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Makinde moves to boost Oyo’s IGR through speedy issuance of land title documents
The Seyi Makinde led Oyo state government has disclosed that it has established a new era in the State’s Internally Generated Revenue drive, through speedy issuance of land title documents.
The Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Barrister Abiodun Abdu-Raheem stated this at a day retreat organized by Private Networks Nigeria LTD for officials of the Ministry, held at Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, Abeokuta Ogun State.
According to him, Oyo State is blessed with resources and latent revenue opportunities which is needed to be unlocked.
“As a major stakeholder in revenue generation for the state government, we are here to strategize on how to move the state forward, because the state is blessed with resources and latent opportunities that needs to be unlocked”, he said.
Abiodun added that a cursory review of previous years’ performances show that over Two billion (N2 billion) Naira is being generated annually for the past three years through Land Use charges but this is far less than what is expected from the Ministry.
“A cursory review of previous years shows that only Two billion (N2 Billion) is being generated annually from Land Use Charges. This is a far cry from the income expected to be generated by a state like ours that desires to be self-sufficient with or without the Federal allocation”, he noted.
He further explained that since the inception of the present administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, the Ministry has been able to improve on its Revenue Generating strength through recovery of over two hundred (200) plots of lands which has been reallocated for interested members of the public.
Also, the Ministry has introduced Three hundred thousand naira (N300,000.00) as an expression of interest application fee for Housing Developers, as well as settlement of pending litigations against the state government on land matters among other things.
Barrister Abiodun pointed out that the retreat which focuses on issuance of Land title documents such as Home Owners’ Charter and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) will help the Ministry fashion out ways to let people obtain their documents easily and affordably.
“I wish to state here that the state Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde is establishing a new era where land title documents would be timely and accurately delivered to justifiable applicants”.
While speaking, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinola Ojo described the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, as a major stakeholder in revenue generation for the state government.
He lauded the Ministry’s initiative to take part in the retreat, while he also assured that the Ministry of Finance will provide all necessary support at ensuring that the Revenue Generation initiative of the state government is not jeopardized.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lnads, TPL Ademola Ajibola said the retreat was very essential in educating and enlightening the officials of the Ministry on their roles at ensuring an increase in the revenue drive of the state government through the quick issuance of Land title documents.
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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