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COVID-19: Our pupils’ lives matter, Oyo ALGON advises Makinde over reopening schools
Oyo state chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has advised Governor Seyi Makinde on his government’s plan to reopen schools in the state for resumption of pupils, specifically students in Primary 6, Junior Secondary School Class 3 and Senior Secondary School Class 3.
Oyo ALGON also noted that reopening of schools may be the wish of many parents guardians, teachers and students because of the long time closure and academic time loss due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, adding that
this could have been a reason the governor, was eager to reopen the schools on June 29, 2020 for students to prepare for their examinations.
ALGON further advised Governor Makinde to apply great caution in rushing to reopen the schools following the sudden increase in cases of Covid-19 in Oyo State and many other states coupled with high casualty figures
The association in a statement signed by its Chairman, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye on Sunday in Ibadan and made available to Mega Icon Magazine said, “On the face of it, the Governor’s action looks good and responsive to the people’s wish and anxiety. But we hasten to add that wishes and anxiety need to be measured carefully against coordinated verifiable medical scientific deductions in public health emergency like in the case of Covid-19 pandemic with its uncertainty, and projection at finding a cure for the global disease.
“As the National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC severally declared, the nation is yet to flatten the curve and we are now at the inceasing rate of community transfer of the disease. The sudden increase in cases of Covid-19 in Oyo State and many other states coupled with high casualty figures is a pointer to the validation of NCDC position.
“Hence, the State Government should apply great caution in rushing to reopen the schools.
As it is now, Oyo State Covid-19 random testing capacity is still very low relative to its huge population and the jump in reported cases of Covid-19 creates more anxiety than the eagerness to be back to school.
“ALGON hereby calls for a review of the Governor’s order for the safety and lives of our dear children. Life comes before certificate, only the living graduate. Our Pupils Lives Matter. Taking the risk of school reopening without 100 percent (not less because they are young) medical assurance of protection and safety of lives of our pupils may be counter productive.
“Your Excellency, please tarry a bit. May Oyo State not lose any of our pupils, our future, to covid-19 pandemic and may we not witness another round of upsurge of the disease”, the statement added.
In another development, ALGON described the intention of Governor Makinde to renew the tenure of the Local Government Caretaker Committees he appointed in the state despite a subsisting case he filed at the Appeal Court which ordered for status quo remain, as his continuous affront to rule of law, judicial authority and threat to democratic governance.
According to Aleshinloye, “Executive lawlessness has become literally an epidemic in the pacesetter state and this lawlessness is a daily ritual and acceptable norm of governance now hence the increase in insecurity and violence in the State. Where rule of law is sacrificed and the court is treated with contempt anarchy reigns supreme.
“May the peace and understanding that Oyo State enjoyed in the past not be totally sacrificed because of lawlessness and crude arrogance of the Governor and his desperate cheerleaders”, ALGON boss continued.
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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