“No intention to dishonour Christianity” — Ini Edo responds as CAN criticises film title

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December 20, 2025

Ini Edo / Instagram

2025-12-19 10:00:00
Premium Times reports that Ini Edo has denied claims her film title was meant to insult Christianity, saying the project wasn’t created to mock faith or believers.

The response follows criticism from CAN, which questioned the title choice and called for sensitivity—turning what would normally be promo season into a reputational and cultural debate.

– Punch (News outlet): “CAN… described it as… ‘offensive’…”
– Ini Edo (Instagram / verified): “At no time was there any intention to demean… Christianity…”

Analysis/Echotitbits take: Nollywood is now operating in a hypersensitive title-first internet era—where branding choices can trigger institutional backlash before anyone watches the film. Watch next for producers’ messaging: synopsis context, disclaimers, and interviews that reframe the narrative.

Source: Premium Times — 19 Dec 2025 — https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/844216-a-very-dirty-christmas-no-intention-to-demean-ridicule-or-dishonour-christianity-ini-edo-replies-can.html
Photo Credit: Premium Times
2025-12-19

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Burna Boy sparks debate with “cancelled but touring” flex at Toronto stop

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 20, 2025

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MuchMusic (Instagram post)

2025-12-19 09:00:00
Guardian Life reports that Burna Boy’s Toronto comments—framed as a clapback to online backlash—have reignited the “artist vs internet” conversation as tour clips circulate.

The quote has been amplified by music media accounts and reposts, with fans splitting between “confidence” and “deflection” readings.

– MuchMusic (Instagram / media): “Burna Boy said… ‘Tell me who else has gone on tour while being cancelled’…”
– QED.ng (Entertainment outlet): “Tell me who else has gone on tour while being cancelled — Burna Boy”

Analysis/Echotitbits take: Tours have become the new scoreboard for relevance—ticket sales as proof of love in real time. Watch whether Burna’s team leans into the narrative with more PR moments, or lets the music and dates do the talking.

Source: Guardian Life — 19 Dec 2025 — https://guardian.ng/life/tell-me-who-else-has-gone-on-tour-while-being-cancelled-burna-boy/
Photo Credit: Guardian Life
2025-12-19

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“I’m sorry, Nigeria” — TikTok star Peller apologises after crash livestream and arrest

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 20, 2025

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Punch (article image/credit as published)

2025-12-19 08:00:00
Punch reports that TikTok creator Peller issued an apology after a viral livestream showed reckless driving that ended in a crash—sparking backlash and a fresh wave of road-safety calls.

He referenced being on medication and asked people not to attack Jarvis online, while police confirmed an arrest and detention as the matter moved into formal investigation.

– Lagos State Police Command (X / official): “has arrested and detained… Habeeb Hamzat aka ‘PELLER’, subsequent to the viral video…”
– TheCable Lifestyle (News outlet): “I am sorry you all… I will never do such thing again…”

Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is bigger than one creator—Nigeria’s attention economy is colliding with public safety and mental-health realities. Watch next for how quickly charges move, and whether platforms and talent managers begin enforcing real duty-of-care rules for creators.

Source: Punch — 19 Dec 2025 — https://punchng.com/tiktoker-peller-apologises-over-reckless-driving-car-crash/
Phot Credit: Punch
2025-12-19

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Detty December Fest goes full-throttle as Juma Jux draws celebs and surprise cameos in Lagos

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 20, 2025

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Photo Credit: Channels TV / Daniel Obas

2025-12-19 07:00:00
Channels Television reports that Juma Jux’s Lagos concert at Ilubirin doubled as a Detty December magnet—pulling in returning Nigerians, celebs, and a rotating cast of guest performers through the night.

The show reportedly stretched into the early hours, with ticket tiers and crowd energy reflecting how Lagos’ December circuit has become a structured festival economy, not just vibes.

– TheCable Lifestyle (News outlet): “One standout moment came when Jux brought his wife Priscilla Ojo on stage.”
– HipTV (Facebook / media platform): “The moment Diamond Platnumz performed with Jumajux at his lagos concert last night!”

Analysis/Echotitbits take: Detty December is now a serious regional culture-business: travel, nightlife, ticketing, sponsorship, and influencer media all move together. The real watch is whether organisers tighten safety/logistics as crowds scale—and whether more East/West African collaborations become December staples.

Source: Channels Television — 19 Dec 2025 — https://www.channelstv.com/2025/12/19/juma-jux-broda-shaggi-diamond-platnumz-phyno-thrill-fans-at-detty-december-fest/
Channels Television
2025-12-19

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Davido and French Montana set AFCON tone with Rabat kick-off concert

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 20, 2025

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Guardian Life (via Davido/X photo attribution on page)

2025-12-19 06:00:00
On Guardian Life’s report, Davido has been confirmed as a headline act for the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 opening concert in Rabat, Morocco, billed as the cultural starter before the football begins.

The show is slated for Saturday, December 20 at the OLM Souissi Fan Zone, with French Montana also on the bill alongside Moroccan and Franco‑Moroccan acts—positioning AFCON as both sport and pop-culture export.

– CAF (Official website): “Morocco will open the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations with a major musical spectacle…”
– Punch (News outlet): “Global hip-hop star French Montana and Nigerian Afrobeats icon Davido will lead an exciting international line-up…”

Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is soft power at work—AFCON is increasingly selling an “Africa experience,” not just a tournament. Watch for sponsor integrations, broadcast packaging, and whether Nigerian acts get more official-event placements across CAF programming this cycle.

Source: Guardian Life — 19 Dec 2025 — https://guardian.ng/life/davido-to-perform-at-afcon-2025-opening-concert-in-morocco/
Photo Credit: Guardian Life
2025-12-19

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Stakeholders warn Senate against death-penalty option in kidnapping bill

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 19, 2025

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Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
2025-12-18 17:00:00

The Nation reports that stakeholders at a Senate hearing pushed back against proposals to introduce death penalty provisions for kidnapping, citing legal, rights and implementation concerns.

Critics argue deterrence is unlikely if conviction rates remain low, and that reforms should prioritise investigation quality, prosecution capacity and victim protection.

Verification: Premium Times and Channels TV also reported the public hearing and documented opposition from the AGF, NBA and other groups.

Quotes: Premium Times: “AGF, NBA, others oppose death penalty for kidnapping…” Channels TV: “raised concerns… at the public hearing…”

Analysis/Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s crisis is less about harsh laws and more about weak enforcement. Watch the final Senate wording and whether the bill strengthens investigations, forensics and witness protection without expanding punitive powers that can be abused.

Source: The Nation — 2025-12-18 — https://thenationonlineng.net/stakeholders-oppose-death-penalty-for-kidnapping/

The Nation 2025-12-18

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Davido booked for AFCON 2025 opening concert as CAF ramps up festival-style kickoff

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 19, 2025

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Photo Credit: Punch / CAFOnline
2025-12-18 16:00:00

Vanguard reports CAF has confirmed Afrobeats star Davido will perform at the AFCON 2025 opening concert in Rabat, alongside an international lineup including French Montana and Moroccan acts.

The concert is positioned as a major pre-tournament spectacle, tying entertainment directly into AFCON’s build-up and fan programming.

Verification: CAF’s official announcement describes a “major musical spectacle,” and TVC News also reported the headline lineup for the kickoff concert.

Quotes: CAF: “Morocco will open… with a major musical spectacle…” TVC News: “Davido… announced to headline the opening concert…”

Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is soft power in motion—Nigeria’s pop culture remains a continental magnet. Watch brand activations, tourism-linked business opportunities, and whether CAF sustains the festival model for future tournaments.

Source: Vanguard — 2025-12-18 — https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/davido-to-perform-at-afcon-2025-opening-concert/

Vanguard 2025-12-18

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Global surplus leaves Nigerian crude cargoes searching for buyers

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 19, 2025

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Photo Credit: Punch / Reuters
2025-12-19 15:00:00

Reuters, via a report carried by The Punch, says Nigerian crude sellers are facing weak demand for multiple December-loading cargoes due to a wider global surplus and cheaper alternative supplies.

The overhang highlights how Nigeria’s fiscal stability remains exposed to global oil-cycle swings—especially when barrels clear only at discounts.

Verification: Reuters-based reporting republished by Channels TV and TRT Afrika also described unsold Nigerian crude cargoes and a supply glut context.

Quotes: Channels TV: “Nigerian oil struggles to find buyers…” TRT Afrika: “struggling to find buyers… due to… cheaper alternative supplies…”

Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is a revenue-and-FX warning sign. Watch for price differentials, production stability, contract competitiveness, and whether non-oil export reforms accelerate as a hedge.

Source: The Punch — 2025-12-19 — https://punchng.com/global-oversupply-leaves-nigerian-crude-unsold/

The Punch 2025-12-19

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PenCom extends pension-operator recapitalisation deadline to June 2027

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 19, 2025

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Photo Credit: Punch / File
2025-12-19 14:00:00

The Punch reports that PenCom has extended the timeline for pension operators (PFAs and PFCs) to meet revised minimum capital requirements, moving the compliance deadline further out.

The extension is positioned as giving operators time to align with stricter capital rules intended to strengthen stability and protect contributors’ assets.

Verification: Nairametrics reported the revised deadline is 30 June 2027, and PenCom’s circular sets out the revised regulatory capital requirement framework.

Quotes: Nairametrics: “deadline is now set for 30 June 2027…” PenCom circular: “minimum capital requirement…”

Analysis/Echotitbits take: Recapitalisation will likely trigger consolidation. Watch for M&A activity, enforcement consistency, and whether PenCom balances market discipline with systemic stability.

Source: The Punch — 2025-12-19 — https://punchng.com/pencom-shifts-pension-recapitalisation-deadline-to-june-2027/

The Punch 2025-12-19

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FG grants two-year cushion as 149 pioneer-status firms transition to new tax regime

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 19, 2025

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Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
2025-12-19 13:00:00

As reported by The Punch, the Federal Government says 149 companies currently enjoying pioneer-status incentives will retain their tax holidays for at least two more years as Nigeria transitions to a new tax regime from January 2026.

The decision is framed as a stability measure so firms approved under the old regime don’t face a sudden cliff-edge while a redesigned incentive framework takes effect.

Verification: MSME Africa also reported the two-year cushion for existing beneficiaries, while KPMG’s tax note discusses the transition to the Economic Development Tax Incentive (EDTI) scheme effective January 1, 2026.

Quotes: MSME Africa: “retain their tax holidays for at least two more years…” KPMG: “transition… takes effect January 1, 2026.”

Analysis/Echotitbits take: Incentives must be disciplined and outcome-based. Watch for transparency on beneficiaries/sectors, measurable investment and jobs delivered, and whether the new scheme reduces rent-seeking.

Source: The Punch — 2025-12-19 — https://punchng.com/149-firms-retain-tax-holidays-under-new-law-fg/

The Punch 2025-12-19

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