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Tag: Osinbajo

  • Lagos holds key to more prosperous Nigeria, says Osinbajo

    Lagos holds key to more prosperous Nigeria, says Osinbajo

    •Acting President, Tinubu, Amosun, Ajimobi, Okorocha, Fayose, others attend Lagos@50 Gala Night

    The quest to evolve a greater and more prosperous Nigeria lies in the prosperity of Lagos State, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has said.

    He described the state as the country’s foremost migrant community aggregating talents from everywhere and the undisputable commercial capital accounting for the nation’s over 70 per cent of business.

    Osinbajo spoke at the Lagos@50 Anniversary Gala Nite at the Lagos House, Ikeja, which was attended by top dignitaries.

    They included governors of Ogun, Oyo, Gombe, Ekiti, Imo, Edo; first civilian Lagos State Governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande; ex-Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; former Military Governors Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson (rtd), Brig.-Gen. Olagunsoye Oyinlola (rtd); Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) and Rear-Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd).

    Others were Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; CEO of Forte Oil Femi Otedola, Chief Olabode George, Jimi Agbaje, among others.

    The Acting President supported his claim on a statistic released by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the effect that Lagos accounts for 912 of 914 individual businessmen, who pay self-assessed tax of over N10 million.

    He said the strategic contribution of the state to the country’s economy could not be over-emphasised.

    Recalling his time as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, Osinbajo eulogised the leadership virtues of the then governor, Asiwaju Tinubu, who he said took cognisance of state’s the diversity while forming his cabinet in 1999.

    He said: “I did not and I had never met Bola Tinubu before I was appointed commissioner and that says a lot about the kind of individual that he is. This is the kind of thinking that makes nations great; that is the kind of thinking that would make Nigeria great.

    “A type of thinking that considers all of our diverse talents; a kind of thinking that does not allow parochialism; a kind of thinking that does not allow us to say anywhere belongs to only a set of people. That is when our country would be truly great.”

    Although he was sympathetic to the course of those craving for a Lagos for only its indigene, but Osinbajo said it was now evident that the momentum of history could no longer hold down the elemental force of Lagos State.

    “This Lagos is going to be a leader; it would be a leader in expressing the world’s view that the black man is capable of governing not just himself but in leading the world,” Osinbajo said.

    The Acting President hailed Ambode for his giant strides, saying that the new vistas being opened in the state by the governor were capable of making Nigeria great.

    “And every day that we see the giant strides that Akinwunmi Ambode is making here in Lagos; every day that we watch television and see the new vistas that he is opening up, it is evident of the fact that surely in this Lagos State lies the seed of the great Nigeria of our dreams,” Osinbajo said.

    Ambode said his administration was fully committed to take on the huge responsibility to make the next 50 years even more productive and memorable, worthy of bigger celebrations by the next generation.

    He said: “Ladies and gentlemen, fellow Lagosians, the vision for the future is clear. We foresee a smart city much more in line with the other great cities of the world, where clean and decent living, seamless and efficient transportation as well as sustainable environmental practices are the norm rather than the exception.”

    The governor, who described the celebration as historic, saluted the contributions of the state’s founding fathers as well as its 13 former governors.

    Their selfless service, he said, has placed the state on a pedestal of greatness.

    Ambode alluded to a paragraph of the inaugural speech of the state’s first governor, Johnson, on the undoubted talents and rich cultural heritage of the Lagos people, saying it was apparent of where the Lagos success story took flight.

    “That entitlement and devotion to use our God-given talents and heritage to develop Lagos is the main reason for our success story. Fifty years after, we look back with gratitude to all our founding fathers and mothers; both living and past heroes and we all say a big thank you to all of you. God bless you always,” he said.

    The governor while noting that he was humbled to be at the helm of affairs at a historic threshold for the state, thanked General Yakubu Gowon, the then Head of State, who signed the decree that established Lagos State as part of the 12 states created from the regions and Lagos Colony.

    “It is with the greatest pride that I stand here before you on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of our dear state. I was only four years old when the state was created and little did I know that I would be standing, 50 years later, as governor of God’s greatest gift to Nigeria and Africa.

    “Some years back, I wrote a newspaper article exalting the qualities of our state and its rich history on its 47th anniversary without knowing what laid ahead. It is, therefore, with the greatest sense of gratitude that I thank God for making it possible for me to partake significantly in this historic celebration of Lagos at 50,” he said.

  • Osinbajo: we’ve confidence in economy

    Osinbajo: we’ve confidence in economy

    Acting President ‘Yemi Osinbajo said the administration has restored investors and business confidence in the economy.

    He said the government is committed to ensuring that the robust reforms introduced into the economy are implemented and targets achieved.

    He spoke at a seminar tagged: LCCI Presidential policy dialogue organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) in Lagos.

    He urged Nigerians to exhibit character as the government is convinced that, shortly the recession would be over. He saidthe economy is on recovery path and would come out robust, resilient, inclusive, diversified and not dependent on a mono economy.

    Osinbajo said the government is committed to creating an enabling environment and building a more prosperous nation and economy despite the recession.

    He said the recession was as a result of structural weakness in the economy occasioned by maladministration of the past.

    He said: “We have produced over 36 strategic interventions in agriculture, food security, improved transportation and strategic infrastructure development on rail, air and land. We also insist on consistency and integrity of processes in local productions by the Small Medium Enterprises. This is besides ensuring insisting that we add value to products where we have competitive advantage”.

    Represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Dr. OkechukwuEnelamah, the acting president said the government has special interest to assist women in business and special funding is needed to keep them afloat including job creation for youths.

    In her opening remarks, LCCI President, Mrs. Nike Akande said the Organised Private Sector (OPS) is a bit relieved to note that the short to medium term outlook for the nation’s economy is much better that what it was last year. She attributed it to the outcome of the series of new policy initiatives, engagements and consultations with key stakeholders and some positive developments in the external sector.

    She commended the adjustment in the forex exchange policy which has reduced the volatilities in the forex market.

    She said: “Investors confidence is on the upswing, liquidity in the forex has increased, there is better clarity in the policy direction, forex inflows are beginning to pick up. We are very confident that recent government initiatives on the ease of doing business would impact positively on the economy. We appreciate the setting up of the Presidential ease of Doing Business Council (PEBEC), we also commend the unveiling of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) which articulates the economic policy direction of government. The OPS also applaud the recent Executive Order which is targeted at enhancing the investment climate and improving the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria”.

  • Why Africa is sure of the future, by Osinbajo

    Why Africa is sure of the future, by Osinbajo

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday told the world that Africa is confident of the future because of the energy and talent of the continent’s youth.

    Africa, according to him, is undeterred by the failures of the past.

    “Africa is confident of the future because we have learnt, we are investing more in education, insisting on good governance and holding ourselves to account,” Osinbajo was quoted by his Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Laolu Akande, as telling the G7 Summit special outreach forum on Africa which had in attendance President Donald Trump of the USA; Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada; Emmanuel Macron, President of France; Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany; Paolo Gentiloni, Prime Minister of Italy; and  Shinz? Abe, Prime Minister of Japan.

    Leaders of Guinea, Tunisia, Niger, Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria were invited.

    He added, “But the greatest reason for our optimism is in the incredible energy, talent and creativity of our young people, male and female, who are completely undeterred by the failures of the past and are daily taking advantage of innovation and technology bringing about the Africa of our dreams.”

    He assured the G7 countries of Africa’s increasing collaboration as never before in trade, counter terrorism and strengthening democracy.

    He praised the seven most industrialized nations of the world for their support in the fight against Boko Haram terrorism, especially the US, France and the United Kingdom as effective partners in the Lake Chad basin.

    He attributed recent successes to the joint intelligent unit which has provided useful and timely intelligence in the war against terrorism.

    On the progress made so far in the country, Prof Osinbajo said that there is massive increase in rice yield over the past two years, distribution of fertilizer subsidies to farmers, who have also benefited from an e-wallet system which guaranteed that the subsidies actually gets to the farmers.

    He said that the N-Power programme which has started engaging some of the up to five hundred thousand young previously unemployed graduates instalmentally as teachers, agricultural extension workers and public health professionals “is a breakthrough in mass post-tertiary education.”

    He said the participants were recruited online from  all the states in the nation mostly using mobile phones, adding that participants will soon receive their electronic tablet devices and can access an N-Power portal that contain required training materials for acquisition of more skills to carry out their duties.

    Also at the summit were the Chairman of the African Union, United Nations, OECD, IMF, AfDB and World Bank.

    On the entourage, of the Acting President were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyema, Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Dr. Yemi Dipeolu, the Nigeria Charge d’ Affairs in Italy, Mrs Bisi Meshioye.

    The Acting President returned to Nigeria last night.

     

  • Osinbajo approves appointments for PenCom, BOI, others

    Osinbajo approves appointments for PenCom, BOI, others

    The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo at the weekend approved appointments for some Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies and Commissions.
    A statement by Chris C. Okeke on behalf of the Director (Press) Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said all the appointments take immediate except those that need Senate’s confirmation.
    Alh. Ali Usman is now the Chairman, National Pension Commission, but to be subjected to confirmation by the Senate.
    The new Director-General of National Pension Commission is Mr. Funso Doherty. His appointment is also subject to confirmation by the Senate.
    Mr. Manase Benga is Executive Commissioner, National Pension Commission and requires Senate’s confirmation.
    Zaki Magawata was named as the Executive Commissioner, National Pension Commission. Appointment subject to confirmation by the Senate.
    The Executive Commissioner, National Pension Commission is
    Ben Oviosun, also to be confirmed by the Senate.
    Nyerere Ayim is the Executive Commissioner, National Pension Commission. Appointment to be subjected to Senate’s confirmation.
    Dikko Aliyu AbdulRahman is the Chairman, Governing Board of the Bank of Industry (BoI).
    The Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI) is Mr. Olukayode Pitan, while Mr. Emeka Nwakpa is the Chairman, Governing Board of the Consumer Protection Council.

  • Ijaw to Osinbajo: probe Obasanjo for Malabu Oil scam

    Ijaw to Osinbajo: probe Obasanjo for Malabu Oil scam

    An Ijaw socio-political group, the Ijaw Union, has urged Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to probe former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s links with the intractable Malabu Oil & Gas oil bloc, to convince Nigerians of the readiness of the present administration to fight corruption.

    It took a swipe at Obasanjo over the denial of his involvement in the  Malabu/OPL 245 saga.

    The group said the former leader cannot exonerate or absolve himself of guilt in the mess because he, as the President and Minister of  Petroleum Resources ordered the revocation of the oil block 245 from Malabu Oil and Gas in 2001.

    In a statement by Ebitari  Dombraye and Wilson Awengidappa on behalf of the Ijaw Union, the group decried resort to “unnecessary sensationalism” by the former statesman and called on the Federal Government to conduct an investigation into the Malabu oilgate if indeed it is committed to fighting corruption.

    It alleged that despite the clean bill of health given by the Christopher Kolade Commission, which reviewed previously awarded oil blocks, ex-President Obsanjo went ahead with the revocation.

    “Let us recall that in 2001, the Obasanjo government revoked the award to Malabu Oil & Gas even after the Christopher Kolade Commission set up to review previously awarded oil blocks in the country, found nothing untoward in the award to Malabu Oil & Gas. This revocation did not follow due process or indeed the Petroleum Act and what was even more curious; no reason whatsoever was given for the revocation.”

    The group said after withdrawing the block from Malabu by an “obnoxious fiat,” the former President awarded same to Shell even though Shell, which until the revocation, was the technical partner to Malabu on the same oil block.

    “The former President did this in blatant disregard of the Petroleum Act and Indigenisation policy, a major consideration for the award.

    “Despite revoking the block, the ex-President also went ahead to negotiate directly with Shell where they extracted a $210 million from Shell as against $20 million earlier awarded to Malabu with plans to appoint a crony to take ownership of the asset with Shell.”

    The Ijaw Union said the former President had to reinstate the Malabu licence after protracted court cases and a National Assembly resolution to lay the asset to waste even as the approval was validated by the two successive governments.

    “Former President Obasanjo’s government reinstated the asset to Malabu with Chief Obasanjo as Petroleum Minister and Bayo Ojo (SAN), as Attorney-General, the Yar’Adua government validated it with Odein Ajumogobia (SAN) as Petroleum Minister and Michael Aoondaka as Attorney-General and finally the Goodluck Johnathan administration with Diezani Madueke as Minister and Mohammed Adoke (SAN) as Attorney-General.”

  • FEC honours late Channels TV correspondent

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday paid tribute to the late State House Correspondent for Channels TV, Mr. Chukwuma Onuekwusi, who died on Tuesday.

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo eulogized Onuekwusi before the commencement of the FEC meeting.

    One minute silence was also observed in honour of the journalist before cabinet members settled down for the day’s business.

    Osinbajo described Onuekwusi as an articulate and patriotic journalist.

    He said: “Honourable ministers and members of the Federal Executive Council, yesterday (Tuesday) we got a very sad news of the passing on of one of the members of the State House family. He is Chukwuma Onuekwusi, of the Channels Television, who passed on after a brief illness.

    “I want us in recognition of the fact that we remember a very good, a very articulate and also a very patriotic and committed journalist, I want us in honour of this fine gentleman rise and observe a minute silence.

    “We pray for the comfort of his family and all of those he left behind, Amen.”

    The meeting was still in progress at the time of filing this report.

  • Osinbajo mourns Channels TV State House correspondent

    Osinbajo mourns Channels TV State House correspondent

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday expressed shock at the death of Mr. Chukwuma Onuekwusi, Channels TV State House Correspondent.

    Osinbajo, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, extended heartfelt condolences to Onuekwusi’s family and the Channels TV family on the journalist’s death.

    He also commiserated with the State House Press Corps over the death of their colleague, who combined high professionalism, dedication and patriotism in his diligent reportage of activities in the Presidential Villa.

  • Osinbajo condemns UK attack

    Osinbajo condemns UK attack

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has condemned Tuesday’s attack in Manchester, United Kingdom, that killed 22 people.

    Osinbajo, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, described the attack as a dastardly act and heinous crime.

    He assured Prime Minister Theresa May that the prayers and thoughts of Nigerians are with the British people as they mourn the victims.

    “On behalf of the people and Government of Nigeria, Prof Osinbajo expressed heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the government and people of the United Kingdom in the period of grief.

    “He prayed that God Almighty will comfort the bereaved families and also wished a speedy recovery for the injured,” the statement added.

  • Osinbajo seeks Reps’ nod for $1.28b, €9m external loan

    Osinbajo seeks Reps’ nod for $1.28b, €9m external loan

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo is seeking the approval of the House of Representatives for a loan of $1.280 billion for the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN).

    He said the DBN is ready to begin operation and the four foreign banks involved are ready to commence the disbursement of the loan.

    Osinbajo is also seeking the approval of €9 million for agricultural financing for the consolidation of the gains of the first tranche of €10.5million.

    He sent the requests as an addendum to the 2016-2018 external borrowing plan.

    Osinbajo, whose letter was dated May 16, 2017, was conveyed to Speaker Yakubu Dogara in the Vice President’s seal and letterhead, but signed off with the designation of the Acting President.

    He said the DBN was approved by the last administration but the loan facility was omitted in the 2014/2016 borrowing plan by the National Assembly.

    It reads:”The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) is a multi-donor supported bank approved under the previous administration with the financing agreement executed on February 25, 2015.

    “However, the facility in the sum of $1.28 billion appeared to be inadvertently omitted in the 2014/2016 external borrowing plan approved by the National Assembly.

    “The bank is being supported by the World Bank, African Development Bank, KfW Development Germany and French Development Agency in the sum of $500m, $450m, $200m and $130m respectively.

    “The bank is ready to commence operation and the donors are also ready to commence disbursement consequent upon National Assembly approval of the borrowing.

    “Furthermore, Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria  (FAFIN-11) is being supported by KfW Development Bank of Germany in the sum of €9m.

    “The first phase of (FAFIN-1) was €10.5 millionand the financing agreement was executed on October 3, 2013.

    “It is an investment facility in agricultural financing.

    “The first tranche of FAFIN-1 has been fully disbursed and the donor is ready to provide another tranche of €9 million for FAFIN-11.

    “The second tranche is for the consolidation of the gains in the investment of the first tranche.”

  • Osinbajo, May, Trump, others condemn Manchester blast

    Osinbajo, May, Trump, others condemn Manchester blast

    ACTING President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday joined other world leaders in condemning terrorist attack in Manchester, United Kingdom (UK).

    Other leaders who flayed the explosion that rocked a concert hall yesterday are: British Prime Minsiter Mrs. Theresa May, United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump, his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Queen of England Elizabeth II, among others.

    In a statement by his spokesman Laolu Akande, Acting President Osinbajo described the terrorist attack on innocent people in Manchester as despicable.

    The statement reads: “On behalf of the people and Government of Nigeria, Prof Osinbajo expresses heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the government and people of the United Kingdom in this period of grief.”

    Describing the attack as a dastardly act and heinous crime, Osinbajo assured Prime Minister May that the prayers and thoughts of Nigerians were with the British people as they mourned the victims, many of the them young people.

    It further reads: “Acting President Osinbajo is confident that light of the civilised world will always prevail against the darkness of depravity, and he trusts that Britons and citizens of other nations across the world will continue to show resilience and courage in the wake of such terrorist crimes.

    “He prays that God Almighty will comfort the bereaved families and also wishes a speedy recovery for the injured.”

    Mrs. May said security services were working to see if a wider group was involved in the attack, which fell less than three weeks before a national election. Campaigning was suspended as a mark of respect.

    She spoke to U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and several other foreign leaders yesterday about the attack, her spokesman said. She also visited the police headquarters and a children’s hospital in Manchester.

    The White House said Trump had agreed with May during their telephone conversation that the attack was “particularly wanton and depraved”.

    Macron and senior French ministers walked to the British embassy in Paris to sign the condolence book.

    Mrs. Merkel said it “will only strengthen our resolve to…work with our British friends against those who plan and carry out such inhumane deeds”.

    The United Nations (U.N.) Security Council condemned “the barbaric and cowardly terrorist attack” and expressed solidarity with Britain in the fight against terrorism.

    Queen Elizabeth held a minute’s silence at a garden party at Buckingham Palace in London.

    Manchester remained on high alert, with additional armed police drafted in. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said more police had been ordered onto the streets of the British capital.

    Police raided a property in the Manchester district of Fallowfield where they carried out a controlled explosion. Witnesses in another area, Whalley Range, said armed police had surrounded a newly built apartment block on a usually quiet tree-lined street.

    Yesterday evening, thousands of people attended a vigil for the dead in central Manchester.

    British police do not routinely carry firearms, but London police said extra armed officers would be deployed at this weekend’s soccer cup final at Wembley and rugby at Twickenham. Security would be reviewed also for smaller events.

    In March, a British-born convert to Islam, ploughed a car into pedestrians on London’s Westminster Bridge, killing four people before stabbing to death a police officer who was on the grounds of parliament. The man was shot dead at the scene.

    In 2015, Pakistani student Abid Naseer was convicted in a U.S. court of conspiring with al Qaeda to blow up the Arndale shopping centre in the centre of Manchester in April 2009.