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ALAO-AKALA: We’ve lost an icon, says ‘Eruobodo’
Astute businessman and politician, Dr. Olusola Ayandele popularly addressed as ‘Eruobodo’ by his numerous admirers, on Wednesday described the late former governor of Oyo state, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, as an evergreen political heavyweight and patriot whose transition to eternal glory has robbed Oyo state and Nigeria of many good things.
Alao-Akala, who served as deputy governor and later governor of Oyo state between 2003 and 2011, died in his Ogbomoso home in the early hours of Wednesday. He was aged 71.
Eruobodo, in a condolence message made available to journalists lamented the passage of the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state as he described the development as a collosal loss not only to the Pacesetter state but also to the Nigerian nation.
“The news of the death of Otunba Alao-Akala came with rude shock and utter disbelief as there was no report of ill-health or sickness about him. He was even present at the Fidau of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland last week where he was last seen in the public and nobody had an inkling that he was about to leave us. His death was one too many as it threw the whole country into mourning and regret.
“Otunba Alao-Akala, the distinct (Oyato) Governor as he was fondly called by his numerous fans and beneficiaries, did his best in terms of selfless service to God and humanity. He used all the opportunities that came his way to impart positively in the lives of his people and this explains why he enjoyed the love and confidence of his people until he breathed his last.
“Without mincing words, the death of the enigma called Otunba Alao-Akala has denied Oyo state and Nigeria the chance of benefitting from his wealth of experience as an administrator of enviable track record, colourful politicking and philanthropism. Many people would attest to the fact that he was able to transform lives while he also built an enduring legacy for himself as one who governed Oyo state successfully.
“Our sympathy and prayers are with his wives, children and other family members as well as the good people of Ogbomoso and the entire members of Oyo APC who have been thrown into mourning as a result of the death of this collusus. We pray God to grant him eternal rest and also give succour to the army of admirers, friends and supporters he left behind”, the statement said.
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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