Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Author: B.O.B Echoload

  • Lawmakers Summon Firm Over Alleged Illegal Logging in Cross River Forest

    Lawmakers Summon Firm Over Alleged Illegal Logging in Cross River Forest

    Reporting by Daily Post indicates that the Cross River State House of Assembly summoned Ezemac International Ltd over allegations of unauthorized entry and logging in the Ekuri community forest. Community residents allege the firm used heavy machinery under security protection to destroy ancestral forests without proper consent and on terms lawmakers described as exploitative.

    Lawmakers demanded the firm halt operations pending a fair negotiation, emphasizing that documentation presented allegedly covered government reserves—not protected community lands. The hearing also raised concerns about intimidation and misuse of security agencies in environmental disputes.

    The Guardian noted the Ekuri forest as one of the region’s last remaining primary rainforests, while Leadership reported community demands for immediate exit to prevent further ecological damage.

    Echotitbits take: Community-led environmental resistance is gaining traction in Nigeria. This case will test whether state institutions prioritize short-term logging revenue over ecological stewardship, community consent, and ancestral land claims—especially in biodiversity-rich Cross River.

    Source: Daily Post — https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/29/lawmakers-fault-firm-over-alleged-unauthorised-logging-in-criver-forest/ 2026-01-29

    Photo Credit: Daily Post

  • Senator Ndume Criticizes President Tinubu’s Inner Circle over “Lagos Elitism”

    Senator Ndume Criticizes President Tinubu’s Inner Circle over “Lagos Elitism”

    In an update published by Daily Post, Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) criticized President Bola Tinubu’s advisory circle, alleging it is disconnected from everyday realities. Speaking on Arise Television, Ndume said the President is surrounded by people who “only know Ikoyi and Victoria Island” and frequently travel abroad, while grassroots political voices are sidelined.

    He argued that Tinubu’s Lagos-era political strength was built on loyalists who have now been replaced by a newer technocratic clique—fueling internal party debate over influence and coalition management ahead of 2027. The Presidency has not issued a formal response.

    The Punch quoted Ndume’s complaint that some advisers “don’t know politics” and are often abroad, while The Nation framed the comments as reflecting unease within sections of the APC hierarchy.

    Echotitbits take: Ndume is functioning as a warning signal inside the APC. If the “Lagos-centric” perception hardens, the presidency may need visible rebalancing moves—appointments, engagement, and policy concessions—to keep Northern support consolidated for 2027.

    Source: Facebook — https://web.facebook.com/100064638796212/posts/senator-ali-ndume-apcborno-south-has-again-criticised-president-bola-ahmed-tinub/1262561532575128/?_rdc=1&_rdr# 2026-01-29

    Photo Credit: Facebook

  • Funke Akindele Honored by Federal Government for N2 Billion Box Office Feat

    Funke Akindele Honored by Federal Government for N2 Billion Box Office Feat

    Reporting by Channels TV indicates that the Federal Government has lauded Nollywood filmmaker Funke Akindele for a record-breaking box office performance reportedly surpassing N2 billion. The Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy described the feat as a benchmark for the creative economy and a signal of Nollywood’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to GDP.

    Officials said the recognition reflects growing interest in positioning the creative sector as a serious economic pillar. Plans were also referenced around institutional support through a Creative Economy Fund, aimed at enabling larger-scale productions and industry financing.

    Vanguard corroborated the commendation and quoted the minister praising Nigerian stories as commercially powerful, while The Punch amplified the milestone as a historic Nollywood commercial height in a single theatrical run.

    Echotitbits take: Funke Akindele has evolved from superstar to commercial institution. This N2bn signal is exactly what investors look for—expect more private equity-style financing structures, distribution partnerships, and higher-stakes marketing plays across Nollywood.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/fg-hails-funke-akindele-on-box-office-record/ 2026-01-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Plastic plates… but make it couture: Imisi and Tiannah Styling ignite a birthday fashion storm

    Plastic plates… but make it couture: Imisi and Tiannah Styling ignite a birthday fashion storm

    According to BellaNaija Style, BBNaija winner Imisi stepped out in a birthday ball gown constructed with plastic plates, styled by Tiannah Styling—instantly turning the look into a social-media debate about creativity, taste, and “art vs. outrageous.” The photos are doing what statement looks do best: forcing attention. Some love the audacity; others think it’s “too much.” Either way, it’s the kind of outfit that guarantees reposts and commentary across fashion pages and stan circles.

    Echotitbits take: This is the new Nigerian fashion playbook—concept first, consensus later. If the engagement stays hot, expect brand shout-outs, behind-the-scenes content, and copycat “materials challenge” looks within days.

    Source: Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/queensandwomeninpower/posts/imisi-radiates-elegance-in-this-dazzling-dress-by-the-esteemed-fashion-designer-/891246356965841/?_rdc=1&_rdr# January 28, 2026
    Photo Credit: Facebook

  • Bisola’s 40th birthday looks keep circulating — and the fashion pages won’t let it rest

    Bisola’s 40th birthday looks keep circulating — and the fashion pages won’t let it rest

    In a post shared by @lamodemag, Bisola Aiyeola’s 40th birthday celebration is still trending because the style moments are getting replay value—outfit changes, glam, and that “main character” birthday energy. Even days after the party, the visuals keep getting recut and reposted, pulling reactions from fashion lovers and pop-culture watchers who treat milestone birthdays like unofficial red-carpet events.

    Echotitbits take: In Nollywood-adjacent celebrity culture, birthdays are branding. The real “win” isn’t just the party—it’s the content trail that sustains attention, boosts endorsements, and keeps the celebrity in rotation.

    Source: Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/SmileTVAfrica/posts/bisola-aiyeola-outfit-to-her-40th-birthday-party-yesterday-%EF%B8%8F/1327863726044908/?_rdc=1&_rdr# January 28, 2026
    Photo Credit: Facebook

  • “Why only me?” Phyna fumes after she’s reportedly stopped at Imisi’s birthday gate

    “Why only me?” Phyna fumes after she’s reportedly stopped at Imisi’s birthday gate

    According to Legit.ng, BBNaija star Phyna claimed she was denied entry at Imisi’s birthday party because organisers wanted her to stop livestreaming—triggering a heated reaction that quickly became its own viral clip. The drama took off because it plays into a familiar party-politics storyline: “rules for some people, special treatment for others,” especially when streaming and clout are involved.

    Echotitbits take: This is the collision of event control and influencer behavior. Watch for: (1) more gate clips, (2) Imisi’s camp clarifying rules, (3) other BBNaija alumni weighing in—because these party dramas rarely stay “one-sided.”

    Source: Facebook/Legit.ng – https://web.facebook.com/legitngbuzz/posts/embarrassing-scenephyna-was-captured-visibly-angry-after-she-was-denied-entry-to/1373585371474207/?_rdc=1&_rdr# January 28, 2026
    Photo Credit: Facebook/Legit.ng

  • Ini Edo calls herself “overambitious” as ‘A Very Dirty December’ promo conversations heat up

    Ini Edo calls herself “overambitious” as ‘A Very Dirty December’ promo conversations heat up

    According to NaijaNews, Ini Edo admitted she was “overambitious” about the rollout and expectations around A Very Dirty December, a project that’s been pulling attention in Nollywood circles. Her tone reads like a mix of honesty and recalibration—acknowledging the pressure of audience expectations while still keeping the project positioned as a big moment.

    Echotitbits take: When a star publicly resets expectations, it usually means the audience feedback is loud. The next thing to watch is whether the marketing shifts (new teasers, cast push, influencer campaigns) to control the narrative before release momentum dips.

    Source: Ripples – https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/ini-edo-admits-overambition-as-she-praises-funke-akindele-toyin-abrahams-dominance/ January 28, 2026
    Photo Credit: Ripples

  • Angela Okorie reportedly detained in cybercrime-linked dispute involving Mercy Johnson

    Angela Okorie reportedly detained in cybercrime-linked dispute involving Mercy Johnson

    According to Daily Post, Angela Okorie was reportedly arrested by operatives linked to a cybercrime unit in a case connected to her dispute with Mercy Johnson—fueling heavy chatter across Nollywood timelines. The story escalated because it’s not just “beef”—it’s now framed as a legal/police matter, and that changes how the public reads every prior post and shade.

    Echotitbits take: If this proceeds beyond “reports,” watch for court filings, verified statements, or withdrawals (common in celebrity disputes). Also watch who speaks: when producers/bloggers jump in early, it often signals deeper industry alignments behind the scenes.

    Source: Daily Post – https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/28/mercy-johnson-reportedly-arrests-angela-okorie-for-cyber-bullying/ January 28, 2026
    Photo Credit: Daily Post

  • Kunle Kuti says Wizkid is the only artiste he ever “begged” to meet — amid the Seun/Wizkid-fandom firestorm

    Kunle Kuti says Wizkid is the only artiste he ever “begged” to meet — amid the Seun/Wizkid-fandom firestorm

    According to TheCable Lifestyle, Kunle Kuti said Wizkid is the only artiste he has ever begged to meet, adding fresh fuel to a story already charged by the Seun Kuti vs Wizkid-fanbase clash. His comments are landing because they cut against the binary “legacy vs popstar” framing—showing admiration for Wizkid while still insisting that comparisons to Fela are misplaced.

    Echotitbits take: This is a temperature check for how Nigerians handle legacy debates in the era of stan culture. If more Kuti-family voices weigh in—or Wizkid responds again—the discourse could shift from fandom wars to a broader cultural-history argument.

    Source: TheCable Lifestyle – https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/wizkid-is-the-only-artiste-ive-ever-begged-to-meet-says-kunle-kuti/#:~:text=Kunle%20Kuti%2C%20the%20son%20of,my%20life%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20said. January 28, 2026
    Photo Credit: TheCable Lifestyle

  • Wilfred Ndidi goes viral after shielding a little girl from the rain before kickoff

    Wilfred Ndidi goes viral after shielding a little girl from the rain before kickoff

    In a post shared by @power_of_africa, Wilfred Ndidi was captured using his body to cover a little girl from the rain—an unscripted moment that fans are reposting as proof of humility and character beyond football. The clip spread quickly across X and Facebook pages, with many calling it the “real captain energy” type of gesture that sticks with kids forever.

    Echotitbits take: Athletes are brands, and “human moments” are the strongest currency. If Ndidi’s club or Nigeria’s football media teams pick this up, expect it to be used in community campaigns and player-profile storytelling.

    Source: Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/61562612382338/posts/-nigerian-captain-wilfred-ndidi-covering-the-little-girl-from-rainfall-before-th/122148902594420412/?_rdc=1&_rdr# January 28, 2026
    Photo Credit: Facebook