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  • NECO blacklists supervisors, centres over malpractice, 71.63% candidates pass 2025 SSCE external

    NECO blacklists supervisors, centres over malpractice, 71.63% candidates pass 2025 SSCE external

    The National Examinations Council (NECO) has blacklisted five examination supervisors and recommended four centres for derecognition over examination malpractice in the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) for external candidates.

    NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, disclosed this on Tuesday while announcing the release of the results at the Council’s headquarters in Minna, Niger State.

    According to him, the affected supervisors include two from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and one each from Kano, Adamawa, and Ondo states, who were found to have aided and abetted examination malpractice.

    He also said four centres, two in Niger State, and one each in Yobe and Kano states, were recommended for derecognition for their involvement in whole-centre malpractice.

    Wushishi revealed that a total of 9,016 malpractice cases were recorded during the examination, compared to 6,160 cases in 2024, representing an increase of about 31 per cent.

    Despite the challenges, the Registrar said NECO maintained strict standards and upheld its zero tolerance for malpractice throughout the conduct of the examination and the release of results.

    On candidates’ performance, he said 96,979 candidates registered for the November/December 2025 SSCE External examination, out of which 95,160 actually sat for the papers. This included 50,785 males, representing 53.36 per cent, and 44,375 females, representing 46.63 per cent.

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    He explained that 93,425 candidates sat for the English Language, with 73,167 candidates, representing 78.32 per cent, obtaining credit passes and above. For Mathematics, 93,330 candidates sat for the subject, and 85,256 candidates, representing 91.36 per cent, earned credit passes and above.

    Overall, Wushishi said 68,166 candidates, representing 71.63 per cent, obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

    He added that 82,082 candidates, representing 86.26 per cent, secured five credits and above, irrespective of English Language and Mathematics.

    The Registrar also noted that the results were released 52 days after the last paper, reaffirming NECO’s commitment to timely processing and credible examinations.

    He further disclosed that NECO is currently owed about ₦2 billion by some state governments, calling for improved support to enable the Council sustain quality examinations across the country.

  • APC Delta North coalition calls for inclusion of pioneer members in governance

    APC Delta North coalition calls for inclusion of pioneer members in governance

    …backs re-election of Tinubu, Oborevwori in 2027

    Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta North Coalition for Equity (DNCE) have called on the national leadership of the party and the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to ensure the inclusion of long-standing party members in governance.

    They made the call during a recent coalition meeting held in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, where stakeholders expressed concern over what they described as the continued exclusion of pioneer and loyal APC members from key decision-making processes and political appointments.

    Speaking at the gathering, the Convener of the APC DNCE, Chief Alex Ikpeazu, emphasised that sustainable party growth and effective governance could only be achieved when those who laboured for the party’s survival are recognised and fully carried along.

    He urged Governor Oborevwori and the national leadership of the APC to promote equity, fairness, and inclusiveness, noting that many founding members have remained steadfast despite political challenges and frustrations.

    “We have been in the party for years without defecting and have not benefited from the party we diligently formed. We do not want those who joined later to override us. We do not want to continue to be in bondage,” Ikpeazu said.

    He called on the national leadership of the party to establish a clear framework that prioritizes old APC members for leadership positions at the ward, local government, and state levels, stressing that such an approach would foster unity and understanding.

    “The coming congress should be devoid of conflict. Governor Oborevwori should also consider old APC members in appointments across the state. It is the turn of Delta North to produce the state party chairman, as Delta South and Central have already done. Once it is zoned here, we will harmonize and present our best candidate. This will help mend fences ahead of 2027,” he added.

    The Secretary of the coalition, Hon. Kemmer Enina, warned that marginalising founding members could weaken party unity, noting that exclusion breeds discontent and undermines loyalty.

    Similarly, Ambassador Kenneth Rafua, a coalition leader, stated that inclusion is not a privilege but a right, adding that experienced party members possess the vital institutional memory needed to strengthen governance.

    Another leader, Ben LionHeart Williams, appealed to party leaders to avoid actions that could alienate committed members, describing unity as the backbone of political success.

    The coalition’s Publicity Secretary, Chief Barr. Williams Agholor said the group’s position was not driven by bitterness but by genuine concern for the future of the APC and effective governance in Delta State.

    Also speaking, High Chief Gabriel Ohai, the Odogwu of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom and a pioneer APC member, recalled the sacrifices made by early members of the party and called for deliberate efforts to reintegrate them into governance structures.

    Other members, including Comrade Victor Sorokwu, Ajifo Nwabunma, and Mr. Osafule John, echoed the call for recognition, fairness, and active participation of founding members in government affairs.

    The coalition reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC and pledged continued support for the government, while urging party leaders to address their concerns in the interest of unity and progress.

    They also reaffirmed their commitment to working toward the re-election of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

  • African traditional leaders commit to stronger action against GBV

    African traditional leaders commit to stronger action against GBV

    Traditional and cultural leaders from across Africa have pledged to intensify efforts to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) on the continent.

    The pledge, according to a statement by the United Nations, was made at a high-level continental conference in Lagos.

    The Conference of African Traditional and Cultural Leaders on GBV Prevention, convened by the Ford Foundation and UN Women in partnership with the Government of Nigeria, brought together influential monarchs, policymakers, development partners, and civil society actors to advance community-driven solutions to gender-based violence.

    The two-day meeting, which was held from February 2 to 3, 2026, reflects growing recognition that sustainable approaches to GBV prevention must be anchored in cultural systems and traditional institutions that shape social norms across African communities.

    Dignitaries at the conference include the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; His Imperial Majesty the Ooni of Ife; the Emir of Fika; the Emir of Shonga; Chief Siansali of Zimbabwe, President of the Ford Foundation, Heather Gerken; UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Dr. Maxime Houinato; Ford Foundation West Africa Director, Dr. Chichi Aniagolu; and UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong.

    Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Governor, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, described gender-based violence as a major social crisis requiring urgent and deliberate action. He stressed that silence enables abuse and called for laws and community structures that protect, rather than harm, women and girls.

    Ford Foundation President Heather Gerken emphasised the importance of engaging cultural authority to drive social change, noting that collaboration with traditional and faith leaders is essential to dismantling harmful practices and promoting the dignity and rights of women and girls.

    From a global policy standpoint, UN Women Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda warned that many practices accepted as tradition are, in reality, forms of abuse. She argued that gender-based violence is a symptom of deeper structural inequalities that must be addressed through stronger norms and institutions that guarantee justice and equality.

    UN Women’s Regional Director, Dr. Maxime Houinato, highlighted the central role of culture in African societies, stating that traditional leaders are key architects of social order whose alignment with justice and equality can significantly improve community safety.

    Read Also: AAC officially berths in Delta, assures on people-centred leadership

    Participants at the conference reaffirmed that traditional and cultural leaders, due to their moral influence and closeness to grassroots communities, play a critical role in challenging harmful norms and strengthening prevention and response mechanisms to GBV. The gathering builds on ongoing engagement with traditional institutions, including the Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa, to formalise cultural leadership within national and regional GBV strategies.

    Dr. Chichi Aniagolu of the Ford Foundation noted that culture is dynamic and shaped by those entrusted to preserve it, adding that efforts to end harmful practices ultimately reinforce, rather than weaken, traditional authority.

    The Emir of Shonga, HRH Alhaji Dr. Haliru Yahaya Ndanusa, cautioned against the misuse of religion to justify violence, stressing that any action causing harm contradicts religious principles.

    Also speaking, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, urged traditional rulers to leverage their influence to protect lives and transform communities by championing dignity, equality, and justice.

    The conference is expected to conclude with the adoption of a Regional Declaration and Communiqué outlining shared commitments to end gender-based violence, as well as a Sustainability Roadmap aimed at integrating traditional leadership into long-term national and regional prevention strategies.

    Organisers said the outcomes would strengthen partnerships among traditional institutions, governments, African Union bodies, and civil society, improve survivor-centred support systems at the community level, and enhance coordinated resource mobilisation to combat GBV across Africa.

  • FULL LIST: All EPL transfer deadline day deals in January 2026

    FULL LIST: All EPL transfer deadline day deals in January 2026

    Transfer deadline day delivered a late burst of activity across the Premier League, with clubs using the final hours of the January window to fine-tune their squads ahead of the run-in.

    According to Sky Sports, a mix of loan deals, permanent transfers, and recalls was completed before the window was closed.

    Midfielder Angel Gomes joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan from Marseille. Wolves were also busy elsewhere, completing the permanent signing of Adam Armstrong from Southampton for an undisclosed fee.

    Read Also: Five top EPL transfers in January 2025

    At Goodison Park, Everton secured the loan signing of Tyrique George from Chelsea, as the Toffees look to inject pace and creativity into their attacking options.

    Sunderland also landed Nilson Angulo from Anderlecht for £17.5m, making him one of the Black Cats’ most expensive signings.

    Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur added youth with the loan signing of James Wilson from Hearts. Nottingham Forest strengthened defensively by signing Luca Netz from Borussia Mönchengladbach for £2m.

    A major move saw striker Jørgen Strand Larsen complete a £48m transfer from Wolves to Crystal Palace.

    Several recalls also featured prominently: Matt O’Riley returned to Brighton & Hove Albion from Marseille, Sverre Nypan was recalled by Manchester City from Middlesbrough, and James McConnell went back to Liverpool after his Ajax spell ended.

    Axel Disasi also joined West Ham United on loan from Chelsea, while Arsenal completed the signing of youngster Evan Mooney from St Mirren in an undisclosed deal.

  • Cobhams Asuquo questions Grammys’ treatment of Nigerian artistes

    Cobhams Asuquo questions Grammys’ treatment of Nigerian artistes

    Renowned musician and producer, Cobhams Asuquo, has expressed disappointment with the Grammy Awards after no Nigerian artiste won a category at the 68th Grammy Awards.

    Asuquo, in a video, humorously said the Grammys exploit Nigerian artistes to boost the US economy, saying they dangle validation “like a carrot” only for it to slip away.

    “I think Grammy is using Nigerians to boost the GDP of Los Angeles. It’s like a carrot dangling in front of us, and it goes away,” Asuquo said.

    Read Also: Davido names Cobhams Asuquo musical director for ‘5ive Alive’ world tour

    He urged stakeholders to focus on building homegrown award platforms, stating, “I think we need to build something that is ours. Let’s grow something that can make other people converge in our space”.

    Asuquo drew a comparison with American sports culture, citing the Super Bowl as a successful example.

    “It’s only America that will do the Super Bowl and be playing it themselves”, he added.

  • Suspension: Akpoti-Uduaghan urges Supreme Court to quash Akpabio’s appeal

    Suspension: Akpoti-Uduaghan urges Supreme Court to quash Akpabio’s appeal

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a counter-affidavit at the Supreme Court seeking to quash an appeal filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    The counter-affidavit was deposed to by a Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and filed in response to Senator Akpabio’s Motion on Notice dated January 21, 2026.

    The counter appeal is in opposition to an appeal instituted by the President of the Senate arising from proceedings at the Court of Appeal.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the apex court to dismiss the application in its entirety, arguing that it discloses no prima facie good cause and constitutes an abuse of court process.

    According to the counter-affidavit, the Court of Appeal had already concluded hearing in the substantive appeal on November 28, 2025, and reserved the matter for judgment.

    The respondents contended that approaching the Supreme Court at this stage amounts to an attempt to interfere with an appellate process that has reached an advanced stage and is awaiting final determination.

    Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that Senator Akpabio was afforded ample opportunity to present his case before the Court of Appeal in strict compliance with the Rules of Court.

    She insisted that her brief of argument was properly filed before the lower court and procedurally compliant, and therefore was never formally challenged during the proceedings.

    According to her, central to the dispute is an alleged breach of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021, which prescribe a maximum of 35 pages for briefs of argument.

    She contended that while the legal teams representing her, the Clerk to the National Assembly, and another respondent complied with the page limit, the Senate President filed a brief running well beyond the prescribed limit.

    She further alleged that the appellant failed to regularise the defect within the timeframe allowed by the Rules.

    Read Also: Akpabio asks Supreme Court to hear appeal on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension

    She said, consequently, the Court of Appeal declined to admit the over-length brief and proceeded to hear the appeal based on the valid and properly filed processes before it.

    On the substantive legal issues, she argued that the grounds of appeal relied upon by Akpabio raised issues of mixed law and fact.

    She insisted that prior leave of court was mandatory before such grounds could be competently filed and maintained that no such leave was sought or obtained, rendering the appeal incompetent ab initio.

    The counter-affidavit also addressed complaints relating to adjournment and fair hearing, maintaining that the grant or refusal of an adjournment lies within the discretionary powers of the court.

    She submitted that the Court of Appeal exercised its discretion judicially and judiciously and that the appellant was not denied a fair hearing at any stage of the proceedings.

    Urging the Supreme Court to dismiss the application, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the appeal as an attempt to stall or frustrate the delivery of judgment by the Court of Appeal.

  • FULL LIST: Top 20 players who failed their medicals

    FULL LIST: Top 20 players who failed their medicals

    Football transfers are often decided long before a player pulls on his new club’s shirt, but even agreed deals can collapse at the final hurdle — the medical examination. Following Jean-Philippe Mateta’s proposed move to AC Milan falling through after club doctors raised concerns during his medical, forcing the Serie A giants to pull out despite advanced negotiations.

    Mateta’s case joins a growing list of high-profile transfers that have broken down due to medical issues, ranging from knee and heart conditions to long-term injury risks. Over the years, several elite players have seen moves cancelled or delayed after failing to meet a club’s medical standards, underlining how health assessments can shape careers and alter transfer market plans.

    1. Jean-Philippe Mateta – AC Milan (2026)

    Mateta became the most recent addition to this list after his move from Crystal Palace to AC Milan collapsed today. The Italian club reportedly identified concerns during medical checks, believed to be linked to his knee, and decided against proceeding with the transfer despite agreeing on personal terms.

    2. Victor Boniface – AC Milan (2025)

    Boniface’s highly anticipated switch to AC Milan fell apart after medical tests revealed issues that raised red flags for the club’s medical team. The Nigerian striker later remained with his parent club as Milan withdrew from the deal.

    3. Hakim Ziyech – Al-Nassr (2023)

    Ziyech failed medical examinations on two separate occasions during talks with Al-Nassr. Persistent knee problems ultimately convinced the Saudi club to abandon the transfer, despite the winger agreeing to terms.

    4. Samuel Umtiti – Rennes (2022)

    Rennes pulled out of signing Umtiti after medical checks highlighted ongoing fitness and injury concerns. The French defender’s career had already been affected by recurring knee problems.

    5. Nicolas Jackson – Bournemouth (2023)

    Bournemouth terminated their pursuit of Jackson after hamstring issues were detected during his medical. He later completed a move elsewhere and continued his professional career.

    6. Demba Ba – Stoke City (2011)

    Stoke City cancelled Ba’s transfer after medical examinations suggested a long-term injury risk. Ba would later go on to enjoy success in the Premier League with other clubs.

    7. Patrick Schick – Juventus (2017)

    Schick failed two medicals at Juventus, leading the Italian giants to call off the deal. He eventually joined Roma and revived his career in Serie A.

    8. John Hartson – Multiple clubs (2000)

    Hartson’s potential moves to clubs including Tottenham, Rangers, and Charlton were scuppered after medical concerns, primarily linked to knee issues, were flagged.

    9. Ruud van Nistelrooy – Manchester United (2000)

    Manchester United initially pulled out of signing Van Nistelrooy after knee problems emerged during his medical. The Dutch striker passed a year later and went on to become a club legend.

    10. Nwankwo Kanu – Inter Milan (1996)

    A heart defect was discovered during Kanu’s medical at Inter Milan, halting the transfer. He underwent corrective surgery and later enjoyed a hugely successful career, particularly at Arsenal.

    11. Gabriel Milito – Real Madrid (2003)

    Real Madrid abandoned their move for Milito after medical checks revealed serious knee concerns. The Argentine defender later flourished at Barcelona.

    12. Loïc Rémy – Liverpool (2014)

    Liverpool withdrew from the deal after a heart irregularity was detected during Rémy’s medical. He later signed for Chelsea after further assessments.

    13. Victor Valdés – AS Monaco (2014)

    Monaco cancelled Valdés’ transfer after discovering a cruciate ligament injury during medical examinations.

    14. Raul Tamudo – Rangers (2000)

    Tamudo’s move to Rangers collapsed following medical issues. He remained in Spain and went on to become a club legend at Espanyol.

    15. John Carew – Unspecified club

    Carew was involved in a failed transfer after medical examinations raised concerns, though he still enjoyed a long and productive career across Europe.

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    16. Marko Arnautović – Early career

    Arnautović reportedly failed a medical early in his career, delaying a potential move before he later secured transfers elsewhere.

    17. Leroy Fer – Everton (2013)

    Everton pulled out of a proposed £8.6 million deal for Fer after knee concerns emerged during his medical.

    18. Kurt Zouma – Shabab Al-Ahli (2024)

    Zouma’s move to Shabab Al-Ahli was cancelled after medical checks flagged lingering injury problems.

    19. Bamba Dieng – Leeds United/Nice

    Dieng saw his proposed transfer fall through after medical concerns were raised during examinations, forcing clubs to reconsider the deal.

    20. Koffi Kouao – Dinamo Zagreb (2024)

    Kouao’s move to Dinamo Zagreb collapsed after he failed the club’s medical tests, with the specific reasons not publicly disclosed.

    These cases highlight how medical examinations remain one of the most decisive and unforgiving stages of the modern transfer process, capable of reshaping careers and altering club plans in an instant.

  • Officials laud Nwifuru over Ebonyi overseas scholarship programme

    Officials laud Nwifuru over Ebonyi overseas scholarship programme

    Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has been commended for placing priority on human capital development through Ebonyi State’s overseas scholarship programme.

    The commendations were given in separate statements on Tuesday by the Federal Commissioner representing Ebonyi State at the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Nduka Awuregu, and the state Commissioner for Special Duties, Rt. Hon. Barr. Valentine Okike-Uzo.

    The remarks followed the departure of 92 students in the second batch of the state government’s overseas scholarship scheme, who were airlifted to the United Kingdom on Monday to undertake postgraduate studies.

    Awuregu described human capital development as the most critical form of development, noting that Governor Nwifuru has shown a consistent understanding that investment in people yields long-term benefits that extend beyond physical infrastructure such as roads, bridges and flyovers.

    According to him, the administration’s focus on education reflects a deliberate strategy to equip young people with the skills and exposure needed to compete globally.

    He said the scholarship initiative has created opportunities for Ebonyi youths by removing financial and institutional barriers, enabling beneficiaries to access quality education abroad.

    Awuregu, who recently visited some Ebonyi students benefiting from the programme in the United Kingdom, said he was deeply impressed by the positive changes in their lives, adding that the initiative is already having a transformative effect on their families and communities.

    “I shed tears of joy seeing what these young people have become. The multiple ripple effects of this investment on Ebonyi State and beyond cannot be overemphasised,” he stated.

    He highlighted the achievement of one of the beneficiaries, Victor Ama from Edda Local Government Area, who is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Greater Manchester.

    Ama, he said, was recently recognised for his outstanding software engineering project on real-time sign language translation and voice captioning using a multimodal artificial intelligence approach.

    According to Awuregu, the project—focused on inclusive communication through on-device deep learning systems—demonstrates technology transfer, skills export, and the global relevance of Ebonyi’s intellectual capacity.

    “This is Ebonyi to the world. This is technology transfer. This is skills and services export redefined,” he said.

    He urged the beneficiaries to remain focused and committed to further validate the governor’s vision of sustainable development anchored on human capital.

    Also speaking, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Okike-Uzo, described the scholarship programme as visionary and people-centred, noting that it is transforming the educational landscape of the state.

    He recalled that exactly one year earlier, the first batch of about 300 Ebonyi students were sent to top universities in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States to pursue Master’s and Ph.D programmes under full sponsorship by the Ebonyi State Government through the State Scholarship Board.

    In addition, he said that over 1,000 Ebonyi indigenes benefitted from similar postgraduate scholarship opportunities in Nigerian universities within the same period, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to more than 1,400.

    Read Also: Nwifuru sacks all political appointees, monarchs, community leaders in Ebonyi community

    Okike-Uzo explained that the initiative is anchored on the People’s Charter of Needs, the policy framework guiding Governor Nwifuru’s service delivery, with strong emphasis on education and human capital development.

    He stressed that the governor’s approach to governance aligns with the spirit of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which places the welfare and development of the people at the centre of governance.

    “Governor Nwifuru is not only building infrastructure but also building men and women for posterity. These young scholars will, in the coming years, positively impact Ebonyi State, Nigeria, and the global community,” Okike-Uzo said.

    He added that although the governor operates quietly, he has been adjudged one of the best-performing governors in the country, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, housing, education, health, infrastructure, aviation, diaspora relations, human capital development, security, good governance, and the rule of law.

    According to Okike-Uzo, Governor Nwifuru’s humility, simple lifestyle, and aversion to waste distinguish him among his peers and underscore his commitment to service and the long-term prosperity of Ebonyi State.

  • Mike Abdul: Tattoos don’t dishonour body, God reads hearts

    Mike Abdul: Tattoos don’t dishonour body, God reads hearts

    Gospel artist Mike Abdul has weighed in on the debate sparked by Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo‘s recent tattoo, saying tattoos do not dishonour the body.

    In a post on Instagram, Abdul argued that tattoos were used in ancient cultures for identity, memory, status, covenant, and storytelling, and that what matters is what the tattoo represents, not the tattoo itself.

    Abdul stated that tattoos don’t dishonour the body, and what dishonours a temple is not the writing on the walls, but what the mark points to.

    He added that God reads hearts, not skin, and if a tattoo leads to gratitude, identity, or reverence, it serves a good purpose.

    Read Also: Tope Alabi, Mike Abdul, Beejay Sax, others to headline 2024 Alimosho Arise

    He wrote, ‘’Tattoos were used for identity, memory, status, covenant, and storytelling across ancient cultures, nothing more. Tattoos don’t dishonour the body. What dishonours a temple is not writing on the walls; what matters is what the mark points to, not the mark itself.

    “God reads hearts, not skin. Ink without conviction is decoration. Ink with conviction is remembrance. If a tattoo leads you closer to gratitude, identity, or reverence, it has served a good purpose for you. Faith is not proven by unmarked skin, but by transformed lives.”

    Abdul’s comments come after some Christians criticised Pastor Okonkwo for getting a tattoo, saying it dishonours the body God gave him.

  • Nigerian artists’ Grammy losses due to lack of US involvement – DJ Big N

    Nigerian artists’ Grammy losses due to lack of US involvement – DJ Big N

    Disc jockey Nonso Temisan Ajufo, popularly known as DJ Big N, has attributed the poor performance of Nigerian musicians at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards to their limited involvement in American music events and seminars.

    In a post on his X page, DJ Big N stated that Nigerian artists’ lack of participation in US music events and their failure to join the Recording Academy’s voting body have hindered their chances of winning at the prestigious awards.

    The DJ’s comments come after Nigerian musicians, including Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Omah Lay, and Wizkid, lost to South African star Tyla in the Best African Music Performance category.

    DJ Big N urged Nigerian artists to emulate multiple Grammy-winning Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo, who regularly participates in American music events and is a member of the Recording Academy’s voting body.

    He wrote, “It stings deeply that so many talented Nigerians were nominated but didn’t bring the Grammy home this time. But here’s the truth: Legends like @angeliquekidjo and @YoussouNdourSN have shown us the power of being involved beyond just the award night.

    “She [Kidjo] is at those seminars, those events, making her presence felt. If we want to change the game, we’ve got to do the same. Let’s step up, join the @RecordingAcad voting body, and be part of the process all year long. That’s how we truly make our mark. Better luck next year, but let’s also be there to shape it.”

    He advised Nigerian music creatives and executives to join the Recording Academy as voting members to increase their influence and improve their chances of winning at future Grammy Awards.

    “Yes, Nigerians are disappointed about the Grammy outcome, and I feel that too. But let’s turn that energy into action. We need more of us, Nigerian music creatives and execs to join the @RecordingAcad as voting members. That’s how we shape the narrative from the inside. Let’s get involved and make our votes count! Better luck next year”, he wrote.