₦airaland Forum

*BREAKING:* Price of petrol in Nigeria is now *N125* per liter, with immediate effect.

Price will henceforth be “modulated” in line with rise or fall in oil prices, says Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva.s

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE

WHY WE MUST TAKE QUANTUM LEAP IN HEALTHCARE, BY OSINBAJO

*VP flags off free nationwide Integrated Medical Outreach Programme in FCT; 409 LGAs to benefit in first round

*Urges Nigerians to continue to observe hygiene advisories on coronavirus


President Buhari’s vision of taking 10 million Nigerians out poverty every year for the next ten years is on course and will be largely actualized by the quantum leap in our human capacity development attainments especially healthcare, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.


Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Monday at the flag off of the nationwide Integrated Medical Outreach Programme (I-MOP), at the Bwari Area Council Primary Health Centre, FCT.


According to the Vice President, “Mr. President has repeatedly asserted that his vision of taking ten million Nigerians out of poverty every year for the next ten years depends so clearly on the quantum leap that we must make in our human capacity development attainments especially healthcare. This is why this integrated Medical Outreach Programme is a crucial feature of our overall human capacity development effort.”


Speaking on the significance of the programmes especially in impacting the population in the rural parts of the country, Prof. Osinbajo said “…despite our best efforts, there is a significant gap in bringing public health services to vulnerable populations especially in the rural, mountainous, riverine, peri-urban and other difficult to reach areas in the country.”


“So this attempt to take basic healthcare services, health education, basic surgeries and screening for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, tuberculosis, HIV – AIDS and cancer to these under-served and difficult to reach areas is an eminently sensible and practical plan.


“Not only does it provide free health services to communities that had never in the past enjoyed these sorts of services, but it also provides our public health institutions with invaluable disease identification opportunities and outreach lessons.


“So today, here in Bwari, we will flag-off the conduct of the first round of the Integrated Medical Outreach Programme (I-MOP) for the unreached, under-served and vulnerable communities in 409 selected LGAs in the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory.


“The I-MOP intervention is aimed at strengthening and scaling up access to routine immunization and other primary healthcare (PHC) services in selected low performing LGAs,” he said.


On the efforts made by the Buhari administration in containing some vaccine-preventable diseases, the Vice President said “in a few months Nigeria and indeed the African continent will be formally declared polio-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO)”.


According to him, “Our routine immunization programme has also improved from 33% in 2016 to 50% as measured in the 2018 National Demographic Health survey.


“The Federal Government of Nigeria maintains a policy to provide immunization services free to all against all vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).”


Continuing on the I-MOP project and other efforts by the Federal Government in collaboration with other stakeholders in improving the country’s healthcare system, Prof. Osinbajo called on Nigerians including all residents of selected communities to take advantage of the programme.


He said “Nigerians and all other nationals residing within the country are really encouraged to take their children especially those under two years to the nearest health facilities for screening and administration of all due antigens.


“All others age groups are also encouraged to visit designated medical outreach centers, and we have one per senatorial district during the five (5) days (23rd to 27th March, 20th – 24th April, and 1st – 5th June 2020) of the I-MOP implementation for basic general medical and even surgical consultations/operations.


“The Federal Government is fully responsible for providing the required immunization vaccines in collaboration with our global partners to ensure consistent and sustainable availability of life-saving vaccines for all eligible children in Nigeria.”


He added that “we would ensure in the next couple of months, that Rotavirus and Human Papillomavirus vaccines are introduced into the national immunization schedule to prevent childhood diarrhoea diseases and reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in women.


“It is the firm commitment of the Federal government that no child or individual should be without access to life-saving vaccines and primary health care services.”


Speaking on the efforts so far taken by the Federal Government to contain the Coronavirus pandemic, Prof. Osinbajo said the threat to Nigeria was not yet over hence the need for Nigerians to continue to observe hygiene advisories.


He said “…the threat is not over and as you know only a few days ago Mr. President directed that a readiness review be undertaken covering both the economy and healthcare services and that report has been submitted to him. We are also examining the readiness of our healthcare facilities for whatever eventualities may arise.”


Earlier in their separate remarks, the representative of the Senate President, Sen. Chukwuma Utazi; the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; and the FCT Minister of State, Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, commended the support and leadership provided by both President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo in improving Nigeria’s healthcare system in the past few years.


Other dignitaries present at the event include the Senator representing FCT at the National Assembly, Sen. Philip Aduda and the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib, the representative of the World Health Organisation, amongst others.



Laolu Akande

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

16th March 2020.

Earlier today, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, flags off the Nationwide Integrated Medical Outreach Program, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, by administering the Oral Polio Vaccine.

Excerpts from his speech.

In a few months, Nigeria and indeed the African continent will be formally declared polio-free by the WHO. Our routine immunization programme has also improved from 33% in 2016 to 50% as measured in the 2018 National Demographic Health survey. Mr. President has also repeatedly asserted that his vision of taking ten million Nigerians out of poverty every year for the next ten years depends so clearly on the quantum leap that we must make in our human capacity development attainments, especially healthcare. This is why this integrated Medical Outreach Programme is a crucial feature of our overall human capacity development effort. But, despite our best efforts, there is a significant gap in bringing public health services to vulnerable populations, especially in the rural, mountainous, riverine, peri-urban and other difficult to reach areas in the country.

So this attempt to take basic healthcare services, health education, basic surgeries and screening for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, tuberculosis, HIV – AIDS and cancer to these under-served and difficult to reach areas is an eminently sensible and practical plan. Not only does it provide free health services to communities that had never in the past enjoyed these sorts of services, but it also provides our public health institutions with invaluable disease identification opportunities and outreach lessons.

So today, here in Bwari, we will flag-off the conduct of the first round of the Integrated Medical Outreach Programme (I-MOP) for the unreached, under-served and vulnerable communities in 409 selected LGAs in the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory. The I-MOP intervention is aimed at strengthening and scaling up access to routine Immunization, and other primary healthcare (PHC) services in selected low performing LGAs. The first round of the I-MOP implementation is planned for between the 23rd to 27th March in the selected 409 LGAs in the 36 states and FCT. The second round is planned for 20th – 24th April 2020; and the third round for 1st – 5th June 2020.

Opinion: The Fixer takes over power reforms by ‘Dayo Peters


His conflict resolution skills rid the Niger Delta of the habitual tension caused by militants in 2017.
His sense of diplomacy settled what was to become a rift between the FG and the S/West State Governors over Amotekun.
His efficient management of PEBEC saw Nigeria move 15 places up on the Word Bank Doing Business index; a historic advancement.


The Ogoni community clean-up he inaugurated on behalf of the President is restoring normalcy to a land that was once excessively oil-infested…
I can go on and on; from the National Social Investment Programmes to NEMA to PEBEC to Niger Delta Power Holding Company to National Council on Skills to Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons, to mention a few.
I’m talking about Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. He is the guy who gets the job done and the guy to call upon when it is a Herculean task. He has a clear track record of completing and executing the difficult task and he has earned the trust of the nation with his administrative skills.
Again, he has been appointed to head the Power Sector Reform Coordination Working Group, a committee that will determine the nature and extent of state governments’ ownership of distribution companies and address mismanagement and other challenges afflicting power sector reforms.
Knowing his history of getting things done and seeing how Nigerians just recently showered praises on him using a #OsinbajoTheFixer hashtag on Twitter, I think our Power Sector is in itself about to experience the power of The Fixer!
I have had my reservations about the power sector especially at a time when climate change has made the heat unbearable. His appointment has brought me succor and I think a lot of Nigerians will be thinking and feeling the same.
I expect a change in fortunes for the power sector particularly because he has championed the cause of entrepreneurs’ success and the need for constant power generation and distribution. Nigerians don’t need to hold their breath; the fixer is on top of it.
‘Dayo Peters writes from Abuja.

https://oak.tv/newstrack/opinion-the-fixer-takes-over-power-reforms-by-dayo-peters/amp/

Why this is making headline baffles me. May her soul Rest In Peace.

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE

OSINBAJO AT LATE ESCORT RIDER’S VILLAGE, EXPRESSES GRIEF, PRAISES OFFICER’S DILIGENT SERVICE

*Assures family, community of government’s support


“Late Inspector Ali Gomina was an officer that was loved by many, he served very dutifully and diligently. We are all very sad when this happened. It is terrible.”


Those were the words of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, earlier today when he paid a condolence visit to the family of late Inspector Ali Gomina and the entire Gui community in the Abuja Municipal Area Council.


Prof. Osinbajo arrived the community at about 3.45 pm accompanied by aides and was received by the Chief of the village, Alhaji Alhassan Yussuf and other leaders of the community.

After prayers by the Imam of Gui community mosque, Abubakar Jibril and the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) pastor in the community, Pastor Adegbe Julius, the Vice President spent time interacting with the family especially the widow of the deceased, Asiya Ali Gomina and his first son, Ali Kabiru Gomina, expressing his condolence and encouraging them.

Addressing the chief of the village and others shortly after interacting with the family, Prof. Osinbajo said “We all loved him. He served very dutifully and diligently. We are all very sad when this happened. It is terrible. We were all there and saw it happen and we are very pained by it. This is the reason we have all come, to commiserate with the family and the community.”

Assuring the family and the community of government’s support to both the immediate family of the late officer and the community in general, the Vice President said “I am here today myself to see his children, and see what we can do to help the family, and in his honour, what we can do to help his community.”

Prof. Osinbajo then prayed “God will help and sustain his family, we pray that all will be well with his family and community.

“We will also see what we can do to assist the community in whatever way. God bless you, well done.”

Late Inspector Ali Gomina, aged 45, one of the police escort riders in the Office of the Vice President, was killed in a road accident while on official duty on Friday 13th March 2020.

Gomina died after a runaway Toyota Camry car ran into him, knocking him and throwing him down against a moving tanker way ahead of the convoy on the expressway to the airport in Abuja.


Laolu Akande

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

14th March 2020

May his soul Rest In Peace

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE

OSINBAJO AT LATE ESCORT RIDER’S VILLAGE, EXPRESSES GRIEF, PRAISES OFFICER’S DILIGENT SERVICE

*Assures family, community of government’s support

“Late Inspector Ali Gomina was an officer that was loved by many, he served very dutifully and diligently. We are all very sad when this happened. It is terrible.”

Those were the words of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, earlier today when he paid a condolence visit to the family of late Inspector Ali Gomina and the entire Gui community in the Abuja Municipal Area Council.

Prof. Osinbajo arrived the community at about 3.45 pm accompanied by aides and was received by the Chief of the village, Alhaji Alhassan Yussuf and other leaders of the community.

After prayers by the Imam of Gui community mosque, Abubakar Jibril and the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) pastor in the community, Pastor Adegbe Julius, the Vice President spent time interacting with the family especially the widow of the deceased, Asiya Ali Gomina and his first son, Ali Kabiru Gomina, expressing his condolence and encouraging them.

Addressing the chief of the village and others shortly after interacting with the family, Prof. Osinbajo said “We all loved him. He served very dutifully and diligently. We are all very sad when this happened. It is terrible. We were all there and saw it happen and we are very pained by it. This is the reason we have all come, to commiserate with the family and the community.”

Assuring the family and the community of government’s support to both the immediate family of the late officer and the community in general, the Vice President said “I am here today myself to see his children, and see what we can do to help the family, and in his honour, what we can do to help his community.”

Prof. Osinbajo then prayed “God will help and sustain his family, we pray that all will be well with his family and community.

“We will also see what we can do to assist the community in whatever way. God bless you, well done.”

Late Inspector Ali Gomina, aged 45, one of the police escort riders in the Office of the Vice President, was killed in a road accident while on official duty on Friday 13th March 2020.

Gomina died after a runaway Toyota Camry car ran into him, knocking him and throwing him down against a moving tanker way ahead of the convoy on the expressway to the airport in Abuja.

Laolu Akande

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

14th March 2020

Earlier today, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, visited wife and family members of his late Escort Rider, Ali Gonima, at his hometown in Gui, FCT.

The gallant officer died in a road accident while on official duty on the Vice President's convoy in Abuja, yesterday. #RIPGonima

ClassicMan202:
Minister of Condolence visit..... Do the needful ASAP

always connect your brain to your keyboard

*Recounts experience of worshipping at Aso Villa Chapel

Meeting Nigeria’s Vice President face to face for the first time in January 2019 especially by jumping over a fence was incredible and has changed my perception about people occupying leadership positions, according to 14-year-old, Government Secondary School Phase 3 student, Miss Oluwadamilola Oriowo.


Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN had in January 2019 made brief campaign stops at Phase 4, Gbazango and Kukwaba communities in Kubwa, a suburb of Abuja, ahead of the 2019 general elections.


Recalling the incident that surrounded her first encounter with the Vice President, the student who said the memory of that incident remained indelible in her mind, noted that she had thought it was impossible for the Vice President of a country to visit a local community like Kubwa.

Narrating her experience during a chat with journalists in Abuja, the school girl said, “I was in our church on that faithful day for choir practice when we heard sirens from the Vice President’s motorcade, I saw, through the window, people running towards a mini estate near our Church, I jumped over the church fence to join others see the Vice President.”

Speaking about her experience during last Sunday’s worship at the Aso Villa Chapel, on the invitation of the Vice President, Miss Oriowo expressed excitement at the opportunity of meeting the second citizen for the second time.

According to her, “the church service was good, for me it was different because it was birthday of the Vice President and I had the opportunity of meeting him for the second time. I don’t know how to express how I feel now but I relish every moment we spent in Church at the Presidential Villa.

“For my parents and I to have been invited to the Presidential Villa to worship, I thank God for this opportunity. I wish him a happy birthday, long life and prosperity.

Miss Oriowo had on the invitation of the Vice President, and accompanied by her parents, last Sunday, joined other faithful, family and friends to worship at the Aso Villa Chapel in honour of Prof. Osinbajo’s 63rd birthday.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday underscored the need to get private sector interest along with government to bring power to Kano State. Osinbajo said this while receiving a delegation from the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture led by its president, Alhaji Dalhatu Abubakar, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“If we can bring substantial amount of investment in power to Kano, we can really make a difference. So, I am looking forward to working with you on power,” he said in a statement issued by his spokesman, Laolu Akande. Osinbajo, who stressed the need for closer collaboration between KACCIMA and the Federal Government, said: “anyone who understands the history of business in Nigeria cannot in any way diminish the importance of the Kano business community.

“As a matter of fact when we started the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, in engaging the partnership that will help us, Lagos and Kano had to be the two focal points for the implementation of our reform plans.

“We must establish a way of collaborating, where we look at specific measures on how to advance solutions to the numerous problems that are facing us.”

Osinbajo said the regular interface between the private sector and the Federal Government would continue because of their contribution to the development of the economy, especially in creating employment. He said the federal government would do everything possible to support the business community in Kano.
https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/kano-power-requires-private-sector-investment-osinbajo.html

A group of market women from from Karu and Jikwoyi, Abuja suburbs, threw a surprise reception for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday to celebrate with him on his 63rd birthday.

*Gowon to VP: “You are doing an exceptionally herculean job, we are proud of you”

*VP invites girl who jumped over fence to meet him during campaign to villa chapel

*FCT football academy & presidency staff too, hold events


A group of market women from from Karu and Jikwoyi, Abuja suburbs, threw a surprise reception for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday to celebrate with him on his 63rd birthday.

This was after former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), and a number of State governors had worshipped together with Prof. Osinbajo at the Aso Villa Chapel thanking God for the VP’s life.

In celebration of the day that coincided with the 2020 International Women’s Day, the women sang birthday songs for Prof. Osinbajo as he joined them at the De George Resort in New Karu. The women numbering over 100 held a short reception for the VP and took turns taking photographs with him.

Addressing the women during the brief reception in his honour, Prof. Osinbajo thanked the women for their solidarity and prayed for God’s continued blessings in their lives and families.

He said: “I want to thank every one of you for this wonderful surprise birthday party. Those of you who are not yet 60, will be 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, in Jesus mighty name.
“All of you and your children will prosper in this land and experience promotion. Everything that you ask from God he will do for you, so my next birthday will be bigger and better than this and I will attend your own birthdays too.”

From the brief interaction with the women groups, the Vice President proceeded to the Jikwoyi Mini Stadium where he met with the management and players of FC Liberty International.

He spoke to the players about the importance of hard work in everything that they do, noting that “everything can be achieved by hard work. Talent is good but even if you have very little talent, with hard work, you can achieve what you want in life.”

Welcomed by the General Manager of the Club, Mr B.O.B Oluwale, the Vice President watched a brief training session of the team before interacting and taking photographs with the players and staff.

He said players of the club have excelled in local and international competitions and some have secured professional contracts to play football in bigger clubs at home and abroad.

Earlier at the Aso Villa Chapel where a Church service was held to mark the occasion, an SSS 1 girl, Damilola Oriowo, who had jumped over a fence to meet the Vice President during the 2019 electioneering campaigns in Kubwa, Abuja, joined other Nigerians at the service to celebrate Prof. Osinbajo’s 63rd birthday.

Damilola and her parents were recognized at the service by the VP and the Oriowos joined in the VIP photo session after the church service. The Vice President mentioned how Damilola had made determined efforts to personally meet him during the 2019 electioneering campaigns, praising her resolve and welcoming the friendship.

During the service, General Gowon, who prayed for God’s continued blessings and guidance for Prof. Osinbajo, commended the commitment and dedication of the Vice President to the service of the nation.

According to him, “let me join all the good people, sons of God here, to wish you very happy birthday; and to ask for God’s blessings on you; and to say how much we all appreciate you.

“You are the one who is standing for all us, Christians throughout this country. When the darts are thrown at the government whether individually or collectively, and when everything is said, we know it is you that is standing firm for all of us who are of faith and I will like to say to you that we all appreciate you.


“We know that you are doing an exceptionally herculean job and we are proud of you; and continue to bless you and wish you many happy returns.”

In the same vein, staff of the Vice President’s Office on Sunday played a novelty football match to mark the occasion with the Department of State Services (DSS) team emerging winner of the inter-unit mini football competition.

The competition held at the football pitch of the Family Worship Centre, Abuja had staff of the Media, Protocol, Police and Department of State Services (DSS) units, competing for the top position.

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who was on ground to present trophies to the teams at the end of the game, commended the staff of his office for their unity and for rejoicing with him on his birthday.

The staff joined by friends of the Vice President also joined the celebrant in cutting a cake presented to him to mark the occasion.


All prizes won by the various teams have been donated to charity in the spirit of the celebration.

On the Eight Day of March, 1957 at Creek Hospital, Lagos, a young baby boy was born into the family of Mr. Opeoluwa Osinbajo & Mrs. Olubisi Osinbajo.

The new arrival into the Osinbajo family was eventually christened Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo.

That young boy of Ikenne-Remo ancestry started life as a toddler, attended many institutions of learning and eventually became a Professor of Law, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Attorney General of Nigeria's most prosperous state and eventually, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In many fora, a lot has been said and written by this writer and many others about the person of His Excellency, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON therefore it would amount to a tautology rehashing some of the things earlier said.

As you maybe aware, Prof Osinbajo's birthday coincides with the International Women's Day; a day the United Nations officially designated in 1977 as the Day solely dedicated for women's rights and world peace. This piece, therefore, seeks to situate in prosper perspective the contributions of Prof Yemi Osinbajo to women empowerment through the Office of the Vice President.

The contributions of Prof Yemi Osinbajo to women empowerment to the best of the knowledge of this writer includes but not limited to the following:

1. INCLUSION IN GOVERNANCE:
Prof Yemi Osinbajo has facilitated the inclusion of women in governance than any other Nigerian Vice President in recent history. For the sake of emphasis, I would mention the pioneering roles of some of his female aides like Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the ravishingly beautiful scholar from UNILAG. As PEBEC Secretary and SA Ease-of-Doing-Business, Jumoke is the brain behind the Ease of Doing Business Policy of the FG. Thru her efforts, Nigeria moved up 24 places in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index.
This writer will also not forget the learned Mrs. Maryam Uwais who handled the Social Investments Programme, Dr. Mariam Masha who coordinated humanitarian interventions in the North East, Folusho Idumu who makes Prof's administrative work easier, Tolani Alli from Ibadan, Oyo State who documents the erudite Professor through her lens amongst many other women in OVP. For time and space constraints, this piece cannot contain the names of other women (and there are certainly a good number of them) who are also contributing their bit to the development of Nigeria working with Prof Osinbajo.

2. NATIONAL SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES:
Without any doubt whatsoever, Prof Yemi Osinbajo was the face of Nigeria's National Social Investment Programmes under the current administration's first term. Although the programme has since been moved to a Ministry for the purpose of institutionalization, nobody can take away Osinbajo's pioneering work in this regard. Through the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), a lot of petty traders (mostly women) benefitted from soft loans for their businesses. In the course of his supervisory role, Prof Osinbajo interacted and brought government closer to women at the grassroots.

3. MENTORSHIP/ACCESSIBILITY: Prof Osinbajo is a mentor for young men and women alike. Despite his very busy schedules, he regularly provides time to interact freely with them. He is also irrevocably committed to girl child education.

In all of these, due credits must be given to President Muhammadu Buhari for granting the necessary approvals for his dependable ally, VP Yemi Osinbajo.

As Vice President Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo celebrates his 63rd Birthday, I wish him God's divine blessings, mercies, favours and protections at all times.

Happy Birthday PYO!!!!

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

Gbajabiamila congratulates Osinbajo on his 63 birthday described him as a very courageous and dependable person.


In a congratulatory message, the speaker who has known the vice president for decades said Osinbajo personifies humility, sagacity, courage, forthrightness, sincerity and patriotism.
According to him, “Our Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, who is marking his 63rd birthday today, is someone very dependable in all ramifications.

“Apart from being a reliable human being, the VP is one of the most honest people I have come across in my life. I make bold to say that the VP has qualities worthy of emulation by other Nigerians.

“On his 63rd birthday, I wish Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo continuous good health and God’s protection.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/03/osinbajo-the-most-honest-person-i-have-ever-met-gbajabiamila-declares/

*Praises for VP in Twitter #OsinbajoTheFixer trending for days

It is almost impossible to ignore the outpouring of encomiums from Twitter users across the world, especially in Nigeria, since Thursday as the hashtag, #OsinbajoTheFixer, trended for days on social media to celebrate President Muhammadu Buhari’s deputy, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, days to his 63rd birthday.
The Twitter users expressed their admiration towards the former university lecturer, commending his leadership style, his timely interventions and calling attention to the many assignments the President entrusted in his care as his deputy. It would be recalled that since the re-election of the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket last year, the President himself and other prominent Nigerians have been praising Prof Osinbajo for one thing or the other. Some of these include the N-Power, MarketMoni, TraderMoni, Homegrown School Feeding, MSMEs Clinics, Cash Transfer, GEEP, supervising many other intervention programmes like the Niger-Delta intervention, and the unveiling of 59 strategies for economic recovery in Nigeria.
The notable delivery of some of these social initiatives, which VP either introduced or promoted obviously has won the hearts of many. By noon Friday, there were already over 10,000 tweets on #OsinbajoTheFixer.
A day before, there were over 3,000 tweets on #OsinbajoThrowback as well about midday also. Since the re-election of the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket last year, Nigerians seems to have been on a firm lookout for Mr President and the Vice President. Many have pointed at the VP’s positive influence on this administration especially in his effortless engagement with the common man and his exceptional interest in the youth which as earned him trust amongst Nigerian youths The Vice President who chairs over twenty councils and committees that includes: National Economic Council (NEC), Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) among others, have many times received public appreciation and acknowledgement even from Mr President himself.
Some of the Tweets say it is no news that Osinbajo has worked and thrived in many capacities including as Attorney General (in Lagos State) -where he revolutionized the judiciary. As Acting President – he proved he was capable with stellar records. As Vice President – many have described him as the most active and accessible.
Here are some of the tweets…
Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/03/nigerians-express-confidence-in-osinbajo-ahead-of-63rd-birthday/

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF INCENTIVES IN THE FINANCE ACT & OTHER FG INITIATIVES, OSINBAJO TELLS MSMEs

*VP cites tax free, reduced tax provisions, $20M Technology Fund, & N90B soft loans for agribusinesses

*"There is so much to learn from the Vice President"---Ebonyi Gov


Impressed by the steady progress made in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector, the Federal Government is ramping up efforts and incentives, including the Finance Act 2020, to further boost development in the sector across the country, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Thursday in Abakaliki at the rerun version of the MSMEs Clinic in Ebonyi State, which is the 27th in the series.

Speaking after an inspection of products exhibited by MSMEs in the state, the Vice President said in its effort to solve challenges for and champion the interets of small businesses across the country, the Federal Government will continue to improve the initiatives that are aimed at supporting MSMEs.

According to him, “Small businesses, we all know, are the engines of growth of our economy and this is not mere rhetoric. It is a proven fact. This explains why the Federal Government has worked consistently to enable businesses. These efforts are evident in our Ease of Doing Business reforms which continue to be celebrated not just locally but internationally.

“Aside from that, we have a whole new Finance Act, many of us are familiar with the fact that the Finance Act 2020 introduces a wide range of tax incentives for small businesses and that Act was signed into law on January 13th this year.

“The principles in the Finance Act have given concrete expression to what we intend to achieve. Notably, the Finance Act completely exempts small companies with a turnover of less than N25m a year from Companies Income Tax.

"For businesses between N25 million to N100 million a year, they will now pay Companies Income Tax at a significantly lower rate of 20%, (from the previous 30% rate).

"In a similar vein, the Act now makes it clear that services provided by microfinance banks are exempted from VAT.”

Speaking further on additional incentives aimed at enhancing growth in the MSMEs sector, Prof. Osinbajo said “some of these initiatives include; the recently approved $20 million Technology Fund which is run by the Bank of Industry to support young innovators and the technology ecosystem; the N90 billion fund which is provided by the CBN through the National Microfinance Bank for agriculture-based MSMEs and the entire agro value chain. These are not just farmers but all those involved in the agro-value chain are eligible for the N90 billion soft loan which the CBN is now rolling out.”

Continuing on some of the new incentives to support MSMEs growth, the Vice President said “the rollout of NAFDAC's e-registration platform and a 75% cost-reduction for product registration is a great opportunity for registering products just at 25% of what it used to cost to register products.”

“There is also a partnership between Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to register MSMEs en-masse and build a comprehensive database to help plan, coordinate, and deploy policy responses to some of the challenges our small businesses face.

“These are just a few of the initiatives to ensure an empowering and inclusive business environment. We will do our part, but we must work together at all levels, Local, State, and Federal to ensure that our small businesses thrive,” the Vice President added.

Speaking on harnessing the gains of the National MSMEs clinics, the Vice President noted that effective collaboration amongst stakeholders including governments at all levels, civil society organisations, and others, would enhance sustainable growth in the sector.

According to him "I want to emphasise that it is important for small businesses to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the MSME Clinics.

“Just as the MSME Clinics provide an opportunity for the Federal Government regulatory agencies to inform small businesses about their requirements and business procedures, MSMEs are also expected to use this occasion to bring up their challenges and problems for possible solutions. It is through this symbiotic process that we will be fulfilling the key purposes for the organisation of the MSME Clinics.

He urged that States keep working with the FG on developing the small businesses sector.

“Just as some other State Governments have done, I would urge the Ebonyi State Government to build on the achievements of this Clinic by considering: the creation of a one-stop regulatory shop for MSMEs in a suitable location in Ebonyi State; the organisation of a State version of the MSME Clinics in various local governments of the State; and by extension getting State regulatory agencies to key into the spirit and letter of MSME Clinics.

“At the Federal level, we are determined to take the MSME Clinics to the remaining States.”

Speaking further on some of the initiatives adopted by the Federal Government to address challenges faced by MSMEs, the Vice President said the Buhari administration will prompt action on many of the issues in the next MSME Clinics update to National Economic Council.

He said: “I assure you that we will take great pains to ensure that all issues affecting MSMEs, especially 'overzealousness' by government officials, are addressed comprehensively in order to foster growth and deepen economic inclusion.

“We will also strive to ensure that MSMEs stay informed as to how Federal Government agencies can play an enabling role in advancing their businesses.”

Earlier in his remarks, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State commended the Vice President’s unique and exemplary leadership and commitment in ensuring the success of several Federal Government initiatives.

According to him, “I watch Mr Vice President, there is so much to learn from him, his leadership qualities are inelastic. I have never seen him angry even when we governors carry our personal pressures to him at NEC. There is so much to learn from your leadership qualities, your Excellency.”


Other dignitaries present at the event include: the former Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr Martins Elechi; the State Deputy Governor, Barr. Eric Igwe, members of the State House of Assembly, heads and representatives of Federal Government agencies, amongst others.


Laolu Akande

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

5th March 2020

Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, arrives Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi state, and is welcomed with beautiful songs from the lovely and hardworking Ebonyi women.
*#OsinbajoInEbonyi* to grace another edition of *#MSMEClinics.*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP-bI2QfX-E

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE

WHY WE NEED TO IMPROVE FUNDING OF RESEARCH & INNOVATION IN NIGERIA - OSINBAJO
*VP chairs first 2020 meeting of Research & Innovation council

In order to build local capacity to compete favourably with scientifically advanced economies, there is an urgent need to refine processes for funding research and innovation in the country, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Tuesday during the meeting of the National Research and Innovation Council held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Responding to a memo presented to the council on the need to improve funding of research and innovation in the country by Science and Technology Minister, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, the Vice President said the proposal to set aside a percentage of the national budget for funding of research and innovation deserve support.

According to him, “the point that has to be made is that there is really an urgent need to improve funding for research and innovation in our country.

“Whether it is research in agriculture, education or environment, we have to adopt steps and measures on how to improve funding in these areas. It is really the whole idea of setting targets on how to achieve objectives set for research and innovation.”

The Vice President then directed that plans to refine the processes and procedures for investing more in research and innovation be expedited in order to develop more local technology to address emerging challenges.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Onu, had earlier presented a memo to the council for the improved funding of research and innovation, specifically by setting aside one percent of the national budget for research purposes in public institutions.

The meeting, which is the first for the year 2020, had in attendance the Ministers of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu; Environment, Mr Mohammed Mahmoud; Water Resources, Alh. Suleiman Adamu; Information and Culture, Alh. Lai Mohammed; Sports and Youth Development, Mr Sunday Dare; Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen; Aviation, Alh. Hadi Sirika; Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige; Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire; and Communications and Digital Economy, Alh. Ali Pantami.

Others include, the Ministers of State: for Budget and National Planning, Mr. Clement Agba; Science and Technology, Alh. Mohammed Abdullahi; and Education, Mr. Emeka Nwajuiba.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
4th March, 2020

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE

WHY WE NEED TO IMPROVE FUNDING OF RESEARCH & INNOVATION IN NIGERIA - OSINBAJO
*VP chairs first 2020 meeting of Research & Innovation council

In order to build local capacity to compete favourably with scientifically advanced economies, there is an urgent need to refine processes for funding research and innovation in the country, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Tuesday during the meeting of the National Research and Innovation Council held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Responding to a memo presented to the council on the need to improve funding of research and innovation in the country by Science and Technology Minister, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, the Vice President said the proposal to set aside a percentage of the national budget for funding of research and innovation deserve support.

According to him, “the point that has to be made is that there is really an urgent need to improve funding for research and innovation in our country.

“Whether it is research in agriculture, education or environment, we have to adopt steps and measures on how to improve funding in these areas. It is really the whole idea of setting targets on how to achieve objectives set for research and innovation.”

The Vice President then directed that plans to refine the processes and procedures for investing more in research and innovation be expedited in order to develop more local technology to address emerging challenges.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Onu, had earlier presented a memo to the council for the improved funding of research and innovation, specifically by setting aside one percent of the national budget for research purposes in public institutions.

The meeting, which is the first for the year 2020, had in attendance the Ministers of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu; Environment, Mr Mohammed Mahmoud; Water Resources, Alh. Suleiman Adamu; Information and Culture, Alh. Lai Mohammed; Sports and Youth Development, Mr Sunday Dare; Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen; Aviation, Alh. Hadi Sirika; Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige; Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire; and Communications and Digital Economy, Alh. Ali Pantami.

Others include, the Ministers of State: for Budget and National Planning, Mr. Clement Agba; Science and Technology, Alh. Mohammed Abdullahi; and Education, Mr. Emeka Nwajuiba.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
4th March, 2020

More

Photos: VP Osinbajo Presides Over The National Research And Innovation Council Meeting On 03/03/2020

* South Africa slumped to its second recession in two years
* Nigeria, South Africa make up half of sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP

As if a recession wasn’t enough bad news for South Africa, it’s now confirmed as the continent’s second-largest economy.


The answer to the question of whether South Africa or Nigeria, the two countries that account for almost half of sub-Saharan Africa’s gross domestic product, is the biggest economy on the continent has long depended on which exchange rate you use for the West African nation. But now both the official naira rate of 306 per dollar and the weaker market exchange rate of around 360 that almost all investors use put Nigeria tops.

Nigeria’s economic growth beat forecasts in the fourth quarter, helping its economy to expand the most in four years in 2019 as oil output increased and the central bank took steps to boost credit growth. GDP in the West African country stood at $476 billion or $402 billion, depending on the rate used.
South Africa’s economy went the opposite direction.


It slumped into a second recession in consecutive years, contracting more than projected in the fourth quarter as power cuts weighed on output and business confidence. For the full year, expansion was 0.2%, the least since the global financial crisis, and even less than the central bank and government estimated. Based on a average rand-dollar exchange rate of 14.43 for the year, GDP was $352 billion.
Projections show Nigeria’s economy will continue to grow faster. While the International Monetary Fund cut its forecast for Nigeria’s 2020 growth to 2% from 2.5% last month due to lower oil prices, South Africa’s GDP is forecast to expand only 0.8%.

https://www.bloomberg.com/amp/news/articles/2020-03-03/nigeria-now-tops-south-africa-as-the-continent-s-biggest-economy?__twitter_impression=true

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE

WHY WE MUST DEAL WITH SMALL ARMS PROLIFERATION NOW - OSINBAJO

*VP chairs review panel to develop strategies

A clear cut set of strategies to curb and curtail the proliferation of small and light weapons would be developed soon, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo hinted this at a meeting he held this morning with top security chiefs and members of the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons on the instruction of the President.

At the last National Security Council meeting, President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the Vice President to chair a committee to review the report of the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PRESCOM) constituted in April 2013 by the then Federal Government.

In line with that Presidential directive, Prof. Osinbajo on Monday chaired the inaugural meeting of the review committee, calling for the development of clear cut, specific line of action to address the serious problems of small arms and light weapons many of which fuel the insurgency in the Northeast and other security challenges in the country.

The Vice President noted that the seriousness of the matter had necessitated the setting up of the review committee said, “the problem we have at hand is really enormous”, adding that this is why the President is keen on effective and prompt solutions.


Members of the review committee present at the meeting include: the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami; the Ministers of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama; National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno; the Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu; the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd); Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Usman; and the Chairman of PRESCOM, Amb. Emmanuel Imohe.

Others include the representatives of the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Ministry of Defence.

Laolu Akande

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

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Lordship, the Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, has commended Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s demonstration of love and solidarity with Nigerians, including the Church at all times.
Archbishop Kaigama gave the commendation in his sermon at the opening mass of the first 2020 plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja on Sunday.
The cleric, who spoke apparently against some agitation in the country, expressed happiness with the presence of the vice president at the event, declaring that he had always been in solidarity with Nigerians and the Church through thick and thin.

The vice president, on the invitation of the CBCN, attended the opening mass which is a prelude to the plenary meeting of all Catholic Bishops of Nigeria annually.
“I am so happy that our vice president is here; it is not just being here but there is a very profound sacramental blessing that he is here; when you are with us and we are suffering, we are together but when there is a gap with you, there is a feeling of insensitivity.

“We need to have access to our leaders; we need to have access to the president and to the vice president; to the ministers; they need to be closer to the people that elected them. This is very important,” he said.
While further commending Prof Osinbajo’s uncommon love and concern for the development of society, the Archbishop, said, “so much is happening in our country today that is why we need more patriotic Nigerians to help overcome some of the issues.”

According to him, “We need to also work together to eradicate or at least reduce the level of poverty; the level of diseases, sickness and ignorance, unnecessary deaths and other issues affecting us. So much is happening and that is why we need more patriotic Nigerians to come forth and help address these issues.”

He said the primary task of religious leaders was to steer the people to conversion and holiness, but for reasons of poverty and hardship being suffered by the people, “preachers are forced to become miracle workers or political revolutionaries, throwing verbal bombs, missiles, grenades, poisonous gas and all sorts of things at political leaders from the pulpit.”
“Now if you go to preach anywhere, all they want you to do is to abuse the authority for causing the poverty and social deprivation that we have but that is not the message of the Gospel,” the cleric said.

“Yes, we must denounce evil; we must denounce corruption; we must denounce reckless spending that cost the poor of their dignity; we must do that at all times. But why should Churches become the altar and the Mosque become places where we antagonise our leaders instead of seeking solutions?” he queried.
Kaigama, therefore, urged the Church to continue to pray for political leaders at all levels for the progress and development of the country, even as he urged the government to collaborate more with faith-based institutions in order to deliver the basic needs of the people.

Dignitaries at the meeting include the Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodinma; Ministers of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, his counterpart in Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, among others.

https://tribuneonlineng.com/bishop-lauds-osinbajo-for-his-love-solidarity-with-nigerians/

Our Plans To Address Skills Gap & Employability In Nigeria – VP Osinbajo At Inauguration Of National Council On Skills


In addition to the efforts made by the Federal Government in the past four years to address unemployment, the inauguration of the National Council on Skills will further boost the employability of young Nigerians and as a result reduce unemployment in the country, according to Vice President Osinbajo, SAN.
 
The Vice President who stated this on Thursday at the inauguration of the National Council on Skills (NCS) at the Presidential Villa, said the council’s inauguration was an indication of the commitment of the Buhari administration to address problems associated with the skills gap and youth unemployment in the country.
 
While inaugurating the council, Prof. Osinbajo, who also chairs the council said, “the present administration has really prioritized the skilling and employment of Nigerian youths and this is borne out of what we have in our Economic and Recovery and Growth Plan.”
 
According to him, “We consider that vocational and digital technology skills are critical in the effort of this government not only to provide employment for our young people but also as an important feature of diversifying our economy.
 
“There is no question at all that one of the critical questions that come up all the time is the employability of our young men and women. It is becoming increasingly evident that it is not enough to have the certificate to compete favourably today. It is important that young men and women have requisite skills, technical and digital skills to enable them to find a place especially in the job market of this challenging 21st century.”
 
Speaking further on the responsibilities and objectives of the council the Vice President said the council shall amongst other things “formulate skills development policy and also layout plans and strategies for skills development in Nigeria.”
 
“The council will direct the conduct of regular skills survey to identify the skills gap in the country so that training will be demand-based and to fast track the institutionalization of the National Skills Qualification Framework in Nigeria, and also to enforce legislation on the use of certified professionals in the country.
 
“The council will also bring coherence to skills development in the country by the facilitation of policy formulation,” Prof. Osinbajo added.
 
The Vice President expressed hope that the national council which is the highest decision-making body on skills development in Nigeria, “is a major step forward for us in our human resource development plan”.
 
The council has Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, as first Deputy Chairman, while Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote is second Deputy Chairman. Members include: Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed; Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige; Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu; Industry Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo; Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Ali Isa Pantami; Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola; Sports and Youth Development, Mr Sunday Dare, Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen. Minister Adamu was represented at the inauguration by the Minister of State for Education, Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba.
 
Chairman of the Governors Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi; his Borno State counterpart, Prof. Babgana Zulum and the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, who represented Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, were present at the inauguration. Other Governors who are members of the council include Dr Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State; Mr Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo; Mr Willie Obiano of Anambra; and Alhaji Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.
 
The membership of the council also includes the representatives of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), National Universities Commission (NUC), UK Department For International Development (DFID), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), while the Director, Technology and Science Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, is the secretary.


https://www.yemiosinbajo.ng/our-plans-to-address-skills-gap-employability-in-nigeria-vp-osinbajo-at-inauguration-of-national-council-on-skills/

The World Health Organization on Thursday advised employers on ways to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) at workplaces.
This was contained in a memo titled, ‘Getting your business ready in case COVID-19 arrives in your community’.
The United Nations Specialised Agency for health coordination and management said “employers should start doing these things now, even if COVID-19 has not arrived in the communities where they operate”.


It advised employers “to make sure workplaces are clean and hygienic, ensure desk surfaces and intercoms wiped with disinfectant regularly.
“Promote regular and thorough hand-washing by employees, contractors, and customers and put sanitizing hand rub dispensers in prominent places around the workplace.
“Make sure that staff, contractors and customers have access to places where they can wash their hands with soap and water because washing kills the virus on your hands and prevents the spread of COVID19.

“Ensure that face masks and/or paper tissues are available at your workplaces, for those who develop a runny nose or cough at work, along with closed bins for hygienically disposing of them as good respiratory hygiene prevents the spread of COVID-19.

“Advise employees and contractors to consult national travel advice before going on business trips.


“Brief employees, contractors, and customers that if COVID-19 starts spreading in your community anyone with even a mild cough or low-grade fever (37.3 C or more) needs to stay at home. They should also stay home (or work from home) if they have had to take simple medications, such as paracetamol/acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin, which may mask symptoms of infection.”
It explained that employers should cultivate good hygiene because when someone who has COVID-19 coughs or exhales, they release droplets of infected fluid.

“Most of these droplets fall on nearby surfaces and objects – such as desks, tables or telephones. People could catch COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces or objects – and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
“If they are standing within 1 or 2 meters of a person with COVID-19 they can catch it by breathing in droplets coughed out or exhaled by them. In other words, COVID-19 spreads in a similar way to flu.”

As of Thursday, the novel virus, which was first detected in China, has been reported in over 18 countries across Europe, Asia, Middle East and lately Africa.

WHO stated that there was a high risk of the disease spreading to more countries around the world, hence all sections of the society – including businesses and employers – must play a role to stop the spread of the disease.
Nigeria confirmed its first case of the virus on Friday.
Also, the Federal Government recently released N386million to health agencies to strengthen Coronavirus preparedness in Nigeria.

https://punchng.com/how-to-prevent-coronavirus-spread-at-workplaces-who/

*Governors dismiss allegations of depletion
Media speculations regarding the Excess Crude Account being depleted have been dismissed by state governors who explained that the operation of the Account is conducted with their knowledge and due approvals of the National Economic Council, NEC.
Answering reporters’ questions at the end of the NEC February meeting today, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State explained that the change in balance of the ECA from USD$325 million last month to USD$71 million is due mainly to the new USD$250 million investment in the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), approved by the Council.
According to him, “the Authority is doing very well, they are handling infrastructure so nicely that the governors and the Federal Government are investing well. When the investment was made both the Federal Government, State Governments and Local Governments all get their investment certificates, so we are together in this.”
Continuing, Governor Umahi explained the other expenditure of USD$4 million being significantly reduced consultancy cost approved by the Council besides the USD$250 million NSIA investment. According to Umahi, who spoke on behalf of the Council members, “So no money is missing.”
The National Economic Council holds monthly and is chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, comprising the 36 governors, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the Governor of Central Bank.
Other highlights of the meeting include reporting balances on the Excess Crude Account which stands at the sum of $71,813,941.84. The balance on the Stabilization Account stands at N34, 186, 655,761.82, while the balance on the Natural Resources Account stands at the sum of N101, 889,686,452.53.
A presentation was made by the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, on the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on Lessa Fever. He said “103 confirmed cases and 13 deaths reported from 18 States (Ondo, Ebonyi, Edo, Bauchi, Plateau, Benue, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna, Kastina, Kogi, Sokoto, Taraba, Delta, Rivers, Adamawa, Nasarawa and Lagos). Of the confirmed cases 72% are from Edo, Ondo and Ebonyi states,” noting however, that there is a decline in the number of new cases in Benue.
On the efforts at addressing Lassa fever, the Health Minister said National Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) has been activated while state Health EOCs are activated in affected states, adding “intensive sensitization of the public on safety measure needs to be carried out.”
Ehanire also assured of the country’s readiness to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), saying multi-sectoral Coronavirus Preparedness Group has been established, 4 diagnostic testing facilities are ready at National Reference Laboratory in Abuja, LUTH in Lagos, Irrua in Edo State and Redeemer’s University in Osun State.
NEC was also updated on the status of ownership structure of the Electricity Power Distribution Companies (DISCOs) by the Council Committee set up for the purpose. According to the Committee, it has received responses from the public, while forensic audit of the DISCOs are being conducted.
While requesting for additional time to complete the report, the Committee stated that state governments would provide it with details of their investments in the electricity companies.
Council was also informed that Edo State is hosting 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) from Sunday, March 22nd, 2020, while the new governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Duoye Diri was introduced and welcomed by the Council.

https://www.yemiosinbajo.ng/how-excess-crude-account-is-managed-by-nec-members/

Earlier today, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, inaugurated the National Council on Skills.

The Council, which features the Minister of Education, Alhaji Aliko Dangote as deputy chairmen, State Governors and Ministers, is charged with the responsibility of formulating skills development policy and ensuring our citizens are ready for work.