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How Oyo Rep, Oseni Restored Constituents Hope In Ibarapa East/ Ido

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Restoring optimism and promoting socio-economic prosperity in his area, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, representing Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency of Oyo state, has launched numerous programmes aimed at liberating constituents from the old order of underdevelopment and poor representation. The lawmaker, realising the pressing need for socio-economic advancement and infrastructure development, pioneered a groundbreaking community-based model to help his constituents overcome their problems.

The Ibarapa East/Ido Development Fund, a N5 billion endowment initiative with an instant donation of N50m by him, is one of Oseni’s major proposals. The purpose of this fund is to provide the constituency with financial resources for the implementation of critical developmental projects and other initiatives to bring relief to the people.

“Collective contribution is imperative. Let us be part of this noble drive. To lead by example, I am presenting my N50 million cheque today. The N5 billion will be domiciled in a dedicated account, and a special committee will be set up to manage the funds. My friends and associates will be part of this Development Fund, and we are also appealing to other prominent Nigerians in our constituency to join the train. Together we will build a more virile and enviable Ido Ibarapa East Federal Constituency.

“In line with my campaign promises, I want to assure our stakeholders, supporters, and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that all our developmental projects and programmes will be in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” the lawmaker said.

In addition to the development fund, in his plan to create millionaires, Oseni has prioritised youth empowerment in his constituency as he supported 100 youth entrepreneurs with N1 million each. The financial grant not only addresses the issue of youth unemployment but also serves as a stimulus for economic growth and self-reliance within the constituency.

He stressed that his vision is to nurture the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs within the constituency by empowering and supporting the emergence of 100 new youth millionaires.

The APC chieftain further launched the Oseni Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES), a programme that aims to provide the youth with knowledge, training, capacity building, mentorship, networking opportunities, job placements within federal government institutions and the private sector, as well as entrepreneurship development, financial support, and empowerment.

During the inauguration of the Board of Registered Trustees, Advisory Governing Board, Central Executive Management Team, and sixty Special Assistants and flag off of the Mega Empowerment scheme held at the Community Model Primary School (Farm Settlement) Idi-Igbaro, Ibadan, recently, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), reiterated the purpose of the new initiative. He explained that its primary objective is to establish a stronger connection between himself and the constituents.

According to Oseni, these bodies and individuals will collaborate closely with him to identify and address the specific concerns and needs of the constituency, ensuring that the initiatives and projects undertaken are tailored to the requirements of the people he serves. He added that the initiative will aid seamless interface with the people at the grassroots.

By establishing these governing bodies and engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, the lawmaker aims to foster an all-inclusive and participatory approach to governance. Through their collective efforts, they will work towards the realisation of a more prosperous and vibrant Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency, where infrastructure development and the well-being of the constituents are prioritised.

Continuing, Oseni said through collective efforts, there are plans to turn the constituency into a mini-state through road infrastructure development, just as he hinted that arrangements have been concluded to commence massive construction and rehabilitation of the road network in his constituency to fast-track development with the recent acquisition of earth-moving equipment such as excavators, pail loaders, graders, and other machinery.

In his words, “This includes aggressive road construction, repairs, and maintenance in all wards within Ido/Ibarapa East. By improving and expanding the road network, this will catalyse development and improve accessibility for all residents.

“I have already taken steps to procure road construction equipment such as excavators, graders, and bulldozers, among others to facilitate this agenda, making transportation easier. This will not only make everyday life easier for our people but also facilitate trade and contribute to the prosperity of the agriculture sector.

On education, the lawmaker announced that starting from 2024, parents in the federal constituency will no longer pay for JAMB and WAEC registration, saying, “the Remi Oseni Education Support Scheme will provide scholarships, tuition fee support, free JAMB and WAEC registration.”

As if this is not enough, the lawmaker also announced the launch of his ‘Operation One Borehole Per Voting Polling Unit’ initiative, which he said will address the critical need for clean water, alleviate the suffering caused by water scarcity, and improve the overall well-being of the constituents.

“In an effort to enhance the quality of life and mitigate health risks associated with contaminated water sources, I have earlier launched the drilling of 50 motorised boreholes in various communities within our federal constituency.”

With this giant stride achievement of less than a year in office, people were of the view that the structural engineer had reached his crescendo, but to the lawmaker, the only reward for success is continuous hard work, thus expressing his commitment to furthering an effort under the initiative “Every Ward in Ido/Ibarapa East: A Functional Transformer,” through the 3Rs Model (Repair, Renovate or Replace) of non-functional transformers. This initiative aims to ease the daily lives of the artisans. He noted that electricity is essential for the growth of businesses and the overall economy, adding that he had already donated numerous transformers to various communities during his campaign.

Also speaking at the event, the APC Gubernatorial Candidate at the 2023 general election, Sen Teslim Folarin, lauded the lawmakers’ initiatives

“This community-based approach to development is commendable and reflects a commitment to the people”, Folarin said.

Commenting, a prominent legal luminary and politician, Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN, expressed his support, stating, “This initiative is a testament to Hon. Aderemi Abass Oseni’s dedication to community development.”

 

The highlight of the event was the Mega Empowerment Programme, where Deep Freezers, Generators, Sewing Machines, Dryers, and Motorcycles were distributed to community members.

The epoch-making event had in attendance Senator Teslim Folarin, the All Progressives Congress (APC) standard bearer during the general election, Chief Moses Alake, former deputy governor of Oyo state, All Progressive Congress (APC) Senatorial Chairman, Hon. Mojeed Olaoya, Chairman Ido Local Government, Hon. Sheriff Adeojo, President General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barrister Yemi Soladoye, Asiwaju of Ido, Chief Adeniyi Akintola SAN, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, and other prominent individuals.

No doubt, Oseni’s dynamic leadership has breathed new life and established a new era of trust in the federal constituency.

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Two-Thirds of Nigerians Can’t Afford Healthy Meals — NBS

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A recent survey by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has highlighted the severe economic challenges faced by Nigerian households, revealing that two-thirds of the population struggle to afford healthy and nutritious meals. The survey, titled Nigeria General Household Survey – Panel (GHS-Panel) Wave 5 (2023/2024), underscores the worsening multidimensional poverty and the erosion of purchasing power due to the persistent rise in the cost of goods and services.

The report shows that approximately 63.8% of households have been forced to eat only a few kinds of food due to financial constraints. About 62.4% of respondents admitted worrying about food insufficiency, while 60.5% ate less than they thought they should. The situation has deteriorated significantly since the last survey, as the proportion of households expressing food insecurity concerns rose from 36.9% in the previous wave to 62.4% in the current one.

Power Outages and Access to Energy

The survey also sheds light on the nation’s energy crisis, revealing that Nigerian households experience an average of 6.7 power blackouts per week. While 82.2% of urban households have access to electricity, the figure drops to 40.4% in rural areas.

Cooking remains predominantly dependent on traditional methods, with 65% of households using three-stone stoves and 70.2% relying on firewood. However, the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is reportedly increasing.

Sanitation and Asset Ownership

In terms of sanitation, the report highlights that many households still lack basic toilet facilities, relying on bushes or streets for waste disposal. Access to clean drinking water is often through tube wells or boreholes, reflecting a lack of formal infrastructure in many areas.

On asset ownership, the survey indicates a decline since 2018/19. While two-thirds of households own mobile phones, only 21.3% have internet access. Housing ownership remains significant, with 70.4% of households owning their homes—80.1% in rural areas compared to 49.1% in urban centers.

The NBS report provides a stark reminder of the challenges many Nigerians face daily, from food insecurity and power outages to inadequate sanitation and declining asset ownership. It calls for urgent policy interventions to address these critical issues and improve the living standards of the population.

 

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Ford Trims Workforce: 4,000 Jobs to Go in Europe

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(FILES) The logo of carmaker Ford is pictured on the sidelines of a warning strike called by metalworkers’ union IG Metall at the plant of carmaker Ford in Cologne, western Germany, on October 29, 2024. – US car manufacturer Ford on November 20, 2024 announced plans for 4,000 further job cuts in Europe, mostly in in the UK and Germany, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP)

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.

 

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Tinubu Dissolves UNIZIK Council, Sacks VC, Registrar, Otukpo Pro-Chancellor

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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.

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