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Tag: Yemi Osinbajo

  • Buhari approves purchase of vessels to reduce illegal activities on waterways

    Buhari approves purchase of vessels to reduce illegal activities on waterways

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the purchase of monitoring vessels to reduce unregulated fishing and boost security on the waterways.

    The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo disclosed this at the 10th Annual Ministrial Conference of the Fisheries Committee for West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), held Friday in Abuja.

    He said safety of the nation’s waterways remained a key priority to the current administration.

    The Vice President restated Federal Government determination to reducing fish imports into the country, saying the efforts are already yielding significant results.

    Osinbajo said within 2017, local fish production increased from 450, 000 metric tons from early January to 1.1 million metric tons.

    “The safety of Nigeria maritime is also a principal concern to us. President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the purchase of some patrol vessels for the department of fishery which would be managed with the collaboration of the Nigerian Navy. These vessels will boost the research and rescue capacities of the relevant security agencies, deter illegal fishing and help secure our vessels at sea.

    “In the north east of Nigeria where Boko Haram has devastated the fishery industry which supplies most of the West African states. Earlier this year, president Buhari approve establishment of Lake Chad Naval Base to boost security and fastrack the restoration of the livelihood in that zone.

    “Theme of this conference  which is to invest in the growth and sustainability of fishery in west Africa, it is important even in term of sharing the experience and lay aspiration for the economic wellbeing of our people. Our effort to reduce fish import and increase local fish production by encouraging the private sectors to invest in the aquaculture is yielding positive result. In the domestic fish production for example, in the last two years has increased from 450,000 metric tons to 1.1million metric tons, and we hope this growth we be exponential,” he added.

    Osinbajo, who emphasised need to support the regional aquaculture industry described it as efficient employer of labour.

    He stressed that as part of commitments from the federal government to support the fisheries committee, a sum of $200, 000 have been paid to the FCWC while the outstanding will be provided shortly.

    In his opening remarks, Chairman of the conference, James Kollie identified need for participants to explore opportunities that will ensure priced fishery resources in the region enhances it’s economic growth in a sustainable manner.

    According to him, the potential of fishery goes beyond resources found in the maritime environment but reliable employer of labour.

    Kollie, who is the Liberian Minister of Fishery added that, “Fish is not only a source of animal protection for more than 375 million people in West Africa, it is also a viable economic resource that provides employment and livelihood for over 100 million people in the region.”

    The Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri advised participants to take seriously issues relating to effective management of fishery resources.

    He acknowledged that the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing deserves collected efforts which should be sustained.

    However, Lokpobiri lauded the FCWC Secretary General for the conference theme titled, “Investment for Growth and Sustainability in Fisheries in West Africa.”

    Participants at the conference included representatives from Benin, Cote d’ voire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Togo. Others are African Union, European Union and Economic Community of West Africa State (ECOWAS).

  • Presidency moves to end farmers-herdsmen conflicts

    Presidency moves to end farmers-herdsmen conflicts

    The Federal government has opened nationwide consultations with opinion leaders towards ending incessant farmers – herdsmen conflict.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo opened the dialogue with the hosting of some traditional rulers from Adamawa at the State House in Abuja.

    The meeting was sequel to his visit to Adamawa on December 5, in the wake of the communal clashes in the area.

    The meeting had in attendance the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; the Lamido of Adamawa, Muhammadu Barkindo Musdafa; elder statesman, Malam Ahmed Joda and other leaders of the Fulani communities.

    Subsequent meetings would focus on other interest groups.

    At the meeting, previous reports on the conflict were presented by the delegation and causes of the conflicts were analysed.

    The meeting condemned the acts of violence that had occurred, especially the killing of children and women.

    It also highlighted the need for Law Enforcement and other Government Agencies to dutifully and objectively perform their constitutional roles.

    Osinbajo assured the delegation of the Federal Government’s resolve and commitment to the entrenchment of lasting peace in all communities across the country and the resolution of all legitimate grievances.

    He said, “There is nothing much more important now, in showing our leadership beyond preventing tragedy and destruction of everything we have built as a nation.

    The entire Nigeria enterprise is bigger than other interests. The overall objective is ensuring that our nation is not enveloped by another crisis.”

    According to the Vice President “We now have an opportunity to do something. We have the opportunity to resolve the issues and to build a nation where we and our children can live in peace.”

    Following the vice president’s visit to Adamawa, several food items and relief materials had been distributed to all the affected communities in the state, including Shafaron, Kodomti, Tullum, Mzoruwe and Mararraban Bare in Numan Local Government Area.

    Other communities that received relief materials were Dong, Lawaru and Kukumso in Demsa Local Government Area of the state.

    In the next series of meetings, the vice president will meet with the Batta, Bachama and other groups from Adamawa, while meetings with stakeholders from other conflict-affected states would follow.

    Also at the meeting were Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Musa Bello.

    NAN 

  • NUC: What to know about six newly approved universities

    NUC: What to know about six newly approved universities

    The Federal Government (FG) on wednesday, approved six new universities at the end of its Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, briefed State House correspondents at the end of FEC meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The six universities include:

    1.  Admiralty University, Ibusa, Delta State

    The Admiralty University of Nigeria was established as a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) through the joint efforts of Nigerian Navy

    Admiralty University of Nigeria
    Admiralty University of Nigeria

    Holdings (a subsidiary organization of the Nigerian Navy) and Hellenic Education Nigeria – (a private consultancy, with international educators as main partners) to expand the frontiers of knowledge in various academic disciplines, in Nigeria; to use University education as a tool towards development and the enhancement of human welfare; to meet the challenges of nation building in Nigeria; and to address the acute shortage of personnel in various sections of the economy in Nigeria.

     

    For more info, vist adunedu.org

     Read Also: FEC approves six private universities

    2.Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan

    The proposed Precious Cornerstone University(PCU) is sponsored by THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT MINISTRIES (SOTSM).The PCU expects to produce a select and diverse group of youths with technical, innovative, entrepreneurial and leadership skills to become the catalysts of change.

    Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan
    Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan

    For more info, visit sotsm.org/precious-cornerstone-university/

     

    3. Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences, Lagos.

    The vision of the university is to be a world-class institution for the medical and other health professions in terms of learning, research, character building and service to humanity.

    For more info, visit  http://www.ekounivmed.edu.ng/

    Eko University of Medical and Health Sciences, Lagos.

    Others include,

    4. Spiritan University, Nneochi, Abia State

    5. Pamo University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

    6. Atiba University, Oyo State

  • FG approves N1.7bn for Gurara dam pipeline project

    FG approves N1.7bn for Gurara dam pipeline project

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved the payment of  N1.712 billion for the contractor handling the 75-kilometre Gurara Dam water pipeline project in Niger State.

    The FEC meeting, which lasted for about four hours, was presided over by Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo.

    While briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting, the Minister of Water Resources Mr Suleiman Adamu, said, the memo was complimentary to the earlier one he presented at the last FEC meeting on Nov.22.

    Adamu said, the pipeline contract from Gurara Dam to lower Usuma dam was  for the laying of a three diameter pipeline.

    “Last week, we got approval to engage a contractor for one year and to have a training contract with the contractor so that we can prepare to handover the project to the FCT Administration.

    “So, this memo that was considered today has to do with the backlog of payment for the contractor because the contractor, as you are aware, has been maintaining the pipeline since the project was completed in 2008.”

    The Council also approved the sum of N1.5 billion on voluntary Assets Declaration to cover advertising campaign for nine  months.

    The Minister of Finance Mrs Kemi Adeosun, who presented the memo, also briefed the FEC on the progress under the tax amnesty.

    She informed the council that there were individuals who are ready to declare and pay.

    “We have sent out over 500 letters under the first batch, there are thousands of Nigerians being targeted but the first 500 letters have gone out.

    “We have started getting responses back and many people are asking for time to pay. Most of the governors have agreed to give more time for people to make arrangements for payments.

    “This is indeed, a very good news for Nigeria as it will help reduce over reliance on oil.

    “So, whether oil prices are high or low, we will be able to provide basic services for our people. Very high net worth people are now being brought into the tax revenue profile and we hope to exceed the target that has been set.

    The Minister said, it was too early to give exact figure of the number of responses since the ministry had just started dispatching the letters on Monday.

    “But, we have a telephone line dedicated to the project and a lot of people have called in to express their readiness to cooperate.

    “We meet the governors just two days ago and they all agreed because personal income taxes are also going to the state government coffers.

    She said they also agreed to accommodate those who agreed they are owing but have not got the cash to pay.

    “Some people might have the house but  didn’t have the cash, we need to give them chances to bring this money and  we asked that they should give them time to bring in this money and they have agreed to do so.”

    She said that government was targeting 0ne billion dollars and had already realised 110 million dollars from two companies.

    She said government used information from land registries  of states governments and the FCT as well as Bank Verification Numbers and Corporate Affairs Commission to get those who are defaulting.

    “We also looked at people whose names appeared in the Panama and Paradise papers, we also looked at people who have companies but are not paying the right taxes,” Adeosun said.

    On the payment to Whistles blowers, the minister said, the Federal Government had earmark N421.3 million to pay the first batch of  beneficiaries.

    She said, the only condition necessary for payment was that the money would be paid to the Whistle-blower who signed the agreement with government not to any third party.

    “If we get the court judgement, we have to wait first three months to ensure that there are encumbrances as regards to any further legal challenge.

    “We get in touch with the state government where the person is domiciled, we pay the tax directly to the state and issue the tax receipt. So we built in these procedures to protect the whistle-blower.”

    NAN

  • Osinbajo presides over FEC meeting

    Osinbajo presides over FEC meeting

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday presided over the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The FEC meeting which commenced at exactly 10:55 a.m. had in attendance Ministers of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Science and Technology, Mr Ogonnaya Onu.

    Others were Ministers of Trade and Investment, Mr Okechukwu Inelema; Agriculture, Audu Ogbe; Women Affairs, Jummai Alhassan and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Khadija Abba-Ibrahim;

    The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun; and the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, among other ministers were also in attendance.

    Also in attendance were other cabinet members, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff to the President Mallam Abba Kyari, among others.

    NAN

  • Buhari administration, investors’ friendly – Olajiga

    Buhari administration, investors’ friendly – Olajiga

    The Chief Executive Officer of the largest locally owned cashew processing company in Nigeria, FoodPro Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ayo Olajiga, has described President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as investors friendly.

    Olajiga said this on Wednesday in Ilorin in an interview.

    Olajiga explained that the support he has received from the Bank of Industry ( BOI ), is huge hence the backing from the Federal Government for the institution ( BOI ) to function well.

    He said the fact that the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, came to commission the extension of the factory recently was a testimony that this administration encourage the Private sector.

    He said the company has contributed to the unemployment situation of the country with its employment of over 400 people.

    “Through domestic processing of raw cashew nuts, we have created more than 400 direct jobs and several thousand indirect jobs for farmers, vendors, suppliers and artisans who form the heartbeat of FoodPro’s value chain.

    “With 90% of FoodPro’s employees being women, we are humbled by the role we play in impacting communities and improving economic and social development conditions in our host community.” Olajiga said.

    He explained that the company has been in operation since 2013 and recently ramped up its capacity from 1,000 to 5,000 tonnes of raw cashew nuts per annum making it the largest locally owned cashew processing company in Nigeria.

    Olajiga added that FoodPro factory is the only factory certified by the African Cashew Alliance for Food Safety and Quality.

    He said the company’s plans is double its operating capacity further to 10,000 tonnes, commence export of packaged and branded goods, including existing brands – Lion Cashew & Go Nutz as well as a range of additional products that are currently in the development phase.

    Olajiga explained that most of the company’s outputs are exported to the United States of America ( USA ) with other retain brands across local store in the country.

    He said the choice of Kwara State as where the factory was located was because of its strategic location to where the company source for its materials from, coupled with the state government’s friendly business policies.

    He commended the Bank of Industry ( BOI ), for its support to the company and the Kwara State government.

    NAN

  • KWACCIMA boss pledges partnership with govt. over unemployment

    KWACCIMA boss pledges partnership with govt. over unemployment

    The President, Kwara State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ( KWACCIMA ), Alhaji Ahmed Raji, says it will partner with the state government to reduce unemployment among its youths through the various vocational skills acquisition.

    In an interview with correspondents in Ilorin, Raji said he was optimistic that the government could reduce rate of unemployment with its new vocational entrepreneurship centre.

    He expressed joy at the recent commissioning of the International Vocational and Technical Entrepreneurship Centre ( IVTEC ), Ajasse Ipo, by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

    Ahmed said that the centre, with the mission to provide technical and vocational skills, would improve the business environment in the state, which KWACCIMA could ultimately key into.

    “The chamber will join hands with the state government to ensure the success of the centre and to get it to an enviable height.

    “I, however, appeal to Kwara people, particularly the youth, to key into the project by becoming self reliant and self employed.’’

    Read Also: Kwara elongates retirement age of magistrates, counsel to 65 years

    The KWACCIMA boss commended the foresight of the state government for establishing the centre.

    He said that the centre, if well managed, would churn out standard professionals who would even be recognised globally.

    “So, I want to urge the government to continue to embark on people-oriented projects and to engage the youth productively,’’ Ahmed said.

    NAN

  • Stop giving money to non performing Discos – Aremu

    Stop giving money to non performing Discos – Aremu

    President of IndustriALL Global Union Africa, Comrade Issa Aremu said on Monday that the Nigerian government must stop giving money to non-performing privatized electricity distribution companies in the country, saying the drive for industrialization of the African continent will amount to nothing without electricity.

    Aremu who spoke at 2017 Africa Industrialisation Day in Abuja said African government must do everything possible to massively invest in energy such as hydro, solar and nuclear to drive Industrialization.

    Aremu said that it was commendable that many African countries have put in place robust documents and policies on industrialization and diversification, but regretted that capacity utilization is still very low with few existing industries closing down with mass job losses. 

    He said it was time for major industrial players in South Africa, Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Sudan to walked/worked the policies and add value to the continent abundant raw materials. 

    He commended the Nigerian government t for launching the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. Together with the existing National Industrial Revolution Plan, the Plan can promote the revival of industries and creation of mass decent jobs. 

    Aremu said further that there are quite a number of commendable initiatives by African governments in promoting wealth generation and reviving the industry, such as Buy-Africa campaign in South Africa and Buy Made-in-Nigeria campaign. 

    He said as part of such initiatives, Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has assigned three unprecedented Executive Orders mandating Government agencies to spend more of their budgets on locally produced goods and services. These orders would help in the recovery of many factories in Nigeria

    He commended the Edo states government for establishing industrial parks as part of the industrialization drive as well as the Sokoto and Cross River States for initiating the setting up of garment factories.  

    The global body resolved to develop a Sustainable Industrial Policy on Digitalization and Industry 4.0 and to campaign against any transformation that does not further much needed social justice and include a Just Transition for affected workers. 

    He, however, stated that Sustainable industrial policy must be based on an assessment of how to steer towards a destination we desire as a society, rather than a destination that is favourable to only a few, while asking for a future of work that embraces the positive impacts that Industry 4.0 may bring for all of the society while making sure that workers aren’t left to pay the social debts of companies, with governments unwilling to make this transition socially responsible. 

    He demanded that the benefits of digitalization and advanced technologies should be to all; employers and governments, and workers, and to society at large. We must make technology work for us and not simply allow Industry 4.0 to define a new wave of intensified work and more precarious work.

    Aremu insisted that whatever forms of Industrialization, 1st or fourth industrial revolution there must be decent sustainable jobs for the workers with job security, living wages and living pensions. Businesses and owners of capital are employing robots, Machines and computers to replace workers in order to maximize profits and lower wages or even deny pay altogether. Yes, technology makes work easier, but they also could lead to job losses.

  • Treat money laundering, with zero tolerance, Osinbajo advises W/Africa

    Treat money laundering, with zero tolerance, Osinbajo advises W/Africa

    The Federal Government on Saturday through Vice President Yemi Osinbajo called on countries in the West African sub-region to treat money laundering and other illicit financial crimes with zero tolerance.

    Osinbajo made the call at the opening of the 18th Ministerial Committee Meeting of the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa in Abuja.

    Osinbajo said that governments in the sub-region had “for long affirmed our commitment to fighting money laundering and terrorist financing”.

    The vice president reiterated that criminal syndicates had utilised technologies to bypass “conventional financial systems checkpoints and safeguards”, making them “ahead of government and the law”.

    He said that it was mandatory governments to take “lethal action” against illicit financial crimes to curb corruption and terrorism and also enhance development.

    “What this means is that we are dealing with an existential threat; it is either we wipe it out or it wipes us out.

    “This should spur us to treat money laundering and other financial crimes with zero tolerance; we must now back this intent with forceful action and visible results.

    “While we acknowledge the steps we have taken individually and collectively in recent years, we cannot afford complacency at this time.

    “It is actually the moment for us to redouble our efforts to show up the political will required to apply and implement the laws and framework that we have worked so hard to develop.

    He further urge countries to enhance collaboration in the areas of information sharing and develop mutual trust for one another.

    “This means that on the one hand we should rise above the temptations of secretiveness and mutual suspicion and on the other hand we must do everything in our power to sustain trust and confidence.

    He said this could be done by safeguarding every piece of information being shared across national databases.

    “We must also strive to work beyond barriers imposed by the differences in our various legal systems, bearing in mind that criminals that we are tackling have never allowed themselves to be held back by these obstacles.”

    He also called for enhanced international collaboration to tackle the menace of illicit financial crimes in the sub-region.

    NAN

  • Osinbajo, Tinubu, governors attend Buhari’s book presentation 

    Osinbajo, Tinubu, governors attend Buhari’s book presentation 

    Eminent personalities on Thursday attended President Muhammadu Buhari’s book’s public presentation in Abuja.

    The book  ‘Making Steady, Sustainable Progress for Nigeria’s Peace and Prosperity’, was presented to the public at the old Banquet Hall of the State House.

    It was a mid-term scorecard on the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    Among those that graced the public presentation of the book, that started few minutes past 12 noon, were the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who is the keynote speaker at the occasion.

    Also at the occasion was the Chairman of the occasion and the APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.

    State governors at the event were Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rauf Aragbesola (Osun), Jigawa, Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Darius Ishaku (Taraba), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara).

    Other members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), other top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and traditional rulers also attended.

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara was represented at the occasion.

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