*Changing The Narratives Against Governor Obaseki*

By Pius Alile.

There are compelling reasons why Governor Obaseki will lose the governorship election coming up in sept 2020.

Governor obaseki's govt and purported achievement has been built on false narratives, propaganda, falsehood and lies.

This govt has been thriving in false narratives of wanting to destroy GOD FATHERISM, a narrative they believe will sit well with the public cognitive perception of politicians. A falsehood they continued to reinforced in consonance with public perception.
They gave it a colouration that fighting Adams Oshiomhole is a fight against Godfatherism.

Their idea is to continue to reinforce this narrative until the public accept it to be true.

The truth of the matter is that governor Godwin Obaseki is now claiming to be a leader and Godfather in his newly found political party.

He said to all that cares to listen that he has read the PDP constitution and by virtue of his position as governor, he is now the leader of PDP. By implication he can now begin to play the God father role in the party.

This role he wanted to play in APC but the leadership of the party was too politically sophisticated for Governor Obaseki.

He left in frustration having been disqualified from contesting under the party. Governor obaseki also initiated another false narratives that the political class are thieves and good for nothing. He also continued using the principle of Reinforcement.

This also situated well in the minds of the public, who generally think the politicians are the cause of the country's issues.

He branded the APC members and leadership as criminals who are asking him to share the state money. But Governor Obaseki never listed the names of those politicians.

Governor obaseki continued with this false narrative whilst blinding the people to know that he was deliberating looting and carting the state money into foreign land. Governor Obaseki allegedly diverted public funds running into billions of naira to settle PDP Tax Collectors.

A Governor that claimed he will not share state resources when he was in APC was allegedly looting and diverting state money to settle PDP leadership and members.

Governor Obaseki basically bought PDP ticket with state funds. This is outside the billions he spent fighting former national chairman of APC, mr Adam Oshiomhole and other APC members in the state. This we found very ironical in behaviuoral psychology.

Governor Obaseki thrives in falsehood and lies.

Lastly governor Obaseki has been selling the false narratives that he has performed. Having received about 400 billion naira from statutory receipts outside other borrowed and Grant funds.

Governor Obaseki has not justified this financial receipts in the state. Both in terms of physical infrastructural development or through human empowerment programs. Painting of buildings and construction of few roads in four years is below expectation of a govt that have received so much and yet delivered so less.

Governor Obaseki in his almost four years in govt has not resurrected any industries, initiated or attracted any to Edo state.

In terms of job creation Governor Obaseki failed woefully.

Governor Obaseki is flagging off his second term bid without any programme or agenda for development. No evidence of his achievement over the last four years. The SIMPLE AGENDA unfolded by the APC candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is all encompassing with detailed implementation plans. It is based on the specific principles. It is measurable, accurate, reliable and time bound.

This Simple Agenda vision of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu detailed how jobs and physical infrastructural development would be initiated and implemented in the state.

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is a man with clear vision and focus determine to transform the state into global standards. *GOD'S TIME IS NOW, EDO MUST MOVE FORWRD*

*Hon Pius Alile Is The Director Of Strategy Of Pst Osagie Ize-Iyamu Campaign Organisation*

EDO 2020: OSHIOMHOLE’S APOLOGY TO IZE-IYAMU AND THE REST OF US

By Nosa Omorodion

There is the time tested axiom which says that: “action speaks louder than words”. One does not need to be proficient in English Language or in any other language to which it may be original or common, to understand the implication of this universal fact.

In relation to our subject matter, I want to say that an apology may come in two ways – as words or as an action. This means that it may be realized verbally or as a gesture. In whatever manner it is realized, it has the universal attribute of righting a wrong.

The above scenario is what one may say has played out given the present cordial relationship between Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former Governor of Edo State and immediate past National Chairman of the APC and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the Candidate of the APC for the 2020 Edo State Governorship Election.

Oshiomhole’s volte-face, from alleging that Ize-Iyamu was not trust worthy to be made the governor of Edo State in 2016, to supporting his ambition for the same purpose in 2020, could be likened to a repudiation of his earlier publicized corrosive allegations against Ize-Iyamu in the run up to the 2016 governorship election. Could we not then say that Ize-Iyamu has been justified in asserting his innocence in the face of the allegations that have become the foundation of a perennial smear campaign? There has never been any legal basis for these allegations?

In the 2016 election, while Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu was the popular governorship candidate of the PDP, Adams Oshiomhole, who was then governor, was the chief sponsor and promoter of the unknown Godwin Obaseki, the candidate of the APC. Although Oshiomhole had made some landmark achievements as the Governor of Edo State, he had then realized that running 2016 APC governorship campaign solely on the record of his achievements would not be enough to whittle down the influence of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who seemed to be in pole position to win the election. Therefore, Oshiomhole decided to launch a propaganda campaign against Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu on the foundation of negative name calling. Leveraging his propaganda with the credibility of his office, it was easy for Oshiomhole to spread the idea that as SSG to Edo State Government, Ize-Iyamu was the main actor in the pillaging the state's treasury, which Oshiomhole inherited. Oshiomhole said that for this reason, Ize-Iyamu could not be trusted with the treasury of the State.

As in looking for a dog to hang, Oshiomhole, without presenting a shred of evidence to back his allegations, had given Ize-Iyamu a bad name. Before the Pastor of the RCCG, had entered the governorship race with an unblemished service record of eight years as Chief of Staff to the Governor and Secretary to Edo State Government, respectively. He had neither been indicted nor convicted in any court of law. Although the outcome of the election revealed that despite the negative tagging, a large number of Edo people trusted Ize-Iyamu. It is to this day argued that Osagie Ize-Iyamu had actually won the valid vote cast even though Obaseki was declared winner. Regardless of the outcome of the election, Oshiomhole had sown a seed which Ize-Iyamu’s political enemies would find handy for disparaging him in future contestations. He had been unjustly convicted by his adversaries, in the court of public opinion.

Expectedly, the burden of that smear has been carried into the campaign for the 2020 governorship election. The videos of Oshiomhole’s unsubstantiated allegations are been played in the social media. They have been the foundation of adverse campaigns against Ize-Iyamu’s ambition. Interestingly, this time around they have not only become Ize-Iyamu's burden, but ironically the burden of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the man who let out the dogs of war, in a manner of speaking. The statements have become tools for blackmailing Oshiomhole, who incidentally is now Ize-Iyamu’s ally in the election battle against his erstwhile protégé and beneficiary, Godwin Obaseki.

Unfortunately, in the 2016 as with now, upon Oshiomhole’s recorded statements, Ize-Iyamu is like a victim fallen to a mob, which has set upon him upon a false alarm. It is just plain excitement to the mob, which hounds him to gratify their urge for mischief.

Acting with a sense of expediency to discredit Ize-Iyamu, Oshiomhole had seemingly forgotten that the man who was being maligned was the director-general of his 2012 reelection campaign; that it was someone whom they had wined and dined together as friends and trusted political allies. Ize-Iyamu was a man on whom Oshiomhole had publicly showered encomiums after their 2012 reelection victory. As the battle raged, Oshiomhole, perhaps, never imagined that a time would come when he would be required to recant. His focus then was how to get his candidate, Godwin Obaseki to win the governorship election at all costs.

As fate would have it though, in the build up to the 2020 Governorship Election, the relationship between Oshiomhole and Obaseki soured to the extent that Oshiomhole tactically withdrew his support for Obaseki’s reelection ambition. From that moment, it became obvious that it was a matter of time before Obaseki’s replacement for the APC governorship nomination would emerge. Ize-Iyamu was however not in the picture until he made known his intention to decamp from the PDP to the APC in November 2019. It could not have been imagined that he would become Oshiomhole’s favourite aspirant. But then it happened.

Upon Ize-Iyamu’s decamping to the APC, there was the speculation that he was the one favoured by Adams Oshiomhole, to pick the party's governorship ticket. Oshiomhole never admitted this but his support for Ize-Iyamu became obvious, with the relative ease Ize-Iyamu was able to navigate through the storms that Governor Obaseki raised against his bid to return to the APC and contest in the party's governorship primary. Oshiomhole ensured that Ize-Iyamu overcame all the obstacles to becoming a member of the party, going through the screening of aspirants, and eventually contesting and winning the nomination.

Even though aware that Oshiomhole’s allegations were nothing but part of election gimmicks to gain an advantage over Ize-Iyamu in 2016, Ize-Iyamu’s political rivals have resurrected the old videos with the hope that the reminder would make him lose his popularity among voters. As stated earlier, the recorded statements are now being used to blackmail Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. In addition, they now come with a challenge thrown at Oshiomhole to deny the veracity of his earlier disparaging statements against Ize-Iyamu whom he now supports for the position of governor contrary to his 2016 stance. The bait is been thrown at Oshiomhole by his antagonists and Ize-Iyamu’s opponents, with the simple objective of getting an opportunity to make mockery of Oshiomhole.

There is also the ridiculous commentary that it will take Oshiomhole’s contradiction of his earlier allegations, to give Ize-Iyamu a clean bill of health regarding the damaging of his reputation. Coming from persons that have made up their minds to oppose Ize-Iyamu’s governorship ambition, this could not be anything but pure mischief. At any rate, the allegations have been sufficiently disproved by Ize-Iyamu and his supporters. There is simply no evidence upon which to hinge the allegations, and no conviction by a court of law to establish Ize-Iyamu’s culpability.

Meanwhile, narrative of the N700m EFCC fraud case for which Ize-Iyamu has been dragged to court along with the past and present State Chairmen of the PDP, Dan Orbih and Tony Aziegbemi, respectively, has been maliciously twisted to look like Ize-Iyamu received and diverted the money for his personal use. Regrettably, this narrative is also being promoted in the mainstream and social media, by agents of the beneficiary of the money – the PDP.

The truth of the matter is that the N700m in question was the 2015 PDP presidential campaign money sent to Edo PDP, on behalf of the National Secretariat of the Party. Ize-Iyamu in his capacity as the director general of the Edo State PDP Presidential Campaign Organization, had been instructed by the Late Chief Tony Anenih, who was the leader of the party in the State, to sign for the money along with Dan Orbih, Tony Aziegbemi and two other persons. After the money had been signed for, it was conveyed by the officials of the bank, to the residence of the late Chief Anenih, where it was shared to and signed for by the 18 Local Government Area Chairmen of the PDP, for onward delivery to the 192 wards for the purpose of meeting the logistical needs of the of the wards on election day. The money was not sent to Ize-Iyamu’s personal or business account. It was also not diverted by him for his personal use as his traducers would want the gullible public to believe. The source of the money has also been claimed by private contributors to the PDP Presidential Campaign Fund.

In conclusion, what could we say about the apology asked of Oshiomhole to prove that he did not mean his allegations against Ize-Iyamu in the 2016 Governorship Campaign? I want to opine that Oshiomhole does not need to say anything besides what he has done. He has, contrary to his earlier assertion, demonstrated that Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is after all trust worthy to be made the governor of Edo State. He has apparently offered the quintessential apology to the APC Governorship Candidate and the rest of us – not in words but in deed. To put it succinctly, he has copiously demonstrated the indisputable fact that “action speaks louder than words”.

I Did Not Give N4billion To VP Osinbajo, Magu Cries Out

As investigation against the embattled former Economic and Financial Corruption Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, continues, different sources close to the investigative panel have disclosed that Magu repeatedly refuted claims saying he gave N4bn to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

The sources quoted Magu as saying: “I did not tell the panel that I gave the Vice President N4 billion. Where will I get such money? Do I have access to such funds? It is part of mudslinging. Please clear this. I do not have any control of such cash, I did not order the transfer of N4 billion to the VP or to anybody.

“The name of the Vice President never came up at the panel’s session at all. Since the VP was not an issue, I could not have mentioned that I gave him N4 billion.”

Meanwhile, the Vice President on Thursday wrote the Inspector-General of Police to investigate malicious tweets on the alleged N4billion given to him by Magu.

The Vice – President made the demand in petition to the IG dated July 9, through his lawyers, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan and Abimbola Kayode.

The petition reads: “The above referred malicious tweets and publications were made on a public platform on a Twitter account with over forty-six thousand followers, some of whom have re-tweeted same hundreds of times, as at the time of writing this petition. In addition, the false allegations have elicited responses targeted at the vice president ranging from shock, outrage, to comments that cast aspersion on the integrity of the Vice President.

”The tweets and reactions thereto have also been circulated widely on other social media platforms including Facebook and WhatsApp, as well as other online websites including Newsreel with the caption “EFCC PROBE VP Osinbajo Allegedly Indicted Over N4billion Recovered Loot Diversion” available at https://newsreel.com.ng/2020/07/08/efcc-probe-vp-osinbajo-allegedly-indicted-over-n4billion-recovered-Ioot-diversion/; and YouTube at https://www.Youtube.com/watch?v

”Our instruction is that the above statements published by Mr. Jackson Ude are false in every material respect and same are designed to injure the reputation of our Client. Copies of the publications are hereby attached for ease of reference and necessary investigation.

”These vicious and malicious publications are meant to achieve one objective only, to represent to his readership and others (Nigerians and Foreigners) that our Client is a dishonest and disloyal public officer and consequently unfit for the position of Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which he is occupying.

”We are of the view that unless an action for criminal defamation is commenced against the said Mr. Jackson Ude, he will continue to use his social media platform to publish materials that are false and criminally defamatory of our Client’s reputation.

”In view of the above, we humbly request that you cause the above allegations, made against our Client, to be investigated and if the suggested investigation confirms our complaint of the falsehood of these allegations, to initiate criminal proceedings pursuant to the provisions of Sections 391 — 395 of the Penal Code Act for Criminal Defamation against the said Jackson Ude.”

Before We Forget Governor Obaseki's $2m (N900m) Laundering Debacle (1)

By Erasmus Ikhide 

IT'S exactly 10-months now that Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State barely escaped INTERPOL's arrest and detention with humongous state's taxpayers' money amounting to $2m (N900m) laundered in far away France in a single trip. His Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Osaze Osemwingie-Ero who walked side-by-side with the Governor on the said trip with foreign currency neatly stuffed in briefcases wasn't so lucky! 

The trifling and absconding Governor Obaseki has since been declared a persona non grata in France, America and the rest European countries for laundering illicit and dirty money meant for the development and wellbeing of Edo citizens. Money laundering offence, as it were, is the illegal process of concealing the origins of money obtained illegally by passing it through a complex sequence of banking transfers or commercial transactions or outright hauling of physical cash into a foreign land, as is the case with Governor Obaseki and Mr. Osaze Osemwingie-Ero. 

The detained and abandoned Mr. Osaze is said to be one of Governor Obaseki's several channels of corruption through which the Governor funnels Edo State Common Wealth into Europe and America to sustain his numerous business interests. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) have severally be invited to investigate Governor Obaseki's fraudulent and MOUs administration for money laundering. That call has yet to provoke the needed probe of the Governor by the anti-corruption agencies, even when it became public knowledge recently that Mr. Obaseki actually opened the state resources for PDP to have a field day as "Tax Collectors"!

Nigerians who have little or no faith in President Muhammadu Buhari's capability in retooling the anti-corruption war are further disappointed at EFCC's tardiness to intervene in Governor Obaseki's laundering case. The anti-corruption agencies have a duty to save Nigeria and President Muhammad Buhari's administration from looming international embarrassment since major national and international newspapers already reported the discovery of the dirty $2m (N900m).

On top of this crisis of money laundering charges against Governor Obaseki, there are two additional concerns for a pessimist generation of Edo youths who deliberately avert their gaze away from the documented fraud against the state governor. First, the government has been unable to fix its solvency problems which Governor Obaseki created by borrowing too much money from foreign financial institutions. The Governor has been round tripping with the dollars for personal profits at the expense of the general public. Second, these loans have failed to stimulate the economy of the state since the interest rates are beyond normal and the details of the loans are shrouded in secrecy.

There's no better or appropriate timing than now to investigate Mr. Obaseki's litany of corruption cases and maladministration in order to save the country from international embarrassment following the arrest of his Commissioner and the Governor's subsequent banishment from stepping his foot on the shores of Europe and America. The Governor's shameful outing did not only damge his poor governance structure and his MOUs-induced administration but also destroyed the public trust vested and invested in him, going forward.

The haphazard response from the Edo State Government over the money laundering scandal and the attempt to conceal the dirty money while also denying and abandoning Mr. Osaze Osewingie-Ero in France further indicted Governor Godwin Obaseki's malfeasance as he inadvertently owned up to the crime. 

Now the conundrums: will Governor Obaseki be allowed to escape the wrath of the law even when his accomplice rots away in prison in France? How did we get to this sorry state of absolute absorbent and state of unshockeability to the extent that criminals in government have become heroes of our youths? How might we extricate ourselves from the shackles of political minds manipulators?

The Governor and his minders, as expected, have been clutching stoically at the straws, hiding behind broom stick of immunity for the governor while committing financial crimes with reckless abandon to evade arrest, not knowing that the anti-corruption agencies are obligated, constitutionally to investigate and bring under scrutiny the financial records and dealings of any state governments who violate their oaths of office to administer states resources for the greater good of everyone. 

But even with these obvious fraud cases of deliberate looting of the state's treasury by the Governor, the populace seems stock with frivolities and fantasy as against reality and amateurish propaganda by the Governor's internet madrassas. It's needless Mr. Obaseki is bailed out by the people and his criminal government or rewarded with a second term in office – like old-line retailers. To do so would merely create “zombies,” out of the people, ultimately limiting dynamism and growth, as perfectly outlined by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu in his Simple Agenda manifesto. 

The Governor's folly, foolishness and political naivety has costs the state government several billions of naira he squandered to purchase the PDP's governorship ticket, thereby paving the way for the state to decay in all fronts. For instance, the Governor couldn't raise the money to pay the COVID-19 front line health workers who daily protest non-payment of their salaries and allowances eventhough the Federal Government's more than N6billion COVID-19 palliatives has been received by the Governor. 

It's obvious from the sudden rot and rust in Benin City and its environs that Governor Godwin Obaseki has abdicated and jettisoned governance in the state. Any wonder the state is practically submerged under water each time it rains. As we speak, most parts of the ancient city is overtaken by garbage dump; schools overgrown with weeds and taken over by reptiles amidst preparation for school resumption, markets around Benin metropolis burnt down with midnight infernos without fire-fighting equipments.  

This is the moment of truth. Governor Godwin Obaseki has walked himself unto the crucifix. He has led himself to his own political Golgotha like a notorious sacrificial lamb. As we say in my own part of the world "Ovbiukhor yase eguaikute chie". Loosely translated to mean that the He Goat does not retreat from the shrine's slaughter slab. 


To Be Continued 

Email: ikhideerasmus@gmail.com

Follow me on Twitter @ikhide_erasmus1

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE

*GOVERNORS TO BE PART OF NATIONAL ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY PLAN IMPLEMENTATION*

*2 State executives expected to join Economic Sustainability Committee soon

Some State Governors may soon join in the membership of the Economic Sustainability Committee as the implementation of the Sustainability Plan proceeds.

This hint was dropped by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, while presiding over a virtual meeting of the National Economic Council today at the Presidential Villa.

The governors had made a presentation at the NEC on how the States can collaborate effectively with the Federal Government on the implementation of the recently approved N2.3 trillion stimulus programme.

The Governors welcomed the plan and committed to working with the Federal Government. According to the Vice President, possibly two State Governors could join the Committee for the implementation phase of the plan. He said such would be helpful and bring synergy.

Besides, state governments will also be actively involved in the process of executing projects in the plan, especially such projects based in the domains of respective States, in collaboration with other stakeholders and partners.

It would be recalled that while receiving the report of the Economic Sustainability Committee, President Muhammadu Buhari had described it as a National Plan which has gone through wide consultations. The endorsement of the Governors at today's NEC follows the President's description of the Sustainability Plan.

These were some of the highlights at the 105th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) chaired by the Vice President with several governors, ministers and heads of MDAs including the CBN Governor and the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, in attendance.

Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-rufai, who is also the Chairman of the NGF adhoc committee on the collaborative implementation of the NESP, commended the Osinbajo-led ESC for a job well-done and noted that State governors were committed to the successful implementation of the plan.

Specifically, El-rufai said: “In agriculture, each state is to make available 20 hectares of land for cultivation and with the contribution of lands from States, he added that governors will appreciate land clearance as an incentive.

“In Mass housing, NEC welcomes the plan to build 300,000 housing units across the country with an average of ten thousand homes per State," El-rufai noted while also calling for a nationwide mortgage system to support the plan.

Also briefing journalists on the recommendations of the interim report of the NEC adhoc committee interfacing with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to ease the lockdown, the Committee Chairman and Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa said “the committee recommended that the Honorable Minister of Health should ensure the continuous provision of all essential health services in-order to ensure that people do not die from other diseases needlessly”.

According to the report presented by the governor to council, “the Presidential Task Force (PTF) should provide the operating guidelines to the States to enable them domesticate same given their peculiarities, norms and traditions, especially in opening of markets, religious places and schools etc.

Okowa noted that the major recommendation arising from the meeting is the proposed health workers allowance being planned by the Federal Ministry of Health. The ‘Hazard’ allowance should not be imposed on States but presented with general guidance to enable each State negotiate with its health workers based on its ability to pay.

He added that the Committee's interim report presented to NEC today recommends “that there should be rapid testing, tracing, isolation and treatment, and the NCDC and PTF should provide each State with laboratory testing facilities and ensure effective sample collection”.

Other highlights of the meeting include the presentation of the 2021 to 2023 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) by the Federal Ministry of Finance, State Budget and National Planning.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed also reported to council that the balances in the under listed accounts:

*I.* Excess Crude Account (ECA) Balance as at 7th July, 2020 - $72,406,952.48

*2.* Stabilization Account Balance as at 7th July, 2020 - N40, 310,991,995.15

*3.* Natural Resources Development Fund Account Balance as at 7th July 2020: N131, 598,414,041.89

There were other presentations at today's NEC including on Polio and the COVID-19 pandemic.

*Laolu Akande,*
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity,
Office of the Vice President.
9th July 2020

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has written a letter to the Inspector General of Police seeking actions against an Online Publisher Mr Jackson Ude .

Mr Ude who operates from his New York base had alleged that the Vice President collected N4b from Mr Ibrahim Magu , the suspended chairman of EFCC who is presently undergoing investigation.

In a letter handed over the IG this morning in Abuja by Osinbajo’s lawyer Prof Taiwo Osipitan ( SAN) Osinbajo wants Ude taken in and prosecuted for criminal defamation following a wide publication of falsehood against him on social media.

In the letter having copies of the publication attached, Osinbajo ‘humbly’ requested the IG to “investigate all the allegations against him and if the suggested investigation confirms our complaint of the falsehood of these allegations , to initiate criminal proceedings pursuant to the provisions of section 391-395 of the penal Code Act for Criminal Defamation against the said Jackson Ude.”

Sources at the police headquarters this morning informed our reporter that the IG has immediately swung into action. The legal department of the police we are told will link up with Interpol to bring back Ude from his New York base time assist the police in its investigation if he fails to honor the police invitation.

Edo 2020: Saraki, Senator Nazif, Other PDP Leaders Fingered in Plot to Rig Election for Obaseki


Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and others are piling immense pressure on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, to help them ‘deliver’ the state for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).


This was contained in a 'Sahara Reporters' report alleging that Saraki and other leaders of the PDP have perfected plans to rig the forthcoming Edo governorship election in favour of the party.


The online news agency alleged that Saraki reached out to the INEC Chairman through the PDP Deputy National Chairman (North), Suleiman Nazif, on how the election can be rigged in favour of the party.


Recall that senator Nazif was elected on the platform of the APC in 2015 from Bauchi, but was one of those who sided with Saraki and decamped with him to PDP in July 2019.


Senator Nazif was also the chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC in the 8th assembly, and was involved in several attempts to change the sequence of elections in February 2018 through a controversial amendment which pro Buhari legislators insisted was targeted at sabotaging the president's reelection.


Recall also that Senator Nazif was accused of deliberately withholding INEC's budget passage in the run up to the 2019 elections as a form of strong arming the Commission to accept his controversial electoral amendments, which the president had vetoed.


Senator Nazif was widely regarded as former Senate President Saraki's pointsman in dealing with INEC during the 8th assembly. After decamping to PDP in July, he ran in the 2019 elections but lost his seat. He was thereafter rewarded by his benefactor, Bukola Saraki - who had been made National Leader of the PDP - with the Vice Chairman position.


According to a Sahara Reporters source, despite the immense pressure by the PDP stalwarts, Prof Yakubu is insisting that he won’t be involved in the manipulation of results to favour any party.


"The INEC Chairman has told them that only the will of the people will prevail and that he has no such powers to rig elections, especially with the technology and innovations in place. He told them that he has never rigged elections and is not going to start now.


"Senator Suleiman Nazif, a former Senate Committee Chairman on INEC, has been sent to him by Bukola Saraki on several occasions but he maintained that he can’t get himself involved,” the source said.


Incumbent governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, is seeking a second term in office on the platform of the PDP after he was disqualified from contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.


Edo 2020: Saraki, Senator Nazif, Other PDP Leaders Fingered in Plot to Rig Election for Obaseki


Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and others are piling immense pressure on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, to help them ‘deliver’ the state for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).


This was contained in a 'Sahara Reporters' report alleging that Saraki and other leaders of the PDP have perfected plans to rig the forthcoming Edo governorship election in favour of the party.


The online news agency alleged that Saraki reached out to the INEC Chairman through the PDP Deputy National Chairman (North), Suleiman Nazif, on how the election can be rigged in favour of the party.


Recall that Nazif was elected on the platform of the APC in 2015 from Bauchi, but was one of those who sided with Saraki and decamped with him to PDP in July 2018.


Nazif was also the chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC in the 8th assembly, and was involved in several attempts to change the sequence of elections in February 2018 through a controversial amendment which pro Buhari legislators insisted was targeted at sabotaging the president's reelection.


Recall also that Senator Nazif was accused of deliberately withholding INEC's budget passage in the run up to the 2019 elections as a form of strong arming the Commission to accept his controversial electoral amendments, which the president had vetoed.


Senator Nazif was widely regarded as former Senate President Saraki's pointsman in dealing with INEC during the 8th assembly. After decamping to PDP in July, he ran in the 2019 elections but lost his seat. He was thereafter rewarded by his benefactor, Bukola Saraki - who had been made National Leader of the PDP - with the Vice Chairman position.


According to a Sahara Reporters source, despite the immense pressure by the PDP stalwarts, Prof Yakubu is insisting that he won’t be involved in the manipulation of results to favour any party.


"The INEC Chairman has told them that only the will of the people will prevail and that he has no such powers to rig elections, especially with the technology and innovations in place. He told them that he has never rigged elections and is not going to start now.


"Senator Suleiman Nazif, a former Senate Committee Chairman on INEC, has been sent to him by Bukola Saraki on several occasions but he maintained that he can’t get himself involved,” the source said.

The Edo election is seen by many as a two horse race between Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the APC and the incumbent, Godwin Obaseki, who is seeking a second term in office on the platform of the PDP after he was disqualified from contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

*Governor Obaseki's Hypocritical Nature*

By Pius Alile*

There are numerous symptoms of personality disorder and psychopathic traits. It is a traits of consistent irregularity in behaviour, actions and attitude. A behaviour of deceit and perpetual human flaws. A situation of say one thing and do the other syndromes. A false life of propaganda and improbable action. It is akin to hypocritical life where you do what you condemned. A hypocritical life is rooted in behaviour that is opposite of societal expectation. A life dominated with falsehood and often with temporary gratification.

These are exact description of governor obaseki personality which are in many cases domiciled in his govt over the last 3 years.

Gover obaseki's attitudinal disfunctionality which has led to blackmailing the political class and staging them to public ridicule for no just cause is an exact symptoms of personality disorder.

Governor obaseki engaged in political war against majority of those who laboured to bring him to power. He said he wont share state funds, but today he has so far paid PDP tax collectors billions to secure their ticket.

Governor obaseki is an hypocrate who say one thing and do the exact opposite. He personally and aggressively deployed state resources and machine against anybody who have contrary opinions.

He was vindictive, wicked and brutal to those who refuse to support his second term bid.

Governor obaseki said on many occasion that he is a core party man, but when the party decided to disqualify him on account of certificate irregularities, governor obaseki left for another party.

He left with APC mandate and bribed his way to secure ticket. His attitude saw political party as a vehicle to seek political power alone.
Governor Obaseki forgot that political parties are built by people's sacrifices, loyalty and skills.
These contributions by various individuals, groups and other interest makes it viable for political contest and victories. Governor Obaseki does not believe in building and contributing to political party development. But see it as a platforms only for power grabbing.

Governor Obaseki failed policies are rooted in his personality flaws. Governor Obaseki makes promises with the intention of not keeping those promises.

A governor without any iota of honesty and decency. A govt replica of 419 syndromes. A Governor that goes to the market places making promises of compensation to traders following fire inferno that razed their shops and other items of financial value.

When governor obaseki was making promises of 100 million naira compensation we clearly predicted he wont keep his promises. Yes, to our prediction he never kept those promises. Governor obaseki never intended to provide 200 thousand jobs but he consistently made such promises to the people. He never intended to build 3 specialist hospitals across the three senatorial districts or PHC centres across the 192 wards of the state.

The Gelegele sea port and industrial park were the major planks of Governor Obaseki manifesto. He failed to keep promises he clearly made to the people.

Agreement with Governor Obaseki could be likened to agreement made with the devil himself. Satan the devil will never keep promises. Infrastructural development promises have been dashed with gross ignominy.

Critical sectors of the economy have been wilfully neglected. Promises of uplifting our healthcare infrastructure, education, and job creation have become a mirage in the light of Governor Obaseki's promises and failed syndrome.

Govt should be assessed based on their promises. Governor obaseki collects 700 million naira as security vote monthly.

Edo state remains one of the most crime prone state in Nigeria. Insecurity reflected in the spade of kidnapping, arm robbery, stealing, raping, and other social vices.

We have not seen adequate support to the police and other security agencies in the state.

But Edo States Governor continued to collect 700 hundred million monthly without any significant security architecture in place over the last three years.

The Wabazigan security outfit has become a security outfit of political intimidation and violence across the state. And not a security outfit geared towards protecting lives and properties.

Cosmetics painting and renovation of major govt buildings in the state has become his achievement over the last three years.

Edo Best without concrete evidence of progressive impact on our educational system has become hall mark of his achievement.

Majority of roads purportedly constructed across the state were done by Seefor and NDDC.

Few roads constructed by the state govt failed to exhibit durability and quality.

Three major higher institutions in the state have been senselessly closed down without recourse to their social economic value both to students and host communities.

In a nutshell Governor Obaseki did not only displayed his personality flaws but also demonstrated these flaws in his style of governance.
His hypocritical nature contributed largely to the failure of his govt to deliver on key aspects of his manifestos and promises.

It is time to look for alternative govt of HOPE, a govt that will restore hope and bring about full restoration of our losses in the last 3 or 4 years.

A govt that will provide infrastructures and support human capacity development.

A govt that will create environment for jobs creation and social security for our disabled and other vulnerable groups in the society.

A vote for APC is a vote for Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

*GOD'S TIME IS NOW, EDO MUST MOVE FORWARD*

*Hon Pius Alile director of strategy Ize Iyamu's campaign Organisation*

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT


PRESS STATEMENT 


VP OSINBAJO WILL NOT BE DISTRACTED BY CAMPAIGNS OF LIES & CALUMNY


The attention of the Office of the Vice President has been drawn to a series of tweets and online publications by PointBlank News and Newsreel.com.ng today 8th July 2020, credited to the same person, one Jackson Ude.

In essence, Ude’s story is that “embattled former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, allegedly embezzled over N39 billion and gave Vice President Yemi Osinabjo (sic) N4 billion, after the VP gave instructions to him to release some of the recovered loots…” The same Jackson Ude has also been circulating a video on YouTube with a female commentator, peddling the same lies.

With all emphasis at our disposal, let it be firmly stated that these are totally false and baseless fabrications purporting to reflect goings-on at the Probe Panel investigating Mr. Ibrahim Magu. They are indeed completely absurd in every respect. 


Sadly, such mindless, vicious and reckless publications have now become the preferred tool of unscrupulous and reprobate elements in our society who are procured with monetary inducement to peddle blatant falsehood, tarnish the image of upright public officials and mislead unsuspecting Nigerians.


Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, will of course not be distracted by these obvious campaigns of lies and calumny. The online publications, being criminally defamatory in nature, have been referred to the relevant law enforcement agencies for investigation and necessary action.


Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President

 on Media and Publicity

Office of the Vice President

8th July 2020

MAGU's SUSPENSION REFLECTS BUHARI's 'NO SACRED COW' STANCE - BMO

The decision to suspend the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu pending the conclusion of the investigation by a Presidential panel is a testimony to President Muhammadu Buhari's commitment to transparency and accountability.

The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) said in a statement signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke, that the swift response by the President shows that nobody is above the law in the Buhari administration.

"We see the decision to invite Ibrahim Magu to appear before the panel headed by Justice Ayo Salami as yet another proof that there is no sacred cow as far as investigation into allegations of corrupt practices is concerned.

"President Buhari has demonstrated once again that nobody is indeed above the law as even his appointees, no matter how highly placed, can at any time be asked to respond to issues as they arise.

"This is proof that the President is a stickler for due process; he could have fired Magu, he has that prerogative, but because the acting EFCC chairman was accused of committing acts of infractions, he was afforded the due process of fair hearing before an administrative panel.

"We have all seen how the same process was followed in cases that involved former Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal and the immediate past head of the civil service, Winifred Oyo-Ita", it added.

The group noted that it was out of place for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to gloat over a decision that deserves praise.

"We have heard the gloating by PDP and some of its supporters online and offline, but the joke is really on them because it shows clearly that even the head of the anti-graft agency could be invited to provide answers to knotty issues, unlike what we had in the past.

"We do not know many Presidents would do that, or even see the need to do that. We recall that one-time Central Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was not even given the opportunity to defend himself before a probe panel when sundry allegations were raised against him, before then President Goodluck Jonathan suspended him outrightly in 2014.

"We also invite Nigerians to remember how former Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison Madueke blatantly refused to appear before the National Assembly on several occasions without any consequences.

"It got so bad that the Senate, on at least one occasion, asked former President Jonathan to choose between the National Assembly or the minister, before she finally honoured the Senate committee invitation.

"Also, Magu is appearing before a panel headed by a former President of the Appeal Court who was unceremoniously eased out of office by a PDP government, without being given the opportunity to defend himself?

"So we believe PDP should sit this one out and see how the due process really works, even if it means investigating the head of an anti-graft agency".

BMO also reassured Nigerians that President Buhari's war against corruption is still on course.

Magu: Reports linking Osinbajo to stolen EFCC billions another PDP Dubai strategy by fake news merchant Jackson Ude - BOSF

Jackson Ude, a fake news merchant, PDP Dubai Strategist and partisan hack is in the news again, making fictional claims about fake revelations regarding the ongoing investigation into the activities of the Ag. EFCC Chairman. His claims that Magu gave money to the Vice President is not only an irresponsible lie, but a concocted move that continues a long running smear campaign against Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

Ude, who worked as Media Aide under the PDP Jonathan Presidency is determined to tarnish the enviable image and steerling reputation of the Vice President ahead of 2023. He will use any and all opportunities his devious mind sees to achieve that. While he claims knowledge of ongoing Magu investigation, the truth is that Ude has no information whatsoever neither is he connected to any credible source that might hint him about goings on.

His past records of Fake News are enough to nail this partisan operative whose mindless and baseless reporting are becoming legendary.

This is why we, nationwide members of the Buhari Osinbajo Solidarity Front, (BOSF) have decided to call out this shadowy and despicable character called Jackson Ude, as a fraud, mercenary and paid political hireling.

Since Ramon Olorunwa Abbas aka Hushpuppi was linked to PDP leaders, people like Ude and his paymasters have been desperate to divert attention. Pictures of Hushpuppi and PDP leaders like Atiku Abubakar, Yakubu Dogara, Dino Melaye among others leaked after the failed Dubai strategy of the 2019  presidential election. The current vexations against Prof. Osinbajo, (a man a widely admired across all section of Nigeria and who many Nigerians have come to respect and admire) is part of an unending desperation of political interests, fearful of another round of defeat from the hands of Nigerians come 2023.

BOSF totally dismisses the claims by Ude that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was mentioned like he claimed during a Presidential Panel grilling of the boss of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu.

Jackson Ude is nothing but a fake news merchant and a fraud. He has a long history of spreading falsehood and lies against people with the aim of blackmailing them for money.

On the allegation levelled against Magu, it is on record that the EFCC chairman never mentioned the Vice President’s name and that all the news by Ude was concocted. Not only is he not close to the proceedings, he lacks credibility of any kind.

Here are a few catalogues of some of the fraudulent activities and lies by Ude:

*Not many remember that this element called Ude once tried to dupe former Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala after threatening to publish fake news about her ownership of a billion naira mansion in Abuja using Chinua-Ogwu, a dismissed police officer to perpetuate his criminal act.

So this is not the first time Ude will claim an authoritative source gave him an information. It was a lie then and he is still an active liar. 

*Ude also once claimed that President Muhammadu Buhari and late Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, were secretly flown out of Nigeria for COVID-19 treatment. 

He tells this lies with a straight face and after each and every of his lies are exposed, he keeps silence for a while and then comes back with a new salacious offering. Nigerians have come to realise his folly and should pay no attention to this son of a gun!

*This element, Ude also once swindled Mrs Oyindamola Amuka (wife of Uncle Sam Amuka, Vanguard Publisher) of £20,000.00.

*He also once claimed via his Twitter account that former Lagos governor, Babatunde Fashola had been dropped from the list of ministers compiled by President Buhari.

*If that was not enough, he tweeted a picture and wrote categorically that the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele had been sacked.

There are countless more cases where he claimed an authoritative source told him this or that, revelling in hearsay as though he has any shard of credibility!

*He once claimed that the names of Custom and NPA bosses were among the ministerial nominees and in another instance that the leader of proscribed IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu is being detained inside Nigerian Navy war ship off coast in Bayelsa.

All were lies, he concocts from his Bronx, New York base, where we would now be seeking means to bring him to some accountability. We shall be making international contacts on the best strategies to properly and legally go after Ude and especially showcase him in the US as an illegal operative and fraudulent character.

Ude is a petty criminal and should be treated as one. We urge Nigerians to disregard this new Dubai strategy from a petty criminal like Ude, they are only trying to divert attention.

In the last two weeks, PDP leaders have been linked to Hushpuppi and they are desperate to deflect attention to something else, so they believe that mentioning Osinbajo is the right fake news strategy but they have failed.

The Vice President’s integrity is rock solid and no amount of fake news can undo his reputation. He built it over the years and has been described as an upright man all across the world.

BOSF calls on well meaning Nigerians to understand what is going on and ignore all fake and evil news designed to cause confusion and mislead.

Signed:

*Liberty Olawale Badmus,*
National Coordinator,
Buhari Osinbajo Solidarity Front.
08-07-2020

Edo 2020: Wike, PDP bringing war to Edo state – Agbonayinma
…says PDP’s corruption in Edo cannot be forgotten


Former member of the House of Representatives and APC stalwart in Edo state, Hon. E.J. Agbonayinma, has called on the governor of Rivers State and chairman of the PDP campaign council in Edo state, Nyesom Wike, to guard his utterances and stop issuing violent threats regarding the upcoming elections.


This, he said, on Tuesday during an interview on Democracy Today, a political programme on AIT.


“Wike is not from Edo state. We are from Edo state and we know our people, we are peacemakers. But the way the governor of Rivers state is talking, it’s as if we are going to war or maybe he’s bringing war to Edo. In Edo, we don’t want war, we just want elections.”


Responding to a question about Governor Obaseki’s performance, Agbonayinma stated that whatever achievements have been recorded during his tenure should be credited to the APC, as he enjoyed maximum support from stakeholders at both the federal and state levels.


“Whatever Obaseki has done has been with the support of APC leaders; it has always been APC people advising him to do the needful and whatever he did can be credited to APC. Now, he has gone to a party that failed miserably. The PDP brought us to where we are in this country today. The problems we are facing, the corruption that has eaten this country deeply, was created by PDP both nationally and in Edo state.”


He further added that he and Obaseki were senior aides to former governor Oshiomhole and no one can deny that Oshiomhole’s tenure ushered in unprecedented development in the state.


“Let me ask you, before the governor of Edo left APC for PDP, was he not the governor? Myself and the current governor were senior aides to former governor Oshiomhole. Governor Obaseki can ascertain and tell everybody that Oshiomhole did excellently well beyond reasonable doubt, and that nobody can compete. Go to Edo specialist hospital, there is no hospital built by the government anywhere else in Nigeria that can be compared to it.”


He urged the people of Edo state to make a wise choice at the polls come September.

Synergy Key To Addressing Nigeria’s Border Management Issues

*VP commends research report of National Defence College Course 28

As government and other stakeholders continue to seek solutions for more effective border management in Nigeria, renewed efforts will be channelled towards improving synergy amongst agencies involved in border management, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Monday during the virtual presentation of the research report of the National Defence College Course 28 titled “Border Management & National Development in Nigeria: The ECOWAS Protocol Relating to Free Movement of Persons, Residence & Establishment in Perspective”.

Giving his remarks after the presentation of the research report and the interactive session, the Vice President said border management affects the economy very considerably hence the need to get all agencies involved in the sector together.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, “It is absolutely the correct thing to do, to try and see how we can unify agencies concerned with border management so that there is synergy. We must come back to the question of synergy. Why it is that we have the kinds of problems that we have at the borders and ports, and why the delays?”

While commending the participants for a thoroughly researched paper, the Vice President said research paper touched on important national issues and that efforts would be made to adopt and implement key recommendations.

“I commend you for a very comprehensive, thought-provoking and well-researched paper. The point that has been made also is that we can see the importance of synergy even here. Here is a situation where relevant services have come together including international participants with experience in the relevant areas, and have made what I think is really a seminal contribution to our ideas about border management.

“I like the fact that you have addressed very practical issues and also very contemporary questions that we have to deal with not just as matters of security and human trafficking but perhaps on a broader scale for the generality of our people and the Nigerian economy at a very difficult time.

“There is no question at all that whatever we do with respect to border management will affect our economy very considerably.

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo said “I think that the questions that you have addressed really goes to the root of our economic survival. Some of the things that you have said are spot on. And what we really need to do is to see how to implement some of these suggestions.”

The report identified the lack of coordination as a major weakness in Nigeria’s border management sector while key recommendations include the adoption of a comprehensive border surveillance programme, the creation of National Border Management Service, amongst others.

Participants present at the event include the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Mackson Kadiri, and other principal officers of the College; the Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency, Capt. Junaid Abdullahi; the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Amb. Adeyemi Dipeolu; and the Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.

Representatives of the Course participants that made presentations at the event include; Col. Babatunde Omopariola, who was the lead presenter; Col. Raymond Utsaha; Navy Capt. O A Oshatuberu; Group Capt. Ehimen Ejodame; and Brig. Gen. Jitendra Singh.

*A look at some of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo's official activities for last week.*

*23 June*
VP Osinbajo presided over a meeting of National Single Window Trading Platform Committee (NSWTP), with some ministers including the Minister of Finance, Industry, MDA heads, Customs & NPA.

The meeting was centered on reviewing the plan to have a Single Window platform for all importing & exporting processes in the country.

*24th June*
VP Osinbajo partook in the Virtual Federal Executive Council (vFEC) meeting, presided over by President Buhari, in which the Economic Sustainability Plan of the Economic Sustainability Committee chaired by the VP was approved.

*25th June*
VP Osinbajo attended the All Progressives Congress (APC) virtual National Executive Council (vNEC) meeting.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE



WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NIGERIA ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY PLAN



The Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP), approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on June 24, 2020, was developed by the Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC), established by President Muhammadu Buhari on March 30, 2020.

Chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the ESC comprised several Cabinet Ministers as well as the Group Managing Director of the NNPC and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Terms of Reference included:

- Development of a Plan that responds robustly and appropriately to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic

- Identification of fiscal measures to enhance oil and non-oil government revenues and reduce non-essential spending,

- Creation of a financial stimulus package for the Nigerian economy,

- Articulation of specific measures to support the 36 States and the FCT, and very importantly,

- Support for MSMEs and the creation of jobs.

The NESP was developed in consultation with Cabinet Ministers, Heads of Federal Agencies, the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), State Governors and the National Assembly.

The NESP has been developed as a 12-month, 2.3 Trillion Naira ‘Transit’ Plan between the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and the successor plan to the ERGP, which is currently in development.

The NESP will be funded as follows:

• 500 billion Naira from Special FGN Accounts

• 1.1 trillion Naira from the CBN in the form of structured lending

• 334 billion Naira from external bilateral/multilateral sources

• 302.9 billion from other funding sources

The design and implementation of the NESP is driven by the following principles:

LOCAL CONTENT AND SELF RELIANCE: The plan promotes local production, local services, local innovation, and the use of local materials, in line with the Mandate of Presidential Executive Order 5 of 2017, on the Promotion of Nigerian Content in Contracts and Science, Engineering and Technology, and also based on President Buhari’s mantra to “produce what we eat and consume what we produce.”

ECONOMIC STIMULATION: Ensuring liquidity, preventing business collapse, and staving off the worst impact of a potential recession.

JOB PRESERVATION AND CREATION: The NESP recommends carrying labour intensive programmes in key areas like housing, roads, agriculture, facility maintenance, and direct labour interventions – all heavily utilising local materials.

PRO-POOR/VULNERABLE FOCUS: The NESP will extend protection to vulnerable groups, including women, and persons living with disabilities. It will also cater to the sectors of the economy that have been worst hit by the pandemic.

HIGHLIGHTS OF KEY INTERVENTIONS


1. MASS AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMME (MAP).


The Plan intends to ensure the cultivation of between 20,000 and 100,000 hectares of new farmland in every State, as well as support offtake and agro-processing, with low-interest credit. This will create millions of direct and indirect job opportunities.

2. INFRASTRUCTURE


a. EXTENSIVE PUBLIC WORKS AND ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME

A minimum of 1,000 young Nigerians will be recruited per local government into what will be the largest public works programme in the history of Nigeria, amounting to 774,000 direct jobs. There will also be extensive focus on the construction and repair of major and rural roads using locally available materials like limestone, cement and granite. The roads component will include the acceleration and expansion of scope of the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme (RITCS).

b. MASS HOUSING PROGRAMME (MHP)

MHP will deliver up to 300,000 homes every year. Young professionals and artisans will organise themselves into small and medium scale co-operative businesses within the construction industry to develop these houses, which will be based on a set of standardized designs. This programme will also prioritize the use of local labour and materials. Doors, windows and other materials will be produced, finished or assembled at mass housing construction sites.

c. INSTALLATION OF SOLAR HOME SYSTEM (SHS)

This targets 5 million households, serving about 25 million individual Nigerians who are currently not connected to the National Grid. Solar equipment manufacturers will be required to set up production facilities in Nigeria, to provide the materials required.

d. INVESTMENT IN HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE

This will be done through a special intervention fund, as well as by tapping into an existing World Bank facility (REDISSE Programme), to support COVID-19 interventions in the States.

3. INFORMAL SECTOR SUPPORT


This will take the form of low-interest loans, and the easing of procedures for registration, licensing, obtaining permits, etc. Mechanics, tailors, artisans, petty traders and all other informal business people will be supported to grow their businesses.

4. BUSINESS SUPPORT FOR MSMEs


This will take the form of payroll support to designated sectors so that they can keep their employees and help maintain jobs; and also loan restructuring and moratorium for existing debt. Also, low-interest loans to boost local manufacturing and production across critical sectors, including but not limited to the pharmaceutical, aviation, hotels and the hospitality industry, private schools, road transportation, technology companies, and the creative industry, amongst others. A Guaranteed Offtake Scheme for MSMEs will function by making government a key purchaser of specific priority products made by MSMEs, like PPE, face masks, face-shields, processed food, pharmaceuticals, etc.

5. TECHNOLOGY


Underpinning the implementation of the NESP will be a focus on digital identification of every Nigerian. It is imperative that every Nigerian has a unique digital identity. The Public Works Programmes for example will, apart from the focus on providing employment, also help advance the financial inclusion and digital identification agenda. Broadband connectivity will also receive a boost, helping to create jobs and opportunities especially for young people. Also, a national programme will be launched to identify and create job opportunities in digital outsourcing.

6. EXPANSION OF THE NATIONAL SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES


The implementation of the NESP will see an increase in the number of cash transfer beneficiaries, N-Power volunteers and sundry traders enjoying small and micro loans through the MarketMoni and TraderMoni schemes. The pre-existing conditional cash transfer will also be extended to cover a larger number of extremely poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

7. CUT NON-ESSENTIAL SPENDING


The President has approved the implementation of the Report on the Rationalization of government agencies. The NESP will also target a reduction in average production costs of crude oil. Also, the Integrated Personnel and Payment Information System (IPPIS) will be expanded to cover all Federal Government MDAs. Non-critical and administrative capital spending will be eliminated, including purchase of vehicles (except for ambulances, fire-fighting vehicles and other essentials).

8. SUPPORT FOR STATE GOVERNMENTS


The NESP offers opportunities for State Governments to collaborate with the Federal Government on Affordable Mass Housing, Agriculture, Off-Grid Power Projects and other projects in the Plan. It also provides for the negotiation of suspension of ISPO payments by States, moratorium on deductions in respect of bailout loans, and encourages States to attain the conditions outlined by SIFTAS and other World Bank programmes, in order to access external support.

The ESC will also monitor implementation of the Plan while the Vice President will regularly brief the President on progress made.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

June 25, 2020

The Yemi Osinbajo-led Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP) was earlier today approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

The NESP is a 2.3 Trillion Naira stimulus plan to mitigate the ongoing economic challenges occasioned by the historic COVID-19 pandemic.

The Committee that prepared the NESP was set up by President Buhari, and chaired by Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Made up of a number of Cabinet Ministers, and held extensive consultations with NASS, EAC, and State Governors.

*Goals of the NESP:*

- Create jobs
- Put money into the economy to hopefully stop it slipping into recession,
- Support small businesses
- Prioritize local content (Made-in-Nig)

The NESP is a 12-month ‘Transit’ Plan between the ERGP & the ERGP-successor-plan currently being worked upon.

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE

HOW BUHARI ADMINISTRATION’S SUSTAINABILITY PLAN WOULD REVIVE ECONOMY, BY OSINBAJO

*Healthcare funding increases with Stimulus package, VP adds

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic globally, the Buhari administration will not relent in its efforts towards improving the country’s healthcare infrastructure and economy, while creating more jobs for millions of Nigerians in different sectors, supporting small businesses, local production and manufacturing, as well as extending the social safety net for the most vulnerable in society, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Friday during his participation as a guest panelist in the Emmanuel Chapel's “Economic Sustainability Beyond COVID-19” webinar.

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari last week Thursday at the Council Chambers received the Osinbajo-led Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC) Plan entitled “Bouncing Back: The Nigerian Economic Sustainability Plan.”

The President had earlier at the wake of the global pandemic late March directed the VP to chair the Committee to develop a clear and overall Economic Sustainability Plan in response to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

INCREASED HEALTH CARE FUNDING
Speaking on the Buhari administration’s efforts to cushion the effects of the pandemic on Nigerians, the Vice President stated that improving healthcare infrastructure remains a major objective of the administration.

With the introduction of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, which is one per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, the Vice President noted that perhaps for the first time, the kind of provision made for healthcare has increased significantly, especially in the period of a global pandemic.

He said, “Out of the N500bn initial stimulus fund that is factored into the current budget, N126bn of it is going into healthcare.

“We’ve all noted how states have risen up to the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic and how resuscitated healthcare facilities, new isolation centres, new ICUs are coming up. The number of testing centres has also increased. We are hopeful that we’ll be able to sustain that momentum.”

BACKGROUND
It would be recalled that the 2020 health budget recorded the highest budgetary allocation to the health sector over the last five years. In 2018, N356bn was allocated to healthcare out of the total budget of N9.1tn. In 2019, the figure was N372bn out of the total expenditure of N8.91tn. This is a 13.3% increase of N372bn that was budgeted in 2019.

Of the total N10.59tn budgeted for 2020 by the Federal Government, N427.3bn was allocated to health. The 2020 budget also made provision for N44.5bn for Basic Health Care Provision Fund, which is part of the Federal Government’s total expenditure on health.

INCOME TAX REDUCTION
The Vice President noted that one of the ways the administration is supporting small businesses is by reducing Company Income Tax.

“In our case, our Tax-to-GDP has been extremely low, VAT in particular. Nigeria’s 7.5% VAT rate is probably the lowest when compared with some other African countries. For example, Kenya has about 16%, South Africa is about 15%, Algeria has 19%. Besides, at the moment, domestic revenue mobilization is an issue.

“A major source of revenue for government is tax. But you must also take account of the fact that we’ve also reduced Company Income Taxes generally, especially for small businesses, which are the engines of growth for the country. So, there is a conscious effort to ensure that we don’t tax businesses out of business.”

SOLAR SYSTEMS MINI GRIDS IN POWER SECTOR
On the issue of improving the power sector, the VP stated that one of the proposals of the Economic Sustainability Plan was the adoption of renewable energy, especially solar, and working with the private sector to install mini grids and solar home systems across the country.

He said, “We’ve done quite a bit of that already. We have in places like Sabon Gari, Ariaria markets: a private sector deployed solar systems that is paid for by stall owners in those markets. We’ve done micro grid in Sokoto state. Interestingly, this is entirely private sector driven and the consumers are prepared to pay for service. You find that they pay even higher than the tariffs people pay for grid power.

“A private sector-driven solar power system, such as the one we are planning as part of the Economic Sustainability plan, is one that we think would work and stands a good chance of providing power to about 25 million (individual) Nigerian homes, places and homes where there has been no power previously.”

300,000 HOMES IN 12 MONTHS
On the Federal government’s plan to tackle unemployment, the VP stated that one of the proposals by the Economic Sustainability Committee, is to build 300,000 homes across the country within 12-months’ time frame, which he noted would provide more jobs for Nigerians.

Prof. Osinbajo added that small and medium scale local businesses and young professionals within the construction industry would benefit immensely from the policy.

Explaining, the VP said, “this is also an opportunity for us to develop the local industry, especially the construction industry. That is exactly the plan in developing the housing programme, because we thought it would generate the jobs that are required now, aside from the fact that we have a housing deficit.”

MASSIVE LOCAL PRODUCTION
He added, “The second point is that we intend to use local materials, locally produced, as much as is possible in construction. It is also a fantastic opportunity for the private sector to bring in equipment and set up factories that could be used to manufacture some of these things. It would be a massive game changer if we are able to deliver it in the way that we planned.”

Prof. Osinbajo noted that some of the reforms the administration is putting in place to improve the economy include massively improving local production, while reducing the country’s dependency on imports.

According to him, “this would be more crucial in the coming years and it is entirely possible. We preserve the value of our Naira if we are able to do more locally, and we have the capacity to do this. For example, we are now doing more in terms of local production of rice, and there is more value to the farmer, with increase in local production.”

EXPANSION OF SOCIAL INVESTMENTS, MICRO CREDITS
The Vice President further emphasized that the Buhari administration will expand its Social Investment Programmes (SIPs) to benefit more Nigerians. "We think this pandemic is also an opportunity for some kind of an enhanced welfare programme for Nigerians, so that they can at least live very decent lives,” he said.

He added, “One of the critical things that we suggested in the Economic Sustainability Plan is increasing or widening the safety net, the SIPs; and in many cases, we are increasing by almost a 100 per cent.

To further tackle the issue of unemployment among young Nigerians, the VP stated that the administration intends to increase the number of those that are being directly engaged through the N-Power scheme, which has so far engaged over 500,000 young Nigerians.

Besides, the VP noted that the "President recently asked that another million households of the extremely poor should benefit from the SIPs Conditional Cash Transfer, of which we are already doing about a million beneficiaries, which means they would get about N5,000 every month, which we are doing at the moment.

“We’ve done several microcredit loans through the Tradermoni, Farmermoni and Marketmoni schemes. And we are thinking of increasing microcredits to petty traders, artisans, farmers etc.; we are looking at doing almost four million new microcredit loans.

"While we are waiting for all the initiatives around industries, creation of jobs to catch up, there is a need for us to answer the questions around, “how do poor people survive,’ while we are waiting for the trickle down of industries, and all of that. That’s why expanding the Social Investment Programmes the way we are doing is important for us,” he said.

MILLION JOBS IN AGRICULTURE
Speaking further, VP Osinbajo stated that the Economic Sustainability Plan also proposes to engage more Nigerians through farming, which he said could generate direct and indirect jobs for millions of Nigerians.

“Our Economic Sustainability proposal is that we are trying to bring in 20,000 and 100,000 hectares of land per State for agricultural use, and we are looking at how to work with the states to deliver that, which means we are going to bring in far more farmers into the net and this would mean more jobs for people in the rural areas. The same for the mass housing scheme. There are major opportunities here.”

The webinar which was moderated by Prof. Konyin Ajayi, SAN, and Dr. Chinny Ogunro, featured other panelists including, Board Chairperson of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; former president of the African Development Bank, Mr. Donald Kaberuka; and the immediate past Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President
20th June, 2020

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

PRESS RELEASE

FG TO COLLABORATE WITH STATES TO DOMESTICATE CHILD RIGHTS, VIOLENCE AGAINST PERSONS PROHIBITION ACTS

*VP says rapes, sexual assaults are blemishes on our collective humanity as a people

Together with State governments across the county, and all other stakeholders, the Buhari administration is working harder to deal decisively with the problem of rape and gender-based violence in Nigeria, because every form of sexual assault "are blemishes on the collective humanity and dignity of Nigerians as a people and a Nation."

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, made this declaration today at a virtual meeting organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on the Scourge of Rape, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria.

"We will work with all actors to detect and punish the perpetrators of these sickening acts and work even harder to prevent their occurrence”

Specifically, the Vice President further said the fight against rape and gender violence would be driven down to the States through the National Economic Council (NEC), which he chairs.

"We will continue to use the platform of the National Economic Council to encourage States yet to domesticate the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act of 2015 and the Child Rights Act of 2003 to do so.

"Gender-based violence, rape and sexual assaults are a blemish on our collective humanity and dignity as a people and a Nation," he added.

"While violence against women has always been a challenge in Nigeria, the COVID-19 lockdown has occasioned a steep increase in sexual and gender-based violence across the country.

"I am told that between March 23, 2020 – May 29, 2020, the FCT Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Team received an overwhelming 105 incidents; an average of 13 incidents per week, up from the usual 5 to 6 incidents per week, pre-COVID-19.

"Also, a few days ago the Inspector-General of Police disclosed that the police had recorded about 717 rape incidents across the country between January and May 2020.

"And that 799 suspects had so far been arrested, 631 cases conclusively investigated and charged to court while 52 cases are still under investigation.

"What these figures show is an escalation of an already disgraceful trend of violence against women and girls in the country, " Prof. Osinbajo observed.

He referenced the rapes and murders of Mrs Queen Igbinevbo, a pregnant woman in her home in Edo State on May 20, 2020, and Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, a 22-year old student of University of Benin on May 27, 2020.

According to the VP, there is also the case of Barakat Bello, an 18-year old female student of Federal College of Animal Health and Production in Ibadan on June 1, 2020, among others, saying these assaults "should never have happened and must not be allowed to continue."

Prof. Osinbajo reassured that President Muhammadu Buhari and State Governors recently undertook to take drastic actions against gender-based violence.

"On June 11, State Governors, under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), agreed to declare a state of emergency on rape and gender-based violence against women and children, while renewing their commitment to ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law.

"Similarly, the President, in his June 12 address to Nigerians, reiterated government’s determination to fight gender-based violence through the instrumentality of the law and awareness creation,’’ he said.

According to him, there is need to look beyond just legislation to fix the problem, but rather, interrogate the deeply dysfunctional cultures, the systemic flaws in our institutions and the perverse social norms which enable sexual and gender-based violence.

Prof. Osinbajo also acknowledged that the Women Affairs Ministry, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, the International Community and several Civil Society Organizations had also been at the forefront of finding solutions and transformative strategies to address the root causes of gender-based violence.

Present at the virtual meeting was the Women Affairs Minister, Dame Paullen Tallen, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, representatives of the United Nations and Civil Society Organizations.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President
19th June, 2020

Osinbajo to submit Sustainability Plan to Buhari Thursday


Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will on Thursday lead members of the Economic Sustainability Committee to submit the Sustainability Plan to President Muhammadu Buhari.

On 2 April, President Buhari set up an Economic Sustainability Committee chaired by Vice President Osinbajo, to develop a comprehensive economic plan to respond to the disruptions and dislocations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and crashing of oil prices in the global market.

President Buhari charged the Committee to amongst other things develop a clear economic sustainability plan from now till 2023, identify fiscal and monetary measures to enhance oil and non-oil revenues in order to fund the plan, develop a stimulus package and come up with other clear-cut measures to create more jobs while keeping existing ones.

Updating Nigerians on the activities of the Committee, Mr Laolu Akande, spokesperson to the Vice President said in a tweet that the Plan includes creating new jobs.

“Vice President is leading members of the ESC to submit to President, the Sustainability Plan, detailing policy options and programmes designed to proactively stimulate the Nigerian economy, retain and create jobs, turning COVID-19 to opportunity,” he said in the tweet.


Prof. Osinbajo had met with National Assembly, Presidential Economic Advisory Council, State Governors, International Monetary Fund and World Bank management, among others to arrive at a robust Plan for Nigeria.


While inaugurating the committee, the Vice President noted that “what Mr President has asked us to do is to devise a strategy in order to be able to keep the economy going and also make provisions to ensure that we are able to retain jobs and indeed create more.

“We also need to develop the Nigerian economy in a way that we will even take advantage of the challenges of these times and convert those challenges to opportunities,” Prof. Osinbajo added.

Speaking on the focus of the committee and what would be done to salvage the situation in the country, the Vice President said “what we will need to do is something that is bold, radical and one that our people can understand and buy into.

“We must design a broad vision that takes into account how to implement a big plan inclusive of a focus on mass local productivity and mass employment.

“The big plan of government is to find a way for us to be able to do mass housing, increase agricultural production, ensure massive local productivity by among several other options, increasing support to MSMEs, and majorly improve avenues to put more cash in the hands of our people and also make them productive,” the VP noted.

Members of the Economic Sustainability Committee include Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed; Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige; Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola; the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq; and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr Timipre Silva. Others include, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mr Mele Kyari; the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele and the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babatunde Lawal who is the secretary of the committee.

Mrs. Osinbajo: A Lesson in Humility Amidst Much Influence

By Alwan Hassan

Sometime in 2014, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo launched an aptly entitled book, ’They Call Me Mama.’ The book, which told the story of Mrs. Osinbajo’s decade of working with street boys in Lagos, gave the public an insight into the persistence, forthrightness and benevolence of the woman that would later become Nigeria’s ‘Second Lady.’

Like many of her subsequent public engagements, the book was a product of Mrs. Osinbajo’s deliberate connection to disadvantaged Nigerians. However, when the book was written, the young boys and men that called Mrs. Osinbajo “Mama”, had no idea that she would be called upon in a greater capacity to be an even greater ‘Mama’ to millions more.

Quiet and unassuming, not many outside Lagos knew who Dolapo Osinbajo was until she emerged as Nigeria's Second Lady — following the emergence of her husband, Professor Yemi Osinbajo as the Vice President in 2015. Since then, Mrs. Osinbajo, who radiates candour and unbridled self-discipline, has carried herself with so much poise and brilliance — leading many to believe that the spirit and the teachings of her late grandfather, the sage and leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, still resonates in her.

An epitome of decency, Mrs. Osinbajo has inspired countless Nigerian youth to ask how a woman of power and influence, can exude so much warmth and humility in every engagement with the public. Her charm consistently demystifies the whole razzmatazz around the power that her husband’s office commands — a key trait that has endeared her to everyday Nigerians.

Indeed, Mrs. Osinbajo portrays and embellishes the rich Yoruba culture, especially those bordering on good manners and decency. She's no doubt one individual who embodies the age-long saying that 'character is everything’. This is why, by observing Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo at her public engagements and on her social media handles, you begin to appreciate a leader that understands the transient nature of everything — especially something as ephemeral as political power.

Anytime one sees Mrs. Oludolapo Osinbajo, what comes to mind is the Biblical saying that: ”When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice." I have been a witness to the excitement that pervades the air anytime the Vice President's wife steps out to attend public functions. Undoubtedly, people find it easy to give all due regard to a woman who, despite the allure of power, has continued to live her life with so much simplicity. This is because she regards everyone with so much respect and treats no one with contempt.

It is often said that when you see a bird dancing alone on the bush path — it's drummers are somewhere in the bush. So when we in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) hailed the ingenious and dexterous manner with which Professor Yemi Osinbajo carried out his public assignments before becoming the Vice President, we no doubt ignore to praise the woman who contributed to his success. After all, it is often said that beside every powerful man is a woman of strong will and inestimable character to keep him grounded at all times.

When the history of this era is written or told in stories, it is clear that Mrs. Osinbajo, the wife of the erudite ‘Star Boy’ Professor, will be remembered fondly. This is because as the partner of a frontline political office holder, she has shown Nigerians — especially future generations of political spouses — that respect, decency and humility can exist alongside power. She has demonstrated by her consistent actions that it is ‘God who gives power’, consequently, when you are blessed and fortunate to find yourself in a position of authority, it is necessary to always endeavour to approach everyone with the mindset that influence is a transient occurrence — that must always be treated as such.

We thank Mrs. Osinbajo for the lessons learned by observing the content of her character, and for showing the next generation that people’s actions are everything, in a world that is governed by too many words.

Alwan Hassan is a public policy professional and social commentator who serves as the CEO of Greycube Dynamics and Alsad Integrated Resources. Alwan is a politician and works in developing and sustaining strategic partnerships between governments and internal and external non-governmental organisations.
Email: alwanhassan91@yahoo.com

Mrs. Osinbajo: A Lesson in Humility Amidst Much Influence

By Alwan Hassan

Sometime in 2014, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo launched an aptly entitled book, ’They Call Me Mama.’ The book, which told the story of Mrs. Osinbajo’s decade of working with street boys in Lagos, gave the public an insight into the persistence, forthrightness and benevolence of the woman that would later become Nigeria’s ‘Second Lady.’

Like many of her subsequent public engagements, the book was a product of Mrs. Osinbajo’s deliberate connection to disadvantaged Nigerians. However, when the book was written, the young boys and men that called Mrs. Osinbajo “Mama”, had no idea that she would be called upon in a greater capacity to be an even greater ‘Mama’ to millions more.

Quiet and unassuming, not many outside Lagos knew who Dolapo Osinbajo was until she emerged as Nigeria's Second Lady — following the emergence of her husband, Professor Yemi Osinbajo as the Vice President in 2015. Since then, Mrs. Osinbajo, who radiates candour and unbridled self-discipline, has carried herself with so much poise and brilliance — leading many to believe that the spirit and the teachings of her late grandfather, the sage and leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, still resonates in her.

An epitome of decency, Mrs. Osinbajo has inspired countless Nigerian youth to ask how a woman of power and influence, can exude so much warmth and humility in every engagement with the public. Her charm consistently demystifies the whole razzmatazz around the power that her husband’s office commands — a key trait that has endeared her to everyday Nigerians.

Indeed, Mrs. Osinbajo portrays and embellishes the rich Yoruba culture, especially those bordering on good manners and decency. She's no doubt one individual who embodies the age-long saying that 'character is everything’. This is why, by observing Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo at her public engagements and on her social media handles, you begin to appreciate a leader that understands the transient nature of everything — especially something as ephemeral as political power.

Anytime one sees Mrs. Oludolapo Osinbajo, what comes to mind is the Biblical saying that: ”When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice." I have been a witness to the excitement that pervades the air anytime the Vice President's wife steps out to attend public functions. Undoubtedly, people find it easy to give all due regard to a woman who, despite the allure of power, has continued to live her life with so much simplicity. This is because she regards everyone with so much respect and treats no one with contempt.

It is often said that when you see a bird dancing alone on the bush path — it's drummers are somewhere in the bush. So when we in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) hailed the ingenious and dexterous manner with which Professor Yemi Osinbajo carried out his public assignments before becoming the Vice President, we no doubt ignore to praise the woman who contributed to his success. After all, it is often said that beside every powerful man is a woman of strong will and inestimable character to keep him grounded at all times.

When the history of this era is written or told in stories, it is clear that Mrs. Osinbajo, the wife of the erudite ‘Star Boy’ Professor, will be remembered fondly. This is because as the partner of a frontline political office holder, she has shown Nigerians — especially future generations of political spouses — that respect, decency and humility can exist alongside power. She has demonstrated by her consistent actions that it is ‘God who gives power’, consequently, when you are blessed and fortunate to find yourself in a position of authority, it is necessary to always endeavour to approach everyone with the mindset that influence is a transient occurrence — that must always be treated as such.

We thank Mrs. Osinbajo for the lessons learned by observing the content of her character, and for showing the next generation that people’s actions are everything, in a world that is governed by too many words.

Alwan Hassan is a public policy professional and social commentator who serves as the CEO of Greycube Dynamics and Alsad Integrated Resources. Alwan is a politician and works in developing and sustaining strategic partnerships between governments and internal and external non-governmental organisations.
Email: alwanhassan91@yahoo.com

*OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT*

*PRESS STATEMENT*

*READOUT OF ESC INTERACTION WITH NASS LEADERS*

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, led the members of the Economic Sustainability Committee in an interaction this afternoon with the leadership of the National Assembly on the draft Sustainability Plan, ahead of the submission of the Plan to the President.

The virtual meeting, anchored from the Presidential Villa, was attended by the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and several other principal officers of the National Assembly including members of the opposition.

According to Prof Osinbajo, the ESC called the meeting to consult with the National Assembly before the Committee's report is submitted to Mr. President. Praising members of the National Assembly, the VP noted that the President had always commended the good working relationship between the Executive arm of the Federal Government and the current National Assembly.

He added that it is very clear that COVID-19 has presented the country with an enormous economic challenge and also an opportunity.

"This is why the Economic Sustainability Committee is interacting with the National Assembly," he noted.

Speaking at the virtual meeting both the Senate President and Speaker welcomed the plan and commended the President and the Vice President for calling the meeting to enable the Legislative arm of govt review the plan and make comments.

Besides other principal officers of the National Assembly, members of the ESC were also in attendance at the meeting which just ended.

*Laolu Akande,*
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,
Office of the Vice President.
04-06-2020

ENOUGH of Yellow Journalism!


When I watched Chidoka answering questions on channels TV, on Tuesday 26/5/20,on “politics tonight”, and he was talking about nepotism and the need to sack the entire cabinet of PMB, because minister of Power has sacked TCN MD without due process ( the SGF intervened when it came to his attention),and also a similar issue at ministry of humanitarian Affairs, I laughted: for three reasons :

1. Because the anchor is so lazy that he didn’t confront him with facts : chidoka, did his NYSC in 1997/8, and married Ojo Madueke’s daughter, he was appointed his PA as PDP Secretary, where his father in-law was Secretary of the party .
They won 1999 election and Ojo became a minister of Transport. He appoints him again his PA.
During that time he went to attend a course for 3 months on marine transportation in Singapore and when Ojo was reappointed a minister of External Affairs in 2003, they were still together, then vacancy occurred in FRSC ( everyone thought an insider will be appointed Alas! The influence of the father in-law intervened again! Minister Ojo personally told OBJ that he has an “expert “, on transportation, and OBJ being an impulsive old man, and the fact that no ibo man has headed the agency, Behold! that PA son in-law was appointed Corps Marshall.
It was public knowledge the brouhaha that occurred because a lot of senior officers were retired, because chidoka was in primary school when they graduated and have Masters and PhDs, many more were on level 12, 13, 14, then ( my friend inclusive who joined FRSC in 1990/91), when he ( Chidoka) was still in secondary school !
They showed outrage and they were ignored and eased out.
By the time he got his second tenure, and the ID, scandal blew up ( he converted his wife’s experimental photo studio machines to motor vehicle license equipments and all those license of that era ( two to three years were fading in weeks; I was a victim and I still have it) the scandal was investigated and father in law intervened and he was “ cleared”!

Finally the last gift of the stalwart father in-law was the ministerial appointment by GEJ, after Stella Was removed and he ended the Anambara ministerial slot tenure.
During these years he acquired a Green card bought a house in the USA and literally moved his family there. This interview he granted vis Skype: cos covid traveling restriction, is from his house in USA, he has been there since Christmas some may argue since they lost the election of 2019!
He has a fancy title: SA to PDP chairman on external engagement !
His analysis was so much a personal experience that the nincompoop (Seun) the host was just dazzled with him, that he came out sounding like a non-benefit of nepotism and good Ambassador of due process ! Imagine!! Just because the anchor didn’t research his guest as done by international news media. Sadly the trolls on social media are so gullible that they are insulting the naija number one enemy; PMB and his government!! Even the party thst institutionalized nepotism, cronyism , bad governances are calling for cabinet change ; not their party not their win! Is that what opposition does in other democracies ?

2. If the president has reversed the minister of power twice, how can PDP or chidoka accused him of being weak, or blaming the office of C of staff by extension late Kyari who died weeks ago, before the removal?

3. Why am I subjecting myself to watching a program that since 2018, was anchored towards inviting guests that will come and insult the government without facts and clear bias! A government change which they couldn’t get through the ballot or the tribunal?
Isn’t it time the channels editors stop this anchor for destroying the little reputation John Momoh has left! Most news station or any station at all for that matter, or /and newspapers always die with the proprietors( literary or reputation wise?)

The Vice President has showed you can demand for truth to be told or face the court in a similar circumstance of lies and innuendo, and they retract, PMB has choose silence which is his right to exercise, but why can’t the journalists, self regulate themselves or we just are not cut out to celebrate good people only scandals(remember that platform was where Gov Obi lies that the Lagos / Ibadan Railway was PDP project, the Kaduna/ Abuja Rail got to Kaduna during PDP: when in fact it stopped at kubwa! 2nd Niger Bridge that two presidents of PDP laid the foundation cashed the allocated money, but nothing was done , many other examples like that until PMB two years)
2nd Niger bridge is now on course and the project is on schedule, and ibos are still hating him, to mention a few!
I have in a piece recently showed that ibo elites started nepotism in Nigeria under General Ironsi, but still the narrative of lies persists!!


A.M.Muhammad Esq.

PS: share as wide as you can, so that we get a debate From chidoka and Seun if they have the courage to respond!

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT BUHARI RECONSTITUTES NNPC BOARD
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the reconstitution of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), after the expiration of the term of the board members appointed in 2016.
Members of the new Board are: Mohammed Lawal (North West), Tajudeen Umar (North East), Adamu Mahmood Attah (North Central), Senator Magnus Abe (South South), Dr Stephen Dike (South East), and Chief Pius Akinyelure (South West).
The new board will be in place for three years.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
May 30, 2020

POST-CORONAVIRUS, AFRICA'S MANUFACTURING MOMENT



BY MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA



Across the world, as countries and economies slowly reopen, Africa lags behind. We were last to experience the coronavirus—and we expect to be the final continent to flatten the curve.



Some may say it is too early, that the crisis still too deep and the recovery too distant to dwell upon the future. But that is wrong. In times of global crisis it is critical to think of the life after, and how—through adversity—we can refashion the world around us.



In this new, post-coronavirus age, Nigeria—and Africa, more broadly—wish to benefit the world, not be a drag on its resources or seemingly forever in need of aid. At last, after years of poor governance, we have the people, the purpose and the political will for this to change.



What we need now is for the vision of others to match our own. And Africa is positioned to play a critical role in the remolding of a post-coronavirus world that centers around manufacturing.



Of course, for many lost decades, Africa's manufacturing moment has been on the launch pad, but never leaving it. But this time, I am convinced, it can be different.



In our lifetime, we have seen the West transform to a service-based economy, with much of its factory production relocated primarily to Asia. This has led to the creation of home-grown consumer goods from countries such as South Korea and China that are enjoyed around the globe as widely as are their Western equivalents.





It is simply untrue that jobs that build the goods of today, once departed from the West to Asia, can never return. Indeed, we see already from "onshoring" trends that this is not the case. Factors of labor cost, transportation, location and availability of natural and energy resources will always come into play.



What is true is that no country or continent has a permanent monopoly on manufacturing jobs. Indeed, we see how Asian nations are themselves now offshoring manufacturing to their neighbors and, increasingly, to Africa.



My continent is positioned to seize the opportunity from these trends and, in turn, benefit the world. Our young population is increasingly well educated; governance reform, while not universal, is growing in strength in most African countries such as my own, where our sustained actions against the seemingly perennial scourge of corruption and malfeasance are well-recognized; and the energy, infrastructure and key natural resources needed to power and supply large-scale manufacturing facilities are in place.



In Nigeria, a major global oil producer, we have finally established our first private oil refinery—which is also one of the largest in the world. The Mambilla power plant, finally unlocked for completion after a successful decision by the International Court of Arbitration in Paris earlier this year removed impediments, will electrify the homes of some 10 million of our people.



And we can now move forward with road, rail and power station construction—in part, under own resources—thanks to close to a billion dollars of funds stolen from the people of Nigeria under a previous, undemocratic junta in the 1990s that have now been returned to our country from the U.S., U.K. and Switzerland.



That these friendly nations agreed to return these funds after so long is testament to the fact that, thanks to our governance reforms, Nigeria is rightly seen as an increasingly stable and beneficial place to transact and invest. It is much the same across the continent, with sub-saharan Africa now outpacing Asia, Europe and North America by some measures in terms of foreign direct investment inflows-to-GDP, perhaps for the very first time.





While that is good news for over one billion Africans, the greatest benefit to those who look to our continent as the brightest global manufacturing location is that we are not, and do not seek, to engage in geopolitical competition.



That is not to say that African countries do not have interests or preferences. Nigeria already has, and seeks to deepen further, our relations with other Commonwealth countries—particularly in the interests of trade. And the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, which I signed for Nigeria last year, seeks to bind our continent in mutual growth together for the first time.



We hold shared values in democracy, freedoms of speech and religion with the Western world—and admiration and determination to learn and follow the rapid economic growth and poverty reduction that has occurred across Asia.



But ultimately, Africa is an opportunity for all and a threat to no one. There will be no African armies or aircraft carriers in the future, roaming the sands of faraway lands or the straits of foreign seas. We do not seek to grow our manufacturing capabilities in order to grant ourselves a seat at the table of some new great geopolitical game—but merely to play our part as partners in development.



Muhammadu Buhari is President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.





Friday, May 29, 2020

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE


FG, STATES TO WORK TOGETHER ON FORTHCOMING ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY PLAN

*NEC, in first virtual meeting, sets up Committee to liaise with PTF on reopening economy across the country


Members of the National Economic Council rose from their first virtual meeting today with a resolution to ensure a more effective synergy between the Federal Government and the sub-nationals especially in matters related to the fallouts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including how to effectively and efficiently reopen the Nigerian economy after the lockdowns and shutdowns across the country.

Chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, the Council, composed of all the 36 State Governors, the FCT Minister, Central Bank Governor and other top officials of the Federal Government, specifically decided today to set up a lean committee of seven to work with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19. The Committee to be led by Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, also includes the Governors of Lagos, Kano, Bauchi, Anambra, Plateau, and the FCT Minister.

According to the Vice President, the Committee will ensure that there would be an even more effective collaboration and coordination between the Federal Government’s Presidential Task Force and the States of the Federation including the FCT.

Besides, NEC also resolved to cooperate with the Economic Sustainability Committee set up by the President and chaired by the Vice President in the development of a national Economic Sustainability Plan. Such a plan is expected to introduce a substantial stimulus package running into a couple trillion Naira, ensure that Nigeria as a country gets through the COVID-19 economic challenges and in fact chart a path of growth and development for the Nigerian economy by ensuring massive productivity in several sectors including agriculture, power, infrastructure, technology and several others. To this end the NEC resolved to hold a meeting next week with the ESC. The Council would be represented at the meeting by its earlier constituted Special COVID-19 Committee. This was resolved after the Finance Minister made a presentation at the NEC meeting regarding the ESC and related issues.

Below are the other highlights of today’s NEC meeting:

UPDATES FROM THE FINANCE MINISTER:
The Hounorable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning gave Council an update on the under listed accounts as follows:
1. EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT (ECA)
Balance as at 21st May 2020 – $72,406,791.52

2. STABILIZATION ACCOUNT
Balance as at 21st May, 2020 - N39, 337,123,485.30

3. NATURAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT FUND ACCOUNT
Balance as at 21st May, 2020 - N125, 190,251,907.47

OTHER PRESENTATIONS:

PRESENTATION ON STRUCTURES CREATED TO TACKLE THE CHALLENGE OF COVID-19 IN NIGERIA BY MINISTER OF FINANCE, BUDGET AND NATIONAL PLANNING

The Minister stated that Nigeria is faced with perhaps the most challenging economic challenge in its history. The global economy is also facing its sharpest reversal since the great depression and these have health and economic implications.

On Economy, she noted that COVID-19 has resulted in the collapse in oil prices, stressing that this will impact negatively on Federation revenues and Foreign exchange earnings.

The Minister said the net oil and gas revenue inflows to the federation account in Q1 2020 amounted to N940.91 billion. This represents a shortfall of N425.52 billion (or 31.1% of the prorated amount).

To prevent a deep recession arising from the COVID-19 economic crisis, the orthodox approach all over the world, which is also in the works in Nigeria, is to deploy a stimulus package, according to the Finance Minister

BRIEFING ON THE FORTHCOMING ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY PLAN AND INITIATIVES BY MINISTER OF FINANCE, BUDGET AND NATIONAL PLANNING

The President established a number of structures to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. These were the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the Crisis Management Committee and the Economic Sustainability Committee.

The Federal Government is committed to supporting the financial viability of States including the suspension of payments in respect of ISPO and moratorium on deductions in respect of bailout loans, with effect from April 2020.

The Economic Sustainability Committee is responsible for providing overall strategic vision, policy direction and general oversight of implementation, amongst others.

PRESENTATION ON NIGERIA COVID-19 ACTION RECOVERY AND ECONOMIC STIMULUS PROGRAM (NIGERIA CARES) PROGRAM CONCEPT AND DESIGN BY THE WORLD BANK COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE

The Presentation focused on channels of the impact of COVID-19 on the Nigerian Economy and the current response from Government and Partners, especially the proposed World Bank Support.
The presentation commended the Government of Nigeria for taking important measures in response to the COVID -19 impact.
These measures included a fiscal stimulus package- COVID-19 intervention fund of N500 billion (US$1.4 billion)- supports healthcare facilities, provide relief for taxpayers and incentives employers to retain and recruit staff during the lockdown; increase of Social register by 1 million households to 3.6million for cash transfer program and palliatives and social Safety Net Program.
The Word Bank planned a proposed Support package for immediate Fiscal Relief for the Federal Government. This would involve policy-based budget support for the Federal Government focusing on measures to maintain macro-financial stability and create the fiscal space for a pro-poor stimulus package.
The World Bank’s package also proposed financial support to the Government of Nigeria. This support is dedicated to State governments’ budgeted program of expenditures and interventions.

UPDATE ON POLIO ERADICATION AND SUPPORT TO COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION OF COVID-19 BY HONOURABLE HEALTH MINISTER

Council received an update on Polio Eradication and Support to Community Transmission of COVID-19 from the NPHCDA, presented by the Honourable Minister of Health.

The update indicated that Nigeria is edging towards Polio eradication and is on course to be certified as Wild- Polio free by the WHO African Region next month, June 2020. It also reported that no WPV cases was reported in Nigeria for 44 months.

State Governors were urged to facilitate the establishment of structures to coordinate efforts to stop community transmission of COVID-19.

UPDATE ON NEC COMMITTEE ON DISCOS

There was a presentation on NEC Ad-hoc Committee to review status of the ownership structure of the Electricity Power Distribution Companies (Discos) by Governor of Kaduna State.

The report has been delivered, adopted and now being implemented especially through the composition by the President of a Power Sector Reform Working Group headed by the Vice President.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
21st May 2020

COVID-19 Pandemic Is Opportunity To Reset Nigeria’s Critical Sectors


Although the Coronavirus pandemic has affected lives and livelihoods of Nigerians in different ways, it, however, offers an opportunity for the Nigerian people and government to have a reset in critical sectors of the economy and social services, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Thursday, at a virtual launch of the Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund, NSSF, – an initiative of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), the Global Citizen, and other partners. The Vice President joined the event from his office.

The NSSF is designed to provide additional support for Nigeria’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund will enable Nigerian Citizens resident at home or in the diaspora as well as international donors to come together and directly contribute to Nigeria’s fight against the pandemic.

Speaking on the fallouts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Nigerian economy, the Vice President said the establishment of the Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund would support “the creation of a stronger, more resilient, more inclusive political economy and healthcare system.”

According to him, “this is a creative, forward-looking and thoughtful response to what is perhaps the most profound global and domestic challenge to health and the economy in human history.

“We need not belabour the point that the COVID-19 challenge is also an unprecedented opportunity for us as a nation and people to reset in critical sectors of the economy and social services.”

Emphasizing the point about resetting Nigeria’s systems, Prof. Osinbajo said “…the deep plunge in oil earnings, the disruptions to business and commerce on account of lockdowns, have meant that we must develop a comprehensive economic response.”

Speaking about the efforts being made by the Federal Government to ensure that Nigeria is properly positioned to deal with the fallouts of the pandemic, Prof. Osinbajo said “there are several initiatives in place now to attempt an effective response to the COVID-19 disaster.”

Continuing, the Vice President noted that “in addition, there is the drive to re-engineer and rethink our healthcare delivery systems. This by itself, is a massive undertaking that will involve the states, local governments and the private healthcare community. I was excited to hear that Global Citizen already has in mind, a project to build healthcare centres across every local government in Nigeria.

“In the past few years, I’m sure those of you familiar with the activities of government probably note there’s been quite a bit of effort around creating a Social Investment Programme. The precise purpose of that is not just to provide safety nets for several of the vulnerable and poor in our midst, but more importantly to provide jobs, provide credit to several informal traders, smallholder farmers, several others in our economic value chain who are usually ignored or untouched by several other credit facilities and other economic initiatives of government.

“This fund will support that and I have noticed that this is one of the objectives – to support the Social Investment efforts of the government, especially the protection of the vulnerable and provision of assistance to many in that huge informal sector that we have.”

He commended the NSIA, Global Fund and other partners involved in the creation of the Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund.

Other participants at the virtual event include the Minister of Finance, Budget & National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed; the Chairman of the Board of Directors of NSIA, Mr Jide Zeitlin; the Managing Director, NSIA, Mr Uche Orji; the Chairman of Global Citizen Nigeria, Mr Babatunde Folawiyo; and the Vice Chairman Global Citizen Nigeria, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.

INTERIM FORFEITURE OF EX-JAMB REGISTRAR, OTHERS' ASSETS, CLEAR REMINDER OF PDP-ERA HEIST- BMO

The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) has described recent forfeitures secured by anti-graft agencies in various courts as a vivid reminder of the rapacious years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the success of the ongoing war against corruption by the Buhari administration.

According to the group, this is the judicial confirmation of an era that financial malfeasances by top officials of previous administrations almost brought Nigeria to its knees.

In a statement signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke, BMO said it was gratifying that the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari is yielding desired outcomes.

"We invite Nigerians to take a look at the recent forfeitures from former top military officers and the immediate past Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Dibu Ojerinde, in the light of what the present government is doing in upscaling Nigeria's military armament and the new lease of life at JAMB.

" Just imagine a former Director of Finance at the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Jacobs Adigun having to forfeit 12 choice property in upper scale areas of Abuja and Lagos, which the EFCC believes to be proceeds of a N21.4bn fraud allegedly perpetrated with Air Commodore Olugbenga Gbadebo and a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu (retd) from security funds.

"There is also the case of a former commander of the military Joint Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield, in the Niger Delta, Major General Emmanuel Atewe (retd) who is temporarily forfeiting N293m, six parcels of land and 30,000 MTN shares which are suspected to have been part of proceeds of N8.5bn allegedly diverted from the military operations between September 5, 2014, and May 20, 2015.

" But the one that has attracted the most attention is that of Professor Ojerinde, the PDP appointee at JAMB who was in office from 2007 to 2016, but never remitted, in 11, years anything close to the N5bn paid in by the incumbent Registrar Professor Ishaq Oloyede in one year.


" We recall that the then Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun in 2017 publicly aroused suspicion of corruption when she wondered where all the previously unremitted funds were, but Nigerians now have a clear answer to that question.

"Among the assets to be forfeited by the ex-JAMB Registrar are a mansion in high brow Abuja district of Maitama, five property in other parts of Abuja, a radio station, a marble factory, three schools, four filling stations, a gas plant as well as a house in Ghana, to mention just a few.

" These are just some of the high profile white-collar crimes that characterized the PDP years which this administration has unveiled, and not even the defection of Professor Ojerinde to the All Progressives Congress (APC) could stop the ICPC from doing its job", the statement added.

BMO consequently commended the anti-graft agencies and the judiciary for rising to the occasion.

"The anti-graft crusade is yielding dividends as a result of the single-minded commitment of the leadership of the ICPC and EFCC to doing what is right.

" We are also gratified about the renewed commitment of the judiciary and its courage in supporting the executive arm of government in its quest to fight corruption to a standstill.

"But, like many patriotic Nigerians, we know that there still remains a lot to be done and we urge the anti-graft agencies not to relent in their efforts to ensure permanent forfeitures of those assets as well as speedy prosecution of all pending high profile corruption cases.

" This is the only way to send clear signals to those who believe that nothing has changed, as well as other public officials with the ambition of dipping their hands into the public till".


It reassured Nigerians that President Buhari would continue to display the political will necessary for a successful war against corruption in the country.

Stop Reading Fake News About Yemi Osinbajo’s Whereabouts— Laolu Akande


Those who are clamouring to know the whereabouts of the President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice President Yemi Osinbajo should stop reading tell tales from fake blogs and online media.

Reacting through Instagram, VP’s spokesperson Laolu Akande said VP had been busy attending to official matters on how to improve Nigeria’s economy.

He recalled that the Vice President on Thursday met with the Governor of Central Bank, CBN, Kaduna State Governor, and some Ministers via video conferencing.

Laolu declared: ” I was with my boss the Vice President last night in his office, reviewing some of the events of the week.

NIGERIA & NIGERIANS WILL COME OUT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC STRONGER – OSINBAJO

*VP adds: How we must change the narrative


“We will get through this much stronger economically and much stronger as a people because of our resilience. There are a lot of challenges but they offer significant opportunities for us to turn things around.”

Those were the words of assurance from Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, to Nigerians during his interaction today at the 2020 edition of ‘The Platform’ themed “Nigeria’s battle against COVID-19”.
 
According to him. “I am very confident that Nigerians, with our resilience, our strength and our innovation, we will go through this in great shape.”

The Platform is an annual discussion programme of the Covenant Christian Centre that features discussions around the state of the Nigerian nation and its development. The May 2020 edition featured virtual participants without a life audience as a result of the global pandemic.  

The Vice President then laid out some of the Federal Government’s efforts to address the economic fallouts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking specifically about how the country can transform the challenges caused by the pandemic into opportunities for economic diversification and job creation, the Vice President said prioritizing use of local resources and creating local jobs in the construction and allied industry, amongst other things, will be critical in sustaining the economy in the post COVID-19 era.
 
He said: “We have to prioritize the use of local resources in all public works. In road construction for instance, it is cheaper to build concrete roads using limestone than spending resources on the importation of bitumen. We have limestone in abundance hence we should be looking in that direction. The road from the Apapa port to the Lagos –Ibadan expressway is being built with cement and is of high quality.
 
“In the housing sector where we have a huge deficit, we need to focus on using local resources to build houses and in the process we will be creating opportunities for young engineers, architects and builders etc.”
 
In the area of agriculture, the Vice President said government’s initial policies have saved the country from the huge forex burden of food imports and related activities.
 
“We think that by ramping up agriculture, especially small holder agriculture and improving the value chain, especially in storage and processing facilities, more jobs will be created for many young people.
 
“We have found ourselves in a situation where we realize that the way to go is to support the creation of the jobs in agriculture and reduce food imports and ultimately address the issue of unemployment and food shortages.
 
“What we must do as much as we can is to change the narrative about Nigeria and provide more jobs.”
 
Still on mitigating the fallouts of the COVID-19 pandemic such as inflation, the Vice President said government would focus on improving productivity and improving food stock across the country.
 
According to him, “if you can ramp up food production and the logistics of bringing food to the urban centres, inflation will be controlled to a large extent.”
 
He added that boosting agricultural production for export purposes and supporting the mining sector will bolster the country’s foreign exchange earnings and reserves.     
 
Other contributors to discussions at the virtual summit include the Governors Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State; Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Nasir El-rufai of Kaduna State; Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and Godwin Obaseki of Edo State. The Director-General of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, Dr. Chike Ihekweazu also spoke at the interaction which included interviews, panel discussion and speeches. The event was moderated by Pastor Poju Oyemade, the Convener of The Platform.
 
 
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
2nd May 2020

*3,195 enrolled as Kwara’s digital training programme begins*

At least 3,195 young people have been enrolled in the first phase of Kwara’s virtual digital training class which began on Thursday — 1,195 more than the initial figure (2000) intended for the exercise when it was announced.

The 3,195, who responded to the pre-training survey, were shortlisted from a total of 6,766 who originally applied for the virtual training.

The training, a component of the Kwara State Social Investment Programme, is being conducted in partnership with Grow with Google and Wootlab Foundation and is free for the enrollees and the state government.

“Of the 3,195, 1,763 have been inducted into the first cohort and the class began on Thursday and would run for the next two weeks. The second cohort comprises 1,432 whose class begins on May 18,” according to a statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye.

“Each cohort runs for two weeks. The programme covers the following courses: Fundamentals of Digital Marketing (Accredited certification by Grow with Google), Applied Digital tools and G Suites (certified by Grow with Google), Social Media Marketing, Graphic Design, Business Branding and Presentation to Impress.”

The plan was to train 2,000, but the organisers had to increase capacity and resources due to overwhelming interest from the youth, the statement added.

Ogunniyi Tomilola Oyebola, a baker who is attending the class, said she applied for the programme to “acquire digital skills that will help me to be relevant in this 21st century and prepare for employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in my baking business.”

Kasali Olawale Taofiq, another successful applicant who is into security engineering, said he applied to “upscale my knowledge in digital literacy so as to apply it in my line of business.”

Fadiji Aminat Wuraola, a teacher, said she opted in to up her digital skills.

Chioma Okoro, Chief Operating Officer at Wootlab, said the response to the programme underlined young people’s thirst for digital knowledge.

“We were overwhelmed at the number of applications that came in, especially on the 1st and 2nd day. However, we expected a 50% response rate to the pre-programme survey that was sent to the applicants,” she said.

“We wanted participants that are willing to learn and improve themselves and the survey proved just that. We expect the participants to be better versions of themselves at the end of the programme.”

Muhammad Brimah, Anchor of KWASSIP, said the response of the applicants was impressive and encouraging.

He added: “It was quite impressive when we realised the massive response of applicants accross the State. There has always been a thirst for knowledge in Kwara and it has been proven yet again. All our youths need is the opportunity. There is no better time than now, considering what the world will be post-COVID-19. Remote workers would be in high demand and it is good we are getting our youths prepared for the coming opportunities.”


Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
May 1, 2020.

As part of the work of the Economic Sustainability Committee chaired by VP Osinbajo, members of Economic Advisory Council were invited to a meeting today for their inputs into the Committee's forthcoming report to the President.

The goals of the report-the Sustainability Plan include to stimulate significant local production, save jobs, create new ones & also protect the most vulnerable and the working poor. It's about turning the current challenges into great opportunities for Nigerians & Nigeria in line with Mr. President's vision.

Besides members of the ESC & PEAC, several ministers were also part of the videoconference anchored from the Presidential Villa.

ESC's engagement with the PEAC creates synergy & effective coordination as Nigeria confronts what is clearly a serious economic situation.

*Laolu Akande*
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity,
Office of the Vice President.
30th April, 2020.