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Tag: Yemi Osinbajo

  • Over 20,000 benefit from TraderMoni in Anambra – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday said over 20,000 traders have so far benefited from the TraderMoni and MarketMoni scheme in Anambra state.

    Osinbajo spoke at the palace of the Traditional Ruler of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, during his visit to the state to promote the TraderMoni and MarketMoni at Eke-Awka Market in Awka and Ochanja Market in Onitsha.

    He noted that the scheme had practically gone round the country, with some receiving the MarketMoni.

    He explained that it was a Federal Government project where micro credits were provided to the lowest in the rank of the trading value chain.

    According to him: “Many of them are not given such facility or loan because nobody is sure that they will pay back or not.

    “Only the Government can guarantee that kind of facility and it is the Bank of Industry (BOI) that actually administers the loan.”

    The Vice President also expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the Federal Government’s Home-Grown-School-Feeding programme in the state.

    “As a matter of fact, we visited a lady in Awka, one of the cooks, who happened to be best cook of the programme in the community,” he added.

    He commended Achebe for his leadership style not just as the Chairman of the South-East Traditional Rulers Council but also an individual, whose statements were conciliatory rather than divisive.

    He reaffirmed Federal Government commitment to ensure that the country remain united and that all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation regard themselves as one.

    Read Also: States must improve IGR in next few years — Osinbajo

    While inspecting the Second Niger Bridge, he reassured on Federal Government commitment to completing the project and the access roads.

    He said the government insisted on completing the project in view of its economic benefit to the zone and the entire country.

    Osinbajo explained: “The Second Niger Bridge is among the five projects where money has actually been set aside under a Presidential funding initiative to ensure completion.

    “So, we have no fears that it will be completed as promised and scheduled.

    “We are all brothers regardless of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

    “We want to make sure that even in terms of execution of projects, we are fair and just, which is the commitment that the president has made.

    “The President is committed to ensuring that he brings this to fulfillment.”

    Gov. Willie Obiano, lauded the Federal Government’s TraderMoni and MarketMoni initiatives, saying they would encourage the culture of repayment of loans and ensure prosperity of traders.

    He further commended the Federal Government’s zeal towards the ongoing Second Niger Bridge and the completed Zik Mausoleum.

    The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Achebe, stressed the need for the federal government to set up a Board of Trustees to manage the affairs of Zik Mausoleum.

    The monarch said the Federal Government’s TraderMoni and MarketMoni initiatives should also be extended to local markets in Onitsha, noting that they contribute to the economy.

    “Ochanja Market has become a kind of international market of sort, but then we have our own local market women, who also need to benefit from these initiatives,” he said.

    The VP was accompanied on the visit by the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, Sen. Andy Uba (APC-Anambra South) and Chief George Muoghalu, the National Auditor of APC, among others.

  • South West support for Buhari, wise, progressive – Group

    An Osun State-based social group, Ifesowapo Kajose Society, has saluted the South West geo-political zone for supporting President Muhammadu Buhari, and his vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to return to power.

    The group described the resolve of the South West to work with other zones to actualize second term in office for Buhari and Osinbajo, as wise and progressive.

    In a statement by its President, Mr. Samuel Jegede, the group said when it is time for South West to provide national leadership for the country the zone will count on other zones for support and to return the goodwill it has established over the years.

    According to him, the six states, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun Ondo and Ekiti that make up the South West have the resources to lead Nigeria.

    Read Also: Again, Reps invite Buhari over insecurity

    However, he cautioned Ogun State out of the six states in the South West to step aside when it is time for the zone to produce the nation’s leader because “it has benefited more than the rest in the past and therefore, as a matter of equity and equality only Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti States must have a shot at the presidency.”

    Congratulating Buhari for returning to power in the second term, Jegede advised that he must not allow himself to be distracted from focusing on the myriads of challenges facing Nigeria, including insecurity, economy, energy among others and must proffer solutions to them without further delay.

    He commended the All Progressives Congress for providing exemplary government and good governance in Osun, Ekiti and Lagos States.

  • Fate of DisCos shaky as govt plans other options

    Years after it was privatised, the power sector has failed to deliver the desired result, the Federal Government said yesterday.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who delivered the verdict, spoke of other options to re-engineer the sector for effective power supply to meet domestic and industrial needs of Nigerians. He was not specific on the options.

    Prof Osinbajo laid it bare in his May Day address to workers at the Eagle Square in Abuja. He said the government was not happy that several years after the sector was privatised, it has failed to deliver.

    The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Plc. was unbundled in 2013 during the administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. It was to allow for private sector involvement in the generation and distribution of power.

    The vice president, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, said the government was “strongly committed to changing the narratives” in the power sector.

    He said: “Today, that sector, after it was privatised, still remains stalled in delivering power to many Nigerian homes and businesses.

    “We must act as a matter of national importance and we are committed to doing so, to work and re-engineer the sector for much more effective performance. Workers shall be called upon to play a greater role in supporting the government to attain all these goals.”

    Osinbajo, who also told the workers that the new minimum wage would be fully implemented by the Buhari administration, however, expressed concern over incessant strikes by workers as a means of resolving industrial disputes.

    He said the nation was losing so much in terms of resources and manpower to job boycotts.

    The vice president said: “Industrial peace is central to economic stability. Every industrial disruption cost the national economy very dearly in terms of money and manpower that are lost.

    “It is for this reason that I urged all actors in the industrial relations system to be circumspect and ethical in the use of industrial action as tools for resolving work place crisis. Industrial actions, because of the huge economic and social cost, should be the last and not the first option for resolving disputes.”

    Read also: Security challenges: Our military doing good job, says Osinbajo

    Osinbajo, who was silent on the crisis between Labour & Employment Minister Chris Ngige and organised Labour over the change in the chairmanship of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), however, assured workers that President Buhari will reciprocate the renewed mandate given to him by the electorate by ensuring prompt delivery on his electoral promises.

    He said: “At the just concluded general elections, Nigerians and indeed Nigerian workers gave our administration another mandate to govern them. We shall reciprocate this electoral gesture by focusing on the critical issues that will advance and improve the quality of the lives and livelihood of Nigerians.

    “These include the building of infrastructure, such as roads, rail, hydroelectricity and revaluing all sectors of the national economy in order to put our country on the path of a sustainable economic growth and prosperity.”

    Osinbajo said the Buhari administration remained strongly committed to the goals of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) movement, adding that “on assumption of office in 2015, in spite of daunting economic challenges which confronted us at the time, we ensured that no worker was retrenched across the country.

    “We followed this commitment by providing bailout funds for states that were unable to pay salaries at that time in order to pay their accumulated arrears. He also released Paris Club refund owed since 2005 to make sure that workers were not owed anything.

    “We also ensure the payment of outstanding benefits of retrenched workers. Retrenched Nigeria Airways workers who were owed for decades were paid. We also ensured that the Pensions Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) also paid arrears owed to parastatals, civil servants pensioners covering about 101, 393 civil service pensioners in all grade levels and 76,310 parastatal pensioners across 186 ministries, departments and agencies. This is in addition to the arrears that were paid to officers of the Police, Customs and Immigration.

    “The administration also settled pension issues of the Armed Forces and paramilitary personnel who were dismissed as a result of their participation in the civil war. All these veterans have now been paid their outstanding benefits.

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  • Elected officers among few privileged, says VP

    NO Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, 74 elected political office holders are among the few privilege Nigerians.

    Osinbajo noted that the president, the vice president, the thirty-six governors and their deputies, belong to the club of elite that preside over about 200 million Nigerians.

    The vice president also pointed out that the 74 of them who he described as special, privileged and fortunate have great responsibilities, especially with the current economic situation of majority of the populace.

    He said: “Accept my heartfelt congratulations on your elections. Heartfelt, even to the PDP governors, we belong to an elite club of a nation of over 200 million people -only 74 of us.

    “We are special; privileged and enormously fortunate that our people chose us to lead them. This comes with great responsibilities multiplied by the fact that most of our people are poor.”

    The vice president decried the number of out-of-school children, which he said is embarrassingly high.

    He further noted that the burdens of poverty is what those who voted expect will be alleviated.

    Prof Osinbajo said: “History and providence has put us in this position this time and we have the chance to work against these problems.

    “All elected officials in Nigeria have always complained of inadequate funds. So we will not be saying anything new. There is an increase in minimum wage. There is nothing new under the sun. We just have to confront the problem. Already, our deficit is close to two trillion.

    Read also: Buhari commissions state-of-the-art Yemi Osinbajo Primary School

    “States must simply earn more IGR. We must work with the federal government to make broadband infrastructure available across Nigeria.

    “We require broadband infrastructure across the country. It must be allowed to happen. We have agreed at NEC to allow that happen.”

    Osinbajo said that the President has made it clear that he will focus on human development in the next four years.

    He said: “We are implementing the basic healthcare provision fund. Budget alone is not enough. Health insurance remains the way out. We expect that by 2028 we will have complete coverage of National Health Insurance.”

    Thirty states, he said, so far make up the 9.5 million children being fed daily across schools.

    He also noted that the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) is collaborating with states to vastly improve the business environment in Nigeria, which he said is aimed towards boosting the country’s economy.

  • States must improve IGR in next few years — Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says there is the need for states to explore ways of improving their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the next few years.

    Osinbajo said this on Monday at the opening of the Induction of New and Returning Governors at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

    The induction was organised by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

    According to him, it has always been the tradition for all elected officials in Nigeria to complain about inadequate funds.

    “So, we will not be saying anything new if and when we raise those complaints; Lagos State, the highest IGR earner was earning 600 million in IGR when minimum wage was increased from N7, 500 to N18, 000, about 140 per cent increase.

    “We are confronted again with the new increase in minimum wage. So as scripture says, `there is nothing new under the sun.’ We must confront the problem, not merely by hoping that the Federal Government can do more.

    “Already, our deficit is close to two trillion Naira, while debt service is somewhere in the order of 54 per cent; states must in the next few years earn more in IGR.

    “We must more effectively collect VAT and increase our agricultural output, work with the Federal Government to make broadband infrastructure available all over the country.

    “So, our young people anywhere in the country can do jobs anywhere in the world from their villages in any corner of Nigeria.

    “If a state is charging for right of way from communications companies and is hindering the laying of cables and other broadband infrastructure as an IGR measure, permit me to say that will be penny wise pound foolish.’’

    He said to tap into the millions of jobs in technology and other services that a country like India had tapped into required broadband infrastructure across the country.

    On agriculture, he said that each state must leverage its most advantageous agricultural produce, by working with the Federal Government’s initiatives in agricultural credit and the recently inaugurated Green Alternative.

    He said it was possible for states to generate significant revenues from agriculture.

    Osinbajo assured the inductees that the Federal Government would equitably treat all states in spite of party affiliations.

    “After all, all the mind boggling achievements of the regions in our history were without oil money, but mainly agriculture and taxes. Today there are even more options.

    “On the part of the Federal Government, we have our work well cut out for us, but it may offer some comfort to reiterate that President Muhummadu Buhari has shown in the past four years that he would be completely transparent with the Federation account.

    “Secondly, that all states will be treated fairly and equitably irrespective of party affiliations, and thirdly that the Federal Government will play its role in support of the states as often as necessary and within its means.

    “We have in the past three years intervened through loans, bailouts and refunds to the tune of well over one trillion naira, representing the highest amount of Federal Government’s extra statutory allocation/intervention to states in Nigeria’s history.

    “And we are proud to say that there were no discriminations along party lines in the disbursements,’’ he said.

    The vice president said that in the next four years, Buhari had made it clear that his administration would be focusing attention on human capital development and infrastructure.

    He said that Buhari’s administration would be working with the states on education, especially the education of girls as the administration had begun some deep diving in that respect with its Human Development Index (HDI) work at the National Economic Council (NEC).

    Osinbajo said that the administration was doing the same with healthcare.

    The vice president said that the administration had already started to implement the one per cent of the Conditional Revenue Fund (CRF) in the Health Act.

    NAN

  • Security challenges: Our military doing good job, says Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday said the Nigerian military has the capability and wherewithal to overcome the current security challenges across the country, asserting that they have in recent times been very busy doing a good job of confronting the security challenges.

    He also said the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari decided to reposition the Armed Forces to cope with the challenges of security threats by modernising, re-equipping and retraining military personnel.

    The Vice President made the remarks at the Eagle Square, Abuja, on the occasion of the Nigerian Air Force Research and Development Competition and Exhibition which was part of activities outlined to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    Osinbajo lauded NAF for partnering with other reputable institutions across the country to make huge investments in research and development, noting that with time, the Air Force would establish its footprints on global stage.

    The vice president, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, also said: “There is no doubt that the resources required to realise the full potential of the Armed Forces are limited in view of the competing demands from other sectors. Nevertheless, the Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to do its best to sustain the current tempo of development.

    “It has become more important than ever before that we really look inwards and gradually wean ourselves of overdependence on foreign technology and become more innovative in the use of local resources.

    “It is in view of the foregoing that I want to specially commend the Nigerian Air Force for the efforts being made at harnessing the available research and development potentials, especially in the military aviation sector”.

    The vice president therefore called on all stakeholders to embark on fruitful collaborations and joint partnerships to fund more research and development activities in the country.

    In his address, the Chief of  Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, said NAF priortised research and development activities with home grown technology as the basis to actualise his vision for effective and truly professional Air Force.

    He said: “Globally, it is acknowledged that research and development has proven to be the catalyst for technological and industrial advancement. There is also a consensus among scholars that national development can best be enhanced through indigenous research and development efforts.

     

     

  • Security Challenges: Our Military doing a good Job, says Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday said the Nigerian Military has the capability and wherewithal to overcome the current security challenges across the country, asserting that they have in recent times been very busy doing a good job of confronting the security challenges.

    He also said the Present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari decided to reposition the armed forces to cope with the challenges of security threats by modernising, re-equipping and retraining military personnel.

    The Vice President made the remarks at the Eagle Square, Abuja, on the occasion of the Nigerian Air Force Research and Development Competition and Exhibition which was part of activities outlined to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force, NAF.

    Vice President Osinbajo lauded the NAF for partnering with other reputable institutions across the country to make huge investments in Research and Development, noting that with time the Air Force would establish its footprints on global stage.

    The Vice President who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha said: “The Nigerian Armed forces have in recent times been very busy doing a good job of confronting our Nation’s current multifaceted internal security challenges. In a bid to reposition the Armed Forces to better cope with those challenges, our administration has made the modernization, re-equipping and continuous training of the Nigerian Armed Forces a top priority.

    “There is no doubt that the resources required to realize the full potentials of the Armed Forces are limited in view of the competing demands from other sectors. Nevertheless, the Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to do its best to sustain the current tempo of development.

    “It has become more important than ever before that we really look inwards and gradually wean ourselves of overdependence on foreign technology and become more innovative in the use of local resources.

    Read Also: Osinbajo expresses confidence in NDIC new board

    “It is in view of the foregoing that I want to specially commend the Nigerian Air Force for the efforts being made at harnessing the available research and development potentials, especially in the military aviation sector”.

    The Vice President therefore called on all stakeholders to embark on fruitful collaborations and joint partnerships to fund more research and development activities in the country.

    In his address, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar said the NAF priortised Research and Development activities with home grown technology as the basis to actualise his vision for effective and truly professional Air Force.

    He said: “Globally, it is acknowledged that Research and Development has proven to be the catalyst for technological and industrial advancement. There is also a consensus among scholars that national development can best be enhanced through indigenous research and development efforts.

    “Recognising these facts and realising that the effectiveness and sustainability of the Nigerian Air Force, in the long term, would be largely influenced by the growth of home-based technology, the Service has placed emphasis on Research and Development as a means of building indigenous technological capacity.

    “It is gratifying to note that our strategy fits into the focus of the Federal Government which places emphasis in promoting local content, home-grown technology and innovation as principal means of improving the Nation’s foreign exchange earnings”.

  • Buhari offers employment, scholarships to 168 ex-corps members

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday presented awards to 168 ex-corps members at the combined 2015/2016/2017 President’s NYSC Honours Award held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

    Buhari, who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, also announced automatic employment to the awardees in the Federal Civil Service and scholarships up to Doctorate level in any Nigerian universities.

    Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, who created the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1973, was also in attendance.

    15 ex-corps members who suffered disability during their service year were also recognised under the NYSC Hope Alive programme.

    There was also the National Council for Women Affairs Award to three best female awardees.

    The President’s NYSC Honours Award was instituted in 1974 to encourage corps members to contribute to the overall national development by embarking on community development projects.

    Buhari said that it was the exceptional individuals in society who were the true builders of institutions and nations.

    According to him, the vision, innovation and hard work of one person is sufficient to make a difference in the life of a community or a nation.

    The president said that enduring individual success was a function of courage and resilience, adding that he was challenged by the remarkable courage of the Corp members who suffered various accidents while in service.

    Read Also: Corps members renounce cultism, drug abuse

    “The fact that they have gone through these harrowing personal injuries and are still determined to engage the future with hope and confidence is proof that they will still experience the joys of great success and fulfillment.

    “To all of today’s honorees, let me make it clear that you are not just the future of this country, but also its present.

    “You must all see yourselves as the leaders that you are; but leadership comes with responsibilities and continuous sacrifice.

    “The successes you have achieved and are being rewarded for today, should inspire you to even greater feats, in your various spheres of influence.

    “I therefore charge you all to continue to be the light for others to follow, whilst also seeing yourselves as lifelong ambassadors of the NYSC.

    “In line with our policy of encouraging and rewarding excellence among our youth, I hereby announce the immediate employment into the Federal Civil Service of all the Award winners and beneficiaries of the NYSC Hope Alive Programme.

    “In addition, the Federal Government hereby offers each of you automatic scholarships up to Doctorate level in any Nigerian University of your choice,” he said.

    In his address, Solomon Dalung, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, said that nothing motivated young people than rewards for their contributions no matter how small.

    He said that the Federal Government would continue to reward hard work and devotion to duty among Nigerian youths.

    On his part, the outgoing Director-General of NYSC Maj.-Gen Suleman Kazaure, said the award aimed at encouraging high ideals and patriotism through selfless and dedicated service to fatherland.

    Kazaure said the award was recognition of teamwork, honesty, loyalty, devotion to duty and creativity.

    “Though the young men and women being honoured today were the most outstanding in performance, I am proud to report that corps members deployed in 2015, 2016 and 2017 service years generally contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of our dear country.

    “Their performances in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture and infrastructure were applauded by all Nigerians.

    “In the areas of Community Development Service, successive batches of corps members have been adding value to communities throughout the federation with various projects.

    “These include construction and renovation of schools and hospitals as well as provision of potable water,” he said.

    One of the awardees, Nelson Nnamdi, in an interview, said he felt great and was giving God the glory.

    He said he learnt the act of service to humanity and to the nation during his service year.

    “When I was serving, I did the Virtually Impaired Electronic Working Guide; it is for the blind.

    “When I executed the project in the school of the blind in Izzi, Ebonyi State, the project went far; in fact the joy in the heart of those young blind students gives me joy.

    “My advice to servicing corps members; if you identify a special need in the place you are serving, you should try to make an impact and leave the rest to God; in the right time, God will reward you as he has rewarded me today,” he said.

    NAN

  • Buhari to dissolve cabinet May 22 – Lai Mohammed

    President Muhammadu Buhari will dissolve his cabinet few days to the end of the administration, Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed has said.

    He said that a valedictory session with members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has been scheduled for May 22nd after which the cabinet will be dissolved ahead of his inauguration.

    Buhari will be sworn-in on 29th May to begin another four year term in office.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo presided over the meeting in the absence of President Buhari, who was in Maiduguri today to commission some developmental project eats.

    Read Also: Lai Mohammed, emir, others attend fidau of Kwara monarch

    The President was also expected to jet out of the country this evening on a 10- day private visit to the United Kingdom (UK).

    The minister, who disclosed at the end of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, said until then the cabinet remains intact.

    He also pointed out the President had already urged them to prepare their handover notes to be submitted to Permanent Secretaries in their respective ministries before the administration winds down completely.

    He said: ”We will be having a valedictory session on 22nd May. The cabinet remains intact.”

    President Buhari had on April 17 directed ministers to immediately submit a comprehensive status report of their policies and projects on or before April 24th to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

    Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President Garba Shehu, had in a statement, said: “As the first term of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration winds down, the President has asked for a comprehensive “status reports on policies, programs and projects” from cabinet members on their respective ministries, departments and agencies.

    “These reports have Wednesday, April 24, 2019 as the deadline for submission to the Presidential Audit Committee in the office of the Vice President.”

     

  • Osinbajo presides over FEC

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has presided over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as the deadline given to cabinet members for submission of handover notes expires.

    President Muhammadu Buhari had on April 17 asked for a comprehensive “status reports on policies, programmes and projects” from cabinet members on their respective ministries, departments and agencies.

    Buhari, who is on a visit to Borno, will depart for the UK later in the day.

    Read Also: Osinbajo urges journalists to expose corruption

    The deadline for submission of the reports to the Presidential Audit Committee in the office of the Vice President was April 24.

    The 9th and 10th FEC meetings were rescheduled for April 25 and May 2 respectively in view of the Easter break and May Day celebrations.

    More so, ministers were directed to “ensure that all outstanding memoranda they intend to present to FEC are submitted to the Cabinet Affairs Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, not later than April 30.’’

    No fewer than 21 ministers alongside the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita, are in attendance

    NAN