Osinbajo to Award ‘Small Nobel’ Prize to Writers, Others; Promises Technology Fund, Jobs

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday announced plans by his office to promote creativity in the humanities sector by instituting what he termed a “small Nobel” prize for writers and other players in the arts industry.

The vice-president made the disclosure during his keynote address at an event organised by the Covenant Christian Centre tagged ‘The Platform Abuja’ themed, ‘Nigeria in Your Hands’.

Prof Osinbajo equally reiterated plans by the federal government to invest in the knowledge sector of the economy by supporting technology and innovation.

According to the vice-president, the federal government will on June 23rd launch a Presidential Initiative on Technology. At the launch, 50 most innovative technology solution providers will be meeting with major technology companies and venture capitalists collaborating with the federal government. A Technology Fund will also be established.

Addressing other present challenges such as fuel scarcity, Osinbajo said the federal government is looking into the co-location of refineries and the building of new ones so that by 2018, local fuel consumption needs can be adequately taken care of without resorting to imports.

The vice-president equally stated that the federal ministry of investment and trade has been given an 18-month deadline to simplify the process of doing business in Nigeria and move Nigeria up by 30 spots on the World Bank ranking for ease of doing business.