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Social Protection, A Path to Peace, CORN Director Tells Tinubu
.UNICEF, NASSCO, British high Commission to attend CORN conference on Social Protection in Abuja
The Conflict Research Network West Africa (CORN West Africa) has assembled researchers to critically assess the implementation of social protection policies, such as conditional cash transfers, support for internally displaced persons, and school feeding, among other initiatives at an international conference taking place in Abuja.
In a release signed by Dr. Tarila Marclint Ebiede, Director of the Conflict Research Network West Africa, this inaugural conference, held in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), centers on “Social Protection in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Societies in Nigeria.”
The conference is scheduled for November 8th and 9th, 2023, at the Conference Hall of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) in Abuja, Nigeria. It marks the first substantial platform for Nigerian scholars to critically examine social protection practices within Nigeria.
Dr. Ebiede emphasised that effective management of social protection can play a role in peacebuilding, conflict reduction, and enhancing security in Nigeria.
The conference will feature a keynote address by Professor Remi Aiyede, the Research and Policy Uptake Lead at the Partnership for Social and Governance Research in Africa (PASGR), Kenya, along with speeches from Hon. Abdulaziz Danladi, National Coordinator for the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO); Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Country Representative Nigeria; and Chris Pycroft, Development Director, British High Commission, Nigeria.
Dr. Ebiede further explained that “the conference is occurring at a time when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government has initiated various social protection programs to aid citizens in coping with the ongoing economic challenges. Conference papers will analyze the practical outcomes of these social protection programs, including conditional cash transfers, school feeding initiatives, COVID-19 palliatives, support for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria, and youth empowerment programs.”
“The conference will also investigate the connections between social protection programs and their impact on peacebuilding, conflict management, and the reduction of insecurity in Nigeria. A dedicated session at the conference will explore the political aspects of Nigeria’s social register, aiming to uncover the implications for poverty alleviation. This conference is particularly timely, providing an opportunity for policymakers to receive feedback on ongoing programs and policies with the goal of improving their outcomes. It is expected to draw scholars, researchers, and policy analysts from universities, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and beyond. Distinguished guests at the conference will include Hon. Abdulaziz Danladi, National Coordinator for the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO); Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Country Representative Nigeria; and Chris Pycroft, Development Director, British High Commission, Nigeria.”
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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