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EID-EL-ADHA: Ayandele rejoices with muslims, calls for prayers against COVID-19
Business magnate and former gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state, Dr. Olusola Ayandele, has joined Islamic faith adherents across the world in the celebrations of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir popularly called Odun Ileya in Yorubaland as he urged Muslims to intensify prayers to Allah on the quest to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic in no time.
In a special Eid message contained in a statement issued on Thursday by his Personal Assistant, Olusola Adeleke, the Ibarapa-born politician described this year’s festival as monumental in view of many challenges that confront human race over coronavirus spread and its attendant effects on socioeconomic activities of different strata of people globally.
“Eid-el-Kabir is a major universal festival of Muslims which also heralds the annual Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia. Nigerian Muslims and their brethren at home have never been found wanting in the festivities over the years. But the circumstances surrounding this year’s festival call for sobriety and deep reflection on the need to be more dedicated to the worship of Allah, service to humanity and care for the environment in which we all live.
“Meanwhile, Muslims at home as well as their counterparts from other faiths deserve special kudos for their uncommon show of courage and patience in the face of restrictions, deprivation and anxiety posed by the rampaging Covid-19. Since March this year, our collective resolve to wage war against the pandemic has resulted in the shut down of worship centres while we maintain social distancing and other protocols prescribed by WHO and NCDC.
“Another regrettable development has to do with the inability of several intending Muslim pilgrims from Nigeria and other parts of the world to make it to the Holy Land in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj exercise. As faithful, we must accept this as an act of Allah and also pray Him to make it possible for those that were stopped this year and many others willing to undergo the religious rites next year while we are very optimistic about an imminent end to the pandemic while normalcy would then return to the global arena.
“Most importantly, we are glad to identify with all Muslims in Oyo state particularly our revered Chief Imams, Clerics, traditional rulers, leaders and members of Islamic organizations and societies on the occasion of this year’s Ileya. Also, we send our felicitation to all the leaders, members and supporters of our great Party (APC) in Ibarapa, Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso and Oke-Ogun geopolitical zones of the state.” Ayandele added.
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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