishment will further advance the reputation and image of our great party in future endeavours and electioneering activities across the country.”

While responding, a youth leader in the community, Dauda Isa appreciates the forum for her sensitisation efforts and promised to continue house-to-house awareness for residents to register; another resident Mrs Adenike Mariam said she would inform her friends at the market to be be part of the process.

A member of the forum, Akanji Micheal urged members to be resilient and consistent towards the forum mission and the interest of the party, stating that the acceptance of the progresssive party across the federation will be greatly improved after the registration process.

Politics › Fg Releases N6.45 Billion For New Oxygen Plants In 38 Locations Nationwide To Fa by MANofMEN(op): 8:06am On Jan 22, 2021

*FG RELEASES N6.45 BILLION FOR NEW OXYGEN PLANTS IN 38 LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE TO FACILITATE COVID-19 TREATMENT*

*Another N255 million approved for repairs of oxygen plants in 5 hospitals

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved N6.45 billion for the setting up of gas plants in 38 locations nationwide in a bid to enhance the treatment of Covid-19 patients who need oxygen.

This disclosure emerged at the first National Economic Council meeting of the year presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, with State Governors, Federal Capital Territory Minister, Central Bank Governor and other senior government officials in attendance.

While briefing the NEC on the release of the funds, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed said the President approved the release of the funds for the production of oxygen, necessitated by the increased number of patients who need oxygen due to the surge in Covid-19 infections in the country.

Similarly at the meeting, the Health Minister Dr. Osagie Ehanire informed the Council that sequel to President Buhari's decision to activate the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund based on the National Health Act, N55.1billion was approved in 2018 and that 50% of the sum has since been released to the States and the FCT.

Besides, the Federal Government has also allocated N35billion for 2021 for the Fund.

It would be recalled that the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF or “The Fund”) was established under Section 11 of the National Health Act (NHA Act), as the principal funding vehicle for the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BMPHS). The Fund serves to increase the fiscal space and overall financing to the health sector to assist Nigeria achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Funding of the BHCPF would be derived from contributions including — an annual grant from the Federal Government of Nigeria of not less than one per cent (1%) of its Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) — grants by international donor partners; and funds from any other source.

Other updates at the NEC meeting include account balances as at 20th January, 2020 given by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, as follows:

Excess Crude Account (ECA), balance as at 20th January, 2021, $72,411,197.80; Stabilization Account, balance as at 19th January, 2021, N28, 800, 711,295.37; Natural Resources Development Fund Account, balance as at 19th January 2021, N95, 830,729,470.82.

*ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT*
Council also received an update from the Vice President who is the Chairman of Council's Ad-Hoc Committee on Public Engagements regarding the fallouts of the EndSars protests of last year.

In the update, the NEC engagements will focus mainly on:

• Wealth creation, social safety nets and employment

• Education, digital economy and sports development

• Creative industry and hospitality

• Security

• Governance

TARGET GROUPS AND AUDIENCE

Participants of the NEC engagements will be drawn from the following groups

• Young intellectuals and emerging industry leaders from diverse sectors, students of tertiary and other educational institutions, youths in the Diaspora who are interested in social political developments, entertainers and social influencers, trained artisans etc.

• Youth leaders in (a) civil Society Organization (b) Politics (c) religious organization (d) traditional institutions.

• Young women and young people with disabilities.

MODALITIES AND STAGES OF THE NEC ENGAGEMENTS

The engagement will evolve in three stages:

1. Stage One: State Government(and FCT) facilitated youth engagements, guided by a panel of seasoned professionals(for comprehensiveness, practicability and effectiveness). This will essentially be a youth-driven engagement organised by each State Government or the FCT Administration. As the initial engagement, it will allow for streamlining of the thought processes of the youths’ interaction with State Officials and the selection of representatives, who will participate in subsequent engagements at Zonal and National levels.

2. Stage Two: This is the zonal-level engagement where the issues of concern and the consensus reform ideas developed from the State-level engagements are presented by the individual States’ representatives. This engagement is a collaboration between the youths and the State Governments in the respective zones.

3. Stage Three: This the national engagement, where select representatives from States and the Federal Capital Territory participate in an interactive session with Federal and other Government officials. The youth representatives present the consensus issues of concern and reform ideas developed from the first two stages. The session will be people-centric, providing a platform for the Government to listen to the youth and focus less on presenting its own achievements or defending its perspectives.

*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President.*
21st January 2021

Politics › Esp Cash Transfer Scheme: Lifting 20 Million Nigerians Out Of Poverty In Next by MANofMEN(op): 9:03pm On Jan 19, 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

ESP CASH TRANSFER SCHEME:
LIFTING 20 MILLION NIGERIANS OUT OF POVERTY IN NEXT 2 YEARS NOW WITHIN REACH, SAYS OSINBAJO

*FG to give 1m households COVID-19 N5000 monthly Cash Transfer for 6 months

*VP adds: Nigeria deserves social security scheme not just for poverty alleviation, but wealth creation also

*Nigeria first country in Africa to develop & test wholly technology-based approach to social protection

Following the successful activation of the Economic Sustainability Plan’s (ESP) Cash Transfer scheme aimed at delivering financial support to at least 1 million urban-based households using technology, the Buhari administration’s vision of reducing extreme poverty by lifting at least 20 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next two years is now within reach, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Tuesday in Abuja while flagging-off, virtually, the cash transfer scheme to be facilitated through a wholly technology-based approach called the Rapid Response Register (RRR).

RRR is the means by which urban poor and vulnerable population can be speedily identified using geographic satellite technology and other related means for the purposes of delivering cash to households affected by the fallouts of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

According to the Vice President “the groundbreaking success of the RRR, now emboldens us to achieve our aspiration of a social security programme for a minimum of twenty million Nigerians in the next two years. This will be the largest of its kind on the continent. This (aspiration) is, at least from the perspective of this tested approach, now well within our reach.”

“The only constraint, of course, is the funding which we must look for because, this country deserves a social security scheme that will not merely alleviate poverty but also create wealth for the millions of those who are waiting for this opportunity.

“Our government launched the National Social Protection Policy (NSPP) in 2017 to provide the framework for institutionalizing the work we started since 2016 on reducing extreme poverty in Nigeria, based on our administration’s vision to create a comprehensive social security programme for the poor and vulnerable and thereafter the pledge to lift 100 million Nigerian’s out of poverty in ten years.”

The Vice President maintained that the launch of the (RRR) social protection method of targeting, which is the first strategy to be developed and tested in the Sub-Saharan Africa region, would enable Nigeria tackle poverty in a more systematic manner, leveraging technology to expand the scope of the interventions.

His words: “As of 31st December 2020, we have identified and registered about 24.3 million poor and vulnerable individuals into the National Social Register; equivalent to about 5.7 million households. Through this project, we are currently injecting about N10 Billion directly into the hands of about 2 million poor and vulnerable people every month.

“This is about the largest evidence-based effort by any administration on poverty reduction and its impact on the lives of the poor is huge; by way of improving the livelihoods of the beneficiaries through enhanced household purchasing power; smoothening consumption; increasing savings and acquisition of household assets; and improving the local economy. There are many more ramifications.”

Earlier in her remarks, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq said the initiative would provide a gateway to other important government programmes, adding that Nigeria now has a database for impact tracking and the expansion of social interventions and related programmes, in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision of extending financial support to more Nigerians.

She said “By design, this register links to other databases such as banking information of respondents and national identity numbers. It is also a process that is advanced in unifying national databank towards the delivery of social development in Nigeria. There is no doubt that in future, as has been demonstrated in the previous presentation, we would be reverting to the process used here and the register itself, to aid emergency assistance”.

On his part, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr Subham Chaudhuri commended the Federal Government for the initiative, noting it as a critical component in the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While pledging the support of the World Bank for the project, Mr Chaudhuri emphasized the need for stakeholders to remain transparent in the selection and disbursement of the funds to the beneficiaries.

About 3,115 households received alerts of payments instantly at the flag-off of the project by the Vice President. A total of 1 million households would be impacted directly under the scheme in the next 6 months. Each household already identified will receive N5000 cash transfer from January to June this year.

The Cash Transfer scheme which is part of the ESP is designed to build a shock responsive framework for capturing and registering the urban poor and vulnerable populations across Nigeria. The RRR focuses mainly on the urban poor wards selected using scientifically validated methods of satellite remote sensing technology, machine learning algorithm and big data analysis.

Also present at the event include the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige; the representative of the European Union (EU) mission in Nigeria, Mr Ketil Karlsen, among others.

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

19th January 2021

Politics › Covid-19 Pandemic Opportunity To Improve Healthcare Delivery by MANofMEN(op): 7:32pm On Jan 14, 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

OSINBAJO TO FG PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCIES & EXPERTS:

COVID-19 PANDEMIC OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE HEALTHCARE DELIVERY

*Local vaccine production, enforcement of non-pharmaceutical measures against virus & testing modalities reviewed at interaction with health & medical experts

Just as COVID-19 poses one of humanity’s greatest public health challenges, the pandemic provides an opportunity to ramp up public health infrastructure in Nigeria including the training of required experts even as governments should be doing more in the area of funding, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Thursday at a virtual meeting with top government officials and a group of Nigerian scientists who have been working on some of the public health dimensions of the pandemic.

The interaction which focused on Nigeria’s response and the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, featured presentations by one of Nigeria’s leading virologists, Prof. Oyewale Tomori; Infectious Diseases Scientist, Prof. Philip Onyebujoh, and the Director, African Center of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Prof. Christian Happi.

On the government side at the interaction were Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire; the Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Dr Aliyu Sani; and the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu.

This is the second interaction the Vice President is holding this week with professors and scientists on the medical and public health dimensions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier on Tuesday, he met with a group of scientific investigators into the possible usefulness of Ivermectin medication in the treatment of COVID-19.

“We are at a point where we can gain tremendously as a people from this pandemic and a lot of what has been said will really help in putting this in perspective for us as government, so we can actually go out and resolve many of these problems and improve the environment for ourselves, and for the coming generations in particular,” Prof. Osinbajo said after listening to the experts at the over 2 hours long meeting.

Acknowledging the significance of the interaction with the scientists especially in providing valuable suggestions in addressing the country’s public health challenges, the Vice President noted that “this has been an inspiring intervention and discussion. I say inspiring because it is evident that our experts (whether they are directly engaged or not) are also paying attention not just to an unfolding public health problem but also the very many opportunities that this problem provides for us, the many opportunities to ramp up our public health capacities in various ways.”

Speaking further about leveraging the pandemic to address challenges in Nigeria’s public health infrastructure, Prof. Osinbajo added that “I think that we must focus on those opportunities and make the best of this situation.”

According to the Vice President, “I think that we must be talking now about local vaccine production, improving the training of laboratory scientists, and generally improving our capacity to respond in various ways.

“We must really focus on the opportunities that this period really gives us. What I have noticed is that unless something like this happens, we are very frequently relaxed and just hope for the best. I think we are in a position now where we can do a lot. In fact, there is the opportunity to do more in terms of government funding.”

“So, I think this is a major responsibility for us, the government, at this time, to really look at how we can, at least, do much better in terms of preparing young men and women for the challenges ahead. This point was also made about the quality of laboratory scientists and the quality of medical personnel and paramedics and all that.”

Earlier in his presentation, Prof. Tomori emphasized the need for authorities across different levels to leverage the opportunities created by the COVID-19 pandemic to overhaul the entirety of the country’s health system, noting that “we cannot let this pandemic go without starting the production of vaccines here in Nigeria”.

Stating his desire to help authorities resolve lingering issues in public health management, the renowned virologist noted that he has benefited so much from the country hence his love and desire to see a better society.

In the same vein, Prof. Happi emphasized the need for a closer collaboration between the public and private sectors to transform Nigeria’s health sector not only in providing the necessary infrastructure but in making possible the local manufacture of medical consumables.

On his part, Prof. Onyebujoh advocated improved coordination especially in the States in the areas of identification, isolation and clinical management of infected persons, for the country to effectively manage the current rate of transmission.

He added that the acquisition of sufficient doses of vaccines would also go a long way in containing the transmission rate, calling on authorities to put in place effective strategies to manage the storage, distribution and the actual vaccination of persons.

Addressing some of the concerns raised at the forum, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire said the country was expecting about 10 million doses of the COVID-19 viral vector vaccine.

The minister added that the 10 million doses is aside the 100,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine being expected in the country, noting that both types of the vaccine would be received, sometime in March 2020.

Dr Ehanire noted that the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with other stakeholders had already put in place mechanisms for the management of the vaccines, but emphasized that Federal Government was encouraging the use of IVERMECTIN, while expecting more research done on the prophylactic use of the medication.

While commending the efforts of Nigerian scientists, especially in proffering solutions to the management of the pandemic, the Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Dr Sani Aliyu said there was need for the strengthening of enforcement of COVID-19 protocols, calling on state governments to work more closely with the Federal Government. He also assured that public testing was available for free to Nigerians.

On his part, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu disclosed that in ramping up testing across the country, the NCDC has adopted rapid testing. He said rapid testing was deployed for the last orientation programme of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

He said the NCDC in collaboration with stakeholders was currently working on building the capacity of medical personnel across the country as part of measures adopted by the Federal Government to boost the country’s infectious disease response capabilities.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
14th January 2021

Politics › We Need To Produce Largest Oil Volumes Possible At Cheaper Costs, Osinbajo Tel by MANofMEN(op): 6:23pm On Jan 13, 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

PETROLEUM INDUSTRY BILL (PIB):

WE NEED TO PRODUCE LARGEST OIL VOLUMES POSSIBLE AT CHEAPER COSTS, OSINBAJO TELLS OIL & GAS STAKEHOLDERS

*VP adds: “Gas should be an enabler for quick development”

Stakeholders in the oil industry need to find and agree on cheaper means of producing oil while also ensuring a more competitive environment that meets the needs and purposes of the Nigerian nation including the largest production volumes possible.

This was the view of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, at a virtual meeting on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) with stakeholders in the industry under the auspices of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) in Nigeria, and Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG).

According to Prof. Osinbajo “we need to agree on terms that will give us a more competitive environment. We should find a way of producing oil cheaper at the largest volume possible given the circumstances and future of oil itself, and of course, given our requirements and needs."

The meeting held Tuesday afternoon just as consultations ahead of the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) continue. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo noted that in line with the focus of the Buhari administration, there is need for stakeholders in the sector to agree on terms to create a more competitive environment, while maximizing opportunities in the oil and gas industry.

Continuing the Vice President said “the other point is that of gas. To sound the question of reconciling and maintaining our domestic gas obligation, and at the same time improving the gas environment in such a way that we are able to benefit maximally from it as a business and government.

“I like the concept that gas should be an enabler for quick development and I think that we must reach some kind of balance with this, especially with this question around domestic gas obligation. I would like OPTS and IPPG to look more carefully and see in what ways we can come to some agreements as to how it should be done.”

Speaking further on the benefits of harmonizing interests in the PIB, Prof. Osinbajo observed that the passage of the PIB should be seen as an opportunity to transform the industry by addressing lingering issues that have impeded development across the different sectors that make up the industry.

“Businesses would like to invest and invest more in this environment. So, that is the point of convergence. We want more investments and obviously state governments like more investments, and you (private companies) would like to invest so that you can make more money. No question about that; what we should seek to do is to see to what extent we can come to that convergence,” the Vice President said.

The new PIB, which was presented to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari in September last year, has already passed the second reading in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The central aim of the bill is to foster sustainable development in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr Timipre Silva, said the interaction with the stakeholders in the petroleum industry is indicative of their commitment to the transformation of the industry through the PIB.

He assured that working with other stakeholders, including the National Assembly, the PIB as conceived by the Buhari administration would be passed into law.

On his part, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Mele Kyari said that most of the concerns raised by stakeholders have been addressed in the proposal before the National Assembly, noting that the Federal Government has moved from its previous position to one that is more competitive and attractive to investors.

Commending the efforts of the Buhari administration in guiding the process of having a new law for the industry, the Chairman of OPTS, Mr Mike Sangster, who is also the Managing Director/Chief Executive of Total E&P Nigeria Ltd, said stakeholders remain committed to making Nigeria the “preeminent hydrocarbon province” in the region and the world.

Other participants at the meeting include the Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil in Nigeria, Mr Laing Richard; the Chairman of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr Rick Kennedy; and the Chairman of IPPG, Mr Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, among others.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
13th January 2021

Politics › We Need To Produce Largest Oil Volumes Possible At Cheaper Costs, Osinbajo Tel by MANofMEN(op): 6:10pm On Jan 13, 2021

Politics › Nigeria Is Stronger Together Osinbajo Says At Armed Forces Remembrance Service by MANofMEN(op): 5:17pm On Jan 10, 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

NIGERIA IS STRONGER TOGETHER OSINBAJO SAYS AT ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

*VP pays tribute to Nigeria’s military heroes and heroines

Despite differences in religion, ethnicity, political affiliations, or other diversities, Nigerians of all generations and from all walks of life must endeavour to commit to ensuring Nigeria’s unity, because the nation is stronger together than apart, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

The Vice President spoke today at the Interdenominational Church Service for the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, which held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Sunday.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, who was represented at the Church Service by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Nigerians “must at every opportunity insist that every great multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation has, through thick and thin, fought to realize the great dividends of diversity and pluralism.”

He reiterated the need for Nigerians to, as a mark of honour for the sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces show more commitment to the unity of the nation and the task of building a better society.

The VP said, “the struggle to ensure a more perfect federation is a lifelong enterprise to which each generation must resolutely commit.”

While paying tribute to the departed men and women of the nation’s Armed Forces, he observed that their sacrifices embody ultimate patriotism as they laid down their lives in the line of duty.

According to him, “drawn from all across the country, these brave men and women of the Armed Forces have made our nation proud and their lives show us what it means to be patriots. Each one of them reminds us of the timeless words of our national pledge: “to be faithful, loyal and honest, to serve Nigeria with all our strength, to defend her unity and uphold her honour and glory.”

He noted that the departed heroes and heroines of the Armed Forces “fought to preserve the freedom of the nations of the world from totalitarianism in the First and Second World Wars; to keep our Nation and its people as one in the Civil War."

Continuing, the VP praised the members of the Armed Forces adding that they "laid down their lives in peacekeeping operations on the continent and elsewhere, paid the ultimate price in the fight against the mindless terrorism in the North East, and in defending this land from other threats to security.

"It is to the memories of these heroes and heroines that we pledge in the words of our National anthem: that “the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain.

“That promise that their blood, spilled on the field of battle, will not be wasted, is the burden that we, the living, bear. And it is an onerous one indeed.”

In his tribute to the departed members of the Armed Forces, the VP recalled the heroism of the late Ms. Tolulope Arotile, who made history in October 2019, when she was winged as Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot in the 55 years of existence of the Nigerian Air Force.

He said, “although her young life was cut short in very unfortunate circumstances, Tolulope lived her dream to join the Nigerian military and along with colleagues from all parts of this nation, to defend the territorial integrity, peace and security of this nation.

Prof. Osinbajo noted the nation will always be grateful and proud of the continuing commitment of our young men and women to serving in the Armed Forces.

He said “this occasion is also one where we celebrate, honour and pray for the families, relations and loved ones of our fallen heroes, those who daily bear the pain and deprivation of their absence. On behalf of Mr. President and the Federal Government, we once again extend our sincere condolences to you. We pray that the Lord will comfort you and uphold you daily.”

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
10th January 2021

Nairaland General › Tcn Successfully Transmits Enhanced All-time Peak by MANofMEN(op): 7:45pm On Jan 07, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

TCN SUCCESSFULLY TRANSMITS ENHANCED ALL-TIME PEAK

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has successfully transmitted an enhanced all-time peak of 5,552.80MW recorded by the power sector on Wednesday, January 6th 2021, at 8.15pm.

This latest all-time peak transmitted, surpasses the last peak generation of 5,520.40MW which was also effectively transmitted by TCN on the 30th of October, 2020 by 32.40MW.

The new peak is an indication of the gradual but consistent growth in the capability of the power sector under the present administration. With the capacity to transmit 8,100MW, TCN successfully transmitted the enhanced peak through the nation’s grid at a frequency of 50.08Hz.

The Ag. MD/CEO of TCN, Engr. Sule Abdulaziz encouraged all sector players to work together to ensure sustained improvement in the power sector. TCN he said has continued to build more substations as well as install additional transformers in various substations nationwide. It is also restringing old transmission lines to further increase their capacity to transmit more bulk electricity for Discos nationwide. As at date, he said, TCN is able to efficiently wheel increased generation through the national grid.

Ndidi Mbah
GM public Affairs
7/1/2021

Politics › Fg, Cement Manufacturers Agree On Discount Charge For Esp 300,000 Social Housing by MANofMEN(op): 8:10am On Jan 04, 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

*OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT*

*FG, CEMENT MANUFACTURERS AGREE ON DISCOUNT CHARGE FOR ESP 300,000 SOCIAL HOUSING UNITS*

*Osinbajo commends contribution of major cement producers

*Adds: It is possible to deliver decent, affordable housing for Nigerians

As part of its determination to ensure the success of the Social Housing scheme where the Buhari administration will construct 300,000 houses under the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), for low income earning Nigerians, cement manufacturers have agreed with the Federal Government to charge discount price.

Making the disclosure over the weekend while visiting the completed model houses in Dei Dei at the Federal Capital Territory, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, affirmed it is indeed possible to deliver decent and affordable accommodation that will be within the reach of many Nigerians.

Answering reporters' questions after the visit to one of the construction sites of the Social Housing scheme, the VP noted the contributions of major cement manufacturers in the country towards the success of the programme.

According to him, “they have agreed to give cement for this project at considerable discount which is a very helpful thing to do and we really commend and thank them for the contributions they are making, it is a very patriotic thing on their part. They also see the importance of this Mass Housing Programme.”

After seeing the prototypes of the one-bedroom and two-bedroom bungalows, Prof. Osinbajo expressed satisfaction with the quality of the design and the fact that the houses are very affordable.

The Vice President noted that, “on the average, anybody who is earning N30,000 a month and is ready to spend a third of that amount, will be able to afford one of these houses, that is the plan. What I have seen so far, there is a one-bedroom unit and there is a two-bedroom unit, both coming under N2 million.

“I think that this is a very good thing indeed. And a point has been made that it is possible to build good, decent accommodation that isn’t out of the reach of practically everyone.”

Commenting on the implementation of the scheme across the country, the Vice President assured that the Mass Housing Programme will be provided across the country.

Prof. Osinbajo said, “we are hoping that we will be able to replicate this not just in Abuja but all over the country. So far, the Family Homes Fund is in 11 States, and they have given up land for the project.

“We are hoping that this year, we will be able to very rapidly improve the scale and speed of putting these houses in place. Once we are able to get moving quickly, we think we can make available several thousands of houses across the country and more people can afford to live in such houses.”

The Vice President noted that the job creation component of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) would also be actualized through Social Housing Scheme.

His words: “Also important is the job creation aspect of it. You have young men and women who are builders, architects, civil engineers working on this project. We are hoping that a lot of the building materials will be locally fabricated especially the windows, doors and other components of the houses.”

The social housing scheme of Buhari administration is an important aspect of the plan by the Federal Government to address the housing needs in the country by building thousands of low-cost houses and in the process create wealth and jobs for youths that will be engaged in the construction of the houses.

Under the ESP, the Federal Government has mandated the Central Bank to provide financing for the housing scheme and a N200B facility has been approved as the first tranche already.

There would also be Rent to Own option as part of the administration's resolve to impact the common man in this social housing plan expected to generate 1.8m jobs and deliver houses to about 1.5m Nigerian families.

The implementing agency, Family Homes Fund (FHF) Ltd, an agency under the Federal Ministry of Finance, has already mobilized thousands of Cooperative groups across the country who will participate in the Social Housing plan as the main warehouse agents and also mobilize the low-income buyers. For instance, FHF has met with 93 Cooperative Leaders from the 6 geographical zones, under the aegis of the Co-Operatives Federation of Nigeria.

Individuals who do not belong to cooperatives have not been left out as they can also apply through the portal: www.nshp.gov.ng.

*Laolu Akande*
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
3rd January, 2021.

Politics › What You Should Know About The New Lagos-ibadan Standard Railway, Also Called Bu by MANofMEN(op): 11:16am On Dec 31, 2020

*What You Should Know About The New Lagos-Ibadan Standard Railway, Also Called Buhari-Train*

On 7th March 2017, the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, in a groundbreaking ceremony, unveiled the standard Lagos-Ibadan Rail Line on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Lagos-Ibadan line is the first part of a new 2,773km Lagos-Kano standard gauge line.

A quick reminder that the Track laying was completed on 28th March 2020, and delivery of rolling stock from CRRC Tangshan was completed in May 2020.

The Lagos-Ibadan rail line is a double-track standard gauge rail, the first of its kind in West Africa. The train covered the 156km journey between Ibadan and Lagos in 2 hours and 40 minutes. After the official inauguration, travel time will be cut to two hours, according to a statement by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCEC), the project’s contractors.

The Lagos-Ibadan Rail Line will have 10 Stations. Four of the stations are in Lagos State while Ogun State and Oyo State have Three stations each.

On 27th July 2020, President Muhammadu Buhari approved the naming of the Lagos-Ibadan railway stations. Ebute Metta Station which is the biggest station of the ten Stations was named after Mobolaji Johnson, the Apapa Station which will have a hotel and a shopping mall on the premises was named after Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Agege Station was named after Babatunde Raji Fashola, the Agbado Station was named after Lateef Jakande, the Kajola Station was named after Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Abeokuta Station was named after Prof. Wole Soyinka, the Papalanto Station was named after Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, the Olodo Station was named after Aremo Segun Osoba, the Omio-Adio Station was named after Chief Ladoke Akintola and the Moniya Station was named after Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The Buhari-Led Administration announced to the general public that the Lagos-Ibadan Railway will commence the commercial operations ahead of formal commissioning in Q1 2021.

Since the commencement of the commercial operations, many Nigerians have tried out the brand new standard gauge railway that links Lagos to Ibadan. The new service is operating on a limited schedule with just two trains a day but will expand to 16 daily departures once construction on stations is complete.

Currently, it is operating with two stations, the Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta, Lagos State and the Chief Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya, Ibadan. There is also 5 minutes stopover at Prof. Wole Soyinka Station, Laderin, Abeokuta. Travellers with Abeokuta Destination will alight and while those going to Ibadan/Lagos will join the train.

Nigerians who have completed the Lagos-Ibadan journey via the standard gauge rail seemed very pleased and downright excited that Nigeria now has a modern railway.

See reactions below
……………………………….

The train departs from Chief Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya, Ibadan at 8:00am and arrive Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta, Lagos State at 10:41am while also depart Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta, Lagos State at 4:00pm and arrive Chief Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya, Ibadan at 6:41pm.

The cost of Ticket price varies, depending on the one the passenger(s) will like to make use of. The available categories are Economy, Business and First Class.

The Economy Class ticket is sold at N2,500.00, the Business Class ticket is sold at N5,000.00 while the First Class ticket is sold at the rate of N6,000.00.

Presently, the train only provides one coach for the First Class but will be increased in no times when the demand is high.

Furthermore, there are two coaches available for the Business Class.
In the Business and First Class coaches, there are kitchen units with water and coffee dispensers, microwave, refrigerator and also, a small lounge that can be termed a minibar. Although, these services are not currently in operation due to the Global Pandemic.

Once the health authorities give the signal that it is safe and allow the use of these services on the train, the Nigerian Railway Corporation authority will allow caterers for the kitchen units. Thus far, the travellers on the First and Business class only make use of the water dispenser.

There are other units on the train which include the medical unit which has medical professionals on the ground, the communication unit which has CCTV monitors, System Control boards.

It is important to note that the cabin crew communicate to the travellers with English and Yoruba Languages.
Many Nigerians have expressed their desire that the Lagos-Ibadan Rail should be called Buhari Train. This was in connection to the fact, critical/popular infrastructures across were named after the leader of the administration who facilitated such project(s).

For example, the popular tricycle in the country is being called Keke Marwa, one of the biggest housing estates in Lagos State is being called Jakande Estate, the Lagos State new BRT Bus is being called Fashola Bus. In the foreign scene, Obama care isn’t left out.

As a Progressive Forum, we commend the Lagos State Government for providing good road access to the Rail Stations in the state. We also extend our appeal to the Government of Ogun State and Oyo State to swing into action and fix all the leading roads to the stations in their respective state. This will not only help the passengers but will boost the economy of the said areas and the state at large.

The Progressive Professionals’ Forum is indeed happy for Nigerians. Train is a necessity and not a luxury. We commend and extol President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Transportation, H.E Rotimi Amaechi for revitalizing the Nigerian railway sector and for seeing this Lagos-Ibadan Rail project through.

It has taken us long to get to this stage. For more than 16years, Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri railway line, Abuja-Kaduna Railway Line and Abuja City Light Rail were abandoned but under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, they have all come to life.

It is not over yet, as there are still more to do and achieve. The Federal Government should use any means or do whatever is necessary to see the second phase of the Lagos-Ibadan rail line project completed. That is, the extension of the rail line from Ibadan to Kano, Lagos to Calabar Rail Line and PortHarcout to Maiduguri Rail line.

This will boost the nation’s economy and bring prosperity to the country at large.

IN OUR LIFETIME, NIGERIA WILL BE GREAT.
GOD BLESS NIGERIA.

Politics › Kukah : It Is Tramadolised Religiousity – Muric by MANofMEN(op): 3:11pm On Dec 28, 2020

28th December, 2020
PRESS RELEASE:

KUKAH : IT IS TRAMADOLISED RELIGIOUSITY – MURIC

The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Fr. Hasan Kukah, yesterday suggested that there would have been a coup had a Southerner occupied the Nigerian seat of power. He also referred to Islam as a violent religion. However, the Nigerian Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has described the bishop as a first class blackmailer.

This was made known to newsmen in a press statement issued on Monday, 28th December, 2020 by Professor Ishaq Akintola, director of the organization.

MURIC’s statement reads:

“We are shocked to our marrows by the vitriolic attack launched yesterday by Rev. Hasan Kukah against Islam as a religion. The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese referred to Islam as a violent religion. He also surreptitiously called for a coup against a democratically elected government of President Muhammadu Buhari whom he falsely accused of nepotism.

“According to him, ‘…There is no way any non-Northern Muslim President could have done a fraction of what President Buhari has done by his nepotism and gotten away with it. There would have been a military coup…’ In other words there could have been a coup if a non-Northerner had practised nepotism like Buhari.

“This is a most irresponsible pronouncement and we will not allow it to go unchallenged. Kukah’s statement is reckless, inflammatory and unguarded. It is the most egregious, luciferous, serpentine and diabolical statement of the year 2020. Hasan Mathew Kukah is ululating from the wrong side of the pulpit. Kukah is in the habit of demonizing and demarketing any president who happens to be a Muslim. In particular, we are most disappointed that such a heavily prejudiced and explosive statement is coming from the secretary of Nigeria’s Peace Committee. His behavior is consistently inconsistent with his status.

“Kukah referred to Islam as violent but his fellow faithful, Gana, has been training terrorists and killing Muslims in Benue for years. Kukah is fully aware of the creed of those who waylay travellers in the Plateau region, killing all Muslims among them and dumping them in the numerous ponds and wells of the Plateau landscape, never to be seen again. We would never have kno wn but for the General Alkali affair. How can those who train and arm cold-blooded killers turn around to call Islam a violent religion?

“Kukah lives in the heart of Islam and he has never been attacked. Kukah also knows how generous and charitable the people of Sokoto have been to him. Had it not been you had been good. This kind of allegation should have come from someone else, from somewhere else. Kukah has bitten the finger that fed him.

“But how dare you mock the North? Are you not part of that geographical entity? Is this the same man who claimed he wanted to rescue 10 million almajiris? Thank God we stopped your circus show. You deride the North but pretend you want to ‘rescue’ Northern children. You have demonstrated beyond any reasonable doubt that you have a disabled sense of belonging.

“We can understand Kukah’s frustration. Import duty waivers on every imported good, including private jets, are no longer available. Neither are billion naira contracts at the snap of a finger. A new Sheriff is in town. This is why Kukah has turned to a blackmailer nulli secundus.

“Kukah calls for a coup because blackmail is not working with Buhari. But is Kukah aware that it will be a Christian-inspired forceful change of government? What was the result of the first of such in the country? Even Nzeogwu will turn in his grave at the very thought of a church-motivated coup.

“It is unimaginable that such venom is being emited during Christmas when all are expected to give love. Nigerians can see what is happening. We send messages of love to Bishop Kukah at Christmas. He responds with pent-up anger, contempt and hate-filled emotion. Is this proper?

“Kukah’s allegation of nepotism against PMB holds no water. Buhari’s appointments by geo-political zone as published by a leading online newspaper has debunked Kukah’s verbal halitosis. The analysis showed that Buhari’s North West got 37 appointments, North East received 29, North Central secured 21, South West had 63, South East received 25 while South South got 24. South West benefited most. But is Buhari a Yoruba man? He gave the South West almost double what he gave his own North West. Is that nepotism? We challenge Kukah and his merchants of falsehood to provide their own data.

“This means that the North as a whole which Kukah accused of hegemony and for which reason Buhari is being accused of nepotism, got 87 appointments while the South received 112. All the false propaganda and allegation of nepotism against Buhari fell like a pack of cards with this analysis. Kukah’s diatribe is therefore sheer tramadolised religiousity. His allegations are as unfounded as they are baseless.

“It further goes to prove that allegations of northern hegemony, caliphate domination, Islamisation and fulanisation are not more than a myth, a mirage, a phantom. They are mere slogans adopted by political shenanigans, ethnic charlatans and religious demagogues to deceive gullible Nigerians.

“Kukah knows those who engage in favouritism but he has chosen to be a pot calling the kettle black. Rev. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) inadvertently revealed the special favours rendered by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to Christians when he was president. The revelation was made at Orita Mefa Baptist Church, Ibadan, on Saturday, November 21, 2020 during the funeral service of Obasanjo’s two-term Pastor, Rev. S. T. Ola Akande.

“The CAN president poured encomiums on Obasanjo for favouring Christians during his regime. Among the special favours mentioned were the mass land allocation to the Baptist mission at Kubwa, Abuja; another land allocation to the Baptist in Festac town, Lagos; yet another land allocation to the church in Satellite town and another at highbrow Ikoyi, also for the church. No Muslim leader or Islamic organization has accused Obasanjo of favouritism to date. Perhaps Kukah thinks God was asleep during the regime of Obasanjo. But the garrulous bishop now has the temerity to remind Nigerians that God does not sleep.

“Certain people are unhappy with a situation whereby they can no longer walk freely into Aso Rock for the low-hanging apples. They therefore want a forceful change of government. But rather than wait on the straight for the next election as democrats, they prefer to take the bend. #EndSARS has failed. They must blackmail the president into submission.

Kukah’s reference to a coup is a Satanic innuendo. We are aware that civilians have always been involved in coups in the past. Kukah’s interest is therefore not something new. But why is Kukah just inciting it? He should be man enough to spearehead it. Go ahead, Kukah, plan a coup. Who knows? You can be vice president. Dare to struggle. Dare to win.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

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Politics › Kukah : It Is Tramadolised Religiousity – Muric by MANofMEN(op): 3:00pm On Dec 28, 2020

Politics › Alleged Nepotism: APC Youth Forum Caution Bishop Kukah, Says Men Of God Should by MANofMEN(op): 10:47am On Dec 26, 2020

*Alleged Nepotism: APC Youth Forum caution Bishop Kukah, says men of God should learn to speak with decorum*

Press Statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

26th December, 2020.

The attention of the All Progressives Youth Forum (APYF) has been drawn to a news item published yesterday, December 25, in the online edition of the PUNCH which reported a certain Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese as saying that there would have been a coup or even war if a non-Northern Muslim is on the seat of power and does what President Buhari is doing.

Bishop Kukah, who made the assertions in his 2020 Christmas message titled, 'A nation in search of vindication' was quoted as saying: "Every honest Nigerian knows that there is no way any non-Northern Muslim President could have done a fraction of what President Buhari has done by his nepotism and gotten away with it."

It's quite unfortunate that a well respected religious leader like Bishop Kukah would choose the very period of rebirth and healing to speak of coup and war. And it is even more worrisome that the outspoken Bishop was blowing hot air over an issue that has been addressed over and over again with the presidency even publishing the names of all appointees from all parts of Nigeria.

While all men of God, and of good conscience, who have the patriotic mindset to seek for the betterment of Nigeria have sent out messages of hope and unity during this yuletide, it's unfortunate that Bishop Kukah, despite being a stakeholder in the National Peace Committee, chose that very period to instigate one faith against another.

The same Bishop Matthew Kukah who, at every major elections, would traversed the country to request aspirants to sign up for peace during and after elections was the promoter of the statement painting a President and leader of a secular nation as hater of Christians.

How would a Bishop who claims to live his life for the unity of Nigerian nation finds the conviction to write the following words: "The President may have concluded that Christians will do nothing and will live with these actions. He may be right and we Christians cannot feel sorry that we have no pool of violence to draw from or threaten our country." In other words, it's the Muslims who have the "pool of violence to draw from." And it must be Muslims who "threaten our country."

Not done, Bishop Kukah even went as far as making a mockery of the current security situation in northern Nigeria, derisively saying, "...We can see from the inexplicable dilemma of his (referring to the President) North." How can a man of God, especially one who professes unity, be speaking in terms of "we" versus "them"? Indeed, it is time the National Peace Committee reviews its membership and see if Bishop Kukah still encapsulates the character of a peace maker or promoter of Nigeria's unity and oneness.

We had thought Bishop Kukah is a unifying voice all along, but with this level of undisguised bigotry, we must have misjudged his character and mindset. How a supposed man of God can be filled with so much bitterness and hate is beyond our comprehension.

Of course, it's well within the right of Bishop Mathew Kukah to hate Buhari or even the government he leads, but alluding to 'coup and war' is not only unpatriotic but also devilish, especially coming from a man of God. And this is why we call on Bishop Kukah to not deride his pontifical vestments by making statements that are clear antithesis to his public image. Decorum should be the watchword.

Mohammed Abdullahi
Publicity Secretary, APYF

Politics › *merry Christmas From APYF* by MANofMEN(op): 9:30pm On Dec 24, 2020

*Merry Christmas from APYF*

Comrades,

The APYF felicitates with our brothers and sisters on this year's Christmas celebrations.

Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, offers us compelling lessons, chief of which is the need to imbibe the principles of humility, kindness, selflessness and patriotic commitment as demonstrated by Jesus Christ.

This season also points our attention to one fact — the reassurance that while our nation may currently be faced with numerous challenges, including the fight against Covid-19, we will surely rise together as a people and come out stronger.

The Forum will also like to remind that this is indeed an unusual Christmas celebration in the light of the reported second wave of the Corona virus. The reality, therefore, requires that we celebrate within the public health advisory and COVID-19 safety protocols. We must all take responsibility and recognise that the current inconveniences are only but temporary necessity to keep us and our loved ones safe.

We pray that God in his infinite wisdom and mercies continues to guide and direct our ways as a nation, and may He also continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Merry Christmas!

Mohammed Abdullahi
Publicity Secretary,
APYF

Nairaland General › Farewell To The Chairman And Champion Of Big Ideas(sam Nda-isaiah)by Ayo Akanji by MANofMEN(op): 7:44am On Dec 17, 2020

Farewell To The Chairman And Champion Of Big Ideas

By Ayo Akanji

Those at the top are not always ogres, as this writer finds out. Bosses are human, too. I first met the Chairman, as we fondly called him, as a young, energetic lad, freshly out of NYSC and trying to navigate myself around the political climate of Nigeria, while seeking to expand my educational qualifications—coming from an academic background, my dad prodded me towards concluding my PhD before clocking 30. While my foster dad, Professor Shiekh Abdullah, a showering pride in the ivory tower, represented a mark of excellence of the noble profession and wanted nothing short for me.

I grew up reading dozens of African pre-independence and post-independence political books in my dad’s library and profoundly admired the art of politicking. I got influenced by them but had zero chance of having a grip on this dynamic game, until providence came my way, via a call from Mustapha Sheikh Abdullah, intimating me of a meeting with a certain presidential aspirant from the yet to be registered All Progressives Congress, the APC. The negotiation birthing the coalition merger was still in progress even though Chairman was of the Congress for Progressives Change, CPC bloc. I had to dash out from Zaria to Abuja, telling my dad I’d be back in the evening of the same day; that never happened. It was late 2014 and Chairman was having a press conference to announce his intention to run for the office of President. I had no idea what to expect when we attended.

I had painted the mental image of the conventional Nigerian big man as one who is unapproachable, patronising and distant. The Chairman was the stark opposite: I asked him a question in the course of the press conference bordering on policy continuation and if he would continue with a performing minister from the opposition party, as the coalition was trying to wrestle power from the People’s Democratic Party candidate, then President Goodluck Jonathan. He responded in the affirmative and referenced President Obama’s retention of a republican, Robert Gates, as Secretary of Defense when he assumed the office of the American President. He then went on to ask Hajiya Rabi Gambari, a confidant of his, to inform me to wait behind and see him after. Unknown to him, we had come in a group to pitch some ideas for his campaign. When we met, we discussed issues bordering on national and international politics, the use of digital media in the campaign, Howard Dean’s experience using social media to campaign, his inability to harness his online popularity into offline support and how President Obama rejiggered the playbook to win the election.

Chairman was vast.

Summarily, the team and I got hired to run the digital unit of his presidential campaign on the spot. That is how he operated: extremely spontaneous! We ran a diligent online campaign, and I am so proud of everyone who worked on the Sam4Nigeria team, coordinated by the then able Chief of Staff, Malam Abdul Gombe.

That is how the quartet of us – Bashir Ahmad as Personal Assistant to the President on New Media, Ahmed Sidi, Johannes Tobi Wojuola of the Presidential Media Team and myself cut our teeth into Nigeria’s political landscape as it were, David Chinda came in afterwards and proved to be a reliable policy wonk.

Before the presidential primaries, a bond was signed among the five presidential aspirants, noting that should whoever among them win the primaries, everyone would collapse his structure and support the victor. The then General Muhammadu Buhari emerged victorious. Thus, Sam Nda-Isaiah, Alh Atiku Abubakar, Senator Rochas Okorocha and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankoso all collapsed their structures and assets and handed them to the winner.

The Chairman nominated us, more or less rookies, to join the media directorate of the Presidential Campaign Council, which included media linchpins such as Garba Shehu, Dele Alake, Niyi Akinsiju, Barrister Aliyu Abdullahi, Laureata Onoche, Dr Chidia Maduakwe, Susan Henshaw, Abubakar Usman Sidiq, Gloria Adgbon, Seye Adebayo, Ayobami Oyalowo, Chukwudi Enekwechi, Paul Ibe to mention but a few.

We once accompanied him on a visit to the then Presidential Candidate of the APC at Buhari’s private residence at Aso Drive; there we met many of the current kitchen cabinet members. On sighting the current Presidential Spox, Mallam Garba Shehu, but then Director of Communications for the campaign council, the Chairman motioned towards him and handed Ahmed Sidi and me to him saying “these are now your boys”. When he went in to see the Presidential candidate, he asked that we join him and again introduced us, stating that these were the young “chaps” who ran my digital campaign; the General seemed impressed. We were star-struck as that was the first time we had ever come close to the people’s General—this is who the Chairman was, he went all out for his kins, he was one of a kind.

This reality was aptly captured in the President’s tribute when he noted that he had lost a “friend and ally”. Facts only.

While other media houses had more or less entered into a conspiracy of silence during the CNN-led propagation of alternative facts of the initial peaceful but later hijacked EndSARS protests, Leadership Newspaper seemed to be the lone ranger in the battle for truth. She published a patriotic editorial, titled “CNN, Don’t Mess With Nigeria”, calling out CNN’s bluff.

Chairman was a nationalist to the core and an incurable optimist in the greatness of Nigeria, he never bothered about your creed but rather was interested in what you brought to the table; indeed his motto was: “For God And Country.” His ringtone was the Nigerian National anthem, his email read “SamofNigeria,” he prided so much in Nigeria; he was an ambassador at large, now lost to the cold hands of death.

Chairman was a serial entrepreneur, whose tradecraft was top-tier. We always marvelled at his unassuming posture yet ingenious mien. This is our collective loss, and we take solace in the fact that Chairman lived an impactful life and the certainty that he is in a better place.

I remember when I first saw Chairman, he initiated the conversation by extending his hand and said “Hi! I am Sam.”

His handshake was firm and strong. He spoke with confidence and charisma. He reminded me so much of the “king of all kings” in the Hong Kong movies I’ve seen, walking into a room and making heads turn. As time went by, I began to know him better and what he valued the most: people. To him, his employees were like his family. He made it clearly known that everyone plays an important role.

“Don’t work for me. Work with me.” Those words still ring in my ears today. He did his best to pull everyone together to build the team and make everyone feel a sense of ownership. The saying “Work is like a marriage” has some truth to it. There has to be elements of respect, trust, commitment and reasonable expectations. When it doesn’t work out, people quit.

No matter how disappointed he was at times, he was always optimistic. “It’s OK to leave and see the world. But you are always welcomed to come back.” That was what he said. He has taught me the importance of family, too. His fatherly demeanour immediately sprung out whenever he talked about his lovely daughters.
He was also a boss who said, “If you need my help in any way, please let me know,” and he meant it. He would go to any length to achieve a request you made to him. He was willing to listen and never short of wise advice and opinions. He never, ever cut short a conversation with a “listen!”, even when he disagreed. One session with him could easily take up to two hours or even more, but they were always informative. He was a walking encyclopedia; he gave us stories you rarely could get from anywhere, and yet they were so rich and insightful. His understanding of Nigeria’s political history, its geopolitics, and key actors was mind-boggling — this we would miss sorely. One wonders how he had such a repository of knowledge.

Generally, people think that bosses are cold and unapproachable, and conveniently equate them to emotionless robots. It is so easy to make a sweeping judgement of all bosses. However, if we take the time to stand in their shoes, we might probably understand why.

I remember once I followed him for a meeting. It was a long day. It never crossed my mind that bosses do get tired! Only when I saw him dozing off in the car did it strike me that, yes, he was human after all!

He had his share of mood swings. It was never his style to vent his anger and frustration on any of us. He was also one who was never afraid to admit his mistakes. That is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength, courage and responsibility.

This year will be the 6th year that I have worked with him, and with the level of confidence he reposed in me, it felt like we had known each other for over a decade. When I first started, I was just a fresh, young graduate. He had seen me through very critical stages of my life.

Chairman was an avid reader. Whenever he returned from a trip abroad, he brought back dozens of books. His study was where Tobi and I used as pass time over most weekends. So rich is the library that we found it hard to leave and most times returned home in the wee hours.

The Chairman departed without an announcement, leaving us still young and volatile; but personally, I feel so blessed that I had worked with one of the best bosses in the world. I have learned priceless lessons from him. I have learnt the import of loyalty, which shall never depart me until I breathe my last breath.

I had planned to see him, alongside Mohammed Bankole, a week before his demise—Bankole is a young and budding entrepreneur who is a poultry farmer that has now delved into real estate, he wanted to market his project to Chairman, but providence never permitted him to.

On the night of his demise, Bashir had called Shamsudeen, whom we both shared the same room at about 4 am to announce the very shattering news. Ironically I had thought of Chairman randomly the previous night, without having an idea that this news would be broken to me the next morning. The room was extremely cold, yet I woke up to a shirt drenched in sweat; perhaps it was the sign. I sprung up and prayed it was all a dream, alas it wasn’t, Chairman had left us.

Life is, indeed, transient. I vividly remember how he was telling us about the lunch he had with the late Chief of Staff to President, Malam Abba Kyari of blessed memory before he left for Germany and also how they were hopeful Malam Abba would make it out while he was undergoing medical treatment in Lagos. Perhaps the reason why a tweet by Babafemi Oretuyi keeps resonating. He tweeted on his handle @opetuyii :”#Flashback: A photo of @SamNdaIsaiah & Malam Isa Funtua at the burial of Malam Abba Kyari on April 18 2020. 3 months later, Isa Funtua died, & a bit above 3 months later, Nda-Isaiah died. All of them, @MBuhari’s right hand men, indeed 2020, has been one hell of a ride. RIP to them”.

Adieu Chairman, indeed a formidable backbone is gone — we are grateful for the opportunities you gave us, and our thoughts and prayers are with your lovely wife, Zainab Nda-Isiah, kids, the Nda-Isaiah clan, praying God gives mama the strength to handle this. I still fervently remember your dance with her on your birthday. It is with a heavy and broken heart that I pen this tribute. Until we meet again, be rest assured that the marathon continues as you smile at us, Chairman.

Your legacy would forever remain deep inside our hearts. Thank you for being a great leader and friend.

Akanji is a foreign policy analyst and writes from Abuja

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Politics › Remarks By His Excellency Mai Mala Buni, Chairman, Apc Caretaker/extra-ordinary by MANofMEN(op): 3:31pm On Dec 11, 2020

*REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY MAI MALA BUNI, CHAIRMAN, APC CARETAKER/EXTRA-ORDINARY CONVENTION PLANNING COMMITTEE (CECPC), AT THE MEETING WITH STATE CHAIRMEN OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS ON FRIDAY, 11TH DECEMBER, 2020 AT THE PARTY'S NATIONAL SECRETARIAT*

NOTE: Governor Mai Mala Buni was represented by the CECPC Secretary, Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe.

Protocols:

1. I am delighted to welcome you to this meeting, which is convened to further clarify on decisions of the National Executive Committee of our great party at its meeting of Tuesday 8th December, 2020. Although you were all at the meeting, it is necessary to meet with all of you to explain the details of the decisions in order to ensure uniform implementation in all our States, Local Governments and Wards.

2. You will recall that one of the decisions of NEC was the dissolution of all organs of the party and inviting members of the dissolved organs to serve as Caretaker Committee for the intervening period between now and the Congresses that will elect new leaders to pilot activities of the Party for the next four years in line with the provisions of our Party’s Constitution. Having been part of the deliberations and therefore been part of the decision, you have once again demonstrated your strong commitment to the growth of our party.

3. At this particular difficult period in the formative life of our great party, I want to, on behalf of all our leaders, and in particular, on behalf of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, thank you, individually and collectively, most sincerely for this remarkable selfless disposition. Your sacrifice is a challenge to all of us to ensure that every necessary decision required to strengthen the structures of our Party are taken and our Party’s electoral advantages are fully restored.

4. Without further delay, having dissolved all our structures, including the State Executive Committee. We know that nature abhors vacuum. Therefore, on behalf of the National Chairman CECPC, H. E. (Hon.) Mai Mala Buni, it is my pleasure to inaugurate you as respective Chairmen of the State Caretaker Committees. This means that members of the former State Executive Committee will be members of the Caretaker Committee. In this capacity, you are expected to facilitate all the required consultations with all the leaders and stakeholders of the Party in the state to ensure smooth transition.

5. In addition, you are hereby mandated to, in a similar way, inaugurate the respective Caretaker Committees of Local Governments and Wards within the next one week. As part of the transitional activities, you are already aware of the decision to commence membership registration/revalidation. You will be required as State Caretaker Committee members to provide the needed leadership and guidance for a successful exercise in line with all the guidelines that is provided.

6. Apart from the issue of membership registration, there are the outstanding issues of constitutional amendment. This is a matter that is as important as reconstitution of leadership, if not more important. I believe that our capacity to strengthen our rules through constitutional amendment will help us to put all the problems that led to the crisis that brought us to this point behind us. I will therefore invite you to take all the necessary steps to forward recommendations that will enable us to strengthen our rules.

7. I therefore once again, thank you very much for your sacrifices, commitment and loyalty to the party. Together, we shall build a progressively democratic party in line with the vision and aspiration of President Muhammadu Buhari and all our founding fathers.

8. Please accept the best wishes of the National Chairman, CECPC – H. E. (Hon.) Mai Mala Buni even as I urge us all to continue to contribute our quota to develop our democracy and build our country, Nigeria.

9. Thank you all and God bless us.

Politics › Curbing Corruption In Port Operations Will Improve Nigeria’s Anti-corruption Ra by MANofMEN(op): 9:35pm On Dec 10, 2020

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

CURBING CORRUPTION IN PORT OPERATIONS WILL IMPROVE NIGERIA’S ANTI-CORRUPTION RANKING-OSINBAJO

VP, launches new manual to promote transparency, eliminate bottlenecks & illegal demands

Aside the benefit of improved efficiency in the operations of the nation’s seaports, an effective implementation of innovative ideas in the port sector will rapidly change the narrative, the perception, and the ranking of Nigeria in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) of Transparency International, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Wednesday at the launch of the Process Manual on Port Operations in Nigeria, at a brief ceremony held at the Presidential Villa.

The manual was developed by stakeholders led by the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reform (TUGAR, an arm in the presidency) to address operational gaps as well as improve transparency and accountability in the system.

Prof. Osinbajo stated that “one solution developed to address the vulnerabilities in the port system is the Process Manual on Port operation. The manual is aimed at fostering an enabling environment for domestic and foreign port users.”

According to the Vice President, “An effective successful systemic intervention in the port sector will rapidly change the narrative, the perception and the ranking of Nigeria in the CPI. The Process Manual on Port Operations is expected to be one of the key indicators for the effective implementation of Executive Order 01 issued essentially to promote transparency and efficiency in the business environment, and designed to facilitate the ease of doing business.”

Prof. Osinbajo noted that “the fight against corruption is one of the priorities of this administration and since 2015 the government has invested time and resources to ensure that corruption is curbed. Even after substantial gains have been attained in the fight against corruption in Nigeria, Nigeria’s ranking under certain indices in the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index (CPI) is yet to show an improvement commensurate to the efforts of the government.

“In terms of utility and relevance, Transparency International CPI and its consequent data sources are determined largely by and produced for the consumption of the business community.

“It therefore has significant reputational and economic implications for countries that are being assessed. The analysis of the CPI further reveals that the ports are primary points of interface between the country and the business community, whether domestic or international, and the experiences of business community shape their perception which feeds into the reputation of the country.”

Speaking further about the significance of the Process Manual on Port Operations, the Vice President said “Process Manual is a step by step trajectory of processes at the ports. It outlines the actors and timelines for each process, it guides the user by highlighting all required documentation, payments, timelines, and the responsible agencies.

“It equally guides the port operator by detailing the implementation chain and provides clarity on the time required for each process. The Process Manual is expected to ensure predictability, promote transparency and accountability; reduce corruption in port processes; eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks faced by port users and reduce the opportunity for illegal demands in the ports. It is expected that the Manual will be reviewed and updated as issues and developments emerge.”

While stating the commitment of the Ministry of Transportation in the adoption of processes in the new Manual, the Minister, Rotimi Ameachi, who was also present at the event said all agencies under the ministry will ensure vigorous implementation in the interest of the country.

On her part, the head of the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reform (TUGAR), Mrs. Lilian Ekeanyanwu said the initiative is a pilot in the new trajectory of evidence-based response to issues of corruption.”

Mrs Ekeanyanwu noted that “we started off with the rigorous diagnostics in risk assessment and then made some proposals. This is one of the implementation of the different proposals that we have made.

“We will continue the monitoring role that we have been playing in the port sector especially with respect to complaints and redress which is to be accessed from the port service support portal.”

Other stakeholders present at the launch and who committed to supporting the operationalization of the Process Manual include; the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mr Muhammed Babandede; the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Yusuf Jamoh; the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr Hassan Bello; Director-General of the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP), Mr Mamman Ahmad and the representatives of the NPA, EFCC, ICPC, among others.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
10th December 2020

Politics › *how Buhari, Apc Nec Agreed With Osinbajo’s Counsel To Adopt State Party Excos A by MANofMEN(op): 11:00pm On Dec 09, 2020

*HOW BUHARI, APC NEC AGREED WITH OSINBAJO’S COUNSEL TO ADOPT STATE PARTY EXCOS AS CARETAKERS*

It was the intervention of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo at yesterday’s APC National Executive Committee meeting that saved the day and produced the consensus upon which the ongoing reorganization of the party is resting, according to inside sources at the meeting.

The plan of the group of a few APC Governors working through the Buni-led National Caretaker Committee was to dismiss the State, Zonal and LGA organs and handpick their replacements. This was what they brought to the President and to NEC.

Details of the meeting shared by members of the APC NEC disclosed that just before the proposal to dissolve all the States, Zonal and local government level organs of the party, the Vice President, who is a legal luminary himself cautioned that arbitrarily dissolving those party organs would be open to legal challenges which could have a good chance of succeeding and hurting the party down the line.

According to a notable source present at the meeting “just before the proposal was tabled for final affirmation, the President yielded the floor and asked his deputy to comment, and it was then the VP, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria said that what should be done is not just to dissolve the State and LG party organs but to make the existing executives holding the reigns of those organs the new members of the caretaker committees.”

The source said the wisdom of that proposal is that it effectively neutralizes those who may have legal and legitimate grounds to challenge the dissolution since they would still be the ones effectively in charge of running the party at their different States, Zonal and other levels.

“Not only did the President saw the wisdom in the Vice President’s suggestions, the proposal became the resolution of yesterday’s NEC meeting.”

Even though members of the NEC debated the whole idea of dissolution back and forth, it was agreed by all that a more careful approach as put forward by Prof. Osinbajo would save the party from potential litigations in the near future. And the source added “this was why the VP’S suggestion was embraced and the proviso recommended by him added to the motion to dissolve the party organs.”

In fact this morning on the AIT Kakaaki Morning News Show, one of the presenters who is also the Bureau Chief of Thisday in Abuja disclosed that “it was the Vice President, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria,” that provided the suggestion that saved the day.

Eventually when the Kaduna Governor who was asked to brief the press spoke at the Aso Villa press gallery he disclosed that “NEC approved the immediate dissolution of the party’s organs at the polling unit, ward, local government, state and zonal level....as well as their immediate reconstitution and composition of the dissolved excos to serve in their respective offices in a caretaker committee capacity....”

Politics › Twice The Messiah: How Osinbajo Has Consistently Saved His Party, By Raheem Akin by MANofMEN(op): 10:01pm On Dec 09, 2020

Twice the Messiah: How Osinbajo Has Consistently Saved His Party, By Raheem Akingbolu

Perhaps by now, the leadership of the All Peoples Congress (APC) would have started putting heads together to assemble a team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) for a legal firework to extricate the party from a self-contrived mire if the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, hadn’t intervened and saved the party’s leadership from committing an eggregious political faux pas yesterday.

As part of the resolutions reached by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party, it was initially agreed that all States, Zonal and National Party Structures be collapsed. Of course, the news had quickly spread like harmattan fire, with members of the opposition party celebrating the flaw committed by the ruling party.
Some promoters of the purported dissolution were already celebrating when a little drama aptly played out.

The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, who was nodding his head and taking notes while the meeting was going on signified to talk. The Law teacher was given the floor and by time he finished speaking, the tone of the song changed and changed for good.

Knowing the controversy, confusion and the constitutional error the party would have committed if its entire structures were dissolved, Osinbajo had quickly cautioned the body, pointing out the legal consequences of such action.

He was said to have advised that the dissolution was unconstitutional given that the organs had prescribed tenures and that a legal challenge to it might succeed.

Osinbajo’s intervention was said to have led to the face-saving decision to dissolve the organs and constitute them into caretaker committees in an acting capacity.

Meanwhile, the undercurrent was that some governors actually came into the meeting with prepared resolutions and had successfully sold to their unsuspecting colleagues with the caveat that they (the other set of governors) would be the ones to nominate new caretaker members.
Besides, they have succeeded in selling to President Buhari, the dummy to confer the power of NEC on Buni-led caretaker committee.
This is where they got it all wrong but Osinbajo right the wrong.
Unfortunately, the moment the governors, who had met and concluded before the meeting, got the green light that their idea would fly, they started spinning the news with short sms to their trusted friends in the media that APC had collapsed its structure.

Perhaps this is how the opposition Peoples Democratic Power (PDP) got the hint and acted swiftly by asking the Independent National Electoral Commission to declare all legislative seats occupied by members of the All Progressives Congress vacant.

The opposition party in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Kola Ologbodiyan, titled, ‘PDP Congratulates Nigerians as APC, Their Tormentor, Finally Fizzles’ equally sought INEC to deregister APC.

In the statement, the opposition party congratulated Nigerians across the country, stating that their tormentor for five years, the APC, has finally dissolved out of Nigeria’s political firmament. It categorically stated that the APC had forcefully exited itself from the nation’s political firmament by dissolving all its national, zonal and state structures.

Analyzing the issue in a telephone interview with the AbujaCityJournal, Lagos based Human Right Lawyer, Gabriel Uduafi, who commended the eagle-eye of the Vice President for quickly spotting the anomaly, said were it to be the other way round; APC would have been on auto pilot with no leadership.

Uduafi's words: “What happened during the APC NEC meeting yesterday before the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo brought his Law prowess to bear would have resorted into constitutional aberration. It’s a simple legal interpretation; dissolving the party structure across board would have simply pointed to the fact that the party is not in existence.

"Those who wanted to make such resolution perhaps were not aware that there shouldn’t be a vacuum in the system. The constitution of Nigeria recognises all those officers but if the NEC now says they are not in existence, then their products and all that they stand for are also null and void. If the structure is collapsed, who then conducts elections into those offices?”, Uduafi stated

Warning the ruling party to always look before it leaps, Uduafi, noted that even the dissolution of the Adams Oshiomhole-led executive was also a constitutional aberration.

“APC has always committed avoidable mistakes and it’s sad. Even the NEC meeting that was held at the Presidential Villa, where Adams Oshiomole led executive was disbanded was also a constitutional aberration. The party has to be careful in the way it conducts itself, otherwise, it will run itself out of existence. Nigerians are watching and it will be suicidal if the party falls for its own antics,” he further added.

For Osinbajo, this is not the first time he would serve as a messiah to his dear party. It would be recalled that a similar intervention played out during the tenure of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun as party chairman.

At the twilight of Odigie-Oyegun-led National Working Committee (NWC), a kangaroo move had been hatched to extend the tenure of the NWC before Oshinbajo quickly called the attention of President Buhari and other stakeholders to the legal implication.

As a result of his advice, President Muhammadu Buhari had declared as unconstitutional the decision by NEC of the APC to make the move.
The president’s position took the NWC and the 36 state chairmen of the party, who would have been beneficiaries of the controversial decision, by surprise at the start of the NEC meeting, which was then held at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja.

Chieftains of the party who felt shortchanged due to the tenure elongation had taken the Odigie-Oyegun-led NWC to court, seeking the quashing of the decision.
President Buhari said notwithstanding the fact that the decision to extend the tenure got the endorsement of the NEC at its meeting, it could not stand since it was against the provisions of Article 17 (1) (2) of the APC constitution as well as section 223 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
He argued that allowing such an illegality to stand would not only deepen the crises plaguing the party, it could provide an enabling environment for members of the opposition to wrestle power from APC in the 2019 general elections.
Buhari, who reiterated the need to ensure internal democracy in the APC, enjoined the NEC to duly elect executive members of the party at national and state levels in accordance with the timetable of the party.
The president disclosed that his position was based on wise counsel of persons knowledgeable in law among the ranks of the party, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN).
With the new development and the bashes that the party and its leaders have so far received, is it not high time that APC started consulting wide before taking decisions? Until the party learns to do things right, those who have consistently argued that the party is divided against itself will always be vindicated.

And for Buhari and Osinbajo, observers believe their silence at this crucial moment is not golden, hence they need to be more active as party men and politicians than adopting a ‘sitdown-look’ posture.

Politics › Osinbajo's Contributions To Major Issues In Nigeria by MANofMEN(op): 9:12pm On Dec 04, 2020

BELOW IS A MUST READ

*OSINBAJO'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO MAJOR ISSUES IN NIGERIA*

Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Nigeria's Vice President, is arguably the countrys most loved number two citizen and most hardworking vice president in the nation's history. Going by Nigeria's chequered political history, many traditional politicians are generally viewed with distrust because they are sometimes seen as simply occupying public offices for occupying sake, rather than truly serving the people in their exalted position. This is why Prof. Osinbajo is different and a breath of fresh air in Nigerias politics. He embodies what the role of a public officer and politician should be: true service and dedication to the people.

This and more are reasons most Nigerians love their Vice President. But, thats a story for another day. In this piece, I will be sharing some aspects of what makes Professor Osinbajo unique and why some of us love him so much even to a fault.
His commitment to excellence through hard work and dedication to duty set him miles apart from his peers and predecessors. To further buttress this position, I shall be taking a look at VPs unique contributions to some major issues in Nigeria since his time as Attorney-General of Lagos State.

1. Institutional Reforms

When he served as Attorney General of Lagos state, Prof. Osinbajo is credited with undertaking far-reaching significant judicial reform in Lagos State, addressing critical areas as judges' recruitment, remuneration, training and discipline. To address the problem of slow justice delivery at the Courts especially for poor people, he established appropriate institutions in the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) and the Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC) to give free legal advice and aid to the poor.

2. Contribution to Federalism

When Prof. Osinbajo was Attorney-General, he took the Obasanjo-led Federal Government to the Supreme Court over the withholding of funds belonging to the Lagos State Government in 2002. The argument was that the 1999 Constitution [in Section 8(4) empowered the State House of Assembly to create new Local Government Councils which Lagos State has fully complied with. Prof. Osinbajo argued that the President has no right to withhold the payment of fund due to the Local Government Councils from the Federation Account under Section 162 subsection (5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Suffice to say the Osinbajo-led legal team won the case against the Federal Government, but Obasanjo still went ahead to withhold the states Local Government monthly allocations.

In the landmark case at the Supreme Court, the Judges were unanimous in their submissions that the Federal Government continuous withholding of the states Local Government allocation over its compliance with Section 8(4) of the 1999 Constitution was illegal and not in the spirit of true federalism. It is worthy to note that after this bold initiative led by Prof. Osinbajo, several other states like Osun, Oyo, and others began the process of creating more Local Government Areas to bring government closer to the people. After all, Local Governments are constitutionally created to be the third tier of government in the Federation by virtue of Section 7 and the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution.

3. Contribution to Party System and Democratic Development

After the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Osinbajo was called upon, alongside other notable Nigerians in the party, to draft the manifesto for the new political party. This culminated in the presentation of the "Roadmap to a New Nigeria", a document published by APC as its manifesto in 2013. The highlights of the Roadmap included a social safety initiative to specifically address poverty amongst other things. This included free meal school plan, and a conditional cash transfer to millions of the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians. Significantly, this birthed the impactful Social Investment Programmes (SIPs) of the Buhari administration.

Osinbajo's entrance in national politics also had huge impact. In December 2014, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (then) General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), announced Osinbajo as his running mate and vice-presidential candidate for the 2015 general elections. On the 31st of March 2015, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket having won the Presidential election. In February 2019, the Buhari/ Osinbajo ticket won the Presidential Elections for a second term in office. Both Osinbajo and Buhari became the first presidency in the nations history to defeat an incumbent administration in a free and fair election.

4. Education for All Projects

Outside political offices, Prof. Osinbajo has launched several initiatives to help the poor and downtrodden get access to education. To do this, he launched the Liberty Schools Project that provides free education for poor and needy children in poor communities in Obanikoro, Ikota and Makoko areas in Lagos State. The Project has been appraised by several international organisations as effective and efficient. Prof. Osinbajo spearheaded other initiatives that focused on free health care facilities, free legal services, social rehabilitation and skills acquisition for the poor.

5. Made In Nigeria Project

In 20218, due to his strong belief in locally made products and local contents, Osinbajo initiated the Project MINE (Made in Nigeria for Export), a Presidential Priority Intervention project aimed at increasing manufacturing sectors contribution to the economy and creating new jobs in the export-oriented manufacturing value chain. Also, in 2018, President Buhari Signed Executive Order (EO5) for the Development of Local Content in Science, Engineering and Technology.

6. Actions Against Police Brutality and Commitment to Human Rights

Osinbajo has shown his commitment to upholding the rule of law and human rights for all Nigerians. In several ways, he has also shown he is against impunity and police brutality in the country.

As Acting President, Osinbajo terminated the appointment of Mallam Lawal Daura as Director-General of the Department of State Security over operatives unauthorized and unconstitutional invasion of the National Assembly in 2018.

Secondly, Osinbajo, as Acting President in 20218, ordered the overhaul of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a police unit, to make it more efficient and commit to respecting human rights for all Nigerians.

7. Largest Social Investment Programmes in Africa

As Vice President, Prof. Osinbajo initiated the Buhari administrations Social Investments Programme (SIPs), regarded as the largest social welfare scheme in Africa. The SIPs comprise of the N-Power Programme, currently employing 500,000 graduates; the GEEP loans (MarketMoni, FarmerMoni and TraderMoni), which provides credit to over 3 million Nigerian traders, artisans and businessmen; the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme which has fed about 10 million school pupils with free meals daily; and the Conditional Cash Transfer to the most vulnerable and poorest of Nigerians. The Office of the Vice President successfully coordinated the SIPs between 2016 and October 2019

8. COVID-19: Osinbajos Interventions and economic recovery

The Covid-19 pandemic greatly affected the economies of many countries, Nigeria inclusive. When Nigeria recorded its first COVID-19 death in March 2020, most Nigerians feared the worst. The Federal Government imposed a 4-week lockdown which meant peoples livelihoods were adversely affected. Many Nigerians asked urgent questions. How would the poor and vulnerable cope? What will be the fate of daily income earners? How will they cope? To help the nation cope with the pandemic, the Osinbajo-led Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC) recommended several post-COVID-19 recovery interventions.

As directed by President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof. Osinbajo-led committee drafted the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) where Nigerians are to benefit from several packages like MSME Survival Fund to support small businesses, Technology and Youth support, Mass Housing Programmes, Agriculture and food security scheme to provide jobs improve food supply and production nationwide, among others. The ESP is a N2.3 trillion stimulus plan by the Federal Government as part of measures for post-COVID-19 economic recovery.
These also include the recently launched Solar Power Strategy which focused on supporting about 250,000 jobs and enabling the installation of 5 million Solar Home systems and mini-grids across the country, especially in underserved areas not on the national grid. The Plan, which the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will provide structured loans to companies that will manufacture these Solar Home systems, of which many would be assembled locally in order to promote local manufacturing business. Also, the Mass Housing Programme is expected to created 1,500,000 jobs and build 300,000 affordable homes across the country in 12 months. The ESP has been crucial in reducing the impact of a recession due to the economic effects of the global pandemic.

9. Osinbajo and Niger-Delta issues

The erstwhile volatile Niger-Delta has achieved much peace since 2016. This is thanks to the Niger Delta New Vision, which is the blueprint of the Buhari administration to develop the Niger Delta. This initiative was spearheaded by the Vice President on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari when the VP went on a tour of the region in 2017 and meetings with Niger Delta elders. Osinbajos leadership acumen has not only helped rebuild the trust of many who had been skeptical of the Federal Governments plan for the region, it has also contributed significantly to the peace and stability in the region. Osinbajos deft handling of the issues helped to improve the countrys oil revenue that was decimated by past restiveness in the region. The Niger Delta New Vision of the Buhari administration, driven by the Vice President, has not only helped a great deal in resolving insecurity and youth restiveness in the Niger-Delta region, it has had huge positive impact on the economy as crude oil is Nigerias major foreign exchange earner.

10. Osinbajo and Ease of Doing Business

On May 18, 2016, As Acting President, Prof. Osinbajo signed the Presidential Executive Order on Ease of Doing Business. This Order was aimed at improving businesses in the country and attracting foreign direct investments (FDI) to Nigeria. This Order made it easy for Nigerians to register their businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Since 2016, Nigeria has risen by an aggregate of 39 places on the World Banks Ease of Doing Business rankings.

Politics › *osinbajo Joins Gates, Dangote Others At Leadership Forum On National Public Hea by MANofMEN(op): 10:22am On Dec 04, 2020

*OSINBAJO JOINS GATES, DANGOTE OTHERS AT LEADERSHIP FORUM ON NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH OUTCOMES*

*Stresses importance of enriching food processing

Although efforts by stakeholders in the Food Processing Industry to improve nutritional value of edible oil, salt, sugar, wheat flour and other processed foods is commendable, ensuring full compliance to national standards will be required to shape national public health outcomes to attain desired levels, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Thursday at the 3rd Annual Nigeria Food Processing and Nutrition Leadership Forum, held virtually, and organized by the Aliko Dangote Foundation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

According to the Vice President, “the Nigerian government is keen on driving collaborative efforts in enhancing national monitoring and enforcement of fortification quality standards.

He praised the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for their innovative work in this regard through the Joint Regulatory Framework.

Said he: “Industry Compliance with food fortification standards especially in Wheat Flour, Salt and Sugar has also improved. We however need to reach full compliance to be able to shape national public health outcomes to the extent that we desire.”

Food fortification is the practice of enriching processed foods by adding nutrients at higher levels than what the original food provides. This is done to address micronutrient deficiencies across populations.

Commending the efforts of stakeholders in meeting set targets in food fortification, Prof. Osinbajo said “the food systems within the processing sector are fitted for improved nutrition.”

He noted that “we have an enormous opportunity here to reinforce the goal of sustainable food fortification in Nigeria. I am pleased to see that the average compliance rates to national fortification standards had increased from 50% in 2018 to 75% in 2019 and hit the 2020 target of 90%.

“I believe this platform will continue to serve as an opportunity to review progress on an annual basis, and share lessons learned against fortification standards within their respective sectors.”

Speaking particularly about the ingenuity of the stakeholders in address micronutrient deficiencies in Nigeria, Prof. Osinbajo explained that “the Micronutrient Fortification Index (MFI) is an interesting innovation that will motivate industries to self-regulate in meeting government standards for food fortification. The use of this tool should be adopted by all companies involved in fortification and I believe it should be made available to stakeholders and shareholders alike.”

“We should be able to hold them accountable as they strive to meet industry benchmarks, including compliance with Nigerian Fortification Standards. Government regulatory agencies will definitely find the tool useful in support of industry regulation efforts and consumer expectations.

“The Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment and the Ministry of Health each play a critical role and have been at the forefront of food fortification in Nigeria. Through ongoing engagements with the Director Generals (DGs) and core group representatives from NAFDAC, SON, and FCCPC, the collaboration towards enhancing national monitoring and enforcement of fortification quality standards has been strengthened,” Prof. Osinbajo added.

The forum featured presentations by Chairman of Aliko Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Co-chair of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr Bill Gates; Director, Strengthening African Processors of Fortified Foods (SAPFF) Programme, Mr Rizwan Yusufali; Group COO, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Mr Boye Olusanya; MD, Dangote Sugar, Mr Ravindra Singhvi; and MD, PZ Wimar, Mr Ipsit Chakrabarti, among others.

The Ministers of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; the Director General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye; and the Director General of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr Babatunde Irukera, also spoke at the forum.

Politics › Nec To Govs: Take Charge Of Police Tactical Units by MANofMEN(op): 3:56pm On Dec 03, 2020

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

NEC TO GOVS:
TAKE CHARGE OF POLICE TACTICAL UNITS

*JUDICIAL PANELS OF INQUIRY FORMED TO INVESTIGATE POLICE BRUTALITY IN ALL STATES, FCT
*PANELS HAVE 6 MONTHS TO COMPLETE ASSIGNMENT
*COUNCIL ALSO DIRECTS SPECIAL FUND IN ALL STATES TO COMPENSATE VICTIMS OF BRUTALITY

Rising from its monthly meeting, the National Economic Council has directed the immediate establishment of State-based Judicial Panels of Inquiry across the country to receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality or related extra-judicial killings with a view to delivering justice for all victims of the dissolved SARS and other police units.

The Council specifically resolved that State Governors and the FCT Minister should take charge of interface and contact with the protesters in their respective domains.

At a meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, and attended by State Governors, the Council resolved that, the Judicial Panels which would be set up in all the States, would include representatives of Youths, Students, Civil Society Organizations and would be chaired by a respected retired State High Court Judge.

The Council also directed that State Governors should immediately establish a State-based Special Security and Human Rights Committee to be chaired by the Governors in their States, to supervise the newly formed police tactical units and all other security agencies located in the State.

The idea of the Special Security and Human Rights Committee in all States of the Federation and the FCT is to ensure that police formations and other security agencies in the State consistently protect the Human Rights of citizens.

Members of the Special Committee would also include Representatives of Youths and Civil Society. The head of Police tactical units in each of the States would also be a member of the Committee.

Regarding the Judicial Panel of Inquiry, each State Government is to set up the Panel, chaired by a retired High Court Judge, with other members selected by the State Governor as follows:

*Two representatives of Civil Society groups
*One Retired Police Officer of high repute
*One Youth Representative
*One Student Representative
*One Representative of the State Attorney-General and a representative from the National Human Rights Commission.

The terms of reference for the Judicial Panel are to -

*receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality or related extra judicial killings;
*evaluate evidence presented/other surrounding circumstances, and draw conclusions as to the validity of the complaints; and
*recommend compensation and other remedial measures, where appropriate.

The Panel’s assignment should be concluded within a maximum of six (6) months, unless it shows convincing reasons why the State Governor should allow an extension.

There would also be Human Rights Public Complaints Team of between 2 to 3 persons to receive complaints on an ongoing basis. That team would be established by the Special Committee on Security and Human Rights.

It was resolved that each State Government shall also set up such a Complaints Office to which members of the public can relate by telephone or social media channels.

It shall be the duty of the officers of the Complaints Office to liaise with the leadership of security agencies, attempt resolution of complaints or otherwise guide the complainants.

Also, NEC directs all State Governors to immediately establish a Victims Fund to enable the payment of monetary compensation to deserving victims.

Business › 5 Tips To Help You Get Your Startup Off The Ground By Dele Ogunmekan by MANofMEN(op): 9:50am On Dec 01, 2020*

Here Are 5 Tips To Help You Get Your Startup Off The Ground By Dele Ogunmekan

It has been one of 2020’s most inspiring stories- the successful acquisition of Nigerian FinTech startup, Paystack by American FinTech giant, stripe for #76b [seventy-six billion dollars] caused celebrations throughout the country.
The news trended on social media for several days. The company’s founders became instant celebrities.
Paystack’s success was not just a financial win for its young founders. It was a mental win for Nigeria’s youth. Maligned as lazy and cowardly by prominent elder statesmen, Paystack’s success served as a rebuttal to criticism of this generation.
The timing of the announcement was also significant. It came at a time when youth around the country were fighting for their rights. The right to own a laptop, the right to own a smart phone, the he right to wear their hair however they like and not be harassed over it.
Therefore, it served as validation when a laptop-owning, smart phone-using, dreadlock-wearing young person became the poster child for creativity and ingenuity in Nigeria and indeed Africa as a whole.
The youth are not only celebrating Paystack’s success, they want to replicate it. If you are the founder of a startup or in the process of floating one, these 5 tips are for you.

Identify A Need And How To Figure Out How Monetize It
Have you heard about the company that manufactures waving gloves for people who like to wave hello?
Of course, you haven’t because no one needs gloves to wave. A waving glove is a terrible idea because it does not satisfy a need.
Your startup should be established to satisfy a need in society that you have identified and figured out how to monetize.

Create A Solid Business Plan
If you fail to plan, then your business will surely fail- and fairly quickly too.
90% of startups fail and 10% of them fail within their first year of operation. Therefore, your first action should be creating a solid business planning that covers marketing and sales strategies, market analysis, funding plans as well as multiyear financial projections.

Stay Current and Anticipate the Future
What you do not know will kill your business. It is especially important for you to know the direction in which your industry is going.
This will help you to make the right financial, staffing strategic decisions.
Therefore, it would behoove you to not only stay abreast of current trends, but to also learn how to spot future trends.

Understand Your Financial Realities
82% of businesses fail due to cash-flow problems. This is because a lot of entrepreneurs go into business not fully appreciating the realities of it- especially the financial realities.
Do not start your business without first securing a source of mid to long-term funding. You might need a financier and while you might not find someone who is as passionate about your business as you are, you should find someone who believes in your ideas and understands your vision. Last, but not least, your financier must be someone you can trust.
If finance is not your strong point, seek the services of a financial consultant or employ a qualified CFO or accountant.

Seek Out Sponsorship Opportunities
Somewhere out there, there is a scholarship or grant or sponsorship that can take your startup to the next level.
This year, Nigerian startups will be represented at the Gulf Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from the 6th to the 10th of December, under the aegis of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
GITEX is one of the world’s biggest technology trade shows and offers participants the chance to learn from and network with international players in the tech sector.
Over 40 Nigerian startups have visited GITEX over the last 5 years, thanks to NITDA.
Click the link below learn more about NITDA sponsorships and scholarships.
www.nitda.gov.ng

Dele Ogunmekan is a Lagos-based media and tech entrepreneur..

Politics › Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Releases 7point Agenda To Rebuild Nigeria by MANofMEN(op): 8:42am On Dec 01, 2020

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has proposed a seven-point agenda, which he said, would revive the country’s troubled economy and drastically reduce her dependence on Petro-Dollars.

Tinubu explained that the development of a national infrastructure plan; the return of commodity exchange boards and the promotion of government-backed housing programmes were important measures that could help to reposition the national economy.

The proposals are contained in a recent lecture the APC leader delivered in Lagos, where he said the decline in oil prices had revealed the travesty of the country’s extant economic model. He proposed a national industrial policy fostering the development of strategic industries, which he said, could create jobs as well as spur sustainable economic growth.

He said: “We must realise that no populous nation has ever attained broadly-shared prosperity without first creating an industrial capacity that employs large numbers of people and manufactures a significant quantity of goods for domestic consumption or export.”

Tinubu noted that England, America and China had implemented policies to protect key industries, promote employment and encourage exports, explaining that these countries represented the past, present and immediate future of national economic achievement. “A strong common thread is their policies of buffering strategic industries in ways that allow for the expansion and growth of the overall economy. So, we must press forward with a national industrial policy fostering the development of strategic industries that create jobs as well as spur further economic growth. “Whether we decide to focus attention on steel, textiles, cars, machinery components, or other items, we must focus on manufacturing things that Nigerians and the rest of the world value and want to buy. We must partially reshape the market place to accomplish this,” Tinubu declared.

He also proposed the need for the federal government to develop a policy of tax credits, subsidies that insulate critical sectors from the negative impact of imports. He equally recommended a national infrastructure plan, noting that roads, ports, bridges and railways need enhancing, and new ones need to be built with the goal being to develop a coherently-planned and integrated infrastructural grid. The APC leader said: “A national economy cannot grow beyond the capacity of the infrastructure that serves it. Good infrastructure yields a prospering economy. Weak infrastructure relegates the economy to the poorhouse. The government must take the lead. “The focus on infrastructure has important corollary benefit.

Federal expenditure for needed infrastructural spending has empirically proven in every place and in every era to boost recessionary economies and provide employment when sorely needed. “Deficit spending in our own currency to advance this mission is neither a luxury nor a mistake. It is a fulcrum of and balanced and shared prosperity. We must overcome the economic, political and bureaucratic bottlenecks preventing us from achieving reliable electrical power,” he stated. He said lack of electricity was perhaps the single greatest impediment to the country’s economic advancement. The lack of power inflates costs, undercuts productivity, causing havoc to overall economic activity and job creation. Our economic situation is literally and figuratively in the dark. “The hurdles we face are not technical in nature. We must convince those political and economic factors currently impeding our quest for reliable power to step aside so that we may obtain this critical ingredient to economic vitality,” he pleaded.

He further proposed a credit-based economy, stating that credit for business investment was too costly in Nigeria. “The long-term economic strength of the nation is dependent on how we deploy idle men, material and machines into productive endeavor. And this is highly dependent on the interest rate,” Tinubu said. He asked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to cure its affection for high-interest rates, arguing that lower rates were required for industrialists to borrow without fear that excessive costs of borrowing would consign them to irredeemable debts. “The normal profit rates in most business sectors cannot support the burden imposed by current interest rates. If our industrialists do not invest in more plants, equipment and jobs, the economy will stagnate. The banking system would have achieved its goal of low-interest rates at the greater costs of economic growth. “Consumer credit must be more accessible to the average person.

The prevailing norm is for a person to purchase high -priced items such as a car in one lump sum. This is oppressive. It defeats the average person and constrains transactions in real estate, vehicles and appliances that could vitalize the economy,” he noted. Tinubu said government-backed home mortgage system must be re-engineered, contending that mortgage loan agencies must be better funded and should liberalize their eligibility requirements so that more people could qualify for them. “They need to provide longer-term mortgages with manageable interest rates.

The government should provide the supporting guarantees to make such financing a reality. By sparking the effective demand for housing, the overall economy is enhanced. The construction sector and the industries allied to it will surge.” He argued that a workable credit system would reduce corruption, adding that the current lump-sum payment requirement tempted people towards misconduct. “They see no other way to secure such large sums. Their wages will not suffice. They must steal the money, beg for it or forego the purchase,” he said. According to him, having an accessible credit system that provides for periodic installment payments would place a purchase within the reach of people’s wages.

He said agriculture remained the backbone of the country and challenged the federal government to help common farmers by improving rural output and incomes, explaining that this could best be done through ensuring minimum prices for crops strategic to food security. Tinubu told his audience: “Though effective, this policy was shunned because it conflicted with the free market totems that we were asked to erect against our own interests. We must return to commodity exchange boards, which will allow farmers to secure good prices and hedge against loss. “An agricultural mortgage loan corporation should be inaugurated to further promote these goals.

The proposals stated above are largely within the province of the federal government. Focusing on these and other such things will keep the federal government sufficiently busy, Tinubu said.

Politics › Frequently Asked Questions About Buhari’s Historic Solar Power For 5m Nigerian H by MANofMEN(op): 7:01am On Dec 01, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions About Buhari’s Historic Solar Power For 5m Nigerian Households ...

1. In the Economic Sustainability Plan, FG has adopted a solar strategy for the electrification of 5million households, serving about 25million Nigerians in rural areas and under-served urban communities. The 5 Million Connections initiative is a private sector-led electricity access acceleration scheme to be facilitated by a low-cost loan facility from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

2. The programme is intended to achieve three main objectives namely:

• Increase energy access through 5million new solar connections serving about 25million individual Nigerians who are currently not connected to the National Grid.

• Increase local content in the off-grid solar value chain which will include the assembly/manufacturing of components of off-grid solutions to facilitate the growth of the local manufacturing industry, while the use of local content will be incentivized.

• Create 250,000 new jobs in the energy sector. Solar equipment manufacturers will be incentivized to set up facilities in Nigeria, offering additional job opportunities to Nigerians. In addition, installation, servicing and payment collections are expected to provide thousands of other jobs.

3. The cost of the programme is N140billion and the President, by approving the work of the ESP chaired by VP Osinbajo, has mandated the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure affordable lending facility to make it happen.

4. Therefore, the Central Bank of Nigeria, will be making preferential affordable interest rates between 5% - 10% available to companies involved in the energy/power sector. THIS IS SIGNIFICANT.

5. Over 60 companies in the solar power sub-sector have shown interest and disbursements are beginning early December 2020 followed soon by commencement of installations, both before the end of the year.

6. The Buhari Administration has ensured the interest rates are lower than the normal lending rate benchmark of 11.5% from commercial banks. This is to encourage private sector participation and ultimately reduce the cost of the solar panels and cost of maintenance.

7. There are 2 options for beneficiaries:
-Mini-grid which is a service provided continuously at an average cost of N1500 - N3000 monthly.
-Second: Solar Home Systems which beneficiaries would own after 3 years at an average cost of N4000 monthly.

*These rates vary based on capacities accessed.

8. The World Bank and other development partners including USAID, Sustainable Energy for All, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are partly involved in the planning of the scheme ensuring compliance with global best practices systems efficiency. Specifically, the World Bank is providing 20% grant to support retail costs.

9. Companies involved in the assembly/manufacturing of components of off-grid solar solutions must be 70% Nigerian owned as the entire ESP is meant to facilitate and spur huge local productivity.

10. Besides, the design of the programme ensures the cumulative increase of local content, enabling the growth of local manufacture/assembly of solar panel components physically in the country. At the end of the programme, this will peak at 30%.

Politics › *BOLA AHMED TINUBU* (The Leader of All Progressives) *_James Itsuokor, FCA_* by MANofMEN(op): 10:16am On Nov 26, 2020

*BOLA AHMED TINUBU*
(The Leader of all Progressives)

The *Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu* is Nigeria's most influential and fearless politicians. The First and last Opposition Learder to dethrone a ruling Government at the Federal level in Nigeria. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, on 29 March 1952, *Bola Ahmed Tinubu* started his political career as an elected Senator under the SDP in 1992 and was at the verge of becoming the Senate President until he stepped down for national unity. He later went into exile during the turbulent period of NADECO. He returned to Nigeria in 1998 to participate in the 4th republic politics.

In 1999 Asiwaju *Bola Ahmed Tinubu* was elected the Executive Governor of Lagos State for a two terms period till 2007.

During his Eight years as Governor of Lagos, *Bola Ahmed Tinubu* build political Mansion of trusted loyalists. He developed Human resources of politicians who now occupy the Nation's political space.

*Bola Ahmed Tinubu* sagacity and political influence cut across his passive South West base but all over the Federation.

*Bola Ahmed Tinubu* the enigma hardly makes comments on National issues and when he does, they often triggering deep reflections and occasionally stirring up criticism from detractors. His intervention based on consistency of focus with reliable data and comparative analysis on Matters of National interest always register profoundly in the public space.

Currently, *Bola Ahmed Tinubu* is the National leader of All Progressives Congress(APC).

He is married to Senator Oluremi Tinubu who represents Lagos Central Senatorial district.

*_James Itsuokor, FCA_*

Politics › *FG PRESENTS 2020 FINANCE BILL TO NEC:* by MANofMEN(op): 11:19pm On Nov 19, 2020

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE | OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

*FG PRESENTS 2020 FINANCE BILL TO NEC:*

*PROPOSED LEGISLATION SLASHES IMPORT DUTIES & LEVIES, REDUCES MINIMUM TAX, EXEMPTS SMALL BUSINESSES FROM TETFUND, OTHERS.*

*Raises compensation exemption threshold, qualifies software acquisition for capital allowance

Following Wednesday’s approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the 2020 Finance Bill that seeks to provide more tax incentives for Nigerian businesses and individuals has been formally presented to State governors under the aegis of the National Economic Council (NEC), at a meeting presided over today by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Some highlights of the proposed bill which is now headed to the National Assembly include:

1. Reduction in duties on tractors from 35 to 10 per cent

2. Reduction in duties on motor vehicles for the transportation of goods from 35 to 10 per cent.

3. Reduction of levy on motor vehicles for the transportation of persons (cars) from 35 per cent to 5 per cent.

4. Exemption of small companies from payment of education tax under the Tertiary Education Trust fund (TETFUND)-companies with less than N25m turnover are eligible

5. 50 per cent reduction in minimum tax; from 0.5 per cent to 0.25 per cent for gross turnover for financial years ending between January 1st, 2020 and December 31st, 2021.

6. Granting of tax relief to companies that donated to the COVID-19 relief fund under the private sector coalition (CACOVID).

7. Clarification that only compensation for loss of office up to N10million would be tax-exempt. (Clarification that it is the employer’s obligation to account for tax on payments relating to compensation for loss of office.)

8. Introduction of software acquisition as qualifying capital expenditure to improve the ease of doing business.

Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mr Clem Agba made the presentation at the virtual NEC meeting for the month of November 2020.

Prior to the Finance Act 2019, compensation paid to an employee for loss of office over and above N10, 000 was subject to capital gains tax. There were two notable issues with the provision:

*OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF TODAY’S NEC MEETING INCLUDE:*

*FINANCIAL UPDATES BY MINISTER OF STATE*
The Minister reported to council that the balances in the under listed accounts are as follows:
Excess Crude Account (ECA) balance as at 17th November 2020 stands at $72,409,970.48

Stabilization Account balance as at 17th November 2020 stands at N49, 151,181,622.35

Natural Resources Development Fund Account balance as at 17th November 2022 stands at N155, 530,778,234.58

*PRESENTATION ON NEC AD-HOC COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT BY THE COUNCIL CHAIR*

A committee chaired by the Vice President for NEC to engage with youths and other critical stakeholders in addressing the deeper roots of the ENDSARs protests was formed at the last meeting of NEC.

Members of the Committee are governors drawn from the 6 geopolitical zones in the country. They are, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Sokoto State Governor representing northwest; Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Borno State Governor representing northeast; Abubakar Sani Bello, Niger State Governor representing northcentral; Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, Ondo State Governor representing southwest; Engr. Dave Umahi, Ebonyi State Governor representing southeast; and Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State Governor representing south-south.

• The Committee is to engage the youth, religious organization, civil society, security agencies regarding the issues and recommend effective solutions towards strengthening national unity among others
In today's presentation, the Chair updated the Council that the Committee resolved as follows:
• There should be two broad levels of engagement, one with state and the second with zonal levels.
• All Governors should commence engagement within a week.
• Guidelines of engagement process should be developed.
• Engagement to include meetings with the youths and community leaders etc.
• The focus to be on young people.
• Engagement process to be flexible taking into consideration the peculiarities of individual states.
• The VP office to develop and forward engagement guidelines.
• Zonal engagement to commence on the 14th of November.
• The Zonal meetings to be attended by committee members including the governors.
• Governors to identify the various groups to be invited to the meetings

Resolution: Council resolved that the planned Zonal Engagements should proceed with the focus on Youths and Civil Society Organisations dealing especially with issues or jobs, and employment.
Similarly, the States level interactions should proceed in places where this has not been reported.

*CURRENT TREND IN FOOD PRICES AND THE NEED FOR URGENT REMEDIAL MEASURES BY THE SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT ON AGRICULTURE DR. ANDREW KWASARI*

Council received the presentation on the above subject matter with current food price situation analysis showing that:
• Food prices have changed between September and November involving commodities in Lagos and a few randomly selected states.
• The Hike in prices is due to the following factors
1. Delay in going out to the farm, which translates to delay in harvesting courtesy of COVID19 pandemic
2. EndSARS protest stalled food transportation and delivery and in some instances destroyed food stores
3. Banditry in the northwest effectively preventing farmers from harvesting fields cultivated
4. Farmers/herders conflict destroyed farm produce in some states
5. Increased cost of transportation

Resolution: States and FG were urged to adopt urgent measures including social protection schemes to deal with the situation. The FG will also pursue the implementation of its ESP -Agric plan and others to positively improve the situation in the sector.

*PRESENTATION ON THE NIGERIA ROAD SAFETY STRATEGY (NRSS II) 2021 -2030*

Council received a presentation from the Federal Road Safety Commission on the above subject.
According to the Presentation, the Nigeria Road Safety Strategy (NRSS II: 2021 – 2030), is as an update to the maiden road safety strategy (NRSS: 2014 – 2018). NRSS was developed in 2013 in response to a call for global action on road. The 10-year strategy conforms with the 2nd Decade of Action as desired by the United Nations.
The report stated that NRSS seeks to among other things, improve on the achievements of NRSS – further reducing road accidents & fatalities and instituting a basis for sustainable road traffic crashes and fatalities reduction.

Resolution: Council approved the presentation.

*COVID 19 SITUATION REPORT*
Council received a state report on COVID-19, by the Director-General NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu
Confirmed cases as at last week

1,058 confirmed cases

25 states reported cases

Lagos accounts for more than half of the cases (47%)

Lagos, FCT, OYO, Kaduna, River and Plateau account for more than 80% of the case over the last week.

*Laolu Akande,*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,*
*Office of the Vice President,*
19th November 2020

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