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Oyo ALGON speaks on relocation of Sabo beggars, says Makinde has no land grabbing agenda
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo state chapter, has said that the present governor of the state, Engineer Seyi Makinde has no plan to ‘grab’ land for himself or his associates.
Its spokesperson and the council boss of Ibadan North Local Government Area, Hon. Yusuf Sahib Oladayo, also disclosed that the piece of land secured by the government after the recent evacuation of beggars from Jemibewon road in Sabo, Ibadan will accommodate a mini-estate.
According to him, “Our boss, the governor is not in government to grab land. He is not here to do that. All that concerns him is how the people of Oyo State will have conducive environment to carry out their legitimate daily duties.”
He reiterated the commitment of the Makinde led-government to the total development of the state while emphasizing that the governor is humane and passionate and is on the look-out for the total well-being of the residents of the state.
“The evacuation happens to be the best solution so far, it is sustainable and a laudable move. The beggars have been moved to a very conducive and habitable place at Akinyele Local Government Area. It is for the benefit of the evacuees as the place is well equipped with hospital and school for their children”.
Speaking further, he added that the government has put adequate machinery in place to prevent the evacuees from returning to the place as he emphasized that the evacuation is timelier as the shanty was serving as a den for robbers and others engaging in illegitimate businesses.
The council chief gave these submissions while featuring on a weekly radio show, Ayekooto on Radio’, aired on a private radio station, in Ibadan, on Tuesday’s evening.
Speaking on the activities of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State chapter, he stated the association is set for a new dawn that will generate a rapid transformation in the state as the association has deemed it fit to move closer to the people in order to provide dividends of democracy to the electorates at the grassroots level.
The Ibadan North LG boss enjoined party faithful in the state to be patient with the government and support Governor Makinde in his desire to uplift standards of living of the people adding that “patience is a key to enjoying the benefits of democracy”.
While speaking on the issue of security and welfare of the youths in the state, the Chairman said the present government has fashioned out good and sustainable programs to alleviate the sufferings of the people, warning that those threatening the peace of the state should not to test the power of the government as necessary security apparatus has been set in place to arrest those fomenting trouble.
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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