LeBron James Reflects on the “Heatles” Era as Lakers Unveil Pat Riley Statue

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February 24, 2026

According to The Source, NBA icon LeBron James took to social media and interviews today to reflect on his 2010 decision to join the Miami Heat, triggered by the unveiling of a Pat Riley statue outside Crypto.com Arena. James explained that his move to Miami was the “blueprint” for modern player empowerment, a sentiment that still resonates in today’s NBA culture.

The unveiling ceremony brought together various eras of NBA greatness, with James using the moment to highlight how Riley’s mentorship shaped his understanding of “championship DNA.” This reflection comes as LeBron continues to defy age in the 2025-2026 season, maintaining his status as a central figure in both basketball and Hip-Hop culture.

The intersection of the NBA and Hip-Hop was also celebrated today as the culture marked the 27th anniversary of Eminem’s “The Slim Shady LP.” Many players, including LeBron, have often cited the lyrical “disruption” of that era as a parallel to the competitive intensity required on the court.

James’ comments have reignited the “GOAT” debate on sports talk shows, with analysts comparing his longevity and strategic career moves to the legendary status of Pat Riley himself.

* The Source (Sports/Culture): “LeBron James Explains Why He Joined Miami Heat to Win Titles… Lakers Unveil Pat Riley Statue at Star Plaza.”

* Leadership Nigeria (Sports): “Prince William Pays Tribute To Army Medic TikTok Star… [while] Lakers Unveil Pat Riley Statue.” (Contextualizing global tributes).

Echotitbits take:

LeBron is leaning heavily into his legacy-building phase. By aligning himself with Pat Riley’s statue unveiling, he is reminding the world that he is not just a player, but a student of the game’s history. In the US, this reinforces his “elder statesman” role in the NBA, especially as he continues to balance his on-court performance with his massive business empire.

Source: The Source — https://thesource.com/2026/02/23/lebron-james-miami-heat-championship-decision/February 23, 2026

Photo Credit: BBC

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Tems Becomes African Artist with Highest Monthly Listeners on Spotify

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Bob Echols’s

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February 24, 2026

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In a post shared by @chartdata, it was revealed that Tems has officially surpassed all other African artists to claim the spot for the highest number of monthly listeners on Spotify. This milestone follows a massive 12-hour surge in streaming after her latest collaboration and her presence at the 2026 BAFTAs, where Nigerian talent was heavily spotlighted.

Tems’ rise to the top of the “Billboard Kings” list, alongside Burna Boy, marks a shift in the Afrobeats hierarchy. While the “Big Three” (Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy) have long dominated the conversation, Tems’ global appeal—boosted by her unique “Alternative RnB” fusion—has allowed her to capture a wider international demographic.

The achievement coincides with news that fellow Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku bagged a “Best Supporting Actress” award at the BAFTAs, highlighting a “Golden Weekend” for Nigerian creatives in the UK and US. Tems continues to lead the charge for African women in a historically male-dominated industry.

Industry experts point to her consistent presence on the Billboard Hot 100 as the primary driver for these numbers. With eight entries on the chart, she and Burna Boy are currently the most successful African artists in Billboard history.

* PM News Nigeria: “Tems becomes African artist with highest monthly listeners. Abimbola Aderinola. 5 hours ago.”

* Legit.ng: “Tems, Burna Boy dethrone South African legends to become Africa’s all-time billboard kings.”

Echotitbits take:

Tems is no longer just an “Afrobeats star”; she is a global pop icon. Her ability to maintain these numbers without the traditional “club banger” indicates a very loyal, high-intent fan base. This data point is crucial for her upcoming world tour, as it proves her “streaming power” translates directly into market dominance.

Source: PM News Nigeria — https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/02/23/tems-becomes-african-artist-with-highest-monthly-listeners/ February 23, 2026 —

Photo Credit: PM News Nigeria

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Eberechi Eze’s Double Fires Arsenal Clear in Premier League Title Race

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February 24, 2026

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According to The Guardian, Anglo-Nigerian star Eberechi Eze put on a masterclass performance, scoring twice to lead Arsenal to a dominant 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby. The win restores Arsenal’s five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, cementing Eze’s status as one of the most clinical creative forces in Europe this season.

Eze’s first goal was a stunning solo effort that saw him weave through three defenders before slotting the ball home, while his second was a perfectly timed volley from a Bukayo Saka cross. The synergy between the two players with Nigerian roots has become the backbone of Arsenal’s title charge in 2026.

In other European soccer news, Nigerian legend John Mikel Obi was celebrated in a Chelsea FC retrospective as one of the club’s top Premier League appearance makers. This comes at a time when Nigerian talent is dominating the English top flight, with players like Alex Iwobi also securing vital wins for their respective clubs this weekend.

The “Eze-mania” has sparked renewed conversations in Nigeria about dual-national players, with fans celebrating his success as a “Naija Boy” dominating the global stage, even as he represents the English national team.

* Times of India (Sports): “Eberechi Eze double fires Arsenal clear as Alexis Mac Allister’s 97th-minute strike rescues Liverpool… Eze starred with a brilliant brace.”

* Chelsea FC (Official Site): “John Mikel Obi – 249 appearances. The Nigerian midfielder spent over a decade with Chelsea and won every major honour available.”

Echotitbits take:

Arsenal is currently the “team of the moment” for the Nigerian diaspora, largely thanks to the Saka-Eze partnership. Eze’s form is world-class right now, and if he remains injury-free, he is a shoe-in for Player of the Season. For Nigerian fans, seeing Mikel Obi’s legacy honored alongside Eze’s current rise bridges the gap between the “Golden Era” and the current “Afro-English” dominance.

Source: The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/feb/23/premier-league-10-talking-points-from-the-weekends-action February 23, 2026

Photo Credit: The Guardian

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E-Money Expresses Disappointment After Carter Efe Wrecks Gifted Car

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February 24, 2026

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In a post shared by @iam_emoney1, the billionaire businessman and Five Star Music boss expressed his deep displeasure with popular streamer Carter Efe following a viral stunt that went wrong. Carter Efe, who recently received a luxury car from E-Money as a gift, allegedly damaged the vehicle significantly during a live-streamed altercation with fellow influencer Peller.

The incident, which was captured during a “vibe” session, showed a heated argument escalating until physical damage was done to the vehicle’s exterior. E-Money reacted publicly, stating that while he enjoys giving, he expects recipients to value and maintain the gifts as symbols of hard work and appreciation.

Portable, the controversial “Zazu” singer, also jumped into the fray, lambasting Carter Efe for his perceived lack of gratitude. Portable claimed that “poor men” often don’t know how to handle luxury, adding another layer of viral drama to the situation that has since trended across TikTok and Instagram.

Carter Efe has since issued a tentative apology, claiming the damage was an accident born out of the excitement of the moment. However, the rift between the streamer and his benefactor has sparked a debate about the “entitlement” of modern influencers.

* Naija News (Celebrity Gossip): “E-money Reacts As Carter Efe Destroys Car He Gifted Him… the businessman has expressed displeasure over the damage.”

* The Nation Newspaper (Lifestyle): “Businessman and singer Emeka Okonkwo, popularly known as E-Money, scolds Carter Efe for destroying car gift.”

Echotitbits take:

This is a classic “clout-chasing gone wrong” scenario. Influencers often stage drama to boost views, but damaging a gift from a high-profile billionaire like E-Money is a massive strategic error. It’s a reminder that in the “gift-giving” economy of Nigerian social media, respect for the benefactor is the unspoken currency. Carter Efe may find future sponsorships drying up if he’s labeled as “reckless.”

Source: The Nation Newspaper — https://thenationonlineng.net/e-money-scolds-carter-efe-for-destroying-gifted-car/ February 23, 2026

Photo Credit: The Nation Newspaper

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Tonto Dikeh Reunited with Ex-Husband Churchill for Son’s 10th Birthday

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February 24, 2026

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According to Legit.ng, the often-contentious relationship between Tonto Dikeh and her ex-husband, Olakunle Churchill, took a surprising turn toward peace this weekend as the duo reunited to celebrate their son King Andre’s 10th birthday in Abuja. Footage from the event shows Dikeh praising Churchill and even sharing a brief, cordial hug, a sharp departure from the years of public legal battles and social media spats that followed their 2017 divorce.

The celebration, which featured a lavish “Ben 10” themed setup, saw Dikeh leading a prayer session where she specifically acknowledged Churchill’s presence. She told guests that she loves her ex-husband “with the love of God,” signaling a potential end to their long-standing feud for the sake of their son’s milestone.

Churchill’s current wife, Rosy Meurer, also weighed in on the development, dispelling rumors of marital friction caused by the reunion. Meurer stated that she fully supported her husband’s attendance at the party, emphasizing that their priority is the well-being and happiness of the children involved.

Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many Nigerians praising the “King Tonto” star for her maturity. After nearly a decade of “vawulence,” as fans call it, the co-parenting truce appears to be a major lifestyle shift for the veteran actress and politician.

* The Nation Newspaper (Entertainment): “Tonto Dikeh praises ex-husband Olakunle Churchill at son’s 10th birthday party… the duo were seen in a rare moment of peace.”

* PM News Nigeria (Showbiz): “Rosy Meurer responds to trolls… stating she fully supports her husband Olakunle Churchill’s reunion with his son and Tonto.”

Echotitbits take:

This is a massive PR “reset” for both Tonto and Churchill. For years, their drama was the blueprint for toxic celebrity breakups in Nigeria; this public reconciliation suggests they have finally moved into a healthy co-parenting phase. Expect to see Dikeh lean more into her “peaceful stateswoman” persona as she continues her political aspirations.

Source: Premium Times — https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/859085-he-might-not-be-a-good-husband-but-hes-an-amazing-father-tonto-dikeh-tells-ex-at-sons-10th-birthday-party.html February 23, 2026

Photo Credit: Premium Times

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Evans Okoro Tests Negative for HIV Following Peer’s Allegations

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February 24, 2026

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In a post shared by @evansokorotv on Instagram, the Nollywood actress documented her visit to a medical laboratory to undergo an HIV test, sharing the negative results directly with her followers to dispel ongoing rumors. The move comes as a direct response to claims allegedly circulated by her colleague, Ekene Umenwa, which suggested Okoro was managing the health condition.

The public health screening was framed by Okoro as a necessary step to protect her reputation and “set the record straight” against what she described as malicious gossip. The video showed the entire process from the blood draw to the final reveal of the laboratory document, which clearly indicated a non-reactive result.

The actress expressed her disappointment that colleagues within the film industry would resort to such sensitive health-related defamation. She noted that while she typically ignores internet trolls, allegations involving chronic health status require a more definitive and factual rebuttal to prevent professional fallout.

Fans and colleagues have since flooded her comment section with mixed reactions, with many commending her transparency while others criticized the toxic culture of “pull-down syndrome” currently trending in the Nigerian movie industry.

* Punch Newspapers (Official Website): “Actress Evans Okoro undergoes HIV test after Ekene Umenwa’s claim… sharing a clip of herself at the hospital, Evans captured the moment she received her negative test result.”

* Daily Post Nigeria (Entertainment Section): “The development came hours after she called out her colleague… Okoro visited the hospital for a test to confirm her health status.”

Echotitbits take:

This incident highlights a worrying trend in Nollywood where personal vendettas escalate into serious health defamation. By documenting her test results, Evans Okoro has effectively neutralized the rumor, but the legal and professional implications for Ekene Umenwa could be significant if Okoro decides to pursue a defamation suit. Watch for a potential response from Umenwa or a mediation move by the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).

Source: Daily Post Nigeria — https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/23/actress-evans-okoro-undergoes-hiv-test-after-ekene-umenwas-claim/ February 23, 2026

Photo Credit: Daily Post Nigeria

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Global Security Alert: Mexican Cartel Kingpin ‘El Mencho’ Killed in Military Raid

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February 23, 2026

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Reporting by Channels TV indicates that a major international security development has occurred with the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The 59-year-old drug lord was killed during a high-stakes operation by the Mexican army in the town of Tapalpa. The mission, which sparked a wave of retaliatory violence across Jalisco state, ended when Oseguera succumbed to injuries while being airlifted to Mexico City.

The death of “El Mencho,” who had a $15 million bounty on his head from the United States, is expected to cause significant shifts in global narcotics trafficking routes. In response to the raid, cartel members set buses on fire and blocked major avenues in an attempt to thwart military movements. While the event occurred in Mexico, the implications are being felt globally due to the cartel’s extensive reach into West Africa and Europe.

Vanguard validated the international significance of the story, noting that “security agencies in Nigeria are on high alert for any disruptions in the illicit drug supply chains often linked to Mexican cartels.” Daily Post also reported on the eruption of violence, quoting a Mexican military spokesperson who said, “this operation is a decisive blow against organized crime that has plagued our borders.” Both sources highlighted the potential for a bloody power vacuum within the CJNG.

Echotitbits take:

While distant, the fall of a cartel leader like El Mencho affects Nigeria because the CJNG has been increasingly linked to the “cocaine bridge” through West Africa. A leadership vacuum in Mexico often leads to more aggressive and unpredictable behavior from local franchises. Watch for increased surveillance by the NDLEA at Nigerian ports and borders as international drug routes readjust.

Source: Edition – https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/mexico-el-mencho-killed-travel-chaos-02-23-26-intl-hnk, February 23, 2026

Photo credit: Edition

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Elumelu-Backed Entry Triggers N2 Trillion Rally for Seplat Energy

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February 23, 2026

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According to Tribune reporting, a major shift in the ownership structure of Seplat Energy Plc has sparked a massive rally on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). The acquisition of a significant stake by Heirs Energies Limited, backed by billionaire investor Tony Elumelu, led to a 57 percent surge in the company’s share price. This move added nearly N2 trillion to Seplat’s market capitalization, making it one of the most valuable energy firms listed in the country.

The exit of Maurel & Prom, which had been Seplat’s largest shareholder since 2010, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the indigenous oil and gas giant. Investors are betting that Elumelu’s track record in the power and banking sectors will unlock fresh value in Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape. The market sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, with Seplat now positioned as a dominant player in the nation’s push for energy self-sufficiency.

Reporting from ThisDay validated the market reaction, noting that “the ‘Elumelu effect’ has once again proven to be a catalyst for investor confidence.” BusinessDay also covered the rally, quoting a market analyst who observed, “the entry of Heirs Energies signals a major consolidation of local content in the upstream sector.” Both outlets highlighted that this acquisition aligns with the broader trend of international oil companies divesting from onshore assets in favor of indigenous players.

Echotitbits take:

Tony Elumelu is consolidating his “Africapitalism” vision by becoming a kingpin in the oil and gas sector. This move isn’t just about Seplat; it’s about the entire energy value chain from extraction to power generation. Watch for Seplat to announce major new investments in gas-to-power projects as they leverage this new capital and leadership.

Source: Nigerian Tribune – https://tribuneonlineng.com/elumelu-backed-acquisition-sparks-n2trn-rally-in-seplat-lifts-market-sentiment/, February 23, 2026

Photo credit: Nigerian Tribune

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Nigerian Military Neutralizes 29 Terrorists in Borno and Yobe Operations

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February 23, 2026

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In an update published by The Guardian, Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) successfully repelled coordinated attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP militants in the northeast. Between Saturday and Sunday, 29 terrorists were killed during fierce encounters in Lamusheri, Gujba, and the Forward Operating Base in Limankara. The military also reported the destruction of logistics structures and the seizure of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition.

Lt-Col Sanni Uba, the Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, confirmed that the operations demonstrated the military’s sustained pressure on insurgent enclaves. While 15 terrorists were neutralized on the ground in Gujba, another 10 were eliminated via precision aerial strikes as they attempted to flee on motorcycles. The military reported zero casualties on the side of the Nigerian forces, despite the intensity of the firefights.

Channels TV validated the success of the operation, noting that “the air component of the mission was instrumental in tracking the fleeing insurgents.” Leadership Newspaper also reported on the development, quoting a security source who said, “the synergy between ground troops and aerial surveillance is proving to be a game-changer in the Borno theatre.” Both sources emphasized that the situation in the affected local government areas remains firmly under the control of the Nigerian Army.

Echotitbits take:

These victories are vital for morale as the insurgency in the Northeast enters a more fragmented but still dangerous phase. The use of precision strikes on motorcycle-borne militants shows an improvement in real-time intelligence gathering. Watch for potential retaliatory “soft-target” attacks in neighboring communities as the insurgents are pushed out of their forest strongholds.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/soldiers-foil-bharam-attacks-kill-29-in-borno-yobe/, February 23, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

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Mass Expulsion Hits University of Abuja Over Forgery and Drug Offences

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February 23, 2026

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In an update published by Daily Post, the University of Abuja—now officially renamed Yakubu Gowon University—has announced the expulsion of 28 students following a disciplinary review. The institution’s Senate approved the move during its 191st regular meeting after a committee report found the individuals guilty of serious misconduct. The offenses cited include the forgery of ‘O’ level results, burglary, theft, and the possession of illicit substances.

The university administration emphasized that the expulsions were necessary to maintain the academic integrity and security of the campus. Among the students penalized, several were found to have falsified documents uploaded to the university’s admission portal. The statement from the university spokesperson, Habib Yakoob, made it clear that the institution maintains a zero-tolerance policy for criminal activities that undermine the efforts of honest students.

The Guardian Nigeria validated the report, adding that “security on campus has been beefed up to prevent any retaliatory actions from the affected students.” Premium Times also covered the story, quoting a senior administrative official who stated, “we cannot allow the future of our youth to be tainted by a culture of forgery and drug abuse.” Both sources noted that this is one of the largest single-batch expulsions in the university’s recent history.

Echotitbits take:

This move signals a hardening stance by Nigerian tertiary institutions against the growing “yahoo-plus” and drug culture on campuses. The renaming of the university to Yakubu Gowon University is also a significant brand shift that the administration is eager to protect. Watch for other federal universities to follow suit with similar “clean-up” exercises.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/uniabuja-expels-28-students-for-cultism-drug-offences/, February 23, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

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