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Insecurity: We’re living in fear, Oke-ogun indigene, Olalere laments
Despite moves and assurances given by the Oyo state governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde to curb the increased insecurity in Ibarapa, Oke -Ogun zones, and the state generally, an indigene of the zone, Bola Olalere last Monday disclosed that they are living under an oppressive fear.
Olalere, a farmer and journalist, also disclosed that tension almost at its highest, while some places are relatively peaceful. He stressed that the indigenes are not secured each time they go to their farms.
According to him, the insecurity could not have been degenerated to this extent if the government has been proactive. He alleged that the government has refused to do the needful, due to the tribal loyalty of President Muhammadu Buhari, who is a Fulani man.
“As we speak, we can’t say Oke-ogun or Igboho is very peaceful, we have always been living in fear of these herdsmen and the body language from the authority, not only from the Oyo state government but the federal government as well has not been helping us. For example now, I’m leading a group of youths who are investing in cassava , we have gotten several acres of land here, we have planted but majority of our members are afraid of coming down home to do their normal farming business.
“So currently, the tension is high, some places are relatively peaceful, but within ourselves we know that we are not happy and we are not feeling secured each time we go to the farm and that is the current situation here now”, he said.
The convener of Oke-Ogun Youth Association, while featuring on TV360 news, monitored by Mega Icon Magazine, noted that the acclaimed Yoruba activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as ‘Sunday Igboho’ is not just a political thug, but rather a liberator who has the courage to do what the government failed to do.
Olalere continued, “We don’t see him (Sunday Igboho) as a political thug right now, we see him as a liberator of Yoruba race ; we see him as somebody who has courage to do what the government failed to do.
“We are very happy that we have someone that can come up, face and lead this struggle. We have been living with these herders for a very long time in this part of the country. We have not been having it this bad and since the government decided not to do anything or say anything, we have somebody , a son of the soil who is courageous enough to face or volunteer to lead this battle against these killer herdsmen, we don’t see him as a thug, but we see him rather as a liberator of the people”, he concluded.
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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