News
Oyo Govt. Inaugurates Agency for Planning, Devt. Control.
Oyo State Government today inaugurates a Bureau of Planning and Development Control to fast track the ongoing infrastructural development and urbanisation of the state as an integral part of the modernization efforts by the Abiola Ajimobi led administration.
The bureau, also tasked with eliminating indiscriminate and illegal physical development across the state.
This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun at a press briefing shortly after the State Executive Council meeting held at the Governor’s Office Exco Chambers, Ibadan.
According to him, the Bureau was established to step up the modernization of the physical landscape of the state, adding that the Bureau would operate as an enforcement agent for the controlled physical development of Oyo State.
The Commissioner hinted that the government had to cut out bureaucratic bottlenecks in order to achieve more physical development projects, saying that the Bureau was set up to create a more efficient process of turning around the physical landscape in the State.
“At the end of today’s State executive council meeting, the council decided after deliberations to create the ‘Bureau of Planning and Development Control’ with a view to embark on more physical developmental and control projects which would add more aesthetic value to the environment in the state.
“There is the urgent need to create an agency that will be reporting directly to the Governor. The agency will perform its roles and functions outside of any ministry. The government is desirous of a department that will be more efficient in guiding development in the state.
“There is the need to conclude all projects that will change the face of the State for the better in the eyes of both the internal and external publics. This is in line with Senator Ajimobi’s restoration, transformation and repositioning agenda of the administration.
The commissioner further revealed : “the state government is collaborating with the World bank to have a master plan for the state. The government is also embarking on the Geographical Information System (GIS) project to have a proper geographical mapping for the state”.
He also added that the agency, which will be headed by a Director General, would also work towards improving the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the State from the physical planning sector, stating that the Ministry of Justice had been mandated to give the agency the needed legal backing.
“The major reason for creating the agency, like I said earlier was to give more bite to the efforts of the administration in effecting a turnaround in our physical development. We want it to be more efficient.”
Arulogun declared that there would be no need for recruitment or procurement of building and furniture for the agency that would become additional costs for the government, adding that the staffers under the concerned ministries and their offices would be used by the Bureau.
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
