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COVID-19: Security agencies enforce compliance in Oyo
A joint team of Security agencies have embarked on enforcement of compliance with directives on precautionary measures outlined by Oyo State Government to combat Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease in the State.
The inter-agency team comprises of Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority, Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps and others.
This, the Executive Chairman, OYRTMA, Dr. Akin Fagbemi said would promote interagency collaborations in the State and curtail spread of the deadly Corona-virus Disease.
He added that, this is in line with the directives of Governor Seyi Makinde who had earlier outlined measures aimed at dealing with Coronavirus in the State.
The team ensured strict monitoring of compliance at public parks, garages and private transportation companies across Oyo State, to prevention guidelines issued by Governor Makinde to curtail the rapid spread of the disease.
It would be recalled that part of the preventive measures rolled out by the state government are social distancing, suspension of religious activities, disbandment of gathering with more than 30 people among others.
The State has also directed garages and commercial operators to adhere strictly to guidelines reeled out for them during these trying times, while it warned that anyone caught flouting the recommendations and guidelines would be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
The team commended residents and operators for their understanding and cooperation towards eradicating the novel Corona Virus Disease.
Meanwhile, Oyo State Government has reiterated that it is working to contain the spread coronavirus in the State, adding that the Governor Seyi Makinde led administration has constituted a competent Task Force to tackle any suspected case of COVID-19 in the State.
Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, also added that the administration will collaborate with relevant stakeholders in both the organized private and public health sectors.
Olatubosun stressed that the Government has finalized an arrangement to embark on aggressive public sensitisation across the popular markets, major bus terminals, public spaces and others to enlighten the people on the reality and severity of the global infectious disease.
He said the proactive government of Engineer Seyi Makinde, on hearing increasing cases of the pandemic in the neighboring states, set machinery in motion to prevent the infectious disease from gaining entrance into the state.
The Commissioner said part of the measures taken is the establishment of four isolation centres at University College Hospital, UCH, Jericho Chest Hospital, Olodo State Pediatric all in Ibadan and Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, with acquisition of ambulances to carry individuals tested positive of Coronavirus for adequate treatments.
The commissioner therefore implored the residents of the state to report any case of the disease to the surveillance team set up by the state government.
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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