News
David Ajiboye’s death, huge loss to journalism, Online publishers mourn Ayefele’s publicist
A group of online media practitioners under the aegis of South West Group of Online Publishers (SWEGOP) has described the death of the station manager of Fresh 106.9FM, Ado-Ekiti, Mr. David Ajiboye as a huge loss, not only to his immediate family, but also to journalists in Oyo State in particular and the South-West in general.
SWEGOP, while expressing grief over his death, also commiserated with the Chairman, Fresh FM Nigeria and Merry Makers Band , Dr. Yinka Ayefele in this current mood.
In a statement signed by the group’s chairman, Mr Olayinka Agboola and Public Relations Officer, Remi Oladoye, SWEGOP noted that the demise of the journalist was unfortunate and a huge and great decimation of the journalism profession.
Ajiboye, who was a former entertainment editor with the African Newspaper of Nigeria (ANN) Plc before he joined the employ of the Fresh FM Radio Station, died on Sunday evening.
The Management of Fresh FM Nigeria and Merry Makers Band had, in a release by Samson Akindele, announced the death of the deceased entertainment writer at an Ibadan-based hospital after a reported brief illness which lasted for a few days.
The Group further said Ajiboye died at a time when the Fresh FM Nigeria is fast spreading and establishing its root in the broadcasting sector of journalism in the South-West of Nigeria.
“What can one say about this sad and sudden death of one of our colleagues, Mr David Ajiboye? Here was a young man who has been contributing to the practice of journalism in Oyo State and the South-West.
“Ajiboye, in his short but eventful sojourn on earth, made an appreciable and positive impact in the quest to sustain the practice of the profession.
“He was popular as an entertainment writer. He left an indelible mark as a former chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the Entertainment Writers’ Association of Nigeria (EWANG).
“David Ajiboye was a young man full of life and zest. In spite of his soaring popularity and fame, he was a humble person who was respectful to his elders and leaders. He was a cheerful and generous person who will never allow dull moments around him. Many of our colleagues, since the announcement of his demise on Sunday, have been attesting to how he had been helpful to their career development.
“Above all, he was, indeed, a focused young man who set certain goals for himself, some of which he accomplished while some others are at the verge of success. It is, therefore, a very sad commentary that we lost him at this point in time when he still has a lot to contribute to the practice of journalism and at the point of self-attainment and succeed.
“However, who are we to query the Almighty God? He alone acts and do as He so wishes. He gave us David Ajiboye and He allowed him to return back to Him when He so wished,” SWEGOP said in the statement.
The online publishers then prayed that God should grant the departed a peaceful rest and condoled with the immediate family of the deceased, the management and staff of Fresh FM Nigeria, as well as media practitioners across the South-West.
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.
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