Nollywood Sets Global Sights with Tribeca and Cannes Selections

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April 23, 2026

According to WhatKeptMeUp, the Nigerian film industry is marking a historic presence on the international festival circuit this April. Two Nigerian projects, “One Woman, One Bra” and the Kaduna-set documentary “Crocodile,” have been officially selected for their North American premieres at the 2026 Tribeca Festival. Additionally, the Esiri Brothers have secured a spot in the prestigious Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes with their new film “Clarissa,” signaling a shift in Nollywood from quantity-focused home videos to high-brow global cinema.

The Guardian Nigeria reports that these selections are part of a broader trend of “Nigeria–Kenya film collaborations,” specifically highlighting the film “The Child Will Carry You.” Film critic Eva Anya noted in a recent review that the industry is finding “tenderness in the limits of young love,” through new shorts like “Dear Dija,” which is currently trending among Nollywood enthusiasts on X (formerly Twitter).

**Echotitbits take:** Nollywood is finally breaking the “YouTube-only” stereotype. By securing slots at Cannes and Tribeca, Nigerian filmmakers are unlocking access to global distribution deals that bypass traditional local bottlenecks. The focus on Kaduna and Pan-African stories suggests that “authentic localism” is the new currency for international success.

Source: Vanguard — vanguardngr.com/2026/02/nollywood-in-hollywood-announces-official-film-selection-for-2026-showcase/ April 22, 2026

Photo Credit: The Guardian

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Jarrod Bowen Leads West Ham’s Late Charge for Premier League Survival

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Bob Echols’s

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April 23, 2026

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In a post shared by @westham on Instagram, captain Jarrod Bowen is being hailed as the catalyst for the Hammers’ desperate push to escape the relegation zone. With the season reaching a fever pitch, Bowen has transformed into a dual-threat creator and finisher, racking up five assists and two “Defcon points” in his last five outings. His recent form has not only given West Ham fans hope but has also made him the most-discussed player in Premier League fantasy circles this week.

According to stats from AllAboutFPL, Bowen currently ranks first among all forwards for “Big Chances Created” and “Key Passes” over the last month. The BBC Sport football feed also highlighted the race for survival, quoting analysts who suggest that “West Ham’s fixture run against Brentford and Everton is the perfect platform for Bowen to secure their safety.”

**Echotitbits take:** Bowen is playing for more than just survival; he’s playing for a spot in the European Championship squad. His evolution from a pure winger to a playmaker is exactly what West Ham needed to stay afloat. If they survive, expect a massive “big six” club to come calling with a £80m+ bid this summer.

Source: Hammer — https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/jarrod-bowen-asking-price-revealed-if-west-ham-are-relegated-from-the-premier-league/ April 22, 2026

Photo Credit: Hammer

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Omah Lay Forecasts Dominance as Africa’s Wealthiest Artist

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Bob Echols’s

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April 23, 2026

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According to PM News Nigeria, singer Omah Stanley Didia, professionally known as Omah Lay, has declared that he is on a trajectory to become the richest musical act on the African continent within the next few years. During a candid sit-down with Kiss Xtra, the “Soso” crooner described his creative process as a borderline obsession, admitting that his mental well-being is intrinsically tied to his ability to produce art. He expressed a desire to move beyond just music by building global systems that would leave a lasting impact on the world.

The Guardian confirms the singer’s recent shift toward deep industry analysis, noting that Omah Lay recently told fans at a Lagos listening party that “Afrobeats is declining overseas—that’s a fact,” while he looks for ways to “bring that energy back.” Meanwhile, Kiss Xtra on TikTok shared clips of the interview where the artist listed his musical blueprints, saying, “Wizkid, Burna Boy, Drake, The Weeknd, and Harry Styles are my idols… these are people I look up to.”

**Echotitbits take:** Omah Lay is transitioning from a hitmaker to a strategist who isn’t afraid of being “the villain” or the “crazy” one to save the genre. His bold financial claim puts a target on his back, but it also signals a shift toward celebrity business expansion rather than just relying on streaming royalties. Watch for him to announce a tech or infrastructure-related venture soon.

Source: PM News Nigeria — https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/04/22/i-am-crazy-omah-lay-says-he-needs-to-create-art-to-feel-good/ April 22, 2026

Photo Credit: PM News Nigeria

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Inflation Rate Inches Up as NBS Reports First Rise in a Year

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April 23, 2026

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Figures cited by **TheCable** show that Nigeria’s headline inflation rate has risen to 15.38% for the month of March, marking the first upward tick after 12 consecutive months of decline. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) attributed the 0.32% increase from February to rising costs in transport and food items, particularly in urban centers.

Despite the year-on-year inflation being significantly lower than the 27.3% recorded in 2025, the sudden reversal has sparked concerns about the impact of recent fuel price adjustments. Food inflation specifically remains a pressure point, standing at over 14% as the planting season begins amidst security challenges in the food basket states.

**The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)** noted that “the rural inflation rate was significantly higher at 17.22%, reflecting the higher cost of moving goods to remote areas.” **BusinessDay** analyzed the trend, stating that “analysts see this as a ripple effect of the Iran-Israel tensions affecting global fuel and fertilizer prices.”

**Echotitbits take:** The honeymoon period of declining inflation is over. The CBN will likely stay hawkish with interest rates in their next meeting. Watch for the April figures; if the trend continues, the “cost of living” protests could potentially see a revival.

Source: TheCable, April 22, 2026

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Terrorists Raze Traditional Palace in Zamfara Revenge Mission

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Bob Echols’s

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April 23, 2026

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Reporting by **The Premium Times** indicates that armed terrorists have burnt down the palace of a District Head in Zamfara State in what is believed to be a retaliatory strike. The attackers reportedly invaded the community in the early hours of Wednesday, targeting the traditional leader’s residence after security forces had previously neutralized several gang members in the area.

While the District Head was reportedly away during the attack, several buildings were reduced to ashes, and residents have begun fleeing to neighboring towns for safety. This incident highlights the ongoing fragility of security in the Northwest, where traditional rulers have increasingly become targets for extremist groups and bandits.

**The Punch** confirmed the destruction, reporting that “the palace was targeted as a clear message of defiance against local cooperation with the military.” **Leadership** added that “the state government has ordered an immediate deployment of a joint task force to the affected district to prevent further escalations.”

**Echotitbits take:** Attacking a palace is a psychological tactic intended to show that no one is safe. If the government cannot protect traditional icons, it loses its most important link to grassroots intelligence, further complicating the war on terror in the region.

Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/873815-terrorists-burn-down-zamfara-district-heads-palace-in-revenge-attack.html, April 22, 2026

Photo credit: Premium Times

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Nigeria Records N60 Billion Annual Loss to Foreign Web Hosting

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Bob Echols’s

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April 23, 2026

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According to reporting by **Vanguard**, Nigeria is losing an estimated N60 billion annually due to the widespread preference for foreign domain registrations and web hosting services. This massive capital flight is being driven by local businesses and government agencies that opt for international service providers over the domestic “.ng” domain.

The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has expressed concern over this trend, noting that it not only drains the economy but also compromises data sovereignty. Experts argue that if even half of this expenditure were redirected locally, it would create thousands of tech jobs and significantly improve the country’s cybersecurity resilience.

**The Guardian** reported on the calls for policy intervention, noting that “stakeholders are pushing for a ‘Local First’ web policy to stem the tide of digital capital flight.” Meanwhile, **ThisDay** quoted a tech analyst who remarked, “Building Nigeria’s digital assets on foreign soil is like paying rent to a landlord who can lock you out of your own business.”

**Echotitbits take:** This is a classic case of “digital neocolonialism.” Until local hosting providers can guarantee 99.9% uptime despite the country’s power challenges, businesses will continue to seek the reliability of foreign servers regardless of the cost to the naira.

Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/technology/nigeria-loses-n60bn-annually-to-foreign-data-hosting-firms/, April 22, 2026

Photo credit: The Guardian

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CBN Issues Emergency Alert Over Sophisticated Cybersecurity Attacks

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Bob Echols’s

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April 23, 2026

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In an update published by **TVC News**, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised an urgent alarm regarding a surge in fraudulent digital communications targeting the public and financial institutions. The apex bank revealed that cybercriminals are utilizing malicious links in emails and SMS to gain unauthorized access to personal bank accounts under the guise of official policy updates.

The statement, signed by Acting Director of Corporate Communications Hakama Sidi Ali, warned that these messages often spread misinformation about bank licensing and leadership changes. The CBN emphasized that it does not request sensitive account details via social media or unsolicited links and urged Nigerians to rely solely on its official website for policy directives.

**The Premium Times** corroborated the report, stating the bank “urged Nigerians to only rely on information on its official website and recognized media outlets.” **Channels TV** further highlighted the technological aspect, quoting a cybersecurity expert who said, “the sophisticated nature of these hack attempts suggests an organized syndicate targeting the nation’s financial core.”

**Echotitbits take:** As Nigeria pushes for a more cashless economy, the vulnerability to cybercrime grows. This alert suggests that a major breach may have been attempted; expect the CBN to roll out stricter two-factor authentication requirements for mobile banking apps very soon.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/cbn-alerts-public-to-surge-in-fake-emails-online-scams/, April 22, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

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Six Former Officials Arraigned Over Plot to Oust President Tinubu

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April 23, 2026

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Reporting by **The Premium Times** indicates that the Federal Government has filed 13 criminal charges against six former security officials accused of conspiring to violently overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration last year. Court documents presented in Abuja detail a coordinated attempt to destabilize the democratic order, leading to a high-profile legal battle that has captured national attention.

The defendants, whose identities include high-ranking personnel from previous administrations, face charges ranging from treasonable felony to the illegal possession of firearms. This development follows months of covert investigations by the Department of State Services (DSS) into the alleged “Coup Plot,” which the government claims was nipped in the bud before any action could be taken.

The **Straits Times** confirmed the filing, stating, “Nigeria’s government filed 13 criminal charges against six former security officials accused of plotting the violent overthrow of President Bola Tinubu’s government.” Similarly, **Daily Post** reported on the heightened security at the court, noting that “the legal proceedings against the alleged coupists represent a significant test for the nation’s judiciary and stability.”

**Echotitbits take:** This trial is a high-stakes move for the Tinubu administration. While it aims to project strength and deter dissent, the government must handle the evidence with absolute transparency to avoid accusations of a political witch-hunt ahead of the next election cycle.

Source: Reuters – https://www.reuters.com/world/six-suspected-nigerian-coup-plotters-plead-not-guilty-court-adjourns-trial-2026-04-22/, April 22, 2026

Photo credit: Reuters

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US Artist D4vd Pleads Not Guilty in High-Profile Tesla Murder Case

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Bob Echols’s

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April 21, 2026

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According to **Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET)**, rising American singer D4vd has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the death of a 14-year-old girl found in his Tesla. The artist, known for his viral hits and unique alternative soul sound, appeared in court following an investigation that has shocked the international music community. The case has quickly become a trending topic across Nigerian and US social media, as fans grapple with the gravity of the allegations against the Gen-Z star.

**The Independent** reported on the legal proceedings, stating that the singer was “arrested on suspicion over the death” before his formal plea. “The artist appeared in court to deny all charges,” the publication noted, as his legal team prepares for a lengthy defense. **TMZ** also provided updates, quoting sources close to the investigation who mentioned that “the Tesla’s internal data logs are expected to be a central piece of evidence” in determining the timeline of the tragic event.

**Echotitbits take:**

This is a devastating development for a career that was on a massive upward trajectory. Given the forensic nature of the evidence involving a high-tech vehicle, this trial will likely be slow and highly publicized, effectively putting his music career on an indefinite hiatus while his legal team fights these severe criminal charges.

Source: Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/apr/20/singer-d4vd-charged-murder April 21, 2026

Photo Credit: Guardian

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Paramount and Nile Entertainment Ink Massive West African Distribution Deal

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Bob Echols’s

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April 21, 2026

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A TikTok video by **Nile Entertainment** executives has confirmed a major partnership with Paramount Pictures to distribute the highly anticipated “Children of Blood and Bone” across West Africa. The deal, which was finalized this week, marks a massive win for the Nigerian film industry as it ensures the Hollywood adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s West African-inspired fantasy novel gets a robust regional release. This collaboration is expected to set a new standard for how major studio blockbusters are handled in the African market.

**Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET)** verified the signing, noting that the agreement specifically targets the growing cinema culture in Nigeria and Ghana. “Paramount Pictures and Nile Entertainment seal West African deal,” the report stated, highlighting the strategic importance of the 2026 release calendar. **Nollywood Reinvented** also covered the announcement, quoting industry insiders who say the move “represents a bridge between Hollywood’s distribution power and local market expertise.”

**Echotitbits take:**

This is more than a distribution deal; it’s a validation of the Nigerian cinema audience’s purchasing power. By partnering with a local firm like Nile, Paramount is acknowledging that “boots on the ground” are necessary to maximize revenue in Africa, likely leading to more simultaneous global/local premieres for major franchises.

Source: NETng — https://thenet.ng/paramount-pictures-nile-entertainment-seal-west-african-deal-for-children-of-blood-and-bone/ April 20, 2026

Photo Credit: ThisDayLive

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