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Oyo first lady calls for integrated action against sexual violence
Wife of the Oyo State governor, Engineer Tamunominini Makinde has assured that the state government would harmonise all efforts to ensure that justice is served to all victims of sexual violence in the state.
Mrs. Makinde, who gave this assurance on Thursday in a statement commemorating the June 19 International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, restated the present government’s determination to “activate integrated action by the police, the judiciary, as well as communal responsibility to ensure justice for victims and protection for the vulnerable.”
She called on members of the society to join hands with government in the efforts to end sexual violence, noting that no one should be a bystander in matters of rape and sexual violence, “because it is by joining hands that we can defeat the atrocious crime in our society.”
She charged residents to call the Oyo State Emergency Number: 615 in case of any emergency.
Mrs. Makinde said: “Now, more than ever before, the vulnerable among us need our help.
“Today, on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, we join our voices with that of the entire world to say no to Rape, Sexual Violence, Abuse and all other forms of violence against women whether in peace or conflict.
“We cannot agree less with the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, when he said on this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict: “We stand in solidarity with survivors. We vow to listen to them and act on their experiences and decisions.” “We in Oyo State hereby renew our vow to harmonise efforts to ensure that justice is served to all victims of sexual violence.
“We reassure all of our determination to activate integrated action by the Police, the Judiciary, as well as communal responsibility to ensure justice for victims and protection for the vulnerable.
“We recognise the incidences of Rape and murder being recorded in some communities in recent times but further commit to ensure justice for these victims and the many more unreported cases that may have been perpetrated.
“Let me state clearly that perpetrators of these heinous acts of rape and sexual violence will not go unpunished.
“However, we commend the Oyo State Judiciary, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, which have been working together to provide first responder and primary care assistance for rape victims.
“We are equally thankful to the state government for its efforts in domesticating laws such as the 2006 Child Rights Law; the 2016 Criminal Justice law and 2016 Violence Against Women (VAW), laws which are targeted at addressing the terrible act of rape and other forms of sexual violence against women.”
The Oyo State First Lady further called on the police to expand its forensic protocols in order to enable easy access to fingerprint and DNA testing, noting that these procedures will ensure speedy dispensation of justice and preservation of victims’ privacy.
“Let me use this opportunity to further call on the Nigeria Police Force to expand forensic protocols to enable easy access to fingerprinting and DNA testing. These procedures will expedite justice and preserve the privacy of victims. I enjoin members of the public to also show more empathy towards the victims.
“Let no one be a bystander in matters of Rape and Sexual violence because it is by joining hands that we can defeat the atrocious act of Rape and sexual violence in our society.
“Please call the Oyo State Emergency number 615 in times of need,” she said.
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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