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Being excepts from an address by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo at a townhall meeting held at the National War Museum, Umuahia, Abia State recently to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the civil war.

Apapa Gridlock: Dangote Commends Task Team for Creating Special Window for Importers

The Managing Director of Greenview Development Nigerian Limited (GDNL) owned by Dangote Ports Operations, Mr Akin Omole has commended a special window created by the Presidential Task Team on Restoration of Law in Apapa for creating a special window for manufactures to load their cargoes unhindered.

The GDNL is occupied by Dangote Sugar, Dangote Salt, Gypsum and so on.

Omole while speaking with journalists inside the terminal at the weekend said that a special window between 12am and 3am was created for the manufacturers to bring in their trucks and take delivery of their cargoes.

He noted that before the window, the situation was terrible, but after the window, there were improvement in her operations.

He called for more cohesiveness and synergy among government agencies in order to achieve a significant improvement in access and exit of trucks at the port.

According to him, the primary problems of the terminal is the congestion on the port access roads which affects operations inside the terminal.

“The primary problem of the congestion is that it impacts the entire supply chain and port operations, take for instance, if a vessel is alongside with 40mt of cargo and the trucks that are supposed to come and take the cargo are not able to access the port, the vessel would be there longer than necessary”

“And as you know, the longer the vessel stays in port, the more demurrage it pays, it is not only containers that pay demurrage, vessels also pay demurrage in dollars”

“I believe that with the intervention of the task team that the federal government constituted with the collaboration of the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA and the Shippers Council, I believe that if there could be a lot more cohesiveness and synergy among these agencies, we would achieve a significant improvement in access and exit of trucks at the port”

“The window being referenced is the one given to manufacturers, occupants of GDNL terminal E are mostly manufacturers; Dangote Group”

“We were given a window between 12 and 3am for us to bring in our trucks.
Sometimes, everything goes as planned and we are able to bring in as many trucks as we can muster, some other time, the road gets very chaotic” Omole said

He however lamented insecurity on the waterfronts, saying that sea robbers usually come to the terminal from snake island and ogogoro village to steal parts of trucks, batteries among others.

We stand in the shadow of one of the darkest chapters of our Nation’s history surrounded by the artefacts and monuments to a terrible conflict.

This is neither the time nor the place for rehashing the polemics of justification and recrimination, and claims and counterclaims about the remote and immediate causes of the war. Many scholarly publications, histories, biographies, and brilliant works of fiction have been devoted to these issues and rightly so. Yet, a nation must always examine itself and reflect on its journey.

In a democratic society, this means a robust conversation over vigorously contested aspects of history. Such debate remains necessary if only to enhance our self-knowledge. But perhaps more importantly, to bring closure.

What we all agree on is that the Civil War from 1967-1970 was a defining national tragedy. A catastrophic conflict that scarred us as a people. Its’ cost in lives was massive, so was the cost in lost opportunities for national advancement. The spectacle of promising lives cut short in their prime, families ruptured, communities sacked and the environment poisoned by ordinance is one that redounds to our eternal regret.

Yet, we do not remember this seminal event in our history merely to indulge in the futility of regret, we engage in the discipline of remembrance so that we can learn from history and resolve that such horrors will never repeat themselves again on our watch. And we must do so not just this month, our nation’s month of remembrance of our fallen heroes, but every moment of our lives.

Indeed, the greatest tribute we can pay to the memories of those who made the supreme sacrifice for the survival of this union that we call Nigeria today is to ensure that the circumstances that led to the conflict are never re-enacted.

We cannot change the past, but it is within our power to ensure that history does not repeat itself and that we never again confront the awful consequences of abandoning dialogue and letting our darkest impulses drive us.

Sixteen years after the end of the war, Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu was asked if he thought the war resolved the issues for which it was fought. His reply is instructive, he said and I quote, “Wars hardly ever resolve issues. Wars are an aberration. Eventually, the issues still have to be dealt with.” In any event, it is evident that the cost of resolving our differences peacefully through dialogue is far less than trying to do so through war.

Chinua Achebe once described Nigeria as, I quote, “a nation favoured by providence.” I certainly see the hand of providence in our nation’s survival of that conflict. Unlike many other African countries which have known protracted multi-generational strife and perpetual division, our conflict ended after three years and we have suffered no relapse into such fratricide since then.

In the fifty years that have followed since the end of the war, we have invested in national integration, peace-building and reconciliation. That has been a less than a perfect task. Our road has not been easy and we have faced many challenges along the way. But these setbacks should not induce hopelessness or despondency but should constantly remind us that the stakes are high because of the incredible dividends of unity for us all.

Again, in the words of Achebe, I quote him again, “there are individuals as well as nations who on account of peculiar gifts and circumstances, are commandeered by history to facilitate mankind’s advancement. Nigeria is such a nation. The vast human and material wealth with which she is endowed bestows on her a role in Africa and the world, which no one else can assume or fulfill.”

Our historic mission therefore, is not just to build a nation that works for all of us, but to create a successful polity, an economic and social powerhouse capable of powering our continent to prosperity and renown. And yet, nation-building is hard work and bringing together the multiplicity of ethnicities, languages and creeds that make up this great land under one banner is an onerous but necessary task.

But the more difficult, but crucial work is that of emphasizing and ensuring, fairness, justice and equity amongst all ethnicities and religions. We must be open to addressing the concerns of all. Within this union, all of us must feel entitled to legitimately aspire to the limits and extents of our dreams and visions in public life and commerce.

For those of us that are old enough to remember the war, we must be mindful of the fact that the majority of Nigerians alive today are too young to have witnessed the Civil War and therefore have no memory of it. The last fifty years belonged to us, but the next fifty years belong to our children and their children and we have a responsibility to unshackle them from the ghosts of ancient grudges and grievances.

As elders, we must ensure that we do not poison the minds of the young with our own prejudices and affect their ability to take advantage of the opportunities available to them in their country. We must also avoid foisting the toga of victimhood and helplessness on the next generation.

The memory of the elders is crucial and supplies us with instructive lessons, but we must enable the vision and the imagination of our youth to flower untainted by the biases of the past.

Moments ago, I toured the War Museum with a group of students from the schools in the State. It was a tremendous learning experience for us. I was struck by how novel the war stories behind the artefacts were not just to me, but to the students. It was a reminder that while we must acquaint the younger generation with our history, we must also realize that this young generation does not see the world through the same lenses as we did in the 1960s.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie talks about the dangers of a single story and there is certainly a danger in casting Nigeria solely in terms of the narratives of those of us that witnessed the war. The generations born after the Civil War are navigating the adventure of being Nigerian on different terms from their forebears. Let us give them a chance to do better than ourselves.

Young Nigerians are intermarrying, migrating and co-mingling in the quest for love and livelihood; they are doing business together and forging alliances in civil society and politics across ethnic and religious divides. Social media may be a site of divisive debates, but it is also bringing young Nigerians together in spite of their diversity and helping them to forge a new collective consciousness.

Our children are showing us that it is possible to forge friendships and bonds across ethnic and religious lines that are even stronger than family ties and this in itself evokes the possibilities of unity in diversity.

One of our biggest challenges as a nation is that of providing opportunity and hope for our teeming young population. Our youth are among the most creative, energetic and dynamic on the continent and the Southeast is home to Nigeria’s most entrepreneurial sons and daughters. Young Nigerians all over the country and in the Southeast in particular, require outlets that will enable them to maximize their potential.

We have listened to the voices of some of our young people in the Southeast expressing their discontent, however, we do not hear a battle cry, but rather a cry for help. We are determined to continue providing them with the tools and resources that will enable them to make the most of their lives. This is the reason for our collaboration with the African Development Bank, AfDB to provide a $500million facility for startups and entrepreneurial loans. This is aside from the N10billion fund set aside by the Bank of Industry for the same purpose.

We are also working with the Central Bank of Nigeria towards the creation of the entrepreneur bank, in addition, a Shared Facility for MSMEs which will be launched at Ugbenike in Anambra State by April 2020 for MSMEs in the shoe production cluster.

Our young people are full of zest, ideas and creative energy and sometimes they get understandably frustrated with the inability of our institutions to keep pace with their vision and dynamism. But we must not let agents of discord weaponize this frustration and turn it into a severe rupture within the country. The opportunities that you need for growth and prosperity are all here in Nigeria and we are working every day both at the national and sub-national level and local government level to increase these opportunities.

What our young people need is not self-determination but self-actualization, more opportunities, more support to attain their dreams and visions and we are committed to creating these opportunities.

Within years of the end of the conflict, the Igbos re-established themselves as the foremost entrepreneurs in our country and are now thriving everywhere across the vast expanse of our land.

The Southeast is Nigeria’s natural industrial hub. Slowly and steadily, an industrial revolution is gathering momentum here in Abia and in the Southeast as a whole. From leatherworks and textiles to engineering, the “Made-in-Aba” label is emerging as an international brand. I do not say this lightly and without knowledge, I had the privilege of launching the National MSME Clinic at the Aba Polo Club in Abia on the 25th of January 2017 with over 15,000 participants.

Aside from Imo State, all other Southeastern States have hosted the National MSME Clinic with a large attendance of MSMEs. Abia State government won the inaugural award for MSME State of the year in 2018.
Miss Nora Oransoye from Abia State, won the 2019 Outstanding Female MSME of the Year and received a brand new car and prize money.
This zone is already a regional manufacturing hub servicing West and Central Africa. Goods from here are heading to Cameroon, Ghana, Togo, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic and other African countries.

The Igbo apprenticeship system has been cited as the biggest business incubator in the world and the Southeast is the birthplace of Nollywood; our film industry which has achieved global renown on the strength of the creativity and imagination of young Nigerians.

I have given these examples to demonstrate that nations are not built by politicians or their opinions however opinionated they may be, but by men and women in business; the professions and commerce, large, medium and small, who demonstrate their belief in their country by investing their resources and lives in enterprises here in their own country. The reason I have mentioned all these people is that by investing and working here, they have demonstrated more faith in this nation and this nation’s unity.

The businessmen and women, professionals and traders here in the Southeast and across Nigeria are the true nation-builders.

One of our errors in times past has been our inability to appropriate the positive aspects of the Civil War legacy such as the spirit of innovation and self-reliance that inspired technological feats in extreme circumstances even here in this museum. Within that period, our people manufactured weapons and tools for refining crude.

After the war, the Federal Government sought to leverage the technological genius that had come to the fore during the conflict by establishing the Projects Development Institute (PRODA) in Enugu. Unfortunately, over the years, our commitment to the objectives of PRODA has not been as strong as it should be.

However, we are now making up for lost time. Because of our commitment to reviving local manufacturing, Innoson Motors, a company that epitomizes the Nigerian productive genius, is now partnering with the Army to modify some of its equipment, produce armoured fighting vehicles and other military hardware. Innoson is also in partnership with the Air Force towards the manufacture of aircraft parts. I am especially proud to note that the Aba footwear industry is kitting our troops. Four years ago, the military ordered 60, 000 pairs of boots from Aba.

I think there is no greater evidence of how firmly we have closed ranks as a people than the fact that industrialists of this region are today equipping our nation’s Armed Forces.

Years ago, Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu said and I quote, ‘The war has at least underlined for all of us, the importance of staying together.” Brothers and sisters, no human relationship is perfect and no nation is received or conceived in ideal circumstances. All polities, no matter how good they look today, are imperfect and only through the labours of their members are they perfected. Like families, nations are made up of people who disagree and at times disagree intensely. The ties that bind us have survived the most intense disagreement we have ever known as a people and it resulted in the Civil War.

However, our national anthem enjoins us to “build a nation where peace and justice reign.” Setbacks and adversity are as integral to a nation’s journey as they are to human existence as a whole. But we have also known hope and victory, we should not on account of the disappointments we have suffered, give up on our collective possibilities and on each other.

It is true that we are not where we want to be, but we have not been standing still either, our country is very much, a work in progress. The attainment of peace and justice is not an event, but a process and a journey.

In 2017, this administration paid the accumulated arrears of pensions owed to retired war-affected ex-Biafran Police, who have been pardoned since 2000. This was more than a gesture of good faith, it demonstrates our belief in fairness and justice and our conviction that we can only move forward together.

We must build a country devoid of any form of discrimination and marginalization. This is the ideal to which we must strive. However, we cannot prosecute this struggle with weapons of bigotry and hatred. Our tools for creating the country we want, have to be those of empathy and a willingness to invest effort in understanding each other.

All of us must also be mindful of the sacrifice that unity calls for; it means that those of us in power must understand that the bitterness of the loser when the winner takes it all, will ultimately swallow all including the winner. Three watchwords matter: fairness, equity and justice.

We must also be mindful of the fact that it is far easier to destroy than to build. It is easier to put asunder than to bring together. It is my firm conviction that we are infinitely stronger and better together. This is not a time to put asunder, it is a time to bring together. We cannot change the past, but we can learn from it and build a better future together.

Being excepts from an address by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo at a townhall meeting held at the National War Museum, Umuahia, Abia State recently to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the civil war.

crownwealth:
Fraudulent element

I’m certain there are beneficiaries of the Social Investment Programmes in your immediate You family. That’s a testimony

Adds: Social safety nets not acts of sovereign kindness but sovereign obligation
                 
Convinced that government owed a duty to the poor, the weak, the vulnerable and those who cannot work, the APC in 2014 included in its manifesto a social safety initiative to specifically address poverty amongst other things, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
 
Prof. Osinbajo stated this in his remark at the 5th edition of the Airtel Touching Lives event held in Lagos at the weekend.
 
According to the Vice President, “listening to each story of a life touched this evening must remind us of the many others who need our help, our comfort and our kindness. The poor and vulnerable always need a voice. 
 
“In 2014, Mr Wale Edun, Prof. Pat Utomi and I met at Pat’s home to write portions of the manifesto of the APC. 

“We all agreed that a fundamental pillar of our party’s plans must be to create a social safety net for the people. We were convinced that government owed a duty to the poor, the weak, the vulnerable and those who cannot work. 
 
Continuing Prof. Osinbajo stated that “social safety nets are not merely acts of sovereign kindness; they are a sovereign obligation - a responsibility.” 
 
Making reference to the Social Investment Programmes of the Federal Government, the Vice President said the effort of Airtel was commendable especially in complementing the work already done by government in tackling poverty.
 
He said “today, the social safety net scheme is the fore of our Social Investment Programmes where we are feeding about 9.5 million children in public schools in 34 states across Nigeria; we are giving monthly cash to about nearly a million households as part of our conditional cash transfer scheme; we have given, as at the last count, 2.2 million loans to petty traders whose inventories are no more than N5, 000.
 
“We have also engaged about 500, 000 young men and women, who have been unemployed (over different periods of time) under our N-Power programme. But we are still very far from touching majority of those who need help.
 
“It is clear that to do so, we need far more resources behind that programme. This is why the work of social conscious companies like Airtel is so vital. Bridging the huge gap between what government can do and what is left to be done.”
 
Laolu Akande

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

27th January, 2020

Acme45:
Big lie, where re the refineries?

There are all verifiable

*Details progress in 21 Ogoni Clean-up sites, drawing international praise
 
WITH the significant progress now recorded in the Ogoni Clean-Up project, attracting local and international commendation, the Buhari administration’s New Vision for the Niger Delta is making good progress.
 
According to Mr. Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, in response to media inquiries over the weekend, noted that the progress report on the Niger Delta New Vision indicate clearly that “since the Ogoni Cleanup commenced in January 2019, with 16 contractors moving to site, a total of 21 sites has so far been handed over to contractors by Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP) under the Federal Ministry of Environment.”
 
This is besides the commencement of the Maritime University in Delta State now on full steam with over 1,000 students spread across 13 undergraduate courses in three faculties; and the progress made in the establishment of modular refineries, including the Niger Delta Resources Refinery, NDPR which has now moved from 1,000 Bpd to 6,000 Bpd a few weeks ago.
 
There are altogether six modular refineries currently at different stages of completion in the 6 Niger Delta states of Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Imo States.
 
Giving details on the Ogoni Clean-Up, Akande disclosed that “the 21 sites where remediation works are ongoing are located in four of the Local Government Areas in Ogoniland, namely: Eleme, Tai, Khana and Gokana Local Government areas,” adding that local and international commendation are being received by the Buhari Administration on the progress of the Clean-up.
 
It would be recalled that the 2011 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoniland devastated by decades of oil spills was not implemented until June 2016, when the Buhari administration kickstarted its implementation. Then, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, flagged off the clean-up exercise in the region.
 
According to Akande, “the commitment of the Buhari administration to the Ogoni cleanup process has received several local and international endorsements, with visits to the sites by the Dutch Ambassador, British Deputy High Commissioner, US Ambassador, German Ambassador, Norwegian Ambassador, UNEP team, among others, all attesting to the progress being recorded in the Clean-up.”
 
Giving an insight to the Progress Report, Akande quotes this:
“I can see that work is ongoing and hopefully it will produce results soon,” the Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Marion Kappeyne Van de Coppello, said in August 2019 when she visited one of the sites in Eleme Local Government Area.
 
“Also, during an inspection visit, the UNEP team leader, Mr. Mike Cowing, said the re-engagement of the UNEP team for the Ogoni clean-up shows the commitment of the Federal Government to effectively implement the UNEP Report. “We see that very sincere plans are being put together. We are part of the planning and we would be part of the implementation,” Cowing said.
 
The report also noted that, “as part of its commitment, HYPREP and UNEP recently trained young Ogoni scientists and other indigenes with relevant professional qualification from Ogoni. Twenty-one of these young Ogoni youths have returned from Geneva and United Kingdom, after an intensive training in Management of Contaminated Site Assessment, Clean-up Assessment, Clean-up of Contaminated Sites and Field Work Techniques.”
 
Below are some of the highlights of the Progress Report and developments in other projects in the Niger Delta.
 
Some of the ongoing development projects under the Buhari administration’s Niger Delta New Vision include the take-off of the Nigeria Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Delta State. The University had commenced full academic activities for the 2017/2018 academic year in April, 2018, with a total of 370 students spread across 13 undergraduate programmes in three Faculties approved by the NUC, namely: Transport, Engineering and Environmental Management.
 
Also, with the establishment of modular refineries in the region, analysts are of the view that these modular refineries will empower people in the region and also improve the local economy in communities where they are located.
 
So far, six modular refineries are currently at different stages of completion in the Niger Delta region. The refineries are located in six states in the Niger Delta: Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Bayelsa and Cross River. This includes the Niger Delta Petroleum Resources Refinery (NDPR), in Ogbele, Rivers State, which was refining at 1,000 bpd, and was recently upgraded to 6,000 bpd.
 
The Federal Government’s Presidential Amnesty Presidential Amnesty Programme continues to engage ex-militants and youths in the Niger Delta in formal education, vocational skills acquisition and empowerment schemes, while creating jobs for beneficiaries.
 
The Niger Delta region is also benefitting for the Buhari administration’s efforts to improve the country's infrastructure, including the Bonny-Bodo road and bridge project.
 
This is an important road and bridge going across the Opobo channel, being undertaken as a collaboration between NLNG and the Federal Government.
 
When completed, the 34-kilometre Bonny-Bodo road and bridge project, which was flagged off in October 2017, would connect several major communities and boost socioeconomic development in the region.
 
There is also the Itakpe-Warri rail line project which is now complete and ready for commissioning. The rail line would handle passenger, commercial and freight services.
 
The Federal Government is also in the process of developing sea ports in the region, including Warri, Ibaka deep see port, among other development projects like the establishment of Export Processing Zones to boost economic activities.
  
In the same vein, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is being repositioned for better delivery. It would be recalled that following the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari, the NDDC has since begun the audit and verification of projects and contracts in the nine Niger Delta states to better serve the people of the region in terms of development.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President
26th January, 2020


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDBj7LGH7nM

More from the event

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo SAN attends the 5th Year Anniversary of The Airtel Touching Lives initiative in Lagos, Nigeria.

*VP lists notable marks of progress, key projects to be completed in next few years
 
Having instituted reforms covering critical sectors of the economy over the past four years, Nigeria under the Buhari administration is making steady progress on the path of prosperity, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
 
Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Saturday in Lagos in a keynote address he delivered at the Redeemer's Men Fellowship Conference themed “Galvanized for Geometric Growth”. 
 
The Vice President, while noting that much still needs to be done in the different sectors of the economy, restated that the country had enormous potential which would be realised.
 
According to the VP, who referenced the recent US-based Newsweek magazine's special cover edition which described Nigeria as the Black China and Africa's first super-power, “despite our challenges, Nigeria is the ‘last major open market, and like China and India, its population and economic size will enable economies of scale and attract international investment.”
 
Prof. Osinbajo said reforms by the Federal Government have over the past few years spurred progress and attracted investors’ interests across different sectors comprising agriculture, technology, tourism and entertainment, manufacturing amongst others.
 
“Just this week, the Spur Group, an IT company from China indicated that it will be establishing a computer hardware manufacturing plant in Nigeria. 
 
“In the course of last year, the Mara Group of Ashish Thakkar had also indicated that it will set up a manufacturing plant for Mara Phones in Nigeria.
 
“Kobo360, which was one of the start-ups in a group that I led to Silicon Valley in July 2018, aggregates end-to-end haulage operations and raised $30m in a Series A round led by Goldman Sachs and Nigerian commercial banks.
 
“Using technology, Kobo360 has made it possible for providers of haulage services to find cargoes for their trailers on return journeys, in effect halving the cost of transporting goods,” the Vice President added.
 
Continuing, the Vice President said the potential of the Nigerian economy has also been boosted by the Buhari administration through direct and indirect investments in agriculture, manufacturing, technology and creative industries.
 
According to Prof. Osinbajo, “the story of increased rice production in Nigeria is well known, with production of paddy rice in 2019 estimated at 7.3 million metric tonnes compared to about 5 million metric tonnes in 2015. 
 
“A little noticed phenomenon taking place in agriculture is the use of technology to attract crowdfunding into the sector. Given the huge interest in agriculture and the relative ease of investing through such platforms, we will see a huge increase in investment in agriculture and subsequent increases in agricultural output across the value chain.”
 
In the manufacturing sector, the Vice President said all critical indices have so far indicated significant improvements between 2018 and 2019.
 
He said, “this positive outlook for the manufacturing sector can be seen from the Leventis Group which, for instance, continues to make substantial investments in the Nigerian manufacturing sector through its subsidiaries, the Nigerian Bottling Company and Beta Glass.  
 
“The Nigerian Bottling Company will soon be commissioning its Asejire Plant, which has taken a substantial part of a recent $500 million investment in Nigeria, while Beta Glass which makes the bottles for the pharmaceutical sector and for beverages like Coca-Cola and Star Beer, has invested another $30 million to expand its furnace capacity.”
 
The technology sector, according to Prof. Osinbajo, “continues to hold out great promise.”
 
Citing recent industry reports, the Vice President said, “Nigerian start-ups attracted $122 million out of the $492 million in funding to the African start-up sector in 2019.

"Perhaps more compelling is the increasing use of e-payment channels within the economy. The value of Point of Sale (POS) transactions is reported to have reached over N3.2 trillion in 2019 as compared to N2.3 trillion in 2018, an increase of 38%, while the volume also increased by 153 million transactions to a total of 438 transactions in 2019.”
 
In the area of infrastructure, the Vice President disclosed that the Federal Government’s interventions through the various reforms would yield greater results.
 
Noting the efforts of the Buhari administration to address the country’s major infrastructure deficit, the VP said, “So our focus in the last few years has been on investing in roads, rail, and power. We have a major road project going on in every state of the federation.
 
“Some of the road projects scheduled for substantial completion in 2020/2021 include: Dualization of Suleja-Minna road, Ilorin-Jebba-Mokwa/Bokani road, Nnewi-Oduma-Mpu (in Enugu)-Uburu (Ebonyi), Yenagoa-Okaki-Kolo-Nembe-Brass road, Bodo-Bonny road with a bridge across the Opobo channel, the rehabilitation and expansion of Lagos-Badagry expressway and, of course, the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.”
 
He added that 19 other road projects measuring about 800 kilometres have been prioritised in 11 states across each of the six geo-political zones, which would be done by 10 local companies that have applied to join Dangote group and NLNG in the Investment Tax Credit Scheme of the Federal Government encouraging private sector investments in infrastructure.    
 
Also speaking on the new Finance Act 2019, the Vice President said the law is government’s fiscal response to the issues of limited revenue sources and the need to improve the business environment, especially for small and medium businesses.
 
“The Act has two main purposes with extremely beneficial effects on the Nigerian economy. It addresses the issue of domestic revenue mobilization on which Nigeria has often paraded quite a low record. 
 
“However, even while achieving this objective for the public sector, the Finance Act is calibrated to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria and actively foster private sector growth.”
 
The event was also attended among others, by the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina and the National Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Nigeria, Pastor Joseph Obayemi, who is also President of the Fellowship.
 
Earlier in his own speech, Dr. Adesina, commended the Buhari administration for the achievements recorded in the agricultural sector, noting that the efforts of the Federal Government have revolutionized agriculture in the country. Pastor Obayemi also delivered a welcome message.
 
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
25th January, 2020

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo SAN delivered their keynote Address earlier today at the Inspiration Conference 2020 themed "Galvanized for Geometric Growth," organised by the Redeemer’s Men Fellowship.

The Vice President notes that "Our creative industries and tourism are also a source of encouragement about our economic prospects. The quality of offerings from our film industry, Nollywood has greatly improved with films like Wedding Party 1&2, Chief Daddy, King of Boys attracting large audiences and reaping huge rewards.
Also in attendance was AfDB President, Professor Akinwumi Adesina.

*Dangers of cooking with Paracetamol raised in Council

The National Economic Council (NEC) has welcomed an urgent call from stakeholders to halt malnutrition and related issues in Nigeria.

The council chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, with membership drawn from Governors of the 36 states, the FCT Minister and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, took the decision yesterday after receiving a presentation on the problem of malnutrition in the country at its first meeting of the year 2020.

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, made the presentation to the council in his capacity as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria.

Sanusi, who titled his presentation “a Call for Action,” said “over twelve (12) million children are stunted in Nigeria while 2.6 million are wasted annually due to malnutrition,” adding that Nigeria records the highest number of stunted children in Africa.

According to Sanusi, malnutrition accounts for 53% of deaths among children as high child mortality and stunting are linked to deficiencies in key micronutrients (vitamin A, Iron, Zinc and Calcium), macronutrients (Carbohydrates, Protein, Fats) and associated poor feeding practices, as well as overall nutritional status of the mother.

The Emir, who stated that the burden of malnutrition which include stunting, under-weight, obesity and other diet related non-communicable diseases, can be treated, said, “65% of dietary energy supply is derived from Cereals, Roots and Fibres indicating low dietary diversity."

Continuing, he said basic causes of malnutrition are poverty, socio-cultural, economic and political environment.

NEC appealed to States and Local Governments to deal with the problem by investing more in issues relating to malnutrition, adding that states should key into the World Bank sponsored programme on nutrition.

Other presentations made to NEC yesterday were updates on Special Accounts of the Federation which include: the Balances on the Excess Crude Account as at 20th January, 2020, which stands at $321,393,190.35; the Balance on the Stabilization Account as at 21st January, 2020, is at N31,840,200,473.17.

The presentation also included the Balance on the Development of Natural Resources Account, which as at January 21st 2020, stood at N96,991,981,055.54. The Budget Support facility deduction which is in progress with N29 Billion so far remitted to the Central Bank of Nigeria.

A progress report on leveraging a portion of Accumulated Pension Fund for investment in the NSIA was presented by chairman of the NEC Committee on the matter and Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

He briefed Council on the progress, including proposed consideration of 20% of Pension Funds to be invested in infrastructural projects such as rail, roads and power (electricity).

Also giving report on the review of the status of the ownership structure of the Electricity Power Distribution Companies (DISCOs), the chairman of the Committee, Gov. Nasir El-Rufai, said plans are ongoing to determine the level of investment/ownership of States and Federal Governments in the Discos, and requested NEC to, among other things, place media advertisements for the public to submit memoranda on the way forward for the electricity sector.

NEC approved the prayers of the Committee that stakeholders in the sector be engaged, and that submissions from the public be received for analysis.

Also briefing NEC on Polio Eradication and Improved Routine Immunization in Nigeria, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Emmanuel Ehanire, said Nigeria is on course to attaining polio-free status by June 2020, noting that the country has not recorded any new case of polio infection in the last three and half years.

He said there are incidences of Lassa Fever in some states namely; Edo, Kano, Ondo, Ebonyi and Taraba resulting in 84 cases and 15 deaths, noting that the National Centre for Disease Control has been alerted and is on top of the situation.

Ehanire reported to council that the use of Paracetamol to cook meat and the consequences that comes with it as well as the use of Aspirin to purify water, are deadly practices that damages major body organs, warning that these practices should be avoided.

The Health Minister also briefed Council on the Coronavirus that emerged in China, which has spread to four border countries such as United States of America, Thailand, Japan and Korea.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
24th January, 2020

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, met today with South West Governors, the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police.

The meeting was at the instance of the Governors who had asked to see President Muhammadu Buhari over the controversy surrounding the Amotekun Initiative. However due to the President’s foreign engagement, he asked the Vice President to host the meeting.

The meeting was very fruitful and unanimous resolutions were made on the way forward.

Having regard to the need for all hands to be on deck in addressing the security concerns across the country, it was agreed that the structure of Amotekun should also align with the Community Policing strategy of the Federal Government.

It was also agreed that necessary legal instruments will be put in place by each of the States to give legal backing to the initiative and address all issues concerning the regulation of the security structure.
 
Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
23rd January, 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDBj7LGH7nM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDBj7LGH7nM

Now the cleanup is here Ogoni people can farm and fish easily again #NigerDeltaCleanUp#OgoniCleanUp

Buhari/Osinbajo are not perfect but they are doing alot.

Ken Saro Wiwa will be proud of you two

Subzero047:
Foolish sycophants, Osibanjo is too cowardly to open mouth on Amotekun

get well o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddg4QBRaq54

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1tbGVWjHyo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3MBghN1mJU

Chijeep:
Osibanjo oya con answer ur question.

it’s not under him, humanitarian ministry has taken over.

FINANCE ACT 2019:

20 BASIC FOOD ITEMS, SANITARY PADS, OTHERS MAKE VAT EXEMPTION LIST


*New Law also promotes fiscal equity & supports MSMES



In a bid to ensure that the cost of living does not rise for Nigerians because of the changes in the Value-Added Tax, several basic food items, locally manufactured sanitary towels, pads and tuition relating to nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary education have been added to the exemption list of goods and services on the VAT under the Finance Bill 2019, signed by President Muhammadu Buhari last week, on the 13th January 2020.


Amongst other benefits, the law will consolidate efforts already made in creating the enabling environment for improved private sector participation and contribution to the economy as well as boost states’ revenues.


According to the President, “the Finance Bill will support the funding and implementation of the 2020 Budget. We shall sustain this tradition by ensuring that subsequent budgets are also accompanied by a Finance Bill.”


Below are the details:



The Finance Bill, 2019 was submitted to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari alongside the 2020 Appropriation Bill, and signed into law by the President on January 13, 2020.


The Bill, now an Act, has the following objectives:


Promoting fiscal equity by mitigating instances of regressive taxation;

Reforming domestic tax laws to align with global best practices;

Introducing tax incentives for investments in infrastructure and capital markets;

Supporting Micro, Small and Medium-sized businesses in line with the administration’s Ease of Doing Business Reforms;

Raising Revenues for Federal, State and Local Governments.





FACTSHEET ON NEW FINANCE ACT 2019


The new Act is the first legislation created to accompany an Appropriation Act since the return of democracy in 1999.


The new Act raises VAT from 5% to 7.5%.


To allay fears that low-income persons and companies will be marginalized by the new law, reduce the burden of taxation on vulnerable segments, and promote equitable taxation, the Finance Act 2019 has extended the list of goods and services exempted from VAT. The additional exemptions include the following:


Basic food items – Additives (honey), bread, cereals, cooking oils, culinary herbs, fish, flour and starch, fruits (fresh or dried), live or raw meat and poultry, milk, nuts, pulses, roots, salt, vegetables, water (natural water and table water)


Locally manufactured sanitary towels, pads or tampons.


Services rendered by microfinance banks


Tuition relating to nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary education.

Nigeria’s increased new VAT rate of 7.5% is still the lowest in Africa, and one of the lowest anywhere in the world. (South Africa VAT: 15%; Ghana: 12.5%; Kenya: 16%; Egypt: 14%; Rwanda: 18%; Senegal: 18%)


Under Nigeria’s revenue sharing formula, 85% of collected VAT goes to States and Local Governments. This means that the bulk of additional VAT revenues accruing from the increase will go towards enabling States and Local Governments meet their obligations to citizens, including the new minimum wage as already noted by State Governors. Before now, the Buhari administration had firmly resisted previous suggestions to raise VAT.


The new Finance Act exempts Businesses with turnover below 25 million from VAT payments.

Companies Income Tax (CIT)


Under the new law small companies – companies with less than N25 million in annual turnover are charged Zero CIT.


CIT for Companies with revenues between N25 and N100m (described in the Act as “medium-sized” companies) has been reduced from 30% to 20%     


Large companies – with annual turnover greater than N100m – will continue to pay the standard 30% CIT

The new Act includes a provision that grants to all companies “engaged in agricultural production” in Nigeria “an initial tax-free period of five years”, renewable for an additional three years.


The new Act also provides incentives to promote tax compliance through bonus reductions in CIT for early remittance:

2% bonus for medium-size companies

1% bonus for other companies.


Personal Income Tax Act


The new Act now includes “electronic mail” as an acceptable form of correspondence for persons disputing assessments by the Tax Authorities.


Contributions to Pension and Retirement Funds, Societies and Schemes are now unconditionally tax-deductible.


Stamp Duty Act

With the new Act, the N50 Stamp duty charge is now applicable only to transactions amounting to N10,000 and above, a significant increase on the former threshold of N1,000.


The new Act also expands the list of items exempted from stamp duty.


Customs and Excise Tariff

To reduce unfair advantages previously conferred on imported goods at the expense of locally manufactured ones, certain imported goods are now subject to excise duties similar to locally manufactured goods.

Laolu Akande

Buhari: What’s the next thing to do?
Osinbajo: We have to legalize Amotekun

He was lucky not to have been shot

Can Amotekun Really Cost South-West 2023 Presidency as Miyetti Allah Warned? – By Fredrick Nwabufo


In my column article of January 6 – a riposte to Isa Funtua’s prejudiced utterance on the Igbo — I wrote: ‘’Funtua’s statement reeks of corpulent arrogance, bigotry and acute sense of entitlement. It reinforces the stereotype that his section of the country bullies any region that does not kiss the ring of the caliphate.’’
I was not surprised that Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) reacted hysterically to the piece because the beneficiaries of the disequilibrious status quo will always seek to maintain it.
It is common knowledge that swathes of territories in the north have been overrun by bandits. At the peak of the menace — in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 — these grim reapers killed citizens in hundreds in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Kano. But what did the governors of the region and the federal government do in the face of this challenge? They took a pacifist perspective to it. Instead of facing the problem headlong, they invited murderers to a parley.
Mohammed Adamu, the inspector-general of police (IGP), was in one of such meetings with these bandits. In fact, he said this in one of the ‘’peace meetings’’: “We will take measures to dialogue with the bandits to become better citizens….’’
Also, it was even reported that the bandits were bribed to keep the peace. But this approach did not stop the killings. That fact is, the atrophic security threat assailing the country cannot be tackled by pandering to the whims of the antagonists. When there is no retribution for crime it festers.
And while the government was still ‘’dialoguing’’ with the bandits, they were spreading their tentacles into other parts of the country. Not long afterwards, the south-west became a flashpoint of banditry and kidnapping. The highways in the region became the quickest routes to hell. In July, 2019, Funke Olakunrin, daughter of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Afenifere leader, was killed savagely by bandits on Ondo road. Many other citizens had been killed in a similar pattern in the region. And the killings continued unabated.
So, it is natural that the governors of the south-west, who are the chief security officers of the region, will rally to check the scourge. However, instead of appeasing the bandits like the governors of the north-west did, they dispatched ‘Amotekun’ to secure their area. I think, Amotekun, an ingenious security initiative, is the south-west’s response to the government’s propitiation of bandits.
Regarding the legality of the security outfit, I know the right to life is the crux of all human rights. You cannot fail to defend me, yet asks that I should not defend myself against certain death. If the government was alive to its responsibility of securing citizens, there would be no ‘Amotekun’. Though I admit there may be constitutional limitations to the purview of the outfit, there is no evidence that the recently launched operation has overreached itself in any way.
Also, the south-west governors have made it clear that the security outfit will not perform police functions. So, why the hue and cry?
As a matter of fact, the protest of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore to governors of the south-west region over Amotekun reinforces the stereotype that the north bullies any section of the country which does not bend to its thrall. It also accents an acute sense of entitlement.
Really, it is upsetting that Miyetti Allah is asking the region to decommission Amotekun or risk losing the presidency in 2023.
To share in my despondence please read the statement of Alhassan Saleh, national secretary of Miyetti Allah.
“This Amotekun scheme is political and is not the solution to the problem of insecurity. What the South-West governors should have done is to continue to push for state police. Where did they expect to get the funding from at a time some of them are struggling to pay salaries?
“It is best they give up on this idea because it may affect the chances of the South-West to produce the President in 2023. The thinking is that if the South-West, a major stakeholder in this government, can be toying with this idea now, they may do worse when they get to power.”
“We are in agreement with the AGF that Amotekun is illegal. In fact, we are unhappy that it took the AGF this long to react.”
But can Amotekun cost the south-west 2023 presidency? To me, it is not for a group or even a section of the country to decide. It is the decision of all Nigerians. In 2011, a president emerged from the south-south, even from an ethnic nationality that is considered a minority in the country, against all odds. President Muhammadu Buhari himself had run for office thrice but failed. If it was possible for him to be president solely by the votes and ‘’machination’’ of his section of the country at those times he vied for office, it would have happened.
The point is no one region holds the ace to power in Nigeria. The perception that there is a ‘’kingmaker region’’ is only but a myth. All Nigerians are equal stakeholders in this entity.

http://www.signalng.com/can-amotekun-really-cost-south-west-2023-presidency-as-miyetti-allah-warned-by-fredrick-nwabufo/

Subzero047:
Osibanjo minions are already here

Take note of the monikers that have commented above

You have been noticed. What’s next?

The increase in activities and threats by terrorist groups in the Sahel region can be largely curbed by stepping up relations between Nigeria and the United States of America, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
 
Prof. Osinbajo stated this in Abuja on Thursday when he received the new US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs Mary Beth Leonard, on a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa.
 
Noting the good relationship between Nigeria and the US, the Vice President noted that the relationship can become even more robust.
 
He observed that apart from poverty, terrorism is a major issue affecting the Sahel region and this is the best chance of making progress on those issues.

“Stepping up cooperation with the US in the area of counter-terrorism is something that should be pursued vigorously given the threats of terrorism in the Sahel,” according to the Vice President.   
 
Responding to the proposition by Mrs Leonard for improved ties between Nigeria and US including through the restoration of the Bi-National Commission, Prof. Osinbajo said there are indeed huge opportunities for improved cooperation between both countries.
 
“The challenges facing us as a country are many but they present opportunities for doing innovative and great things. This is our best chance to making serious progress.
 
“I am certainly looking forward to the Bi-National Commission and hope that important issues concerning our trade relations will be addressed because we have barely scratched the surface,” the Vice President said.
 
Earlier in her remarks, the US Ambassador, Mrs Mary Beth Leonard said it was an honour to serve in Nigeria and expressed hope that her tenure as Ambassador to Nigeria would be fruitful.
 
The Ambassador said improving trade and investment and resuscitating the US-Nigeria Bi-National Commission will top her agenda in the coming years.
 
 

 
Laolu Akande  

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

16th January 2020

Eniola Writes from Lagos

"We will do better for our Veterans and the families of our fallen heroes and to improve the conditions of those in Service and we shall do so incrementally." - Osinbajo

Every 15th of January Nigeria marks the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, reflecting on the fallen heroes and the men who sacrificed their lives to protect our territory.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria are so special that they deserve more of our supports and prayers. Of course, the military men deserves better welfare packages and insurance schemes.
Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN, is deputy to a military veteran with lots of experiences both at the local scenes and abroad. Osinbajo has proven over time that he does have a kind heart for the armed forces and his recognition for their integral role in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. I am quite sure he would have whispered to his boss' ears on several occasions that the Nigerian Armed Forces deserves more.

Evidently, every programme of the Armed forces that had the VP as a guest has always been honoured by the Senior Advocate. So, I think it is safe to call Osinbajo a true friend.

At the last Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Vice President was so emotional that his speech caused tears to roll down the checks of the wives, children and the families of the fallen heroes.

These are excerpts from the VP's speech:
"Every victory won through your immense courage and your toil in the face of mortal dangers are the inevitable labour pains of the new Nigeria, your labours will not be in vain.”
"The sacrifices of the men and women of the armed forces both dead and living was responsible for the existence of Nigeria as a nation today." 
"Govt would continue to prioritize the welfare & wellbeing of the families of the fallen heroes, we'll do better for our veterans & families of our fallen heroes & to improve the conditions of those in service & we shall do so incrementally".
"On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I thank you veterans and serving officers for your faith and your services to our nation and we thank the families of the fallen heroes for your fortitude."
The former university teacher also took to his official twitter handle to write about the Armed forces:
"Whenever Nigeria calls, No matter the danger or circumstances, you answer the call. We thank you for your sacrifice and the sacrifices your families pay for our continuing liberty. It is a debt we can never repay."
Thank you President Buhari, Thank you Vice - President Osinbajo, Thank you Nigeria!
#ArmedForces #ArmedForcesRememberanceDay!

This is very commendable. Buhari is doing well, no doubt

THE SOILED REPUTATION OF JACKSON UDE

Jackson Ude may be popularly known as the former communications director for ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, but his rise to the limelight started in close media circles as the King of “Smear Campaign”. Using his blog http://pointblanknews.com/, Jackson Ude, gained his reputation on the backs of innocent political individuals using blackmail, lies and false publications. He is also available for the right price to those who wish to use his services to sponsor false or biased content as was the case between he and the Orji Uzor Kalu family. He has currently enlisted VP Yemi Osinbajo as his current victim for ulterior motives, but he did not start today.

Back in 2009, he connived with one Mr. Steven Chunuwa-Ogwu, a police officer, to blackmail the wife of Sam Amuka the CEO of Vanguard Newspaper, Mrs Oyin Amuka in which they collected N4 million naira to squash a fabricated case. Mr. Steven, unhappy with how the N4 million should be shared, blew open the operation to Mr. Amuka while demanding his “own share”. They were later arrested and persecuted. Despite such development, Jackson still attempted to dupe Ngozi Okonjo Iweala after fabricating lies of her ownership of a billion-naira mansion in Abuja. He was abruptly sued by Mrs. Iweala, of which he then fled the country to USA. Currently, he is targeting the VP from abroad with false allegations hoping for cheap political attention. He neither works in the presidential villa nor was he at Imo state with Governor Ihedioha and the VP Yemi Osinbajo therefore his claim is a baseless lie. His desperate desire for political clout through lies and blackmail may only land him behind bars.