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Ekiti govt. commences 37 projects abandoned by Fayose
The Kayode Fayemi led Ekiti State Government has commenced 37 projects under Grants-in-Aid Programme initiated by the governor during his first tenure but abandoned by his successor, Ayodele Fayose.
The projects include extension of electricity, construction of community halls, construction of culverts and construction of market stalls. Other ongoing projects in the scheme are construction of boreholes, police posts, museum, blocks of classroom and drainages.
Speaking while monitoring the projects, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Prof. Adio Folayan, reechoed the commitment of the Fayemi-led administration to ensuring the completion of the projects to improve the the welfare of the Ekiti people.
The commissioner recalled that Governor Fayemi started 177 projects and completed 87 of them under the scheme during his first term, adding that unfortunately his successor abandoned the laudable scheme.
Prof. Folayan said that the ongoing 37 projects were being executed under the Ekiti State Community and Social Development Agency (EKCDA) and the World Bank Scheme in collaboration with the State Government. He further charged the benefiting communities to justify the huge investment toward improving their lot by supporting the effort of government to develop the state.
Prof. Folayan , who also advised them to maintain and jealously guard the projects, however promised more of the State Government’s dividend of democracy in communities across the state.
Responding on behalf of the other communities, one of the community leaders at Eda-Ile, Mr. Adekunle Jejelowo who commended Governor Fayemi for revisiting those projects as he promised during his electoral campaign said the communities will monitor the projects. He thanked him and prayed for his successful tenure in office.
Some of these projects include Extension of Electricity at Omuo-Ekiti, Drainage and Culvert Construction at Awajin, in Ado-Ekiti, Market Stalls in Esunmo Community, and Borehole Projects at Igbogun Bolorunduro Community.
Others are Civic Center at Orun-Ekiti, a Block of Three Classrooms each at Ejiyan-Ekiti and Ikunri-Ekiti in Ijero and Ikole Local Government Areas respectively, among others. Other benefiting communities are Kota in Ekiti East Local Government, Ara in Ijero Local Government, Erekesan Community in Efon Local Government Area, Temidire in Ise/Orun Local Government Area, Kajola in Ikere Local Government Area, Iro-Ayeteju in Gbonyin Local Government Area 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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