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COMMUNITY NEWS : Ibadan landlords association commences rehabilitation of Apete-Akufo road
COMMUNITY leaders under the aegis of Awotan Landlords Association in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital on Thursday commenced the rehabilitation of the dilapidated portion of Apete- Akufo road, housed by Ido Local Government that has been abandoned for many years.
The road, linking Akufo lies in a pitiable condition, rendering inconvenience to commuters and other road users. At many times, vehicles get stuck on it, while visible potholes add to the woes of commuters, thus remains a nightmare for residents.
While the road is also one of the busiest roads in the town accommodating commercial stores, offices, coaching centers, shopping malls, hotels among others, the long stretch of the road has been broken.
Further checks revealed that the road, which incited pity became worsen after it was ravaged by the August 26, 2011 flood, which was regarded as a replica of the renowned ‘Omiyale’.
Meanwhile, the state government had earlier completed the construction of Ijokodo-Apete road including bridges which were also affected by the flood.
According to a resident who confided in Mega Icon Magazine, “we have recorded several accidents with high degree of injuries on this road. In fact, some weeks ago , a woman nearly gave birth in front of the gas station here, the health centre staff came to her rescue after she fell from motorcycle”.
Also, the President, Awotan Central Landlord Association, Mr Fabayo submitted, ” several appeals were made to the government to extend the construction of Apete-Ijokodo road to Akufo or repair the damaged portion of the road but no positive response up till this moment”.
“The road is important to us in this community, business activities is being affected , many people are afraid of even coming to Apete with their cars, even riding motorcycle to your destinations is risky on the road, it is on this note that we resolve to self help
” We have started with the little money we have in the community’s account, and very soon we will start tasking ourselves, it is a collective responsibility, we will do it together and I am very sure people will corporate.”
“What we are doing is just a palliative measure to make the road better, we are still talking with the government and we believe very soon our governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi will consider the project as one of the roads he must fix before the expiration of his tenure”, he continued.
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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