NLC Backs Indefinite FCTA Strike as Abuja Faces Administrative Paralysis

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January 24, 2026

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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Governor Abba Yusuf Defects from NNPP as Kano Political Crisis Deepens

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 24, 2026

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Daily Post reports that Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), citing what he described as the “best interest of the people of Kano.” The announcement reportedly coincided with a broader political shift that includes the defection of eight House of Representatives members and 21 State Assembly lawmakers.

The development signals a deepening rift with Yusuf’s political mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, and points to a wider realignment in Nigeria’s most populous northern state. Sources quoted in the report suggested the move was driven by internal party friction and a strategic calculation to secure stronger federal alignment for state-level projects.

The Punch and Leadership also corroborated the split and its immediate political implications, including rising tensions ahead of the 2027 political cycle.

Echotitbits take: The NNPP’s influence in Kano appears structurally weakened by this exit. Watch closely for party-switch litigation over defecting lawmakers’ seats, and for how Kwankwasiyya loyalists respond in the streets and at the courts.
Source: The Nation — https://thenationonlineng.net/updated-yusuf-eight-reps-members-44-council-chairmen-others-resign-from-nnpp/ 2026-01-24

Photo Credit: The Nation

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Nationwide Blackout as National Power Grid Collapses for the First Time in 2026

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 24, 2026

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According to The Guardian’s reporting on Saturday morning, Nigeria’s national electricity grid suffered its first total system failure of the year, with power generation plunging to 0.00 megawatts. The collapse reportedly occurred around 2:00 PM on Friday and disconnected all eleven electricity distribution companies (DisCos) from the transmission network, leaving major cities including Lagos, Abuja, and Kano without power.

Real-time data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) indicated that major thermal and hydro power plants—including Egbin, Kainji, and Jebba—went offline simultaneously. While the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) had not, at the time of reporting, issued a detailed technical explanation, preliminary accounts pointed to a system disturbance that cascaded through ageing infrastructure.

Daily Post and Vanguard also confirmed the development, with Daily Post quoting energy analyst Paul Igbashangev describing the repeated collapses as harmful to businesses and households, while Vanguard framed the incident as evidence of persistent fragility in the transmission network.

Echotitbits take: This first collapse of 2026 reinforces that tariff adjustments alone do not address grid resilience. Unless Nigeria invests in spinning reserves, grid protection systems, and decentralized solutions (embedded generation and micro-grids), the same systemic failure pattern is likely to recur through the year.
Source: The Guardian (Nigeria) — https://guardian.ng/energy/again-nigerias-power-grid-collapses-causes-nationwide-blackout/ 2026-01-24

Photo Credit: The Guardian (Nigeria)

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Kemi Olunloyo Sparks Outrage Over ‘Autism’ Claims About Davido’s Twins

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 23, 2026

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Olori Supergal reports that journalist Kemi Olunloyo triggered widespread backlash after making unverified claims about the health of Davido’s twins, including an allegation they are non‑verbal. The post drew strong reactions online.

Legit NG is cited as reporting that Israel DMW rejected the claims, while NewsNow Nigeria is cited as noting the Adeleke family may consider legal action, as many commenters criticized bringing children into adult disputes.

**Echotitbits take:** This episode tests the boundary between free speech and harassment in Nigeria’s digital public square. While controversy can drive engagement, targeting minors often triggers legal and platform consequences. Readers should treat the claims with extreme skepticism unless independently verified.

Source: Legit.ng – https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/movies/1693710-kemi-olunloyo-fresh-allegations-davidos-twins-nonverbal-nonfunctioning/ (January 23, 2026)

Photo Credit: Legit.ng 2026-01-23

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Toyin Abraham’s “Oversabi Aunty” Nears N1 Billion Mark

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 23, 2026

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BusinessDay reports that Toyin Abraham’s comedy‑drama *Oversabi Aunty* took second place at the Nigerian box office over the weekend, adding ₦53.3 million and bringing total gross to about ₦951.1 million—placing it within striking distance of the “Billion Naira Club.”

The Nation is cited as highlighting producer rankings, while Naija News is cited as pointing to strong admissions and a sustained marketing push.

**Echotitbits take:** The box‑office “World Cup” between Toyin Abraham and Funke Akindele continues. Akindele leads the season’s headline numbers, but Abraham’s consistency near the billion‑naira threshold confirms the audience appetite can sustain multiple megastars.

Source: Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/olorisupergalmedia/posts/toyin-abraham-hits-new-milestone-with-oversabi-auntytoyin-abraham-ajeyemis-lates/122274181874197731/?_rdc=1&_rdr# (January 23, 2026)

Photo Credit: Facebook 2026-01-23

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Yeni Kuti Calls for Calm in Wizkid–Seun Kuti Legacy Feud

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 23, 2026

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Vanguard News reports that Yeni Kuti, Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s eldest daughter, has intervened in the online clash between her brother Seun Kuti and Wizkid over Fela’s musical legacy. The feud has sparked days of heated commentary across Nigeria’s celebrity ecosystem.

The Nation is cited for Yeni’s call for calm and mutual respect across eras, while Daily Post Nigeria notes other celebrities have weighed in with conflicting views.

**Echotitbits take:** Yeni is protecting the Kuti brand. By publicly framing Wizkid as a friend, she is trying to prevent an “old guard vs new school” culture war that could make the Kuti estate appear hostile to modern Afrobeats. It is prudent crisis‑containment.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/video-felas-daughter-calls-for-calm-in-wizkid-seun-kuti-feud/(January 23, 2026)

Photo Credit: The Punch 2026-01-23

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Jimmy Butler’s Season-Ending ACL Tear Devastates Warriors Fans

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 23, 2026

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CBS Sports reports that Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler suffered a season‑ending ACL tear during a game against the Mavericks, dealing a major blow to the team’s title ambitions as the trade deadline approaches.

Sports Illustrated is cited as suggesting the Warriors may explore aggressive offseason options, while AP News is cited as confirming the seriousness of the injury and the broader roster implications.

**Echotitbits take:** If the Butler experiment ends this abruptly, the Warriors face a fork in the road: sell at the deadline to preserve assets or swing big for a superstar pathway. The reactions from Steph Curry and Draymond Green will be telling, because the championship window is tightening.

Source: ESPN – https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47667747/warriors-jimmy-butler-helped-knee-injury-vs-heat
Photo Credit: BBC News 2026-01-23

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