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Tourism: DAWN Commission lauds Fayemi’s developmental vision, promises support
The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission, DAWN Commission has commended Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state for his vision to strategically reposition the state as a foremost investment, culture and tourism hub.
DAWN Commission through its Director-General, Mr Seye Oyeleye, also described the Ekiti state helmsman as a governor who possesses a solid robust sense of governance and cosmopolitan developmental vision.
Oyeleye made this observation while hosting Ambassador Wale Ojo -Lanre, the Senior Special Assistant, Tourism Development to Ekiti State Governor who paid him a visit in his office, located in Cocoa House, Ibadan, Oyo State .
The DG, who commended Ambassador Ojo – Lanre for the visit said that he was not expecting less act from Ekiti because the state is being governed by a man who has a firm understanding of the essence of government, the need to govern well and the attitude of a philosopher ruler.
He disclosed that the Commission was inaugurated purposely to drive development in Western Nigeria and it will not steer off from its pristine objective and mission .
Speaking further, Oyeleye applauded the ex-Associate Editor of the Nigerian Tribune Newspapers, Ojo – Lanre for his proactiveness at espousing the tourism vision of Governor Fayemi and spreading its gospel to stakeholders who are strategic to the planting of a solid tourism economy in the state .
He assured that the Commission would not only support Ekiti Tourism Development but would facilitate both investment and investors for that sector in the state.
The DG, however reassured that the door of the Commission is opened to all for regional advancement and collective developmental issues .
In his remarks, Ambassador Ojo – Lanre, informed that his visit to DAWN Commission was propelled by the need to acquaint the Commission of Dr Kayode Fayemi’s tourism vision for Ekiti and the necessity for the Commission becoming a partner and a strong partaker of the vision.
The award-winning tourism journalist also pointed out that DAWN Commission has not only proven to all its capability and capacity of engendering and pathfinding developmental strides but also nurturing them to fruition and blossoming.
Ojo- Lanre noted that tourism development in a state cannot be localised bearing in mind that tourism is about luring of a mass of people to a destination and since DAWN Commission is of regional essence, it should be involved in the task of making Ekiti the destination of choice first for the people of South West and then to others.
The governor’s aide lauded DAWN Commission for being the furnace that minted the Amotekun Western Nigeria Security outfit which is effectively complementing the nation’s security agencies at ensuring that peace and security reign in South West.
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Ford Trims Workforce: 4,000 Jobs to Go in Europe
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.
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Tinubu Dissolves UNIZIK Council, Sacks VC, Registrar, Otukpo Pro-Chancellor
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.
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Ekiti Workers to Earn N70,000 Minimum Wage as Govt Signs MoU with Unions
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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