News
Makinde presents cash to family of late Oyo PDP loyalist
Succour has come the way of the family of a deceased Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyalist in Oyo state, Mr. Isaiah Adedapo Adegoke, as the state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, presented cash support to the family.
The late Adegoke died in an accident on April 14, 2020.
According to a statement signed by the Special Assistant (Print Media) to Governor Makinde, Moses Alao, the late Adegoke’s wife and children were, on Monday, received by the governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Political Matters, Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye and the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa.
Also in attendance was the Director-General of the Oyo State Signage and Advertising Agency (OYSAA), Hon. Temi Adibi.
While speaking, the governor expressed sympathy to the children and wife of the deceased, who he described as a faithful party man.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, Hon. Oduyoye said: “On behalf of the Executive Governor, I welcome the family of the late Isaiah Adedapo Adegoke, who died on the 14th of April. I want you to know that the Governor sympathises with you and the children as well. Your husband was a faithful party man who did a lot to ensure the victory of the PDP and the governor in the last elections.
“What happened was unfortunate. The governor has asked us to tell you that the state will continue to support you and that he has graciously provided something that he will soon hand over to you.
“The essence of being here today is to show you that the state holds your husband in high esteem and will recognise his contributions, both in Ogbomoso land and at the state level. It is the responsibility of this government to continue to support and encourage you in whatever way we can.
“May God grant you the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Also speaking, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Adisa, said that though it was sad that Adegoke lost his life in the circumstance he did, the Oyo State government under Governor Makinde would not leave his family to be on their own.
“We thank God that He called your breadwinner home in His own time and nobody could really explain it. It is difficult for human beings to understand the way of God. We just have to brace up to it when it happens. But we thank God that you have a government that will not let you be on your own. This is one of the messages you need to take home. This will be a stepping stone to the measure of support you will get from the government.
“We also pray that we will not continue to receive a message like this from Ogbomoso land and the rest of the state. We pray that God will continue to be with all of you as you continue to soldier on. Madam, you have become the leader and breadwinner of the family and God will continue to give you the wisdom to guide the children right.
“The administration is ready to take care of everybody, though the times are hard in terms of resources and health situation across the world. But the government is not raising hands into the air and surrendering to circumstances.”
Hon. Adibi, who spoke on behalf of the family, said the late Adegoke was very close to him, appreciating the governor for his support to the deceased’s family.
“We appreciate what the Governor did today in supporting and assisting the family; the wife and the children left behind. We pray the Governor will not die young.
“In Oyo State PDP, the Lord will put a stop to a thing like this and we won’t see it in the state again.
“On behalf of the PDP Ogbomoso North and the Family of Ajiboko, Isala of Ogbomoso, where the deceased was born, we appreciate the Governor. And we want you to deliver our message to him that the entire Ogbomoso land is for Governor Makinde and we will stay for him. He has started well and he will also end well.”
News
Ford Trims Workforce: 4,000 Jobs to Go in Europe
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.
News
Tinubu Dissolves UNIZIK Council, Sacks VC, Registrar, Otukpo Pro-Chancellor
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.
News
Ekiti Workers to Earn N70,000 Minimum Wage as Govt Signs MoU with Unions
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.
-
Politics6 days ago
Oyo Rep. Member, Akinmoyede Appoints Three More Aides
-
Crime & Court1 week ago
EFCC Chair Raises Alarm on Rampant Fraud in Nigeria’s Electricity Sector
-
Health7 days ago
Oyo: Tragedy As Bride-to-Be Among Four Dead in Suspected Lassa Fever Outbreak
-
Politics5 days ago
#OndoDecides2024: Rep Oseni Hails Aiyedatiwa’s Victory, Commends Residents for Peaceful Polls