Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Author: Bob Echols’s

  • Maritime Firm Announces Pan-African Fleet Expansion Drive

    Maritime Firm Announces Pan-African Fleet Expansion Drive

    Figures cited by BusinessDay show that Starzs Investment Company Ltd, a leading Nigerian maritime and logistics firm, is set to significantly expand its operations across the continent. The company’s CEO, Iroghama Ogbeifun, revealed plans to acquire new DP2 AHTS tugboats as part of a fleet renewal strategy to meet the rising demand in Africa’s oil and gas sectors.

    Beyond Nigerian waters, the firm is targeting emerging oil hotspots in Namibia, Mozambique, Guinea, and Congo. This expansion is fueled by strategic partnerships and a renewed investment momentum within the Nigerian offshore industry, where Starzs currently operates 11 vessels, including security patrol boats for major international oil companies.

    As one of the few privately licensed maritime security firms with a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Navy, the company’s growth is seen as a boost for indigenous participation in the high-stakes maritime sector. The move is expected to create jobs and enhance Nigeria’s footprint in the global maritime economy.

    The expansion was also reported by NANNamed and ThisDay, with ThisDay noting, “Starzs is positioning itself as a Pan-African champion in the maritime space.” The Guardian quoted Ogbeifun saying, “We are investing in response to aging assets and the growing offshore demand across the Gulf of Guinea.”

    Echotitbits take: Starzs’ move into Namibia and Mozambique shows that Nigerian indigenous firms are now mature enough to export services. This is a positive sign for the “Blue Economy” policy of the current administration.

    Source: DailyByTesng – https://dailybytesng.com/single_news/firm-plans-fleet-expansion-across-africa-as-oil-gas-projects-gain-momentum, February 8, 2026

    Photo credit: DailyByTesng

  • Lagos Experts Warn of Erratic Weather and Heatwaves in 2026

    Lagos Experts Warn of Erratic Weather and Heatwaves in 2026

    In an update published by The Punch, environmental scientists and health experts have warned that Nigeria is entering a period of extreme climate unpredictability. Unusual rainfall patterns observed in Lagos and Ogun states during January and early February are being cited as clear indicators that traditional seasonal cycles have been disrupted by global warming.

    Mr. Ahoton James, Director of Environmental Service at the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, noted that the absence of a traditional harmattan season in late 2025 and early 2026 is a significant red flag. The experts predict that the country may face intense heatwaves and unseasonable flooding, which could severely impact food security and public health.

    The changing climate is already affecting agricultural planning, as farmers who rely on predictable rain cycles are finding it difficult to time their planting. This volatility is expected to persist throughout the year, necessitating a shift in national disaster management strategies.

    Validating reports from Vanguard and Daily Trust emphasize these concerns, with Vanguard quoting a meteorologist who said, “We are seeing the 2026 weather calendar being rewritten by carbon footprints,” while Daily Trust noted that “Northern states must prepare for record-breaking temperatures this summer.”

    Echotitbits take: The failure of the harmattan and early rains in the south are not just anomalies; they are economic risks. Expect a spike in cooling costs and potential volatility in food prices if the heatwaves affect the early planting season.

    Source: The Cable – https://www.thecable.ng/heat-like-hell-fire-strange-weather-angry-water-what-nigerians-call-climate-change/, February 8, 2026

    Photo credit: The Cable

  • Ghana Recalls High Commissioner Over Alleged Electoral Misconduct

    Ghana Recalls High Commissioner Over Alleged Electoral Misconduct

    Reporting by Premium Times indicates that the Ghanaian Presidency has officially recalled Baba Ahmed, the country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, with immediate effect. The decision, sanctioned by President John Mahama, follows allegations linking the diplomat to malpractices during Ghana’s parliamentary election primaries for the Ayawaso East Constituency.

    The Ghanaian government clarified that Mr. Ahmed, who was an aspirant in the primaries, was recalled to answer for his alleged role in compromising the electoral process while serving as a high-ranking public officer. This move is seen as a stern signal from Accra regarding the conduct of its diplomatic staff during domestic political transitions.

    The recall has sparked discussions within the West African diplomatic community about the boundaries of political participation for serving ambassadors. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to be formally notified as the Ghanaian mission in Abuja transitions to interim leadership.

    The story was also monitored by Channels TV and The Punch, which reported that “the recall is a rare but necessary step to maintain the integrity of Ghana’s democratic institutions.” The Sun Nigeria further quoted a source in Accra saying, “The Presidency will not tolerate any public officer using their position to influence internal party processes.”

    Echotitbits take: This recall highlights Ghana’s aggressive stance on electoral integrity, even at the cost of diplomatic continuity. It may temporarily slow down bilateral engagements between Abuja and Accra as a new envoy is vetted.

    Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/ghana-recalls-high-commissioner-to-nigeria-over-alleged-link-to-election-rigging/, February 8, 2026

    Photo credit: Vanguard

  • London Set to Host Tinubu for Historic State Visit in March

    London Set to Host Tinubu for Historic State Visit in March

    According to international diplomatic dispatches cited by The Nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to undertake a significant state visit to the United Kingdom from March 18 to 19, 2026. The Nigerian leader and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu will be hosted at Windsor Castle by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, marking the first formal state visit by a Nigerian president to Britain in nearly four decades.

    The visit is expected to focus on the strategic partnership established between London and Abuja in late 2024, targeting enhanced cooperation in security, migration, and economic growth. Analysts suggest that the timing is critical as Nigeria seeks deeper defense ties to combat rising jihadist threats in its central and northwestern regions.

    Economic data indicates that trade between the two nations has flourished, reaching approximately £8.1 billion in the year ending September 2025. This 11.4 percent year-on-year increase underscores Nigeria’s position as a vital trade partner for the UK within the Commonwealth.

    This development has been corroborated by The Guardian and Daily Post, with the former noting that “the visit underscores the deepening ties between the UK’s Labour government and the Tinubu administration,” while the latter quoted a palace spokesperson stating, “Their Majesties look forward to welcoming the President and Mrs. Tinubu to Windsor.”

    Echotitbits take: This visit represents a major diplomatic win for the Tinubu administration, signaling Western confidence despite domestic security hurdles. Watch for specific announcements regarding defense hardware and tech-sector investment during the Windsor summits.

    Source: Channels TV – https://www.channelstv.com/2026/02/08/tinubu-to-meet-king-charles-pay-state-visit-to-uk/, February 8, 2026

    Photo credit: Channels TV

  • Tributes Pour in as Nollywood Veteran ‘Aunty Ajara’ is Laid to Rest

    Tributes Pour in as Nollywood Veteran ‘Aunty Ajara’ is Laid to Rest

    According to The Punch, the Yoruba film industry is in mourning as veteran actress Ajara Lasisi, affectionately known as “Aunty Ajara,” was laid to rest this weekend. The funeral, attended by a heavy presence of Nollywood royalty, was a somber reminder of the actress’s long-standing contribution to the screen. She passed away recently following a prolonged battle with a liver-related illness.

    The burial ceremony turned into a celebration of her life, with colleagues sharing anecdotes of her mentorship and motherly role on set. Viral videos from the event show many of her peers in tears, highlighting the deep vacuum her passing has created. The funeral has also reignited discussions about health insurance and welfare for aging veterans in the Nigerian entertainment sector.

    Nigerian Entertainment Today (TheNETng) reported: “Nollywood actress Aunty Ajara dies after a prolonged battle with illness… she was a pillar of the Yoruba film industry.” NewsNow also carried the tribute: “Tributes pour in as actress Ajara is laid to rest… Colleagues and family pay final respects to a legend.”

    Echotitbits Take:

    Aunty Ajara’s death is a sobering moment for Nollywood. While the industry celebrates its “new school” global hits, the passing of veterans like Ajara often highlights the lack of a robust pension or health system for those who built the foundation. Watch for a renewed push from the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) for better health insurance schemes in the wake of this loss.

    Source: Daily Post — https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/05/late-nollywood-actress-aunty-ajara-laid-to-rest/ February 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: Daily Post

  • Iyabo Ojo Stirs Nollywood with Bold ‘Year for Doers’ Declaration

    Iyabo Ojo Stirs Nollywood with Bold ‘Year for Doers’ Declaration

    In a report by Leadership Nigeria, Nollywood powerhouse Iyabo Ojo has declared 2026 the “Year for Doers,” a statement that has caused significant ripples across the Nigerian film industry. Amidst what insiders describe as “disquiet” and growing pains within Nollywood, Ojo’s call to action is being interpreted as a challenge to her colleagues to prioritize productivity and professionalism over social media drama.

    Ojo, who is as famous for her business acumen as she is for her acting, emphasized that the industry needs to evolve beyond “eye service” and focus on creating sustainable structures. Her comments come at a time when many actors are diversifying into tech and real estate, and her “Year for Doers” mantra is quickly becoming a viral hashtag among the younger crop of influencers and actors.

    NewsNow tracked the immediate impact of her words: “Actress Iyabo Ojo Declares 2026 ‘Year For Doers’ Amid Disquiet In Nollywood… sparking widespread conversation.” Vanguard Nigeria added context to her influence: “Ojo remains a central figure of drama and progress, urging her peers to move from talk to action.”

    Echotitbits Take:

    Iyabo Ojo is the unofficial “Queen Mother” of Nollywood’s digital era. When she speaks, the industry listens—or at least argues. This “Year for Doers” campaign is likely a precursor to a major business announcement or a new production slate. She is positioning herself as the industry’s productivity coach, which is a clever way to stay relevant as the traditional film model shifts toward streaming.

    Source: The Nation —  https://thenationonlineng.net/2026-is-for-doers-not-talkers-iyabo-ojo-speaks-amid-nollywood-drama/ February 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Nation

  • Bay Area Icons E-40 and Too $hort Ignite Super Bowl Week in the US

    Bay Area Icons E-40 and Too $hort Ignite Super Bowl Week in the US

    According to AP Entertainment, legendary Bay Area rappers E-40 and Too $hort delivered a high-octane performance at the NFL Honors show, cementing the Bay Area’s musical influence during the ongoing Super Bowl week. The show underscored the “ingrained independence” of the NorCal hip-hop scene, which has historically thrived by building its own infrastructure outside the traditional Hollywood or New York systems.

    The performance served as a soulful yet street-ready celebration of the “hyphy” movement’s evolution into the modern era. As the Super Bowl festivities heat up, the inclusion of these veterans highlights a trend in US pop culture toward honoring regional pioneers who paved the way for the current generation of genre-bending artists.

    Providing further coverage, The MRT noted: “E-40 and Too $hort’s NFL Honors show underscores Bay Area’s music presence… bringing a soulful, street, and pop lane to the stage.” Everything Is Noise also reflected on the cultural weight of such performances, stating: “Hip-hop here grew from artists selling tapes out of car trunks to dominating the NFL’s biggest week.”

    Echotitbits Take:

    This isn’t just a nostalgia trip; it’s a strategic branding move by the NFL to lean into “authentic” street culture. For E-40 and Too $hort, this prime-time exposure during Super Bowl week ensures their business ventures (including wine and spirits) reach a massive mainstream audience. Expect more “OG” hip-hop appearances as the league tries to maintain its cultural relevance with the 35+ demographic.

    Source: MRT — https://www.mrt.com/entertainment/article/e-40-and-too-hort-s-nfl-honors-show-underscores-21339783.php February 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: MRT

  • ‘Dara’ Makes History as Sole African Selection for DC Independent Film Festival

    ‘Dara’ Makes History as Sole African Selection for DC Independent Film Festival

    A TikTok video by @naija_film_hub highlights the growing international buzz for Dara: A Port Harcourt Love Story, which has achieved a major milestone in global cinema. According to Punch Newspapers, the feature film is the only African production selected to showcase at the prestigious 2026 DC Independent Film Festival. This selection places Port Harcourt’s unique cultural landscape on a major global stage.

    The film, which explores the complexities of romance against the backdrop of one of Nigeria’s most vibrant yet volatile cities, has been praised for its authentic storytelling and high production value. Its inclusion in the DC festival is seen as a win not just for the director, but for the entire “Pitakwa” (Port Harcourt) creative ecosystem, which often plays second fiddle to the Lagos-centric Nollywood industry.

    Validating the report, NewsNow confirmed the selection: “The Nigerian feature, ‘Dara: A Port Harcourt Love Story,’ is the only African film selected for the 2026 DC Independent Film Festival.” The Nation also celebrated the feat, quoting the producers: “This is a victory for grassroots storytelling and shows that African narratives are globally competitive.”

    Echotitbits Take:

    While Lagos dominates the headlines, Port Harcourt is quietly becoming a hub for “prestige” Nollywood. Dara’s success at an independent festival suggests a shift toward more localized, gritty narratives that resonate with Western critics. Expect this film to lead the charge for a new wave of regional Nigerian cinema that bypasses traditional distributors for the global festival circuit.

    Source: Punch Newspapers — https://punchng.com/dara-to-represent-africa-at-dc-independent-film-festival/ February 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers

  • Alleged Police Assault on Skit Maker Ijoba Lande Triggers Investigation

    Alleged Police Assault on Skit Maker Ijoba Lande Triggers Investigation

    In a post shared by @leadership_ng on X, the Nigerian police have officially launched a probe into the reported physical assault and robbery of popular content creator Ijoba Lande. The comedian cried out in a viral video, alleging that officers not only physically attacked him but also forcibly took his iPhone and stole $1,200 belonging to his brother during a stop-and-search encounter.

    The incident has sparked outrage across TikTok and Instagram, where Ijoba Lande’s fans have been sharing the footage of his distressed state following the encounter. The swift response from the authorities indicates a heightened sensitivity to celebrity-related complaints involving law enforcement. Reports suggest the officers involved have already been taken into custody as the investigation proceeds to verify the skit maker’s claims.

    Confirming the development, Punch Newspapers stated on February 7, 2026: “Police probe attack on actor Ijoba Lande… The officers are reportedly in custody as an investigation begins.” Additionally, Vanguard Nigeria reported on the viral nature of the claim: “Skit maker Ijoba Lande cries out over alleged police brutality, claiming theft of $1,200 and personal gadgets.”

    Echotitbits Take:

    Viral “cries for help” from celebrities are becoming the most effective tool for police accountability in Nigeria. While the police have moved quickly, the credibility of the $1,200 theft claim will be the focal point of the probe. If proven true, this could lead to another public relations crisis for the force; if found exaggerated, it may hurt Lande’s standing with his millions of digital followers.

    Source: Leadership Newspapers — https://leadership.ng/policemen-attacked-me-collected-my-iphone-stole-my-brothers-1200-skit-maker-ijoba-lande-cries-out/ February 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Guardian

  • Andre Dikeh-Churchill: Tonto’s Son Officially Reclaims Father’s Name

    Andre Dikeh-Churchill: Tonto’s Son Officially Reclaims Father’s Name

    According to Punch Newspapers, a significant family milestone was reached this weekend as Andre, the son of Nollywood star Tonto Dikeh, officially adopted his father’s surname, Churchill. This development follows a heartwarming and long-awaited reunion between the young boy and his father, Olakunle Churchill, effectively ending a public and often contentious separation that spanned nearly ten years.

    The transition marks a turning point for the family, which has been under the intense scrutiny of the Nigerian public for years. Tonto Dikeh, known for her vocal stance on her co-parenting struggles, appears to be embracing this new chapter of reconciliation. Fans and followers have flooded social media with reactions, mostly praising the move as a healthy step for the child’s emotional well-being and identity.

    In a report by NewsNow Nigeria, the reconciliation was described as a pivotal moment for the duo: “Tonto Dikeh’s son finally adopts father’s surname… after a heartwarming family reunion ending a nearly decade-long separation.” This sentiment was echoed by The Nigerian Voice, which noted the shift in the family dynamic, stating that the adoption of the Churchill name is a “landmark event defining 2026 family-focused trends in the industry.”

    Echotitbits Take:

    This is a massive shift in one of Nollywood’s longest-running personal sagas. After years of legal battles and social media shade, the rebranding of “Andre Churchill” suggests a ceasefire that prioritizes the child’s stability. Watch for Tonto to pivot her brand more toward “peaceful co-parenting” advocacy in the coming months, as this move significantly softens her previously hardline public image.

    Source: Punch Newspapers — https://punchng.com/tonto-dikehs-son-finally-adopts-fathers-surname/ February 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers