News
Nigeria: Tens of thousands in acute need following clashes in Borno
An estimated 30,000 people are in acute need of shelter and other basic necessities in the northeastern Nigerian town of Monguno after fleeing fighting between government forces and armed opposition groups, the international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said today, calling for a coordinated aid response ahead of the rainy season in May.
The conflict in Nigeria‘s Borno state has led to a massive humanitarian crisis over the last 10 years. Since December 2018, renewed clashes forced tens of thousands of people to flee to the government-controlled towns of Maiduguri and Monguno, joining many more people who were previously displaced.
“People who recently arrived in Monguno fled their homes, leaving everything behind,” said Musa Baba, MSF humanitarian affairs officer. “They come from areas where they could farm. Now, they are sleeping on the streets or wherever they can find space. They are hungry, thirsty, and exposed to very high temperatures during the day and low temperatures at night.”
In December, Monguno itself was attacked, causing aid workers to withdraw and leaving thousands of people without adequate assistance. Yet displaced people continue to arrive daily in the town.
MSF calls for better coordination among the Nigerian government, United Nations agencies and nongovernmental aid organizations to meet the needs for shelter, water, sanitation, food, protection and medical care in Monguno.
The existing camps for displaced people are overwhelmed. People living in the open with little sanitation and drinking water are at risk of pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria, among other preventable diseases. With few latrines, most people use open defecation areas, which are likely to flood in the upcoming rainy season, with catastrophic results.
People living in the open with little sanitation and drinking water are at risk of pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria, among other preventable diseases. MSF is running a 10-bed emergency room for adults in a facility run by the Ministry of Health in Monguno as well as providing people with mental health support. Following an accidental fire in February in a stadium where displaced people camped, MSF distributed 500 kits of essential items including mats, tarpaulins, blankets, jerrycans, cooking equipment and hygiene items.
Many of the displaced people in Monguno describe years of suffering and displacement as the conflict in Borno state continues. Hajja Bukar, a 35-year-old woman from Baga, lost her first child to illness five years ago when their family fled an attack on their village. They returned home months later, but two months ago, they were attacked again.
“Then the insurgents attacked our village at 4 a.m.,” Bukar said. “Houses were burned and some people were burned to death while sleeping in their houses. That’s why we came back here. … We are all afraid of going to the farm. When our men try to go there, they are killed by Boko Haram. The insurgents also come to our houses at night to demand foodstuffs. And if you can’t give them what they ask for, they kill you.”
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.
-
Politics6 days agoOyo Rep. Member, Akinmoyede Appoints Three More Aides
-
Crime & Court1 week ago
EFCC Chair Raises Alarm on Rampant Fraud in Nigeria’s Electricity Sector
-
Health6 days ago
Oyo: Tragedy As Bride-to-Be Among Four Dead in Suspected Lassa Fever Outbreak
-
Politics4 days ago
#OndoDecides2024: Rep Oseni Hails Aiyedatiwa’s Victory, Commends Residents for Peaceful Polls
