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Nigeria’s VP, Osinbajo commissions projects in Kano
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo Osinbajo on Thursday inaugurated Kano state’s micro, small and medium enterprises clinic for viable enterprises.
Also, he inaugurated the special training for vulcanizers and tricycle repairers as well as the solar power project at the Abubakar Rimi Market, Sabon Gari.
Osinbajo inspected the on-going construction of Zaria Road, Dangi Underpass and Overhead Bridge and the state’s skills acquisition centre.
At the ceremonies, the Vice President said that the empowerment of Kano artisans would define Nigeria’s future.
He described the programmes as very special for the 21 century vulcanizers and tricycle mechanics, urging the trainees to take it seriously as they would pass on the skills to others in different states of the federation.
“Just listening to the governor, it is very clear that what he has in mind is the plan that will help the future not just the future of Kano state but the future of Nigeria.
Osinbajo lauded Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano for initiating the programmes and for promising to provide tools, funding and workshops after the training, so that every beneficiary could settle in a workshop and carry out his or her duties.
He also commended the Simba group for the work it had done in the state and for the special programme.
“Let me say to you that this opportunity is a very great one and I want you to take full advantage of it so that when you finish, you can train other people not just in Kano but in every other state of Nigeria.
“You must then be able to train people because we will send people from Lagos, Anambra, Imo and other states to Kano for special training.
“I want you to make sure that you take this training seriously so that you can be the trainers of the future,’’ Osinbajo advised.
Gov. Ganduje had earlier noted that Kano had keyed into the Federal Government’s Empowerment and Enterprise Programme (GEEP) in order to derive maximum benefits.
“We are keying into this programme religiously; this programme will give them skills and at the end, we give them tools and some empowerment money.
“For the tricycle mechanics, new repair technology and techniques are being introduced and we are partnering motorcycle manufacturers for effectiveness.’’
The governor disclosed that no fewer than 400 artisans were involved in the training which is designed to empower them to provide efficient services to the society.
Commenting, a trader at the Sabon Gari Market, Malam Almustapha Sadiq, informed that the traders were happy with regular power supply to the market.
He observed that the solar power was regular and efficient but pleaded with the government to bring down its cost to enable more traders to access the power.
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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