A report by Sportsnet details NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s growing frustration with teams “tanking” for high draft picks. Speaking during the All-Star festivities in San Francisco, Silver indicated that the league is considering severe remedies, including the potential revocation of draft picks for teams found to be non-competitive on purpose.
Silver emphasized that the integrity of the game is at risk when teams prioritize losing to secure better lottery odds. He mentioned that the league’s Board of Governors will discuss wholesale changes to the lottery system and the draft process in their upcoming meetings.
The Commissioner also touched on league expansion, noting that Seattle and Las Vegas remain the primary candidates. However, he was firm that any expansion would need to be coupled with a system that ensures all 30 (or more) teams are actively trying to win every night.
* Associated Press quoted Silver: “I don’t want to tease cities… we want to ensure real competition.”
* ESPN reports: “Silver considering taking away draft picks to stop aggressive tanking this season.”
Echotitbits take: The “anti-tanking” rhetoric is reaching a boiling point because of the high-caliber talent expected in the 2026 and 2027 drafts. If Silver actually pulls a draft pick from a franchise, it would be a nuclear move that fundamentally changes how NBA front offices operate during “rebuilding” years.
Source: Sportsnet — https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/adam-silver-to-consider-changing-draft-lottery-revoking-picks-to-stop-tanking/ February 14, 2026
Photo Credit: Sportsnet
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Considers Drastic Changes to Stop Team Tanking
2Baba and Natasha Osawaru Celebrate First Child in Private Ceremony
As shared by TheNet.ng, legendary Afrobeats artist 2Baba and his wife, Natasha Osawaru, have officially dedicated their first child together in a church ceremony. The event was a quiet, heartfelt affair attended by close family and friends, marking a new chapter for the music icon.
The couple, who have kept much of their journey private over the last year, shared glimpses of the dedication through curated social media posts. The ceremony comes amid 2Baba’s continued advocacy for the evolution of the Nigerian music industry, where he recently spoke on the importance of respecting musical legacies.
Supporters have flooded the couple’s pages with congratulatory messages, noting the visible joy on 2Baba’s face. This milestone serves as a positive personal update for the singer, who remains one of the most influential figures in African pop culture.
* Adedeji Adeyanju of TheNet.ng writes: “Nigerian music icon 2Baba and his wife, Natasha Osawaru, have dedicated their first child together in a heartfelt church ceremony.”
* Pulse Nigeria noted: “The legendary singer continues to find balance between his global career and growing family life.”
Echotitbits take: 2Baba’s transition into this new phase of family life with Natasha seems to have brought a sense of stability and renewed focus. While he remains a titan in the studio, these personal milestones humanize the legend and keep him relatable to a multi-generational fanbase.
Source: The Guardian — https://guardian.ng/life/2baba-natasha-osawaru-dedicate-son-in-church/ February 13, 2026
Photo Credit: The Guardian
J. Cole Sets Hip-Hop Ablaze with Surprise ‘The Fall-Off’ Details
According to HipHopDX, J. Cole has finally provided the long-awaited clarity on his upcoming project The Fall-Off, revealing that it will be a double album. The North Carolina rapper also released a surprise EP titled Birthday Blizzard ’26, hosted by the legendary DJ Clue, to celebrate his recent birthday and build momentum for the main release.
The announcement included a look at the official artwork and a partial tracklist that suggests a deep dive into the rapper’s legacy. Fans were particularly stunned by a track titled “Squashed,” where Cole reportedly uses his lyrical prowess to metaphorically bridge the historic rift between 2Pac and Biggie Smalls.
In addition to the album news, Cole addressed a brewing legal situation involving Cam’ron. The dispute reportedly stems from a $500,000 lawsuit regarding the “Ready ’24” collaboration, which Cole addressed directly in his new music, signaling his intent to resolve industry tensions through his art.
* HotNewHipHop confirms: “J. Cole explains The Fall-Off artwork, confirms it will be a double album.”
* DJ Clue shared on Instagram: “The Blizzard is here! J. Cole just changed the temperature of the game.”
Echotitbits take: J. Cole is leaning heavily into his “statesman” era by attempting to unify hip-hop history while maintaining his competitive edge. The decision to release a double album indicates a massive amount of vault material being cleared, likely signaling that his rumored retirement from solo albums is drawing closer.
Source: BillBoard — https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/j-cole-the-fall-off-tracklist-1236173166/ February 15, 2026
Photo Credit: BillBoard
Funke Akindele Shatters Box Office Records with Latest Nollywood Hit
In a report by TVC News, Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele has reached a staggering milestone as her new film, Behind The Scenes, officially becomes the highest-grossing Nigerian movie of 2025. The production has reportedly earned over ₦512 million within its first week of release, signaling a dominant start for the industry this year.
The film’s distributor, FilmOne Entertainment, confirmed the achievement via social media, noting that the project shattered five separate opening-weekend records. This rapid financial success places Akindele ahead of her previous benchmarks, further solidifying her reputation as the “Queen of the Box Office.”
Industry analysts point out that the movie’s pace is unprecedented, reaching the half-billion naira mark faster than any other local title this year. Fans and critics alike have flooded social platforms to celebrate the filmmaker’s ability to consistently draw massive crowds to cinemas.
* Legit NG reports: “Funke Akindele’s Behind The Scenes crosses ₦2.4bn, topping box office charts.”
* FilmOne Entertainment stated on Instagram: “Fastest Nollywood movie to hit ₦500M… This is what belief looks like.”
Echotitbits take: Funke Akindele continues to prove that she has cracked the code for Nigerian cinema-goers. This record-breaking run suggests that despite economic shifts, high-quality indigenous storytelling with aggressive marketing still commands massive purchasing power. Watch for this film to potentially challenge the ₦1 billion mark before the end of its theatrical run.
Source: TVC News — https://www.tvcnews.tv/funke-akindeles-behind-the-scenes-becomes-highest-grossing-nollywood-film-of-2025/ February 14, 2026
Photo Credit: Daily Post
Kano Governor Seeks Federal Air Support Following Massive Market Inferno
Reporting by Daily Post indicates that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has made an urgent appeal to the Federal Government for modern firefighting equipment, including air support, following a second devastating fire at the Singer Market. The Governor, who visited the scene while the fire was still active, stressed that the state’s current fire service capacity is insufficient to protect its vast commercial hubs.
The latest inferno, which razed the Gidan Gilas section of the market, occurred less than two weeks after a similar incident in the same area. The Governor commended the courage of the local fire service but noted that without specialized tools like firefighting helicopters, containing blazes in densely packed markets remains nearly impossible.
Governor Yusuf also called for a thorough investigation into the recurring nature of the fires to determine if they are accidental or the result of sabotage. The state government has pledged to support affected traders, though the scale of the losses is estimated to be in the billions of Naira.
Channels TV verified the Governor’s visit, reporting that the fire caused significant panic in the Kano metropolis. A trader quoted in The Punch lamented, “I have lost everything for the second time this month; we need more than just sympathy from the government.” Premium Times also covered the story, quoting an emergency responder: “The narrow access roads made it extremely difficult for our trucks to reach the heart of the fire.”
Echotitbits take: The recurring fires in Kano’s markets are a major threat to Northern Nigeria’s largest economy. Beyond equipment, the state needs a radical redesign of market layouts to allow for emergency access. Watch for a possible federal intervention involving the Air Force’s disaster response unit.
Source: Vanguard- https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/gov-yusuf-seeks-fgs-intervention-in-singer-market-fire/amp/, and February 15, 2026
Photo credit: Vanguard
Peter Obi Warns of Educational Inequality Over Mandatory CBT Policy
According to The Guardian, former presidential candidate Peter Obi has voiced strong opposition to the compulsory adoption of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for all secondary schools. Obi warned that enforcing a digital-only format without providing the necessary ICT infrastructure would disenfranchise students in rural and underserved communities, further widening the educational gap in Nigeria.
Speaking at a school event in Anambra, Obi argued that while digitalization is necessary, it must be preceded by a massive investment in school laboratories and reliable electricity. He cautioned that many schools currently lack the basic facilities to register candidates under the new CBT guidelines, which could lead to a massive drop in examination enrollment.
In response to these concerns, some philanthropists have begun donating ICT centers to schools to help them meet the new requirements. However, Obi insists that private intervention alone cannot bridge a gap created by systemic government neglect.
ThisDay reported that several civil society groups have joined Obi in calling for a phased implementation of the policy. A school principal quoted in The Nation stated, “We cannot test children on computers they have never touched in a classroom.” Meanwhile, Daily Post quoted an education official who argued, “The transition to CBT is inevitable if we are to eliminate examination malpractice, but the timeline must be realistic.”
Echotitbits take: Obi is tapping into a very real anxiety among parents and educators. While CBT reduces cheating, the “digital divide” is a legitimate threat to national literacy rates. Expect this to become a major talking point in the upcoming education reform debates.
Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/peter-obi-criticises-jamb-over-unjust-clampdown-on-cbt-centres-in-anambra/, and February 15, 2026
Photo credit: The Guardian
Army Chief Pledges Final Blow to Insurgency Amid Renewed Offensive
In an update published by Vanguard, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has vowed to take decisive action against the remnants of terrorist groups and insurgents operating within the country. Speaking at the West African Social Activities (WASA) event in Abuja, the COAS stated that the Nigerian Army is entering a new phase of high-intensity operations designed to permanently secure troubled regions.
The Army Chief emphasized that troop welfare remains a top priority, as motivated soldiers are essential for the success of “Operation Desert Sanity V” and other ongoing missions. He noted that the military has seen significant gains in the North-East and North-West, with scores of terrorists recently neutralized and large caches of weapons recovered.
Despite these successes, the COAS urged the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies. He reiterated that the military’s goal is to create a peaceful environment conducive to economic development and social stability.
The Punch confirmed these reports, adding that recent operations in the North-East led to the recovery of sophisticated anti-aircraft guns. Daily Post reported on the killing of several Boko Haram commanders, quoting a military spokesperson: “We are squeezing the operational space of the terrorists until they have nowhere left to hide.” Leadership also highlighted the COAS’s remarks, with a security analyst stating, “The focus on troop welfare is a critical shift that will likely improve battlefield performance in the coming months.”
Echotitbits take: The rhetoric from the COAS is strong, but the persistence of abductions in the Middle Belt remains a thorn in the side of the military. Watch for a possible shift toward more aerial-led operations Reuters – https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigerias-army-chief-vows-crush-insurgents-amid-us-pressure-over-religious-2025-11-07/, and February 15, 2026
Photo credit: Reuters
Nigeria Expands Food Security Drive with Largest Global Biofortified Crop Portfolio
Reporting by Premium Times indicates that the Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to nutrition security by aggressively expanding the cultivation of biofortified crops. The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Marcus Ogunbiyi, revealed that Nigeria now holds the largest portfolio of these crops globally. This strategy aims to combat “hidden hunger” by providing essential vitamins and minerals through staple foods like cassava, maize, and sweet potatoes.
The announcement was made during a national workshop in Kano, where officials highlighted the role of biofortification in reducing malnutrition-related illnesses. By integrating these crops into the national food system, the government hopes to improve the health of millions of Nigerians, particularly children and pregnant women in rural areas.
Stakeholders at the event emphasized the need for better seed distribution networks to ensure that smallholder farmers can access these improved varieties. The government is partnering with international agricultural organizations to provide technical support and scale up production across the six geopolitical zones.
Vanguard verified the initiative, reporting that the government is also linking biofortified crop production to the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme. A nutrition specialist quoted in The Guardian said, “Biofortification is a cost-effective way to deliver micronutrients to the most vulnerable populations.” Daily Trust also covered the workshop, quoting a farmer who stated, “These new varieties are not just healthy; they are yielding better than our traditional seeds.”
Echotitbits take: This is a major win for Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Beyond health, this move positions Nigeria as a leader in African agritech. The next challenge will be ensuring these crops reach the market at competitive prices to displace less nutritious alternatives.
Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/agriculture/agric-news/856749-nigerian-govt-commits-to-adoption-of-biofortified-crops.html, and February 15, 2026
Photo credit: Premium Times
Presidency Rebuts Allegations of Looming 25% Post-Election Tax Hike
In an update published by Daily Post, the Nigerian Presidency has dismissed claims made by former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi regarding a purported plan to implement a 25% tax increase following the next general election. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga labeled the allegations as “egregious lies” intended to incite public fear and create political instability. The government insists there are no such provisions in the current or proposed tax laws.
The controversy erupted after a viral video showed the former minister warning citizens that an APC victory would lead to a significant tax burden on business transactions and rent. Amaechi had suggested that the government was delaying the implementation of these taxes to avoid voter backlash, urging the public to verify the “new tax law” with legal experts.
In its rebuttal, the Presidency clarified that the ongoing tax reforms are focused on simplification and efficiency rather than arbitrary increases. The administration reiterated its commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and cautioned political actors against spreading misinformation that could disrupt the economy.
The Nation corroborated the Presidency’s stance, noting that the Federal Ministry of Finance has no such 25% levy in its 2026 projections. A legal expert quoted in ThisDay stated, “There is no legislative record of a post-dated tax law of this magnitude; such claims appear to be purely speculative.” Additionally, Channels TV reported that the viral video has sparked intense debate on social media, with one analyst noting, “Political rhetoric regarding taxation must be grounded in documented policy to avoid unnecessary market panic.”
Echotitbits take: This exchange highlights the heightening political tension as the 2027 election cycle begins to loom. Expect taxation to remain a central, albeit contentious, campaign issue as both sides scramble to define the economic narrative.
Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/presidency-rebuts-kpmgs-claims-on-new-tax-laws-defends-reform-choices-2/, and February 15, 2026
Photo credit: Vanguard
Capital Gains Tax Collections Hit Historic ₦522 Billion Milestone
Figures cited by The Punch reveal that Nigeria’s Capital Gains Tax (CGT) revenue reached an unprecedented ₦522 billion in the 2025 fiscal year. This surge represents a significant leap in non-oil tax revenue, reflecting the government’s aggressive drive to expand the tax base and improve compliance across the financial and real estate sectors. The record-breaking figure is being hailed by fiscal authorities as a sign of deepening economic formalization.
The growth is largely attributed to the recovery of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and a flurry of high-value property transactions in major urban centers like Lagos and Abuja. Additionally, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has implemented more robust digital tracking mechanisms to ensure that gains from the disposal of assets are accurately captured and taxed.
Despite the impressive numbers, some economic analysts express concern that the increased tax burden could deter long-term investment. However, government officials maintain that the revenue is essential for funding critical infrastructure projects and reducing the national budget deficit.
Validating these figures, Leadership reported that the FIRS is looking to further automate the CGT collection process in 2026. A tax consultant quoted in Vanguard remarked, “The ₦522 billion mark shows that the government is finally looking beyond traditional sectors for revenue.” Furthermore, Daily Post cited a government spokesperson who noted, “This milestone is a testament to the effectiveness of recent fiscal reforms aimed at achieving a sustainable debt-to-revenue ratio.”
Echotitbits take: This revenue spike is a double-edged sword. While it helps the government’s liquidity, it may cool down the heated real estate market. Watch for potential pushback from the private sector as the FIRS looks to tighten the net on digital asset gains next.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/capital-gains-tax-jumps-429-to-n12-18bn/, and February 15, 2026
Photo credit: The Punch