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Reps Probe Alleged Diversion of ₦1.5bn at Ministry of Women Affairs
The House of Representatives Committee on Women’s Affairs and Social Development has commenced a thorough investigation into allegations of financial mismanagement at the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. The committee’s probe focuses on the alleged diversion of ₦1.5 billion earmarked for contractor payments, which has sparked widespread concern among stakeholders.
In a recent interactive session held on Thursday, Aloy Ifeakandu, the Director of Finance at the ministry, defended his actions, stating that he acted in accordance with directives from his superiors.
“The records are available,” Ifeakandu affirmed during the session, responding to queries raised by the committee.
The session was prompted by a petition from contractors who claim non-payment for executed projects amounting to billions of naira. Committee Chairperson Kafilat Ogbara raised significant concerns over the ministry’s handling of funds, alleging that new contracts were initiated without budgetary provisions while funds meant for existing contractors were diverted.
“Money for contractors has not been paid and money has been diverted, so how do you pay these contractors?” Ogbara questioned during the session.
Furthermore, Ogbara disclosed ongoing scrutiny by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) into the release of ₦1.5 billion in overheads for November/December 2023. Allegations also surfaced regarding the purchase of tricycles for a military barrack in Abuja, a claim refuted by a procurement officer from the ministry.
In defense, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, distanced himself from the allegations, highlighting budget utilization and outstanding balances from the 2023 fiscal year. “Since the minister came on board, no payment has been made,” asserted the petitioners, who also accused the minister of instructing a halt to contractor payments.
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Consequently, the committee has summoned the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, to appear before them next Tuesday. The committee demands comprehensive documentation and explanations regarding the missing funds and irregular contract processes.
“We are giving till Tuesday for the ministry to bring all documents to come and defend where the ₦1.5 billion disappeared to,” Chairperson Ogbara declared sternly, emphasizing transparency and accountability in the ministry’s financial operations.
Additionally, the committee seeks clarification on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the American University of Nigeria concerning Chibok girls’ school fees, underscoring the need for clarity and proper financial management practices within the ministry.
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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