The Abia State Ministry of Information and Strategy on Wednesday commenced verification of workers to flush out ghost workers in the system.

The staff audit, which was earlier scheduled to hold from Monday to Tuesday, was shifted by the Ministry to Wednesday and Thursday.

A release signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Charles Ifenkwe advised the workers in the Ministry to come to the Administration Department of the Ministry for the verification with photocopies of their service documents.

Governor Alex Otti had during his inauguration speech reiterated his administration’s determination to flush out ghost workers from the State’s civil service.

Different sources from the state civil service revealed that workers with genuine employment records had no reason to panic because of the verification exercise.

Immediate past Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila has formally resigned as a member of the House of Representatives representing Surulere 1 Federal Constituency of Lagos State.

After 20-year sojourn in the House of Representatives.

Before tendering his resignation letter, Gbajbiamila had moved the first motion of urgent public importance in the 10th House on the “Need to Commence Active Measures to Mitigate the Probable Devastation of a Severe Flood Season and prepare Palliative Intervention to Prevent the worst Socio-Economic Consequences for Nigerians in the Affected Areas.”

Gbajabiamila officially presented his letter of resignation to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas by 12.12 pm.

In the letter read by the Speaker, Gbajabiamila informed the House of his appointment as Chief of Staff to the President and the need to exit the Green Chamber.

He thanked members of the House for their support throughout his stay, especially in the last four years when he served as Speaker.

The former Speaker left the Chamber after his letter was read by the Speaker at exactly 12.14pm to a standing ovation from members and was escorted out by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and a few other members.

President Tinubu had on Friday, June 2, 2023 appointed Gbajabimila as his Chief of Staff at a meeting with Progressive Governors Forum (PGF).

Elected into the House to represent Surulere 1 Federal Constituency of Lagos State since 2003, the veteran lawmaker had variously served as Minority Whip, Minority Leader, Majority Leader and Speaker of the House.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assented to the Nigeria Data Protection Act.

A statement on Wednesday issued by Babatunde Bamigboye, Head, Legal Enforcement and Regulations in Nigeria Data Protection Commission(NDPC), said the President assented to the Act on June 12th, 2023.

According to Bamigboye, Nigeria has taken a giant leap forward in the global data race with the assent to Nigeria Data Protection Act.

While applauding the President for renewing the hope of over 200 million Nigerians in the advancement of Privacy rights and other fundamental freedoms both in cyberspace and in analogue transactions, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, equally expressed high optimism on the prospects of Nigeria’s Digital Economy following the emerging regulatory dispensation.

According to the statement, “The Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, pursuant to the express provisions of the new act, has transmitted into a full-fledged Commission and it is mandated to among others: “regulate the deployment of technological and organizational measures to enhance personal data protection; foster the development of personal data protection technologies, in accordance with recognised international best practices and applicable international law; and conduct investigations into any violation of a requirement under the Act.”

Other mandates of the NDPB as contained in the provisions of the new Act include to “impose penalties in respect of any violation of the provisions of the Act or subsidiary legislation made thereof; where necessary, accredit, license, and register suitable persons to provide data protection compliance services; issue regulations, rules, directives and guidance under the Act; and register data controllers and data processors of major importance.

Bamigboye explained that the Act is one of the strategic ways of meeting the campaign promise of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of creating one million jobs in the digital economy sector.

He noted that about 500, 000 jobs are expected to be created through the training of Data Protection Officers and licensing of Data Protection Compliance Organizations to offer services to data controllers and processors.

Banks Trading Forex At N750/$ In Nigeria

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has given commercial banks and dealers in the forex market the green light to sell forex freely which is at a market-determined rate.

This is in line with the promise of President Bola Tinubu to unify the multiple exchange rate in the market.

The development means banks can now sell forex at market-determined rates, suggesting Nigeria is now operating a freely floating exchange rate.

However, official confirmation will have to come later in the day when data from the FMDQ is available.

The Investors & Exporters (I&E) window is now quoting a range of between N750 -N755/$, according to customers who cited emails received from their banks. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is however still quoting N463/$ as the I&E rate on its website but the last time it updated the rate was June 9.

The latest move by the CBN follows President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of CBN governor Godwin Emefiele whose unorthodox monetary policies had become a stumbling block to investors and the economy.

The exchange rate could go as high as between N800 and N1000 by the end of today, according to some bankers, who say the CBN’s next move should be to prioritise supply of dollars to support the naira float.

“The convergence of the rates is only the first step, the next step is the most crucial and that is to boost supply into the market,” a source told BusinessDay.

“No foreign investor will come without a hedge and that can only come when there is assurance of supply. That’s the hard work,” the source said.

Another knowledgeable source is of the view that the willing buyer/willing seller arrangement that has now been adopted is only the first of six steps to fixing Nigeria’s broken FX market.

The second step must be to provide a hedge mechanism that is priced in line with the market while the third step is to ensure market yields are attractive to Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPI).

The next steps are to ensure transparency and remove all controls around domiciliary accounts. Finally, there is also a need to clear the dollar backlog in the market in order to attract FPIs.

“The focus is on supply,” the source Told BusinessDay.

Expectations are high after the initial move to fix Nigeria’s broken FX market.

Meanwhile, an investment banker and the Co-founder, Comercio Partners, Nnamdi Nwizu, said the immediate impact of the directive is enhanced foreign exchange inflow into the economy and further rise in the inflation rate, as the I&E window exchange rate rises aggressively as already seen today.

The Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife has selected Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, Chief Executive of Green Energy International Limited for the first University award of excellence in Research Practice. The award is a prestigious award given to an alumnus of the University with an outstanding record of knowledge-based accomplishment at global and national level. 

Professor Adegbulugbe was a contributor to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) Assessment Reports which won for the IPCC the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize along with US Vice President Al Gore. 

Professor Adegbulugbe studied Electrical/Electronics Engineering at the Obafemi Awolowo University and he graduated with BSc. (Hon) with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 on a scale of 5.0 in June 1976. He received a Doctor of Science degree in engineering in June 1981 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. He was a recipient of the Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) from Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) in 2019.

By this award, Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe will serve as a mentor for the about 200 best students across all Departments of the University. In addition, he will serve as the face of academic and research excellence for the Institution for the next one year (2023/2024).

The Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire in a statement commended Professor Adegbulugbe for his outstanding contribution to the society and the energy sector in Nigeria in particular and globally.

Damilola Adeparusi, a Nigerian chef, has just unofficially overtaken the recently announced record holder of world's longest cooking marathon, Hilda Baci, also a Nigerian, who has just been confirmed and certified as the official record holder of Guinness World Records' cook-a-thon.

On this issue, many have been holding different opinions which have led to altercations between the chefs' supporters since Damilola had entered into the contest. Some believe that it's unethical on the part of Damilola to attempt to break same record that has just been set by a fellow Nigerian, Hilda.

They argue that Damilola ought to have exercised patience at least for some years like Hilda did before she attempted to break the same record which was previously set by an Indian Chef, Lata Tondon in September 2019. Tondon cooked for 87 hours, and held the record for 4 years after overtaken a male American chef, Rickey Lumpkin, who set the record for cooking for 68 hours in 2018.

In opposition to the above submission, another set of people saw nothing wrong in attempting to break a record whether it has just or long been set. It isn't a bad idea for one to test his/her ability irrespective of the time of engagement provided that the rules of the game sees nothing wrong with the move.

They believe that since Guinness World Records' rules and regulations do not specify or set out a duration at which a current record holder needs to hold the record before another can overtake him/her, Damilola had done nothing wrong. To them, it's offensively impolite to cast aspersion on the innocent girl who set to cook for 120 hours to break Hilda's 100 hours cook-a-thon.

Some reckon that it's critically important for Damilola's critics to look into the issue based on what Guinness World Records rules draw up rather than allowing their emotions to override their judgements.

Guinness World Records is open to anyone irrespective of colour, tribe, level of education and others as long as the contestant has the strength to carry out the activity and is ready to follow the rules and guidelines. Except for those who are below 16 years old, everyone is welcome and allowed by Guinness World Records to try his/her luck.

Furthermore, there is no rule that states that if a newly contestant overtakes the previous record holder during the time that the latter awaits to be certified or is just being handed a certificate, the record or the certificate of the holder will be canceled or he/she will be denied entitlement to the record being set. Both contestants, of course, will be issued certificates after Guinness World Record have confirmed and are satisfied that both followed the set guidelines. Record holders can co-exist at the same time.

Hence, I do not think there is a reason to see Chef Damilola's attempt to show the world her ability as an envy or a way to deny Chef Hilda her entitlement. Whether contestants come from same country, region, tribe, community or family, Guinness World Records are less concerned.

Their aim and target is the diligence being displayed by contestants; contestants' thoroughness and attention to rules and guidelines of the game, and contestants' ability to outshine or overtake the previous record holder. The interval or duration between the time record is set and the time record is broken is immaterial to Guinness World Records.

Undoubtedly, records are meant to be broken. Instead of reprimanding and castigating Damilola or seeing her as a stumbling block to her fellow compatriot's success, she ought to be applauded for attempting to bring another glory to her fatherland, Nigeria. If Damilola did not do her best to try to break the record for Nigeria back to back, another person from another country will surely do it, and the consecutive glory may elude Nigeria.

In my view, I do not see Damilola as someone who is in competition with Hilda. I see her as someone who's inspired by her fellow Nigerian to prove her worth, and bring glory to Nigeria like her motivator, Hilda Baci. To engage in marathon cooking isn't an easy task. It's dishonourable to reject anyone of the chefs. Both are heroines that ought to be celebrated.

Ademola 'Bablow' Babalola.

Peter Obi is a hypocrite, he is not ideologically aligned with any democratic process or struggle. Just as he opportunistically appeared at the winners chapel 'Shiloh', Papa Adeboye's Redemption camp, Eneche's 'Dome' and many other places of christian religious gatherings. The 'Yes Daddy' crooner remembered to honour June 12 for the FIRST time too. Peter Obi religious campaign script is POOR and WEAK! His hypocrisy is HELLISH as well as his opportunistic tendencies typically characterised by strong dispositions and drives similar to his mentor Olusegun Obasanjo who benefited from other people's misfortune throughout, particularly the sacrifice of Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO).

Peter Obi in his usual hypocritical style on June 12, our democracy day, posited: "Today is June 12, June 12 marked in our dear country as Democracy Day . It is a historic day that deserves to be celebrated. On that day in 1993, we the people of Nigeria stated our unreserved preference for true democracy. Though under military rule, we freely chose a transparent voting method. Our votes reflected our true choice as a people. Our choice on that day defied divisions of ethnicity, religion and region." This is certainly not a good idea to demonstrate progressive mindset. It is a dubious mindset of an opportunist who usually benefit from other people's efforts.

Interestingly, Okwute forgot or cleverly concealed his involvement in the activities that truncated the people's mandate. He was the 'man-friday' of the Abacha government and benefited from the inglorious era of despotism. Peter was alleged to be part of the brains behind Arthur Nzeribe's ABN. In the recent past months I have written extensively on the characteristics of Peter 'Gregory' Obi one of which is "Peter Obi A Capitalist With A Socialist Cap" His capacity for mischief surpassed the Minna 'Evil genius'. Peter is sufficiently dubious minded. What a duplicitous mindset.

Unfortunately, many of the social media age children don't know the true story of our democracy vis-a-vis June 12, that's why you see them clamouring for a gold digger, opportunist and an unrepentant liars to become a president. Peter Obi was solidly in support of evil policies and backed Emefiele amid rising inflation, chaotic foreign exchange regime, high interest rate, among other glaring economic challenges. He was packaged as a messiah by those who have successfully highjacked and manipulated the minds of unsuspecting gullible followers excited about magic particularly the restive youths.

His words: “People are talking about the Central Bank Governor, first let me assure you that the CBN governor will maintain his independence, he will be respected. Again, it is not the problem of the person there. CBN has a role in monetary policy. Then, you have the fiscal ecosystem. It’s like you go to a football match and the person who is supposed to be playing a particular wing is no longer there" Again, the loquacious trader turned politician is a master in the art smooth talking. Talks very confidently in a way that is likely to persuade people, but may not be sincere or honest. ...the smooth-talking con-man at his best.

Likewise, Olusegun Obasanjo one of Peter's sponsors: I am usually pained whenever I see Obj talking about democracy or mentorship. He was the greatest showman and beneficiary of God's immeasurable grace. Obasanjo was a direct beneficiary of the struggle of our collective sacrifice. He became President C-in-C of the federal republic of Nigeria on account of Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola MKO's mandate 'June 12'. Sadly, throughout his inglorious era nothing for MKO. June 12 was a no go area. Thankfully some of us pushed for a replacement for our democracy day celebration in honor of MKO and June 12 replaced May 29, the preferred day of the junta.

In conclusion, I like to dedicate this article that focuses on June 12, to ever green memory of Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO) who championed the Democracy that many of our past leaders have opportunistically enjoyed. Finally, I salute the courage of our patriots who stood up for Equity, Fair play and Justice. Equally, I recognize those who I personally reach out to during the consultation on the desirability of June 12 as our democracy day: former President Goodluck Jonathan, Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr Okwe Nwodo, Chief Wole Olanipekun, Prof Wole Soyinka WS, Femi Falana, Yele Sowore and many others. I salute you all. Nigeria will rise again.

Richard Odusanya
Mind Restructuring Enthusiast.

Ekiti State’s culinary sensation, Damilola Adeparusi, affectionately known as Chef Dammy, has accomplished a remarkable milestone by reaching the 120-hour mark in her ongoing cook-a-thon.

This extraordinary achievement comes hot on the heels of Chef Hilda Baci, the current record holder in the individual category for the longest hours spent cooking, who recently set a new benchmark of 100 hours, as officially recognized by the prestigious Guinness World Records.

Reports indicate that the 26-year-old chef Dammy, driven by her unwavering ambition, cooked tirelessly for an impressive 111 hours on Tuesday, captivating the audience in Oye Local Government Area, Ekiti.

Notably, Chef Dammy received an esteemed visit from the Vice Chancellor and management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, further cementing her status as a culinary trailblazer.

Pending verification by the Guinness World Records, Chef Dammy is poised to claim the coveted title of the new world record holder, a remarkable accomplishment in her career.

A former lawmaker representing Esan North East/South East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Sergius Ogun has revealed how lawmakers were induced in the 2019 speakership race.

According to Ogun in an interview with Arise News, it is on record that those who voted for the former speaker of the 9th National Assembly, Femi Gbajabiamila were given a card and 10,000 dollars.

Ogun further stated that the PDP paid 5,000 dollars to some of their members who voted for them in the 9th assembly.

The ex-lawmaker added that both parties shared cards with their members to show that they truly voted for them.

He, however, stated that he was in the PDP leadership then and that mature men wouldn’t do that.

According to him, “Inducement plays a huge role. And it’s on record that those who voted for the then speaker of this 9th assembly were given a card, and when you vote, you’re supposed to snap that card, and ten thousand dollars were given to them. And I’m also aware that PDP then gave five thousand dollars to some of their members. We were in the PDP leadership then, and we were told to contribute money, which we did. I was involved. “

“There was a gentleman sitting by me who is still coming to the house, but he was a first timer, and he was asking me, “Why did PDP give five thousand dollars whereas the other guys gave ten thousand dollars?” and I asked him in the first class, “Should your party be giving you money to give you direction on how to vote?” So even though most of them will deny it, I’m aware that it happens. And the cards were available. They were given the plastic cards with numbers, so that’s to confirm that yes, for the money you have collected, you have voted. Like I said, mature people won’t do that.”

Watch the interview below:

“Don't pity me! I asked for the job (of president). I campaigned for it. No excuses! I will live up to the bill” – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Nigeria’s wealth is the commonwealth of all; it belongs to everyone and I promise...that with your help and the help of God, we will set this country on the right path...We have been bruised (and) our body is not the same again (but) we will do the right thing by the grace of God...We need your prayers... I can tell you (that) I for one, I am a silent worker (achiever); I am not a noise-maker but I listen and I hear” – Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, mint-fresh First Lady of Nigeria.

The question I asked here last week’s as to whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not put the wrong foot first with his “fuel subsidy has gone” statement in his inaugural address of 29th May, 2023 elicited an avalanche of rejoinders from the esteemed readers of this column, both in my TREASURES column in the New Telegraph newspaper on Wednesdays and here online. Many more called personally to express an opinion and/ or offer advice. I appreciate you all! What the reactions proved to me is that this column/writer is well read, without sounding immodest, and also that the issue of fuel subsidy touches the raw nerves of many Nigerians, rich and poor alike. No faith, no tribe, no political party – and not even the apolitical - is spared. Family, friends and foes alike are impacted. Whether for or against, the views expressed were passionate. I print here today a few of those views. I will return to make some closing remarks.

 “My dear brother and darling Comrade, with due respect, the issue seems to be dialectical, so to speak” – Wale Olanipekun.

One of your best! Thanks without limits. There's really no need to put a question mark on it. Honestly, you were even mild; it's the worst foot put first! I pray he never takes a similar step like that - for his sake and ours! Let's continue to pray fervently and fast that he may get it right. May this first technical mishap be the last! - Adegbenga Abe.

What an awesome piece, speaking truth to power!A good move, though wrongly timed, from Mr. President. The chances are that the APC pre-2015 electioneering campaign of less than N100/litre pump price is attainable, given various revelations on ground coupled with sincere political will. God preserve us all and keep Mr. President for us! The Lord bless your wisdom and stabilise your goings for being a blessing to our generation with your write-ups! - Awodire Oyewole.

I share the same view with you. An aphorism states that when a native hen or fowl is taken to a new environment, the first thing it does is to stand on one leg or foot to study the environment and, thereafter, stand on two legs. All the same, it (the subsidy removal) has happened and we have to bear with Mr. President. Drastic decisions like this one are good for us. Imagine a few citizens of Nigeria collecting trillions of Naira as "fuel subsidy" from a country gasping for survival, causing more than 180 million Nigerians to begin to directly or indirectly look for ways of survival! I like the President and I believe he will perform well and bring succour to the citizens who are waiting for a messiah. - Onome Clarke.

I was never and can ever be an admirer of Tinubu's kind of politics! He was in the vanguard of the opposition to subsidy removal tagged "Occupy Nigeria” in 2012 as a result of which we were inflicted with the unnecessary pain of fuel subsidy. I don't fancy him at all! - Tunde Samuel.                 

Beautiful write-up! I salute your courage! I share your thoughts. I am only waiting for the matter at the tribunal to be over before putting down my thoughts in writing. The thoughts are the same as yours. Have an amazing day, my dear. Lade Bonuola.

Frank talks! Very good and timely advice! I am proud of you. -Richard Alli.

A great write up indeed! Highly commendable! -Prof. Akinwumi Akinbo.              

I hope your message gets to the president for him to read it personally. -James Awolowo Olayemi.

All well-meaning people thought that Tinubu would be given a period of grace, say July or September, before the subsidy is totally removed. And this, after announcing palliative measures that would immediately be put in place - Isaac Isedowo.

Sir, you made my day! Your article shows that you are not a bootlicker and that you expected nothing from Tinubu, like some others who are throwing caution to the wind and defending the indefensible. My thoughts, as you pointed out, were that the president would give us a breathing space, having been suffocated nearly to death by the preceding government. Not doing so, as you correctly mentioned, is insensitivity and wickedness. Hope he changes his ways! Nigeria is not Lagos! God bless you! –Adegbite.

 You may have noticed that lately I have said nothing in response to your articles. I didn't because I was beginning to have my own doubts if you, like most Yoruba colleagues I know and worked with, have decided to put anything Yoruba before Nigeria as a country that needs to survive. This piece gladdens my heart because it confirms that you have not lost it to "awalokon" I can feel that you wrote from deep in your heart and, somehow, you fear now, like some of us have always been afraid of, that Tinubu at old age is not exactly the Tinubu who captured Lagos and paced it to date. May God continue to guide and help Nigeria out of the various hurdles ahead en-route true nationhood! - Henry Atenaga.

How I thoroughly enjoyed this! This is where the boys are separated from the men and it is why I can stick out my neck for you any day! Some would have thought that in this season when everyone is trying to get into the 'good books' of the new sheriff in town, no one would dare speak truth to power! But you are different! You have never fitted into the general mould. I salute your courage and your fellow-feeling. I pray that God will multiply your breed across the landscape: Men and women who will value principles beyond pecuniary considerations! The new government must have a human face and demonstrate that it can feel the pulse and the pains of the ordinary man. It is the only way to enjoy continued goodwill from a people hoping to recover their humanity -Oludaisi Okun.

I read your opinion on “Tinubu: Putting the wrong foot first?” in Sahara Reporters’ news website of June 7, 2023. I must commend you for speaking my mind. – Moshood A., Auchi, Edo state."

Well, these are the rejoinders that we can accommodate here today; we shall return with many more next week, God willing. So many things gladdened my heart after my initial disappointment with the way Tinubu went about the removal of fuel subsidy; not that I am opposed to the removal of subsidy per se. I have argued ceaselessly that it has to go but when the cart is put before the horse, we owe it a duty to draw attention to the anomaly and call for caution. Now that caution has been taken, I am well and good. President Tinubu has met with Labour and both are working on something. The president has said there will be palliatives, a new wage structure and other policies to cushion the devastating impact of fuel subsidy removal. As a very comfortable member of the vastly-diminished middle class by the grace of God, if I can feel the deleterious impact of fuel subsidy removal the way I do, I imagine what ordinary folks must be going through. And those of us that have a voice, the privilege, opportunity and platform to speak out must do so as forcefully as we can, if not for ourselves, then, for the downtrodden and less privileged who have been long-suffering but have no voice, so to say. We must not allow friendship or expectations of any kind to cloud our sense of duty and responsibility.

Take another look at the quotes above: The president does not want to be treated with kid gloves. He is a heavyweight fighter; he does not have a glass chin. So, why shouldn't we hit him as hard as we can? The tough guy that he is, we must hit him really hard before he can feel the pinch or punch. I pledge to do that regularly here in the interest of all, the president’s inclusive! And what do you make of the First Lady’s quote as well? She is a listener and being a pastor, she is familiar with the biblical story of Blind Bartimaeus: The more the crowd tried to shut up Bartimaeus, the louder he screamed until Jesus heard him. If we do not shout loud enough for a listening First Lady and a silent achiever to hear us and act, it is our fault! Of course, where the need arises to give kudos, we shall not hesitate to do so with aplomb!