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Sanwo-Olu Lauds Contractor for Top-Notch Work on Oyingbo Overpass Bridge
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has lauded the remarkable performance of indigenous construction firm, Step Development Ltd, for its exceptional work on the recently commissioned Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line Overpass Bridge at Oyingbo.
The Oyingbo overpass bridge plays a pivotal role in connecting Lagos Island and the Mainland, spanning from Murtala Mohammed Way in Ebute Metta and facilitating traffic flow into two distinct arterial roads – Iddo and Costain.
During the official inauguration of the T-shaped fly-over bridge on Sunday, which stretches over 7.7 meters, Governor Sanwo-Olu, joined by Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, also expressed his confidence in the capabilities of the indigenous engineering solutions firm, stating, “They have not disappointed us.”
He further highlighted the positive impact of the project, saying, “Thousands and thousands of people were employed during this construction and knowledge transferred. I am delighted to note that job opportunities were created. Moreover, they have retained some of these employees even after the bridge’s completion.”
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the Oyingbo Overpass Bridge is the second of four bridges constructed to ensure the safety of lives and uninterrupted vehicular traffic flow along the Red Line at level crossings. He assured that these overpass bridges would provide a lasting solution to the avoidable fatal accidents often occurring at railway crossings.
The governor further noted that the timing of the overpass bridge’s opening was critical due to the scheduled maintenance work on the Third Mainland Bridge, leading to the closure of Ebute Metta sections that serve as passageways for motorists heading to Lagos Island.
In her remarks, the Managing Director of Step Development Ltd, Engr. Adunola Oseni expressed her gratitude to the governor for entrusting the firm with the Oyingbo bypass bridge project, describing it as a significant milestone in Lagos state’s infrastructure development.
The Managing Director of Step Development Ltd, Engr. Adunola Oseni, addressing the audience on Sunday
Step Development Ltd attributed the success of the project to its commitment to promoting local content, utilising domestic technologies and materials, reducing the country’s reliance on expensive international imports, creating job opportunities, and enhancing self-sufficiency in the engineering industry. She added that the firm also provided valuable training opportunities for students and youth corps members.
Engr. Oseni stressed, “We are immensely honoured and privileged to have been awarded the Oyingbo Bridges project. This project is a significant milestone in the infrastructure development of this administration led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The successful execution of the Oyingbo bridge has not only promoted numerous local businesses but has also fostered the development of new technologies, local artisans, engineers, and other professionals.”
Acknowledging the crucial role of collaboration and support, Oseni expressed her gratitude to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the community, and other stakeholders, stating, “Your unwavering support and invaluable contributions have been instrumental in ensuring the successful execution of this project. We extend our gratitude to the traditional rulers of the Oyingbo community, chiefs, and other stakeholders for their invaluable contributions to the project’s success.”
She also commended the dedication and professionalism of Step Development Ltd’s staff, expressing her pride in their unwavering determination to overcome challenges and deliver on their promises.
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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