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Oyo Pensioners laud Ajimobi on multiple two months pensions’ payment
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oyo State Chapter, has commended Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the state for the payment of two months, April and May 2017, pensions to pensioners in the state.
The NUP in an August 8, 2017 letter to the Governor, titled: Letter of Appreciation to ‘Baba Ibeji’ (father of twins) and signed by its Chairman, Pa Gbadegesin Akande and Secretary, Comrade Olusegun Abatan explained that in view of what is happening to pensioners in other States of the Federation, the union appreciated the kind disposition of the governor.
Letter of Appreciation sent to Governor Abiola Ajimobi by the Oyo state chapter of NUP.
According to the letter, the pensioners stated “on behalf of Oyo State Pensioners, we, offer our profound appreciation to you on the payment of the two months of April and May 2017 pensions to Oyo State Pensioners. In view of what is happening to pensioners in other States of the Federation, we really appreciate your kind disposition”.
The NUP commended the governor for the appropriateness of the setting up of the Community Relations Department, saying that the members of the department will no doubt be the eyes as well as the ears of the government and would give the true picture of the happenings in the polity.
“We commend you for this sagacious decision. The Committee, in her interface with our Union, called for a joint meeting of all the three forums of Chairmen and Women, who are the main representatives of Pensioners of the Union,” the union stressed.
The union said that they are not in opposition with the government whose leadership was conferred with the “Best Pensioner-friendly Governor in the history of Oyo State, describing the Nigeria Union of Pensioners as a non-political, non-religious organization that cannot be in opposition to the government.
The NUP said, “This statement is important to debunk insinuations in some quarters that the NUP does not love this government. Now that the financial situation in respect of income to government is improving, we pray that the governor will be empowered to not only pay another “Ibeji”(two months) but “Ibeta” ( three months) and clear all arrears of gratuities and pensions.
“While we appreciate you on behalf of State Pensioners, we appeal to your Excellency to extend this kind gesture to retired Primary School Teachers and Local Government retirees by also granting them two months Paris refund and fashion out template to vacate the state’s indebtedness to these teachers and Local Government Pensioners. We also await the intervention of N1b promised to kickstart the gratuities of these people which had not been paid since 2008,” the NUP added.
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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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