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Akesan Market Inferno: Oyo APC Team Visits Alaafin , Assures Of FG’S Intervention {See Photos}
The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Akin Oke, has paid a sympathy visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi lll, over the recent fire disaster which ravaged the popular Akesan market in the ancient town.
Chief Oke, who led the entire State Executive Committee members as well as leaders and chieftains of the APC from across the state, expressed his sadness over the magnitude of economic losses caused by the fire incident as he described it as “one fire, too many”.
His words; “Kabiyesi, we woke up to receive the piece of information on the unfortunate fire outbreak in the early hours of last Saturday through the social media platforms and it was as if the whole of Oyo State was on fire. Sad enough, efforts to mobilize support to stop the inferno could not yield the desired results as lives, properties and other resources were lost in the process.
“Akesan market, just like Oyo Alaafin, is a heritage of the Yoruba as its significance extends beyond the value it adds to the nation’s economy. Therefore, any unpleasant happening such as this is not desirable. As a progressive Party which draws a great percentage of its inspiration from the institution of Alaafin of Oyo, we are particularly saddened by this development.
“We sympathize with Kabiyesi, the Oyomesi, all victims of the fire incident as well as all sons and daughters of Yorubaland. I am using this opportunity to inform our people that our representatives in Abuja are working seriously to facilitate necessary intervention from the federal government and soonest, we shall have good reasons to smile.
“However, we are using this avenue to call for concerted efforts on the part of key stakeholders to ensure swift and appropriate response from relevant quarters as it concerns prevention and management of avoidable disasters. We pray God Almighty to prevent future occurrence and provide lasting succour to all the victims (including the family members of those who lost their lives).” Oke stated.
In his response, Oba Adeyemi thanked the leadership of Oyo APC for the visit. He went down the memory lane to explain the historical background of the burnt market which, according to him, had never suffered such fate.
The Paramount Ruler then used the opportunity to make an appeal for the return of the management of significant monuments such as Akesan Market to the Palace.
On hand to receive the Oyo APC team were; The Oyomesis, Oyo High Chiefs, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu, notable traditional rulers from Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa areas of the state while party dignitaries in attendance included; Chief ‘Lekan Adeyemo, Hon. Mojeed Olaoya, Chief S. M Akindele, Alhaji Abdulrasaq Arikeuyo, Chief Ayo Ojebode, Alh. Moruf Lamolo, Mrs Mabel Williams, Apostle Ezekiel Olaogun, Hon. Isiaka Salawu Areokuta, Mr. Taiwo Ige, Mrs Abiola Olaniran, Prince Ayobami Adejumo among others.
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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