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‘We have reached agreement with FG to construct Oyo-Iseyin road’ – Makinde
Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Friday, said that preliminary works have begun on the planned Iseyin-Ogbomoso road.
The governor, who stated this in Iseyin, while attending the 8th Day Fidau prayer of the mother of the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Omokunmi Mustapha, added that his administration will ensure the road is completed before the end of his tenure.
He said that survey works on the new road have already begun, adding that the new road designed to connect Iseyin to Ogbomoso will boost the economic expansion drive of his administration.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, also quoted the governor as saying that the state has also reached an agreement with the Federal Government to construct the Oyo-Iseyin road.
He stated that his government will go ahead with the construction despite the Federal Government’s position that it would not repay the state if it constructs the federal road.
Governor Makinde, to the excitement of the crowd of well-wishers and residents of Iseyin, also declared that his administration will, in the next six weeks, announce the situation of a tertiary institution in the town in line with his promise during the electioneering period.
The statement further indicated that the governor eulogised the late mother of the PDP chairman, Alhaja Nimotallah Alake Olayiwola, stating that she lived an enviable life.
The governor said that only an individual that is blessed by God could live up to 118, as he prayed to God for a long life for her children and those in attendance.
He said: “We want to thank God for Mama’s life and we are here today to celebrate her life. But as a government, we would like to say one or two things. On my way here, I had to time myself when we left Ibadan. From the roundabout in Iseyin here to where the construction of Moniya-Iseyin road stopped is just a 20-minute drive.
“What that means is that by the time they are done, we won’t be spending more than seven minutes to reach that road. And if we add those seven minutes to the minutes one will spend from Ibadan, it means Ibadan to Iseyin won’t exceed 45 minutes.”
Speaking on the readiness of the state government to construct the Iseyin-Oyo road, Governor Makinde said that the state has reached an agreement with the Federal Government to construct the road, saying: “We have formally agreed with the Federal Government to construct the road from Iseyin to Oyo but they wrote in the document that the road belongs to the Federal Government.
“They said if we construct it, they won’t return the money but I told them that they should put whatever money we spend on the road in record, as a government that will refund the money to Oyo State might come into place one day.
“I am also pleased to tell you that survey works have begun on the road that will lead to Ogbomoso from Iseyin. Some are saying we should begin the road construction from Iseyin to Ogbomoso but, by the grace of God, we will not only start it, but we will also complete it in this administration.”
The governor also used the occasion to charge residents of the state on the need to take the issue of security more seriously, stating that security is everybody’s business.
He added that the introduction of the Peace and Security Committee in all local government areas, which will include religious leaders, traditional institution leaders and all stakeholders will help to stem the tide of insecurity in the state.
“Apart from the prayers that you have been praying for us, I also want to urge you to take the issue of security very seriously. Our security is in our hands. We all know what happened recently in Ibarapa and the Oke-Ogun axis.
“There is nothing that is happening in our environment that you are not aware of. If any stranger or visitor enters any environment now, you will see them. So, what we are saying, in essence, is, if you see something, say something to the government. Let us come together and fix the issue of insecurity in our land,” the governor added.
In his response, renowned lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Barr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), while giving a vote of thanks, described Governor Makinde as a man of his words, praying to God to uplift him.
“Your Excellency, we want to thank you for three things. First, we want to appreciate you for coming here with your entourage. Secondly, we thank you for the road projects you have embarked on and the promise you have made to continue to construct more roads.
“The third is the commitment on the establishment of a tertiary institution in Iseyin. You told me one on one that you will bring a higher institution to Iseyin and, today, you have declared it, may God reward you abundantly.
“No matter how long you stay in office, you will leave one day but the prayer we have is that God should lift you higher. We really thank you. Oyo State will not witness retrogression under your tenure. You are a promise-keeper. And whoever makes promises and keeps it is who we want at the top.”
Similarly, the Chief Imam of Iseyinland, Alhaji Abdulhakim Olayori, commended the governor for doing well in terms of infrastructure and other aspects of life, saying the governor’s good works are showing and that the people want him to continue the good works for eight years.
“You are doing well; we are seeing your works. You have given us good roads in Iseyin but we want you to also give us a higher institution of learning.
“When someone is doing something good, we tell him to continue. Your works are showing; we want you to continue for eight years,” the Imam said.
The event had in attendance top functionaries of the Oyo State Government, including the Deputy Governor of the state, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, and members of the House of Assembly; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Bisi Ilaka, among others.
Top politicians and chieftains of the PDP in attendance include Senator Gbenga Babalola, former Chief of Staff to the Oyo State governor, Dr. Saka Balogun, Chief Sunday Ogunlade, members of the Oyo PDP State Working Committee, former Oyo North Senatorial chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Yakubu Oladoja, Oyo North Senatorial chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Waheed Oluwakemi, PDP chairmen at the local government levels, among others.
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
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