In a decisive move to combat corruption and promote transparency, the President of Nigeria, in a letter dated July 28, 2023, has appointed Jim Obazee, Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, as the Special Investigator. The President's directive empowers the investigator to delve into the affairs of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other Government Business Entities (GBEs), with a direct reporting line to the President's office.

The letter emphasized the administration's commitment to fighting corruption, in line with the constitutional objective outlined in Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The appointment takes immediate effect, with the Special Investigator tasked with enhancing the integrity and accountability of key Government Business Entities, curbing financial leakages within the CBN and related entities, and providing a comprehensive report on public wealth held by both public and private corrupt individuals and establishments.

To accomplish this crucial mission, the appointed investigator will be working alongside a skilled and competent team, collaborating closely with relevant security and anti-corruption agencies. Regular progress updates are expected, with weekly briefings to the President.

In another significant development, the President shared a copy of his directive, dated June 9, 2023, which suspends Godwin Emefiele from his position as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. This action underscores the seriousness of the investigation and the government's commitment to upholding accountability and fairness in the financial sector.

As the Special Investigator takes charge of this important responsibility, Nigerians are hopeful that this initiative will pave the way for a more transparent and corruption-free financial system, ultimately benefiting the nation and its citizens.

In a significant development, the Department of State Services (DSS) has finally granted the request of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to undergo an independent medical examination. This comes after Kanu's lead counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, confirmed that the examination took place at an undisclosed hospital in Abuja on Friday.

Ejiofor stated, "We are pleased to inform you that Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu met with his choice personal physician yesterday (Friday) in a hospital in Abuja, outside the facility of the State Security Service (SSS)." He also mentioned that he was present during the consultation, which was conducted smoothly and productively. As a result, Kanu will be progressing to the next stage soon.

The IPOB leader has been in the custody of the DSS since June 2021, following his arrest and extradition from Kenya. Throughout his detention, Kanu had consistently requested an independent medical examination to address concerns about his health condition.

This recent development marks a significant step forward in addressing Kanu's health concerns and ensuring proper medical attention. However, it also raises questions about the conditions of his detention and access to medical care.

As the situation unfolds, many will be closely following the progression of Kanu's medical assessment and the implications it may have on his ongoing legal case. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story."

In a recent social media outburst, renowned actor Ali Nuhu expressed his deep disappointment with Davido over the controversial video of the singer's signee, Logos Olori's new single, 'Jaye Lo.' The video, which featured people praying and dancing in front of a mosque, sparked a wave of criticism and outrage.

Ali Nuhu, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, took to his Instagram page to denounce the act portrayed in the video as "totally unacceptable in Islam." He emphasized the importance of respecting other people's religions, cultures, and traditions, urging artists to be more sensitive when expressing their creativity.

The backlash against Davido arose when he shared a snippet of the music video on Twitter, igniting a heated debate among fans and the Muslim community. As a sign of solidarity and support, Ali Nuhu joined his voice to those calling for a retraction of the video and an apology to Muslims for the perceived offense.

The actor's post was an earnest plea for Davido to take down the controversial video and recognize the potential harm it caused to the entire Muslim ummah. Such an act of contrition, according to Ali Nuhu, would go a long way in mending the hurt feelings and ensuring greater understanding and mutual respect.

Artists are no strangers to creative expression, and their works often have far-reaching impacts. However, as influencers and trendsetters, it is essential for them to exercise caution and considerate cultural awareness when showcasing their art to the world.

The incident serves as a reminder that artists carry a significant responsibility in promoting unity and harmony through their creations. In a diverse and multicultural world, mutual respect for different beliefs and practices is key to fostering a more inclusive society.

As the conversation surrounding the video continues, many are hopeful that Davido will heed Ali Nuhu's call for a sincere apology and act as a catalyst for open dialogue and cultural sensitivity within the entertainment industry.

Let us strive for greater understanding and acceptance, embracing diversity as we celebrate the richness of our shared humanity.

The long-awaited ministerial list is finally on its way to the Senate, as announced by the Senate Leader, Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele. During his 60th birthday anniversary lecture and book presentation in Abuja, he revealed that President Bola Tinubu personally informed him of this development in a heartwarming phone call, while also extending his best wishes on the special occasion.

According to Bamidele, President Tinubu expressed his regret for being unable to attend the birthday lecture due to pressing matters that required his immediate attention. Specifically, the President is focused on submitting a crucial communication to the Senate within the next 48 hours, which is expected to contain the eagerly anticipated ministerial list. This list will outline the names of individuals nominated for various ministerial positions within the government.

During the lecture, the esteemed former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Toyin Ogundipe, brought attention to an important issue that resonated with the audience. He emphasized the need for political office holders to display empathy towards the Nigerian people, particularly during these challenging times. One way he proposed to achieve this is by reducing the number of vehicles in their convoys.

Prof. Ogundipe urged that agencies such as the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) should not be part of the entourage of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, as long as adequate police presence is maintained. He stressed that cutting down on the number of vehicles in the convoys would send a powerful message to the citizens, demonstrating that their leaders understand and share their struggles.

As we await the arrival of the ministerial list in the Senate, the call for empathy and accountability from political office holders is something worth pondering. The nation eagerly anticipates the unveiling of the nominees for ministerial positions, hoping for a competent and dedicated team to lead the government forward. Let us also reflect on the words of Prof. Ogundipe, as they remind us of the importance of leadership that truly connects with the people they serve.

In the pulsating world of Nigerian hip-hop, Tochukwu Ojogwu, better known as Odumodublvck, has risen from challenging circumstances to embrace stardom with unwavering determination. In a candid and soul-stirring interview with Cool FM Nigeria, hosted by reality star Tacha, the talented rapper opened up about his remarkable journey from sleeping in friends' parlours to becoming a celebrated artist in the music industry.

Reflecting on his early days, Odumodublvck shared that despite facing homelessness and nights spent in friends' parlours, he never once doubted his potential. His unshakable belief in his destiny to succeed in the music world made hitting stardom an absolute must.

When asked about the struggles he faced during those trying times, Odumodublvck's response exuded unwavering confidence: "Yeah, I guess so because I'm chosen. I see it when I sleep. I'm lucky. God showed me tomorrow that everything is gonna work out. So, I don't have doubts. I knew I was going to make it. I have to make it. It's in my destiny to make it. I will make it. I have made it. I'm still making it."

Odumodublvck's journey to success wasn't a straight path. Initially aspiring to manage a friend who was an artist, he discovered his innate talent for rapping and unleashed his potential, seizing every opportunity to hone his skills.

His meteoric rise in the music scene caught international attention when Arsenal Football Club used his song 'Declan Rice' to announce the arrival of their record signing, Declan Rice, from West Ham for a staggering fee of £105 million.

The inspiring tale of Odumodublvck reminds us that greatness often emerges from the most challenging circumstances. His journey is a testament to the power of self-belief and determination in the pursuit of dreams. From passing nights in humble surroundings to now being celebrated as an artiste on the rise, Odumodublvck's story is one that resonates with hope and resilience.

As we celebrate his triumphs, we look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of this talented Nigerian hip-hop artiste. With a destiny he fervently believes in, Odumodublvck has proven that dreams are attainable, and with unwavering dedication, anything is possible.

Grammy award-winning Nigerian sensation, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, better known as Wizkid, recently made waves in the music world by asserting that he possesses a vast musical catalogue substantial enough for retirement. The iconic singer, who celebrated his 33rd birthday on July 16, 2023, shared his thoughts during a candid interview with Capital Extra’s Manny Norte.

During the interview, Manny Norte recalled a previous encounter with the Starboy honcho, where Wizkid had confided that he "had enough music to retire." To the surprise of many, Wizkid confirmed the statement, playfully adding, "Come on, my brother. And we are still recording music every day [laughs]. So, imagine how much music I have now."

This revelation left fans both awe-inspired and eager to witness the musical treasures Wizkid has amassed over the years. With a career spanning exceptional hits and remarkable collaborations, it's no wonder that the Afrobeat superstar has built such an extensive repertoire.

In addition to his staggering musical collection, Wizkid further delighted his admirers by disclosing that his highly anticipated sixth studio album is in the works. Setting the stage for even more musical excellence, he shared, "I got a new album ready, bro. New Wiz’s album. I’m dropping a new song next week. In a couple of days, mehn."

The announcement of a forthcoming album sparked excitement and anticipation within the music community, as fans eagerly await the next chapter in Wizkid's illustrious career. Known for his ability to blend captivating melodies with rich African rhythms, his new release promises to be another extraordinary addition to his legacy.

As we celebrate the milestone of Wizkid's birthday, the music world stands in awe of the boundless talent and dedication that have elevated him to global stardom. With an illustrious musical journey thus far, and the promise of even more magic to come, Wizkid's journey remains a testament to his unparalleled passion for music and his commitment to leaving an indelible mark on the world stage.

Stay tuned for updates on Wizkid's upcoming album, and let's celebrate the artistry of this remarkable musical icon who continues to inspire and captivate fans worldwide.

The Abia State Government has announced significant savings of 220 million naira on monthly wage bills following an ongoing verification exercise in the state's civil service. The Accountant General of the state, Deaconess Njum Onyemenam, disclosed this during a meeting with Governor Alex Otti in Umuahia on Monday.

The savings were achieved through the implementation of a unified payment system and the identification and removal of ghost names from the payrolls. As the verification exercise continues, the state government expects to achieve even more substantial savings in the future.

According to the Accountant General, the ongoing verification has already resulted in the removal of approximately 2,300 ghost names from the payrolls. These individuals did not exist or were not legitimate employees of the state. The implementation of the unified payment system has facilitated the identification and elimination of these fraudulent entries.

Deaconess Njum Onyemenam further stated that the state government has taken proactive measures to address outstanding financial obligations. Following Governor Otti's directive, the government recently cleared the arrears of April salaries left behind by the previous administration. Additionally, June pensions were promptly disbursed to retirees.

Regarding local government staff, the Accountant General explained that some employees were initially excluded from receiving their June salaries due to their alleged failure to submit verified payment schedules. However, the government has resolved to rectify the situation promptly. These local government staff members will receive their salaries in the coming week.

The ongoing verification exercise in Abia State demonstrates the government's commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in the civil service. By weeding out ghost names and implementing a unified payment system, the government has not only achieved substantial cost savings but has also ensured that salaries and pensions are paid in a timely manner.

As the state government continues its efforts to streamline operations and improve fiscal responsibility, it is expected that the verification exercise will yield further positive outcomes. These actions will contribute to the overall development and effective governance of Abia State, benefitting both the government and its employees.

After attending the 5th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union (AU) in Kenya over the weekend, President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. His flight landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 4:20 p.m. on Monday, where he was warmly received by various government officials.

Among those present to welcome President Tinubu were Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, Hope Uzodinnma, the Governor of Imo State, and Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the former Governor of Kano State.

President Tinubu attended the meeting in his capacity as the Chairman of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The purpose of his journey to Kenya was to participate in important discussions and deliberations with other African leaders.

One of the key topics discussed during the meeting in Nairobi was the reaffirmation of Africa's unity and strength, along with the rejection of a new scramble for the continent's resources. President Tinubu emphasized the importance of preserving Africa's sovereignty and working together to tackle common challenges.

Furthermore, President Tinubu expressed his intentions to bolster the ECOWAS Standby Force as part of efforts to deter coup attempts and combat terrorism across the continent. Strengthening the region's security capabilities remains a priority for the ECOWAS Chairman, as he believes a robust Standby Force will contribute to the overall stability and peace of the West African region.

President Tinubu's return to Abuja marks the continuation of his responsibilities as a prominent leader in both Nigeria and the ECOWAS community. The insights and outcomes from the AU meeting will likely inform future strategies and actions undertaken by the ECOWAS to address regional issues and promote progress in West Africa.

In a recent event celebrating the 2023 World Public Relations Day at Rivers State University, Paulinus Nsirim, Chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, highlighted the potential consequences of working as a public relations officer without certification. Nsirim, a former Rivers State Commissioner for Information, emphasized that once the disciplinary committee of the institute begins its operations, individuals in this role without proper certification risk imprisonment.

According to Nsirim, this planned action is a response to the significant role of Public Relations in the growth of organizations and businesses. He emphasized the importance of creating awareness and garnering support for the field of Public Relations through events like the World Public Relations Day Celebration.

The theme for this year's celebration was "Harnessing the Power of Public Relations." Nsirim noted that it is essential to showcase the value and impact of public relations to the world, as many people do not fully understand its significance within organizations. He emphasized that public relations plays a crucial role in reputation management, crisis management, brand management, and stakeholder relationships. Nsirim emphasized the need for organizations to have professional public relations experts in order to thrive, achieve their objectives, and make progress.

Highlighting the legal aspect of the profession, Nsirim mentioned the existence of the Public Relations Decree 16 of 1990, which criminalizes the practice of public relations without proper certification. According to this decree, offenders may face imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both. Nsirim made it clear that the ethics and disciplinary committee of the council will soon take action, and individuals involved in public relations in Rivers State without certification may find themselves facing legal consequences.

This announcement serves as a reminder of the importance of certification and adherence to professional standards within the field of public relations. It reinforces the need for practitioners to acquire the necessary qualifications and certifications to ensure ethical practices and maintain the integrity of the profession. By enforcing these measures, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations aims to uphold professionalism, protect the interests of clients and stakeholders, and further enhance the reputation of the public relations industry.

Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has recently called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to allocate the national chairmanship position to the South East region. This, according to Chidoka, would promote inclusive representation within the party.

Chidoka's statement comes in the wake of the resignation of the APC National Chairman and Secretary, which has created an opportunity for the party to reorganize its leadership structure. While Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Deputy National Chairman (North), has assumed temporary responsibility, Chidoka believes that the party should use this moment to address the issue of regional inclusivity.

Although not a member of the APC, Chidoka acknowledges the far-reaching implications of the party's actions for national unity and the well-being of the country. He emphasizes the importance of deliberate and inclusive policies in building a united Nigeria. Chidoka directs his message to President Tinubu, urging him to rise above partisan politics and embrace the concept of a diverse and united nation.

Chidoka draws historical parallels to support his recommendation, noting that regions like the Southwest did not vote for certain parties in the past, yet their representatives were appointed to key positions. In this context, he argues that the South East should not be excluded from holding the national chairmanship position based solely on voting patterns.

The resignation of the APC Chairman presents an opportunity for the party to redefine itself and distance itself from a past marred by nepotism and insensitivity to national consensus. Chidoka proposes that by allocating the position of National Chairman to the Southeast, the APC can reaffirm its commitment to national unity and demonstrate a departure from its previous practices.

Chidoka concludes his statement by calling upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to transcend partisan interests and champion the rejuvenation of the Nigerian ideal. He believes that appointing a National Chairman from the South East would be a significant step towards achieving this vision.

In summary, Chidoka's appeal to the APC to zone the national chairmanship position to the South East is rooted in the principles of inclusivity, national unity, and a desire to break away from past practices that hindered cohesive representation.

Nigerian singer Johnny Drille, widely recognized for his sensational music, has clarified the nature of his relationship with fast-rising actress Tomi Ojo. Amid rumors suggesting a romantic connection between the two, Johnny Drille has stated that their bond is strictly platonic. The speculations arose following their on-screen chemistry as love interests in the music video for his song 'Believe Me.'

In a recent interview with Hip TV, the talented singer, who hails from Edo State, emphasized that he and Tomi Ojo are "just friends." Johnny Drille took the opportunity to address these rumors after revealing his secret marriage to Rima Tahini, the Director A&R at Mavin Records.

Explaining the context of their collaboration, Johnny Drille shared, "First of all, if you watched the 'Believe Me' music video, you would know that there are two Ojos in the song. One is Wale Ojo, the other one is Tomi Ojo. It was in a way some kind of pun but it seemed to work well together."

Regarding their relationship, he further elaborated, "But as regards a relationship, Tomi Ojo is an amazing person. She's fantastic to work with, and she was great for the music video. That is the extent of our connection. That's all I can say."

Johnny Drille's clarification aims to dispel any misunderstandings surrounding his personal life, allowing fans and the media to understand the true nature of his relationship with Tomi Ojo. Despite their remarkable on-screen chemistry, their bond remains rooted in friendship and professional collaboration.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a significant step to enhance manufacturing and improve the ease of doing business by signing four executive orders (EOs). These EOs aim to stimulate economic activities and alleviate hardships by suspending key taxes, according to presidential advisers.

The decision to introduce these EOs aligns with international best practices, which recommend providing a 90-day window for investors before implementing new taxes. The government officials emphasized that no new taxes would be imposed without robust consultations with stakeholders.

During a briefing at Aso Villa, Abuja, Mr. Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, along with other members of the Presidential Revenue Team, shed light on the details of the EOs. The team also included Mr. Zacc Adedeji, Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, Ms. Doris Aniettie, a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on Finance, and Adenike Laoye from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President.

The team explained that these EOs were introduced to ensure clarity and sufficient notice for tax adjustments, in line with the 2017 National Tax Policy. The first executive order, known as The Finance Act (Effective Date Variation) Order, 2023, defers the commencement date of the changes outlined in the Act from May 23, 2023, to September 1, 2023, in compliance with the minimum 90-day advance notice for tax changes.

Furthermore, The Customs, Excise Tariff (Variation) Amendment Order, 2023, shifts the start date of the tax changes from March 27, 2023, to August 1, 2023, adhering to the provisions of the National Tax Policy.

In addition, the President issued an order suspending the five percent excise tax on telecommunication services, as well as the escalation of excise duties on locally manufactured products.

These executive orders reflect the government's commitment to fostering a favorable business environment, promoting investment, and supporting local industries. By providing clarity and a consultation period, these measures aim to create stability and predictability for businesses and investors alike.

In recent news, a potential legal battle is brewing between Twitter and Meta over the latter's newly launched platform, Threads. Threads, introduced by Meta's parent company, Instagram, on July 5th, is a text-based companion to Instagram, similar to other text-based social platforms, including Twitter.

Mark Zuckerberg, the owner of Meta, proudly announced that Threads had already garnered an impressive 30 million users on its very first day, effectively overshadowing its competitors.

However, just hours after the unveiling of Threads, Twitter's attorney, Alex Spiro, sent a letter to Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, accusing the company of misusing Twitter's "trade secrets and other intellectual property" to develop its rival app. According to Forbes, the attorney expressed Twitter's intention to strictly enforce its intellectual property rights and demanded that Meta immediately cease the use of any Twitter trade secrets or highly confidential information in relation to Threads.

The letter further stated that Twitter reserves all rights, including pursuing civil remedies and injunctive relief, without any additional notice, to prevent any further retention, disclosure, or utilization of its intellectual property by Meta.

Additionally, Spiro accused Meta of hiring numerous former Twitter employees who had access to Twitter's trade secrets and highly confidential information. The attorney alleged that these individuals were involved in the development of the 'Threads' app.

This clash between Twitter and Meta highlights the intensifying competition within the social media landscape and the potential legal challenges that arise when companies release similar products. As the situation unfolds, both Twitter and Meta will need to navigate the complexities of intellectual property rights and trade secrets while determining the best course of action to address this dispute.

In a recent development, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has taken swift action by ordering an immediate review of the ongoing staff audit in the state public service. The governor's decision demonstrates his commitment to safeguarding and improving the welfare of workers.

This decision comes in response to an incident that occurred on Thursday when civil servants in the state left the venue of the staff audit, expressing their dissatisfaction with the treatment they received from the consultants hired by the Adeleke administration to conduct the audit exercise.

Addressing a joint meeting of labor leaders and the auditing firm, Governor Adeleke directed the joint committee responsible for the exercise to address any contentious issues and establish acceptable procedures to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process.

Expressing his concern over the inconvenience caused to public servants, Governor Adeleke instructed the Head of Service to make necessary adjustments to ensure the well-being and comfort of the workers throughout the audit exercise.

Furthermore, the governor mandated the joint committee to formulate a new timetable that takes into account the diverse nature and specificities of each ministry and agency. Additionally, he suggested exploring the possibility of decentralizing the exercise on a zonal basis, which would alleviate the burden and logistical challenges associated with traveling to the capital city.

During the meeting, Governor Adeleke acknowledged the comments and complaints received from the public service and reiterated the objective of the audit, which is to identify and address any leakages while enhancing staff welfare.

Governor Adeleke emphasized his government's strong partnership and camaraderie with the labor movement, assuring stakeholders that no anti-labor actions will be taken under his administration. He urged all parties involved to collaborate and make the necessary adjustments to ensure a seamless completion of the audit program.

In conclusion, Governor Ademola Adeleke has demonstrated his commitment to the well-being of public servants by swiftly addressing their concerns regarding the staff audit. His directive to review and adjust the procedures, create a new timetable, and explore decentralization highlights his dedication to ensuring a fair and efficient process. The governor has assured stakeholders that his administration values and prioritizes the interests of workers, further cementing his government's commitment to serving the people of Osun State.