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NUJ laments growing insecurity in Oyo
Oyo state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Wednesday expressed concern over the worsening insecurity in the state.
NUJ noted that there were reports of day light robberies in Agbowo, Sango and The Polytechnic Ibadan areas of the state in recent times
Contained in a communique of the Congress held on Wednesday, 19th of January 2022 at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, the union lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for providing street lights that illuminate parts of the state capital, urging the governor to allow the project continues and spread across the nooks and crannies of the State.
The union further called on Governor Makinde, the State Commissioner of Police and other stakeholders to address the situations without further delay, urging the Governor as the Chief Security Officer to beef up more security in the state and also deploy the Police, Amotekun Corps and other security personnel to all the notorious spots in the state.
The congress applauded the prompt response of the Oyo State Command of the Nigerian Police in deploying patrol teams to the Lagos/Ibadan expressway and other hot spots
NUJ, however called for the upgrade of the Police Station along Lagos/Ibadan expressway to a regional headquarters of the force.
“Major streets and highways in the state capital should be rid of destitutes and street traders who are impeding free flow of traffic as well as constituting nuisance and danger to motorists and other road users.”
The Congress also shared in the grief of the Government and the great people of Oyo state on the recent demise of four prominent leaders of the state namely the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji Aje Ogungunniso 1, the Soun of Ogbomosoland Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, the Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Abdur-Azeez Adeoye and a former Governor of the State, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao – Akala and
condoled Governor Oluseyi Makinde, families of the departed leaders and the people of Oyo state over the demise of these illustrious leaders.
The congress also harped on the need for Journalists to be vigilant and cautious in their professional dealings with politicians so as to avoid unnecessary conflicts that could jeopardize their career during this electioneering year.
“That there is need for Journalists and other Professionals to engage in regular physical exercises and also find time to rest. This is to avert sudden death as well as ensuring body fitness and promotion of overall general well-being”.
The Congress commended the leadership of Oyo NUJ under Comrade Ademola Babalola for the numerous landmark achievements being recorded during his ongoing tenure, including the installation of ultra modern N30million ICT facilities at the Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan to support colleagues in their daily reportage and further media research works in line with the global best practices
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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