NEWS
Former Labour Minister Passes Away
Prince Ajibola Afonja, a former Minister of Labour and Productivity under the Interim National Government, has passed away.
He died on Sunday night at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State, at the age of 82.
Afonja served as a minister during the brief administration of Chief Ernest Shonekan.
He was also a former Chairman of First Bank and a notable industrialist in his Oyo community, where he was recognized for his company, Integrated Dimensional Systems (IDS).
Afonja sustained injuries from a single-vehicle accident in Ilora, near his country home, and was subsequently taken to UCH in Ibadan for treatment, where he passed away.
Prince Ajibola Afonja, who passed away on Sunday night, was a beloved figure in his hometown, known for his dedication to the peace and development of Oyo.
He was a former senatorial candidate for the Oyo Central Senatorial District under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
The Oyo Global Forum (OGF), a prominent community-interest group, through its chairman, Taiwo Adebayo, confirmed the former minister’s passing in a late Sunday statement.
Adebayo described the late Afonja as a unifier.
The statement reads “On this dark day in Oyo, we mourn the loss of Prince Ajibola Afonja, former Labour Minister and Chairman of First Bank Nigeria, who passed away on Sunday night, aged 82.
“Although a national figure with tremendous influence, he was particularly light for the Oyo community where he made pioneering efforts as an industrialist. His legacy of generosity and open-heartedness touched countless lives, and his presence will be profoundly missed.
“Until his last month, Daddy IDS, as he was affectionately known, as a reference to his manufacturing company, remained hardworking, dedicated to realising one of the most transformative business visions for the country’s economy. It was the E-Customs project,”
“For all of us that he inspired, we shall honor his memory by carrying forward the values he embodied and continuing his legacy of service and compassion, the values that guide OGF, which he supported during his lifetime.” It added
He added that his absence leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, but noted that his spirit of generosity and leadership will continue to inspire the community.
The OGF leader extended the group’s deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, the entire Oyo community, and his friends and associates during this mourning period.
A coalition of the Civil Society for Good Governance (CCSGG) and the Kogi Conscience Liberation Movement (KCLM) has called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, and other agencies to intensify their efforts in combating corruption in Nigeria.
This appeal comes in response to increasing frustration over the delayed prosecution of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, accused of an ₦80.2 billion fraud.
During a press conference in Abuja, Comrade Okpanachi Jacob, the national coordinator of CCSGG, stressed the importance of tackling corruption, stating, “Corruption threatens our socioeconomic and political progress.”
“Delays in prosecuting high-profile cases like that of Yahaya Bello undermine public confidence,” he added.
Jacob pointed out that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed charges against Bello, delivered through his counsel, Abdulwahab Muhammed (SAN), on April 23, 2024.
He remarked “Over two months have passed, and Nigerians are growing impatient. The lack of decisive action sends the wrong message about our commitment to fighting corruption.”
Peter Onuwa, KCLM’s national coordinator, echoed similar concerns, stating, “The EFCC’s efforts are insufficient. Nigerians are losing faith in the fight against corruption, especially in Kogi State.”
Onuwa elaborated, “Corruption has severely impacted Kogi’s economy. High poverty levels and increased crime rates are direct results. Civil servants have become beggars due to eight years of salary shortfalls.”
The groups urged President Tinubu, the IGP, the Department of State Security Services (DSS), and the EFCC to take swift and decisive action.
“We call on the authorities to ensure justice is served promptly. The people of Kogi State are desperate for action,” Jacob added.
Strategic efforts to reignite the national economy, by stimulating the manufacturing sector have yielded collaboration between the federal government and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).
This was revealed in a statement put out on the verified X handle of the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications, (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.
Biztellers reports that they would be hosting a three-day national manufacturing policy summit scheduled for July 2-4, 2024, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, under the theme “Rethinking Manufacturing,”
Nkwocha revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would grace the event as the Special Guest of Honour and would also declare the summit open.
Nkwocha stated, “The President will also reinstate the administration’s commitment to industrial growth and economic diversification.
“The Office of the Vice President, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and other partners will play key roles in the summit to bring together stakeholders from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), multilateral partners, regional institutions, and industry leaders to forge a new path for Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.”
Nkwocha cited the Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, thus, “the Summit will focus on discussions on overcoming the binding constraints that limit the performance of the manufacturing sector, enhancing supply chain resilience, leveraging technology, and generally fostering a conducive business environment to drive the growth of the sector.”
An explosion struck the Zungeru Hydro Electricity Dam early Monday morning, causing multiple injuries among the workforce.
The dam, which has not yet been officially commissioned by the Federal Government, is the fourth hydroelectric project in the state, following Jebba, Kainji, and Shiroro dams.
The cause of the explosion has not been disclosed. Local sources confirmed that several workers were injured, with those most seriously hurt being transported to Minna, the state capital, for intensive medical care.
Among the injured was a Chinese national, seen being taken to Minna for further treatment.
While the total number of injured workers is not yet clear, it is reported to be significant.
Calls For Justice Grow As Delay In Yahaya Bello’s Fraud Case Frustrates Nigerians
FG, MAN Host 3-Day Nat’l Manufacturing Policy Summit
NNPC Storms 2024 Energy Week, Abuja
Explosion Strikes Zungeru Hydro Electricity Dam In Niger
Iyabo Ojo Politicised Mohbad’s Passing As Protest Against Naira Marley – Seun Kuti
VDM: Seun Kuti Issues Bold Challenge To Iyabo Ojo Amid Controversy
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Adeosun: We are investing in infrastructure to grow the private sector
Shell launches Nigeria campaign on energy efficiency
