The Federal Government has re-assured Nigerians that the 2016 budget is expected to go into full operations in the next few days.

This assurance was given by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who was a guest speaker at the 12th edition of ‘The Platform’, an annual national discourse put together by Covenant Christian Centre, at the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.

He said: “We expect that the budget will go into operation in the next few days.

“This year, isn’t it so interesting that we are all paying attention and we know what exactly is going on?” he asked.

Reeling out some of the government’s plans to 2016, Vice President further told the gathering that technology innovation hubs would be established across the country.

The target, according to him, is to have two Super Hubs – one in Lagos and the other in Abuja – and six Regional Technology Hubs in the six geo-political zones – South-East, South-South, South-West, North-West, North-Central and North-East.

“In partnership with several major technology companies, the hubs will be fully resourced to the infrastructure and capacity building tools.

“Each hub will be designed to produce relevant innovative technology solutions to a wide range of business, commercial and government problems,” Professor Osinbajo stated.

He further stressed that the government of Buhari was completely and irrevocably committed to change, but warned that it may not be easy.

“Though the early signs may be confusing and sometimes discouraging, there has never been a better opportunity than now to turn the country in the direction of success.

“What we must do is not to blink. No shaking. Let us stay the course, keep our focus and see our country turn around,” the Vice President urged Nigerians

Professor Osinbajo also said that besides fighting corruption, the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration would create jobs for the people by further diversifying the economy.

“We will deepen the diversification of the economy.

“The big areas of focus are agriculture, agro-allied value chains, solid minerals, petrochemicals, technology and entertainment.

“We need to be completely self-sufficient in production of rice, wheat, tomato and several of the products that drain our foreign exchange.

“This country can feed itself, produce enough.

“All that we need to do is focus on those who are producing and remove the obstacles on the way of giving people who are producing money or resources that they need directly,” he stressed.

At the event, nation building, and not just nation formation was also identified as the solution to the socio-economic problems confronting Nigeria.

This suggestion was made by the convener of the platform, and Pastor of Covenant Christian Centre, Poju Oyemade.

The platform is an annual national discuss for promoting national growth and economic development.

The theme for this year is, ‘Nigeria, What Is In Your Hand? Tapping Into Our Dead Economy, Looking beyond Our Oil-driven Economy’. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Prof. Osinbajo.

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