Omoregie Elvis, Benin
President, Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria (APSON), Dr. Godly E. Opukeme, yesterday, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for inaugurating the National Economic Sustainability Plan saying it is a right step in a right direction as the nation tries to get the economy back on track.
Dr. Opukeme gave the commendation in a press statement signed by him and made available to Journalists in Benin City.
He said also that Nigerians must too commend the president for appointing Vice President, Yemi Osibanjo to chair the committee.
He said as Private School Owners and Proprietors under Nigeria’s Micro Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSME’s) they see this effort of the Federal Government’s direction in providing stimulus packages for MSME’s in the form of Payroll Support as a genuine empathy of the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration towards alleviating the economic setbacks suffered by School Owners/MSME’s brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Association through its President also reiterated that as MSME- Schools, certain conditions ought to be fufilled in line with their operating requirements to enable the Economic Sustainability Committee ,(ESC) make appropriate recommendations for Schools eligibility to access the ESC Stimulus Support package.
These should include the following: Provision of respective states Ministry of Education, Approval/Provisional Approval letter or any form of recognition letters from the Ministry indicating ongoing process / files for approval.
And also Evidence of Corporate Status with School Corporate Bank Account details.
He said these recommendations will not only ensure Schools-MSME’s partnership with the Government in revenue generation, but give unhindered access as well as transparency in the process for all genuinely affected Schools to benefit.
While also commending the federal government for its stand on the fight against stemming the spread of COVID 19 in the country, he said the continued closure of the various schools and institutions is not the best thing at the moment but proper monitoring and implementation of the COVID 19 guidelines put in place by the NCDC should be followed to the letter.