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Ooni, Olubadan task governors to rescue agriculture, research from extinction.
FOREMOST traditional rulers in Yorubaland, the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso I, have warned governors of South-West states against extinction of agriculture and research in the region.
The monarchs noted that it was the proceed of agriculture that was used to develop the region in the first republic and pre- independence days, while cautioning politicians to stop doling out motorcycles to youths, but instead, encourage them to go to farm so as to save agriculture from extinction in the region.
The custodian of culture gave the charge on Tuesday at the 30th Annual South-West Research Extension Farmers Input Linkage Systems (REFILS), Workshop organized by Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, Oba Ogunwusi said, “we need to talk to ourself, Hausas are not fool, the beans, pepper, tomatoes we are eating are from North, even the cattle they are using it to disturb us is from North. What do we have, we have agriculture and research here. Don’t let them die down. We want this to be done in all the state, our billionaires, let us beg them to support agriculture and research. These are the things we have now.
Ooni continued, “in abroad, the government support research, but now there is nothing like that. We need to support agriculture and research, these are the two things left.
Commenting, Oba Adetunji who was represented by the Ekaarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Amidu Ajibade and Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi represented by Oba Adebisi Layade, Alara Oodaye of Araland Ife, admonished those at the realm of affairs in the region to support agriculture and research as one of the two things remaining for people of the region the way it is being supported in developed countries.
Oba Adetunji stressed, “you said graduates are riding Okadas, this is because there is no love. They should stop buying Okada for our youths, tell them to stop that.
“I asked if this institution is getting support from Federal government, they said no, those who suppose to do that are not doing it.
“Our governors must support agriculture and research to prevent them from extinction. Now, all state governments need to stand up and develop agriculture.
“You need to meet traditional rulers and governments to ensure that things get better. If you get to North, they help themselves. It is bad that Yorubas don’t help themselves, look at what the North is going.
“We in Yorubaland, especially in Oyo State, we are usually the first, but now it is like we are backward because those who suppose to support agriculture are not doing so.
“You that are on the top, you don’t help your younger ones, it is important for you to help because most of you that are retiring, you don’t look back at those who succeed you, the other tribes help themselves, this cause the backwardness in Yorubaland.
“Those who you send to Abuja as representatives, most of them are looking for money to fill their own pockets”, Oba Adetunji lamented.
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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