In a strategic move to bolster communication efforts, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has appointed Mr. Olalere Olayinka as his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media.

The appointment, announced through a statement signed by the Director of Press, Mr. Anthony Ogunleye, is effective immediately.

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Olayinka, a seasoned media professional, previously served as the spokesperson for former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose.

His extensive background spans over 20 years in journalism, public relations, and media management, with roles in both the public and private sectors.

Part of the official statement reads, “The Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has appointed Mr Olalere James Olayinka as the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, effective immediately.”

Describing Olayinka’s qualifications, the statement further notes, “Mr. Olayinka, a seasoned media and communications professional, brings over 20 years of experience in journalism, public relations, and media management.

His career spans a wide range of roles in both the public and private sectors.”

Olayinka has held several notable positions throughout his career.

He is currently the CEO of Our Peoples FM in Ado-Ekiti, a role he has held since 2018, and also serves as the Publisher of Wazobia Reporters Online.

His past roles include Special Assistant on Public Communications to the Ekiti State Governor (2014-2018), Director-General of the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State, Media Adviser to the Minister of State for Works, and Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Class Magazine (2003-2007).

Born on October 1, 1972, and a native of Okemesi, Ekiti State, Olayinka studied at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in Lagos, earning a diploma in Journalism.

In his new role, he will be responsible for driving communication strategies to improve public awareness of the FCT Administration’s activities and strengthening engagement with the public.

The statement elaborates, “As Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Mr. Olayinka will oversee the development of communication strategies to improve public awareness of government activities and facilitate stronger engagement between the FCT Administration and the public.”

Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, has voiced strong support for Nigeria’s recent fuel subsidy removal, describing it as the “best thing that has happened” to the nation.

In an interview on Politics Today with Channels TV on Friday, Musa explained that the subsidy’s elimination will allow market dynamics to dictate fuel prices, which he argues is essential for progress and economic stability.

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“By virtue of the fact that we removed subsidy, removing subsidy is the best thing that has happened to this country,” Musa said, emphasizing that the government is keen on ensuring the move does not negatively impact Nigerians.

According to the Senator, subsidy removal creates more room for funds to be distributed to states, with the potential for significant development if resources are effectively managed.

“Today, how much are we earning? If the money Nigeria is making today and the revenue FAAC is distributing to the states is utilized adequately by state governments, a lot of things will go well,” Musa noted.

The Senator also highlighted efforts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to address historical missteps.

Before the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), he explained, the company struggled with operational inefficiencies and lacked transparency in its production yield.

“Before the coming of the PIA, there was a problem in terms of the operational activities of the NNPCL. Before then, you couldn’t determine the production yield in this country,” he said.

“But today, with the kinds of stringent policies this government is bringing, we are trying to see that those lapses we have had years before now are corrected.”

Musa emphasized that the current administration is taking measures to ensure financial accountability and prevent the sort of irregularities that occurred in previous subsidy regimes.

“Under this administration, there are no six billion [in subsidy payments], and if there was any, then there will be [reforms],” he concluded.

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on students across Nigeria  to  identify and emulate good models in order to steer clear of vices, including internet fraud and other financial crimes.

The EFCC boss made the call in Abuja on Thursday, November 7, 2024, when students of Val De Mauris Academy, Abuja, visited the Commission’s headquarters on a study tour.

Olukoyede, who spoke through the Head, Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the EFCC,  Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 11 Aisha Mohammed, pointed out that, having good role models would imbue in students the right values which would insulate them from indulgence in internet fraud.

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“Have good role models. This is necessary to draw you to the right contacts and influence for integrity.  This way, you will be removed from any form of internet offence.  Integrity is what you do when no one is watching you. Our hope is on you. Be focused. The future is bright as the sky will be your starting point,’’ she stated.

The Head, Communication and Creative Unit, Assistant Commander, ACE I, Chris Oluka, advised the students to always engage their minds in honest endeavours so as to be able to discern the good from the bad.

He asked them to deploy their creative minds to more rewarding positive careers by using the social media and internet to more creative ventures in furtherance of their education for a brighter future.

According to Oluka, students and youths should be mindful of what they do online, stating that the internet was meant for the good of  humanity, research, academics, studying,  information gathering and accurate data and not for crime and fraud.

“If found guilty by the law, the EFCC will not spare anyone of the crime committed. Every crime is a crime, irrespective of who is involved, and the EFCC will fight you to the very last. Whatever you do that you are not supposed to do and is against the law is corruption.

Also in his remark, Assistant Superintendent of EFCC, ASE I Ogunjobi Olalekan, stressed the importance of being hardworking students and determined and focused, stating that these qualities are imperative for students to attain excellence in their careers.

“For our dear students, you can be whatever you want to become by hard work and sheer determination. There’s a lot in the computer space. You can think and come up with creative inventions and make the best of it. You can be programmers, forensic analysts, financial analysts, investigators, developers, change makers and as nation builders,” he said.

Two students, Odimba Ikenna Ugochukwu and Sunday Aneke Sophia emerged winners in the EFCC’s Quiz competition and were gifted with a mobile phone each for their exemplary efforts while Khadijah Kabiru Bakan and Faheem Goodluck Hussein were crowned EFCC’s Ambassadors.