₦airaland Forum

Great Man! Problem Solver!

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE 

*OSINBAJO HARPS ON  REVIVING ECONOMY IN THE AFTERMATH OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC AT LAUNCH OF TRANSCORP'S NEW PRODUCT*
 

A digital hospitality platform would not only provide a major avenue for other small businesses in the value chain to grow, but would help revive Nigeria’s hospitality industry in general, especially in the aftermath of  COVID-19 global pandemic. 

This was the summation of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, on Thursday night in Abuja where he was special guest of honour during the official launch of “Aura” by Transcorp Hotels PLC, described by its proponents as a digital platform designed to connect people to quality accommodation, great food, and awesome experiences in several places. 

At the event, which was also attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN; Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige; the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Ade Ipaye, Chairman of Transcorp Group, Mr. Tony Elumelu; among other dignitaries, the Vice President stated that a digital  innovation like Aura is a welcome idea. 

In what was an immersive experience, the launching event featured delectable Nigerian cuisine, video presentations and life performances by leading Nigerian artists and celebrities including Tiwa Savage. 

Prof. Osinbajo said, “yes, there are a number of digital hospitality platforms already, but I think the unique offering here is that Transcorp, possibly Nigeria’s foremost luxury hotel, is putting its huge reputation behind the service of helping customers choose the best accommodation restaurants, and experience tours available in Nigeria. The advantages of this service are varied. 

“First, the customer can rely on the experience and judgment of world class personnel at Transcorp in choosing hotels and restaurants. Second, Transcorp helps to build other smaller hospitality businesses, and even those simply offering their apartments simply as short-let apartments, by recommending their accommodation to potential guests. 

“A Transcorp recommendation is more or less an accreditation that the accommodation or other hospitality service meets the high standards for which Transcorp is known. This is great all around and will help revive the hospitality industry, especially since the downturn in the aftermath of COVID-19.” 

The Vice President added that he found the app easy to navigate, with a copious offering of hotels, short-let apartments, experience tours. 

“They lure you into it by showing you a photo of an incredibly mouth-watering meal, and I saw a few that almost convinced me to break my fast early. So, there was an amazing looking Chicken Cheese Pizza from Barnyard lounge in Asaba, some irresistible chicken meal – a 5-star chicken - from Platino in Lagos, and some 'carry go suya' spice prawns at 355 here in Abuja. So, from the photo of the meal that takes you to the restaurant itself, you have booking options, dine-in, pick up or delivery.” 

The VP added that, “I think the feature many especially property owners will find most fascinating is the host feature; as this enables you to put up your own property. And there are terms and conditions you need to meet for your property to be accepted. Same for whatever other entertainment facility you may wish to put out there for letting.” 

Prof. Osinbajo commended the Transcorp team, including Mr. Elumelu; Group CEO of Transcorp, Mrs. Owen Omogiafo; and CEO of Transcorp Hotels, Mrs. Dupe Olusola; for designing such digital platform at this time. 

“This is an excellent innovation, a service that leverages smoothly on technology and one that will be a tremendous boost to the hospitality industry as a whole.  And because I have checked it out myself, I can say that my Aura experience has been quite good,” he stated. 

In her remarks, Mrs. Olusola noted that, “Aura is a digital hospitality platform that gives the opportunity to all our stakeholders and guests to actually be able to book accommodation and experiences just at their fingertips. 

"Aura is an opportunity for us to diversify our economy, an opportunity to create jobs and employment, and to develop domestic tourism and leisure travel.”

*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*9th July, 2021*

All I see is HUMILITY, this man is different from the rest. God bless PYO

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

HOW FG’S COVID-19 STIMULUS PACKAGE HAS BEEN HELPFUL, BY OSINBAJO
*Over 2m jobs saved, created as FG release 100% budget component of ESP funds
*1. 3M jobs retained through Payroll Support
*36 States received N50b
*7 local airlines receive N2.84b
*Over 6 million farmers enumerated to benefit from agric sectoral support
*President approves fertilizer subsidy for over 1 million farmers


Thanks to the Federal Government’s COVID-19 stimulus package, the Nigerian economy did not degenerate as feared and at least over 2 million jobs have been both created and saved with the implementation of the Economic Sustainability Plan.

Although the target of N2.3 trillion estimated to be spent under the plan has not been achieved just as yet, the Federal Government appropriation part of that total being N500 billion has been completely released by the end of May, making it possible to attain several objectives of the ESP directly supporting a few million Nigerians.

While a total of 2,100,021 jobs have been saved and created all together, the breakdown of the figures indicate that 1.3 million jobs have been retained through interventions in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) space, including the Payroll Support. The 774,000 jobs from the Public Works Programme and 26,021 Jobs from construction /rehabilitation projects across the country were among those freshly created.

These were some of the highlights that emerged from a virtual meeting of the Economic Sustainability Committee measuring implementation presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, on Monday.

Commenting on the implementation of the ESP, Prof Osinbajo said the 100% release of funds appropriated in the budget for the programme was commendable and urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to expedite action on the release of funding components of the ESP that are dependent on financing from the bank.

According to the VP, “our budget funds were released in total. I thank the Honorable Minister of Finance for ensuring that it was done promptly, which means, in effect, that as far as the budget goes, we have been able to do what we practically promised to do.

“I know that if we were able to infuse N2.3 trillion into the Nigerian economy, we will not have the employment figures that we have today, we will not have the problems that we have today, they will be significantly reduced. Even with what we are able to do with the budget, growth figures at least indicate that things have not degenerated as badly as many had thought.

“So, you can imagine what we could have done if we were able to fully implement what we thought we would be able to implement. Unfortunately, this hasn’t been the case. We hope that in the next couple of weeks, we will be able to get some good response on more funds that we expect to get from the CBN which will help us to make some progress on the implementation.”

According to a summary by the Minister of State for Budget and Planning, Prince Clem Agba, construction/rehabilitation of 3,707 km Federal roads across the federation under Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) is at 65% completion.

In the agricultural sector, over 6 million farmers have been enumerated, 3.6 million passed the first stage of validation and 2.4 million scaled the second validation stage. The Minister added that 129,000 crop farmers and 38, 333 animal farmers have been profiled for the Interest Free Loan Support for the dry season farming cycle.

He added that under the COVID-19 intervention programme for the health sector, the establishment of 520 Intensive Care Units (ICU) Beds, 52 Molecular Laboratories and Isolation Centres at Federal Tertiary Hospitals is at 67% completion.

The Minister also reported that 485 water points have been constructed/rehabilitated by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources across the federation.

Giving a summary of the funding performance, Prince Agba said N500 billion representing 100% of the total sum in the budget has been released to all the programmes of the ESP as at May 30, 2021.

Detailing the breakdown of the releases, the Minister said, the economic cluster received N202.462 billion which represents 100% of the appropriation to the cluster while N61.589 billion which also represents 100% appropriation was released for the creation of jobs for youth and women.

The Social Intervention Programme and Support to Persons of Concern received N34.957 billion; WASH Programme and Energy Support to Vulnerable Communities received N22.315 billion; support for building a resilient health system received N116 billion; support for the operations of Security Forces was put at N15.674 billion, and the 36 States of the Federation received N50 billion,” the Minister explained.

In the aviation sector, the Minister said N5 billion has been released to support local airlines, ground handlers and other aviation allied businesses.

According to him, “7 scheduled operators, comprising Dana, Overland, Airpeace, Azman, Aero, Arik and Max Air received N2.84 billion; 20 non-scheduled operators, comprising Cargo and Private Jet Services received N949, 909,000; 5 ground handling operators, including NAHCO, SAHCO, Presion Aviation, Batuke Resources Ltd and Swissport Intl Ltd received N233,333,000; The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies received N196 million; Airport Car Hire Association of Nigeria (ACHAN) received N196 million; 7 In-Flight Catering Services Operators received N233,333,000 and Aviation Fuel Operators received N233,333,000.”

Updating the meeting on the implementation of the Agriculture for Food and Job Plan, the Technical Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Andrew Kwasari, said the construction of 340 km of rural roads across the federation under Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) have been completed.

He added that the clearing of 3,200 hectares of land in 8 States have been completed, while the President has granted approval for fertilizer subsidy to over 1 million farmers already enumerated under the Agriculture for Food and Job Programme.

On his part, the Managing Director of Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad said the Solar Power Naija Programme under the ESP was progressing steadily with more communities to be connected under the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) 100,000 solar connections, among other components of the programme.

He added that the agency under the Energy for All initiative has completed the connection of 200 Primary Healthcare Centres and 104 schools across the country to solar power with plans to connect more schools and health centres.

Under the Social Housing Scheme, the Managing Director of the Family Homes Fund, Mr Femi Adewole, said the scheme is progressing steadily as the financing agreement between the Family Homes Fund and the CBN has been finalized while the Ministry of Finance has provided the necessary guarantee for the project.

He added that the disbursement request for N30 billion to finance a total of 29,600 homes will be submitted to the CBN for processing before the end of this week.

Other members of the Economic Sustainability Committee present at the meeting included, the Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Minister of Works and Housimg Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Labour & Employment, and representative of the CBN Governor, among other officials.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
5th July 2021

COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE MEETING OF THE GOVERNORS OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA AT THE LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT HOUSE, IKEJA, LAGOS STATE, ON MONDAY, 5TH JULY, 2021 NIGERIA.

The Southern Governors Forum at the end of the meeting held on Monday, 5th July, 2021 reviewed the situation in the Country and focused on the current security situation, constitutional amendment, Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).
Rising from the meeting, the Forum agreed on the following:

1.     Re-affirmed their commitment to the unity of Nigeria on the pillars of equity, fairness, justice, progress and peaceful co-existence between and amongst its people.

2.     The Forum reiterates its commitment to the politics of equity, fairness and unanimously agrees that the presidency of Nigeria be rotated between Southern and Northern Nigeria and resolved that the next president of Nigeria should emerge from the Southern Region.

3.     Security
a.     The Forum reviewed the security situation in the country and commends security operatives for their relentless efforts in restoring security and safety and commiserates with families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty;
b.     Re-emphasised the need for State Police;
c.     Resolved that if for any reason security institutions need to undertake an operation in any State, the Chief Security Officer of the State must be duly informed;
d.     the forum frowns at selective criminal administration of Justice and resolved that arrests should be made within the ambit of the Law and fundamental human rights;
e.     Set a timeline of Wednesday, 1st September, 2021 for the promulgation of the anti open grazing law in all member States; and
f.      Resolved that Funds deducted from the Federation Account for the Nigeria Police Security Trust Fund should be distributed among the States and Federal Government to combat security challenges.

4.     Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) Law:
i.           The Forum commends the National Assembly for the progress made in the passage of the PIB;
ii.           the Forum rejects the proposed 3% and support the 5% share of the oil revenue to the host community as recommended by the House of Representatives;
iii.           the forum also rejects the proposed 30% share of profit for the exploration of oil and gas in the basins;
iv.           However, the forum rejects the ownership structure of the proposed Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). The Forum disagrees that the company be vested in the Federal Ministry of Finance but should be held in trust by Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) since all tiers of government have stakes in that vehicle.

5. In order to consolidate our democracy and strengthen the Electoral process, the Southern Governors’ Forum reject the removal of the Electronic transmission of the election result from the electoral act; and also rejects the confirmation of exclusive jurisdiction in pre-election matters on the Federal High Court.

6. The Forum unanimously chose Lagos State as its permanent secretariat and appreciated the Governor of Lagos State for the wonderful hosting of this meeting while commending him for his good work in the State.

Fake news kill you there. RADARADA

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE 

*WHY KANO IS HOME TO ALL NIGERIANS – OSINBAJO*

*VP graces coronation of Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero
 
Beyond its proud history and traditions, Kano is a melting pot of diverse tribes and cultures and a place that is home to all and for all Nigerians, where they can co-exist peacefully regardless of differences, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
 
Prof. Osinbajo stated this today in Kano, during the coronation of Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano, where he represented President Muhammadu Buhari.
 
The event which drew dignitaries from far and wide featured, besides the administration of the oath, and the formal presentation of the Staff of Office to the Emir, traditional rites, prayers, recitals and speeches.
 
The Vice President, who conveyed the President’s warm felicitations and personal good wishes to the State government and people of Kano, described the coronation as ‘historic’, while noting that Kano is revered as a major commercial and economic centre in sub-Saharan Africa.
 
“It is only the tolerance of the culture of Kano, where opposite ideas can co-exist peacefully, that you could have a thriving free market economy, with several millionaires and yet also be the base of radical left of Centre political ideas.  This is after-all the city of the socialist man of the masses, Mallam Aminu Kano and many of his disciples.  Kano is also the home of the richest man in Africa, Alhaji Aliko Dangote,” he said.
 
He added that, “we are all proud of this city; proud of its legacy of tolerance and warmth and very proud that it indeed remains home to all and for all Nigerians, regardless of tribe and ethnicity, and the melting pot of diverse tribes and cultures assimilated into a robust, vibrant and cohesive whole.”
 
Congratulating the Emir of Kano on his coronation, the VP said, “Your Royal Highness, it is this great city over which God has given you the good fortune of being Monarch, a privilege which you know comes with the obligation of preserving these rich traditions of brotherhood of all tribes and tongues. 
 
“You inherit not only one of the most revered thrones in Africa, but on a more personal level your great father was known for his wisdom, courage and integrity. He loved his people and served them with honor and complete commitment. You have a goodly heritage but a particularly difficult act to follow. But we are confident that by the grace of God you will exceed the reputation of your illustrious forebears.
 
“So today, as you ascend the throne of your fathers, carrying with you the love and trust of your people. I can only offer you a prayer: I pray that this land will prosper in your reign, I pray that the Almighty God will be merciful to you and to the people of this land, and that his hand will be upon you to guide and direct you daily. Your family and tribe will increase, your days will be long, and as your days so shall your strength, your wisdom and your favour with God in Jesus name. Amen.”
 
While also congratulating Kano State Governor Umar Ganduje for “midwifing a generational change of guards that only a few will experience in their lifetimes,” Prof. Osinbajo added that “the swearing-in and handing over of the Staff of Office to the new Emir of Kano is in fulfillment of the extant law and practice of the installation of Emirs.”
 
Dignitaries present at the event included the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan; Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; several governors, including the Governors of Katsina, Aminu Bello Masari; Kebbi, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Bauchi, Bala Mohammed; Jigawa, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Kogi, Yahaya Bello; Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Sokoto, Aminu Tambuwal; Zamfara, Bello Matawalle.
 
Also present were the Ministers of Aviation, Hadi Sirika; Defence, Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (Retd.); and Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono; as well as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Abubakar III, and other traditional rulers.
 
*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*3rd July, 2021*

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE 

*NEC ENDORSES 2022-2024 MEDIUM TERM EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK, FISCAL STRATEGY PAPER*
 
 _*VP urges States to send EndSARS judicial panels' progress reports_ 
 
_*Reconciliation reached regarding States' repayment of Budget Support Facility_
 
 As plans for next year's budget begins to gather pace, the National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed the 2022-2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) which was presented to it at an emergency meeting of the Council today.
 
Besides the MTEF presentation, the NEC also updated its focus on the reports of the State Judicial Panels set up across the country after last year's EndSARS protests. Today, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, urged States where the panels are still sitting to also send interim reports so as to measure progress. 
 
According to the Vice President, the reports are now being received ahead of a Council meeting where presentations would be made on them, both for States where the panels have concluded their work and those that are still sitting. 
 
These were some of the major highlights of the emergency meeting of the Council which held virtually and was presided over by the Vice President, with several State Governors, FCT Minister, Finance Minister, Central Bank Governor, and other government officials in attendance. 
 
It will be recalled that the Council recommended the establishment of judicial panels nationwide to address complaints of police brutality after the President dissolved the Police SARS unit. Almost all States in the Federation set up the panels, including the Federal Capital Territory. 
 
The Council comprises the 36 State Governors, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as well as other senior Federal Government officials.
 
During the presentation of the MTEF to the Council, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. Zainab Ahmed, stated that the draft of the 2022-2024 MTEF/FSP was prepared against the backdrop of global economic recovery, amidst improved vaccination outlook and lower incidence of (COVID-19) infection. 
 
She also said the Nigerian economy sustained a tepid recovery in first quarter of 2021 posting a Year-on-Year (YoY) GDP growth of 0.51%, consolidating the exit from recession in Q4 2020, reflecting the easing of COVID-19 induced restrictions. 
 
The Minister recalled that the economy, which lapsed into recession in Q3 2020, after two successive quarters of negative GDP growth, promptly emerged from the recession with a positive 0.11% GDP growth in Q4 2020. She added that the Medium Term Fiscal Framework showed that there are continuing global challenges in the aftermath of the COVID-19. 
 
The presentation to the Council by Dr. Zainab Ahmed today followed the public presentation of the paper yesterday and a forthcoming presentation to the Federal Executive Council soon.
 
Also at today's meeting, Council was informed that the issue of the repayment of the Budget Support Facility has now been resolved after a meeting presided over earlier this week by the Vice President, Governor Kayode Fayemi, representing the States, the Finance Minister and the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele. 
 
Under the new arrangement, the Central Bank of Nigeria has offered a fresh bridging financing to States as they resume the repayment of the FG-backed Facility.
 
*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President* 
*2nd July, 2021*

Amen! We are all hoping for a best Nigeria!

#KanuTheDestroyer

May his soul continue to rest in peace

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
 
OSINBAJO MAINTAINS STAND, NIGERIA, OTHERS PLAN STOPPING MOVES TO DEFUND GAS PROJECTS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES*
 

Maintaining the position that the funding for gas and fossil fuel projects in Nigeria and other developing countries be sustained during the global transition to net-zero emissions, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has said Nigeria will continue its frontline advocacy for a just transition.
 
He also asserted that Nigeria will play a critical role with other gas exporting countries to stop the defunding of gas and fossil fuel projects in developing countries.
 
This was the highlight of a virtual meeting on the subject presided over by the Vice President yesterday, with other top Federal Government officials in attendance; including the Ministers of Environment, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar; Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of State, Environment, Mrs. Sharon Ikeazor; Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Bitrus Bako Nabasu.
 
It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had already declared in March that the country’s Decade of Gas “was a bold statement to demonstrate the Administration’s resolve that gas development and utilisation should be a national priority.”
 
Before now, Prof. Osinbajo had, at different forums in the past months, raised the issue of financing of gas projects in developing countries, especially Nigeria, advocating for a just transition and more effective engagements since the campaign for the Net-Zero Emission by 2050 resumed.
 
In March this year, at a meeting with a delegation from the European Union (EU) led by its Executive Vice President, Mr. Valdis Dombrovskis, the VP reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the global green energy initiative, but called for a just transition to zero emission.
 
At another meeting held earlier in February with the British Member of Parliament and COP26 President-Designate, Mr. Alok Sharma, Prof. Osinbajo restated Nigeria’s support and commitment to the Climate Change agreement, but cited the planned restrictions on financing of gas projects in African countries as a potential setback.
 
At the UN Dialogue on Food Systems, also in February, the Vice President stressed the need for the international community to consider as an option, the use of gas and other more environmentally friendly fuel sources, as against what he termed “defunding gas projects” on the basis of gas not being environmentally friendly enough.
 
Speaking at yesterday’s meeting, the Vice President noted that it was vital that the Forum of Gas Exporting Countries (GEC) join forces together to prevent the defunding of gas and fossil fuel projects, especially from developing countries, by international bodies and institutions.
 
According to the VP, concrete steps should be taken by the GEC Forum to stop further plans by international bodies and Western countries on defunding of gas/fossil fuel projects as it does not benefit developing countries especially.
 
He noted that it was vital Nigeria plays a significant role in achieving a consensus with the GEC Forum on these issues, even as the 26th United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) - which is scheduled to hold later this year - approaches.
 
In the same vein, the Vice President asked the Inter-ministerial committee on Climate Change, led by the Federal Ministry of Environment, to finetune Nigeria’s position for COP26, while the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources would focus on strengthening the country’s strategy, particularly in its initiative to use gas as a transition fuel.
 
Both the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, and Minister of Foreign Affairs were directed to work together, ensuring the GEC Forum reaches a consensus that reflects Nigeria’s advocacy on defunding of gas projects.
 
*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*25th June, 2021*

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

WHAT WE ARE CURRENTLY DOING TO IMPROVE SECURITY, BY OSINBAJO

*Adds: Soon insecurity would be a thing of the past in Nigeria
*Ekiti Monarch tells VP: South-West is very proud of you

The recent supplementary budget sent to the National Assembly, on enhancing the capacity of the military and other security agencies, is part of the concerted efforts of the Federal Government to beef up its response to the nation's security challenges, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Wednesday evening when he received on a courtesy call at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, His Royal Majesty, the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaiye.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; and Senator Opeyemi Bamidele were also present at the meeting.

The Vice President further stated that traditional rulers, local and state governments must also collaborate with the Federal Government in tackling insecurity.

He said, “the President has recently constituted a committee that will look at the whole security infrastructure with a view to looking at the needs of the military, as well as the police and security agencies.

"The result of that is a bill before the National Assembly, a supplementary bill. The purpose of that bill is to present some of the needs of the military, as well as of security agencies in order to be able to beef up our response to the security challenges.

“We have to keep looking at how to support our (security) services to ensure that our country is safe. I can assure you that soon, the issue of insecurity will be a thing of the past, and that we will all live in peace and prosperity in this country."

According to the VP, even as the Federal Government is very concerned, and will continue to ramp up efforts towards improving security nationwide, community efforts is also vital in tackling the issue from the roots.

He said, “there is no question at all that, at the level of community, we need to take decisive action, because most of these things occur in our community level.

"And I’m very happy to hear that you have a committee organised for the purpose of this (tackling insecurity) and that you’ve been able to contain the menace that we see in different parts of the country in your community.

“Any country with this number of security challenges must respond as robustly as possible. But it is also important to bear in mind that it takes a combined effort of all of us, at the local government level, state and federal levels; all of the levels; we need to come together to tackle this issue of insecurity.”

Prof. Osinbajo added that the Federal Government will provide necessary support to the community in tackling its challenges, adding that the FG is also working with the Ekiti State government on dealing with insecurity, as well as various issues.

In his remarks, the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaiye, thanked the VP for granting them audience and listening to their demands, including support for the establishment of a Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in the community.

Oba Ajakaiye said, “Again, as a community, we have come to appreciate you (Vice President) for your diligence, hard work, commitment and loyalty; and that, we from the South West, are very proud of you. We want to assure you that we are very much in support of you. From our own end, we are doing a lot to ensure that the menace of insecurity will not remain in our domain.”

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
24th June, 2021

Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti sabi better man, we are proud of you!

Ojudu made the statement, people should learn how to read. Presidency is going to the south!!!!!

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

“VERY IMPRESSIVE, SO MUCH INNOVATION & CREATIVITY ON DISPLAY”:
VP VISITS TWO SMALL BUSINESSES IN ABUJA

*Restates FG’s commitment to growth of MSMEs

“It is very impressive that somewhere in Abuja, you can have so much manufacturing going on, so many people employed and so much innovation and creativity on display”, said Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, today during a visit to DLK Clothing Signatures LTD, a manufacturer of shoes, garments and other items, located in Lugbe, a suburb of Abuja.

The Vice President accompanied by Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, among other officials, also visited Roving Heights Book Store located at the Wuse II area of the FCT, as the 2021 MSME Week gets underway.

At the Lugbe facility, Prof. Osinbajo was conducted round the different production lines by the CEO of the company, Barr. Lovelyn Mbanefo. He was taken round the shoe-making line, garment factory and the face mask production line. The VP interacted with the workers at the factory as he observed the inner workings and the different processes in the production line.

At the Roving Heights Book Store in Wuse II, the Vice President was conducted around the Book Store by Ms Nike Oyetunde, the Co-founder of the book store, where the professor bought a few titles and was told about the business operations and how sales fare in the book store.

Speaking in a chat with journalists during the tour, Prof. Osinbajo said the Federal Government will continue to give priority attention to MSMEs especially those creating jobs for Nigerians.

According to him, “this is our MSME Week, we are looking at star MSMEs here and there, looking at what they are doing and in what ways we can support them, so we are looking forward to working with them.”

At the Lugbe stop, the VP told reporters “we are here at the DLK manufacturing company. They manufacture, as you have seen, boots, shoes, special uniforms for the NYSC, for the Armed Forces, and they also make bags and masks. Even face masks.

“This is quite an impressive facility because first, there is a wide range of products that are manufactured right here, and secondly, there is a good number of young men and women that are employed.

“Thirdly, and importantly, the equipment is state-of-the-art. We have looked around and we have seen that you can do practically anything here. You can do all of the manufacture of boots for the Armed Forces, and they already have something they are doing for the Armed Forces, the Customs Service, and the NYSC.”

He expressed satisfaction with the operations of both MSMEs and said what he had observed was quite impressive.

In commemoration of the 2021 MSME Week, culminating in the World MSME Day on June 27, series of activities have been planned.

Only yesterday, the Vice President held a virtual interaction with leaders of the organized private sector on issues bothering on the economy, especially the growth of MSMEs.

The President of NASME, Mr. Orimadegun Agboade, praised the Vice President for his “personal attention to MSMEs Clinics, describing the VP’s support as “more than what we can express.”

On Thursday, June 24, the first National MSME Discourse which will focus on challenges and prospects in the MSME sector will be declared open by the Vice President with panelists and discussants drawn from the public and private sectors.

On Friday the National Fashion and Arts Exhibition featuring notable fashion designers across the country will be held at the State House Banquet Hall, while the grand finale of the week, the National MSME Awards will hold on Sunday June 27 at the same venue.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
22nd June 2021

It should remain in the Ministry biko. They don't appreciate the good work the man is doing

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

OSINBAJO TO CORPORATES:
ACCOUNTABILITY IN SERVICES PROVIDED, ATTENDING TO PEOPLE’S NEEDS, WAY TO GO

Ensuring there is accountability in the provision of services to customers and paying greater attention to the needs of the people, should be the driving purpose of corporate organisations operating in Nigeria, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Thursday evening when he received members of the board of telecoms giant, MTN, led by the company’s Group President and CEO, Mr Ralph Mupita, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.

Declaring that it is critical for corporate organisations to show commitment to improving services and to build confidence in the people, the Vice President said, “corporate organizations should be more accountable in their services, in the ownership structure, and also in paying attention to the needs of the people. Companies that ensure this will experience progress, as this is the right direction to go.

“Going forward, most corporates will find that attaching greater importance to the people is the way to go.”

For telecommunication firms like MTN, the Vice President also noted that “financial inclusion is crucial, so is broadband connection in deepening access and will help to connect hard-to-reach places, and to retail social welfare and services.”

While noting there have been hiccups in the relationship, the VP commended MTN for its contribution to the country, adding that the company “is clearly an important part of Nigeria’s story.

“The company’s investment was crucial when Nigeria needed to show that not only is there a large population in the country, but that it is a large market. The market was severely underestimated for a long time. So, MTN is an important part of our story, we regard MTN as an important partner.

Earlier in his remarks, MTN’s Group President and CEO, Mr Ralph Mupita disclosed that “we want to deepen our structure of ownership in Nigeria. We will sell another 14% to Nigerian individuals and institutions. We want to have the largest retail-based shareholding in Nigeria. We want at least 2 million Nigerian shareholders, deepening our roots in Nigeria.”

He added that MTN as a corporate citizen is responsible in all the countries where it is represented, noting that “Our vision is to drive digital solutions for Africa’s progress, and in MTN, we are building PAN-African leadership.”

Other members of the MTN delegation include the Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Mr Ernest Ndukwe; Group Chief Finance Officer, Mr Tsholofelo Molefe; MTN Nigeria CEO, Mr Karl Toriola, and Chief Corporate Services Officer, Mr Tobechukwu Okigbo.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
18th June 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

NEC NOW RECEIVING REPORTS FROM STATE JUDICIAL PANELS ON ENDSARS

*To convene Council session soon on implementation

*VP Osinbajo inaugurates 26-member National Road Safety Advisory Council

As judicial panels set up by State Governors to resolve issues of police brutality and related concerns across the country round up their assignments, the National Economic Council (NEC) is set to convene a special session to review reports of the panels that have now started coming to the Council.

This is among resolutions and conclusions reached today at the Council’s 117th meeting held virtually and presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN with State governors, federal ministers, the Central Bank Governor and other top government officials in attendance.

It will be recalled that the judicial panels were recommended after adoption of a resolution by NEC to address nationwide complaints of police brutality after the President dissolved the Police SARS unit. Almost all States in the Federation set up the panels including the Federal Capital Territory.

The Vice President at today's meeting announced that a special session of NEC will soon be convened to consider all the reports that are ready from the judicial panels set up late last year to address the concerns of the Nigerian people on police brutality allegations and other related issues. That meeting would also consider the implementation of the reports including remedies, redress and compensations.

Also at the meeting, the VP inaugurated the National Road Safety Advisory Council as a demonstration of government’s continued commitment to addressing the challenges of road safety in the country. The Advisory Council is a critical aspect of the updated National Road Safety Strategy adopted by NEC and approved by the Federal Executive Council late last year.

The Road Safety Advisory Council is chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, with the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Boboye Oyeyemi as Secretary. Other members of the 29-member Advisory Council include:
Six governors representing the six geo-political zones as follows:

1.Chief Willie Obiano, FCA, Governor of Anambra State, representing the South-East zone.

2.Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, representing the South-South zone.

3.Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, representing the South-West zone.

4.Alh. Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, Governor of Gombe State representing the North-East zone.

5.Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State representing North-West.

6.Mr. Abdulrahman AbdulRasaq, Governor of Kwara State, representing the North-Central zone.

7.Secretary to the Government of the Federation – Member

8.Honourable of Ministry of Transport – Member

9.Honourable Minister of Works – Member

10.Honourable Minister of Health – Member

11.Honourable Minister of Justice – Member

12.Honourable Minister of Education – Member

13.Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning – Member

14.Honourable Minister of Environment – Member

15.Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment - Member

16.Honourable Minister of Police Affairs - Member

17.Honourable Minister of Interior - Member

18.Honourable Minister of State, Finance, Budget and National Planning – Member

19. Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory – Member

20.National Security Adviser - Member

21.President, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) – Member

22.President, Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) – Member

23.President, Nigerian Society of Engineers – Member

24.Board Chairman, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) - Member

Today's Council meeting also received a report from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the NNPC on the issue of the terminated "Strategic Alliance Agreements" with solution options. Deliberations on this will continue at another meeting of the Council, it was resolved so as to give members the opportunity to properly review and consider the presentation from the NNPC.

The Council also received a presentation from the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management & Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, on the establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) to address the problem of sexual and gender-based violence.

She said the Centres which will operate as One-Stop-Shops will help to limit the physical and mental health consequences of rape and sexual assault by providing free, accessible, multi-agency, forensically secured service for survivors.

According to the Minister, “sexual assault can have a devastating impact on every aspect of survivor’s lives which can make them vulnerable to further episodes of sexual abuse or violence. There can be long-term physical and psychological impacts and this includes post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, inability to sleep, etc. People who have experienced sexual assault have three main care needs: medical care; psychosocial care and assistance; and support from the criminal justice system.”

Some other highlights:

FINANCIAL UPDATES:

The Honorable Minister of State for Budget and National Planning gave the Council an update on the under listed accounts balances as follows:

1. EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT (ECA)

Balance as at 16 June 2021 - $60,850,975.92



2. STABILIZATION ACCOUNT

Balance as at 16th June, 2021 - N 24,802,716,416.22

3. DEVELOPMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ACCOUNT

Balance as at 16th June, 2021 - N28,215,689,963.31.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
17th June 2021

*Why the FRSC Traffic Radio will improve insecurity*

I saw a video of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo launching the FRSC National Traffic Radio and to me it was a move in the right direction if we are to get the issue of security right in Nigeria.

Many have wondered if security agencies in Nigeria exchange intelligence and how it has been possible for school children to be kidnapped in droves without anyone seeing them as they passed from one village to another, this I think can be curbed if the FRSC Traffic Radio is managed and executed optimally.

How do I mean? I mean that if the information from the Traffic Radio is timely, then people can have a sense of what the traffic, as well as security situation across the country is.

What about commercial buses who ply long distance routes, like Lagos to Abuja? They are also going to be informed about what routes or roads to use and where to avoid.

This will help commuters make informed decisions when they want to travel within a state or even outside the state.

One other reason why I feel good about the Traffic Road is the communication of trailer or truck accidents which has been one of the biggest problems some Nigerians have encountered during road usage.

When these trucks fall on the road especially those carrying fuel or diesel, it takes a while for FRSC to respond but with the radio station, they will have personnel deployed across Nigeria to report incidencies.

Also, the use of technology will help. With drones in the air monitoring the road situation and reporting to the radio station, Nigerians will be abreast of traffic situations in good time.

I want to believe that the Traffic Radio is line with Prof Osinbajo's call for synergy between the federal, states and local governments for increased safety on roads.

The Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi should be commended for also finding new ways to not only keep our roads safe but also for seeking to improve security.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

ELECTRIC CAR ASSEMBLED IN NIGERIA IS A FANTASTIC INNOVATION, I CAN TELL BECAUSE I JUST DROVE IT, SAYS OSINBAJO

*VP also inaugurates FRSC’s National Traffic Radio, gives live traffic update

After driving Kona, the assembled-in-Nigeria electric car at the ongoing Made-in-Nigeria exhibition, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, concluded that the drive was fantastic and the making of the innovative car is a showcase of what is possible in our country.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this in Abuja today shortly after the unveiling of the Made-in-Nigeria fair featuring the exhibition of the first electric car assembled in Nigeria, among other locally manufactured products.

Aside touring the exhibition stands accompanied by top government officials, the Vice President drove the electric car alongside the Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Jelani Aliyu.

Speaking to journalists shortly after a tour of the exhibition stands, and a ride in the electric car, Prof. Osinbajo said “it was a very good drive, fantastic. It just shows what is possible. I am glad to see that this is an assembled-in-Nigeria electric car. You can literally charge it anywhere. I think it is a very fantastic innovation; fantastic product, and I can tell because I just drove it.”

Other dignitaries at the event which is part of Nigeria’s 60th anniversary celebration include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Ministers of FCT, Mallam Mohammed Bello; and Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

Right after the exhibition, the Vice President also visited the Federal Road Safety Corps’ headquarters where he inaugurated the National Traffic Radio, 107.1 FM.

There he described the radio as “an important and strategic initiative in several respects. The service will enable effective dissemination of relevant information on road safety and the provision of up-to-date information on road conditions, as well as traffic status and security to the public.”


According to him, beyond the core objective of enhancing the operations of FRSC personnel, the radio station will also be useful in reaching far flung areas for teaching and dissemination of public health advisories and general information to Nigerians.


Prof. Osinbajo then featured during the radio station’s traffic report programme where he gave live traffic situation report across the country particularly from areas in and around the FCT, Jos and Lagos. He was funny and jovial about it.

“Good afternoon wherever you are in this great country, this is Yemi Osinbajo, your always ready, always accurate traffic reporter, updating you on the traffic situation across the nation.


“So, let’s go the FCT. As of a few minutes ago, the Keffi-Abuja inward section, traffic from Nyanya under bridge to Kugbo, towards the city centre, is slightly free flowing, no impediments reported.


“Umaru Musa Yar’adua way, the situation is report shows that there is free flow of traffic on both sections of the expressway. Kubwa-Katampe, Wuse-Berger, traffic services unit reports affirm that there is seamless traffic flow with moderate movement of vehicles.


“Traffic update along Lagos-Ibadan expressway as at 11:45 am did say that the inward corridor and section of the expressway is experiencing very slow but moving traffic from the stretch of lotto to NASFAT, Chinese company around Magboro, Punch-Arepo inward, Warewa, due to high influx of vehicles and the narrowed lane around the construction area. The sharp bend coupled with picking and dropping of passengers, all that is causing some slow movement around that area.


“Traffic from Plateau State from about 12 mid-day. General traffic within Jos-Bukuru metropolis is free flowing. Jos-Hawan Kibo, motorists are admonished to be mindful of hills and steep bends around Hawan Kibo.


“Also, Jos-Bukuru-Vom is experiencing free flow of traffic while motorists are advised to be careful around Ganaruwa hill. Jos metropolis, road users navigating inwards Polo-Gada Biu through the metropolis should be mindful of heavy duty vehicles and drive with extreme care. At Hill station roundabout to Polo roundabout axis is a sloppy terrain.


“So, the general conclusion is that road users are enjoined to obey traffic rules, avoid dangerous driving and use the roads as responsibly as possible. All is going to be well today, this is going to be a great and exciting day. I am sure you are going to have some really good news. Thank you dear listeners, stay safe always.”


Dignitaries at the event include Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, FCT Minister, Mallam Mohammed Bello and the FRSC Corps Marshal, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi.


Laolu Akande

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

15th June 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

NIGERIA NEEDS LEADERS PREPARED TO UNITE NIGERIANS, OSINBAJO SAYS AT ONIRU'S ONE YEAR CORONATION ANNIVERSARY


**Traditional Rulers cannot be relegated, the future of Iruland is bright, VP adds

With the challenges affecting the country at this time, there is a need for proactive leaders who are prepared to bring Nigerians together.

This view was expressed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, in Lagos at the weekend during a courtesy visit to the palace of Oniru of Iruland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, on the occasion of the monarch's first coronation anniversary.

Commending the Oba for being a leader to people of diverse socio-ethnic backgrounds, Prof. Osinbajo said, “our country needs all the leaders, the best leaders, the most proactive leaders, leaders prepared to bring the country together. Lagos is a microcosm of Nigeria, everybody is here, if things work out well here, things will be okay in the country.

Addressing the Oniru directly the VP observed that “I am sure your role here is that of someone who brings together communities not just Yorubas, but everybody. And I can see that from your choice of chiefs, you have gone to other parts, and I think this is the attitude of great leaders.”

While praying for the Oba for a successful reign on the throne, the Vice President said the progress of his kingdom and its people will be determined by the quality of leadership he provides, which is a yardstick to measure the role of traditional rulers in the country.

His words: “you should know that you are always in my prayers because I believe that your role is crucial not just for the development of this state, but for the whole country.

“Today you cannot relegate traditional rulers because of the exposure and education of those who occupy that position.”

On his part, the Oniru of Iruland thanked the Vice President for his leadership and commitment to the progress of the country.

While pledging the support of the entire kingdom for the Federal Government, the Oba said the Vice President’s leadership is an example for other leaders across the country to follow, noting that “you are a leader whose direction we will continue to follow”.

His words: "the relationship between the Vice President and I had been very cordial. We belong to the same school of thought. He calls and advises me on several issues.

“I want to assure you, Mr Vice President that I will not disappoint you, I will ensure the progress of this kingdom and I will be just.”

Also speaking later in an interview with journalists at the palace, Prof. Osinbajo said the future of Iruland is bright with an Oniru like Oba Abdulwasiu.

“I have known the Oniru for quite some time now. He is somebody who I have a great deal of respect for, and I know that the future of this community is bright with an Oniru like himself.

"He is not just someone who is thoroughly educated but a visionary. He is someone who sees the future and is ready in ensuring that he brings the future in a very short time,” the VP added.

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

Well said

Hypocrites everywhere, stupid people. OSINBAJO IS GOING HIGHER AND HIGHER!!!

May their souls rest in peace

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TO LAUNCH FG/UN 12-MONTH JOB FELLOWSHIP FOR 20,000 GRADUATES ANNUALLY - VP ANNOUNCES

*It will rebuild confidence in our youths, make the difference, says Osinbajo

*Backers of the scheme include EU, Dangote, Visa, BUA, Lafarge, Microsoft and co

In addition to employment opportunities created through the Economic Sustainability Plan and job schemes being implemented under the Social Investment Programme, among others, the Buhari administration in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme and other private sector partners is set to launch a 20,000 yearly graduate job fellowship to be called the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, NJFP.

Speaking today while making the formal announcement, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, said the 12-month job fellowship programme would be launched very soon by President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to the Vice President "we are looking forward to the President formally launching the programme very shortly."

He stated that "as we prepare for the formal launch of the programme by Mr President, I urge private sector leaders and captains of industry, development partners and the diplomatic community, to support this program aimed at equipping young Nigerians with skills and experience required for the work place."


Under the initiative, internship opportunities will be created for young Nigerians who have recently concluded the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme. The fully-paid internships will last for 12 months and will be in reputable private and public sector organizations across the country.

Prof. Osinbajo said the NJFP “is in very good company, a new and bold addition to an existing suite of large-scale, big-impact programmes that will rewrite the narrative as it relates to jobs, skills and employment in Nigeria.”

According to the VP, “we are resolute in our determination to make the needed difference, and rebuild the confidence of our young people in the ability of their government to rise to the occasion and guarantee a future that is better and more prosperous than the past.”

The Vice President noted that “our ongoing efforts include the N-Power Scheme, which recruits young graduates and places them in agricultural, health and education intervention schemes in local communities around the country. N-Power also has a non-graduate scheme focused on technical skills and IT education. The President has approved the expansion of the N-Power programme from 500,000 beneficiaries to one million.

“We have also established a N75 billion Youth Fund in the Ministry of Youth and Sports to provide credit and support for young entrepreneurs and professionals."

Prof. Osinbajo added that there is also the $500 million African Development Bank Technology and Innovation Fund which the AFDB's Ag. Senior Director Mr. Lamin Barrow also mentioned at the event.

“Also under our Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), designed to protect existing jobs, create new ones, and promote local production, our agricultural, housing and solar power programmes already employ and will employ tens of thousands of people to ensure food security, and deliver affordable homes and new power connections.”

Stating the support of the United Nations for the programme, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations Systems in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon, said the launch and eventual implementation of the scheme would redefine the future of Nigeria.

According to him, “having a population of 41 million young people constituting 30% of the youth population in Africa, empowering young Nigerians will be key in the actualisation of a better future for Africa.”

His words: “the Jubilee Fellows Programme will champion homegrown Nigerian talent and opportunities. It will connect inspiring young Nigerians with local opportunities that will apply their expertise, while equipping them with world class practical knowledge.

“The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme will bridge the gap between graduates and industry. Through this programme, private sector entities, startups and key public sector institutions will be connected directly to graduates to find the best young talent that Nigeria has to offer. Graduates will be able to to better understand the needs, challenges and realities that industries broadly face, and learn how best to contribute to address them.”

Commending the leadership provided by the VP, Mr Kallon said “what you are supporting today will lead to a bright future for Nigeria, and will outlive your administration. If there is a viable investment development partners will make in Nigeria, this is the one that is dearest to them and in which they will surely support.”


On his part, the representative of the EU at the event, Mr Ketil Karlsen, pledged the support of the organization for the programme, affirming the EU’s confidence in the Nigerian youth.

Private sector partners of the programme include, BUA, Dangote, VISA Nigeria, Outsource Global, GE Gas and Power, Lafarge Africa, SecureID, Microsoft, among others.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
2nd June 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE


*N200B FACILITY FOR SOCIAL HOUSING READY AS ESP PAYROLL SUPPORT, ARTISAN, TRANSPORT TRACKS & FREE BUSINESS NAMES BENEFICIARIES NOW OVER ONE MILLION*


*265,425 Nigerians paid under Artisan & Transport track

*459,307 in Payroll Support

*44,500 so far have received one-time N50k MSME Grant

*202,494 business names registered for free by CAC

*Additional 40,114 successful beneficiaries approved for MSME Grant payment



Over one million Nigerians have so far benefitted from the Survival Fund scheme under the Buhari administration’s Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), with about 500,000 Nigerians beneficiaries from the MSMEs Payroll support track, 44,500 beneficiaries under the one-off General MSME Grant, and another 265,425 under the artisan support track.

Besides, there are also 202, 494 Nigerians who have registered their business names for free.

It would be recalled that payment to new beneficiaries of the Payroll Support track and the one-time General MSME Grant had commenced at the end of April.

So far, under the ESP there are now over one million beneficiaries nationwide from the various schemes.


For the Payroll Support track, there are so far 459,307 successful beneficiaries. Under the scheme, beneficiaries receive payment of the N30,000 or N50,000 grant per month for a period of three months.

Similarly, for the General MSME Grants, about 44,500 successful beneficiaries have received payment for the one-off grant of N50,000 each.

The total number of beneficiaries of the General MSME Grant will increase in the coming weeks as the Steering Committee has approved payment to an additional 40,114 successful new beneficiaries.

In the same vein, 202,494 businesses have so far benefitted under the under the ESP Survival Fund formalization support track, which is aimed at registering 250,000 new businesses for free with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

The formalization support scheme had commenced on the 26th of October, 2020, with the registration by aggregators - CAC registration agents - across the 36 states and the FCT.

The MSME Survival Fund, a component under the ESP is designed to support vulnerable Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in meeting their payroll obligations and safeguard jobs in the MSMEs sector. The scheme is estimated to save not less than 1.3 million jobs across the country and specifically impact over 35,000 individuals per state.

In the same vein, the National Social Housing Programme (NSHP) under the ESP has received further boost.

Following the finalization of the agreement with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on the N200 billion facility, the drawdown, with a guarantee from the Ministry of Finance is now commencing to fund the housing project.


The fund, which would be released in tranches, is expected to cover the NSHP project execution cost of the houses that would be constructed under the social housing project.

Under the Social Housing Programme, the Federal Government plans to support 1.5 million Nigerians to acquire low-cost houses through mortgage options and also Rent to Own option. The scheme is expected to also generate 1.8 million jobs and deliver houses to about 1.5 million Nigerian families.

Also, the ESP Solar Naija programme, which is designed to provide electricity access to 5 million households, serving about 25 million Nigerians in rural areas and under-served urban communities nationwide, has recorded some progress.

One of the local solar power companies implementing aspects of the ESP Solar Power Naija scheme, A-SOLAR, which will deliver 100,000 units across the country in the first phase of the project, received some boost, with the completion of the disbursement of funds from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The A-SOLAR transaction, which involves a guaranty from Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), has been completed. The disbursement from Sterling Bank to A-SOLAR is expected to be in tranches. The first tranche has been disbursed and the Letter of Credit for the importation of the first set of 30,000 systems is being finalized.

Upon completion, about 30,000 solar systems is expected to be deployed to Kano, Edo, Delta, Kwara, Katsina and Cross River states, as part of the 100,000 units under the A-SOLAR arrangement.

In the same vein, The Development Finance department of the CBN is finalising the Approval of N20B to finance the downstream component of the programme to fund mini-grid and solar home system companies. Once the approval comes through, three companies will get direct disbursement from the CBN to commence their deployment.

It would be recalled that the Vice President flagged off the Solar Power Naija programme in Jangefe Community in Roni Local Government Area (Kazaure Emirate) of Jigawa state in April, with the launch of 1,000 Solar Home Systems connections for the community’s about 5,000 population. The commencement of the installation in Jigawa is part of a 100,000 scheme with A-SOLAR.

The ESP was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari on June 24, 2020, as a N2.3 trillion stimulus plan to tackle the socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nigerians. The Plan was developed by the Economic Sustainability Committee chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, who the President also asked to lead its implementation.

*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*
*30th May, 2021*

*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*

*FG’S DIRECT INTERVENTIONS CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, SAYS OSINBAJO AT AREGBESOLA COLLOQUIUM

*N55 billion reserved to fund the Basic Health Care Provision Fund*

*Over N170 billion in matching grants disbursed to states and FCT for Universal Basic Education*


*N8 billion in Grants to States and private providers of Special Education*


*N34 billion from the Teachers Professional Development Fund to States and FCT*


*Commends former Osun Gov’s impactful leadership roles*

Just like the implementation of the Social Investment Programmes, the Buhari administration has over the years deployed significant resources to address challenges in education and healthcare, in its efforts to address human capital development and related issues in the country, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Saturday in his keynote address at the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola Leadership Colloquium 2021 themed “Government and Big Development: Realities & Solutions for Nigeria”. The event was organized to mark the birthday of the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

Explaining circumstances where governments may need to intervene directly, including in human capital development, the Vice President said “direct state (government) intervention is crucial. You cannot have such conditions (such as in the country) and not have some direct interventions from government.”

His words: “The point is that, for many of the challenges that face a developing economy, there is very little, immediate term profit for private actors in addressing those challenges, but of course, there are huge medium to long term social and economic gains to be reaped.

“In order to fill that gap, government must come in, government must intervene. This intervention in my view, are the issues of big development. How do you educate the largest youth population in Africa? How do you ensure healthcare for that large number of people, and all of the various issues? These are the big development issues that confront us. And we must be able to find solutions to them.”

Making reference to some specific interventions of the Federal Government, Prof. Osinbajo said that “in our first budget, we devoted for N500 billion to our Social Investment Programme. 500,000 young graduates were engaged in the N-Power programme, and 9.5 million children being fed daily in the school feeding programme (just before COVID-19) across 34 States.

“The programme employs well over 135,000 cooks, and over 100,000 small-holder farmers linked to the programme, supplying locally sourced ingredients. At some point, this translated to 594 cattle, 138,000 chickens, 6.8 million eggs, 83 metric tons of fish, that are procured, prepared, and distributed every week. The higher outcomes for enrollment of pupils in school, retention and performance of students have all been empirically verified.

“There was also the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) – TraderMoni, MarketMoni initiatives where micro credits were offered to traders (about 2 million traders in all),” the Vice President added.

He further explained that “these programmes are important because they are in many ways government efforts at directly creating opportunities. A country such as ours clearly require a social welfare programme, a situation where those who cannot work and those who have no work and the vulnerable are provided with one way of earning something and provided with opportunities.”

In the health sector, the Vice President said “since the inception of this administration, we have done a few other direct social investment-type things aimed at human capital development.

“After the National Health Act was passed in 2014, the Federal Government in 2018 began including the 1% minimum portion of the Consolidated Revenue Fund – amounting to N55 billion to fund the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF). The Fund is designed to deliver a guaranteed set of health services to all Nigerians, through the national network of Primary Health Care Centers.”

In education, Prof. Osinbajo noted that “since 2015 also, the Federal Government has disbursed more than N170 billion in matching grants to States and the FCT under the Universal Basic Education Programme, N8 billion in Special Education Grants to States and private providers of Special Education, and N34 billion from the Teachers Professional Development Fund to States and the FCT.”

He added The Vice President added that the interventions were in line with the administration’s “commitment of lifting 100 million people out of poverty”, noting that “we recognize the threats posed by social immobility and deprivation”.

Responding to a question on the cost of running the public service, the Vice President said the focus should be “on people being in the right place in the public service. We have a large public service but you still have huge shortages in, for example, health and education sectors. So, there are massive shortages in many parts of the public service whereas you find redundancies in other aspects of the public service.”

He suggested that “we should be training and engaging more teachers, nurses, doctors and several other participants in the public service, and we may end up with more or less the same cost. But my view is that those costs themselves, so long that we are spending them right, so long as they are spent on the right quality of public servants, are costs that we should bear.”

“I am not certain that just a willy-nilly cost cutting is the solution, long term. Of course, we find within the public service, so many who are not qualified, many whose jobs are replicated, huge redundancies, we need to correct those redundancies, we need to ensure that those who are not qualified are either retrained or we let them go.

“But we must ensure that we do not allow ourselves to be trapped in a way of thinking that suggests that the problem is really just the cost of governance, so that if we just downsize, everything will be alright. I think the problem is a bit larger than that. I think we have to look at really, the professionalization of our public service, ensuring that we have the right quality of people in the right jobs,” Prof. Osinbajo added.

Commending the efforts of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as governor of Osun State, and describing him as “a repentant Marxist”, the Vice President said “he stands out as a reason why one should at least have some socialist blood in them while recognizing the fundamental role of markets and the public sector.”

According to him, “Osun State which Ogbeni governed for 8 years received the lowest in federal allocations but was for those years, the State with the lowest poverty rate. The incidence of poverty for the State of Osun was 10.9% in 2017 as against 37.5% in 2010. A sharp drop in the incidence of poverty between 2010 and 2018. As of early 2020 the incidence of poverty has fallen further to 8.2%. Why would a State with one of the least revenues record lowest levels of poverty?

“To a large extent, it is arguable that the social intervention policies he initiated and implemented were largely responsible. The State launched several job creation efforts - Osun State Youth Empowerment Program (OYES) hired about 20,000 young people.

“There was also the school feeding programme, the precursor to our National Homeschool Feeding Programme, serving 155,000 children at inception to over 250,000 children in all 1,382 public elementary schools in the State. 7000 jobs were directly created and 3700 cooks, most of them women. The programme led to an increase of 60% in primary school enrollment and all meals served were from farms and suppliers of food items benefitted from the programme.”

Aside the convener, other speakers and special guests at the colloquium moderated by noted broadcaster Mr. Boason Omofaye, included the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai; the Statistician-General of the Federation/CEO, NBS, Mr Yemi Kale; President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Mr. Ayuba Wabba; the Vice Chairman of the Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, among others.



Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President
29th May 2021

COVID-19 will be a thing of the past

Ipob with their wahala, they won't succeed in their evil plot.

Interesting