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THE REAL USE OF BAKING POWDER AND BAKING SODA
Written by Kayode Olorundare
Baking powder and baking soda have almost the same texture and appearance: they are both powdered, soft, and white. Both are chemical leavening ingredients that aid batter and dough due to sodium bicarbonate, an anti-caking chemical. The chemical that gives baked foods their fluff is carbon dioxide, which is released when this base and an acid interact. Because of this reaction, you can evaluate the freshness of baking powder and soda by dipping a tablespoon into vinegar or water. The sodium bicarbonate is still releasing carbon dioxide, or doing its function, if it is fizzing in the water.
While both baking powder and baking soda are necessary in the kitchen, they cannot be used interchangeably. Baking powder is sodium bicarbonate combined with an acid, whereas baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate. To clarify, baking powder is simply baking soda combined with another ingredient, whereas baking soda is its entity. Potassium bitartrate, sometimes referred to as a cream of tartar, is typically the additional ingredient in baking powder. To increase the shelf life, a filler, such as corn starch, is frequently added.
Since baking soda is a base, an acid must be manually added for it to react. Acids have a pH of less than seven and contain hydrogen ions. It's not as hard as you may imagine to find them. Citrus, vinegar, buttermilk, coffee, and other acidic substances are used in hundreds of recipes. Baking soda is perfect for adding to dishes that have a lot of acidity or marinating meat. Since baking powder already contains an acid, it performs best when the ingredients have higher pH values. Your baked items' texture and flavor may be affected by too much acidity. Because cake recipes call for more basic, alkaline, or neutral substances including eggs, milk, sugar, and vegetable oil, baking powder is frequently used as a primary ingredient.
Because baking is all about creating the proper quantity of leavening, many recipes combine baking powder and baking soda to achieve a certain consistency. Mixing one part baking soda with two parts acidic substance can turn baking soda into baking powder. You should use three parts baking powder to one part baking soda if you want to replace the soda. There's no harm in trying them out for yourself, but remember that recipes mention the where and when of baking soda and powder for a reason.
TRUMP APPOINTS WHITE HOUSE CHIEF OF STAFF
Written by Kayode Olorundare
Susie Wiles, a seasoned Republican strategist, has been appointed as the White House chief of staff by US President-elect Donald Trump.
Wiles served as Trump's campaign manager and is largely recognized for having led the most organized and successful campaign in Trump's history. When Trump celebrated his victory on Wednesday, he specifically thanked Wiles for her significant contribution to the campaign.
He claimed that Wiles is universally regarded and admired and that she is tough, intelligent, and creative. "Susie Wiles was a key component of my victorious campaigns in 2016 and 2020, and she recently assisted me in achieving one of the biggest political triumphs in American history. "Having Susie as the first female chief of staff in American history is a well-earned honor. She will undoubtedly make our nation proud, Trump declared.
Donald Trump will be the 47th President of the United States and return to the White House. Christian people supported him by nearly two to one, according to a preliminary analysis of exit surveys for the presidential election.
As in the 2020 and 2016 elections, he maintained a strong hold on the support of white evangelical Christians, receiving 81% of their vote, according to NBC's exit poll. Additionally, he increased his lead among Roman Catholic voters from 56 to 41, or 15%, to 15%. However, his support among Jewish voters dropped from 30% in 2020 to 21%.
While encouraging RCs to cast their ballots, the Pope characterized the US decision as a "lesser of two evils." He called both the Democratic Party's support for abortion and the Republican Party's anti-immigration policies "against life."
Trump received 28% of the vote, even among RCs who support abortion in all or most circumstances, a position closer in line with that of Democratic nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris. In the last days of his campaign, he characterized his opponent as "destructive to Christianity" and specifically sought the RC vote. J. D. Vance, his running companion, charged Ms. Harris with "prejudice against Catholics."
According to the exit poll analysis, Ms. Harris may have lost some of the support that RC voters had given President Biden. She received the majority of votes from Jews, people who indicated they had no faith, and people who answered "something else" when questioned about their religion. Additionally, she lost support with 2020 Hispanic voters, whose support for Mr. Trump rose by more than ten points. However, she received 86 percent of the vote among Black voters, which was a landslide victory, and 56 percent of Asian ballots.
One of the campaign's main concerns was abortion, and in 10 states, abortion-related legislation was on the ballot separately. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops applauded the fact that an attempt to repeal the state's six-week abortion restriction in Florida was unsuccessful in reaching the 60 percent threshold required. New York, Maryland, Colorado, and Missouri all enacted legislation to safeguard the right to an abortion.
However, despite polls indicating that voters prioritized issues like democracy and reproductive rights, the economy appeared to be the most pressing issue for most: two-thirds stated that it was in "bad shape," and 45% of respondents to the NBC exit poll stated that their financial situation had deteriorated from four years prior.
Republican organizers in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state that Mr. Trump won, went out of their way to encourage the Amish population to vote. While many people do not cast ballots, those who do are supposed to support Mr. Trump. Less than 3,000 of the approximately 45,000 Amish who are eligible to vote did so in the most recent election.
Social media platform X reported that a large number of community members had cast ballots on Tuesday. Locals on the ground said that the state's Department of Agriculture's raid on a local raw milk farm owned by a community member was the reason for the high turnout.
Early on Wednesday morning, Mr. Trump, who will become the first elected president with a criminal record, declared victory and promised to "assist our nation in its healing process." "Many people have told me that God spared my life for a reason... [to] save our country and to restore America to greatness," he stated, alluding to the assassination attempt earlier this year.
"We are going to fulfill that mission together," he declared. We will accomplish that goal. Although we have a difficult task ahead of us, I will give the work you have given me all of my strength, courage, and willpower.
He urged the nation to come together and put its differences aside, urging "every citizen all across our land to join me in this noble and righteous endeavor."
As votes were cast, prayer vigils were organized in churches all around the United States. Dr. Sean Rowe, the incoming Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, participated in election-night virtual prayers, offering meditation and expressing gratitude for free and fair elections. We Christians must be peacemakers and reconcilers in our communities, both online and offline, now, tomorrow, and in the days to come, he stated.
The next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) is expected to be Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun of the Supreme Court, barring any last-minute changes. Should Kekere-Ekun take office, she will be the second female justice in Nigeria to occupy the esteemed role, following Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, who served as CJN for 28 months, from July 2012 to November 2014. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who has held the position since June 27, 2022, will formally leave on Thursday, August 22, 2024, following his achievement of the obligatory retirement age of 70 years.
Justice Kekere-Ekun is expected to secure the job because she is the most senior justice on the Supreme Court following Justice Ariwoola. The 66-year-old new CJN may hold the post for up to four years, as opposed to the two years that most of her predecessors did on average. Justice Kekere-Ekun, who served on the Supreme Court for eleven years, will take over as the country's next Chief Justice and be president of the National Judicial Council (NJC), which is responsible for selecting, promoting, and disciplining judges.
Born on May 7, 1958, Justice Kekere-Ekun earned her LL. B. from the University of Lagos in 1980 and her LL.M. from the London School of Economics and Political Science in November 1983. July 10, 1981, was her call to the Nigerian Bar. She worked as a private practitioner from 1985 to 1989. In December 1989, the Lagos State Judiciary appointed her as a Senior Magistrate Grade II. On July 19, 1996, she was named a judge of the Lagos State High Court. From November 1996 to May 1999, she presided over the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal in Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos.
On September 22, 2004, Kekere-Ekun was promoted to the Court of Appeal, where she served in several Divisions and, in 2011 and 2012, as the presiding justice of the appellate court's Makurdi and Aku Divisions. On Monday, July 8, 2013, she was sworn in as the fifth female justice of the Nigerian Supreme Court, having been promoted to that position. She has won multiple commendation prizes and attended a great deal of classes and seminars both inside and outside of Nigeria. In addition, Justice Kekere-Ekun belongs to the International Association of Women and is a life bencher.
The president and judges have been the center of attention, especially since the nation reverted to democracy in 1999. The Supreme Court's succession dispute might be amicable for the first time in five years with Justice Kekere-Ekun taking office in a few weeks. From March 7, 2017, to January 25, 2019, Justice Walter Onnoghen was the Chief Justice of the Nigerian High Court. His departure was met with controversy, as he was accused of not declaring his assets. Judge Tanko Muhammad, who succeeded him and took office on January 25, 2019, essentially maintained the same course after being accused of treating them unfairly, especially when it came to their well-being by other justices. On June 27, 2022, he voluntarily resigned due to ill health.
The head of the government's judicial branch is the CJN. He is in charge of the National Judicial Council and the Supreme Court of the nation. Following Justice Tanko Muhammad's retirement on June 27, 2022, the departing CJN (Ariwoola) was named acting CJN. On September 21, 2022, the Nigerian Senate ratified the appointment. Nigeria's Supreme Court is the highest authority, and its rulings are final. On the NJC's recommendation, the president nominates the CJN; the Senate must then confirm the nomination. According to the Nigerian constitution, the CJN can only be removed from office by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which needs the support of a supermajority of senators, or by death or reaching the age of 70, whichever happens first.
SIMINALAYI FUBARA SUE FOR PEACE AMIDST PROTEST IN RIVERS STATE
Written by Kayode Olorundare
Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers state, has advised demonstrators to have patience, stating that things will get better after this current difficult period.
While acknowledging the terrible economic conditions of the present, Fubara insisted that they will only last temporarily due to the federal government led by President Bola Tinubu's dedication to securing a better future for all Nigerians.
He appealed to all residents in the state to be patient with President Tinubu to allow his policies to materialise and yield fruits for the good of all.
Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has told protesters to be patient, insisting that after the ongoing phase of hardship, life will be better.
Fubara acknowledged the realities of the current harsh economic conditions but maintained that it would be for a short time with the commitment of President Bola Tinubu-led federal government to secure a better future for all Nigerians.
He urged everyone living in the state to exercise patience with President Tinubu so that his initiatives can take root and bear fruit that will benefit everyone.
Gaza Strip's DEIR AL-BALAH — In response to repeated requests from outside for an international cease-fire following an increase in civilian casualties, starvation, and widespread displacement in the beleaguered enclave, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Saturday that his country's assault on Hamas in Gaza will go for "many more months." Netanyahu expressed gratitude to the Biden administration for its ongoing support, which included thwarting a resolution proposed by the U.N. Security Council that would have called for an instant cease-fire and approving a second emergency arms sale this month. The Biden administration supports Israel's claim that halting the battle now would mean triumph for Hamas, but it also encouraged Israel to take further action to protect Palestinian civilians.
Israeli jets launched more attacks on Saturday while ground troops advanced farther into the southern city of Khan Younis, hitting the urban refugee camps of Nuseirat and Bureij in the middle of the region. More than 21,600 Palestinians have died as a result of Israel's historic air and ground operations since the fatal Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, according to a statement released on Saturday by the Gaza Health Ministry. The government said that 165 Palestinians had died on the previous day, without making a distinction between fighters and civilians dead. It has been reported that women and children make up over 70% of those slain. After the IDF confirmed two additional deaths on Saturday, the total number of Israeli troops lost in the Gaza conflict now stands at 170.
Roughly 85% of Gaza's 2.3 million citizens have been forced from their homes by the conflict, prompting waves of civilians to seek safety in Israeli-designated locations that the IDF has targeted. Palestinians are left feeling that there is nowhere in the little safe area. The already packed city of Rafah, at the southern tip of Gaza, saw hundreds more Palestinians pour into it this week as Israeli soldiers increased their ground onslaught. Beside U.N. warehouses on the outskirts of Rafah, thousands of tents and improvised shacks have appeared. Arriving at Rafah on foot or in vehicles and carts filled to the brim with mattresses were the displaced people.
Those who could not find room in overcrowded shelters set up tents beside highways. "There is no water here. A displaced lady named Nour Daher spoke from the large tent camp on Saturday, saying, "We don't have enough food." "The children are hungry and thirsty when they get up in the morning. We searched for water for them for an hour. Flour could not be brought to them. It took us an hour to walk even when we needed to take them to the bathroom.
He was on the phone assisting in the search for four missing persons under the debris when he added, "The (Israeli) occupation is doing everything to force people to leave." They intend and will shatter our spirit, but they will not succeed. We intend to remain here. ADDITIONAL US ARMOUR FOR ISRAEL According to the State Department, on Friday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed Congress that he had authorized the sale of $147.5 million worth of fuses, charges, and primers—among the necessary supplies for Israel's previously purchased 155 mm shells.
This was the second time this month that the Biden administration has approved an emergency arms sale to Israel without consulting Congress. On December 9, Blinken made a similar choice, approving the transfer of around 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition valued at over $106 million to Israel. Both actions have been taken while Congress continues to debate U.S. immigration policy and border security, impeding President Joe Biden's proposal for a roughly $106 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and other national security requirements.
Legislators on the Democratic side have mentioned holding up the planned $14.3 billion in US aid to its friend in the Middle East unless Netanyahu's administration takes decisive action to lessen civilian losses in Gaza amid the conflict with Hamas. The timeline of the war Blinken, who has been to the Middle East several times throughout the conflict, was anticipated to return in January to Israel and other nations in the area. Although they stated they weren't setting a timeframe, U.S. officials have pushed Israel to begin transitioning from high-intensity fighting to more focused operations.
According to Netanyahu, Israel needs more time. "The war will continue for many more months, as the chief of staff stated this week," he declared during a live press conference on Saturday. "I'm clear about my policy. We'll keep fighting until we've accomplished every goal set out in the conflict, chief among them being the destruction of Hamas and the liberation of all hostages. Following the capture of over 240 hostages by militants on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of almost 1,200 persons, the majority of whom were civilians, over 120 hostages are still held in Gaza.
The Biden administration and Netanyahu disagree on who should rule Gaza after the conflict. He has rejected the notion, supported by the United States, that a unified Palestinian administration should rule over both Gaza and portions of the West Bank under Israeli occupation as a step toward ultimate statehood. Rather, he has insisted on unrestricted Israeli security authority over Gaza, without specifying the next course of action.
TRADING FOR HOSTAGES
Families of hostages and their supporters have demanded that the government prioritize hostage releases over other war objectives, and have staged large protests every weekend, including Saturday. Egypt, one of the mediators between Israel and Hamas, has proposed a multistage plan that would kick off with a swap of hostages for prisoners, accompanied by a temporary cease-fire — along the lines of an exchange during a weeklong truce in November. Hamas insists the war must end before it will discuss hostage releases.
Senior Hamas figure in Beirut, Osama Hamdan, reaffirmed that stance on Saturday. However, he also informed The Associated Press that "we have not given any final answer so far" to the Egyptian proposal. When questioned on Saturday about rumors of potential progress toward an agreement, Netanyahu stated, "We see a possibility, maybe, for movement," but he was careful not to create "exaggerated expectations."
EX BANK CHIEF LEMO INVITED BY CBN SPECIAL INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEE
Written by Kayode Olorundare
Babatunde Lemo, the Chairman of Titan Trust Bank Limited, requested that the meeting with investigators on December 28, 2023, be rescheduled for January 7. However, the Office of the Special Central Bank of Nigeria Investigator denied his request. The investigator issued a warning, stating that Lemo and other significant TTB shareholders may renounce their stakes in Titan Trust Bank and Union Bank Nigeria Plc if they fail to show up for today's meeting. This was stated in a letter dated December 27, 2023, which was signed by Eloho Okpoziakpo, a deputy commissioner of police, who serves as the head of operations for the Office of the Special Investigator. The correspondence was in response to one from Lemo's attorney requesting that the meeting be postponed until
The investigator also rejected a suggestion by Lemo that Mr. Cornelius Vink and Rahul Savara, the two principal shareholders of Titan Trust Bank, be given seven days to demonstrate their rightful ownership of TTB and Union Bank of Nigeria, failing which they would surrender their shares to the federal government. Lemo, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, was called by Special Investigator Jim Obazee in relation to TTB's acquisition of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. The TTB chairman was instructed to report on Thursday (today) to the Department of Force Intelligence, which is located across from the Force headquarters, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja. There, a group of detectives investigating the UBN transaction will question him.
Lemo was also told to accompany Vink and Savara to their meeting with the special investigators. According to Obazee's investigative report, Godwin Emefiele, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, employed a few people as proxies to establish Titan Trust Bank and buy Union Bank using illegally obtained money. But because he was out of Nigeria, Lemo asked for a change in the time of the meeting with the investigators in a letter written on December 27 by his attorney, G. Elias.
"Sadly, both Mr. Tunde Lemo and the two largest ultimate investors in the banks (Mr. Cornelius Vink; and Mr. Rahul Savara) are away from Nigeria at the moment for family and other reasons," the letter, which was signed by Prof. Gbolahan Elias, SAN, stated in part. This time of year, it is usually the case. They are not expected in Nigeria before January 2024's second week. As soon as they arrive, they will accept the invites.
Regarding the required material, which we previously sent to the DSS Headquarters on September 1, 2023, as shown in Annex 1 thereto, we will send it again first thing tomorrow morning for your kind consideration. Both the Banks and the individual invitees reiterate their readiness and desire to engage with their good selves on this crucial task. Lemo had already committed to attending today's meeting, thus the investigator rejected the request to postpone the meeting with the big shareholders of TTB.
It is requested that I notify you that the Special Investigator is well aware that you are celebrating your birthday in the United Kingdom. When you consented to attend a meeting set for December 28, 2023, you informed the Special Investigator of this. You also suggested that Mr. Cornelius Vink and Rahul Savara be given seven days to demonstrate their claimed ownership of Titan Trust Bank and Union Bank of Nigeria, or else forfeit the shares to the Federal Government of Nigeria. As a result, this justification provided by your kind through your attorneys is unacceptable. It is thought to be an attempt to prevent the Special Investigator from carrying out his duties.
"Cornelius Vink and Rahul Savara have never presented themselves to the Special Investigator since 28th August 2023 when they were first invited for interview," the statement reads. "We want it on record that none of you (Babatunde Lemo), nor Cornelius Vink, nor Rahul Savara, ever submitted any of these requested documents to the investigating team at the Department of State Service or anywhere else before now.
Documents supplied through proxies will not be allowed, the Special Investigator told the TTB chairman, "because Mr. Cornelius Vink, Mr. Rahul Savara, and your good self will be required to speak to whatever document(s)/information you present during the meeting." Consequently, I am to further advise you that your invitation to appear before the Special Investigator on December 28, 2023, by 2 p.m. prompt, regarding the topic under investigation, regarding which you had previously provided a statement, remains valid, the letter said.