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  • By-elections to hold in Kano, Rivers Feb 21

    By-elections to hold in Kano, Rivers Feb 21

    • INEC: FCT Area council poll same day

    Ten parties will be fielding candidates to fill vacant seats in the Kano State House of Assembly fixed for February 21 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), the Action Democratic Party (ADP) and eight other parties have shown interest in the by-elections, following an assurance by the electoral umpire to ensure hitch-free polls.

    INEC had earlier served a notice of election into the six Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory and two state constituencies in Rivers State.

    In Kano, the parties will be jostling to fill vacant seats in Kano Municipal and Ungogo state constituencies. The vacancies were created by the demise of two lawmakers representing the areas.

    The two lawmakers – Aminu Saad Ungogo (Ungogo State Constituency) and Sarki Aliyu Daneji (Kano Municipal Constituency) – died mysteriously within hours on December 24 last year.

    Ungogo passed away after collapsing at the Assembly complex, while Daneji died shortly after, throwing the state into mourning.

    Kano’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ambassador Abdullahi Zango, assured that “INEC is fully prepared to conduct a smooth, credible, and hitch-free election.”

    The by-elections aim to restore equitable representation in the Assembly and strengthen grassroots democratic governance.

    INEC is conducting elections into the six Area Councils of Abuja Municipal, Kuje, Kwali, Abaji, Gwagwalada and Bwari as well as the state constituency elections in Ahoado East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers State.

    The Area Council polls will mark the end of tenure for elected officials. The Rivers by-elections are to fill vacant seats as a result of deaths.

    Read Also: Why Southeast APC endorsed Tinubu ahead 2027 elections

    Efforts by the commission to conduct elections in the two constituencies had failed in the past.

    The commission said the publication of the notice of election is in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

    Preparations for the conduct of the elections in the affected areas are at an advanced stage, with the distribution of permanent voter cards across the areas

    But the commission is yet to announce a date for the conduct of by-elections into vacant Senatorial seats in Ondo, Enugu and Nasarawa states.

    The three senatorial seats became vacant following the demise of senators Okey Ezra (Enugu) and Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa) and the appointment of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo) as an Ambassador by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Senate President Goodwill Akpabio is expected to officially declare the seats vacant in a communication to INEC before the commission will fix a date for the by-elections.

  • Jesu Loba ignites breakthrough for Lesh twins

    Jesu Loba ignites breakthrough for Lesh twins

    Following the release of their first single, ‘Jesu Loba,’ in 2025, Taiwo and Kehinde Leshaodo aka Lesh twins have witnessed a significant breakthrough in their career as emerging artists.

    Following the song’s release in late October 2025, the twins have been getting commendations from far and near as the single was met with positive reception from listeners and the gospel music industry.

    ‘Jesu Loba,’ which was critically reviewed before its release by industry eggheads, reflects the Lesh twins’ strength in infusing different styles of music and contributing positively to the growing gospel music industry.

    The single has also helped the Lesh twins expand their reach across the UK and Nigeria and gained considerable streaming numbers.

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    The song has also led to new opportunities for the Lesh Twins including collaborations with new producers, other gospel music stars and invitations to perform in multiple events in 2026.

    Jesu Loba also positioned the sisters as the pioneers of a fresh gospel sound that the Nigerian and international music industry have been yearning for.

    The twins have continued to get accolades and commendations from fans, who actively engaged with the song across all digital platforms and praised the twins for the catchy melody and inspiring lyrics of the song, ‘Jesu Loba.’

    The single recorded early engagement on streaming platforms like Spotify, YouTube and Audiomack indicating a strong interest from fans both in the UK and Nigeria.

    Listeners also responded positively to the genre of the sound as it infused highlife, Afrobeats and gospel.

    The single is considered significant for the emerging stars as it reignited the blend of traditional and modern sounds to give gospel music a fresh feel.

  • Stephen Akintayo hosts 4-hour gospel praise marathon

    Stephen Akintayo hosts 4-hour gospel praise marathon

    In celebration of his 40th birthday, Stephen Akintayo, founder of Gtext Holdings, held a four-hour praise celebration held at the Oriental Hotel.

    To commemorate the milestone, Akintayo hosted a marathon praise event, featuring an intense worship session led by Steve Hills and Tkeyz. The atmosphere was further energized with dance ministrations from Blessing Lopez and gospel singer Onos Ariyo.

    One of the notable goodwill messages at the event came from Cosmas Maduka, founder and chairman of the Coscharis Group, who described Akintayo as a rare individual with an exceptional heart.

    “Dr. Stephen Akintayo is a young man who scares his fears. I am shocked he is 40; one would think he is much older. He walks with seasoned and established people. He has washed his hands with the elders and can eat with them. Considering what he has achieved at this age, I am convinced that there is much more ahead,” Maduka said.

    Also speaking at the celebration, former Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro, reflected on his early encounters with Akintayo in the industry, describing him as humble and deeply rooted despite his success.

    “I have known Dr. Stephen for a very long time, and I am grateful to see how far God has brought him. Many people get to this height and forget their roots, but Dr. Stephen is different. He constantly acknowledges his source, and that is why we are all gathered here to celebrate God in his life,” Okiro said.

    Mrs. Godfrey Ogbechie, wife of the Group Managing Director, Rain Oil lauded Stephen for his strides in real estate.

    Read Also: Abundant Life hosts Christmas Praise Experience

    “Dr. Stephen is a great man. I have watched and read about him afar. Then we became close, I am grateful for that. He is a very focused and industrious young man,” she added.

    From the Bahamas, Dr. Dave Burrows, Lead Pastor of Bahamas Faith Ministries International, also sent his goodwill message to the celebrant.

    The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Pastor Godman Akinlabi, Global Lead Pastor of The Elevation Church; Pastor Seun Osigbesan and Seun Osigbesan; Tope Mark-Odigie, entrepreneur and Co-host of TVC’s Your View, Zaaki Azzay, a renowned Nigerian singer, among others.

    Born in the Gonge area of Maiduguri, Borno State, Akintayo began his entrepreneurial journey with Gilead Balm Group, a company that initially provided database-driven marketing solutions, helping Nigerians reach prospects through curated phone-number databases. The business later evolved into what is now known as Gtext Holdings.

  • I want to use my music to promote international peace, says Emperor Joe

    I want to use my music to promote international peace, says Emperor Joe

    A budding Nigerian artist, Joseph Olubayo Osupala aka Emperor Joe, has expressed his desire to use his music as a platform to promote international peace, social harmony and cultural integration.

    The emerging musician, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education (English Language) from the University of Ado-Ekiti, said his artistic vision goes beyond entertainment, focusing on spreading messages that encourage unity across cultures, ethnicities and religious backgrounds.

    Emperor Joe explained that music remains one of the strongest universal languages, capable of bridging divides and fostering understanding among people from different parts of the world.

    Through his songs, he seeks to promote a culture of peace while projecting gospel values that emphasise love, tolerance and coexistence.

    Read Also: Austine Onuoha serenades theatre with The Bride musical play

    Some of his songs include ‘Sound of Victory,’ ‘Sure Mercy,’ ‘Lifted Soul,’ and ‘Iro Didun,’ which are currently available on major streaming platforms. The tracks reflect his commitment to using music as a tool for inspiration, spiritual upliftment and positive social messaging.

    This fusion of education and creativity has helped shape his identity as an artist with a strong message and purpose.

    In an era marked by rising global tensions and social fragmentation, the artist believes musicians have a responsibility to influence positive change.

    He hopes to emerge as a global voice advocating peace culture and social responsibility through music.

  • Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: Afrobeat legend to get prestigious Grammy award

    Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: Afrobeat legend to get prestigious Grammy award

    Twenty Nine years after the death of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the Afrobeat progenitor will be honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award by the Recording Academy, producers of the global music award, Grammy.

    For the 68th edition of the awards ceremony, which takes place on January 31, 2026, Fela will be honoured with the lifetime achievement awards ahead of his 88th posthumous birthday on October 15, 2026. The award will be received in Los Angeles, United States of America by Yeni Kuti, Femi Kuti and Kunle Kuti, representing the family and the wider Afrobeat community.

    The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, established in 1962, honours performers with outstanding creative contributions to recording, and who, during their lifetimes, made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording. The first recipient of the award was Bing Crosby in 1963.

    The Academy credits the late Fela with shaping modern Nigerian Afrobeats, influencing global artists such as Beyoncé, Paul McCartney and Thom Yorke, and leaving a legacy that lives on through his family, the Kalakuta Museum and the New Afrika Shrine. As the creator of Afrobeat, he composed, recorded and performed over 200 songs.

    In 2025, Fela’s 1976 album ‘Zombie’ was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The honour was accepted by his sons Femi and Seun Kuti. Although Fela never received a Grammy nomination while alive, he has now been rewarded for his inestimable contributions to the world of music with the posthumous honour and Lifetime Achievement Awards. His sons and grandson have earned multiple Grammy nominations. Between the sons and grandson, the Kuti family has a total of eight Grammy nominations with Femi Kuti receiving six across the World Music and Global Music categories, Seun Kuti receiving one nomination in the Best World Music Album category and Made Kuti receiving a nomination.

    Read Also: Fela, Wizkid comparison: A storm in a teacup?

    Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, a Nigerian musician, bandleader and activist who pioneered Afrobeat lived between October 15, 1938 and August 2, 1997. He became one of the most influential cultural figures in modern African history.

    He studied classical music at Trinity College of Music, London – now known as Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance – from 1959, playing in jazz and rock bands and experimenting with styles that later shaped Afrobeat. 

    Fela developed and created an uncommon sound by fusing highlife, jazz, funk, and traditional Yoruba music with extended grooves, horn arrangements and politically charged lyrics. He christened it Afrobeat. This genre, Afrobeat, became the sonic foundation for modern Nigerian and African popular music widely known as Afrobeats. Many Nigerian and African artists draw their influences from Fela’s sounds and songs. Fela on Broadway, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, Felabration art exhibitions and more are all part of Fela’s ever lasting legacy.

    Fela’s activism saw him attacking military rule, corruption and social injustice in Nigeria, which led to repeated harassment, raids and imprisonment by successive military regimes through his reign as a musician.

    Although Fela died two years before the current democratic dispensation in Nigeria, his children have preserved and grown his legacy. Yeni, Femi and Seun Kuti have become custodians of their father’s work while also extending and adapting his vision to contemporary African struggles and global platforms.

    Yeni Kuti conceived Felabration, a festival in honour of the life of the musician and activist; The New Afrika Shrine, a living cultural hub that presents live Afrobeat performances, debates, and art rooted in Fela’s ethos is run by Femi and Yeni Kuti; and the Kalakuta Museum, Fela’s former residence in Ikeja, which functions as an archive and tourist site that keeps his story accessible to new audiences is managed by Kunle Kuti.

    In the same vein, Yeni, Femi and Kunle Kuti have been formally recognised by courts as the administrators of Fela’s Estate, to which they collectively make key decisions about the use of Fela’s name, image, likeness and other intellectual property, ensuring that projects align with his values and the family’s long-term vision.

  • Opulence entertainment unveils Osa’s Vantage

    Opulence entertainment unveils Osa’s Vantage

    • By Ganiyat Mumuni

    Opulence Entertainment has officially unveiled ‘Osa’s Vantage,’ a Hollywood original television series focused on the experiences and global ambitions of black professionals.

    The film was unveiled with a special event attended by industry stakeholders and cultural leaders. The guests include the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, Senator Daisy Danjuma among others.

    Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)of Opulence Entertainment, Owen Osagie Odigie, said the series has been in development for nearly two years and is inspired by his personal journey across finance, leadership and creative storytelling.

    Odigie, a Columbia Business School graduate, who served as student body president and commencement speaker, said the idea for ‘Osa’s Vantage’ emerged from a noticeable gap in global media representation.

    “I observed a shortage of authentic stories that capture the realities of young Black professionals not just in New York or the United States, but globally,” he said.

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    Odigie, who was motivated to address this gap, said he made the decision to walk away from a career in Wall Street consulting to establish Opulence Entertainment, a company built around creativity, capital and culture.

    “This approach allows us to own and scale the project while partnering with global distributors such as Netflix, Amazon and HBO,” he explained.

    The project has attracted 14 investors from the United States, the United Kingdom and Nigeria with at least three Nigerian investors already confirmed and more expected to come on board.

    ‘Osa’s Vantage’ centers on what Odigie described as global Black ambition, a theme that shapes both the narrative focus and the operational philosophy of the series.

    “The series begins with my story, but the vision is to eventually tell the stories of Black professionals around the world,” he said.

  • AFCON  2025 Final  fiasco: Uchegbulam lauds CAF’s hefty penalties for  Morocco, Sénégal

    AFCON  2025 Final  fiasco: Uchegbulam lauds CAF’s hefty penalties for  Morocco, Sénégal

    • Calls for stiffer punishment on laser usage in African football

    Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam, former Vice-President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Board of Appeal, has commended the continental soccer ruling body for sanctions handed down following disorderly behavior by officials, players, and fans during the ill-fated 2025 AFCON Final between Morocco and Senegal on January 18 at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

    CAF’s Disciplinary Committee on Wednesday sanctioned several individuals involved in the melee, including suspending Senegal coach Pape Thiaw for five games and fining him $100,000 for “unsporting conduct” after he instructed his players to leave the pitch during the final.

    Read Also; FULL LIST: Clubs with direct qualifications for Champions League Round of 16

    The Senegalese federation was fined $615,000 for the team’s conduct and fan behavior, while players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-match suspensions for unsporting behavior toward the referee.

    Hosts Morocco were also sanctioned with fines totaling $315,000 for ball boy conduct, player and staff behavior in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) area, and supporters’ use of laser pointers.

    Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi (two CAF matches, one suspended for a year) and Ismael Saibari (three CAF matches) were suspended for unsporting conduct after attempting to remove pitch-side towels from Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy during torrential rain in Rabat.

    However, Morocco’s bid to overturn the match result—following Senegal players’ pitch exit that caused a 14-minute delay—was dismissed by CAF’s Disciplinary Committee.

    Uchegbulam, former 1st Vice-President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), said the penalties were appropriate and commended the panel for delivering balanced judgment.

    “Frankly, I think the sanctions meted out to both countries, especially Senegal, were in order,” Uchegbulam, who adjudicated disciplinary matters at CAF for 12 uninterrupted years between 2006 and 2018, told NationSports. “The committee showed courage in their handling of Senegal because harsh decisions could have jeopardized their campaign at the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.”

    Uchegbulam argued it would have been wrong for CAF’s Disciplinary Committee to grant Morocco’s request to overturn the result. “They cannot strip Senegal of their title since the match was concluded,” he stated.

    Nevertheless, Uchegbulam told NationSports he expected stiffer sanctions regarding laser use by Moroccan fans and Atlas Lions captain Hakimi’s conduct to serve as future deterrents.

    “They should have imposed a bigger penalty for laser use because this has become rampant with North African fans. It’s very unsportsmanlike, and they do this even at club competition level,” he said matter-of-factly.

    “As for Hakimi, I’m disappointed in his behavior. Can he do all of that in Europe where he plays for PSG? He deserved a bigger punishment.”

  • Tinubu condoles Chukwueze on mother’s passing

    Tinubu condoles Chukwueze on mother’s passing

    • NFF grieves with Super Eagles’ forward

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his condolences to Super Eagles forward, Samuel Chukwueze, on the passing of his mother, Mrs Sarah Chukwueze.

    The announcement of Mrs Chukwueze’s passing was made by Samuel’s sister, Princess Chukwueze, and his brother, David, on their respective social media platforms yesterday, 29th  January 2026, stating that the matriarch of the family had died after a brief illness.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President  extended his sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased.

    Read Also; AFCON 2025: CAF slams Senegal, Morocco for final chaos

    President Tinubu said he mourns with the Chukwueze family and encouraged them to find solace in the fond memories and enduring legacy of their late matriarch.

    He described the loss as deeply saddening, noting that it came only days after the passing of the father of Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi.

     “The passing of Mrs Chukwueze, the mother of one of our bright football stars, just a few days after the passing of Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi’s father, is deeply saddening. I mourn with them, and I am with them in prayers during this difficult time,” the President said.

    President Tinubu prayed that God Almighty would grant the departed eternal rest and comfort the Chukwueze family at this difficult time.

    Speaking in the same vein, a distraught General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said: “We are aware that Mrs Sarah Chukwueze was a vital and supportive presence in the lives of her children, including our international player, Samuel Chukwueze. Samuel has always, at every opportunity, acknowledged his mother’s influence on his professional development.”

     “We are sad at her departure, coming only a few days after we had to mourn the sudden passing of the father of Super Eagles’ captain, Wilfred Ndidi.

     “We pray that God will grant her eternal rest, and also grant those she has left behind, including Samuel and his siblings, the fortitude to bear the big loss.

  • NPFL: Ikorodu City edge 3SC in South West derby as Kun Khalifat ends winless run 

    NPFL: Ikorodu City edge 3SC in South West derby as Kun Khalifat ends winless run 

    Ikorodu City climbed back into third place on the Nigeria Premier Football League table after edging Shooting Stars 1–0 in a fiercely contested South-West derby concluded yesterday.

    The Oga Boys struck as early as the second minute through Joseph Arumala, a goal that proved decisive and earned them maximum three points, pushing their tally to 38 points.

    The win saw Ikorodu City leapfrog Abia Warriors into third place, although both sides are level on points. Shooting Stars, despite the narrow defeat, remain sixth with 35 points, having earned no points from the encounter.

    In Owerri, Kun Khalifat finally snapped a seven-game winless run with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Kwara United at the Dan Anyiam Stadium. Chikamso Amaefula’s 52nd -minute strike sealed the much-needed three points for the Pride of Imo, their first home win since November 30 when they beat Plateau United 2–1.

    Despite the victory, Kun Khalifat remain bottom of the table on 22 points, while Kwara United dropped to 19th place with 24 points after failing to pick up any points from the clash.

    At the Southern University Stadium in Ozoro, Warri Wolves pulled off one of the results of the round by defeating reigning champions Remo Stars 1–0. Chisom Orji’s 52nd-minute goal earned the Seasiders three points, lifting them to ninth place on 33 points. The defeat leaves Remo Stars deep in trouble, sitting 17th  with 26 points, firmly in the relegation battle.

    Read Also; FULL LIST: Clubs with direct qualifications for Champions League Round of 16

    Earlier at the same venue, Bayelsa United were held to a goalless draw by Niger Tornadoes. Both sides settled for one point apiece, leaving the Prosperity Boys 13th on 28 points, while Tornadoes stayed seventh with 33 points.

    In Benin City, Bendel Insurance extended their winless run to two games after playing out a 0–0 draw with Barau FC at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. The result earned both teams one point each, with Insurance now eighth on 33 points, while Barau FC sit 16th with 26 points.

    Matchday 23:  Results

    Kun Khalifat 1–0 Kwara United

    Ikorodu City 1–0 Shooting Stars

    Warri Wolves 1–0 Remo Stars

    Bendel Insurance 0–0 Barau FC

    Bayelsa United 0–0 Niger Tornadoes

  • Olisa Ndah, Orlando Pirates  part ways by mutual consent

    Olisa Ndah, Orlando Pirates  part ways by mutual consent

    Orlando Pirates have seen another of their centre-backs leave after the departure of Nigeria international Olisa Ndah, who follows hot on the heels of MbekezeIi Mbokazi.

    While Mbokazi has gone to Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer, Ndah leaves as a free agent after agreeing to the termination of his contract at the club.

    Having done that in the January window, he will be free to join another club of his choice, even after it slams shut at the end of the month.

    Ndah has battled for game-time with the emergence of Mbokazi and Lebone Seema, and clearly his long-term prospects were still not good following the exit of the former.

    Read Also; AFCON 2025: CAF slams Senegal, Morocco for final chaos

    He made 73 starts and 81 appearances in all for the club, scoring a single goal against SuperSport United in the MTN8 in 2024.

    Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou picked Nkosinathi Sibisi and Seema as the centre back pairing against Sekhukhune United last weekend, leaving Ndah out in the cold again.

     “The Nigerian international requested an early release from his contract, a decision that follows careful and respectful discussions between the player and the club’s management,” said a statement from Pirates.

     “Central to these conversations was a shared understanding to afford Ndah the opportunity to secure regular game time elsewhere as he enters the next phase of his career.”

    Ndah, 28, joined the Buccaneers in 2021 and quickly established himself as a commanding presence at the heart of defence but he had two serious injuries during this time at the club which saw him lose his place.