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Oyo senator restores Awolowo’s legacy after 60 years
EXACTLY sixty years ago, Senator Adesoji Akanbi representing Oyo south senatorial district on Monday undertook another historic feat as he preserved one of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s legacies by renovating blocks of classrooms and school infrastructure at Methodist Basic School, Agbeni, Ibadan.
The school, built in 1957 expressed the exact picture of several monuments in Nigeria built by the late sage which are either abandoned or underused. Unfortunately, most of these statues are now in ruins.
Speaking at the epoch-making event, Senator Akanbi noted that the late nationalist, Awolowo empowered the Southwest with the most powerful weapon and invested heavily in education, adding that the region is reaping the benefits.
The lawmaker stressed that Awolowo was not only a political leader, but also an intellectual, a type of philosopher king, describing him as an ‘everlasting light’ saying that people will continue to propagate his good works.
“The benefits of education are endless for all groups and individuals. I saw this renovation as an opportunity that came my way and cannot afford to let slip away”.
Congratulating the All Progressives Congress, APC, Oyo state chapter, Akanbi said ” It would have been sad if the opposition who do not belong to Awolowo’s progressive lineage had renovated this school”
In the light of the current lean and paucity of resources accrued to the state, Akanbi made it known that the state government alone cannot solve the problem confronting the sector, he, however implored others to contribute to the development of education in the state.
Renovated Methodist Primary School, Agbeni, Ibadan
Commending Akanbi’s intervention earlier in her address, Awolowo’s eldest daughter, Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran appreciated the lawmaker for bridging religious divides in carrying out his projects.
Fulfilled that her late father’s legacies like Methodist School was not forsaken, Oyediran further tasked management of the school on maintenance.
Similarly, the officiating minister, Methodist Church, Reverend Ezekiel Akande lamented the poor state of the school which he said remained a major concern to the church and community.
Classrooms stocked with furniture.
He urged Nigerian leaders to shun selfishness and emulate the first Premier of the old Western Region, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, by ensuring that their children and wards attend schools here in Nigeria, rather than sending them abroad.
Now that the school has undergone a major transformation, a clear departure from what was described as “open heavens” owing to leaking roofs, the Head Teacher, Methodist Basic School II, Mrs Yerokun Anthonia paid a glowing tribute to Senator Akanbi for completing the renovation within six weeks.
Also, some old students in their separate remarks, Mrs Orefuwa Ayanbadejo (Head girl, 1966/67), Professor Boluwaji Ajayi (1957), and Mr Babatunde Oyedokun while saluting the lawmaker noted that the building renovation was among several ways of preserving Awolowo’s legacies, especially his commitment to education.
The renovated school was accompanied with other complements such as toilets, water and furniture.
By Idowu Ayodele, Ibadan
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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