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Admission of Yoruba nation to global, an endorsement of agitation for freedom, says Akintoye
The recent acceptance of the Yoruba-speaking nation to the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization,(UNPO) will give global voice to the age-long agitation for a better deal for Yorubas in the affairs of Nigeria according to Professor Banji Akintoye.
The foremost Yoruba nationalist, Professor Akintoye stated this while featuring on AM120, a breakfast show on the television channel of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State.
He said the body exists to give voice to the nations submerged in larger countries adding that,”being accepted into the UNPO is a recognition that you are a people that deserves a voice.
“It means our culture is under attack;that we can still take our culture to a place that it is being recognized.”
According to the Yoruba leader, “we now have an agency that can maximize our voice in the thing we desire.It is like a person holding a cutlass in the bush. How you are going to use it is your business.”
The renowned historian and former Senator while speaking on the present political structure said over- centralization of governance has suppressed over 56 million people in Yoruba speaking nation.
“We want to go back to that original plan in which each federating unit is free to manage its life without interference.In a country like Nigeria,unitary system is impossible.
“Nigeria is not a nation,but a country of many nations.That is the foundation of our problems.Each tribe,each nationality should be able yo determine their own fate.”
He said like every other emerging nations,Yoruba nation has an agenda put together by her history, culture and religion.
“For instance,it is part of Yoruba agenda to uphold their culture.We are very proud of our our culture.
“It is part of Yoruba agenda that people should select their kings from a pull of princes and the selection is done by high level chiefs.This is very unique.
“It is also being recognized that Yoruba’s have the strongest and very clear tradition of religious tolerance in the world”,he said
Professor Akintoye said that in agitating for freedom,Yoruba nation remains the only major nation that never demanded break up.For us,it is build build and not break,break.”
The Emeritus Professor of History described as laudable the security network set up by governors in the South West states,saying it will assist to defend Yoruba farmers in villages and rural communities as well as people residing in urban cities.
Professor Akintoye continued,”the danger of food shortage and starvation is staring us (Yoruba nation) in the face.Our nation is in danger.Our farmers can no longer go to the farms because of fear of rampaging Fulani intruders.”
The elder statesman said there is unity in the decision by the Yoruba nation to be free.
As he puts it,”we have to take that decision together.No individual Yoruba person has the authority to say we are pulling out.I’m a responsible person and I know how things are done in the world.”
The frontline Yoruba nationalist believed that a proper federation could be achieved through referendum by a set of people who desired to pull out of the present structure.
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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