Pascal Arogorn Ibe
The Vice President , Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, said on Thursday that the Federal Government was creating a “ payroll support” for private schoolteachers and artisans to cushion the untoward economic effect of the COVID – 19 pandemic on them .
He added that the Federal Government had secured land in 11 states of the federation to build thousands of two -bedroom apartments for Nigerians at the cost of N 2m each .
He also declared that he was too busy to think about the 2023 elections .
Osinbajo spoke at the ongoing 60th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association .
He featured on the “ state of the nation ” session with the theme , “ A stimulating exchange on the State of the Nation , ” moderated by the Publisher of ThisDay newspaper, Mr Nduka Obaigbena.
The vice president said the Federal Government ’ s efforts were geared towards saving jobs and creating new ones amid the pandemic.
Osinbajo said , “ 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 schoolteachers and 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 Federal Government ’ s housing plan , Osinbajo said , “ These houses are to be built by young engineers, architects and artisans . We hope to build thousands of two – bedroom apartments for about N 2meach .
Osinbajo said despite the decline, Nigeria ’ s economy had fared better than some other countries.
“ Economics like politics is local. In comparison to other economies we have fared better. We , however , recognise 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, ” he said .
On the question of the future of his political career and the 2023 general elections , Osinbajo said , “ There are other issues to be tackled and that has my undivided attention . ”
He added that he was “ incredibly grateful ” for the present opportunity he had to serve the nation .
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