FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS FOR WEDNESDAY 1ST JULY 2009 - Pulished on:
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Briefing State House correspondents immediately after the meeting, the Minister of Information & Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili said “I want to welcome all of you to the end of the 25th Federal Executive Council media briefing. The council meeting as usual was chaired by the president with most of the ministers in attendance.”
She said there was a correction on the previous week’s briefing and she said, “I would want you to emphasize in your reports that the Federal Government has not stopped the processing and award of contracts as reported by most papers last week. There was some misunderstanding.” She further said, “What I meant was that the 24th Federal Executive Council meeting, considered the status of implementation of projects under the 7-Point Agenda; the contracts being awarded; review of the 2009 sector appropriation and programmes; achievement so far recorded and delivery on the 7-Point Agenda; as well as the projected achievement up to December 2009.” It was a stocktaking exercise that council intends to conduct every last Wednesday of the month, she added.
She reiterated that government has not stopped the award and processing of contracts as reported last week. According to her, “We only paused to take stock of what we have done so far.”
In another development, the Minister said, “You are all aware that on June 25 this year, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua gave another expression to his commitment to bringing enduring peace, security, stability, and development to the Niger Delta by proclaiming amnesty for all militants who are ready to lay down their arms.
She said that this morning, the Chairman of the Presidential panel and Minister of Interior, Major General Godwin Abbe together with the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Paul Dike briefed the Federal Executive Council on the whole amnesty agenda and the implementation thus far.
She said, “I must point out for the avoidance of doubt that the Federal Government is committed to restoring peace and security to the Niger Delta so we can fast-track the current efforts towards the development of the region. The chairman of Amnesty Committee will issue a detailed statement on the amnesty granted by government.”
Again, she added that in view of government’s commitment to reforming the Educational Sector in order to improve skills and enhance standards, and following a memo by the Minister of Finance, council considered and approved the request for International Development Associations (IDA) Credit in the sum of SDR63,600,000 million approximately USD95 million for the proposed Lagos Eko Secondary Education project.
The objectives of the proposed project are to improve the quality of education in public junior and senior secondary schools across Lagos State, strengthen the federal post-basic education strategy and build monitoring and evaluation capacity at the Ministry of Education.
The proposed credit would support the Lagos State Government’s priority of human development by directly supporting the junior and senior secondary schools through grants, performance-based incentives, teacher training and standardized testing of its students. That this project will benefit over half a million public school pupils, build the capacity of over 7,000 teachers and school administrators, and strengthen capacity of district institutions.
Following a memo by Minister of Finance, council again considered and approved for final payment of the sum of N6,191,269,869.84, in favour of Messrs Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) Nig. Ltd for the Construction of the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF) Phase II headquarters Office Complex in Abuja.
The contract was awarded in 2001 and it is about 95% completed and the Ministry of Finance has already taken effective occupation of a greater part of the building.
The Minister said that in order to mitigate the spread of HIV/AIDs following a memo from the Minister of Finance, council considered and approved the request for another International Development Associations (IDA) credit in the sum of SDR150,000,000.00 equivalent to US225 million at an exchange rate of ISDR to USD1.495 for the second HIV/AIDs Development project.
The objective of the proposed second HIV/AIDs Development project is to reduce the risk of HIV infections by scaling up prevention, intervention and to increase access to and utilization of HIV counseling, testing, care and support services. The project will be implemented in all the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.
She said council approved the memo with a proviso that there should be re-negotiation of the loan terms so that more funds would be directed to screening and treatment.
Akunyili also said that the Minister of Education apprised council on the outcome of the Third Conference of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Ministers of Education held in Abuja from 17 – 20 March 2009.
She further declared that according to the Education Minister, the conference considered the progress made by ECOWAS countries on ECOWAS priority programmes namely: support for Girls Education; Distance Education for Teachers based on the New Technologies; Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Teaching of Science and Technology and HIV/AIDs prevention in Education.
According to her, he said ECOWAS countries called for the development and implementation of a clear linguistic policy that will facilitate regional integration and promote the use of mother tongue as medium of instruction in primary school. Council noted the appraisal.
The Minister of Education also apprised council of the outcome of the United Nations Educational Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) held in Bonn, Germany from 31st March to 2nd April 2009.
According to her, he said the immediate decision of the conference included among others:-
(a) Establishment of a National Committee on ESD, in line with international practice, to ensure effective coordination of ESD programmes and projects nationwide.
(b) Further integration of ESD into Educational policies plans and programmes.
(c) Mobilization of more resources for ESD.
(d) Continued renewal of school curricula at all levels as well as re-orientation of pedagogic skills and approaches.
(e) Establishment of effective partnerships by enhancing and utilizing existing networks, especially stronger south and south-south cooperation and inclusion of stakeholders not involved in implementing the decade so far.
Council noted the appraisal.
Akunyili equally informed pressmen that the Minister of Environment apprised council of the outcome of the 2009 World Environment Day Celebration held on Friday 5th June 2009.
That the Minister of Environment stated that Nigeria joined the global community in marking the World Environment Day on Friday 5, June 2009, explaining that the day was set aside by the UN General Assembly in 1972 for awareness creation and reflection on the environment.
According to her, he disclosed that the theme of this year’s celebration is – “Your Planet Needs You”. It emphasized the crucial role everyone has to play to tackle the climate change challenges.
As part of the preparatory activities, he said the ministry urged state governments to join in marking the day and particularly encourage citizens to imbibe the tree planting culture.
He said the occasion was attended by over 1000 invited guests.
Council noted the appraisal.
Akunyili also said she presented a note in which she apprised council on the outcome of the 2nd round of Mini Stakeholders & Town Hall Meetings of the Rebranding Nigeria Project held in Owerri, the Imo state capital and Ngor Okpalla Local Government Area of Imo State, both of which held on 28th May, 2009.
She said the event coincided with the celebration of the 2nd year anniversary of the Government of Chief Ikedi Ohakim.
She also recalled that the President directed that serving Ministers from each State should take part in the town hall meetings, so as to use them as platforms to intimate their people about activities of government especially as it relates to his/her Ministry. In the light of this, the Honourable Minister of Commerce and Industry Chief Achike Udenwa and the Honourable Minister of State for FCT Mr. Chuka Udom were in the delegation to Imo State. The Media were also co-opted.
She said, she told council that the Government and People of Imo state were very receptive. She added that the governor of Imo state,His Excellency, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, and members of his cabinet received the delegation excellently and gave them tremendous support.
She further told council that the support and commitment of the governor to the re-branding project was tremendous. She informed council that the courtesy call to the governor and the town hall meetings at Owerri and Ngor Okpalla local government area were very successful. The turnout in both town hall meetings and the level of participation were very impressive; and at Ngor Okpalla, there was a mammoth crowd drawn from 9 Local government areas in Owerri zone namely; Ngor Okpalla, Owerri North, Owerri West, Ikeduru, Mbaitoli, Abor Mbaise, Ezinihitte Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, and Owerri Municipal LGAs. ”I told council that the people interacted freely with the team and all questions raised were adequately responded to”
She again informed council that campaign materials like face caps, T-shirts, Mugs, Umbrellas and 7-Point Agenda leaflets were freely distributed. She said, she told council that all those materials except the 7-Point Agenda leaflets were donated by a Nigerian company, the Fare East Merchantile Company Limited. She said that the People generally accepted the re-branding project and commended the government of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua for providing a platform for serving Ministers to be held accountable by their own people.
She also said that in the light of this, the Minister of Commerce and Industry Chief Achike Udenwa, spoke extensively on Government’s programs and more elaborately on the “Buy made in Nigeria” campaign currently being promoted by Government through his Ministry. He then called on Nigerians to be more alive to their civic responsibilities as a key to a successful re-branding campaign.
She also told council that the Hon. Minister of State for FCT Mr. Chuka Udom told the people that Government was in the process of providing basic infrastructure in cities outside Abuja city in order to reduce population density within the Abuja metropolis. Chuka Udom stated that now is the best time for re-branding. She informed council that he urged Nigerians to be patient and join Hands with the Federal government to make Nigeria great.
Finally, she said council was informed that the good people of Imo State were very happy and pledged to give their full support to the Re-branding Project.
The governor also used the opportunity to commission several projects undertaken by his administration during the last 2 years.
The Minister/Deputy Chairman, National Planning Commission briefed council on the activities of the vision 2020 programme and also provided specific highlights of the Mid-term National Technical Working Groups Retreat, held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja from 12th to 13th June 2009.
He said the National Planning Commission is working with Messrs Accenture (a reputable international consultant), in order to produce a blueprint that, when implemented, will make Nigeria one of the 20 largest economies by 2020. He said this is a mandate given to it by council.
According to him, the final vision 2020 blueprint is expected to be completed and ready to be delivered to Nigerians between mid-July and 31st September.
He added that the Mid-term reports of the 29 Vision 2020 of the National Technical Working Groups (NTWGs) clearly indicate that attaining the 20:2020 target is realizable, given the immense opportunities that abound in Nigeria.
According to him, Nigeria must compete globally across five key dimensions, which are: Talent, Capital, Resources, Consumer, Trade and Innovation.
Council noted the brief.
She said there was a correction on the previous week’s briefing and she said, “I would want you to emphasize in your reports that the Federal Government has not stopped the processing and award of contracts as reported by most papers last week. There was some misunderstanding.” She further said, “What I meant was that the 24th Federal Executive Council meeting, considered the status of implementation of projects under the 7-Point Agenda; the contracts being awarded; review of the 2009 sector appropriation and programmes; achievement so far recorded and delivery on the 7-Point Agenda; as well as the projected achievement up to December 2009.” It was a stocktaking exercise that council intends to conduct every last Wednesday of the month, she added.
She reiterated that government has not stopped the award and processing of contracts as reported last week. According to her, “We only paused to take stock of what we have done so far.”
In another development, the Minister said, “You are all aware that on June 25 this year, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua gave another expression to his commitment to bringing enduring peace, security, stability, and development to the Niger Delta by proclaiming amnesty for all militants who are ready to lay down their arms.
She said that this morning, the Chairman of the Presidential panel and Minister of Interior, Major General Godwin Abbe together with the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Paul Dike briefed the Federal Executive Council on the whole amnesty agenda and the implementation thus far.
She said, “I must point out for the avoidance of doubt that the Federal Government is committed to restoring peace and security to the Niger Delta so we can fast-track the current efforts towards the development of the region. The chairman of Amnesty Committee will issue a detailed statement on the amnesty granted by government.”
Again, she added that in view of government’s commitment to reforming the Educational Sector in order to improve skills and enhance standards, and following a memo by the Minister of Finance, council considered and approved the request for International Development Associations (IDA) Credit in the sum of SDR63,600,000 million approximately USD95 million for the proposed Lagos Eko Secondary Education project.
The objectives of the proposed project are to improve the quality of education in public junior and senior secondary schools across Lagos State, strengthen the federal post-basic education strategy and build monitoring and evaluation capacity at the Ministry of Education.
The proposed credit would support the Lagos State Government’s priority of human development by directly supporting the junior and senior secondary schools through grants, performance-based incentives, teacher training and standardized testing of its students. That this project will benefit over half a million public school pupils, build the capacity of over 7,000 teachers and school administrators, and strengthen capacity of district institutions.
Following a memo by Minister of Finance, council again considered and approved for final payment of the sum of N6,191,269,869.84, in favour of Messrs Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) Nig. Ltd for the Construction of the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF) Phase II headquarters Office Complex in Abuja.
The contract was awarded in 2001 and it is about 95% completed and the Ministry of Finance has already taken effective occupation of a greater part of the building.
The Minister said that in order to mitigate the spread of HIV/AIDs following a memo from the Minister of Finance, council considered and approved the request for another International Development Associations (IDA) credit in the sum of SDR150,000,000.00 equivalent to US225 million at an exchange rate of ISDR to USD1.495 for the second HIV/AIDs Development project.
The objective of the proposed second HIV/AIDs Development project is to reduce the risk of HIV infections by scaling up prevention, intervention and to increase access to and utilization of HIV counseling, testing, care and support services. The project will be implemented in all the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.
She said council approved the memo with a proviso that there should be re-negotiation of the loan terms so that more funds would be directed to screening and treatment.
Akunyili also said that the Minister of Education apprised council on the outcome of the Third Conference of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Ministers of Education held in Abuja from 17 – 20 March 2009.
She further declared that according to the Education Minister, the conference considered the progress made by ECOWAS countries on ECOWAS priority programmes namely: support for Girls Education; Distance Education for Teachers based on the New Technologies; Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Teaching of Science and Technology and HIV/AIDs prevention in Education.
According to her, he said ECOWAS countries called for the development and implementation of a clear linguistic policy that will facilitate regional integration and promote the use of mother tongue as medium of instruction in primary school. Council noted the appraisal.
The Minister of Education also apprised council of the outcome of the United Nations Educational Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) held in Bonn, Germany from 31st March to 2nd April 2009.
According to her, he said the immediate decision of the conference included among others:-
(a) Establishment of a National Committee on ESD, in line with international practice, to ensure effective coordination of ESD programmes and projects nationwide.
(b) Further integration of ESD into Educational policies plans and programmes.
(c) Mobilization of more resources for ESD.
(d) Continued renewal of school curricula at all levels as well as re-orientation of pedagogic skills and approaches.
(e) Establishment of effective partnerships by enhancing and utilizing existing networks, especially stronger south and south-south cooperation and inclusion of stakeholders not involved in implementing the decade so far.
Council noted the appraisal.
Akunyili equally informed pressmen that the Minister of Environment apprised council of the outcome of the 2009 World Environment Day Celebration held on Friday 5th June 2009.
That the Minister of Environment stated that Nigeria joined the global community in marking the World Environment Day on Friday 5, June 2009, explaining that the day was set aside by the UN General Assembly in 1972 for awareness creation and reflection on the environment.
According to her, he disclosed that the theme of this year’s celebration is – “Your Planet Needs You”. It emphasized the crucial role everyone has to play to tackle the climate change challenges.
As part of the preparatory activities, he said the ministry urged state governments to join in marking the day and particularly encourage citizens to imbibe the tree planting culture.
He said the occasion was attended by over 1000 invited guests.
Council noted the appraisal.
Akunyili also said she presented a note in which she apprised council on the outcome of the 2nd round of Mini Stakeholders & Town Hall Meetings of the Rebranding Nigeria Project held in Owerri, the Imo state capital and Ngor Okpalla Local Government Area of Imo State, both of which held on 28th May, 2009.
She said the event coincided with the celebration of the 2nd year anniversary of the Government of Chief Ikedi Ohakim.
She also recalled that the President directed that serving Ministers from each State should take part in the town hall meetings, so as to use them as platforms to intimate their people about activities of government especially as it relates to his/her Ministry. In the light of this, the Honourable Minister of Commerce and Industry Chief Achike Udenwa and the Honourable Minister of State for FCT Mr. Chuka Udom were in the delegation to Imo State. The Media were also co-opted.
She said, she told council that the Government and People of Imo state were very receptive. She added that the governor of Imo state,His Excellency, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, and members of his cabinet received the delegation excellently and gave them tremendous support.
She further told council that the support and commitment of the governor to the re-branding project was tremendous. She informed council that the courtesy call to the governor and the town hall meetings at Owerri and Ngor Okpalla local government area were very successful. The turnout in both town hall meetings and the level of participation were very impressive; and at Ngor Okpalla, there was a mammoth crowd drawn from 9 Local government areas in Owerri zone namely; Ngor Okpalla, Owerri North, Owerri West, Ikeduru, Mbaitoli, Abor Mbaise, Ezinihitte Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, and Owerri Municipal LGAs. ”I told council that the people interacted freely with the team and all questions raised were adequately responded to”
She again informed council that campaign materials like face caps, T-shirts, Mugs, Umbrellas and 7-Point Agenda leaflets were freely distributed. She said, she told council that all those materials except the 7-Point Agenda leaflets were donated by a Nigerian company, the Fare East Merchantile Company Limited. She said that the People generally accepted the re-branding project and commended the government of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua for providing a platform for serving Ministers to be held accountable by their own people.
She also said that in the light of this, the Minister of Commerce and Industry Chief Achike Udenwa, spoke extensively on Government’s programs and more elaborately on the “Buy made in Nigeria” campaign currently being promoted by Government through his Ministry. He then called on Nigerians to be more alive to their civic responsibilities as a key to a successful re-branding campaign.
She also told council that the Hon. Minister of State for FCT Mr. Chuka Udom told the people that Government was in the process of providing basic infrastructure in cities outside Abuja city in order to reduce population density within the Abuja metropolis. Chuka Udom stated that now is the best time for re-branding. She informed council that he urged Nigerians to be patient and join Hands with the Federal government to make Nigeria great.
Finally, she said council was informed that the good people of Imo State were very happy and pledged to give their full support to the Re-branding Project.
The governor also used the opportunity to commission several projects undertaken by his administration during the last 2 years.
The Minister/Deputy Chairman, National Planning Commission briefed council on the activities of the vision 2020 programme and also provided specific highlights of the Mid-term National Technical Working Groups Retreat, held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja from 12th to 13th June 2009.
He said the National Planning Commission is working with Messrs Accenture (a reputable international consultant), in order to produce a blueprint that, when implemented, will make Nigeria one of the 20 largest economies by 2020. He said this is a mandate given to it by council.
According to him, the final vision 2020 blueprint is expected to be completed and ready to be delivered to Nigerians between mid-July and 31st September.
He added that the Mid-term reports of the 29 Vision 2020 of the National Technical Working Groups (NTWGs) clearly indicate that attaining the 20:2020 target is realizable, given the immense opportunities that abound in Nigeria.
According to him, Nigeria must compete globally across five key dimensions, which are: Talent, Capital, Resources, Consumer, Trade and Innovation.
Council noted the brief.
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