YEMI OSINBAJO: STATE OF THE NATION THROUGH THE CORONA VIRUS PANDEMIC ~ INN Nigeria

Our key worry was how this would affect jobs. Through the Economic Sustainability Plan, the FG’s focus is to save jobs and create new ones. Similarly, there is a survival fund and payroll support for artisans, private school teachers & small businesses.

We are currently compiling the data, the criteria is already set. There are plans also for other sectors including the hospitality and aviation sector.

ON THE ECONOMY

Economics like politics is local. In comparison to other economies we have fared better. We however recognize that there is a severe decline. The Economic Sustainability Plan is our response to that and we will focus on local industry, local resources and local production.

ON AGRICULTURE AND HOUSING

For the Agriculture, we have registered farmers using the GIS system, tied them to big agric businesses, provided some financing and Government will be final offtakers for their produce. This is to ensure that local production goes on.

As regards Housing, 11 State Governments have provided land and these houses are to built by young engineers, architects and artisans. We hope to build thousands of 2-bedroom apartments for about 2 Million Naira each.

ON 2023 PLANS

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve Nigeria and right now I am focused on doing just that. There are issues to be tackled and that has my undivided attention.

ON THE LIVES LOST IN KADUNA

First, my heart goes out to everyone who has lost someone or has been a victim in Southern Kaduna. I am so sorry for everything you have experienced.

Let me say that I have been involved in the resolution of issues in Southern Kaduna since 2001 through a Non-Governmental Organization and I think these issues have gone on far too long.

WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT DOING AS REGARDS TO THE SOUTHERN KADUNA SITUATION?

First, we have improved security in Kaduna. We now have a military base, we have airforce surveillance, the combined military team from the army and the navy to take care of the volatile situation there.

The President has also held security meetings and I have attended all of them where the issues have been discussed. Possibilities of engagement have also been looked at.

I have similarly engaged with community leaders in Southern Kaduna and I have also engaged with the Governor to look at what peace keeping efforts are possible to deal with the perennial issues that have resulted in the disgraceful human conditions there.

In addition, those responsible for the mayhem must be apprehended and prosecuted so impunity doesn’t reign.

CAMA

On the reviewed CAMA – The legislation is huge and has over 800 sections and covers a wide range of issues on companies.

There is a small portion that is for incorporated trustees. That section regulates charities. Churches and Mosques are regarded as charities.

My view is that for anyone who has concerns, they can aggregate those concerns as a proposal and present that proposal to the National Assembly for amendment.

The issue has generated controversy but the solutions seem quite evident.