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Oyo Govt Promises Not to Demolish Encroached Buildings On Awotan Dump site
Oyo State Government says it has birthed a new waste management system in the State, adding that it has no plans to demolish buildings which have encroached on Awotan dumpsite.
The Commissioner of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Kehinde Ayoola revealed this on Tuesday, in a town-hall meeting held with host Communities and residents of Awotan/Akufo in Ibadan.
The town-hall meeting came on the heels of fears nursed by residents of Awotan that houses which encroached on the space of the dumpsite might be demolished by Oyo State Government, while the Commissioner also sought for their co-operation in ending the menace caused by the dumpsite.
Ayoola, said the Oyo State Government has put in place, proper measures to upscale the solid waste management, which is better efficient and would solve the problem of urban solid waste management in the State.
He added that to achieve the largely private-sector driven system, Oyo State Government has brought on board Macpresse West Africa Ltd, a waste management and recycling facility, headed by Mr. Idowu Salawu.
He noted that the company, with over 20 years’ experience in the Environment sector, would assist the State Government in reducing pollution at Ajakanga and Awotan dumpsites and manage Oyo State’s waste management system effectively.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Bashir Olanrewaju, the Commissioner noted that the new solid waste management architecture in the State would ensure proper collection, disposal and management of waste in the State, which would henceforth not have adverse effects on residents of Awotan and its environs.
“Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the rehabilitation of two dumpsites in the State, at Ajakanga and Awotan dumpsites. The rehabilitation process is starting at Awotan dumpsite”.
Speaking during the meeting, the Managing Director, Macpresse West Africa Ltd, Mr. Idowu Salawu, said the company’s mandate is to upgrade, rehabilitate and reclaim dumpsites in the State.
He added that Macpresse West Africa Limited would expand the efficiency of the solid waste in the State according to international best practice for Oyo State.
While he reassured residents of Araro, Akufo and Awotan of Government’s magnanimity not to demolish any building, Salawu also called for collective responsibility of the residents in having a smooth upscale in the waste collection operations at the Awotan dumpsite.
Salawu also promised indigenous participation at the dumpsite, by providing employment opportunities for residents, adding that his company would support indigenous workers and ensure it decongests the dumpsite in a short while.
In their separate responses, the Osi Baale Awotan-Adaba, Chief Amusa Akangbe and the Chairman, Awotan-Araro-Akufo Community Association, Elder Ayoade Fajimi thanked the State Government for fulfilling its promises to bring development to Awotan community.
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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