News
Obas, Masquerades defy rain as Balogun of Ibadanland receives Omoloju Okugbaja
The Oyo State Government on Sunday commended Obas in Ibadan for the peaceful conduct of the traditional homage by the masquerades in the city.
The State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun and the Special Adviser to Governor Ajimobi on Community Relations, Alhaji Bidemi Siyanbade stated that the Masquerades’ traditional homage to the Chiefs in a peaceful and non-violent manner as preached by the state government through the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and the Office of the Special Adviser on Community Relations to the Governor has upheld the traditions and norms of the celebration of the 2018 Egungun festival in the state.
https://iso.keq.mybluehost.me/oyo-charges-egungun-not-to-renege-on-peaceful-conduct/
The government said that the resilience of the Ibadan Obas to uphold these norms and tradition of paying homage by masquerades despite the heavy rain on Wednesday and Saturday, June 20 and 23 respectively at Alli Iwo and Ita Baale Olugbode is worthy of commendation and exemplifies the commitment of the traditional institution to the preservation of our culture and tradition, assuring that it will continue to preserve the culture, norms and the traditions of the people of the state.
As this year’s egungun festival gathered momentum in Ibadan, some masquerades have continued to pay traditional homage to various Obas in the city.
The Balogun of Ibadan land, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin received some masquerades at his Labiran Ita Baale compound amidst singing, drumming and high level festivies. The leading masquerade, Omoloju Okugbaja from Okugbaja family in Ibadan, who was accompanied by his followers, arrived at the Ita Baale compound around 2:15pm despite the heavy downpour.
In his message at the traditional rite, Oba Olakulehin called on all sons and daughters of Ibadan land to continue to live in peace and harmony irrespective of their religious and political differences, saying, “I express our appreciation to God for the peaceful conduct of the 2018 Egungun festival. I implore our people to uphold the tradition and cultural values of the founding fathers of Ibadan land and thank them for their support.”
The Balogun of Ibadanland had company in other traditional rulers such as the Otun Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, the Eekerin Olubadan, Oba Biodun Kola-Daisi, the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole, the Eekarun Olubadan, Oba Amidu Ajibade, the Eekarun Balogun Olubadan, Oba Kola Adegbola who were also joined by notable Mogajis in Ibadanland led by their Chairman, Mogaji Ariori and the secretary Mogaji Isiaka Raji.
In their separate remarks, the Otun Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun and Eekarun Olubadan, Oba Amidu Ajibade also prayed for the continued development and unity in Ibadan land as well as the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria.
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
-
Health7 days ago
Oyo: Tragedy As Bride-to-Be Among Four Dead in Suspected Lassa Fever Outbreak
-
Politics5 days ago
#OndoDecides2024: Rep Oseni Hails Aiyedatiwa’s Victory, Commends Residents for Peaceful Polls
