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Just in: Govt Imposes License Fees On WhatsApp Group Administrators

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Administrators of WhatsApp groups operating within Zimbabwe’s borders are now forced to register and secure a license from the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (POTRAZ).

The new controversial licensing requirement, outlined at a recent POTRAZ breakfast meeting, set the minimum cost for a license at $50, with fees going up to US$2,500 depending on the type of WhatsApp group.

The move has ostensibly been necessitated by the need to tighten data security and privacy for all citizens.

Information Communications Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Tatenda Mavetera, said all WhatsApp group administrators will soon be required to register and obtain a license from POTRAZ to operate their groups.

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In addition to getting a license, WhatsApp group admins will be required to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) trained and certified by POTRAZ.

This move is intended to ensure compliance with Zimbabwe’s Data Protection Act, which governs the handling of personal information.

Under the Act, personal data is defined as any information that can be used to directly or indirectly identify a person. Since WhatsApp group admins have access to members’ phone numbers, the government argues that these groups fall under data protection regulations.

Mavetera noted that the latest development would affect not only businesses, but also community organisations, churches, and any other groups that collect personal data

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“Even churches who collect personal data ought to have such a license and appoint a DPO,” Mavetera said.

Those found in violation of the fresh clampdown measures risk penalties, jail time, or both.

The new controversial policy, which comes against a backdrop of growing use of the popular social media application to stir political debates as President Emmerson Mnangagwa is locked in a power tussle with his deputy Constantino Chiwenga, is seen as an infringement on citizens’ right to free speech and association.

Zimbabwe joins a growing number of countries gravitating towards shutting digital spaces amid growing dissent and anger against the ruling Zanu PF party.

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‘We Gave You Enough Time,’ Wike Orders Residents To Evacuate From Right Of Way

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday ordered the demolition of houses in the right of way of the ongoing road construction in Gishiri, under the Katampe area of the nation’s capital.

Wike, who personally supervised the demolition, was seen furiously addressing the community chief saying, “We gave you time.”

Some of the residents tried to resist and stop the excavators from demolishing their properties but were dispersed with tear gas by security operatives.

Briefing journalists, the minister explained that compensation was offered to the residents, but rather than accepting it, they turned it down leaving the FCT Administration with no choice.

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Security operatives observe the demolition of houses in Gishiri, Katampe area of Abuja on March 11, 2025.

He also disclosed that a grace period of three months was given to them to evacuate so that the road construction could continue but instead of listening to them, they turned a deaf ear to their calls.

“I have visited this site more than four times and have engaged with community leaders and their chiefs. It is crucial for them to cooperate with the government so that CGC, our contractor, can complete this road by May,” Wike said.

“I made it clear to the traditional ruler that the work must proceed. No government will stand by while individuals undermine a project that serves the public good. I have personally come here to oversee this demolition, and I want them to understand that things have changed.

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The FCT Minister accused the community chiefs of not making good use of the time given to them to evacuate their belongings.

“We have provided over two to three months for them to prepare. We have also offered compensation and a resettlement plan. What more could we do?”

The Gishiri road was flagged off in October 2024 and is expected to be completed in May 2025 to form part of President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office celebration.

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Tinubu appoints NABTEB registrar, UBEC board chairman

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President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr Mohammed Aminu the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).

The President has also appointed Mr Idris Olorunnimbe as Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Board.

A statement by Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) informed that Dr. Aminu holds a Ph.D. in Automobile Technology and a Masters in Procurement and Supply Chain Management.

According to the statement, he brings 28 years of experience in teaching, administration, research, and policy development to his new role.

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Until his appointment, he served as Director of Procurement at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

An advocate for vocational education and skills development, Dr. Aminu has authored multiple publications and presented research on innovative pedagogies, youth empowerment, and poverty alleviation. He is also a member of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria and the Automotive and Locomotive Engineers Institute.

President Tinubu urged the new NABTEB Registrar to leverage his vast experience to drive transformational leadership in the agency, ensuring it continues to assess and certify skilled Human Resources essential for Nigeria’s industrial growth.

The new UBEC chairman, Mr. Olorunnimbe brings years of experience in innovative leadership and commitment to youth empowerment and education.

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Rasaq Olajuwon was named UBEC’s Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), while Tunde Ajibulu will serve as Deputy Executive Secretary (Services).

As Group CEO of The Temple Company, which he founded in 2016, he has spearheaded transformative initiatives across education, entertainment, and sports.

He previously served on the Board of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), where he chaired the Stakeholder and Governance Committees, driving impactful youth employment and entrepreneurship programmes

Mr Olajuwon, until his appointment, was Director of Administration and Human Resources at the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), while Mr Ajibulu, a Fellow of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), is a Director at Tangent Construction Nigeria Limited and Partner at Covenant Consultancy Services.

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President Tinubu enjoined the new appointees to strengthen the human capital needed to drive educational reforms and enhance service delivery at UBEC, ensuring greater access to quality basic education nationwide.

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Abomination ! “I’ve forgiven my wife for sleeping with other men”, says Ijoba Lande

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Ijoba Lande, the comedian, has revealed that he has forgiven Darasimi, his estranged wife, for “cheating on me”.

Lande recently claimed that Dara had left him after discovering her infidelity with at least 21 men in the entertainment industry, including Baba Tee.

Baba Tee admitted to having a brief sexual encounter with Dara during a game of ‘Truth or Dare’, but she denied the claim, arguing that she only sat on his lap.

In a recent Instagram live session with media personality Daddy Freeze, Lande said while he has forgiven his wife he will not take her back.

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He also said that she would have no access to the child they share.

“She does not need to come to seek forgiveness from me, I have forgiven her. I forgave her because I see it as a part of my life journey,” he said.

“I also forgave her so that God will forgive my own sins as well but she can never come back to me.

“But everything she did to me is gone. However, she cannot have access to the child she had for me because it was her mum who handed the child over to me when I went to their house.”

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