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Oyo govt. approves dualisation of Ibadan Airport road, others for N4.9b
The Oyo state government says it has approved the award of the contract for the dualisation of the Ibadan Airport road and some link roads at the cost N4.9 billion.
The state’s Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport, Prof. Daud Sangodoyin, who made this announcement, on Wednesday while briefing journalists after the executive council meeting held at the Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, said that the construction, which will be completed through direct funding will be completed in six months.
A statement by Mr. Taiwo Adisa, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, indicated that the roads were awarded to assist the economic expansion agenda of the state, adding that they will impact on the ease of doing business as well as movement of goods, services and people around that axis.
The statement maintained that the scope of the project is about 10.8 kilometres, with a service link by the Iwo Road Bus Terminal, a 3.2 kilometre stretch of Ibadan Airport Road, a 194.5-metre access road in that axis and the 2.0 kilometres Oludare-Bishop Philips road all included in the approval.
Also included is an extension of the road connecting the Iwo Road Interchange to Adegbayi road by 400 metres.
The commissioner said: “This afternoon, we approved the awards of the dualisation of Ibadan Airport Road, which is 3.2km and the adjoining access road around that axis, which is about 194.5 metres including the road from Oludare to Bishop Philips, which is 2.0km.
“These roads will actually assist in the expansion of our economy and ease of doing business as well as movement of goods, services and people around that end.
“Before now, the Federal Government had awarded the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha road to Messrs KOPEk. So, we used the opportunity to also award the same dualisation of Ibadan Airport Road to the same construction company at the value of N4.9 billion.
“In totality, the work scope for this is about 10.8 kilometres including the service link, which is by the Iwo Road bus terminal.
“Also, there will be an extension of the Ibadan Iwo Road interchange to Adegbayi road by 400 metres left and right of the 7.3 metres carriageway.
“So, this means that apart from the 10.3 metres for the standard federal road going from Iwo Road interchange, we will, also, at that end, where we have the bus terminals, have an extension of 400 metres to Ife with a scope of 7.3 metres. So, it is going to be a wide place for our vehicular movement.
“The duration of the project is six months and the funding is direct payment. “Remember that we have had the opportunity to get a loan of N50 billion from the Central Bank of Nigeria. We are using part of that to upgrade the Airport and all other adjoining roads.”
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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