News
Oyo moves to curb flooding
THE Oyo State government on Tuesday informed that a more proactive and effective measure has been put in place to mitigate flood disaster in Ibadan, the state capital in this rainy season.
Also, the government, through its Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP), with support from the World Bank, said it was on top of the situation.
Addressing newsmen at a three-day workshop on the role of the media in mitigating flood risk in Ibadan, organised by IUFMP, held at the Prince Ajibola Afonja Hall of Plaza De Haruna, Oyo town, the state commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr Toye Arulogun urged residents not to panic as they welcome the rainy season, with the government assuring that measures were being taken to prevent disaster as well as ensuring that the flood does not wreck havoc in the state this year.
Arulogun, in his goodwill message/lecture titled ‘ The Imperative of a Cordial Government – Media Relationship on Development Projects’ sought synergy between the government and media in mitigating flood risks in Ibadan.
He highlighted innovative works such as the Ibadan City Master plan, Flood Risk Management and Drainage Master Plan, and the Solid Waste Management Master plan as part of the government’s strategies to halt flood in the city.
https://iso.keq.mybluehost.me/iufmp-declares-open-workshop-on-medias-role-in-mitigating-flood-risk-in-ibadan/
Also speaking at the workshop, Commissioner for Finance and Budget, Mr. Bimbo Adekanbi acknowledged flood as a universal disaster, recalling that the city had been witnessing flooding for a long time, with the first recorded one being in 1951.
The commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Alhaji Musa Olawoye, lamented that successive governments had offered palliatives, which amounted to merely redressing the damage done to hydraulic infrastructure and cushioning the loses to lives and properties, but without remedying the fundamental causes of the menace.
“Much unlike its predecessors, the Ajimobi administration took the bull by the horns by designing a comprehensive and deep-rooted solution to the longstanding problem, the result of which is the IUFMP. It is gratifying that the project is already delivering masterpiece civil works across Ibadan, and many more will soon commence”, he added.
Other resource persons at the workshop, which began on Monday, included Dr. Adeyinka Lanihun from Communications and Language Arts Department, University of Ibadan and a Media Consultant, Mr Bolaji Oladepo, who recommended a synergy between the media and IUFMP to assist in mitigating flood in Ibadan.
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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