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Oyo govt. targets generating 2000MW through IPP
Oyo State Government has set a target to generate 2000 megawatts (MW) of electricity as it disclosed that necessary arrangements are being put in place to generate more electricity through the Independent Power Project (IPP), adding that it has sought the approval of the National Energy Regulation Commission (NERC)
The Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr. Wasiu Dauda made the disclosure at the weekend during a meeting with the Management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, (IBEDC) at IBEDC office headquarters in Ibadan.
Mr. Dauda stated that the state government is poised to proffer a lasting solution to the challenge of power generation shortfall in the state in order to improve the social and economic growth of individuals, corporate organisations, the state and the country at large.
The Commissioner explained that the analysis of the energy needs of the State revealed that Oyo State requires about 1265MW, stressing that the state government has requested for the approval of the National Energy Regulation Commission (NERC) to generate 2000MW embedded power.
He stated that the State Government is already having fruitful discussions with Messrs Diversified Global Eco- Energy (DGE) and efforts are in top gear to kick-start the project using Ibadan North and South West Local Governments as a pilot scheme with a total of 100MW.
He further stressed that Ibadan North Local Government is chosen to represent the residential client template of the scheme while Ibadan South West Local Government represents the industrial client template, pointing that a total of 50MW is intended to be provided for each of the Local Government Area chosen as a pilot scheme.
Dauda added, “DGE has agreed to finance the cost of the equipment, however, the company requires a sovereign guarantee of the state government. To consummate the actualization of this noble project, a special Project Entity (SPE) consisting of DGE, Oyo State Government and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) will have to be formed”.
He, also noted that the intention of the State Government is to provide 24 hours day long uninterrupted electricity at a relatively cheaper cost both for the individual households and industrial purposes and thereby reduce a colossal sum being spent to generate power by the citizenry.
Responding, the Managing Director/CEO Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Mr. John Donnachie, assured that IBEDC will work with Oyo state Government to ensure the success of the project.
”I am so happy to reaffirm the support of Ibadan Electricity Distribution company (IBEDC), because it’s what we have been looking forward to and we pledge our full support and commitment to create a viable electricity industry that works for the citizenry”, he said.
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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