Benin Traditional Council Clarifies Influencer Peller’s Controversial Palace Visit

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March 26, 2026

A post shared by Legit.ng details a formal statement from the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) regarding the recent viral visit of popular Nigerian TikToker and streamer, Peller, to the palace of the Oba of Benin. The council moved to “set the record straight,” clarifying that while the influencer was acknowledged, it did not equate to an official royal approval or endorsement.

Peller, known for his eccentric and often chaotic livestreams, had shared footage of his visit which led many online to believe he had secured a special audience with the revered monarch. The BTC clarified that the palace remains open to all subjects and visitors, but specific protocols must be followed for any claim of “royal blessing.”

The clarification comes after Peller faced backlash from some Edo indigenes who felt his “clout-chasing” brand of content was disrespectful to the sanctity of the Benin Kingdom. The influencer has been on a tour of major Nigerian cities, often causing “good-natured chaos” wherever he appears.

Despite the controversy, Peller’s popularity continues to soar, with his fans defending him as a harmless entertainer. However, the palace’s firm stance serves as a reminder of the cultural boundaries that influencers must navigate when dealing with traditional institutions.

* TVC News reported that “The Queen Mother also countered certain claims” made by palace chiefs following the visit to ensure the palace’s image remains untarnished.

* Naija News noted that Peller has since been “under fire again” as his Ibadan tour also sparked similar debates over public conduct.

Echotitbits take: Peller is currently the “wild child” of Nigerian social media. While his energy is great for engagement, traditional institutions in Nigeria do not play around with optics. This is a classic case of “digital world meets traditional world” friction—Peller needs to hire a cultural consultant before his next royal “collab.”

Source: Legit.ng — https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1702520-benin-traditional-council-sets-record-straight-pellers-palace-visit/ March 25, 2026

Photo Credit: Legit.ng

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Afro Nation 2026: The “Holy Trinity” of Afrobeats Set to Headline Portugal

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Bob Echols’s

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March 26, 2026

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A report by the Voice of Nigeria confirms that Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Asake have been officially unveiled as the headliners for the 2026 Afro Nation festival in Portugal. The festival, which has become the global pilgrimage for Afrobeats lovers, is scheduled to take place at Praia da Rocha Beach from July 3 to July 5.

Burna Boy is slated to open the festival on July 3, sharing the stage with South African Amapiano sensation Tyla. Asake, the “Mr. Money” of Nigerian music, will take the lead on July 4, while the legendary Wizkid is set to close the three-day extravaganza on July 5.

The 2026 lineup is being hailed as “Phase 3” of the festival’s evolution, blending established legacies with the genre’s newest global stars. Other confirmed Nigerian acts include Olamide, Young Jonn, and Wande Coal, ensuring a deep representation of the Lagos sound.

Tickets for the event are expected to sell out within minutes of the “Early Access” window opening. The festival continues to serve as a massive cultural export for Nigeria, driving tourism and global interest in West African music, fashion, and lifestyle.

* Punch Newspapers verified the lineup, stating that “Legacy energy meets Afro Nation debuts” in this year’s high-octane roster.

* The Afro Nation Official Account on X posted: “This is the sound of a summer taking shape. The biggest celebration of Afrobeats returns.”

Echotitbits take: Seeing the “Big Three” (or close to it with Asake’s inclusion) on one poster remains the gold standard for festival marketing. Asake’s meteoric rise to headliner status alongside Burna and Wizkid proves he is no longer just a “street-pop” star but a global titan. This will be the most talked-about music event of the summer.

Source: Voice of Nigeria — https://von.gov.ng/afro-nation-2026-wizkid-burna-boy-asake-confirmed-as-headliners/ March 25, 2026

Photo: Voice of Nigeria

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NBA Expansion Edges Closer as League Approves Las Vegas and Seattle Bids

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March 26, 2026

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According to 9News, the NBA Board of Governors has officially voted to allow the league to “formally explore potential team expansion” into Las Vegas and Seattle. This long-awaited decision marks the most significant step toward growing the league since the early 2000s, potentially bringing professional basketball back to the “Emerald City” and introducing it to the “Sports Capital of the World.”

The vote allows Commissioner Adam Silver and league officials to begin vetting ownership groups and arena infrastructure in both cities. Seattle has been without a team since the SuperSonics moved to Oklahoma City in 2008, a departure that left a void in West Coast basketball culture.

Las Vegas, already home to the WNBA’s Aces and successful NHL and NFL franchises, is viewed as a “slam dunk” for the league’s commercial growth. Current NBA stars and Seattle natives, including Paolo Banchero, have already expressed their excitement, noting that the return of basketball to their hometown is “mandatory.”

While expansion isn’t yet a “done deal,” the league has hired investment bank PJT Partners to evaluate the economic implications. The move is expected to trigger a bidding war among billionaire investors looking to secure a franchise in these high-value markets.

* NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted that the vote reflects the board’s interest in markets with “a long history of support for NBA basketball.”

* TSN confirmed the report, adding that “Vegas and Seattle are the undisputed front-runners to land the next franchises.”

Echotitbits take: This is the moment basketball fans have prayed for. Seattle deserves its team back, and Vegas is the inevitable future of all major sports. Watch for LeBron James or Shaquille O’Neal to potentially lead one of these ownership groups—the celebrity “business of basketball” is about to reach a fever pitch.

Source: 9News — https://www.9news.com/article/news/nation-world/seattle-las-vegas-nba-teams-league-board-governors-approve-plan-explore-expansion/507-3c8db881-851b-4e79-9f92-6a5fcd507032 March 25, 2026

Photo: 9News

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KSI Shakes Up English Football with Historic Dagenham Streaming Deal

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Bob Echols’s

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March 26, 2026

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In a post shared by The Sitka Sentinel, it was revealed that YouTube megastar and entrepreneur KSI is set to broadcast a live English sixth-tier match to his 17.6 million subscribers this coming Saturday. Following his recent acquisition of a minority stake in Dagenham & Redbridge, the social media icon is leveraging his massive digital reach to bring unprecedented global attention to the National League South.

The match against Hampton & Richmond will be the first time a game at this level is streamed live on a major creator’s YouTube channel. This move is part of a broader strategy to modernize the distribution of lower-league football, bridging the gap between traditional sports and “creator culture.”

The initiative has received full backing from the National League and the broadcaster DAZN. It follows a growing trend of “celebrity owners” in British football, popularized by Hollywood’s Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham. However, KSI’s approach is unique due to his native London roots and his status as a digital-first pioneer.

Fans are calling this a “landmark moment” for sports broadcasting. By bypassing traditional paywalls for this specific fixture, KSI is effectively introducing a global, Gen-Z audience to the grit and passion of English non-league football.

* DAZN CEO Pete Oliver stated that the event shows “what’s possible when football, creators, and modern distribution come together.”

* The National League confirmed the partnership, with CEO Phil Alexander describing it as a “transformative step for the visibility of our clubs.”

Echotitbits take: This isn’t just a publicity stunt; it’s a blueprint for the future of sports media. If KSI pulls significant numbers on Saturday, expect more “Creator-Owners” to demand streaming rights for their teams. It’s a win for lower-league clubs struggling for revenue and a massive power play for KSI’s Misfits/Prime empire.

Source: Sitka Sentinel — https://sitkasentinel.com/stories/youtube-star-ksi-to-give-little-known-dagenham-a-global-stage-by-streaming-match-on-his-channel,128468 March 25, 2026

Photo Credit: British GQ

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AMVCA 2026: MultiChoice Set to Unveil Nominees This Weekend

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Bob Echols’s

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March 25, 2026

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According to a report by Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET), MultiChoice Nigeria has officially confirmed that the nominee announcement for the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) will take place on March 29.

The announcement marks the start of the “awards season” for the continent’s most prestigious film and television honors, following a year of record-breaking cinematic releases in Nollywood.

The 2026 edition is expected to be one of the most competitive yet, given the high volume of high-budget epics and streaming hits released over the last 12 months. Fans are particularly eager to see if recent box-office juggernauts like Toyin Abraham’s latest projects or Funke Akindele’s record-shattering works will dominate the major categories.

Organizers have hinted at a revamped voting system to enhance transparency, a move that comes after previous years of social media debates regarding “snubs” of popular actors. The live broadcast of the nominees is scheduled to air across all Africa Magic channels, sparking early predictions from industry critics and fans alike.

As the industry prepares for the main gala, the focus remains on whether the “New Nollywood” era of big-budget storytelling will outshine the traditional veterans. This year’s event is also expected to place a heavy emphasis on digital content creators, reflecting their growing influence in the African entertainment ecosystem.

* TVC News reported that the stage is set for the “highly anticipated” event, noting that the “nominee announcement is the first major milestone of the 2026 calendar.”

* The Punch confirmed the date, adding that “MultiChoice remains committed to celebrating African talent on a global stage.”

Echotitbits take: The AMVCAs are the ultimate barometer for success in African film. With the 2026 nominees dropping this Sunday, expect a massive surge in “stan” wars on X (formerly Twitter) as fans campaign for their favorites. Keep a close eye on the “Best Actor” and “Best Movie” categories; these will likely dictate the conversation for the next month.

Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/amvca-to-announce-2026-nominees-sunday/#google_vignette March 25, 2026

Photo: The Punch

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CBN Slashes Interest Rates to 26.5% as Inflation Shows First Sign of Easing

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Bob Echols’s

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March 25, 2026

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According to reporting by News Central (syndicated via BusinessDay), the Central Bank of Nigeria has lowered the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) from 27% to 26.5%. Governor Olayemi Cardoso announced the reduction following the latest MPC meeting, citing a gradual easing of inflationary pressures and improved macroeconomic stability.

This marks the first interest rate cut in several months, providing a glimmer of hope for businesses struggling with high borrowing costs. However, the CBN emphasized that it remains “cautiously optimistic” and will not hesitate to adjust rates again if global oil prices or Middle East tensions trigger fresh inflation.

ThisDay reported that “the Naira’s recent gains provided the room for the rate cut,” while The Guardian noted that “investors have reacted positively to the slight monetary easing.”

Echotitbits take: A 0.5% cut is small, but the symbolism is huge—it tells the market the “hiking cycle” might be over. Small businesses should still be wary, as 26.5% is still a very high cost of capital.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/breaking-cbn-cuts-interest-rate-to-26-5/, March 25, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

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Education Ministry Scraps Common Entrance in Favor of Learner Identification Numbers

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Bob Echols’s

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March 25, 2026

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In an update published by The Punch, Education Minister Tunji Alausa has announced the total abolition of the National Common Entrance Examination for entry into Junior Secondary Schools. Instead, the government will implement a Learner Identification Number (LIN) system to track students’ progress from primary school through their entire academic career.

The shift is intended to stop the “leakage” in the education system, where millions of students fail to transition from primary to secondary school. By using the LIN, the ministry hopes to create a more inclusive data-driven approach that removes the “one-day exam” barrier for millions of Nigerian children.

Leadership echoed the development, stating the “LIN will track the academic journey of every child,” while Tribune reported that “the move aims to bridge the access gap” in public schools.

Echotitbits take: Scrapping the Common Entrance is a bold move toward modernizing school placement. The real challenge will be the digital infrastructure required to manage 23 million student IDs across rural Nigeria.

Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/education/article/alausa-announces-plan-to-scrap-common-entrance-for-learner-id-tracking/, March 25, 2026

Photo credit: BusinessDay

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Nigeria Becomes Leading African Hub for AI-Driven Surveillance Technology

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March 25, 2026

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Figures cited by The Punch reveal that Nigeria has spent over $470 million on Artificial Intelligence (AI) surveillance systems, making it the largest buyer of such technology in Africa. The systems, largely sourced from Chinese tech giants, are being integrated into urban centers to track criminal activities and monitor security flashpoints in real-time.

The government maintains that this “digital shield” is essential for modern policing, though it has sparked a national conversation about digital privacy. Critics argue that without a finalized data protection law, the deployment of AI could lead to potential misuse of citizen data.

The Nation reported on the “increasing reliance on Chinese-supplied security tech,” while The Guardian noted that “civil society groups are demanding a regulatory framework” for AI usage.

Echotitbits take: High-tech cameras are great, but only if there are enough boots on the ground to respond when the AI flags a crime. Expect this to be a major debate point in the 2027 election cycle.

Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/technology/article/nigeria-tops-africas-2-1bn-ai-surveillance-spending-with-470m-investment/, March 25, 2026

Photo credit: BusinessDay

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Afrobeats Giants Wizkid and Burna Boy Confirmed for Afro Nation 2026

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Bob Echols’s

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March 25, 2026

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An announcement shared by Voice of Nigeria confirms that superstars Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Asake have been officially slated as headliners for the Afro Nation 2026 festival. Burna Boy is scheduled to open the festival in Portugal on July 3, 2026, while Wizkid will close the global cultural event two days later.

The 2026 edition is being marketed as a “global cultural movement,” reflecting the massive growth of Nigerian music on the world stage. Organizers noted that the lineup aims to blend established Afrobeats legacies with rising voices, such as South African breakout star Tyla, who will also share the main stage.

Vanguard added that “Asake has secured a N335m endorsement deal” ahead of the festival circuit, and Leadership reported that “Davido is also planning his first UK-based festival” for later this year.

Echotitbits take: Afrobeats is no longer just a “genre” but a major Nigerian export. These festivals act as a massive “soft power” tool, attracting foreign interest and potentially boosting the diaspora’s cultural remittances.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/wizkid-burna-boy-asake-headline-afro-nation-2026-in-portugal/, March 25, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

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Organized Labour Demands N154,000 New Minimum Wage Citing Economic Hardship

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March 25, 2026

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In an update published by The Punch, the National Public Service Negotiating Council has formally submitted a demand for a N154,000 monthly minimum wage to the Federal Government. This represents a 120% increase from previous levels, which Labour leaders argue is necessary to reflect the current cost of living and the impact of subsidy removals.

The demand was contained in a formal letter to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, emphasizing that public servants are facing unprecedented “social necessity” pressures. Labour advocates have warned that a timely review is the only way to maintain industrial harmony and ensure the efficiency of the public service delivery system.

The Guardian noted that “NECA and NLC warn of looming job losses” due to current economic pressures, while Tribune reported that “Organised Labour remains adamant on the N154,000 baseline.”

Echotitbits take: This N154,000 figure is a high-stakes opening gambit. While the Federal Government might be open to a middle ground, the real hurdle will be the State Governors, many of whom are already struggling with existing wage bills.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/hardship-labour-pushes-n154000-minimum-wage/, March 25, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

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