Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Author: B.O.B Echoload

  • Fans Raise Alarm Over Nollywood Star Alex Ekubo’s Long Absence

    Fans Raise Alarm Over Nollywood Star Alex Ekubo’s Long Absence

    Concern is growing among Nollywood fans as actor Alex Ekubo has remained largely absent from public digital spaces for over a year. The usually active celebrity’s silence has triggered a range of online theories, from a quiet marriage to a career pivot.

    Daily Post reported that there has been no official statement from Ekubo’s management about his whereabouts. Tribune Online also noted that colleagues have remained tight-lipped, adding fuel to ongoing speculation.

    Echotitbits take: In an era of oversharing, a celebrity going dark for a year is a loud statement. While some speculate health issues or a personal crisis, it is equally plausible he is executing a deliberate rebrand or embracing privacy. Until he posts, the “Missing Alex” trend will likely continue to cycle across TikTok and entertainment blogs.
    Source: The Whistler – https://thewhistler.ng/fans-ask-questions-as-alex-ekubo-vanishes/ 2026-01-25
    Photo Credit: The Whistler

  • Massive Judicial Shakeup as Appeal Court Nominees List Emerges

    Massive Judicial Shakeup as Appeal Court Nominees List Emerges

    The Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) has released a longlist of 48 judges nominated for elevation to the Court of Appeal bench. The names reportedly include Justice James Omotosho and Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, both associated with high-profile national interest cases.

    What’s next: Only 12 nominees are expected to be confirmed for the appellate bench after further screening. The National Judicial Council (NJC) is expected to conduct final vetting, with the process framed as part of efforts to decongest courts and address vacancies created by retirements.

    Why it matters: The nominations are drawing scrutiny because of the perceived sensitivity of some past cases handled by shortlisted judges. Stakeholders are urging a merit-based final selection to strengthen judicial independence.

    Echotitbits take: This reshuffle is pivotal for legal stability. Elevating judges with experience in high-stakes matters could improve appellate capacity, but it may also create short-term gaps at the trial level where major corruption and security cases are ongoing.

    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/851405-njc-forwards-14-candidates-names-to-tinubu-for-appointment-as-federal-high-court-judges.html (January 25, 2026)

    Premium Times 2026-01-25

    Photo Credit: Premium Times

  • Looming Healthcare Crisis: Nigeria Faces Deficit of 260,000 Doctors

    Looming Healthcare Crisis: Nigeria Faces Deficit of 260,000 Doctors

    New figures cited in reporting indicate Nigeria’s pool of licensed medical doctors has dropped to about 40,000, leaving an estimated shortfall of 260,000 doctors for a population exceeding 200 million.

    Drivers: The ongoing “Japa” migration of health workers remains a central factor, with experts warning that the current doctor-to-patient ratio is unsustainable and is worsening outcomes in public facilities.

    Impact: Rural communities are described as the hardest hit, with multiple local government areas reportedly lacking resident doctors.

    Echotitbits take: Without urgent intervention—competitive pay, safer working conditions, and retention incentives—the system risks severe service breakdowns. Watch for policy moves around bonding, accelerated training pipelines, and emergency recruitment.

    Source: The Nation – https://thenationonlineng.net/what-high-profile-losses-reveal-about-nigerias-healthcare-crisis/ (January 25, 2026)

    The Nation 2026-01-25

    Photo Credit: The Nation

  • NICA Demands Shift to Credit-Based Economy to Spur Growth

    NICA Demands Shift to Credit-Based Economy to Spur Growth

    The National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA) has renewed calls for the Federal Government to institutionalize a credit-driven economic model, arguing that a transition from predominantly cash-based transactions can deepen financial inclusion and improve long-term economic resilience.

    Key argument: NICA says a functional credit economy depends on strong legal frameworks for default management and a culture of transparency, alongside closer collaboration between government reforms and professional credit institutions.

    Context: Analysts cited in related coverage suggest a properly implemented credit-led recovery could boost growth, but implementation risks remain—especially amid inflation and policy uncertainty.

    Echotitbits take: A stronger credit system could expand SME capacity and middle-class purchasing power. The real test is whether monetary policy and inflation dynamics can support affordable lending without increasing systemic risk.

    Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/business-services/nica-seeks-migration-to-credit-based-economic-growth/ (January 25, 2026)

    The Guardian 2026-01-25

    Photo Credit: The Guardian

  • Security Alert: Terrorists Deploy Booby-Trapped Corpses in Niger State

    Security Alert: Terrorists Deploy Booby-Trapped Corpses in Niger State

    Reports indicate terrorists killed six people in Niger State and planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) under the victims’ bodies in Borgu Local Government Area—apparently targeting those attempting recovery.

    Response: A bomb expert reportedly neutralized the devices. Local leaders are appealing for immediate reinforcement and heightened security presence in the affected communities.

    Why it matters: The use of booby traps suggests a more lethal phase of insurgent tactics, increasing risk to first responders, civilians, and security forces.

    Echotitbits take: This is a tactical escalation consistent with guerrilla playbooks seen in other conflict zones. Expect heightened pressure on security agencies to expand IED detection, training, and community intelligence networks in rural corridors.

    Source: Facebook/ITV – https://web.facebook.com/itvradiong/posts/combating-terrorism-troops-kill-scores-of-terrorists-in-adamawa-borno-statesin-a/1290902703071605/?_rdc=1&_rdr# (January 25, 2026)

    Facebook/ITV 2026-01-25

    Photo Credit: Facebook/ITV

  • Proposed ‘Anim State’ Gains Momentum Among South-East Leaders

    Proposed ‘Anim State’ Gains Momentum Among South-East Leaders

    Traditional rulers and political leaders in the South-East are reportedly rallying behind the creation of “Anim State” (an Anambra–Imo-derived proposal) as a path to addressing perceived regional marginalization and balancing the number of states across zones.

    Advocacy: Prominent voices are urging various state-creation movements (Anioma, Aba, Adada, and others) to align behind a unified proposal to improve chances of meeting constitutional requirements.

    Political context: Supporters argue the initiative could help reduce political tensions and refocus attention on development, though critics question fiscal viability in the current climate.

    Echotitbits take: State creation is constitutionally demanding and politically complex. Even if momentum grows, economic viability and revenue sustainability will be the decisive hurdles, especially under tight federal allocations.

    Source: Daily Post – https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/25/additional-state-will-bring-development-to-south-east-not-division-imo-monarch/ (January 25, 2026)

    Daily Post 2026-01-25

    Photo Credit: Daily Post

  • Mystery and Tragedy: Newlywed Arrested for Poisoning Husband in Jigawa

    Mystery and Tragedy: Newlywed Arrested for Poisoning Husband in Jigawa

    The Jigawa State Police Command has detained a newlywed woman following the death of her husband, reportedly linked to rat poison. The suspect allegedly cited dissatisfaction with a marriage she claimed was forced upon her.

    Case details: The incident occurred in Gauza village, Jahun Local Government Area. Police say the deceased became ill after eating a meal prepared by his wife. The body has reportedly been released to the family for burial while investigation continues.

    Wider concern: The case is renewing attention on the intersection of forced unions, domestic violence, and social pressures.

    Echotitbits take: This tragedy underscores ongoing tensions between customary practices and individual rights. Expect renewed debate on safeguards against coerced marriages and the role of community structures in prevention.

    Source: Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/100064638796212/posts/the-jigawa-state-police-command-has-arrested-a-newly-married-woman-in-connection/1325392859625328/?_rdc=1&_rdr#  (January 25, 2026)

    Facebook 2026-01-25

    Photo Credit: Facebook

  • FRSC Targets 10% Reduction in Ekiti Road Accidents for 2026

    FRSC Targets 10% Reduction in Ekiti Road Accidents for 2026

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ekiti State has set a target to reduce road traffic crashes by at least 10% in 2026, citing data-driven operations and increased advocacy among commercial drivers.

    Planned measures: The command plans intensified patrols on major routes, technology-enabled speed monitoring, and collaboration with communities on lighting and signage maintenance.

    Constraints: Drivers are raising concerns about the condition of some federal roads, arguing that infrastructure deficits remain a major contributor to crashes.

    Echotitbits take: Enforcement and data matter, but road engineering matters more. Without repairs on dangerous corridors, speed enforcement can only deliver partial gains on fatalities.

    Source: EkitiPodium- https://ekitipodium.com/2026/01/20/we-recorded-substantial-reduction-in-auto-crashes-in-2025-frsc/ (January 25, 2026)

    EkitiPodium 2026-01-25

    Photo Credit: EkitiPodium

  • Kannywood Struggles to Balance Tradition and Modernity in 2026

    Kannywood Struggles to Balance Tradition and Modernity in 2026

    Kannywood—Northern Nigeria’s Hausa-language film industry—is reportedly navigating growing tension between strict censorship expectations and the demands of modern, global audiences, alongside a funding gap relative to Southern Nollywood.

    Industry dynamics: Filmmakers are increasingly exploring streaming distribution to expand reach, though challenges remain around monetization and structured distribution networks.

    Generational shift: Younger actors and creatives are pushing for more diverse storylines to compete internationally while retaining cultural authenticity.

    Echotitbits take: Kannywood’s sustainability likely hinges on digitization and diaspora market strategy. Watch for more cross-regional collaborations and co-productions to bridge funding and distribution constraints.

    Source: France24 – https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260106-nigeria-s-kannywood-tiptoes-between-censor-boards-and-modernity (January 25, 2026)

    France24 2026-01-25

    Photo Credit: France24

  • Portable Accuses Nigerian A-Listers of Sabotaging Young Talent

    Portable Accuses Nigerian A-Listers of Sabotaging Young Talent

    Controversial street-hop artist Portable has publicly called out Afrobeats heavyweights Wizkid, Davido, Olamide, and Burna Boy, alleging they have held a long-running “monopoly” at the top of the industry and restricted opportunities for emerging talent.

    Portable also questioned the authenticity of what he described as “deceptive displays of wealth,” claiming some luxury valuations are exaggerated or reflect gifts—creating unrealistic lifestyle pressure on younger artists.

    The remarks have split opinion online, with supporters framing him as a voice for underdogs and critics dismissing the rant as attention-seeking.

    Echotitbits Take: Portable’s disruptive style can be polarizing, but the underlying “gatekeeping” debate is real in creative industries. Watch whether any of the named stars respond indirectly in interviews or lyrics as fanbases intensify the conversation.

    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/848115-dont-be-like-baba-mohbad-portable-accuses-dad-of-extortion-manipulation.html (2026-01-24).

    Photo Credit: Premium Times