Gospel Star Nathaniel Bassey Surprised with Birthday Luxury Car by Pastor Jerry Eze

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August 31, 2026

According to a video published by @salvationtv, renowned gospel minister Nathaniel Bassey was visibly overwhelmed after receiving a brand-new luxury vehicle as a surprise birthday gift from Streams of Joy founder Pastor Jerry Eze.

Pulse Nigeria documented the viral moment, reporting that “Nathaniel Bassey shocked after Pastor Jerry Eze surprises him with birthday car” during a fellowship gathering. Meanwhile, Church Gist confirmed the event details, quoting Pastor Jerry Eze stating during the presentation that the gift was “a small token to honor a voice that has blessed millions globally through worship.”

The gesture underscores the deep ties and mutual support existing within Nigeria’s influential gospel music and Christian ministry ecosystems. Generous gifts among prominent faith leaders frequently capture mainstream attention, inspiring widespread discussion on celebrating gospel ministers while active. Fans and congregants continue to leave congratulatory messages across the worship leader’s digital platforms.

Source: YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLsuQ-TdH9o, August 29, 2026

Photo Credit: You Tube

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Former Couples Reunion: Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz Spotted on Family Vacation in Paris

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Bob Echols’s

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August 31, 2026

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In a post shared by @funkejenifaakindele on Instagram, Nollywood box-office queen Funke Akindele and her ex-husband Abdulrasheed Bello (JJC Skillz) were seen enjoying a family getaway with their twin sons in Paris.

Pulse Nigeria verified the vacation updates, confirming that “Funke Akindele, ex-husband JJC Skillz reunite for vacation with twin sons in Paris” to celebrate family time during the summer break. Additionally, Vanguard Lifestyle highlighted the co-parenting milestone, noting that the pair “demonstrated rare maturity by coming together for their children’s happiness despite their official marital separation.”

The public display of healthy co-parenting has drawn massive praise across Nigerian social media, setting a positive precedent for high-profile divorced couples in the entertainment space. While fans frequently speculate about romantic reconciliations when famous exes reunite, all indications point strictly to an admirable joint parenting vacation. Observers will be watching their social feeds for upcoming joint family projects or production updates.

Source: Mordern Ghana — https://www.modernghana.com/nollywood/36772/funke-akindele-and-jjc-skillz-reunite-in-paris.html, August 26, 2026

Photo Credit: The Star

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Industry Veterans Launch N5 Billion Trust Fund to Secure Healthcare and Financial Welfare for Nigerian Creatives

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Bob Echols’s

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August 31, 2026

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According to Vanguard News, entertainment figures alongside human rights attorney Femi Falana (SAN) have officially launched a N5 billion trust fund titled “Life After the Art” aimed at protecting aging entertainers from financial ruin and medical distress. Promoted by industry practitioner Kupa Victory, the initiative kicked off with an immediate N1 billion seed fund in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Addressing stakeholders at the launch, veteran actress Patience Ozokwo emphasized the reality behind screen glamour, stating that “entertainers are often judged by the cars, clothes and houses they display publicly, while many struggle financially behind the scenes”. Furthermore, legal luminary Femi Falana asserted that “it’s not about asking for government, not asking for charity. We’re going to ask for the rights of the artists”.

This institutional framework represents a major step forward for Nollywood and the broader Nigerian music industry, addressing decades of structural neglect where veteran icons frequently face public medical fundraising campaigns. With backings from major insurers like Leadway Assurance, the fund promises institutional health coverage and structured royalties. Observers should monitor how quickly active industry guilds integrate their members into the scheme over the next quarter.

Source: Vanguard News — https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/08/n5bn-trust-fund-targets-better-welfare-for-nigerian-entertainers/, August 30, 2026

Photo Credit: The Gaurdian

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Legal Escalation: Bella Okagbue Takes Sheggz to Court Over Alleged Breach of Marriage Promise

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Bob Echols’s

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August 31, 2026

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In a post shared by @Gistlover, former Big Brother Naija star Bella Okagbue has officially instructed her legal counsel to file a lawsuit against her former partner Sheggz Ikudayisi. The court filing alleges a breach of promise to marry, alongside financial demands totaling £10,000 and ₦19 million.

Pulse Nigeria reported on the dramatic legal turn, stating that the “Former BBNaija housemate threatens legal action against ex-boyfriend over breach of promise to marry” after their public relationship came to an end. Additionally, TVC News verified the document details, reporting that legal representatives have served papers to recover “compensation for domestic pledges and financial commitments made during their relationship.”

This legal tussle puts a stark spotlight on civil litigations surrounding romantic commitments and financial contracts within celebrity relationships. While breach-of-promise lawsuits are relatively uncommon in mainstream Nigerian pop culture, this high-profile case could establish legal precedents regarding financial exchanges during public courtships. Expect court appearances and public statements from both legal teams in the coming weeks as trial dates approach.

Source: Premium Times — https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/906318-bella-okagbue-serves-sheggz-pre-action-notice-over-alleged-broken-marriage-promise-abuse.html, August 29, 2026

Photo Credit: Legit News

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Ayra Starr Set to Make Global History as First Afrobeats Artist to Headline NFL Halftime Show in London

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August 31, 2026

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According to Vanguard News, Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr is officially slated to make international headlines by performing as the premier Afrobeats headliner for the upcoming NFL London Games halftime show. The announcement marks a massive milestone for Nigerian pop culture and African music representation on global sporting platforms.

Pulse Nigeria confirmed the major career milestone, highlighting that the singer is “set to make history as first Afrobeats act to headline NFL London halftime show” during the upcoming international series. Simultaneously, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported the development, noting that “Ayra Starr is taking Afrobeats to one of the biggest sporting stages in the world” following her groundbreaking nominations earlier this season.

This historical booking signifies a major leap in Afrobeats’ international crossover appeal, proving that top-tier African pop stars are now mainstream fixtures for massive global sporting events like the NFL. Beyond immediate personal prestige for the artist, it paves the way for deeper integration of West African music into international sports entertainment broadcasts. Fans should expect an explosive, high-production performance showcasing her chart-topping catalog, with official broadcast dates and setlists to be confirmed by the league shortly.

Source: Channels TV — https://www.channelstv.com/2026/08/27/ayra-starr-set-to-make-history-as-first-afrobeats-act-to-headline-nfl-london-halftime-show/, August 27, 2026

Photo Credit: Afro Mag

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Nigeria Protests Xenophobic Attacks at African Union Summit

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August 31, 2026

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According to Premium Times reporting, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally reported recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Nigerian nationals and other African migrants in South Africa to the African Union Assembly. The formal intervention, delivered during the AU Summit in Luanda, called on the continental body to place the issue permanently on the agenda of the upcoming 40th Ordinary Session in January 2027.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Nigerian delegation warned that persistent violent hostility against intra-African migrants directly contradicts the principles of continental integration, free movement, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Nigeria urged the AU to deploy preventive diplomacy and binding frameworks to protect foreign nationals.

Corroborating international reporting confirms the elevated diplomatic push. A published report by Vanguard noted that “Tinubu drags South Africa to AU” over recurring xenophobia, emphasizing that intra-continental solidarity requires reciprocal protections. Additionally, reporting by Leadership quoted Vice President Kashim Shettima’s address: “While recognising South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Nigeria stresses that such attacks undermine African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence.”

Echotitbits take:

Nigeria’s formal petition to the African Union escalates diplomatic pressure on South African authorities to curb anti-immigrant sentiment and enforce rule-of-law protections. As AfCFTA implementation accelerates, unresolved xenophobic tensions pose a threat to regional trade integration and bilateral economic ties. Expect heightened diplomatic exchanges and bilateral joint commission meetings ahead of the 2027 AU summit.

Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/906338-xenophobia-nigeria-urges-au-to-take-stronger-action-against-south-africa.html, August 30, 2026

Photo credit: BBC

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Federal Government Enlists Public Proposals for Finance Bill 2027

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August 31, 2026

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Figures cited by The Guardian show that the Federal Ministry of Finance has formally opened public and institutional consultations for the Finance Bill 2027, setting a September 11 submission deadline for stakeholders. The exercise aims to gather evidence-based recommendations from the private sector, civil society, and academia to refine fiscal statutes and enhance domestic revenue mobilization.

The government’s call for inputs targets specific statutory amendments aimed at reducing administrative compliance costs, deepening taxpayer services, enhancing tax certainty, and strengthening financial reporting frameworks across key growth sectors.

Corroborating reporting highlights the consultative nature of the policy push. A detailed report by Media Today highlighted the official ministry notice, noting that the call seeks “practical and evidence-based legislative recommendations that would strengthen the country’s fiscal framework.” Concurrently, coverage by ThisDay detailed that the Finance Ministry instructed contributors to “identify gaps, inconsistencies and implementation difficulties in existing laws,” ensuring that upcoming legislative drafts directly address real-world business constraints.

Echotitbits take:

Inviting early public participation for the Finance Bill 2027 signals a proactive shift toward consultative fiscal policy. By institutionalizing stakeholder feedback, the Ministry of Finance aims to avoid statutory ambiguities and implementation friction. Businesses and industry associations should utilize this window to advocate for targeted tax incentives and administrative simplifications.

Source: Arise – https://www.arise.tv/finance-bill-2027-fg-sets-september-11-deadline-for-public-proposals/, August 31, 2026

Photo credit: Arise

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Taxation & Governance: CITN Warns Non-Harmonized State Levies Undermine Business Climate

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August 31, 2026

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In an update published by The Guardian, the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) expressed concern over the failure of several state governments to harmonize local taxes and levies with federal tax reform legislation. The institute cautioned that uncoordinated state-level enforcement undermines efforts to improve the ease of doing business and creates persistent double-taxation burdens for enterprise operators.

Speaking at a professional forum, CITN leadership acknowledged that while national tax reforms have provided relief for low-income earners and micro-enterprises, state-level implementation gaps remain a barrier. The institute called for unified collection frameworks to streamline tax administration and eliminate informal revenue enforcement across sub-national jurisdictions.

Parallel industry accounts corroborate these administrative hurdles. A report by ThisDay cited Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) Chairman Ayodele Subair, who stated, “Harmonisation of taxes would help address complaints over multiplicity of levies and improve the ease of doing business,” while outlining state-level digital collection templates. Additionally, coverage by Vanguard reported CITN President Innocent Ohagwa emphasizing that while reforms reduced tax liabilities for lower-income earners, “harmonisation of taxes across states and local governments has commenced, although some states are yet to regularise their position under the new framework.”

Echotitbits take:

Multiple taxation across sub-national levels remains a major operational bottleneck for Nigerian businesses, counteracting federal efforts to boost economic competitiveness. State governors must align their internal revenue service operations with national tax frameworks to prevent regulatory friction. Expect increased inter-governmental legislative advocacy led by the Joint Tax Board to enforce sub-national compliance.

Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/business-services/citn-states-yet-to-harmonise-levies-undermining-ease-of-doing-business/, August 31, 2026

Photo credit: The Guardian

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Moody’s Upgrades Nigeria’s Ratings Outlook to Positive on External Buffers

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August 31, 2026

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According to Premium Times reporting, international credit rating agency Moody’s Ratings has upgraded Nigeria’s sovereign outlook from stable to positive while affirming its B3 credit rating. The rating agency cited expanding external buffers, rising foreign exchange reserves, and ongoing fiscal discipline as primary catalysts for the improved sovereign profile.

The upgrade highlights Nigeria’s current account surplus—projected at 6.1 percent of GDP—alongside gross external reserves exceeding $53.3 billion and moderating headline inflation. The positive outlook suggests that Nigeria could achieve a higher foreign currency credit rating over the medium term if structural economic reforms remain uninterrupted.

Validating reports confirm the positive global assessment. Reporting by The Trumpet Newspaper detailed the Federal Ministry of Finance’s official reaction, where government spokesman Taiwo Oyedele affirmed, “Our medium-term ambition is to place Nigeria firmly on the path to investment grade.” Concurrently, coverage by The Guardian noted that the sovereign upgrade coincided with FTSE Russell reclassifying Nigeria to Frontier Market status, with market analysts observing that “investors gained N1.29 trillion as sovereign upgrade triggered fresh interest” across domestic equity and debt markets.

Echotitbits take:

Moody’s positive outlook revision provides crucial global validation for Nigeria’s macroeconomic stabilization program, lowering sovereign risk premiums and attracting offshore institutional capital. However, to convert this positive outlook into a concrete rating upgrade, domestic authorities must maintain strict debt management, accelerate non-oil tax revenue mobilization, and shield reform policies from upcoming political cycle pressures.

Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/906236-moodys-upgrades-nigerias-outlook-to-positive-on-stronger-external-buffers.html, August 30, 2026

Photo credit: Premium Times

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CPPE Warns Indiscriminate Fuel Imports Threaten Local Refineries

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August 31, 2026

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Reporting by Punch indicates that the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has cautioned the Federal Government against issuing petroleum import licenses without verified domestic supply shortfalls. The think tank warned that uncoordinated import approvals risk crippling Nigeria’s domestic refining investments, including large-scale private facilities, by artificially depressing capacity utilization.

The CPPE emphasized that Nigeria has reached an economic inflection point where local refining output—complemented by expanding seaborne petroleum exports—obviates the need for blanket fuel imports. Uncontrolled import inflows erode bankability for refinery operators, distort domestic market pricing, and threaten long-term energy security.

Additional industry accounts mirror these operational warnings. Reporting by The Guardian cited Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s strategic review, noting that “Dangote mulls sales restrictions to fuel importers over quality concerns” to protect local market integrity against off-spec imported products. Furthermore, coverage by Vanguard quoted CPPE Chief Executive Dr. Muda Yusuf warning that “if investors believe permits will admit imports irrespective of verified domestic availability, expected refinery utilisation and cash flow become less bankable.”

Echotitbits take:

The operational friction between domestic refining giants and persistent import structures underscores a critical regulatory crossroads for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Stripping away structural import reliance is essential to defend localized value addition and conserve foreign exchange. Regulatory bodies must establish transparent, data-driven import licensing frameworks aligned strictly with verified supply gaps.

Source: Punch – https://punchng.com/rising-fuel-imports-could-cripple-local-refineries-cppe/?utm_source=rss.punchng.com&utm_medium=web, August 31, 2026

Photo credit: The Guardian

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