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IYALAJE OODUA: ‘I shall deliver optimally’, Toyin Kolade promises
The newly installed Iyalaje of Oduduwa Race worldwide (Iyalaje Oodua), Princess (Dr.) Toyin Kolade, on Saturday noted that she is not unaware of the huge responsibilities and roles attached to her latest status, promising to perform optimally towards wealth recreation as well as human development.
The Ilesa born business magnate cum philanthropist, who has been the global promoter of the popular Annual Aje Festival for about half a decade, gave the assurance at the ancient Ile Oodua Palace of The Ooni of Ife in Ile-Ife before the Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and a host of other top dignitaries including traditional rulers across Nigeria who took turns to pray for her.
“Through my close relationship with the Arole Oduduwa which I hold in a very high esteem, I have always been close to the traditional institution and I am glad to state that I have learnt a lot enough to last me a lifetime.
“Let me be specific now, my announcement in itself was done traditionally and that was the start of it all few months ago.
“Upon my entry on Thursday evening, I was received at Ilero spot at Iremo road, Ile-Ife by the cultural women (Obinrin Ilero) and the Ooni’s traditional aides (Emeses) where the opening rites were performed before we walked to the palace to pay traditional obeisance to the Arole Oodua before taken to the sacred Yeyemolu well for blessings.
“Today, Saturday 17th July 2021, we opened the day with a procession of Isoros and Iyalajes of different markets to the AJE temple at Oja Ife (Oja Ejigbomekun), where I joined them in company of Emeses, seven horses and my distinguished guests and well-wishers.
“Right there, I was dressed traditionally as the Iyalaje Oodua and fortified for the tasks ahead, after which we returned to the palace and we were received at the palace’s entrance (Enugeru) by Ife High-Chiefs who led me to the Temple of Wisdom (Ogun Laadin) within the palace courtyard for further blessings.
“Am happy to inform you that I got my installation leaves (Ewe Akoko) at the Temple of Wisdom, before being brought before my father; Arole Ile Oduduwa for formal pronouncement as the Iyalaje Oodua. I am so humbled and I promise that I shall justify the basis for my appointment and installation”, Iyalaje Oodua reassured
In his remarks, Ooni Ogunwusi who doubles as Co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) revealed that the selection and installation was purely based on merit, especially because of the sensitivity of the title.
His words, “We exercised a lot of caution because Aje is a big deal in Oodua land. It started here in Ile-Ife and then spread beyond, so we are reawakening its spirit particularly now that the economy is in a bad shape.
“Princess Toyin Kolade is a successful business woman who is prominent for spreading wealth through giving even from her personal earnings, this is one among several countless enviable human qualities upon which she is being installed today as the Iyalaje Oodua, Ooni Ogunwusi said
The event which was well attended by top dignitaries including the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello who was represented by his Deputy, Edward Onoja, also had traditional rulers like Olubadan of Ibadan, Olowo of Owo, Alara of Ilara-Epe, Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, Oore of Otun Ekiti, Deji of Akure, Dein of Agbor in Delta state.
Prominent women, which included the wife of the Osun State Governor, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola, Chief Mrs Olufunso Amosun, Erelu Abiola Dosumu, among others, were also in attendance.
The grand finale of the history-making event held in the 3,000 capacity Meeting Incentives Conference and Event (MICE) Centre branded ‘Ojaja Arena’ within the premises of the newly commissioned Ife Grand Resort and Industrial Park, where guests were entertained by the ace Fuji musician, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, popularly called K1 De Ultimate in the presence of other dignitaries like Aare OnaKakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, Basorun Dele Momodu among others.
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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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