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Reps call for more funding for NTA, FRCN
The House of Representatives through its Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Value has canvassed for more funding for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
The lawmakers also lamented the dearth of facilities and transmitting equipments at the regional headquarter of the Federal Government owned stations located in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
The Chairman of the committee, Hon Segun Dokun Odebunmi who led other members to the federal government owned stations which include NTA, FRCN and Amuludun FM maintained that there is need for proper funding of these stations for effective operation.
While expressing his displeasure, Odebunmi noted that there was nothing on ground to show that these stations are ready for the digital switch over which is the current trend in the broadcasting industry in the world.
“ At FRCN, the building has been in place since 1961, no serious renovation on it, the same with NTA, old structures with obsolete equipments. We need to do something urgently to rescue the situation and I want to use this medium to appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed to please release funds to these stations.
“ We don’t have to wait for the election period before we release funds to these stations to function, they should be effective in the discharge of their roles of informing, enlightening and educating the general public at all time
”With the zeal and determination of the workers, I believe if they have the necessary equipments and other facilities in place they will operate effectively”, he said.
He, however assured that the Committee will influence more funds from the 2020 budget for FRCN and NTA as well as secure equipments from the available ones at the headquarters .
Odebunmi added,“ your role in informing, educating and enlightening the public about the development in the society cannot be underrated and the only way you can do this effectively is when you work under conducive atmosphere with good facilities and just like I promised, wee will look into that and do something as soon as possible .
In his remarks, the NTA Zonal Director, Engr. Omolola Olorode who conducted the Committee round the station said lack of sufficient funding was the major challenge facing the organization.
Also, the Director of Finance and Account, Mr Michael Oluwole who represented the Director General FRCN Ibadan, Alhaji Muhammadu Bello lauded the Committee for their visit, urging them to assist the corporation on increase funding and provision of basic facilities.
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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