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My commitment to transport sector devt. birthed PMS in Oyo – Makinde
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, declared that his commitment to ensuring the development of the transport sector was responsible for the introduction of the Park Management System (PMS) in the state.
Governor Makinde noted that the realisation that the sector is the hub of economic engagements in the state meant that there must be an enabling environment for it to thrive.
The governor maintained that the transport sector must be rid of rancour and discord, adding that his administration has been working hard to create a win-win situation for all stakeholders in the sector.
He also informed that the establishment of the PMS in the state has fostered a good relationship between the government and public drivers .
Governor Makinde stated these when he was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, to declare open a two-day specialised training workshop for drivers in both public and private sectors in the state, held at the Omolayole Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
The training was organised by the Oyo State Ministry of Establishment and Training, in collaboration with the Centre for Human Resources Development (CHRD), University of Ibadan, with the theme: “Social Responsibility, Team Building and Conflict Management in Oyo State Public Sector.”
According to the governor, the current administration in the state is committed to the wellbeing of the entire citizens and would do everything to restore peace and security, adding that all forms of violence and brigandage will be stamped out in the state.
The governor said: “As a government that is committed to the wellbeing of the entire citizens of the state, I wish to emphasise that issues relating to security cannot be undermined.
“The transport sector, being the hub of economic engagements in the state, deserves an enabling environment devoid of rancour and discord.
“This training could not have come at a better time, as this could be regarded as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, of the state government, which has always embraced peaceful resolution of disputes among the various union members.
“I wish to reaffirm that this government will give priority to all and sundry irrespective of religious and political affiliations. I have been assured that the training programme will provide an avenue for you to air your views and even grievances.
“My commitment to issues pertaining to the transport sector led to the establishment of the state’s Park Management System, PMS, which has greatly improved the hitherto frosty relationship between the government and drivers in the state.
“I restate my commitment to keeping your interest at heart, while formulating policies in the transport sector. This commitment has influenced and continues to inform this administration’s resolve to restore peace and security to all the nooks and crannies of the state by stamping out all forms of violence and brigandage.
“Security of lives and property was a serious challenge in Oyo state. In order to stem this unsavoury tide, this administration resolved to embrace dialogue and this training will equip participants with various ways of conflict resolutions and management”, he continued.
Speaking on the essence of the training, the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Professor Dahud Sangodoyin, expressed optimism that the training workshop will help the drivers from both the public and private sector to synergise in the interest of peace and development.
He expressed concern on the attitudinal issues of drivers in both private and public sector, saying “there is a need to re-orientate ourselves and it calls for drastic change in our cultural values to engender good governance.
“The ministry’s decision to mount this training programme was as a result of the quest to create more informed minds among the road transport workers in the state, as well as drivers in the state public/civil service on social responsibility, team building and conflict management.
“Through the various topical issues to be discussed, our drivers in the state will be rebranded and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.”
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Babatunde Ekanola, in his goodwill message, thanked the government for providing the necessary environment for the premier university to perform its CSR to the people of the state.
Participants at the workshop include drivers in the employ of the state government, members of the PMS, drivers in private transport companies operating in the state, private drivers 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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