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Makinde Inaugurates New PMS Executive, Vows No Tolerance for Disorder
Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has inaugurated the Alhaji Tomiwa Omolewa-led Park Management System Executive.
The governor, while speaking at the event held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, noted that his introduction of the PMS initiative, which has since been copied by other states, demonstrated how his government brought all-round experience into governance.
He warned the newly sworn-in executive members to continue to uphold law and order in the state or risk being held accountable for any breakdown of law and order.
Governor Makinde, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Olusegun Olayiwola, stressed that his administration will not tolerate any breach of peace in the state.
Charging the PMS Exco to be proactive in identifying and addressing potential issues that could lead to violence, the governor assured them of his administration’s continued support.
The governor set up the PMS to regulate public transportation in the state following incessant violence among operators in the sector.
In his goodwill message, the commissioner equally warned that the Makinde administration would not tolerate acts of violence or actions capable of undermining the peaceful atmosphere in any part of the state.
The commissioner added that all the PMS executive members would sign an undertaking with the government and security agencies to ensure that all their activities would be violence-free.
The governor said: “May I seize this opportunity to advise that the Oyo State Government as your employer will forthwith hold you responsible for any act inimical to the peace and progress of Oyo State.
“The effort of the government is intended to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our Park Managers in the discharge of their duties at the various parks.
“The implementation of the new management system is a pointer to the fact that the present administration brings to bear its all-round experience in the area of governance.
“It is noteworthy to observe that our parks serve as vital space for recreation, relaxation, and community gathering, hence the need to hold accountable the managers of the various parks across the nooks and crannies of the state and to streamline park operations.
“Let me state categorically that the state will not condone any unwholesome act; drinking of an illegal substance and other nefarious activities in the various parks.”
Earlier in their separate goodwill messages, the chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, Oyo State chapter, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, who was represented by the chairman of Ibadan North-West Local Government, Hon. Rahman Adepoju and Oba Hamidu Ajibade, charged PMS members to cooperate with the state government towards ensuring peace and progress in the state.
In his remarks, the chairman of the PMS, Alhaji Omolewa, popularly known as Tommy, pledged to abide by the law guiding the operation of the PMS in the state.
Omolewa promised that he and his team would work to ensure that sanity returns to all motor parks across the state and to ensure that the peace and harmony being enjoyed by all residents of the state is sustained.
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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