Author: Kessiana Godscovenant
Nigerian spoken word artiste Ibukunoluwa Aramide Ajagbe, popularly known as Ibquake, represented the country at the opening ceremony of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal. The historic ceremony, held at Stade Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio, featured more than 1,100 performers showcasing African music, dance and culture. Dressed in a structured white gown, Ibquake delivered a spoken word performance celebrating African identity, heritage and the future of young people on the continent. Other performers included Baaba Maal, Kiné Lam, Daara J Family, Sona Jobarteh and Khaby Lame. During her performance, she declared: “We carry a flame for the African…
Nigerian-born singer Ayodeji Akinde, popularly known as Aayo, is pursuing international recognition as he looks to establish his place in the global Afrobeats industry. Based in the United States, the emerging artiste hopes to build a distinctive musical identity and connect with audiences across different countries. His latest single, “Ogologoma,” represents another step in his musical journey as he seeks to introduce his sound to a wider audience. Aayo aims to use his Nigerian roots and experience in the United States to reach listeners in both markets while contributing to the growing international popularity of Afrobeats. Beyond releasing music, the…
The family of late singer Ifunanya Nwangene has called for the availability of life-saving antivenom in hospitals across Nigeria following her death from complications arising from a snakebite. The appeal was made during a musical evening organised by the Rotary Club of Abuja Renaissance in collaboration with the British Council to commemorate what would have been her 27th birthday. Speaking on behalf of the family, Mrs Nnenna Ani Okwuobasi urged increased awareness, advocacy and collective action to ensure victims of snakebites have timely access to treatment. She expressed hope that such efforts would prevent other families from experiencing similar pain.…
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has said he will encourage his players to go to ground when they are fouled in the penalty area after his side were denied a spot-kick in their defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, November 1. The controversy involved Alexander Isak, who appeared to have his shirt pulled by Jurrien Timber while trying to reach a cross from Bradley Barcola. However, Isak stayed on his feet, and referee Andy Madley allowed play to continue. VAR also upheld the decision, ruling that the contact was insufficient for a penalty. Iraola insisted that the shirt pull prevented Isak from…
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, on completing 20 years on the throne, describing him as a patriotic leader and a trusted friend. In a personally signed statement on Monday, Tinubu praised the Sultan for his humility, wisdom and commitment to national unity. He also commended his efforts towards promoting religious tolerance and harmony between Christians and Muslims through his leadership of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council. The President further praised the Sultan’s contributions to peacebuilding, education, agriculture and public health, particularly his support for the girl-child and vulnerable Nigerians. He prayed for…
Gospel singer and minister Nathaniel Bassey has become the first African gospel artist to surpass one billion views on YouTube, marking a major milestone in his music and ministry career. Data from his official YouTube channel, Nathaniel Bassey Main, showed that it had accumulated over 1.014 billion views and 5.24 million subscribers as of November 1, 2026. Bassey created the channel on March 4, 2011, achieving the milestone after more than 15 years of music releases and ministry broadcasts. The achievement comes during the October 2026 edition of the Hallelujah Challenge, the midnight worship and prayer programme he launched in…
Senior Pastor of the Fountain of Life Church, Jimmy Odukoya, has officially confirmed his marriage to Pastor Mo Jasmine, introducing her to the congregation as his new wife during a Sunday service. Odukoya made the announcement on November 1 at the church headquarters in Ilupeju, Lagos, two days after sharing a photograph of two hands wearing wedding rings on social media. Addressing the congregation, the Jimmy Odukoya said he had searched for a suitable partner before finding Mo, whom he described as his wife. He also dismissed suggestions that his earlier social media post was artwork, officially introducing her as…
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has described the armed thugs who attacked African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore in Ekiti State as well known, calling on the police to arrest and prosecute them. In a statement issued on Sunday, Falana urged the Ekiti State Police Command to arrest those responsible for the attack, which Sowore alleged involved government-sponsored thugs backed by the Department of State Services (DSS). The police had earlier said Sowore failed to notify security operatives of his arrival and movements in the state. Falana also called on the Ekiti State Ministry of Justice…
Nigerian singer Skales has opened up about his long-standing disagreement with fellow musician Wizkid, revealing how a comment he made on Twitter contributed to their fallout. Speaking in an interview with Osi Suave over the weekend, Skales explained that the disagreement started during a question-and-answer session on Twitter when a user asked him about Wizkid. He said he responded that Wizkid no longer had his attention, but the comment went viral and reportedly did not go down well with the Grammy-winning singer. The Shake Body crooner also recalled how Wizkid allegedly insulted his parents and accused him of wearing fake…
Nollywood actress Blessing Onwukwe has declared that she will not put her life on hold while waiting for a romantic partner, despite sometimes feeling lonely and wanting to experience love. The 41-year-old actress made this known in a post on her Instagram page, where she spoke about her single status and her determination to keep building her life and pursuing happiness. She also revealed that some people close to her have expressed concern about her remaining unmarried and not having children. Onwukwe maintained that she would rather live a fulfilling life than wait indefinitely for love. She encouraged people to…