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Tag: Osinbajo

  • Economic recession won’t last – Osinbajo

    Economic recession won’t last – Osinbajo

    The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday assured that the nation’s economic recession would not last.

    Speaking at the 8th convocation ceremony of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Osinbajo said the Federal Government is not unaware of Nigerians’ pains as a result of the economic crisis.

    He insisted that with measures taken by the government, the crisis would “soon go away.”

    The vice president challenged the youths not to despair but to multitask in order to break even.

    He said there is no way Nigeria could have avoided the recession since it had in February this year lost 60 per cent of its revenue to the activities of saboteurs.

    Osinbajo also identified pipelines vandalism and errors of some past leaders as causes of Nigeria’s current economic situation.

    He urged young graduates to be diligent and take advantage of various international trading platforms to improve their status.

     

  • Foreign investors to get visa on arrival – Osinbajo

    Foreign investors to get visa on arrival – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday said government was seriously considering the option of issuing visa on arrival to foreign investors and other businessmen coming to the country.

    He spoke in Abuja at the public presentation and first annual lecture of “The Interview” Magazine.

    He said the issuance of visa will help remove many perceived bureaucratic bottlenecks that had clogged the business climate in Nigeria.

    According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari has already inaugurated a committee on enabling business environment.

    The responsibility of the committee, which he chairs, was to move Nigeria up by 50 spaces on the World Bank’s ease of doing business index before the end of 2017.

    Speaking on the theme of the event: “Why start-ups fail and strategies to save them,” the vice president said it was the responsibility of the government to create the enabling environment for business to thrive, assuring that the present administration was committed to doing just that.

    He said: “The business of the government is to provide the right environment for start-ups. The problem in most cases and which we have experienced in Nigeria is that our approval processes are needlessly difficult.”

  • Nigeria will prosper – Osinbajo

    Nigeria will prosper – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday said there is great hope for Nigeria to prosper despite the hard times facing the citizens.

    He made the remark while receiving a delegation of the Northern States Pentecostal Bishops Forum in his office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He said no country in the world that can experience the kind of stealing that took place in Nigeria without facing the consequences.

    Osinbajo, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, said: “This country has been badly governed. We are dealing for instance with the embezzlement of funds to the tune of $15 billion in one sector alone. “

    Replying those asking why the government is talking about the past, he said: “We have to, that is why we are here.”

    “We have not turned attention to the oil and gas sector, where the former CBN Governor alleged that $20 billion was stolen. We must condemn and stand up against this level of corruption. It is the single most important reason for the current state of the country. We can’t ignore it.”

    The vice president urged Christian and religious leaders in the country to condemn corruption “openly.”

     

     

  • Osinbajo, Ajimobi, Adeboye hail Wale Oke at 60

    Osinbajo, Ajimobi, Adeboye hail Wale Oke at 60

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adeboye yesterday showered encomiums on Bishop Wale Oke at the celebration of his 60th birthday.

    Oke is the presiding bishop, Sword of the Spirit Ministries, which headquarters is in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    The event was held at the church’s Garden of Victory headquarters on Old Ife Road, Ibadan.

    The cleric was also celebrating the 34th convention of the ministry and the approval of licence for Precious Cornerstone University – the mission’s latest institution.

    Hailing Oke, Osinbajo said the cleric “is an exceptional human being”, adding that he has spent his adult life serving God faithfully.

    The vice president noted that Oke has been a good counsellor and a supporter in prayers.

    Ajimobi, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, described the cleric as a consistent soul winner.

    The governor said his exemplary commitment to the welfare and spiritual well-being of his congregation was laudable.

    He also emphasised that the cleric has provided an uncommon spiritual leadership for Nigeria and Oyo State.

    In his comment before delivering his sermon, Pastor Adeboye described Oke as a true prophet from youth.

    He noted how the cleric gave him a prophesy in 1979, virtually all of which have been fulfilled in his life.

    He spoke on the topic: “God Still Answers Prayers”, in line with the convention’s theme: “The Lord that Answers by Fire”.

    Taking his sermon’s text from 1 Kings 18:22-24, Adeboye explained that God still answers prayers as He did in Bible days.

  • Osinbajo, Airtel, Zuckerberg hail Aso Villa Demo Day winners

    Osinbajo, Airtel, Zuckerberg hail Aso Villa Demo Day winners

    Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Airtel and co-founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg have commended all the participants of the Aso Villa Demo Day, a presidential initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation through the use of new and emerging technologies.

    Airtel, one of the major sponsors of the initiative, endowed and presented cash prizes to the top three participants.

    The presentation, which held at the Aso Villa at the weekend, was attended by Prof Osinbajo, Airtel Chief Executive Officer, Segun Ogunsanya; Information Minister Lai Mohammed,Communications Technology Minister Adebayo Shittu, Zuckerberg, and CEOs from various sectors across corporate Nigeria.

    Osinbajo congratulated all the participants, saying they were all winners. While lauding the country’s youth for their innovation, creativity, drive and entrepreneurial spirit, the Vice President said there was so much hope in what the young generation could do.

    He hinted that the Federal Government is exploring ways to cooperate with Facebook in the next few months.

    Ogunsanya reaffirmed Airtel’s commitment to pioneering innovation in the telecoms industry as well as seeking credible platforms to support the government and the youth.

    Zuckerberg said it was inspiring to see what young Nigerians had done in app development and use of technology.

    He said his trip had afforded him the opportunity to see the talents that abound in the country. He noted that the youth would not just shape the country but will shape the whole world.

  • Osinbajo takes stage at The Interview’s lecture

    Osinbajo takes stage at The Interview’s lecture

    The first anniversary and public lecture of The Interview comes up in Abuja tomorrow, with the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, as special guest of honour.

    Osinbajo heads the Economic Management Team of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, and is expected to use the lecture to share fresh insight into government recovery effort.

    The lecture, entitled, Why Startups Fail And Strategies To Save Them, will be delivered by Vice Chairman/CEO of leading South African newspaper, Mr. Trevor Ncube.

    Ncube is a Zimbabwean entrepreneur with extensive interests in media in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

    The MD/CEO of RainOil, Mr. Gabriel Ogbechie; and the Chairman of Mike Omotosho Foundation, Dr. Mike Omotosho, will bring the Nigerian perspectives to the lecture.

    In a statement, the MD/Editor-in-Chief of The Interview, Mr. Azu Ishiekwene, said, “This is not a lecture for its own sake. We have brought together people who will share what participants can use and see results. Considering what businesses are going through today, this is our first anniversary present in a special package.”

    In his goodwill message, Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, hailed The Interview and the theme of tomorrow’s lecture.

    Also, ex-Governor of Cross Rivers State Donald Duke described the magazine’s first anniversary as a vital milestone and praised its commitment to finding solutions to deep-seated problems.

    The CEO of the Paris-based Global Editor’s Network, Mr. Bertrand Pecquerie, expressed excitement that the magazine is reviving the era of quality magazines.

    “Quality magazines,” he said, “are precious in a world obsessed by real time and we need long form articles and interviews for thinking or re-considering our future.”

    The Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, would chair the lecture, while Zamfara State Governor and Chairman of Nigerian Governor’s Forum Dr. Abdul’Aziz Abubakar Yari is the chief presenter.

    Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed is the chief host.

  • Our police among world best, says Osinbajo

    Our police among world best, says Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday said the Nigeria Police Force is among the best globally.

    He spoke while laying the foundation for the construction of the Crime and Incident Data Base Centre at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

    He said: “The Nigeria Police is one of the very best that we have anywhere in the world and I say so because I have worked with law enforcement agents for many years. I have served in the United Nations special operations in the justice sector like the UN Mission in Somalia for about a year and I saw Police Forces from everywhere across the world.

    “The Nigeria Police was there too and everybody admitted that they were possibly the most effective on ground there in Somalia. They were effective because they were better trained, better educated than every other Police Force that was there, besides, they were well equipped by the UN,” he added.

    Acting Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris said the data base centre would further equip the police to rid the country of criminals.

    According to him, the project is estimated to cost over N16 billion.

    “This project is costing about N16 billion but this is the first phase. The Federal Government has been supporting us to modernise the Police Force to ensure that we move in tandem with modern strategies in policing. For us, it’s very important to move ahead of the criminals, who always want to be a step ahead of us, so that we will be able to arrest and prosecute them,” he stated.

  • Nigeria can overtake India in digital technology, says Osinbajo

    Nigeria can overtake India in digital technology, says Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday said the country could overtake India in the technology and innovation talent market.

    He spoke during the flag-off ceremony of Google Digital Training for Youth Empowerment at the State House, Abuja.

    According to him, the administration will continue to explore creative ways at empowering the youths.

    He said: “We intend to create a reservoir of human capacity in technology that can be exported internationally. Nigeria can lead India as a market for technology and innovation talent.

    “This year, we are establishing technology hubs across the country, two super hubs in Lagos and Abuja and six regional hubs in the six geo-political zones. In partnership with several major technology companies, the hubs will be fully resourced with infrastructure and capacity building tools.

    “Each hub will be designed to produce relevant innovative technology solutions to a wide range of business, commercial and government problems. For example, alternative energy solutions, creative technology, public services delivery in health, education and government processes, import substitution and others.

    “Several major technology companies are partnering with us in the provision of infrastructure and opportunity in the hubs. Also starting this year, we have budgeted for the training of 65,000 young Nigerias in hardware and software services and more sophisticated software and hardware such as animation.

    “This would mean that we would be building more local capacity to build, assemble hardware and write innovative programmes; we will also be focusing on technology for media and entertainment.”

    While the empowerment initiative is targeting 400,000 youths at a start, Osinbajo said the government is determined to give every opportunity to younger generation to ensure they excel through the use of modern technology.

    He said a special initiative on innovative technology and start-ups’  presentation of prospective participants have already been done in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

    “This Friday, 30 of the best start up ideas will be exhibiting their inovations at the Presidential villa at the first Annual Aso Villa Demo Day.

    “The 30 winners will be arriving here in Abuja today and they will participate in an innovation growth camp for the next two days.

    “And this is why what Google has offered to do in collaboration with the Federal Government, the Google training for youth employment, the training of 400,000 young people is a monumental contribution to the national plan and in particular to economic development.

    “Everyone of the 400,000 young men and women to be trained is a potential creator of Facebook, Uber, Jobberman, Iroko Tv or something that we haven’t even imagined yet. The exciting prospect of this training is that it unleashes the creativity,  innovation and the boundless imaginative of the most productive segment of our society, the youths.

    “For any student today, I think that we must appreciate that this is the age of multi-tasking; you cannot just be an economist, an accountant, a lawyer or a graduate of international relations, or mass communication or performing arts and just remain that way. Multi-skilling is crucial today, multi-tasking is the order of the day; you can’t just be one thing.

    “You must learn to be a man of affairs, a versatile operator not a mono skill graduate.”

    To achieve this, he said there are many opportunities as practically anything can be learned online today.

    “All of these business reviews and business journals, many of them are free online. Everyone has a right to be rich; age is not a barrier to great wealth as we have seen from all the examples of great men and women who have done so many incredible things,” the Vice President said.

    According to him, there are also important opportunities for those in the performing and film arts, which goes beyond actual performing to effective management of talents, their programmes and projects.

     

  • Govt’ll improve ease of doing business, says Osinbajo

    Govt’ll improve ease of doing business, says Osinbajo

    The Federal Government is putting things in place to move Nigeria from a ranking of 169 out of 189 countries in the World Bank ease of doing business to at least 20 spaces in the coming ranking.

    Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo who stated this yesterday in Abuja, said the Federal Government is focused on making it easier to do business in Nigeria.

    Osinbajo made the statement in Abuja at the the International Mining Investment Conference/Exhibition on Nigeria with Connecting the Global Mining Industry to the Opportunities of the Solid Minerals Sector in Nigeria as theme.

    Represented by the Special Adviser, Economic Office, Adeyemi Dipeolu, the Vice President said: “We are seeking to cooperate with our partners in the solid minerals sector to come up with a strategy for ensuring that it plays it’s desired role as a major economic sector in Nigeria.

    “Budgetary provisions for the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development allotment this year is far larger than the allocation that the ministry has had in the past five years.

    “Let me assure local and foreign investors that in our quest to grow this sector,  the Federal Government is fully focused on making it easier to do business in Nigeria. As a metrix, we are planning and taking actions already on trying to move Nigeria from a ranking of 169 out of 189 countries in the World Bank ease of doing business to at least 20 spaces better in the coming ranking, we do hope by this gesture, governments efforts will be reciprocated by the respect for the rule of law and commitment to promoting the development of this country including the payment of taxes as required.”

    Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi said the country can generate N5 trillion yearly from mining and exporting of its vast minerals deposits with multiplier effects on job creation, state development and social infrastructure.

    He added that last year, the solid minerals sector contributed 0.33 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country and the sector hopes to contribute between five and seven per cent over the next 10 to 15 years.

    “Today, based on current data, Nigeria’s solid minerals sector only makes up about 0.34 per cent of GDP; while that is significant, it is much smaller than its true potential as the vast majority of our mining assets have yet to be exploited.

    “According to one of the major stakeholders in the solid minerals sector, the Association of Metal Exporters of Nigeria, we can generate at least N5 trillion annually from mining and exporting of its vast solid mineral deposits, with several multiplier effects on job creation, state development and social infrastructure that could position the solid minerals sector as the main catalyst for national development.

    “Ancillary requirements for the proper functioning of the minerals and mining ecosystem such as infrastructure – e.g. railroad, competitive financing systems, mine and asset security, and related support services – are missing. We need changes in legislation – e.g. the passage of an amendment to the Nigeria Railways Corporation Act to break NRC’s monopoly and enable miners to set up private transport networks to move bulk minerals around the country for processing.

  • Fed Govt saves N1.4tr from fuel subsidy payments, says Osinbajo

    Fed Govt saves N1.4tr from fuel subsidy payments, says Osinbajo

    The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo yesterday in Kano said the Federal Government has saved N1.4 trillion which would have been spent on fuel subsidy.

    The Vice President who spoke during the third day of the 15th Joint Planning Board and National Council on Development Planning (NCDP) meeting in Kano yesterday, urged Nigerians to restore confidence on President  Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, promising that  the current econmic challenges facing the country will soon become a thing of the past.

    He also assured Nigerians that very soon, the foreign exchange market will stabilise going by some policies already introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    He said: “With the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector, there has been a significant increase in the availability of petrol throughout the country and the saving of N1.4 trillion on subsidy payments alone.

    “Also, with a more flexible exchange rate regime, we will have to decrease the pressure on the external reserve. In the short run of course, there should be consequences for inflation. We expect that with the greater priority we have seen in the implementation of the policy by the CBN, the foreign exchange market will stabilise and confidence will be restored.

    “The adoption of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) in September 2015 was intended to place our world on the part of sustainable development by the year 2030. The 17 SDGs, which combined economic, social and environmental objectives are intended to be universal unlike the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which were made solely for developing countries.

    “The universal application of the SDGs and their 169 targets show that they are a menu of options, this allows the implementation to take count of different national realities, capacities, policies and priorities.”

    According to the Vice President, in the Nigerian context, some of the issues that must engage government’s attention will lead to economic diversification, sustain economic growth, eradicate extreme poverty, promote social inclusion, create jobs, address environmental degradation, including climate change.

    He argued that empirical evidence from across the globe has shown that national strategic planning is very critical for attaining structural transformation and sustainable development, adding that the countries of East Asia have proved this convincingly, even though their development was private-sector driven.

    “Strategic plans largely  provide direction, coherence and coordination and they are a veritable framework for guiding the activities of all stakeholders towards achieving a common goal, planning specifics such as goals, target and indicators which embody the SDGs, also enables tracking, monitoring and evaluation. Successful implementation of strategic plans and attainment of the SDGs entails partnership.