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NASOW implore FG, States to involve trained Social Workers in delivery of services.

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THE Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASOW), has urged  the tiers of government – Federal, States and Local Governments to involve trained and practising Social Workers in delivery of Social Services issues in the country.
The association, an umbrella body  of all Social Workers in the country avowed  that this will help to ensure that sufficient qualified Social Work personnel are recruited for effective social service delivery across the country.
Its National President, Comrade Kolawole Olawale made the plea on Tuesday during the event marking the 2017 Social Work Day at the conference room of Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development  in Abuja.
It was also learnt  that every 21 March is dedicated to celebrate Social Work day globally.
Olawale stressed   that Social Work is gradually gaining recognition and desired attention, saying that  the professionals in the field must be empowered through legislation in discharge of their duties.
He added: “I therefore call on the three tiers of government to always involve Social Workers in social services issues and ensure that sufficient qualified Social Work personnel are recruited for effective social service delivery.
“It is in view of this that I am calling on all our highly revered distinguished Senators at the upper chamber of the national assembly to kindly expedite action on the passage of the ‘Bill on professionalization of Social Work’ presently at the senate.
“I am exceedingly glad to address you today as we celebrate year 2017 World Social Work day. My joy is borne out of the fact that Social Work profession which was relatively unknown in Nigeria before now is gradually gaining recognition and desired attention in the country.
“The theme for this year celebration is ‘Promoting Community and Environment Sustainability’. I consider the theme apt because the major concern of social work is all about welfare.
“The environment is so important because everything that supports the survival of human beings is dependent on it. It is simply the house of mankind, making it the important aspect in life. Wellness of the environment directly relates to the wellness and health in human beings and other species. Hence there is the need to sustain it by protecting it. Any harmful alteration to the environment brings adverse impact across all species”.
The President further  reiterated  :  “Let me repeat for umpteenth time that the importance of Social Work services cannot be over emphasized. There is no doubt that the country is bedevilled with various social vices ranging from terrorism to corruption, bribery, cultism, rioting, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, prostitution, kidnapping, political brigandry, child abuse, nepotism, tribalism, marital conflict, thuggery and hooliganism to mention but few.
“At the forefront of preventing and combating as the case may be these menace are the Social Workers who are specially trained for these functions. There is therefore no doubt that Social Workers must be empowered through legislation to be able to discharge their functions effectively”.
Felicitating  with President Muhammadu Buhari on his return from his medical trip in London, he, as well commended the President on his anti-corruption campaign as he pledged the support of the association for the present administration’s desire to effect the needed changes in our national life, while calling on his colleagues to adhere strictly to the ethics of the profession in discharge of their professional duties.
“The entire Social Work force in Nigeria wish to seize this opportunity to felicitate with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander in Chief of the Nigeria Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), on his successful health trip to the United Kingdom and safe return back to the country. May Allah continue to grant him good health.
“I wish to state unequivocally that we commend your giant stride at eliminating corruption in Nigeria and are willing to support your administration in the areas of social services delivery.
“Let me also seize this opportunity to remind all my colleagues in the country and diaspora that strict adherence to our code of conduct and ethics in the discharge of our duties must not be mortgaged for any reason”.
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Ford Trims Workforce: 4,000 Jobs to Go in Europe

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(FILES) The logo of carmaker Ford is pictured on the sidelines of a warning strike called by metalworkers’ union IG Metall at the plant of carmaker Ford in Cologne, western Germany, on October 29, 2024. – US car manufacturer Ford on November 20, 2024 announced plans for 4,000 further job cuts in Europe, mostly in in the UK and Germany, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP)

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.

 

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Tinubu Dissolves UNIZIK Council, Sacks VC, Registrar, Otukpo Pro-Chancellor

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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.

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Ekiti Workers to Earn N70,000 Minimum Wage as Govt Signs MoU with Unions

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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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