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Atere thanks Gov. Makinde on his appointment as Oyo muslim pilgrims welfare board chair
The newly appointed Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim wing), Alhaji Hashim Atere, on Sunday, appreciated the State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde for his appointment.
Atere, an Ibadan man but a Saudi-trained Islamic Scholar, paid glowing tributes to the governor during a special prayer and congratulatory visit paid to him by some communities in Ibadan land.
The representatives of the Communities who thronged his residence on Sunday included people from Idigbaro-Ologuneru; Elenusonso; Alafara and Ile-Tuntun, all in Ibadan, the State capital.
The residents, comprising Muslim faithful from the aforementioned areas counseled and prayed for the success of the new Hajj Board Chairman.
Responding, Atere said his appointment to lead the Hajj Board has provided him the opportunity to bring to bear, his wonderful relationship with the Ulamas and his connection in Saudi Arabia.
Atere specially thanked the State Governor for finding him worthy, stressing that ‘the Governor is a man with the fear of Allah who holds Islamic leaders and indeed Muslim adherents in a very high esteem.”
According to him, “But for the Governor’s respect for the Chief Imam of Ibadan land, Sheikh Abubakar Agbotomokekere, the appointment would have been practically impossible. But the Governor stood his ground and insisted that it must be the Chief Imam’s nominee, hence my appointment.
“It is my sincere prayer to Almighty Allah that the Governor succeeds and overcomes all challenges before him, for the State to benefit more from his wonderful service to humanity.
“Please, let’s remember the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde is in our prayers daily. The Governor, though a Christian, has shown that he has respect for the men of God as exemplified in what he has done to the Chief Imam of Ibadan land.
“Our Baba, the Chief Imam, deserves our appreciation and prayers to live longer to continue to lead the Muslim communities in Ibadan and Oyo State in general. Help me to thank the Chief Imam when you visit him, soon,” Atere charged the community members.
In his new position, Atere said he was ready to make the Governor proud by taking decisions in consultations with the Islamic leaders, board members, and well-spirited people around the Governor to reposition the board for greater and better service delivery.
Said he, “I am ready to make Oyo Hajj Board the best in Nigeria. And if it deserves to sacrifice my salary, I am ready to make a difference and justify the confidence of His Excellency.
“Since it is Allah’s will, grace, and honour to pave the way for me despite daunting obstacles and challenges before the announcement last Wednesday, I am a very young person and opportunities still abound for me in the future, I will therefore sacrifice my time, energy, and resources to make remarkable changes on the board.
“All pending matters among a number of intending pilgrims will be resolved and everybody will be proud of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
“I don’t fear death, and I am ready to step on toes to make the board an enviable institution because my ultimate goal in life is to make heaven (Aljanah) and will not do anything to suffer the poor and favour the rich.
“From next week, we will change the environment at Olodo, Hajj secretariat for the better. I am ready to use my money to start my goals for the board and a top government official who I contacted said I can go ahead with my dreams even if it will demand my money and time to make a difference.
“I am not going there to make money but to make a name for myself and make Muslims and the government proud they have a reliable Hajj Board,” Atere said.
While seeking prayers, understanding, and cooperation from all to succeed in this daunting task, Atere also assured that he would use the position to sacrifice for God and religion and not to make himself richer at the expense of our people.
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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