Home Blog Page 18

Wiz kid Faces Criticism for Omitting Banky W in New Documentary

0

Wizkid’s new documentary has sparked debate as critics highlight the absence of any mention of Banky W, his former mentor during his early career at E.M.E Records.

In the film, Wizkid reflects on his journey, saying, “There was no blueprint for me, I had to build a structure for myself.” While some interpret this as pride, others argue it reflects the complexities of claiming personal achievement after rising under a mentor’s guidance.

Examining Wizkid’s accomplishments provides context for his stance. He is the most awarded African artist with 158 accolades, including BET, MOBO, Soul Train, and Billboard Music Awards. He became the first Nigerian to top the Billboard Hot 100 through his collaboration with Drake on *One Dance*, and the first Afrobeats artist recognized in the Guinness World Records for the same track. He also broke records as the first Nigerian and African artist to sell out London’s O2 Arena, had the first Nigerian song on the US Billboard Hot 100 with *Essence* featuring Tems, became the first Nigerian singer to win an NAACP Image Award, and modeled for Dolce & Gabbana—among numerous other achievements.

Many of these milestones occurred after his two-year tenure at Banky W’s E.M.E Records. Analysts suggest Wizkid may be cautious about sharing credit publicly, concerned that acknowledging his former mentor could overshadow the scale of his personal accomplishments. Reports also indicate that he left E.M.E Records without financial backing, adding to his desire to own and define the narrative of his success.

While this does not excuse the omission, it sheds light on the artist’s perspective: a desire to protect his legacy and assert ownership over the journey that turned him into a global Afrobeats icon.

BTV Reporting

Dangote Refinery Faces European Pushback Over Diesel Quality

0

Dangote Petroleum Refinery is encountering resistance in the European market after traders reported that recent diesel shipments did not meet the continent’s stringent winter specifications.

Samples from the refinery’s diesel shipments indicated sulfur levels of 36 parts per million (ppm), well above the EU’s winter limit of 10ppm. Following these findings, several European buyers have paused further purchases pending clarification.

Responding to the claims, Dangote Group spokesperson Anthony Chiejina described the reports as “misleading,” emphasizing that the refinery has not supplied winter-grade diesel to Europe. He clarified that the current exports are standard summer-grade products, which are not intended for cold-weather markets.

Meanwhile, trade data shows that approximately 97% of Dangote Refinery’s recent seaborne diesel exports have been absorbed within West Africa, highlighting a notable shift in regional trade flows as the refinery continues to expand operations and scale up production.

Nigeria Federal Government  Accuses Obasanjo of Enabling Early Spread of Terrorism in Nigeria

0

The Federal Government has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of contributing to the early spread of terrorism in Nigeria by failing to confront extremist groups during his tenure.

Sunday Dare, spokesperson to President Bola Tinubu, made the assertion in a detailed post on X, criticising Obasanjo and other perennial presidential aspirants for suggesting that the current administration is incapable of protecting Nigerians.

Dare stated, “It is historical fact that the ideological foundations and early cells of Boko Haram were incubated during Obasanjo’s civilian presidency. While they recruited, indoctrinated, built camps, and flaunted authority, the state failed to act decisively. What began as a preventable extremist sect transformed into a violent insurgency, a cross-border terrorist franchise, and a regional menace aligned with global jihadist movements.”

He described it as both ironic and reckless for a former leader under whose administration the initial failures occurred to now publicly critique the government on security matters. Dare emphasised that the early lapses in confronting terrorism under Obasanjo’s administration contributed significantly to the threats Nigeria faces today.

Samuel Eto’o Re-elected as President of Cameroon Football Federation

0

Samuel Eto’o has secured re-election as president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), earning another term to advance his initiatives aimed at developing the country’s football landscape. His tenure has been marked by a focus on improving player welfare and strengthening domestic leagues.

Eto’o’s victory reflects the confidence of football stakeholders in his vision for the sport. Many supporters view his leadership as a source of structure and international visibility for Cameroonian football, enhancing both its competitiveness and reputation.

Looking ahead, Eto’o is expected to expand development projects and talent programs designed to nurture local players and elevate the national league. Observers anticipate that his continued leadership could drive Cameroon’s football to new levels, both on the African continent and globally.

Nigeria Sees Surge in Foreign Capital Inflows in 2025

0

Nigeria experienced a significant increase in foreign capital inflows in 2025, receiving a total of $20.98 billion during the first ten months of the year, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso reported. The inflows mark a 70% rise compared to the total recorded in 2024 and a remarkable 428% increase from the $3.9 billion recorded in 2023.

Governor Cardoso revealed the figures at the 60th Annual Bankers’ Dinner, attributing the surge to improved macroeconomic management, reforms in the foreign exchange market, and enhanced transparency within the country’s financial system. According to him, these developments have renewed investor confidence in Nigerian assets, making the country a more attractive destination for foreign capital.

While the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has released only the first-quarter capital importation data, the figures indicate that Nigeria attracted $5.6 billion in the initial three months of 2025. Analysts suggest that the consistent inflows throughout the year underscore growing international confidence in the nation’s economic stability and policy framework.

The increase in foreign investment is expected to support domestic economic growth, bolster foreign exchange reserves, and provide liquidity for critical sectors, further reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key investment destination in Africa.

FG Vows to Prosecute Nigerian Banks and Firms Involved in Terrorism Financing

0

The Federal Government of Nigeria has pledged strict action against banks and corporate entities found collaborating with terrorist groups through financial transactions.

In a statement released on Friday, the government emphasized that institutions facilitating, knowingly or unknowingly, the funding of terrorism would face legal prosecution under existing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws.

The move follows intelligence reports suggesting that certain financial institutions and companies have been used to channel funds to extremist groups operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders. The government described such collaborations as a direct threat to national security and vowed to hold offenders accountable.

Authorities indicated that investigations are ongoing in partnership with regulatory bodies including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). Officials stressed that firms failing to comply with due diligence and anti-terrorism financing protocols would be subject to criminal charges, sanctions, and possible closure.

The FG also called on citizens and corporate stakeholders to remain vigilant and report suspicious transactions that may support terrorist activities. “The safety of Nigerians and the integrity of our financial system is paramount,” the statement said.

Legal experts believe this step signals a zero-tolerance approach toward financial complicity in terrorism and could have wide-ranging implications for compliance practices across Nigeria’s banking and corporate sectors.

 

Fuji Icon King Saheed Osupa Steals the Spotlight at DJ OP Dot’s Mainland Homecoming Concert

0

DJ OP Dot’s Mainland Homecoming event delivered the high energy and star power it promised, but the most striking moment of the night unfolded behind the scenes. A circulating clip from the concert shows the DJ introducing his mother to Fuji icon Saheed Osupa, fulfilling a promise he had made to bring her favourite artist to the stage. The meeting, simple in form, became the emotional centre of the evening.

Backstage, the exchange was warm and immediate. The DJ’s mother, visibly moved, told Osupa she had attended his shows for years, recalling performances as far back as 2012 and another in Ijebu-Ife, where she now lives. The brief conversation, grounded in personal history, transformed an ordinary meet-and-greet into a full-circle family moment witnessed not only by those present but later by thousands online.

Osupa was the sole Fuji act on a lineup filled with Afrobeats and street-pop performers including Oritse Femi, Slimcase and Candy Bleakz. Despite that contrast, his performance commanded the room. His phrasing, call-and-response exchanges and control of the audience gave the set the feel of a masterclass. In a night shaped by contemporary hits, he delivered a reminder of Fuji’s long influence on Nigeria’s musical landscape.

For many younger attendees, his showing offered a clear sense of the lineage that underpins parts of today’s popular sound. His ability to stand as the lone representative of his genre and still dominate the night underscored both his longevity and the staying power of Fuji.

For DJ OP Dot, the moment carried an added layer of meaning. Bringing his mother face to face with the artist whose music shaped her memories turned a successful concert into something more personal. It was a homecoming marked not only by strong performances but by a promise kept.

As the show closed, the headlines were straightforward: the concert delivered, the lineup held its weight and Saheed Osupa reaffirmed his place as a Lagos heavyweight. Yet the lasting image remains the backstage meeting between a mother, her son and the legend whose music bridged generations.

Barau Jibrin Urges Security Agencies to Intensify Operations After Bandit Attack in Kano Community

0

Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has called on security agencies to step up operations against bandits in the wake of an attack on Yankamaye village in Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State. The assault, which occurred late Monday, reportedly left one woman dead and three residents abducted.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, Barau described the incident as a troubling reminder of the evolving security pressures in parts of the North. He urged security operatives to take immediate and decisive measures to rescue the kidnapped victims and prevent further incursions into rural communities.

Barau expressed particular concern about what he termed the rising infiltration of criminal groups from neighbouring states. He said such movements demand stronger intelligence gathering, coordinated patrols and firm inter-agency collaboration to keep border communities safe.

He called on local authorities and community leaders to continue supporting security personnel with accurate information, noting that timely reporting remains vital to preventing attacks.

The Deputy Senate President reassured residents of Tsanyawa and adjoining areas of ongoing legislative support for policies aimed at improving rural security and strengthening the capacity of security agencies across the region.

Ghana, Burkina Faso Sign Free-Roaming Agreement for Cross-Border Calls

0

Ghana and Burkina Faso have concluded a new telecommunications agreement that allows citizens travelling between the two countries to receive calls at no cost. The arrangement, announced on Tuesday by regulatory authorities in Accra and Ouagadougou, is intended to reduce communication barriers for cross-border travellers and support regional integration.

The agreement is part of a broader framework adopted by the Economic Community of West African States to harmonise roaming charges across the region. Under the new terms, subscribers from both nations will incur no incoming call fees while roaming, while outgoing calls will be billed at reduced rates set by participating network operators.

Ghana has implemented similar free-roaming arrangements with Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and The Gambia. Officials say these agreements have eased travel for business owners, transport operators and tourists, and have encouraged closer economic cooperation among neighbouring states.

Telecommunications regulators from both countries noted that the initiative aims to make communication more affordable and predictable, especially for border communities that rely on regular cross-country contact. Further discussions are expected to extend the scheme to data services and text messaging as operators upgrade their networks to meet regional standards.

Authorities described the development as another step toward a unified West African communications market and a practical contribution to economic mobility within the sub-region.