The Nation Newspaper

Author: Yewande Fasan

  • Lere Paimo alive, not dead, says ANTP

    Lere Paimo alive, not dead, says ANTP

    The Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) has dismissed circulating rumours claiming that renowned Yoruba actor and cultural icon Olalere OsunPaimo, popularly known as Lere Paimo, has passed away.

    In a statement released on Saturday, the association’s National Public Relations Officer, Adejonwo Oluwafemi, confirmed that the veteran actor is alive and in good health, citing direct confirmation from his wife.

    The ANTP expressed concern over the spread of false information on social media and urged the public to verify news before sharing it.

     “We would like to inform the public that reports circulating on Facebook about the passing of Chief Olalere OsunPaimo (MFR) are false.

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    “We have confirmed with Baba Eda Onile Ola’s wife that he is alive and in good health.

    “Please disregard these false reports and be aware that they are being spread by unscrupulous individuals.”

    Lere Paimo, affectionately known as Baba Eda Onile Ola, is a respected figure in the Nigerian theatre and film industry.

    The ANTP appreciated the public’s concern and assures fans that the actor is doing well.

    “We urge everyone to verify information before sharing to avoid spreading misinformation,” the statement said.

  • X unveils country-based label feature to boost transparency

    X unveils country-based label feature to boost transparency

    Social Media Platform X (formerly Twitter) has introduced a new feature allowing users to view the country of origin for other accounts, aiming to increase transparency and combat foreign interference and misinformation.

    The feature, currently being rolled out on a limited basis, enables users to navigate to an account’s bio, select the join date, and access information, including the country where the account was created, its verification status, and the number of username changes.

    According to X’s head of product, Nikita Bier, the update is designed to help users verify content authenticity and stay informed about global issues.

    He wrote, “In a couple of hours, we’ll be rolling out About This Account globally, allowing you to see the country or region where an account is based. This will be accessible by tapping the signup date on profiles.

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    “This is an important first step to securing the integrity of the global town square. We plan to provide many more ways for users to verify the authenticity of the content they see on X.

    “And for those in countries where speech has penalties, we’ve included privacy toggles to only show your region.”

    The feature will initially be tested with a small group of users, including X team members, before being expanded to a broader audience.

    While supporters argue that the feature will aid in identifying accounts spreading misinformation, critics have raised concerns about user privacy, citing potential risks for individuals who may not wish to publicly disclose their location.

    In response, X has provided an option for users to display a broader geographical region or continent, rather than a specific country.

    This development forms part of X’s ongoing efforts to enhance content verification and provide users with greater context for the information they encounter on the platform.

  • Davido marks 33rd birthday, teases new album

    Davido marks 33rd birthday, teases new album

    Afrobeats sensation David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido marked his 33rd birthday today with an intimate gathering of family, close friends, and key members of his 30BG crew in Atlanta, United States.

    The celebration brought together prominent figures from his inner circle, including billionaire father Adedeji Adeleke, uncle and Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, sister Sharon Adeleke, cousins Nike and Folashade Adeleke, wife Chioma Rowland Adeleke, manager Asa, and longtime collaborator DJ ECool.

    Held ahead of a sold-out concert at the 21,000-seat State Farm Arena as part of his ongoing 5ive Alive Tour, the event featured a lively atmosphere filled with music, laughter, and heartfelt toasts.

    Videos circulating online captured Davido at the center of the festivities, surrounded by loved ones.

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    Reflecting on his path during the party, Davido highlighted his evolution from a teenage artist to a global icon.

    He noted that he released his debut single at age 17 and now, at 33, views the past year as one of his most fulfilling.

    “I dropped my first song when I was 17, and now I’m 33. This year is one of my best years ever; I got married to the most beautiful woman and we had our babies”, he said.

    The singer credited much of this joy to his recent marriage to Chioma and the arrival of his twins.

    Davido also generated buzz among fans by announcing progress on his sixth studio album, just seven months after the April 18 launch of his fifth project, 5ive.

  • How I handle ‘broke shaming’ tag from fans – M.I Abaga

    How I handle ‘broke shaming’ tag from fans – M.I Abaga

    Rapper M.I has revealed strategy for coping with the pressures of being a celebrity, particularly in regards to financial expectations from the public.

    The ‘One Naira’ hitmaker disclosed that he has made a conscious effort to accept being “broke shamed” by fans and the public, rather than allowing it to dictate his spending habits or lifestyle choices.

    According to M.I, many celebrities have fallen into financial difficulties by trying to live up to the expectations of others, rather than being true to their own financial realities.

    He emphasised that in Nigeria, where many people struggle financially, it is easy for individuals to feel pressured into projecting a certain image or lifestyle in order to avoid being judged or shamed by others.

    He also pointed out that the transient nature of wealth and fame is a reality that many celebrities often overlook, citing examples of former celebrities who were once wealthy but are now struggling financially.

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    “When I understood that people in Nigeria tend to broke shame people, I had to make a decision if I want to let that have power over me. Because if you don’t deal with that, it will have exceeding power over you.

    “If you are not comfortable with the fact that some fans can broke shame you if they see you driving a car they consider below your level, then you are going to continue adjusting to their expectations. And that is how you go broke. You go broke trying to adjust to people’s expectations.

    “One of the things that Nigerians are concerned about is their perceptions. And statistically, we are a country where most people don’t have money. It took me time to mentally prepare myself to accept being broke shamed. All our celebrities who were flying private jets 20 years ago are no longer affluent,” he expressed.

  • Young Jonn postpones album release over insecurity

    Young Jonn postpones album release over insecurity

    Afrobeats artist Young Jonn has postponed his highly anticipated album “Blue Disco” due to the worsening insecurity across the country.

    The decision comes as a response to the prevailing atmosphere of fear, grief, and uncertainty that has gripped the nation.

    In his statement on X, Young Jonn expressed deep disappointment and concerns over the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria, citing the unbearable nature of the insecurity and the need for collective action from both leaders and citizens to address these issues.

    He wrote: “It’s disheartening that Nigeria is still confronted with such overwhelming challenges; the insecurity has become unbearable, and it’s very clear that the leaders and we citizens must rise to do better, even as we pray for God’s strength to guide and sustain us through these difficult times. In light of these, I’ve decided to postpone the release of my album BLUE DISCO to a later date”.

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    The album, which was slated for release on November 21, 2025, features collaborations with several prominent artists, including Wizkid, Rema, Asake, and Olamide.

    While a new release date for “Blue Disco” has not been confirmed, Young Jonn concluded with a prayer for healing and peace across Nigeria.

    “Above all, I’m praying for healing across our nation that God restores peace, unity, and hope to Nigeria”, he added.

  • Nicki Minaj urges global action to protect Christians at UN Panel

    Nicki Minaj urges global action to protect Christians at UN Panel

    American Rapper Nicki Minaj addressed the United Nations on Tuesday, on behalf of the international community to confront what she called the targeted killing and displacement of Christians in Nigeria.

    The event, organised by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations and titled “Combatting Religious Violence and the Killing of Christians in Nigeria,” featured Minaj alongside Ambassador Mike Waltz, Nigerian faith leaders, and survivors of attacks.

    In a five-minute address streamed live on the mission’s YouTube channel, the artist spoke without notes and at times fought back tears.

    She said: “Back in way too many places… in Nigeria, Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes and killed.

    “Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart, and entire communities live in fear constantly simply because of how they pray.”

    She insisted the crisis extends far beyond Nigeria’s borders and stressed that defending one religious group does not mean opposing another.

    “Sadly, this problem is not only a growing problem in Nigeria but also in so many other countries across the world — and it demands urgent action,” she said.

    The rapper emphasised that calling for the protection of Christians should not be misinterpreted as taking sides, saying, “Protecting Christians in Nigeria is not about taking sides or dividing people. It is about uniting humanity.

    “Nigeria is a beautiful nation with deep faith traditions — and lots of beautiful Barbz that I can’t wait to see.”

    Speaking about reported attacks on places of worship, she noted, “When one’s church, mosque, or place of worship is destroyed, everyone’s heart should break just a little bit. And the foundation of the United Nations, with its core mandate to ensure peace and security, should shake.”

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    Minaj thanked President Donald Trump for elevating the issue and praised grassroots interfaith efforts.

    “I am inspired by their work to build interfaith ties, to see the humanity across the lines which might divide us, and to fight for security and liberty for all those who pray.

    “I hope it will encourage deepened solidarity for us to urgently work together to ensure every person can enjoy the right to believe, to worship, and to live in peace… Barbz”, she said.

    She ended on a lighter note, telling her Nigerian fans, known as “Barbz” that the country remains “beautiful” and that she looks forward to performing there.

    Ambassador Waltz, who introduced Minaj, described the violence as “genocide wearing the mask of chaos” and highlighted the Trump administration’s decision to redesignate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for severe violations of religious freedom.

    Nigeria’s government swiftly rejected the portrayal.

  • Mo’Hits’ split initiated by Don Jazzy – D’banj

    Mo’Hits’ split initiated by Don Jazzy – D’banj

    Afrobeats singer D’banj has revealed that his former partner and producer, Don Jazzy, was behind the decision to split Mo’Hits.

    Speaking on the Mic On podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, D’banj claimed Don Jazzy suggested they part ways, contrary to previous reports.

    D’banj stated he’s at peace with the split, saying he wouldn’t change anything.

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    He praised Don Jazzy for handing over his catalogue and some unreleased songs.

    D’banj expressed missing collaborations with Don Jazzy but believes their split was predestined.

    “If I were to go back in time, I wouldn’t have done anything differently regarding my relationship with Don Jazzy, especially when the idea to go our separate ways didn’t come from me. It came from Don Jazzy 100 per cent. And that’s why we have no issue.

    “Jazzy gave me 100 per cent of my catalogue and maybe 10 other songs I have not released… It was a journey for me, even though he had his opinion, I knew that we needed to cement that global movement and I’m glad that even after, God still did it for us with ‘Oliver Twist’, which was the last record we released together,” he remarked.

  • Loss of moral music fuels decadence-Spyro

    Loss of moral music fuels decadence-Spyro

    Afrobeats singer Spyro has criticised the music industry for losing its intrinsic value, claiming it contributes to society’s moral decline. 

    Speaking on the Adesope Live show, he stated that past artists passed meaningful messages, evoking emotions, but current music prioritises superficial content over substance.

    According to Spyro, this shift has accelerated societal decadence, urging artists to reclaim music’s lost value and focus on making an impact rather than just profit. 

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    He advocated for music that infuses values and messages, emphasising the need for change in the industry.

    He said: “In the past, artists were passing meaningful messages regardless of whatever genre they were doing. But now, music is just vibes. We are just vibing.

    “In as much as vibes are cool, I feel like music has lost its intrinsic value. Back then, you would get goosebumps listening to music. Vibes are cool. But how can we infused messages, values into vibes?

    “A lot of the decadence that we have in the society today can be traced to the fact that music has lost its value. We are now just singing for money. A lot of us are into the business for money, not to make impact.”

  • Portable goes back to school

    Portable goes back to school

    Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola popularly known as Portable, has announced plans to further his education.

    Despite already holding an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) from Kwara State Polytechnic, the “Zazu” singer said additional knowledge is essential to navigating the complex business side of the music industry.

    According to him, his decision to go back to school is driven by a desire to take control of his music career, particularly in areas such as royalties and business deals.

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    He said: “Even though I already have an OND from Kwara State Polytechnic, I still want to further my education so I can understand my music royalties and business deals better, especially for my record label, Zeh Nation.”

    Portable said by acquiring this knowledge, he aims to ensure that his music empire is managed effectively, and he is not solely reliant on others for guidance.

  • Regina Daniels’ parents reunite to secure brother’s release

    Regina Daniels’ parents reunite to secure brother’s release

    Actress Regina Daniels has expressed gratitude to her parents for unwavering support and efforts to secure her brother Sammy West’s release after his alleged arrest.

    In an Instagram post, Regina commended them for putting aside their differences and working together for the sake of their children’s happiness and well-being.

    She revealed that her parents are in Abuja actively working to secure Sammy’s release.

    Regina expressed frustration at the prolonged detention, stating that it was taking too long but was confident that they would get her brother out.

    The mother of two, also took the opportunity to praise her parents’ dedication to their children, describing her father as a seasoned lawyer who would have achieved more if not for challenges.

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    She also referred to her mother as a “powerhouse” who would do anything for her children.

    “Two concluded sworn enemies reuniting with no negative ulterior motive other than their daughter’s happiness. And I dare question God for putting me in this situation? They are currently in Abuja. Sammy’s detainment is taking. Way too long, but we will get him out, or rather, I will march there myself and create a storm! Since they want me!

    “My father is a lawyer. Actually, one of the biggest back in the day, but Nigeria happened. I’ll tell you more about my father later, and my mother? She’s a powerhouse ! . They would do anything for their children. I love you, Mom and Dad! This is all I actually ever wanted,“ she wrote.