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Tag: Osinbajo

  • Don’t cut corners, Osinbajo tells entrepreneurs

    Don’t cut corners, Osinbajo tells entrepreneurs

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has told entrepreneurs that success could only be achieved by not cutting corners.

    The Vice President who was speaking at the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) Boot Camp 2015, at the Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, said the payment of taxes is a matter of self-interest not just civic duty, “self-discipline, the ability to serve and to invest as well as bearing losses are critical.”

    Osinbajo who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the event identified the pivotal role of exemplary character in entrepreneurship, which, he said, can in turn become the platform for the growth of business and development of a nation’s economy.

    He noted that the ground for entrepreneurial success is character, adding that that discipline alone was not sufficient. According to him, “Enterprises and societies thrive on the values of moral integrity, self discipline, hard work and innovation, respect for rule of law and the prompt payment of taxes. These are the critical components for successful economies and countries anywhere.

    “The core of success in business is integrity, honesty and trust in the conduct of business. Credit worthiness is important in business, because when trust fails every other thing fails.

    “The payment of taxes and other obligations, be it moral or civic, for the purpose of development of the economy, for building infrastructure and other services are all important in business”.

    He expressed optimism that Africa now stands at the face of greatness after many years of being regarded as “the dark continent”, recording highest figures in poverty poor health- care, illiteracy, poor human development.

    The Vice President observed that the world today sees Africa as the next frontier for international business, a hub for development and growth of local and global enterprises.

    Other speakers at the Boot Camp included the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and the Prime Minister of Republic of Benin Republic, Mr. Lionel Zinsou.

    Zinsou commended the Tony Elumelu Foundation for organizing the Boot Camp programme that brought together 1000 young entrepreneurs from several African countries.

    The Chancellor of the Covenant University, Bishop David Oyedepo was also in attendance alongside Elumelu and several other dignitaries.

     

     

  • Buhari, Osinbajo slash own salaries by half

    Buhari, Osinbajo slash own salaries by half

    President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo are to receive only 50 per cent of the salaries paid to their immediate predecessors, and this is official.

    The President is entitled to an annual basic salary of N3,514,705 or N292,892.05 per month under the Remuneration package for Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders of 2007 issued by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) ,while the Vice President’s salary is N3,031,572.50k per annum or N252,631.04k per month.

    The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said yesterday that the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Mr. Nebolisa Emodi had already communicated the development to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

    “I write to forward the completed IPPIS registration form of Mr. President and to draw your kind attention to Mr. President’s directive that only 50% of his salary be paid to him,” Mr. Emodi said in a memo with reference number PRES/81/SGF/17.

    The slash may not be unconnected with the current economic situation in the country.

    Apart from basic salary, the president and the vice president are also entitled to hardship and constituency allowance which bring their total remunerations to N14,058,820 per annum or N1,171,568.20k per month for the President and N12,126,290 per annum or N1,010,524.16k per month for the vice president.

    Governors Rufai el-Nasir (Kaduna),Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi),Abdulahi Ganduje (Kano) and Okezie Ikpeazu had earlier cut their own salaries and those of all political office holders in their respective states as part of the efforts to cut costs.

    First to do so was el-Rufai on his first day in office.

    He said his action was a mark of his sacrifice to develop the state.

    He described the financial situation in the state as difficult, adding: “as soon as we have all the facts in coming weeks, we shall lay bare to you just how deep a hole we have dug ourselves in the past several years.

    “Our finances are in a shambles. Kaduna is the second most indebted state in our country. Our state is staggering under the weight of billions of naira in debt and other liabilities. As we all know, merely by walking the streets or seeing our neighbors everyday, the state of our state is abysmal. Our schools and hospitals, our roads and bridges, our villages, towns and cities, all are markers of backwardness.

    “Too many of our children are hungry and in rags and in the street.”

    In slashing his salary,Gov.Ikpeazu lamented the inability of the state to pay workers’ salaries,saying he decided to personally identify with the suffering workers and would not lift the self-imposed austerity until the salaries and allowances owed workers were cleared.

    On his part, Gov. Abubakar said: “As a mark of leadership by example, I hereby offer to reduce the salary to be earned by the Deputy Governor and myself by 50 per cent. This is our promise to the people of Bauchi State. This is the bond for which we shall be held to account. This is the commencement of the many years of greatness that await our dear state. This is the path on which we require your fervent prayers, support and contributions.”

    Gov Ganduje said the present economic reality in the country required efforts to cut waste.

  • Buhari, Osinbajo opt for 50% salary cut

    Buhari, Osinbajo opt for 50% salary cut

    President Muhammadu Buhari will only receive 50% of the salary paid to his predecessor.
    The President’s decision to take a 50% pay cut according to a statement by the Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity), Garba Shehu, was conveyed to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Friday by the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Mr. Nebolisa Emodi.
    “I write to forward the completed IPPIS registration form of Mr. President and to draw your kind attention to Mr. President’s directive that only 50% of his salary be paid to him,” Mr. Emodi wrote in the letter with reference number PRES/81/SGF/17.
    The current annual remuneration of the President of Nigeria as published by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission is N14,058,820.00.
    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has similarly given up half of his official remuneration.

  • 110m Nigerians live in extreme poverty, says Osinbajo

    One Hundred and ten million Nigerians live in extreme poverty, which accounts for the high illiteracy figures and shocking infant and maternal mortality rates. It is also the reason over a million Nigerians die yearly of preventable causes,Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has said.

    Delivering a lecture titled: Beyond Compliance: Imbibing a Culture of Business Integrity, at the Third Annual Christopher Kolade Lecture on Business Integrity in Lagos, Osinbajo said when a large swathe of the population is excluded, with no stake in society because of poverty, the society is endangered.

    Organised by the Convention on Business Integrity (CBi), a company limited by Guarantee, Prof. Osinbajo used the opportunity to highlight the present administration’s policies on anti-corruption and specifically business integrity. He said the Muhammadu Buhari administration was committed to the fight against corruption.

    According to the Vice President, poverty and corruption are two major related ills confronting the nation. “Poverty and corruption are two major related ills confronting  our society. My question is, how do we respond to the ethical dilemma of poverty amidst mindboggling wealth?

    “Corruption on the other hand is perhaps the single most potent cause of poverty. The systematic stealing of the commonwealth by a few individuals – in public and private sectors,” he said.

    Osinbajo while noting that it was not possible for anyone without integrity to still have integrity in his business, said, “Integrity must reflect in behaviour, it is an accepted standard.” He added that integrity should be an acceptable standard and aspiration of every business leader.

    While reiterating that the present administration’s vision and mission was to give meaning to the life of every Nigerian, he noted that the administration’s decision to fight corruption was in the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.

    Osinbajopointed out that corrupt practices, weak public and private institutions, as well as public policies, were the greatest threat to the stability of the economy. “The most important thing is to do things right. It is important that what we do comply with the rule of law.

    “There is need to ensure that people’s rights are not trampled on. And there is need to ensure that people face the consequences for wrongful actions. That balance is necessary. The administration will ensure that loopholes compliance are plugged and those responsible for creating loopholes will face the consequence,” he said.

    Earlier in his opening remarks, Dr Christopher Kolade noted that Nigeria was a difficult place to practise integrity because corruption was perceived as the norm. “We use corruption in our conversations than we talk about integrity. Integrity should feature more in our conversations. Integrity is meant to be natural to human beings,” he said.

    The third in the edition, the annual Christopher Kolade lecture series is emerging as a forum for businesses to engage with experts and with each other on business integrity issues. The event addressed the existing and potential regulatory impetus for sound business practices, and urged businesses to improve their competitiveness by going beyond the letter of corporate governance codes and anti-corruption laws to imbibe the spirit of ethical business practice.

    The event was attended by top government dignitaries from the private and public sector as well as managing directors of private and public companies, members of the diplomatic corp and other notable stakeholders.

  • Osinbajo to IDPs: Buhari is concerned about you

    Osinbajo to IDPs: Buhari is concerned about you

    President Muhammadu Buhari’s resolve to end terrorist insurgency in the North East, and restore the livelihood of Nigerians who have been badly affected by it was restated again Thursday in Yola by Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

    Prof Osinbajo who has been traveling in the North East in the last two days on the instruction of the President told IDPs in the NYSC camp and terrorism patients at the Federal Medical Center, both in Yola  “every day the president is thinking about you. That is why he sent me. To come and see, take notes, to understand what is going on, to hear from you, so that I can report to him for positive action. That is why I am here.”

    He said the President wants the IDPs and all victims of terrorism to be hopeful, that there would be restoration.

    “He asks me to say to you that there is hope, great hope. That the federal government under his leadership will ensure everything is done to provide for you and resettle you back to you homes, your work, your businesses and your places of worship.”

    He added however that the people should be patient. “But you have to be patient. As you know, the government has very little money. We are running after all the money everywhere, so that we use it to serve you.”

    Osinbajo also noted that the Federal Government will take seriously the need to sweep off land mines and other forms of explosives from farmlands in territories recently recovered from insurgents.

    Speaking at the Bajabure NYSC Orientation camp in Damare area of Girei Local Government Council of Adamawa State, the Vice President observed that the task of de-mining affected farmlands in the recovered areas ravaged by insurgency would receive utmost priority of government, as it is a very important step in achieving the primary objective of rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced persons back to their homes.

    Explaining the seriousness of the situation, the Vice President said terrorists  “plant land mines and other forms of explosives , making it difficult for people to resettle and that is the reason why it is absolutely important for us that the farmlands are swept clean of mines and explosives. That is a matter we shall take seriously, that is de-mining of farm lands.”

    While commenting on the problem of unemployment, and poverty in Adamawa State, the VP disclosed that his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is specifically concerned with these major problems.

    He said “naturally on the concern about the question of unemployment in this State and the question generally about poverty in this particular State, the Federal Government is specifically concerned about the issues of mass poverty and one of our cardinal campaign promises is that the poor in this country must not be left behind and must not be forgotten.”

     

    He thus reiterated the commitment of President Buhari towards the alleviation of poverty among the masses, promising that Government has made it a high priority.

    Meanwhile, during his interaction with about 2,100 internally displaced persons being accommodated in the camp, the Vice President informed them that because President Buhari was concerned about their welfare and the general condition in the camp, he had instructed him to visit them and to find out how they were coping.

    He assured them of government’s readiness to rebuild their homes, places of worship, markets, schools and provide other necessary infrastructures which would enable them settle down to normal life in their communities when they return home.

    Osinbajo assured the government of Adamawa State that the administration of President Buhari was committed to assisting them rebuild and reconstruct affected parts of the State.

    During his visit to the State, Osinbajo visited some of the wounded soldiers and other victims being treated at the Federal Medical Center, Yola.

    He was accompanied by the Governor of Adamawa State, Senator Bindow Jubrilla and other dignitaries.

    Osinbajo had earlier paid a courtesy call on the Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Mustapha, who expressed delight in the readiness of the Buhari presidency to confront the insurgency crisis in the state and other parts of the North East.

     

  • Buhari, Osinbajo meet with Gbajabiamila’s reps group

    Buhari, Osinbajo meet with Gbajabiamila’s reps group

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday night met behind closed-doors with 30-man delegation of the 174 All Progressives Congress (APC) members of the House of Representatives loyal to Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

    Gbajabiamila who was the choice of the (APC) for the post of the Speaker of the House of Representatives lost the election for the seat to Yakubu Dogara, who defied the party’s directive to contest for the seat.

    Following the loss, APC later wanted Gbajabiamila and other loyal APC members to emerge as principal officers of the House of Representatives.

    But Dogara and his group were not disposed to the position of the party.

    The meeting started when Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo arrived the First Lady Conference Room venue around 9.45 p.m.

    Although details of discussions at the meeting is unknown, it is believed that the meeting is to seek Buhari’s assistance towards ensuring party’s supremacy in filling the other four positions.

  • Osinbajo, Ayade, others seek attitudinal change

    Osinbajo, Ayade, others seek attitudinal change

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade and other eminent personalities yesterday advocated attitudinal change and entrenchment of strong core values among the citizenry to engender national growth.

    They maintained that no nation could develop without keeping to strong moral values and hard work.

    Osinbajo, Ayade and others spoke at the 10th memorial anniversary in honour of the Late Justice Peter Odo Effiong Bassey at the University of Calabar International Conference Centre.

    The Vice President said no nation could attain greatness without work ethic.

    Delivering a lecture titled: “Social Virtues in the Nigerian Renaissance”, Osinbajo said: “I would quote from the scripture, which says that righteousness exalts a nation. It is a simple expression, but it carries great depth. No society has developed without keeping to some form of core values. Governance has to be based on principles and ideals.”

    He added: “The success story of Western civilisation is based on ethic and hard work ,which culminates in high productivity when you do the right type of work.”

    “You must have the capacity to work hard and produce a goal as no society in the world can excel without adopting the principles of hard work because in the developed world, one is paid according to input and man hour in the office. We should justify our pay to justify our time and value for money as well as imbibe the right ways of doing things.”

    He stressed the need for the principle of integrity and trustworthiness, which, he noted, is the bedrock of the credit system all over the world.

    The Vice President said the “nation must place morality before federal character to ensure its success and it should go for the best rather than look for where someone comes from.”

    On the rule of law, Osinbajo noted that consequence should be allowed to take its course as social justice is critical while opportunities should be made available for all to have access to education and health care services.

    Ayade explained that “most decadence in society comes from the lack of morality,” adding that “morality is the exact fabric that drives the future of a country.”

    He enjoined those in attendance, especially students of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, to “reflect on the topic of the lecture and see how they could make their contributions to uplift the country.”Former Minister for Education Dr. Oby Ezekwesili said the problem facing the country since Independence was a distorted incentive regime, where hard work is scorned and unaccountable wealth is glorified.

     “When society operates on distorted core values, where they elevate ignoble acquisition of wealth without effort, it would never be able to allocate resources maximally and efficiently,” she said.

    Former Cross River State Governor Mr. Donald Duke said a lot should be done to improve the judiciary, as it is the main arm of government that defines society.

     “Deviants in society are related to the strength or weakness of the judiciary. For a nation our size and complexity, our judiciary is one of the most poorly remunerated in the world.

     “It is the responsibility of the judiciary to apply the consequences of breaches to the law. Divine law provides consequences to keep a deviant humanity in check. The place of consequences is vital in society. It ensures general wellbeing of society. Rule of law should not be a slogan, but our way of life,” he said.

     The Vice President later unveiled the last publication by late Justice Bassey entitled: “The Nigerian Judiciary, The Parting Glory.”

  • Osinbajo: prepare for permanent change

    Osinbajo: prepare for permanent change

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday told Nigerians to be patient with the Federal Government as it works toward bringing the desired permanent change.

    He spoke with State House correspondents on his first day in office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    “Nigerians must show understanding on what the government needs to do for the general good of the society, he said.

    He said change is not an easy task as he urged leaders to set examples for all citizens to follow in order to achieve the desired permanent change.

    Osinbajo said: “Change is not going to be an easy process. So, there will be a great deal of patience required and understanding of what we need to do.

    “And we are going to try to bring about permanent change it also means that people are also going to change, that the people will also change.

    “But, I understand clearly that it is the leadership that must set the example and we are prepared to do that and we will do that.”

    He said the nation needed straightforward leaders such as President Muhammadu Buhari, as he expressed the government’s  readiness to fulfill its campaign promises.

     

  • Buhari, Osinbajo resume at presidential Villa

    Buhari, Osinbajo resume at presidential Villa

    President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, resumed for work at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday morning.

    Since their inauguration on May 29, Buhari and Osinbajo have used the Defence House, Abuja, as their offices to allow renovation work at the Presidential Villa.

    The vice president arrived his office in the Presidential Villa at exactly 9.07am on Monday.

    Buhari reportedly resumed at his office about the same time or earlier.

    The exact time could not be ascertained as the distance between his official residence and office is not within journalists’ view.

    Osinbajo moved from his office to President Buhari’s office at 10:50am.

    Most staff of the State House also arrived early to their duty posts. The offices were opened as early as 8:00am.

  • Osinbajo, Ambode, others call for collective efforts to reduce cancer

    Osinbajo, Ambode, others call for collective efforts to reduce cancer

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has said the fight against cancer requires the cooperation of all.

    Represented by former Attorney General of Lagos State, Ade Ipaye, Osinbajo said cancer is a deadly affliction that could affect anyone.

    He said he would be ready to support the fight agianst the disease because the fight against the cancer scourge requires the support of everyone.

    The VP spoke yesterday at a  programme to celebrate the 52nd birthday of Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode  tagged ‘The Banquet of Stars Against Cancer’.

    Ambode urged corporate organisations and individuals to invest in cancer awareness, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research to reduce the burden of the disease.

    The governor was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Oluranti Adebule. The programme was organised by the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy In Nigeria (CECP) to commemorate Cancer Awareness Week, raise fund and mobilise Nigerians to fight cancer scourge.

    He said that government recognised the task to provide quality healthcare for the people.

    ‘’Lives are lost everyday to cancer and this is unacceptable. This triggered the annual health mission organised by the Lagos State Government to screen the public for cancer.

    ‘’Government alone cannot do it. I call on corporate bodies, NGOs and individuals to invest in healthcare to reduce disease burden.

    ‘’To this end, I urge those who planned gifts and adverts for the celebration of my birthday to channel the funds towards the fight against cancer, ‘’he said.

    Mr Tony Elumelu, a former Chairman of the United Bank for Africa, highlighted lack of fund and private sector involvement as factors militating against adequate health care facilities in Nigeria.

    “I can rightly say that funding is the most critical in the delivery of health care.

    “Financing is a critical wall against the fight against cancer, so on realising this we proposed a fiscal policy aimed at improving our medical facilities.

    “However on our part as organised private sector and Capital Market Community, we have resolved to raise more than N1 billion in 10 years to fight cancer.

    “The specific goal is to raise funds to acquire and deploy 37 Mobile Cancer Centres (MCC), which would take health promotion to grassroots of Nigeria. Each Mobile unit costs N120 million.

    ‘’Therefore, I call on other organisations to be a part of this fight against cancer by donating generously to this course,” he said.

    Dr Abia Nzelu, Secretary, CECP said one in three Nigerians would be diagnosed of cancer in their life time, 100, 000 new cases were diagnosed yearly and 80, 000 die annually of cancer in Nigeria.

    ‘’We need to act fast and now by providing these mobile cancer clinics, comprehensive cancer centre and a cancer institute to win the war against cancer.

    ‘’This move will screen, diagnose, treat and prevent cancers since early detection and prevention is the way to overcome the cancer burden,’’ she said.

    Some of the victims, who spoke at the occasion, were Maiden Olorogun Ibru, who lost her husband Mr Alex Ibru to colon cancer, and Ms Adenike Oyetunde, lawyer and broadcaster, who lost her limb to cancer.

    They appealed for generous donations towards saving many Nigerians from the scourge of cancer.

    Olorogun-Ibru asked the Lagos State Government to kick-start the campaign by donating a mobile cancer centre, to set an example for other states.

    Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Dr Christopher Kolade said the CECP is engaged to fight cancer because the body realises what cancer can do and that it is a serious war.

    He said with the level of support demonstrated by the public to the cause, they are assured that every Nigerian would be able to have access to a means of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer.

    Foremost economist Dr Pat Utomi who stood in for the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Fola Adeola, said CECP is passionate about ensuring that mobile testing centres are provided for every Nigerian because early detection is key to the survival of cancer.