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Ekiti Will Become S’ West Economic Hub With Bamidele As Governor – Ilori.
An Estate surveyor and Valuer, Mr Oluwagbemiga Ilori, has lauded the former member of the House of the Representatives, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele for declaring for Ekiti governorship poll, saying the state will become the economic hub of the Southwest with him in the saddle.
The Lagos based businessman said, Bamidele has the requisite exposure, political experience and the temperament to be able to restore the state’s lost glories in the areas of economy, agriculture, health and other critical sectors, having garnered experience as a commissioner in Lagos and National Assembly.
Speaking with journalists on Friday in Lagos on the 2018 Ekiti governorship election, Ilori disclosed that Ekiti cannot afford to gamble with their collective destiny in the poll, urging them to vote for a man with the right frame of mind and mental capability to lead the state.
He described Bamidele as a thorough-bred administrator, who has proved his mettle during his four years in the House of Representatives, saying the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain became a darling name in Ekiti politics with the quality representative he offered on the floor of the National Assembly.
Ilori said the fact that Bamidele plunged into the race at a time the party is in the opposition and needed someone with the political network to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), further confirmed the enormous respect and commitment he has for the people.
“Hon Bamidele is a man with unblemished records in the politics of Ekiti. During his time as a commissioner in Lagos State, he saw Ekiti as an immediate constituency. He treated every Ekiti indigene with respect. He offered them jobs and offered assistance that can brighten their careers.
“Also, as a member of the National Assembly between 2011 and 2015, he sponsored so many bills that can make life better for Nigerians. He constructed class rooms for schools in Ado and Irepodun/Ifelodun federal constituency. He constructed ultra modern health centres in the two councils that are of benefits to the citizens.
“When it comes to the act of giving, Bamidele is unrivaled. He is kind to a fault. He sees lifting humanity from the pangs of poverty as his hobby.
“In terms of scholarship, Bamidele is a well read person. He Bagged B.A., LL.B and LL.M degrees from the University of Ife( now Obafemi Awolowo University,). With these daunting academic laurels, it was evident that the former federal lawmaker is well equipped for the plum job.
“We need a man that is educated, politically sagacious and morally upright at this critical time Ekiti has been debased in all facets by the current government. We need a man that can restore Ekiti values and with Bamidele in the saddle, our people should be rest assured that they are in safe hands”, he said.
Ilori appealed to APC to stop unnecessary discrimination within the party, describing the branding of some top leaders of the party as defectors as a distraction capable of robbing the party of victory.
He, then appealed to Chief John Oyegun-led National Working Committee of the APC to conduct free, fair and credible primary, so that the party can approach the poll with an invincible and united posture.
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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