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Ibadan In Lockdown, As Eminent Nigerians Pay Last Respect To Adebayo.
ENCOMIUMS were showered on the former Military Governor of Western Region, Retired Major General Robert Adeyinka Adebayo by eminent Nigerians who gathered yesterday at his lying in state in Ibadan , the Oyo State capital to pay their last respect to the highly revered leader who died on 8th March, 2017 at the age of 89, a day before his 90th birthday.
Dignitaries, politicians across the parties including the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, sitting governors and their deputies, former civilian and military governors, Yoruba leaders among others gathered at the House of Chiefs, Agodi Government Secretariat paying tributes to the former Military Governor of Western Region, General Adebayo.
The corpse, which was received around 2pm at the Ibadan end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, was accompanied to the venue around 2.48pm by some governors in the Southwestern states, comprising of Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rauf Aregebsola (Osun), Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos) and Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo).
The scion of Adebayo family and erstwhile Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Adeniyi Adebayo accompanied by the widow of the deceased, Mrs. Modupe Adebayo led the family to pay their last respect.
The Senate President, Saraki in his remarks urged the gathering not to mourn but to celebrate a life well spent. “I stand here not to mourn but celebrate General Adebayo, it is not common for six state governors to celebrate an individual, let me commend the efforts of the organizers.
“I think Baba Adebayo deserves more than this, on behalf of entire Senate, General Adebayo is more than South-West.
“That is why the entire Nigeria is here to honour General Adebayo.
“The only tribute we can have for them is to sustain the labour of our past heroes not to die in vain”, he stressed.
The host governor, Abiola Ajimobi, speaking on behalf of his colleagues described late General Adebayo as an illustrious son of Africa whom dignitaries are being giving final farewell.
He said, “Papa fought a good fight, and we take solace, I congratulate us all for the good works of the late General Adeyinka Adebayo.
“Papa has carved his name on our heart, his legacy will always remain in our heart. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, who is also the Secretary to Oyo State Government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli said that the demise of Adebayo though heartbreaking but a thing of joy for a life well spent.
Alli added that the choice of Ibadan for the day of tribute is in recognition of contributions.
Similarly, the Yoruba Council of Elders who spoke through Chief Sofola described the demise, Adebayo as a huge loss.
“He was an embodiment of what has been said here. As Military Governor, he contributed to the betterment of his people and as Chairman of YCE he worked diligently for the betterment of people”.
Also, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka represented by DVC (Admin), Professor Emilolorun Ayelari emphasized that tremendous achievements by the former Pro Chancellor of the University will continue to be remembered by the University.
The lying in state also had in attendance, Deputy Governors of Ogun State, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, Osun State, Chief Grace Laoye Tomori, former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, Former Military Governors of old Oyo State, General David Jemibewon, Col. Oladayo Popoola and Real Admirer Akin Aduwo and former Civilian Governor of old Oyo State, Dr. Victor Olunloyo, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State Chief Iyiola Oladokun.
Others include the Olubadan of Ibadanland who was represented by his chief led by High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin (Balogun of Ibadanland), Secretary to Ogun State Governor, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa and Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr. Abiodun Odude.
In the list of senators is the Senators representing Oyo Central and North, Alhaja Monsurat Sunmonu and Dr. Abdulfatai Buhari, members of Executive Councils in Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos and Ekiti.
The Provost of the Cathedral, St. Peters Anglican Church, Ibadan, Venerable Wale Adebiyi and representatives of Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik Abubakri Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere prayed for soul of the departed octongarian.
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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