Nigeria and United States Reinforce Strategic Trade and Investment Ties

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January 30, 2026

The Guardian reports that Nigeria and the United States reaffirmed plans to deepen bilateral economic relations after a high-level Commercial and Investment Partnership meeting in Lagos.

Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the engagement is intended to streamline trade processes and attract sustainable U.S. capital into emerging sectors.

Discussions reportedly centered on agriculture, the digital economy, and manufacturing, with both sides looking to reduce trade barriers and improve investor confidence through policy consistency.

Channels TV and BusinessDay also covered the meeting, noting expectations of a more predictable operating environment for U.S. firms and potential FX benefits tied to stronger commercial flows.

Echotitbits take: The timing is strategic as Nigeria tries to diversify away from crude oil. The reported involvement of U.S. agriculture-linked stakeholders hints at food-security collaboration via technology transfer. Watch for follow-on instruments such as export incentives for non‑oil products and targeted investor protections.

Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/business-services/nigeria-u-s-remain-committed-to-economic-ties-says-oduwole/ 2026-01-30

Photo Credit: The Guardian

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Plot to Assassinate President Tinubu and Top Officials Uncovered

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 30, 2026

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Premium Times reports (January 30, 2026) that a joint intelligence operation involving the Nigerian Army and the State Security Service (SSS) uncovered and disrupted an alleged plot aimed at overthrowing the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The alleged conspiracy, said to have taken shape in late 2025, reportedly targeted President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for assassination.

Investigations reportedly advanced after a military whistleblower raised an alarm about a planned strike during a major presidential outing, prompting the cancellation of some high-profile national events and a wave of arrests of alleged military and civilian collaborators.

ThisDay and The Nation also reported additional details, including claims of coordinated suspect activity and ongoing efforts to trace alleged financial sponsors.

Echotitbits take: This development highlights persistent friction within parts of the security architecture and political class. While disrupting the plot is a major security win, the administration will need to manage public perception of instability. Expect tighter surveillance in Abuja and possible reshuffling of mid-level military commands in the weeks ahead.

Source: Daily Trust – https://dailytrust.com/how-coup-to-topple-tinubu-was-uncovered-foiled/ 2026-01-30

Photo Credit: Daily Trust

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Buchi Criticizes Lagos Celebrities for ‘Embarrassing’ iShowSpeed Interactions

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 29, 2026

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Comedian and social media critic Buchi has criticized several Lagos-based creators for their behavior during iShowSpeed’s recent Nigeria visit, calling it embarrassing.

He singled out viral moments involving Egungun and streamer Peller, arguing the public pursuit of attention reflects a lack of substance.

The backlash has triggered wider debate about clout-chasing, dignity, and the incentives of Nigeria’s fast-growing creator economy.

Echotitbits take: Buchi is playing the ‘grumpy uncle,’ but the critique lands for anyone tired of cringe optics. Still, in the attention economy, the viral creators got the outcome they wanted: global visibility. The argument is really about values, not views.

Source: Leadership News – https://leadership.ng/buchi-blasts-lagos-celebrities-for-seeking-us-streamer-ishowspeeds-attention-2/ 2026-01-23
Photo Credit: Leadership News

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Rihanna Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary of ‘Anti’ Album

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 29, 2026

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Rihanna is marking a decade since the release of Anti, with the 2016 album reportedly hitting fresh RIAA milestones this week.

Fans have revived Anti-era favorites on TikTok and Instagram, while renewed anniversary attention has reignited speculation about her long-awaited next album.

The moment also highlights Rihanna’s evolution from pop star to cultural mogul, with Anti serving as the last full studio project before her major Fenty era expansion.

Echotitbits take: Anti aging this well is the definition of a classic. Rihanna has mastered scarcity as strategy: the music keeps streaming, the brand keeps growing, and fans keep begging—an ecosystem that still centers her even without new albums.

Source: People – https://people.com/rihanna-celebrates-10-year-anniversary-of-anti-11895086 2026-01-29
Photo Credit: People

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João Palhinha Dismisses Champions League Title Hype

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 29, 2026

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Tottenham midfielder João Palhinha urged supporters to temper Champions League title talk after a 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

He emphasized that Spurs must focus on incremental progress and quickly translate European momentum into improved Premier League results.

Manager Thomas Frank has used tactical flexibility during an injury crisis, including deploying Palhinha in an improvised defensive role.

Echotitbits take: Tottenham’s season feels like a split-screen: shaky domestically, sharp in Europe. Palhinha’s realism matters—cups can’t mask league trouble forever. If Spurs don’t climb soon, the European glow won’t protect anyone when end-of-season decisions hit.

Source: Goal – https://www.goal.com/en-ng/lists/video-joao-palhinha-tottenham-overhead-kick-goal-bournemouth/bltd8cae055b0d4142b 2026-01-29
Photo Credit: Goal

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Max Healthcare Liquidates Nigerian Subsidiary

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 29, 2026

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Max Healthcare Institute Limited has initiated voluntary liquidation of its wholly-owned Nigerian subsidiary, MHC Global Healthcare (Nigeria) Limited.

Reports indicate the unit had zero revenue and a negative net worth as of March 2025, representing an immaterial portion of the group’s consolidated financials.

Analysts describe the move as a cleanup of non-performing assets, while also highlighting persistent challenges for foreign healthcare operators in Nigeria.

Echotitbits take: This reads like routine corporate housekeeping, but it’s also a signal: Nigeria’s market size doesn’t automatically translate to viable foreign operations. Regulatory friction, FX risk, and operating costs can neutralize demand—watch if more international firms quietly de-risk.

Source: Investy Wise – https://www.investywise.com/max-healthcare-voluntary-liquidation-of-subsidiary/ 2026-01-29
Photo Credit: Investy Wise

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Portable Accuses Afrobeats ‘Big Four’ of Blocking Rising Stars

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 29, 2026

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Portable has attacked four Afrobeats superstars—Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Olamide—claiming they have dominated the industry for a decade and block new artists.

He also alleged they exaggerate luxury spending and influence, putting pressure on younger musicians chasing status and visibility.

Reactions online are split between those who see a real gatekeeping issue and those who dismiss the claims as attention-seeking.

Echotitbits take: Portable is the unfiltered street microphone: chaotic delivery, but sometimes a real sentiment underneath. Calling out the giants who helped build the global pipeline is risky, though—especially when your own visibility depends on the same ecosystem.

Source: Daily Post – https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/24/wizkid-davido-burna-boy-blocking-other-artists-from-rising-portable-alleges/ Nigeria 2026-01-24
Photo Credit: Daily Post

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Mikal Bridges Leads Knicks to Fourth Straight Win

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 29, 2026

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Mikal Bridges scored a team-high 30 points to lead the New York Knicks to a 119-92 win over the Toronto Raptors.

The victory extended New York’s win streak to four and kept them in the thick of the Atlantic Division race as the season approaches its midpoint.

With Bridges, Jalen Brunson, and Karl-Anthony Towns building chemistry, Knicks fans are increasingly talking about a real Eastern Conference run.

Echotitbits take: The ‘Nova Knicks’ concept is translating on the floor. Bridges gives New York the two-way edge that stabilizes everything around Brunson. If health holds, they’re not just a playoff team—they can threaten the East’s top tier.

Source: Sport.inquire – https://sports.inquirer.net/660597/nba-knicks-rally-past-raptors-for-4th-straight-win 2026-01-29
Photo Credit: Sport.inquire

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Odessa A’zion Quits Film Following Whitewashing Backlash

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 29, 2026

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Actress Odessa A’zion has withdrawn from the upcoming A24 film Deep Cuts following backlash alleging the casting amounted to whitewashing.

She addressed the controversy via Instagram Stories, saying she agrees with critics and would rather the role go to someone more appropriate.

The move is being interpreted as a rare public accountability step that may shape how studios handle culturally sensitive casting decisions.

Echotitbits take: This is textbook Gen Z accountability: direct, personal, and fast. By stepping aside early, she protects her brand equity and forces the studio to own the casting decision—an approach that’s becoming the new playbook for young stars.

Source: UsaToday – https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2026/01/29/odessa-azion-deep-cuts-whitewashing-controversy/88411596007/ 2026-01-29
Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times

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Justin Bieber Confirmed for 2026 Grammy Performance

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 29, 2026

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Entertainment Tonight reports that Justin Bieber is set to perform at the 2026 Grammy Awards, marking a major return to the spotlight.

Fans are speculating the performance could be paired with new music, as the Grammys often serve as a launchpad for headline comeback cycles.

While production details remain under wraps, the announcement has already driven heavy chatter across TikTok and Instagram.

Echotitbits take: A Grammy stage is the loudest ‘I’m back’ statement in pop. If Bieber is healthy and ready, this is less a one-off performance and more a brand reset—positioning him for a fresh chart run.

Source: Rolling Stone – https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/justin-bieber-performing-2026-grammy-awards-1235506212/ 2026-01-29
Photo Credit: Rolling Stone

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