Simi Opens Up on Health and Pregnancy Delaying New Project

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January 24, 2026

Nigerian singer Simi has explained why her collaboration “Where You Dey” featuring Chike took longer than expected to arrive, citing a combination of health challenges and her recent pregnancy.

She noted that the creative side was not the problem; rather, the physical toll meant she needed to prioritize recovery and preparation for motherhood before resuming full studio activity.

Fans and fellow celebrities have responded with support, highlighting the hidden pressures and expectations placed on female artists balancing public careers with personal health and family realities.

Echotitbits Take: The disclosure adds context that can deepen listener connection and drive renewed interest in the record. Expect a measurable streaming bump as audiences revisit the song with the backstory in mind.

Source: BizWatchNigeria – https://bizwatchnigeria.ng/simi-health-struggles-pregnancy-twins-chike-2026/ (2026-01-24).

Photo Credit: BizWatchNigeria

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Portable Accuses Nigerian A-Listers of Sabotaging Young Talent

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 24, 2026

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Controversial street-hop artist Portable has publicly called out Afrobeats heavyweights Wizkid, Davido, Olamide, and Burna Boy, alleging they have held a long-running “monopoly” at the top of the industry and restricted opportunities for emerging talent.

Portable also questioned the authenticity of what he described as “deceptive displays of wealth,” claiming some luxury valuations are exaggerated or reflect gifts—creating unrealistic lifestyle pressure on younger artists.

The remarks have split opinion online, with supporters framing him as a voice for underdogs and critics dismissing the rant as attention-seeking.

Echotitbits Take: Portable’s disruptive style can be polarizing, but the underlying “gatekeeping” debate is real in creative industries. Watch whether any of the named stars respond indirectly in interviews or lyrics as fanbases intensify the conversation.

Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/848115-dont-be-like-baba-mohbad-portable-accuses-dad-of-extortion-manipulation.html (2026-01-24).

Photo Credit: Premium Times

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Nigeria Braces for 40% Tariff Wall Under New U.S. Economic Directives

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 24, 2026

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Reporting citing SBM Intelligence and additional coverage indicates Nigeria’s export outlook could face new headwinds following an announced U.S. policy directive imposing an immediate 25% tariff on countries that maintain significant commercial ties with Iran. Analysts warned that, in combination with existing barriers, the measure could amount to a de facto “40% tariff wall” for affected trade flows.

The directive—communicated via the U.S. President’s social media platform—was presented as an enforcement mechanism for sanctions policy against Tehran. For Nigeria, the concern is that any exposure through bilateral engagements or energy-linked consultations could trigger trade penalties that undermine foreign exchange earnings and export diversification efforts.

The Guardian and ThisDay also reported on potential fallout and official reactions, including indications that Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is reviewing the directive and engaging U.S. counterparts to protect legitimate trade interests.

Echotitbits take: If applied strictly, this policy forces Nigeria into a difficult trade-off between strategic diplomacy and market access. Watch for accelerated diplomatic engagement in Washington, and for Nigeria to seek carve-outs by emphasizing its strategic role in regional security and energy stability.
Source : BusinessDay — https://businessday.ng/maritime/article/nigeria-faces-40-us-tariff-hit-over-iran-trade-ties/ 2026-01-24

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Ogun Traditional Rulers Dismiss Reports of Suspension in Awujale Stool Tussle

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 24, 2026

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The Punch reports that Ogun State Government officials and local government authorities have denied claims that high-ranking traditional chiefs in Ijebu were suspended amid tension around the Awujale stool succession process. The alleged suspension reports circulated widely on Friday, but officials urged the public to disregard what they described as speculative information.

The report noted rising sensitivity in Ijebu-Ode, where some traditional actors and royal family members have protested alleged attempts to impose a candidate. Government representatives emphasized that no official suspension had been issued and appealed for calm to avoid destabilizing the kingdom.

The Nation and Daily Post also reported on the unfolding dispute and official calls for restraint, amid concerns about factional maneuvering.

Echotitbits take: Chieftaincy succession disputes often become proxies for wider political influence contests. Watch for authoritative statements from the palace and formal communication from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to dampen rumor-driven escalation.
Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/awujale-stool-battle-ogun-halts-process-police-storm-palace/ 2026-01-24

Photo Credit: The Punch

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Indigenous Coalition Declares Nigerian Amalgamation “Untenable” and Seeks Exit

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 24, 2026

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Vanguard reports that a new alliance of Yoruba and Igbo self-determination groups—described as the “Coalition to De-amalgamate Nigeria for Security” (CODES)—has declared Nigeria’s current political structure unsustainable and called for a structured, peaceful self-determination process.

According to the report, the coalition’s communique argued that insecurity and long-standing grievances have created conditions where “peaceful self-determination” is the only viable route to lasting peace. The group reportedly hosted a virtual press conference and framed its position as advocacy for a political process, not violence.

The Punch and The Nation also reported the development and government reactions, including claims that security agencies are monitoring the coalition’s activities and warnings against actions perceived as undermining national sovereignty.

Echotitbits take: The coordination of major regional self-determination narratives under a single platform is a meaningful shift from fragmented activism to a more organized political posture. Watch for potential proscription moves, counter-messaging by federal institutions, and signals of whether CODES is building durable grassroots structures or remains largely elite-digital.
Source: Vanguard — https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/yoruba-igbo-leaders-say-continued-co-existence-untenable/amp/ 2026-01-24

Photo Credit: Vanguard

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Police Dispute Brutality Claims as Akwa Ibom Schoolboy is Hospitalized

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 24, 2026

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Premium Times reports a dispute in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after a schoolboy was hospitalized under circumstances that the family attributes to police assault, while the State Police Command says the injuries resulted from a motorcycle traffic accident. The case has drawn heightened attention following the arrest of a local blogger who publicized the allegation online.

Police sources described the blogger’s posts as malicious misinformation, while human-rights advocates have called for an independent medical evaluation to establish the factual cause and nature of the injuries.

Leadership and Daily Post also reported on the controversy, including concerns raised by lawyers over the implications for press freedom and accountability, as well as police assurances of an internal investigation.

Echotitbits take: The arrest of a blogger in a contested injury case quickly broadens into a national debate about transparency, policing, and civic space. Watch for calls for independent review—medical and legal—and for whether state actors step in to prevent escalation into mass protest dynamics.
Source: Premium Times — https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/south-south-regional/851714-police-dispute-claim-over-injured-schoolboy-arrest-blogger.html?tztc=1 2026-01-24

Photo Credit: Premium Times

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NLC Backs Indefinite FCTA Strike as Abuja Faces Administrative Paralysis

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 24, 2026

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Daily Post reports that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has endorsed an indefinite strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), warning of broader escalation if demands on welfare and unpaid benefits are not addressed. The action has reportedly disrupted key public services in Abuja, including administrative processing and municipal functions.

The union leadership framed the dispute as a confrontation over worker treatment and governance responsiveness, with threats of an expanded solidarity strike that could have wider economic consequences.

Vanguard and Tribune Online also reported on the mounting tension and resident impacts, including service backlogs and sanitation challenges.

Echotitbits take: Abuja is a political nerve center; prolonged paralysis is rarely tolerated by the federal system. Expect emergency negotiations, but also watch whether the NLC is using this as a leverage test for broader labor positioning against the administration.
Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/nlc-backs-fcta-workers-strike-over-unpaid-wages/ 2026-01-24

Photo Credit: The Punch

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U.S. Airstrikes in Northern Nigeria Linked to Surging Terrorist Retaliations

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 24, 2026

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Vanguard reports a spike in killings and abductions in Northern Nigeria in the weeks following U.S. airstrikes that reportedly targeted terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State on December 25. The report cited security data indicating at least 183 deaths and 366 abductions over 27 days, raising concerns that the foreign strikes may have triggered intensified retaliation by armed groups.

The report described a growing convergence between banditry networks and jihadist actors, including the Lakurawa group along the Nigeria–Niger border. While initial official reactions reportedly welcomed U.S. support, the security environment in affected states—including Kaduna, Zamfara, and Sokoto—was described as more volatile.

Daily Post and The Nation also reported recent attacks and the resulting displacement risks, including claims that some groups have shifted deeper into civilian areas.

Echotitbits take: Air power can disrupt camps, but it rarely dismantles decentralized insurgent logistics without sustained ground pressure and community protection. Watch for a pivot toward clearing-and-holding operations, and for increased political sensitivity around foreign military involvement if civilian blowback persists.
Source: The conversation — https://theconversation.com/us-air-strikes-in-northern-nigeria-possible-windfalls-as-well-as-dangers-272630 2026-01-24

Photo Credit: The conversation

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Dramatic Drop in Nigeria Food Prices Sparks Mixed Reactions Among Stakeholders

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 24, 2026

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The Nation reports a notable decline in the prices of staple foods across parts of Nigeria, delivering relief to consumers while triggering concern among agricultural producers and intermediaries. In states including Ogun, Oyo, and Kwara, the price of a 50kg bag of rice was reported to have dropped substantially from previous peaks above N100,000.

The report linked the shift to a combination of improved yields and policy interventions, while noting that stakeholders differ on what is driving the price movement and whether the trend is sustainable. Some farmers and market middlemen argue they are being squeezed by sudden changes in market conditions.

The Punch and Tribune Online also reported on the changing dynamics, with The Punch highlighting easing inflation pressures, while Tribune Online emphasized producers’ complaints that selling prices may now be below cost.

Echotitbits take: Lower food prices are politically valuable for the federal government, but a producer-side backlash can translate into reduced planting next season. Watch for targeted support measures—credit, guaranteed offtake, input subsidies, or a “farmer support” package—to prevent a supply shock later in the year.
Source : Daily Post — https://dailypost.ng/2025/10/28/economists-explain-why-rice-price-drop-sparks-mixed-reactions-among-nigerians-traders/ 2026-01-24

Photo Credit: Daily Post

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Rivers State Political Turmoil Intensifies as Fubara Faces Third Impeachment Move

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 24, 2026

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Premium Times reports that Rivers State’s House of Assembly has served a fresh impeachment notice against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, marking the third impeachment attempt in under three years. The Assembly reportedly asked the state’s Chief Judge to constitute a seven-member investigative panel.

The latest escalation follows a Friday ruling by the Rivers State High Court, which suspended an earlier order restraining the Chief Judge from acting on the Assembly’s request. The Assembly—described as largely aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike—alleges gross misconduct and constitutional violations, amid a prolonged power struggle between the governor and his predecessor’s political bloc.

ThisDay and The Nation also reported the judicial and legislative back-and-forth, including concerns raised by legal practitioners over the uncertainty created by repeated reversals.

Echotitbits take: With the restraining order suspended, the procedural path for lawmakers to advance the impeachment appears clearer. Expect urgent appellate filings by the governor’s legal team, but the risk of administrative paralysis in Rivers State is now materially elevated.
Source : The Punch — https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/just-in-impeachment-of-fubara-deputyll-continue-rivers-lawmakers/%3famp 2026-01-24

Photo Credit: The Punch

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