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Tag: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

  • Garba Shehu decries Constitutional crisis hype 

    Garba Shehu decries Constitutional crisis hype 

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, has dismissed an article by a Nigerian historian,  Max Siollun, entitled “The Gentleman’s Agreement that Could Break Apart Nigeria,” published in the  United States-based Foreign Policy magazine.

    The piece speculated that Nigeria faces imminent political and constitutional crisis on account of President Buhari’s absence to attend to his health in London.

    Reacting to what he called “needlessly sensational and exaggerated speculations by conspiracy theorists”, the Presidential aide explained that it is misleading to compare President Buhari’s case to that of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, adding that the circumstances are completely different.

    According to Shehu, unlike President Yar’Adua, President Buhari has duly complied with the constitutional requirements by formally notifying the National Assembly of his intention to go for medical treatment and handing over to Professor Yemi Osinbajo as Acting President.

    In a statement by Deputy Director (Information) State House, Abuja, Attah Esa, Shehu said “While Yar’Adua was too severely ill to transmit a letter formally to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, President Buhari is not in such medical state, and therefore, the country is not currently facing any complications on account of his absence.”

    The media aide noted that under President Yar’Adua, there was uncertainty about the role of the Vice President because the late President was not in a position to formally transfer power to his deputy, which necessitated the resort to the doctrine of necessity to enable Dr. Goodluck Jonathan act in his absence.

    Malam Shehu explained that, currently, none of these circumstances prevail in Nigeria on account of President Buhari’s absence for medical treatment.

    According to him, having transferred power formally to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, President Muhammadu Buhari did not leave Nigeria with any power vacuum, adding, therefore, that any suggestions of uncertainty or constitutional crisis are imaginary and exaggerated.

    He explained that with the Acting President Professor Osinbajo already running the affairs of the country in the absence of President Buhari, people should stop creating artificial fears of crisis or uncertainty, noting that governance has not ground to a halt because President Buhari has duly complied with the constitution.

    Malam Shehu appealed to conspiracy theorists not to pollute the polity by needlessly seeking to create an atmosphere of fear, uncertainty and suspicions in the country.

    The Media aide said that the President publicly admitted he was sick and taking treatment and that he never pretended about his health condition with that open admission.

     

     

  • Modular Refinery: FG approves 56 licenses to operators

    Modular Refinery: FG approves 56 licenses to operators

    No fewer than 56 licenses have been approved by the Federal Government (FG) for the setting up of modular refineries in the Niger Delta region to end the era of illegal refining activities and youths agitation in the region, but no indigene of the region was given the approval.

    This was disclosed by a Lawmaker representing Omoku constituency in River state House of Assembly, Hon. Christian Ahiakwo in Port Harcourt the Rivers state capital Monday.

    Ahiakwo spoke ahead of the forthcoming Port Harcourt environmental Summit, scheduled to hold Port Harcourt, between June 13 and 14, 2017.

    He expressed doubt on the motive behind Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s fact finding tour of the region and the promise to approve the setting up of modular refineries for the operation of the restive youths of the region when they have issued the approval to those they want to give none of who is from the region.

    “As we speak, 56 companies have been given licenses to operate modular refineries in Niger Delta region, but none of the companies is owned by indigene of the region. “Bearing in mind that militancy sprang up in the region following the perception of marginalization and exclusion of the people of the region in oil and gas business and now thus number of approval have been given without the application of any indigene of the region scaling through, I don’t know what that means,” he noted.

    The lawmaker continued and said, “These licenses were issues nine days after President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office. The Vice President only came to the region to affirm what they has already discussed and concluded.

    The Niger Delta boys that are operating illegal refining business have got the experience, they are not doing anything different from what is being done in the modern refineries, the only thing us that while they used very crude method in carrying out the work, the approved refineries use modern technology.” He explained.

    Ahiakwo was optimistic that if the Niger Delta youths are given the license to operate the modular refineries, the era of pull fire will be over and its consequent release of dangerous black sot menace in the state will gradually clear from the air.

    “On the issue of black sot in the environment, I thank the state government for the proactive steps he took in addressing the concern by setting up a committee headed by the Commissioner for Environment to identify the emission sources.

    The committee has completed the first phase of the assignment, which is the identification of possible emission sources and where they are, the next thing is to ascertain the pollutant substance each source is emitting before moving to confront them with the view of stopping it.

    Earlier the Lawmaker who is the Chairman House Committee on Environment and also the chairman Summit steering committee, Said the Summit among other issues would review environmental issues in the state with the view of possible enactment of new laws to accommodate areas of environmental concern that were not captured in the existing laws.

  • It’s abominable to wish Buhari dead, says Alaafin

    It’s abominable to wish Buhari dead, says Alaafin

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Thursday urged Nigerians to pray for the speedy recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying it was abominable to wish him dead.

    The Alaafin, who said he had been following the debate over president’s health, noted that it was against African culture to “speculate the death of the sick.”

    In a statement Thursday, he encouraged Nigerians to support the “unity and cohesion” between the President and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, adding that it was not Yoruba practice or tradition to benefit from other’s misfortune.

    He said: “I have been following with great interest though mixed feeling comments that have been generated on both social and conventional media on the state of health of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Let me state very clearly and unambiguously that in African culture, it is not proper to speculate the death of the sick. In Yoruba culture in particular, it is abomination not only to speculate but to wish a fellow mortal dead. Neither is it proper to mock the sick because only God determines the future of everybody.

    “In the custom, belief and tradition of the Yoruba, death is not age determinant. That is why in Yoruba tradition, we always pray for the recovery of the sick, no matter his age.”

    He noted that although President Buhari, like any mortal, may be physically sick, “that sickness is not in any way transferred to the style and level of governance in the country. In other words, the President might have been delegating some responsibilities to the Vice President; he is still much in charge of the government.”

    “That is why recent insinuations and interpretations including some political hypothesis on the state of the President’s health is not only uncalled for but unwarranted.

    “It is both uncharitable and untenable for the state of the health of President to be given any ethnic insinuation of any form. Let me state with every sense of clarity and candour that it is not the practice and tradition of the Yoruba to benefit from the misfortune of others.”

    The Alaafin warned that nothing should be done “by any form of political insinuation to break the wall of unity and cohesion in the Presidency especially between the President and his very loyal Vice, Yemi Osinbajo SAN.

    “It is on this note that I am appealing to all Nigerians irrespective of religious or ethnic differences to remain focused and united in their prayer for the quick recovery of Mr. President.

    “The President has remained faithful to the Nigerian cause. He deserves reciprocity from all Nigerians by being faithful to him too in a united prayer for his quick recovery.”

     

  • NEC orders audit of ecological funds

    NEC orders audit of ecological funds

    …FG saves N17 billion through Efficiency unit

     

    The National Economic Council (NEC) chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday ordered full scale investigation of the ecological funds.

    Governors at the meeting believed that the handling of the fund had not been transparent.

    According to them, rather than growing, the ecological fund has shrunk to N33.6 billion.

    Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the NEC meeting, Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, said that a committee has been set up to investigate the situation.

    He was in the company of his Plateau State counterpart, Simon Lalong and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno.

    Obiano said that the governors of Oyo, Borno, Imo, Kaduna, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Benue States Ministers of Finance and Environments were members of the committee.

    According to him, it was necessary to know the balance of the ecological funds.

    He said: “At the 76th meeting of NEC held today, the following resolutions were arrived at. First on the natural resource funds and ecological fund. The Accountant-General of the federation briefed the council on the natural resource and ecological funds as follows:

    “Natural resource funds balanced as at 31 March 2017 was N70.9 billion. Ecological balance as at that date was N33.6 billion. States and Local governments now keep their share of resource and ecological funds for use as the need arises in their respective jurisdictions.

    “Council decided that an audit of ecological funds be carried. Adhoc committee comprising of Oyo, Borno, Imo, Kaduna, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Benue and Ministers of Finance and Environments have been set up to do the audit and come up with recommendations on how all the funds shall be managed.

    “The reason for the audit is to look at the balance. The actual word isn’t to audit it but to reestablish that the balance is the correct balance because it’s been standing like that for a couple of months. We will address that and the committee will brief NEC at the next meeting.” he added

    The Council, he said, also took briefings from the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, on the Paris Club refunds.

    He disclosed that the Excess Crude Account also stood at $2.2 billion as at 26th April, 2017.

    He said “Hon minister of Finance gave an update on the disbursement of Paris and preparation for the next round of payments to the state after the first disbursement. Governors expressed appreciation to the president for the previous disbursement of the funds and noted that their expectation for the next round of refund from the federal government to the states.

    “The Hon. Minister of Finance told council that the balance in the Excess Crude acct as at April 26, 2017 stands at 2.2billion USD.

    “Operation of the Efficiency unit under federal ministry of finance made presentation to council on the operations of the Efficiency unit in the Ministry of finance. She informed Council that the Unit has been able to save the federal government a whopping sum of N17 billion since it was established.

    “The council appreciated and urged States to also establish efficiency units in order to enhance systems that will improve efficiency to discuss and bloc leakages in line with the physical sustainability plan”, Obiano said.

    Lalong said that Vice President Osinabjo briefed Council on the progress so far recorded by the social investment programme.

    He also dispelled the beliefs in some quarters that the payment of Paris refunds to the states was favour to them.

    The refund, he said, was money taken from the states some years ago.

    He said that the real reason for the probe of ecological funds was to ascertain the true situation of the money.

    According to him, many states had applied but were denied the fund.

    He said: “The Vice president updated council on the progress of four of the Social Investment Plan of the administration. Mainly, the N-power, Conditional cash transfer, Home grown school feeding programme and the government economic and empowerment programme for micro credit.

    “Council was also briefed on certain impediments and programme implementation delays noticed in the federal government or state government collaboration and resolve to end such obstacles.

    “Council therefore resolved to upgrade the state coordination unit in federal government SIPs to the governors office for better and more effective federal government/ state collaboration.

    “Talking about salaries and the Paris club, I don’t think those were really the reasons given to the governors for the delays in payment of the Paris club. We understand the President has approved the payment of the Paris club. The first tranche came. We are waiting for the second tranche before the president went out for medical treatment.

    “What we are complaining is the delay that we have not received the second tranche after the application. Let it not be seen as if the Paris club is a favour done to state. These are money belonging to states. So, what we are saying is that it is illegally taken about 12 years ago.

    “So, we are only asking that the money be refunded to us. When the first tranche was given, that’s why we are getting out of the recession today. That’s what made some states to pay salaries. We thank the president for doing that. So, let it not be seen as if governors are rushing for it. Political opponents, I am sure, they are the ones talking about it.

    “Some people will not want governors to receive the Paris club refunds at this time because they believe that if we take it, we will all pay salaries, go on with projects and then you are talking of second or third term. I don’t think that is the reason. For us governors, what we want is the judicious use of the Paris club as we did for the bail out funds.

    “Our concern is that many states that have applied for ecological funds. It appears that in the last one or two years, no state has been given ecological funds. There is a purpose for ecological fund and if we are not given and we suspect that instead of moving forward or staying static, the ecological is dwindling, it is going down. Then, it means that someone else is using it. That’s why governors say no, let’s audit and see what is happening to it and go according to the procedure. If you fulfill the procedure, you get it.

    “Unlike what happened in the last administration where the ecological funds were disbursed on the basis of political loyalty. In this regime, it is not like that. So, it is a procedure we are following. That was what compelled council to take a decision to audit the account to know what has happened to it and then we know the process that will follow.” he added

    He said that the Council was also given updates on meningitis, noting that about N46.7 billion was required to vaccinate the affected population.

    “There was also updates on meningitis. The Minister of Health made a presentation to the council on the updates of meningitis outbreak as follows: That there have been 9646 suspected cases of meningitis affecting 6 States in the country, namely: Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger, Kebbi and Kano. As at April 25, 2017, about 767 deaths had occurred representing 9 percent of the infested population.

    “About N46.7 billion is required to vaccinate the valuable population. Council expressed grave concern over the ravaging meningitis epidemic in parts of the country and advised the Federal Ministry of Health to intensify interventions to contain the embarrassing epidemic while advocating for increased funding for health.

    “Finally, the minister in his presentation called for the establishment of National Health Emergency Fund to be domiciled in the presidency under the supervision of the National Economic Council chairman,” he said

    The National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno said that he briefed Council on the general security situation in the country.

    He said “I was called upon for NEC to give them an update on the general security in the country. Basically, my brief dwelt in the prevailing situation between cattle rustlers, herdsmen and farmers and in particular, Kaduna, Taraba and Benue.

    “I have given them a detailed brief on the current situation. Apart from that, Council was also briefed on what the security agencies are doing so far. Basically, the security agencies have commenced a general crack down of gunmen, cattle rustlers and militants,” he said.

     

  • Osinbajo’s committee demands Senate’s interim report on SGF

    Osinbajo’s committee demands Senate’s interim report on SGF

    The Vice President Yemi Osinbajo-led committee investigating allegations of due process violation in award of contracts under Presidential Initiatives on North East (PINE) has requested the Senate to furnish it with relevant documents on the matter.

    Chairman, Ad Hoc Committee on Mounting Humanitarian Crisis in the North-East, Sen. Shehu Sani, confirmed receipt of a letter on the issue in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday.

    He said Osinbajo, Chairman of the Committee of Inquiry, in a letter dated April 21, requested for the Senate ad hoc committee’s report on the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.

    According to him, the vice president stated in the letter that the committee required documents from the senate for appropriate consideration.

    “ The Presidential Committee set up to look into allegations of due process violation in award of contracts under Presidential Initiatives on North-East (PINE) has written to us to make available report our findings.

    “I confirm that we got the letter and we will provide the documents to the committee,’’ he said.

    Meanwhile, the Senate ad hoc committee has asked Lawal to appear before it on April 27 by 10:00 a.m.

    Sani, who also confirmed this, said a letter had been written to Lawal requesting him to attend a rescheduled public hearing on the allegations.

    The committee had invited Lawal to appear before it for a second time on March 15.

    However, Lawal in a letter dated March 22, requested for a rescheduling of the meeting to a more appropriate time.

    The Senate ad hoc committee, in an interim report, indicted Lawal in the award of contracts under the PINE.

    The call for Lawal’s resignation followed alleged contravention of the provisions of Public Procurement Act and the Federal Government Financial Rules and Regulations pertaining to award of contracts by him.

    While presenting the report to the Senate, Sani said that the committee discovered that some of the contracts were awarded to companies belonging to top government officials’ cronies and family members.

    He explained that the committee found out that Rholavision Engineering Limited, a company in which Lawal was allegedly a director, was awarded consultancy contract.

    The company’s major role, according to him, is the removal of invasive plant species in Yobe on March 8.

  • Osinbajo renews call for int’l collaboration against terrorism

    Osinbajo renews call for int’l collaboration against terrorism

    …Receives Bangladeshi Army Chief


    
 
    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Tuesday renewed call for international collaboration towards checking the menace of terrorism.

    According to him, Nigeria will continue to cooperate in the global fight against terrorism.

    Osinbajo spoke at the State House while receiving the Bangladeshi Chief of Army Staff, General Abu Belal Muhammad.

    He said that the networking among terrorists groups has increased the need for countries to close ranks to counter the threats posed by their activities.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Laolu Akande, he said “We are concerned about terrorism not just within our borders, we have also seen the influence of terrorists across borders and how terrorist organizations have cooperated with each other.

    “We are aware for instance that some within our own borders are cooperating with ISIL and we think that this sorts of evil collaborations must have a response from countries that share similar experiences and can present a credible force against terrorists’’.

    Speaking about the urgency required to tackle the menace, Prof. Osinbajo warned that “terrorism is a major problem and perhaps the most significant problem that the free world will face in the coming years’’.

    On the Nigeria-Bangladesh relations, he said improved cooperation between the Bangladeshi and Nigerian military would go a long way in curbing threats posed by terrorist groups within and around borders of the two countries.

    He said “We have benefitted a lot from some of your experiences in fighting insurgency in Bangladesh and we hope that we benefit even more from those experiences.

    “We have had similar problems with Boko Haram and I know that you have also had problems of some sort with terrorist groups within the borders of Bangladesh.’’ he said
    According to him, Nigeria is looking forward to cooperating with the Bangladeshi government in different sectors including defence and the economy.

    The Vice President hoped for collaboration in some other respect like with the Bangladesh Ordinance Factory, saying “we also have an ordinance factory here at DICON which we are hoping to do a lot with very soon. We hope that there might be ways that we could cooperate especially in the manufacture of ordinances, arms generally and other forms of weaponry.’’

    Speaking earlier, the Bangladeshi Chief of Army Staff, General Abu Belal Muhammad expressed gratitude at the reception accorded to his delegation since arriving Nigeria.
    He said the long standing relations between Nigeria and Bangladesh has helped in the career development of many officers of the armed forces of both countries.

    General Muhammad said that there was however a need to strengthen relations on the defence and economic fronts to tackle challenges that are peculiar to both countries.
    The Bangladeshi Army chief is in Nigeria on a working visit to improve military relations between both countries.
      

       

  • FG reduces number of days for businesses registration

    FG reduces number of days for businesses registration

    …Also company registration to be done within 24 hours

     

    Towards ease of doing business in Nigeria, the government has reduced the number of days required for registration of new businesses in Nigeria from 10 to 2.

    It also okayed a 24-hour timeline for company registration from when application form is completed and all required documents made available.

    Prospective business owners can also search on Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) portal   (www.cac.gov.ng) to avoid duplication of names and prevent selection of prohibited names.

    Company registration also no longer requires lawyers as it is now optional for SMEs to hire lawyers to prepare registration documents.

    These were among the highlights of a report presented at a Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, PEBEC, meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Monday.

    The meeting, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Laolu Akande, marked the end of the 60-day Action Plan on Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria reforms.

    The Council established by President Muhammadu Buhari is chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    But Monday’s meeting was chaired by Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, as the Vice President was busy with the work of the Presidential Investigative Panel.

    According to the report, CAC has introduced single incorporation form (CAC1.1) to save time and reduce costs while the agency has introduced document upload interface on its website to enable e-submission of registration documents.

    Other aspects of the reforms now actualized in the last 60 days include the Integrated FIRS e-payment solution into CAC portal to enable e-stamping while the reform empowers CAC internal lawyers to certify company incorporation forms and conduct statutory declaration of compliance for a fixed fee of N500.

    According to the report, the PEBEC listed “Dealing with construction permits, Getting electricity, Registering Property, Getting Credit and Paying Taxes,” as some of the areas where the council has recorded progress in the past 60 days.

    The report also highlighted the completed reforms on the “Entry and Exit of People,” indicator which includes Simplified Visa-on-Arrival process, Infrastructural improvements at the Abuja airport, and the new Immigration Regulation 2017.

    It also indicated that the completed reforms are being closely monitored to ensure diligent implementation with minimal disruption while pending reforms are being escalated to ensure completion in the coming weeks.

    On Trading across Borders, some of the completed reforms include palletisation of imports, advanced cargo manifests, reduction in documentation requirements and scheduling of Joint Physical Examination by the Customs Service.

    The National Action Plan contained initiatives and actions implemented by responsible Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the National Assembly, a number of State Governments, as well as some private sector stakeholders.

    The Council emphasised that with the conclusion of implementation of the Action Plan, the next phase would involve “deepening existing reforms; completing and implementing pending initiatives; engaging with the public; validating completed reforms and kicking-off medium-term reforms.”

    The Council would also kick-start “sub-national reforms across Nigeria’s 36 states; trading within Nigeria; kick-off of initiatives and reforms improving business processes and regulations within Nigeria; and ease of movement of goods within and across regions in Nigeria.”

    Other Ministers at the meeting included Foreign Affairs Ministers Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of State for Industry Trade & Investment Aisha Abubakar, and her counterpart in Budget & National Planning Zainab Ahmed.

    Other government dignitaries at the meeting included the Head of Service, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, and several heads of MDAs.

    The report was presented by Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Trade & Investment.

     

  • 2017 Budget: Why NASS Leadership met with Presidency – Spokesman

    2017 Budget: Why NASS Leadership met with Presidency – Spokesman

    The leadership of the National Assembly met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during the Easter recess to streamline some areas in the budget, it was learnt Monday.

    Abdulrazak Namdas, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs who made the revelation said the purpose of the parley was to put both Legislature and Executive on the same page concerning the 2017 budget.

    Recall that just before the Easter recess, Namdas while briefing reporters on the weekly activities of the Green Chamber said there is no way the 2017 budget can be ready before the resumption of members from the Easter break.

    The lawmaker while speaking yesterday noted that since the National Assembly and the presidency have agreed on key aspects of the Budget, it will aid in the speedy passage of the budget.

    His words: “The topmost priority will be the passage of the budget. We want to ensure that within a few weeks, the budget will be passed.

    “I can tell you that during the Easter break, the leadership of the National Assembly met with the Executive over the budget so that budget will be streamlined in a manner that it tallies with priority areas of the Federal Government and I can tell you that if this budget is passed, there will no little or no issues with the Executive implementing it”.

    He said important legislations which both chambers have to harmonize are the amendment of the Electoral Act 2010 as passed by  Senate on Thursday, March 30 where in the Senate version passed include the use of electronic voting in future elections and electronically transmission of results to collation centers.

    He said: “Any bill that is passed by the Senate must be given concurrence by the House and vice-versa. But you also have to understand that concurrence by either House of the National Assembly is not automatic, neither is the rule that the bill be passed the exact manner it was sent to either house.

    “But what is important is that we will work hard to pass bills that will enhance good governance on time,” he stated.

    Namdas also said that the House has been serious with carrying its constitutional responsibility of investigations, adding that in spite of the dissolution of ad hoc committees by the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, inquiries into issues by the House would not be truncated. According to him such probes would also be done in a “timely manner,” he said.

    His words: “Yes, the Speaker dissolved ad hoc committees but my understanding is that next action on investigations undertaken by these committees will either be taken over by standing committees or be reassigned as decided by the leadership of the House.”

    However, expectations that the National Assembly, which embarked on a two- week break on 11th April will resume today to continue deliberation on the 2017 budget has thinned because of the death of Senator Isiaka Adeleke.

    Many had been looking forward to the resumption of the National Assembly as the parliament has said that the 2017 budget would be passed after resumption from the Easter break.

    The Nation learnt that sitting will be adjourned to Wednesday to honour the late Senator by both chambers Tuesday.

  • NIA DG in closed door meeting with Osinbajo

    NIA DG in closed door meeting with Osinbajo

    After few minutes of dodging journalists and rushing out of the Villa, the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ayo Oke, returned to the seat of power.

    He is presently in a closed door meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in his office.

    Before arriving the Villa the second time, journalists were asked to leave the lobby leading to the Vice President’s office.

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

     

  • Amnesty office screens 236 ex-agitators from Abia

    Amnesty office screens 236 ex-agitators from Abia

    The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has begun verification of 236 ex-agitators from Abia benefiting from the programme.

    The Coordinator of the Programme retired Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh, gave the indication in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Abuja on Tuesday.

    This followed the recent pronouncement by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo that youths from Abia and Imo must be included.

    The vice president said their participation in the programme would help in reducing youth restiveness in the oil producing areas, adding that social and economic activities would be allowed to thrive.

    Boroh, who is also the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, said the 236 ex-agitators were earlier disarmed from 32 camps in the Niger Delta.

    He restated Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of all beneficiaries captured under its programme.

    “The programme is as a result of empowerment and delegates are given starter packs for their businesses.

    “The office trains the ex-agitators at various vocational skill centres and educational institutions in Nigeria and abroad”, he said.

    According to him, the mandate of the office is actually to reintegrate the agitators after their training.

    “Some people could argue that getting jobs for them is part of reintegration. We have to look into that to see how we can get these persons properly reintegrated”, Boroh said.

    The presidential aide said more than 500 ex-agitators were trained and graduated in advanced agriculture at the BioResource Centre in Odi, Bayelsa State.

    “We will explore the opportunity provided by the Federal Government so that our delegates that had been trained can be gainfully employed’’, he said.

    The presidential aide said agriculture was the real sector that should be encouraged at all levels so that the country’s economy could depend less on oil.

    He stressed the need for the moribund industrial complexes in the region to be resuscitated so as to provide employment to the teeming youths, saying the major challenge in the region was unemployment.
    Boroh identified the Aluminium Smelting Company in Akwa Ibom State, the Aladja Steel in Delta State and the various ports as the industries that should be put back to use and provide employment for tens of thousands of youths in the Niger Delta.

    According to him, the importance of the programme lies in the sustenance of peace and enhancement of security in the region.