The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Yemi Osinbajo

  • ERGP restored Nigeria’s economy back on track, says Osinbajo

    ….Says Focus Labs identified $22.5bn investment potentials

    The Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the Federal Government save the nation from recession and restored the economy to the path of sustainable and inclusive growth, Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has revealed.

    He also stated that the ERGP Focus Labs identified 164 projects across the six geo-political zones with an investment potential of $22.5bn and creation of 513,981 jobs by 2020.

    The Vice President stated these at the 59th annual conference of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) in partnership with the African Development Bank Group, with the theme: ‘Optimizing value chain in the agricultural sector in Nigeria,’ in Abuja, on Tuesday.

    Prof. Osinbajo, who was represented by Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr Adeyemi Dipeolu, said the Focus Labs identified $10.1bn investment from the initial $22.5bn that was ready to go.

    He said: “The ERGP is responsible for restoring the economy to the path of sustainable and inclusive growth. The strategic objectives of the ERGP are restoring growth through macroeconomic stability and economic diversification, investing in our people particularly through improved human capital and socially inclusive policies and building a globally competitive economy through investments in infrastructure and by improving the business environment.

    “A number of execution priorities were identified to fast track the achievements of the ERGP objectives, namely: stabilizing the macroeconomic environment, achieving agriculture and food security, ensuring energy sufficiency, improving transportation infrastructure and driving industrialization by focusing on Small and Medium Scale enterprises (SMEs).

    “To fast track the implementation of the ERGP, the FG also launched the ERGP focus lab as a targeted intervention in the executive priority sectors to unlock medium scale and large scale investment projects held back by bureaucratic bottlenecks.

    Read Also: Peace attainable despite threats, says Osinbajo

    “On the whole, the labs were able to identify 164 projects spread across the six (6) geopolitical zones of the country with total potential investments worth $22.5bn and 513,981 jobs by 2020. For this amount, $10.1bn worth of investments was categorized as ready to go.

    “Of course, the growth of 1.5% in the second quarter of 2018 was not nearly enough but now that momentum is in the right direction, what is required is to accelerate the pace of growth. “Also, the current account was in surplus at nearly $4.5bn earlier this year and in spite appearances to the contrary, our debt GDP ratio of 20% is well within acceptable limits.”

    The Vice President said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government prioritized agriculture because the country needed to diversify its economy.

    He said the federal government through the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative had revived moribund blending plants to boost the supply of fertilizers to farmers at a competitive price.

    According to him, 11 of the 33 moribund fertilizer plants have been resuscitated, while four others are being revived with profound impacts on the ongoing revolution in the agricultural sector.

    The Vice President said: “The reasons for prioritizing agriculture in an economy such as ours are not far fetched. In addition to the need to further diversify the economy, agriculture is a source of income to small scale farmers and of job creation in larger farms.

    “We’ve also place great attention to financing the agricultural value chains starting with the Anchor Borrowers Program which started with only rice in 2015 but has now been expanded to cover other crop as well as livestock value chains.

    “Another value chain program to boost agricultural value chain is the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative through which hitherto moribund blending plants were revived to supply fertilizers to farmers at a competitive price. Eleven of the thirty three moribund fertilizer plants have been resuscitated, while four others are being revived shortly with profound impacts on the ongoing revolution in the agricultural sector.”

    The President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Prof. T.J. Agiobenebo, in his address said that: “The agricultural sector has over the years been plagued with low productivity, gross unemployment and agriculturalists have frequently been found among the poorest of the poor. It is noteworthy however that the agricultural sector has both forward and backward linkages that can power inclusive growth and shared prosperity. The optimization of the value chain in the agricultural sector in Nigeria is a bridge to resolving the many of Nigeria’s social economic challenges.

    “Value chain optimization is a crucial driver of industrialization strategy. In view of its potential for expanding production possibilities and enhancing cross border, if not global utilization of natural and human resources of the  country.

    “It provides a strategy for resource based industrialization through agro processing which can deploy local technology driven by value chains.”

  • Independence Day: Our resolve to remain united tested – Osinbajo

    Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has said that our resolve as a nation to remain united has been tested severally.

    This he said has been in the different phases of Nigeria’s history, from the colonial phase, independence, the first republic, the political crisis, the coup etc.

    He said that each phase has tested our resolve to maintain the integrity of the country known as Nigeria. Testing the commitment of the country’s leaders to the project Nigeria.

    Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the photo exhibition to mark the 2018, Independence Day celebration, Osinbajo added that we have not always excelled or have not always done as well as we should. But that is not the story.

    His words, “There are three reasons at least why this historical excursion is important. The first is that it helps us to recognize the incredible leadership of our political leaders, from the colonial days till the moment. All of these incredible leaders – men and women who have shown such great wisdom and wit at various times; such dedication and courage at various times; this exhibition celebrate them.

    “The second is that we are reminded of the twists and turns of our history. The colonial phase, the independence, the first republic, the political crisis, the coups  and countercoups, the civil war,  the short restoration of civil rule and another military incursion and then civil rule since 1999.

    Read Also: Osinbajo visits flood victims in Zugeru

    “Each phase has tested our resolve to remain united, to maintain the integrity of the country known as Nigeria. Each phase has tested the commitment of our leaders to the Nigerian project; it has tested their ingenuity and their wisdom in navigating the frequently tortuous and turbulent waters of our national story.

    “With the benefit of hindsight, I think that it is evident that at every turn we clearly saw strength of the Nigerian resolve to build a nation and the valiant attempts of the leadership at state building.

    “We have not always excelled or have not always done as well as we should. But that is not the story. The story is that we have never lacked the courage and will to keep trying, and to do so with greater resolve and greater commitment.

    “The third reason for the importance of this historical excursion is perhaps the most important. How we approach history. History could be a crutch; it could be an excuse for not doing as well as we could, or a strong shoulder to stand on. It could be a tyrant reminding us of how we got it wrong; or it could be a reminder that our future is greater than our history.

    “I am pleased to say on behalf of the Nigerian government and people that we have chosen to say that our history will not determine our future; our history is the least that we can ever be; our future is much greater; our history is only a precursor to a greater Nigeria; to a Nigeria that is prosperous, united and where all of us are treated fairly and justly. Our history is only the beginning of that great Nigerian story that all of these people who have won awards represent; that they are going to be better  than those of us who sit here today, these young people represent that history and pride that our nation represent.”

    Minister of Information and Cultural, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said that the exhibition showcases Nigerian history from pre-colonial era till date.

    He added that the Independence day celebration is always a day of thanksgiving because it serves as Nigeria’s footprint.

  • Anambra flood victims receive relief materials from FG

    The federal government has sent relief materials worth millions of naira to the flood victims in Anambra State through the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA.

    This is coming just three days the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo  SAN visited the state to ascertain the magnitude of damage caused by the monster in the state.

    Some of the  materials sent by the FG include 600 bags of rice, 300 bags of cement, 200 bags of Milo, 300 bags of beans, 1,000 cartons of omo and 300 cartons of tin tomatoes .

    The South East Coordinator of the Agency, Mr Walson Ibarakuno-Barandon, handed over the materials to the Anambra state Executive Secretary of state Emergency Management Agency SEMA, Mr Paul Odenigbo, on Saturday in Awka, Anambra state.

    Other items were;2,000 pieces of treated mosquito nets, 1,000 pieces of toilet soap, 1, 500 pieces of printed wax, 150 kegs of vegetable oil, 150 bags of salts, 150 bags of sugar and 150 kegs of red oil among others.

    Read Also: Anambra community bemoans lack of infrastructure

    Ibarakuno-Barandon, said the materials were meant to alleviate the sufferings of victims of the flood disaster in parts of Anamabra State.

    Nine out of 21 local government areas in Anambra located close to the River Niger were named among places that would possibly witness flood disaster this year by weather experts.

    The NEMA official explained that the agency brought the items to cushion the effects of the disaster, adding that NEMA emergency assessment team would commence on-the-spot assessment of the areas hit by flood Sept.22.

    He urged the state to see the relief materials as symbolic showing that the federal government under President Mohammadu Buhari shares the pains of the flood victims in Anambra.

    According to him, “No amount of relief materials given to victims of disaster that would be enough to take care of their losses, the federal government is trying to give succor to the victims through this donation’’

    In his remarks, Odenigbo, Executive Secretary SEMA, expressed gratitude to the federal government for their prompt intervention.

    “What they have brought, it would go a long way in assisting the flood victims in the various camps.

    “We have made a case to the federal government  and what NEMA brought today if we add it to donations from other organisations people in the various IDP camps would not go hungry ’’

    Odenigbo said apart from the provision of food and non food materials ,that state ministries of Environment, Health and Public Utilities were working tirelessly to ensure proper hygienic environment in the camps to avoid outbreak of diseases.

  • Osinbajo visits flood victims in Zugeru

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has visited the new resettlement site of communities affected by flood in Zugeru ordering the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately provide building materials to the new resettlement site for communities in order to ease their hardship.

    Speaking at the internally displaced person’s camp in Zungeru, Wushishi Local Government Area of Niger state, Osinbajo said the Federal Government remain committed to ensuring the welfare of its citizens also assured the flood victims of the Federal Government’s effort to find lasting solution to the situation.

    He said that the relocation will come up as soon as possible in order to enable school children resume for the new academic session as the Central Primary School Zungeru, is serving as a temporary shelter for the displaced persons.

    “I have directed NEMA to immediately supply building materials at the new site of resettlement.  They are going to start work immediately and we will also do our best to help everybody so that everybody will be well taken care of. We will make sure we do everything possible make you comfortable as quickly as possible. ”

    Read Also: Osinbajo lauds Osun social protection programmes

    The Vice President then commended the effort of the State Government as well as that of Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) for the quick response to the plight of the displaced persons through the provision of medical facilities and other relief materials.

    Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has earlier disclosed that “over 130 Communities have since been submerged by water, adding that there has been an ongoing effort for the resettlement of the flood victims.”

    He stated that the displaced persons in the camp comprises Gungu,Aboki, Rafin Gora in Wushishi, Rafi and Shiroro Local Government Areas of the state.

    In his remarks, the leader of the community, Ambassador Muhammed Manta who spoke on behalf of the displaced persons commended the Federal and the State governments for commiserating with victims on the recent misfortune and for the quick evacuation of the affected communities from the area. He then called on the Federal and State Government to consider compensation of those that were affected in the ongoing construction of the Zungeru Hydro Electric Dam.

  • Ambode eulogizes Ovia, Tinubu

    Apparently to douse the tension surrounding  the 2019 All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Lagos, the State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday acknowledged the political status of the party’s national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, at Zenith Bank’ chairman, Jim Ovia’s book launch.

    Ambode did this at the launch of the book titled ‘Africa Rise and Shine’, held at Victoria Island. It was chaired by Christopher Kolade, and attended by Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the party chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, Publisher of Vanguard newspaper, Sam Amuka, Oba of Lagos Akiolu and others

    Ambode noted that he wasn’t prepared to address the gathering since his political Godfather had spoken glowingly about the author.

    He asked: “Actually, I didn’t prepare to come and say anything here… And who am I to speak after the Jagaban had spoken?’

    Aside that, the governor also ensured that he stood beside Tinubu during the launch of the book to buttress his earlier stand that there wasn’t any rift between them.

    Ambode’s comment elicited a resounding applause from the audience.

    The governor, however, while eulogizing the author said “the truth is, there is no person that has actually gone through the profession of accountancy that would not have had anything to do with Uncle Jim, and that is the truth.

    “There is nobody that will read this kind of book and will not be inspired and I want to recommend it to everyone.

    “It is always very good when people who have been successful in their careers or profession decide to say something about how they really toiled to get to where they are.

    “Some people just think people get to be successful without knowing that they actually toiled to become successful and this kind of book inspires our younger ones to become more resourceful and then more inspiring,” Ambode said.

    Read Also: No rift between Tinubu and I, says Ambode

    Earlier, Osinbajo stressed that the Nigerian dream was captured by Ovia in his autobiography, detailing his journey to success and importance of leadership to development of any nation.

    He said: “The Nigerian dream is captured in this book because this is a man that started from nowhere and now worth $16 billion. The most of the wealthy men that Nigeria has didn’t come from wealthy home but humble background.

    “Though personnel achievements are known everywhere but what is rare about him was the will to build others without the least apprehension that they could surpass him in the business sector,” the vice president added.

    According to him, Ovia has used his own story and many others to describe the trajectory of a continent that has often appeared to be overcome by its challenges and contradiction.

    While stressing the importance of leadership, Osinbajo argued that every leader considers service to the public than the benefits that they gain from their action.

    “The course of service over self, indicates sacrificial leadership; neither a financial empire or a nation could be built successfully if the leadership cannot delay gratification or keep their hands off the capital of the common man.

    “Sacrifice of self is for the greater goal for all and has become the bedrock for great nations and men but sacrifice for self is the most pathetic hollow imagined, with the imagination of men and women who would have been great but perished.”

    Also speaking, Tinubu, while describing Ovia as Godfather of Nigerian Banking industry, stressed that he doesn’t portray himself as an hero that couldn’t be emulated “but one that his footpath could be followed to achieve greatness.”

    He said: “This title is fitting and proper because not because he was born into the sector but he properly acquired it. The book explained his journey to greatness despite the challenges he faced.

    “This is a man that believes in Nigeria and Africa. And that is why I want to thank you for writing this book to show others of what is necessary for the continent to grow. You have opened the door to success and your life teaches many wonderful lessons,” Tinubu added.

    Urging the next generation to read and emulate the doggedness of Ovia, the APC national leader stressed: “It is up to the next generation to work through that door in order to create a greater and prosperous Africa.”

    Reacting to the accolades showered on him, the author disclosed that his reason for the book title was to change the negative narration about Africa and document historic activities that occurred within the continent.

    According to him, the story told about Africa had previously been pathetic because we were often described as a dark continent characterized with coup and conflicts.

    “But today, the narrative has started changing. The record showed that the continent has embraced democracy. And that shows that the continent has started rising.”

    He noted that acceptance of democracy has positively affected the Gross Domestic Product, GDP of the continent and made the world take notice of the benefits abound in Africa.

  • ‘Religious leaders have roles in implementation of policies’

    …says We must build economy that ‘ll support growing population

    The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has said that the religious leaders have a role to play in the implementation of development policies and programmes.

    Osinbajo stressed the need for the country to take full benefit of its population which is estimated to be around 192 million.

    The Vice President who spoke on Thursday in Abuja at a programme on Harnessing Demographic Dividends for Sustainable Development in Nigeria, “The Role of Muslim Religious Leaders”.

    The two-day programme was put together by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with National Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs. About 200 Islamic religious leaders from across the country is expected to converge at the forum.

    The overall objective of the forum is to enhance the capacity of religious leaders to advocate for policies and programmes towards harnessing DD in Nigeria.

    In his key note address, Osinbajo explained that demographic dividends could be harnessed if appropriate and timely actions are put in place.

    To avoid the time bomb scenario as a result of population explosion, Osinbajo called for urgent steps by all stakeholders.

    He said: “To avoid the time-bomb scenario, we must act with urgency to build an economy that can support that population, provide jobs and economic opportunity, education and healthcare, hope and optimism.

    “The successful implementation of the Road Map requires all-inclusive and robust stakeholders’ engagements/participation such that this Consultative Forum offers and we have seen already that there are several ideas that we need internalize, several policy measures that we need to understand in order to better inform the various publics that we influence.

    “Relevant demographics show the prospects and potentials of a prosperous future for Nigeria, if appropriate and timely actions are in place. Nigeria’s population size is currently estimated at over 198 million, the largest in Africa.

    “About 63 percent of the population is under the age of 25 years, 33 percent between 10 and 24, and 54.8 percent of working age (15-64). 51 percent of the female population are in their reproductive ages (ages 15-49).

    Read Also: Cleric calls for religious tolerance, unity

    And it is estimated that by 2050 Nigeria will be the 3rd most populous country in the world, after India and China.

    Of course, the reverse side of Nigeria’s rich demographic potential, is the much-talked-about ‘population time bomb,’ or as some would say demographic threats.

    “Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has remained high over the last three decades and currently stand at 5.5 births per woman; modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPRm) is very low at 10 percent with 16 percent unmet need for Family Planning (FP). Twenty-three percent of our adolescents (ages 15-19 years) have commenced childbearing and Child Marriage still persists at 18 percent.

    “These figures vary across the North and the South, for example, Total Fertility Rate is lowest in the South West (4.5) and highest in the North East (6.3) and North West (6.7), respectively with Bauchi at 8.1 and Sokoto at 7.0.

    &In effect the gaining an economic advantage from our population size and make up involves a national consensus around some ideas. The first is that the resources of families and of countries are finite. They are not limitless. So it is the business of heads of families at the micro level and governments at the macro level to prioritize the education and health of their families, but in so doing recognize that we can invest more per child with more deliberate planning. ”

    He also added, “The truth of the matter is that the work of ensuring that a large population a significant proportion of which is poor, the working of getting that population out of poverty is a daily and a deliberate work. It is one that involves planning, commitment and managing the resources ins such a way that everyone benefits from it, it is one that requires fiscal discipline.”

    He also outlined what the government has being doing to removing the majority from poverty,which include the N-power programme amongst others.

    On the role of religious leaders, he said “You play very vital roles in the social, cultural and economic lives of the people. You shape attitudes, opinions and behaviors of large numbers of our people, and there is no real progress or transformation that can happen in any society and our society without your participation, involvement or endorsement.

    “More than ever before you are needed as voices of change, in everything from improving maternal, newborn and child health in Nigeria, to encouraging investment in education, particularly of women and girls, educating citizens on the importance of family planning for births spacing, and advocating against early/child marriage.

    “Very importantly, you also have a responsibility to hold governments to account, especially holding government to account in managing the resources faithfully and not stealing the resources of the country, and ensuring that the resources go round and met the needs of the people, at all levels – local, State and Federal.

    On his part, the minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole said “Our approach to engage Muslim religious leaders, faith-based and community leaders to promote and facilitate the dialogue on Roadmap to harnessing Nigeria’s demographic dividend, SRH and gender equality, responsible fertility and the empowerment of young people at all levels is consistent with the broader strategy to ensure Nigeria harnesses the dividend of a demographic transition.

    “Available data indicates that working with religious leaders to improve maternal, new born and child healthis an important cost effective and sustainable strategy in disseminating MNCH information across a large population and is critical to persuading communities to change established behaviour and attitudes. Other evidences abound of tested interventions on the role of Religious Leaders in Nigeria that has led to improved perception on family planning and improved spousal communication.

    “To this end, the Nigerian government through the Federal Ministry of Health and in collaboration with UNFPA and numerous other partners is calling on all Religious Leaders to help in making the changes that would translate into positive contributions to Nigeria’s economic development through investment in Youths and Young people that will fast track our harnessing the Demographic Dividend.”

    He therefore assured the religious leaders of the support of the Ministry’ of Health.

  • Osinbajo backs quotas for young APC aspirants

    Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has expressed support for the request by young aspirants under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) to be given quotas in elective offices.

    Osinbajo’s stance was communicated in a statement by Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President on Thursday in Abuja.

    The vice president had on Wednesday night met with young aspirants under the platform of APC at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Osinbajo commended Nigeria’s youths for their desire to contribute to nation building in their various constituencies through active involvement in politics.

    He called on them to make needed sacrifices to ensure the ideals they want to see in the country were realised.

    “We are in a place where we are the ones who can make the difference; nothing is going to change overnight, but we can make efforts to change the process.

    “We can do a lot more, but it depends on our commitment. I like the idea of young people getting a quota in the party structure to run for office on some level, such as the state houses of Assembly.

    “Some of the aspirants had earlier raised the issue of allowing quotas to young people in elective offices.

    “It is up to us to fight at every stage to see the ideals that we desire; we will win, in the end, if we are consistent.

    “Our party is stronger if our young people are determined to make a change and a difference, even from within.

    “We would see what can be done to ensure that women and youths are more involved in party politics.”

    Osinbajo noted that the country’s future depended on the commitment of young people who were willing to play their part and make positive differences.

    Read Also: Osinbajo to Young aspirants: Nigeria’s future depends on you

    He said that it was important to encourage young people to participate at all levels of the party.

    The vice president said the courage of the young aspirants was exceptional for aspiring to run for offices in a country of about 200 million people.

    “Having gone this far in the game; that you are not just sitting down at home, not just getting upset with yourself on Social Media.

    “You are putting your money, resources and your time where your mouth is.

    “So, consider yourself in very exceptional company. This is a group of people who have not lost hope, but are very determined to ensure that things work.”

    Osinbajo added that young people should not lose hope in the country as things would continue to change for the better if they remained committed to the ideals.

    He said he strongly believed that the future of the party depended on people who were committed to building a party that was based on ideals that were deemed important.

    “As a young person, I belonged to several pressure groups. I graduated at the age of 21.

    “And when I graduated, I began to participate in various pressure groups, human rights organisations, and anti-corruption, civil society groups of every kind.

    “When political parties started forming, we could not aspire, but we remained involved. My first involvement in government was when I was appointed as Attorney General in Lagos State.

    “For seven years – after serving as Lagos Attorney-General – I was part of the party, I did not have a board appointment or anything, but I kept working for the party.

    I kept working for the party as a lawyer. Most of those cases we were not paid a dime. But we went from place to place.

    “Sometimes we didn’t even have a place to stay when we went to court the next morning. So, there is a measure of paying the price, it depends on how serious or committed we are to some of the things we say we are committed to,” he said.

    Osinbajo further called on young people to stay committed and remain within the party to help to build the party structures.

    He said that he believed that, in party politics, faithful must go beyond positions, whether elective or appointed, but must be committed to something, the principles and beliefs of those who were the forebears of that party.

    Young aspirants in APC across the country who attended the meeting on Wednesday night had requested for audience with the Vice President ahead of the forthcoming party primaries.

  • Learn From Buhari, Osinbajo’s , Group Counsels Fayemi, Adebayo

    A group in Ekiti State, under the banner of Democratic Defender Movement (DFM), has appealed to the Governor-elect, Dr Kayode Fayemi and the Deputy National Chairman(South) of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Otunba Niyi Adebayo, to be fair to all aspirants seeking elections ahead of 2019 in the State.

    The group said the duo commanded large followership and respect among APC owing to the wide belief that they have carried themselves above sectionalism, advising that allowing themselves to be hoodwinked by any aspirant to key into imposition agenda may damage their reputations and put them into disrespect in the eyes of theirs followers.

    The movement urged the two eminent Ekiti citizens to take a cue from President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who had refrained from imposing anyone in their respective states since they assumed office in 2015.

    The group said any leader that treads on the path of imposition is gradually digging his own deep political grave, warning that any attempt to create unnecessary cleavage among aspirants on the premise and intention that some are more loyal to them than others might lead

    to serious protest votes and internal crisis that will create a huge unabated bedlam in Ekiti APC.

    In a statement tagged : ‘Open Letter to the Governor-Elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Otunba Niyi Adebayo’ and madeavailable to newsmen in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, advised that the best way for these leaders to earn the respect of followers, is for them to pave way for the conduct of free and fair primaries where consensus is unattainable.

    Read Also: Photos: Buhari presides over FEC meeting

    The statement signed by the group’s coordinator, Com. Saliu Aina, warned that if the rumour that some State Assembly and House of Representatives aspirants were being positioned for imposition against the interest of party members was found to be true, that such tendency would not only brew crisis but would boomerang and cause serious apathy that will affect the party’s fortunes in the coming election.

    The letter reads: “This letter could have been delivered to you, but to make it available to you personally might be a herculean task and that is why we are using this media avenue to pass our genuine concerns across to you as our leaders, whom we believe are also fathers.

    “The rumour is rife that you are perfecting plans to impose some candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly seats in a certain district and constituencies against the wish of those with whose ladders you climbed to political stardom and gain reckoning in our state, country and globally.

    “There are three Ps in a democracy; The Politics, The Party and the People, the people are the most important and most pivotal to achieve success. The moment the people are taken for granted, then leaders and parties doing so should be ready to return to political oblivion and

    the pathetic situation of the Peoples Democratic Party in Nigeria and particularly our State were suffice to substantiate this philosophical assertion.

    “President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo have written their names in gold by not being domineering with powers, they have been modest and these will remain indelible in the country’s political history.

    “We have never heard or even found to be at the realm of rumour, attempt by President Buhari or Vice President Osinbajo to be plotting or planning to impose any candidate in Katsina and Ogun States, in spite of the enormous powers, influences, carriages and respect they earned from people, this is nothing but democracy in action.

    “At a time in APC in the Southwest region, we learnt some former and serving governors of our great party actually approached a leader where they craved for decentralized leadership, where former and serving governors of the states would have the leeway to control their respective states, but that would not erode the fact that there is a centralized leadership that can mediate in case of crisis and that has been seen to be happening now in the Region.

    “If that was the case, it would be a sin against God and humanity for any leader to impose any candidate through the instrumentality of the governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Otunba Niyi Adebayo here in Ekiti. This will be antithetical to the creed of justice, fairness and equity these leaders had fought to entrench in APC.

    “To this end, it will be our humble advice that these leaders we so much revered must desist from imposition. Where consensus could not be reached despite their interventions, there must be free, fair and acceptable primaries to save APC from toeing a ruinous path”, the group counseled.

    The group added that the leaders must learn from the fall of the PDP in Ekiti, necessitated by Governor Ayodele Fayose’s domineering tendencies and hard posturing tended towards muzzling those opposed to his views, in a desperate bid to control party structures.

    “Governor Fayose thought he could manipulate the system by putting those he felt were loyal to him in the party’s structures and House of Assembly, despite his own antics and strategies failed him. Many of those he thought were loyal ended up betraying him while those that begged before getting the tickets of the PDP are still with him.

    “In 2011, Dr. Fayemi  canvassed that former Assembly lawmakers, Mrs Adunni Fatumbi, representing Moba II   and Mrs Olayinka from Ado constituency II to get their tickets by consensual agreements, they later defected to PDP when they were needed most.

    “All these instances were instructive for our leaders to believe that only God knows the hearts of men, so they should not play God by imposing people in the name of loyalty”, the group concluded.

     

  • Osinbajo presents 150 tricycles to women, youths in C/River

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday presented 150 tricycles to market women and youths in Cross River State as part of an empowerment programme of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

    Osinbajo said the initiative is one of the laudable empowerment programmes for women and youths being implemented by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

    He said the programme also consists of poultry production and its value chain, fisheries production and its value chain, snail production and its value chain, production of confectioneries, production of soap, detergent, and various fields of artisanship among others.

    The Vice President also flagged off Federal Government programmme tagged Trader-Moni at the popular Watt Market.

    The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Usani Uguru Usani said the event was a continuation in the series of empowerment through the provision of tricycles for women and youths in the region.

    Read Also: How Osinbajo has advanced restructuring, by GEPIn

    He said similar presentations has been carried out in Warri, Delta State, adding that with the implementation of the 2018 budget, other States of the region will soon be covered.

    ‘’May I emphasize here that this empowerment programme is aimed at achieving some cardinal objectives which include the improvement of transportation access, enhancement of economic activities in the state, haulage of imputes to and from the farm, and the fulfillment of other ancillary activities such as mechanics, vulcanizes, panel beaters and electricians.

    “It is my hope and desire that this initiative of government will translate in improving peace and development in the state, and indeed the region.”

     

  • NCC woos investors with 30% income tax reduction

    Regulator says sector attracts $5b quarterly FDI

     

    Nigeria’s telecoms sector regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday said prospective investors into the telecoms sector would only need to pay 30 per cent of income tax, among other mouth-watering incentives rolled out by the Federal Government.

    The regulator also said the telecoms sector which attracted $70 billion foreign direct investment (FDI) last year, has been adding between $4 billion and $5billoon quarterly in FDI since the beginning of this year.

    Its Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, who unveiled the packages to prospective investors who thronged the Nigeria Pavilion during its opening at the ongoing International Telecoms Union (ITU) Telecom World in Durban, South Africa,  said investors stood to enjoy pioneer status as well as import duty waivers on essential equipment needed for them to setup businesses in the telecoms sector.

    He said the Executive Order of the Federal Government laid special emphasis on transparency in the discharge of official responsibility.

    According to Prof Dambatta, with a huge youthful population ever ready to communicate, investors needed not fear about quick returns on investment (RoI). He said the steady growth of telecoms sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) now at 10.5 per cent bore eloquent testimony to resilience of the sector.  He said the non-oil sector has been growing the GDP in line with Federal Government’s Economic diversification blueprint, adding the telecoms sector has been taking the lead in this area.

    He said opportunities for investment are available in the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors of the industry, stating while voice appears not to be doing badly, data is the next investment frontier.

    Read Also: NCC, CBN may clampdown on electronic fraudsters

    He said ITU forum usually provideo opportunity to learn about new technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) and other new technologies.

    He said: “We also come to share our experiences and take home new ideas in global best practices that will assist us to strengthen our regulatory processes and interventions that will make the accelerated growth of telecommunications to dovetail into a better and stronger economy.

    “In our modest quest to bridge the digital divide, the board of the NCC has put in place initiatives to fast track internet access and taking services to several unserved and underserved areas of Nigeria

    “Although we have 162.3million active subscribers on our various networks, we at NCC believe there is much left to be done in terms of improvement of Quality of Service (QoS), more access to as many people as possible.

    “We must admit that the QoS is not where we want it to be yet, but with time and increase of infrastructure deployment, we should be there soonest than later,”Dambatta said.

    He recalled that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo launched the ICT Roadmap in the country, stressing that driving broadband penetration for accelerated economic growth formed the kernel of the roadmap.

    “With a population of 180million, active subscriber base of over 160million and internet penetration of over 100 million, Nigeria remains an attractive country for investors who crave for adequate RoIs.

    “While we celebrate the seemingly success story recorded in these directions, the NCC has put in place incentives for Infrastructure Companies (Infracos) in order to encourage speedy deployment of infrastructure that will deepen broadband penetration as quickly as possible.

    “This is part of the roadmap to take Nigeria to the next level under the Open Access Model template.  So far, six Infraco licences have been issued to cover Lagos, Northeast, Northwest, South South, Southwest and Southeast zones of the country. Arrangements are underway to re-licence the North Central zone,” he said.

    The Commission had earlier assigned 2.3GHz licence to Bitflux Consortium and six of the 14 slots available on 2.6GHz to MTN Nigeria and two slots to Openskys.  Six slots are still available for assignment.

    “We undertook these regulatory steps in line with the National Broadband Plan (NBP of 2013-2018) where it is anticipated that 30 per cent penetration will be attained, by the turn of 2018,” he said.

    Nigeria had a mere five per cent penetration of broadband in 2012 but now has 22 per cent and hopes to hit the 30 per cent prescribed by NBP (2013 – 2018) by December, 2018 through various initiatives including granting subsidies to Infraco licencees, Spectrum Trading among others.

    He said in line with the Commission’s initiatives to encourage investors for Infracos to roll out, it has created provisions in its 2017 and 2018 budgets as subsidies to the Infracos.

    “This is essentially to be disbursed piecemeal to the InfraCos as the deployment of their infrastructure progresses.  “We have assured all the licencees that this subsidy is based on the implementation/milestones of their roll out obligations,” he said.

    He told the investors thatb there are also opportunities for investors in digital transmission system including microwave, satellite and optic fibre; submarine cable communications; digital exchanges for both wired and wireless lines; billing systems; data communications networks; broadband and  Integrated Service Digital Network (ISDN).

    Nigeria, he said needs 120,000km metropolitan optic fibre coverage for ubiquitous network connections nationwide.  With only 38,000km coverage now, this area also beckons on both foreign and local investors, he said.