Some stakeholders drawn from artisans, youths, students, professionals and the business community have jointly endorsed the Senator representing Adamawa Central, Aminu Iya Abbas for the governorship race in the 2027 election.
The groups gave the endorsement in a joint press statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja and signed by leaders of four major interest groups across the state.
The leaders include: Comrade Aliyu Liman, Artisans Association of Adamawa State (AAAS); Aisha Abdullahi, Coalition of Adamawa Youth For Good Governance (CAYGG); Engr. Murktar Adamu, Adamawa Businessmen’s Forum (ABF) and Dr. Lawal Abdullahi, Adamawa Professionals Network (APN).
The groups described Senator Abbas, who represents Adamawa Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, as the most credible aspirant capable of securing victory for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and delivering inclusive development to the state.
Award-winning singer Ayra Starr has expressed desire to collaborate with Afrobeats star Burna Boy, naming him as her top choice.
In a recent interview with Billboard, Starr revealed that she is eager to work with Burna Boy, saying, “Everybody knows Burna Boy is like my number one person I want to collaborate with.
“I’ve collaborated with a lot of people, and I still want to collaborate with many more people,” Ayra Starr said.
Ayra’s comments come after her two Grammy nominations, including Best African Music Performance for her collaboration with Wizkid on “Gimme Dat.”
The nominations were announced in November 2025 ahead of the Grammy Awards ceremony scheduled for February 1, 2026.
Reacting to the recognition, the singer described the nomination as a moment of reassurance in her career.
“I remember I was so excited. I was like, ‘Oh my God. Oh my God. I knew it. I knew it.
“Every day I feel happy. I’m very grateful. Every day it’s like a new feeling — ‘Oh, I’m actually a two-time Grammy nominee,” she said.
Comparing her first and second nominations, Ayra said, “The first time I got nominated, it was like, ‘Oh my God, I got nominated. This is crazy.’ But the second time felt like reassurance and just like, ‘Oh, I’m good at this. I know what I’m doing.’”
She added, “Maybe I need to trust God and myself a bit more.”
The song, which samples 911 by Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige, has been a major factor in her growing global recognition.
Speaking on the inspiration behind “Gimme Dat,” Starr revealed that she was unaware of the song’s origins until the recording process.
She said, “To be honest, I was born in 2002, so I didn’t really know exactly. I didn’t really know until I was recording the song and Don Jazzy was like, ‘Okay, this is a 911 sample.’ Then I went and did my research, and I was like, Wow.”
She added that the experience felt symbolic.
“The crazy thing was that the studio I was recording in was also Wyclef’s studio, and I did not know that at the time. So it felt like everything was just meant to be,” she said.
Starr also opened up about struggling with her voice while recording the track, saying, “First of all, I sounded horrible… The engineer knew I sounded horrible. I sounded bad the first day.”
The Mavin signee explained that she returned to the studio the day after despite still battling vocal issues.
“My voice was still all over the place, but I was very, very determined. I wanted to sound great. I gave my all, and we thank God for technology. It came out beautiful.”
She added that ‘Gimme Dat’ was initially intended to be her solo single before Wizkid joined the project.
“I recorded this song maybe six or eight months before it actually came out. This was before Wizkid even jumped on it. It was supposed to be just my single.”
She added, “When we got Wizkid on the track, I was like, ‘You know what? It’s time.’ It came together perfectly at the right time.”
On the growing global recognition of African music, Ayra Starr said the moment reflects a broader shift.
“I feel like it’s Africa’s time music-wise,” she said. “We’ve always made amazing music, and the world is just catching up.”
Looking ahead, Starr said she is focused on creating new music and exploring other creative ventures. “One thing I’m doing this year is creating whatever I want to exist,” she said. “I’m working on an album. I’m not done. By God’s grace — a book.”
A pro-gender equality group, Male Feminists Network (MFN), has appealed to the National Assembly to pass the special seat bill for women in the legislative arm ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Project Director for the network, Dr. Otive Igbuzor made the appeal in Abuja during a two-day capacity-building programme for women’s rights organisations on engaging male allies.
The human development expert lamented that the country has one of the global worst records of women participation in politics, stressing that the lawmakers have a patriotic role to play in changing the narratives.
Igbuzor noted that African countries with increased women participation in politics did it through constitutional provisions.
He advised the National Assembly to do the needful and pass the bill.
According to the Male Feminist enthusiast: “The 10th National Assembly would be writing its name in gold if they pass the special seat bill for women in order to boost women participation in politics and in decision making.”
Highlighting the efforts of the network at curbing gender-based violence (GBV) and promote gender equality across the country, Igbuzor said no fewer than 3,200 Nigerian men have been trained and certified as feminist allies under the MFN project.
He said the two-year national project (2025–2027) implemented by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD) has been executed through six zonal partners covering Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
He added that the initiative was created to address a long-standing gap in gender justice advocacy—mobilising men to take responsibility for dismantling patriarchy rather than remaining silent beneficiaries of unequal systems.
According to him: “Patriarchy is produced, enforced, and defended within male-dominated systems. It cannot be dismantled without men changing their beliefs, behaviours, and use of power,” he said.
To actualise the initiative, Igbuzor said 52 master trainers nationwide were trained, adding that they cascaded the training to over 500 additional trainers across the six geopolitical zones of the country
He added that the project has also the launch of the world’s first online course dedicated exclusively to Male Feminism and GBV prevention.
According to him: “Since its introduction, the platform has attracted 8,552 participants, with 3,150 Nigerians successfully completing the course and earning certification.
“These men are not just learning; they are taking action—leading conversations in their communities, challenging harmful gender norms, and supporting women’s rights initiatives,” Igbuzor noted.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba, Iba Gani Adams, has raised concerns over the recurring and rising supremacy tussles among Yoruba monarchs, warning that the growing trend poses a serious threat to the ethnic’s heritage, social cohesion and developmental prospects.
Speaking during 2026 Oodua Festival in front of the palace of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Adams called for unity among traditional rulers in Yoruba land to prevent external infiltrations.
He lamented the disunity among traditional rulers in Yorubaland, describing the development as ‘ugly.”
He said: “The development threatens the cultural heritage, social cohesion and developmental prospects.”
The Generalissimo of Yoruba land added “The level of disunity is now at an alarming level. I respectfully call on all our traditional rulers to jettison the supremacy battles that are threatening to tear us apart.
“We should unite to prevent external infiltrations. We need our traditional rulers to resume speaking with one voice for the progress of Yorubaland and southwest region, rather than fighting for personal aggrandisement and interests.”
He blamed the ego fight between Yoruba monarchs on political interferences, personal rivalries which undermine the collective strength and influence of the traditional institution.
He urged political establishment, Yoruba elders and leaders to step in and mediate among traditional rulers.
Afrobeats singer Iyanya has spoken on ongoing struggle with maintaining celibacy, admitting that his resolve often weakens in the presence of attractive women.
The ‘Ur Waist’ crooner, in an interview on Afropolitan podcast, explained that his attempts at celibacy are inconsistent, often leading to regret.
“My celibacy fluctuates; it goes up and down. Sometimes you are trying to stay celibate and you run into a girl who gives you all the reasons not to be celibate. You do what you have to do, you now start missing the celibacy again,” he explained.
The singer also stated that he is not considering marriage, citing mental unreadiness.
He emphasised commitment to honesty, informing potential partners of his emotional state and limitations.
“I am not thinking of getting married… So, I am very honest when I meet people now. I think that is what has helped me a lot. When I meet you I don’t go, ‘Oh! I’m crazy about you.’ When I meet you I go, ‘Listen, I’m healing. Don’t expect so much from me.’
“Maybe, when I was younger, I wouldn’t mind, I would just say what you want to hear. But now what has really helped me a lot is just saying, ‘I’m not in that space and I’m not going to lie to you or play with your emotions’,” he added.
Afrobeats singers Wizkid, Burna Boy and Asake are set to headline the Afro Nation 2026 festival in Portugal.
The organisers revealed the lineup in a post on X, featuring leading Afrobeats, R&B, dancehall and amapiano stars.
“PHASE 3 IS HERE. Legacy energy meets Afro Nation debuts. This is the sound of a summer taking shape,” the organisers wrote in the caption accompanying the lineup poster.
The three-day event will take place from July 3 to July 5, 2026, at Praia da Rocha Beach in Portimão, Portugal.
Alexer Peres, ex-wife of singer Harrysong, has announced she’s temporarily giving up custody of their two kids, aged four and three.
In an emotional video, Alexer said she’s been shouldering responsibilities alone since their separation with the kids visiting their dad occasionally.
“I didn’t plan to come on here but I want this to serve as evidence that I’m making the hardest decision of my life. At this point, I have no option. I’ve been doing my best for my kids. They visit their dad and school from my place. It’s been two years,” she said.
She accused Harrysong of constant harassment and interference, saying she’s “tired” and needs a break.
Alexer claimed Harrysong shows up unannounced at her place, frustrating efforts to care for the kids.
“This man has not let me rest. He frustrates my efforts and harasses me everywhere,” she said.
“I’m tired. There are many allegations in the petition he brought. I will respond in good time, but for now, the emotional pressure is too much.
“I’m giving him custody for now. That doesn’t mean I won’t come back for my children,” she said.
According to her, leaving her kids with the father’s domestic staff in his absence is worrisome, saying their dad is rarely around.
“They are just four and three years old. You want them to live with house help because I refused to come back,” she said.
She acknowledged that her ex-husband might challenge her claims publicly, saying, “He will come out to counter everything. I’m not doing this because I’m weak. I need to live.”
She further requested for the safety of her children, adding that she’ll come back for them, saying, “No mother wants to live without her children, But I don’t know what else to do. I’ll always come back. I want you in my life.”
The couple got married in 2021 and have been open about their marital struggles.
Harrysong had requested privacy during their challenging time, and Alexer announced she was “officially done” in January 2024.
The coalition of FCT indigenes and residents organisations have condemned the persistent calls for the sack of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
The indigenes urged President Bola Tinubu to shun all naysayers behind such calls.
The coalition led by Princess Ajibola said
since the appointment of Wike,.the city has witnessed a renewed sense of purpose, urgency, and direction.
She said the FCT is no longer defined by abandoned projects, endless excuses, or policy paralysis. Instead, we see action, courage, and results.
“Across the city centre and the satellite towns, long-neglected infrastructure is receiving attention. Critical road projects are being completed or revived. Urban renewal is no longer a slogan—it is a reality. Public order, land administration reforms, and the restoration of Abuja’s master plan are being pursued with uncommon political will. For the first time in a long while, residents can clearly see where leadership is headed.
“We, the indigenes and residents of the FCT, say clearly today: we see the work, and we appreciate the work.
“Leadership is not about pleasing everyone; it is about doing what is right for the common good. Transforming a capital city as complex as Abuja requires firmness, clarity of vision, and the courage to take difficult decisions. Minister Wike has demonstrated these qualities without apology.
“Let it be on record that the people of the FCT stand with him. We stand with him because development is happening. We stand with him because governance has direction. We stand with him because Abuja deserves leadership that works—not leadership that watches.
“However, we must also speak plainly.
To those who see progress as a threat to their personal interests; to those who thrive on chaos, abandoned projects, and policy failure; to political detractors and professional distractors who are uncomfortable with results— we issue a firm and responsible warning.
“The FCT is not a battleground for political vendettas. It is the capital of our nation and the home of millions of law-abiding citizens. Attempts to distract, malign, or sabotage genuine efforts at development will be resisted—not with violence, but with civic unity, lawful engagement, and the power of public opinion.
“We call on all political actors to put Abuja first. Allow the Minister to continue his work. Allow projects to be completed. Allow reforms to take root. Democracy thrives when leaders are judged by performance, not propaganda.
“As a coalition, we reaffirm our commitment to constructive engagement, peace, and national unity. We believe that when Abuja works, Nigeria works. When the capital reflects order, development, and fairness, the nation benefits.
Honourable Minister, we encourage you to remain focused. The voices of distraction are loud, but the voices of grateful citizens are louder. History will remember those who built, not those who tried to pull down.
“In conclusion, we say with one voice:
Transform the capital. Complete the work. The people are with you.
God bless the Federal Capital Territory.
“At this point, we must expressly appreciate and commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his vision, courage, and statesmanship in appointing Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, as the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
“Mr. President’s decision rose above political affiliations, electoral history, and narrow sentiments. It reflected a clear understanding that nation-building requires competence, capacity, and courage, wherever they may be found. By this appointment, Mr. President placed national interest above partisan considerations—and the results are evident for all to see.
“We note with appreciation that President Tinubu himself has, on several occasions, openly commended the Honourable Minister for his performance, dedication, and commitment to delivering results in the FCT. This presidential commendation is not symbolic; it is a reflection of measurable progress and effective governance,” she said
Edo Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has redeployed his Chief of Staff, Hon Gani Audu, to serve as Commissioner in the Ministry of Oil and Gas.
Okpebholo replaced Audu with the Commissioner for Lands and Housing,
Hon. Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa.
A statement by Secretary to the Edo State Government, Musa Ikhilor, said the Governor did a minor cabinet reshuffle.
The statement said the minor cabinet reshuffle was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance, enhance service delivery, and promote greater efficiency in the administration of state affairs.
It said Commissioner for Oil and Gas Resources, Barr. Vincent Osas Uwadiae, was redeployed to the Ministry of Lands and Housing.
The nomination of Audu as Commissioner, according to the statement, is subject to confirmation by the Edo State House of Assembly.
“This minor cabinet reshuffle takes effect from 30th January, 2026.
“His Excellency expresses confidence that these strategic adjustments will further enhance coordination, policy implementation, and effective governance in Edo State.”
Approximately 500 lawyers, organised under the Concerned Lawyers for Probity and Justice, demonstrated at the Federal Ministry of Finance on Friday in solidarity with indigenous contractors owed an estimated ₦4 trillion for completed capital projects.
The group, collaborating with the Enough is Enough Movement and the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), alleged selective payments and favoritism.
The action follows repeated protests by contractors in recent weeks, including blockades of the ministry’s entrance that prevented the Minister of State for Finance from accessing her office.
Contractors claim that despite partial disbursements after demonstrations in December 2025, the majority of verified debts remain unsettled, exacerbating financial hardship.
The lawyers, in a statement, described the situation as causing widespread distress among contractors and their families.
The statement signed by Barrister Precious Isi Okoh highlighted cases where individuals who borrowed at high interest rates to fund projects now face asset seizures by banks, including homes and vehicles, leading to family disruptions and severe economic strain.
Okoh emphasised the broader impact, noting that stalled payments have resulted in job losses for thousands of workers in construction and related sectors, reduced local economic activity, and hindered national development.
He added: “Contractors who borrowed from banks at high interest rates to fund these projects now face relentless loan defaults, with banks seizing homes, vehicles, and other assets.
“Wives and children watch their breadwinners sink into despair, some pushed to the brink of mental breakdown or worse.
“Entire households have been uprooted, dreams shattered, and futures stolen—all because payments promised and earned have not been made.
“Beyond individual suffering, the ripple effects cripple our national economy. These contractors employ thousands of workers—masons, engineers, labourers—who depend on steady contracts for survival.
“When payments stall, jobs vanish, purchasing power drops, local markets suffer, and economic growth grinds to a halt. A nation that starves its own builders starves itself of progress.”
The lawyers cited constitutional provisions to support their position.
“Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) requires the State to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power—yet withholding earned payments from citizens who delivered is a clear abuse that breeds distrust and hardship,” the statement read.
“Section 16(2)(b) further obliges the State to manage resources for the maximum welfare and happiness of every citizen—payments to these contractors would inject vital capital back into the economy, supporting families and fuelling development.”
They called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene directly to ensure accountability and prompt full release of verified funds.
The lawyers warned that without swift action, they would pursue legal remedies, including court enforcement of contractual rights and public interest litigation as well as seek international monitoring of the payment process.
