Biola Adebayo Under Fire for Giving Platform to Convicted Actor Baba Ijesha

By

-

March 24, 2026

In a report by Punch Newspapers, popular Nollywood actress and podcaster Biola Adebayo is facing significant public backlash following her recent interview with Olanrewaju Omiyinka, better known as Baba Ijesha. The interview, featured on her show “Talk To B,” has ignited a firestorm of criticism across social media platforms like X and Instagram.

Nigerians have expressed outrage that the podcaster gave a platform to the actor, who was recently released after serving a jail term for sexual offences involving a minor. During the session, Baba Ijesha claimed the incident leading to his conviction was a “setup” and suggested it was part of a “movie preparation,” statements that many viewers found deeply insensitive and harmful.

Critics argue that such interviews risk re-traumatizing victims and downplaying the gravity of judicial convictions. Biola Adebayo has defended her decision by stating that the public deserves to hear his side of the story now that he has served his sentence, but the explanation has done little to quell the “cancel culture” momentum building against her.

The controversy highlights the growing tension in the Nigerian digital space regarding the ethics of “redemption” interviews for individuals convicted of serious crimes. As the video continues to circulate, several brands associated with the actress are being tagged by activists calling for accountability.

* “Nollywood actress and podcaster Biola Adebayo has come under intense criticism… for giving the actor a platform to downplay his conviction,” noted Samuel Omotere for Punch Online.

* “Outrage as Nigerians react to Biola Bayo’s interview with Baba Ijesha… many called it an insult to justice,” shared Legit.ng on their official Facebook news feed.

Echotitbits take: This is a classic “ethics vs. views” dilemma in the podcasting era. While Adebayo likely sought a high-traffic “exclusive,” the choice of subject matter is a PR nightmare in a climate increasingly sensitive to gender-based violence. Watching her follower count and sponsorship deals over the next 48 hours will be crucial; she may be forced to take the episode down to save her brand reputation.

Source: Punch Newspapers — https://punchng.com/biola-adebayo-faces-backlash-over-baba-ijesha-interview/March 23, 2026

Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers

Inline1

Davido Unveils Maiden UK Festival “Davido & Friends” for Summer 2026

By

Bob Echols’s

-

March 24, 2026

0

According to Premium Times Nigeria, Afrobeats titan Davido has officially announced his first-ever curated music festival in the United Kingdom. Titled “Davido & Friends Festival,” the outdoor event is scheduled to take place on August 14, 2026, at the historic Crystal Palace Bowl in London, a venue capable of hosting 15,000 fans.

The singer revealed the news via his social media handles, expressing excitement about bringing a personalized Afrobeats experience to his UK audience. Davido confirmed he would not only headline the show but also personally select the lineup of supporting artists to ensure a high-energy celebration of global music culture.

Fans are already gearing up for the ticket scramble, as pre-sale access is set to begin on March 26, 2026. This move follows a series of successful international stadium appearances for the “Unavailable” singer, further cementing his influence in the global touring circuit.

The festival is part of the “Palace Bowl Presents” series, which aims to revitalize the iconic South London venue. Industry watchers suggest this event could set a new standard for how African artists curate their own branded experiences abroad, rather than just appearing on traditional festival lineups.

* “For the first time, I present to you, Davido & Friends Festival. It’s going down at Crystal Palace Bowl on August 14th,” stated Davido via his verified X (@davido) account.

* “The festival marks another milestone in his growing global career… promising a celebration of Afrobeats,” reported TheNETng on its official entertainment news portal.

Echotitbits take: Davido is transitioning from a “performing artist” to a “festival curator,” a strategic business move that mirrors the trajectories of global icons like J. Cole or Tyler, The Creator. By controlling the lineup and the venue, he maximizes his brand equity and revenue. Expect a “who’s who” of Afrobeats’ rising stars to be on that roster, making this a pivotal moment for the genre’s summer dominance in Europe.

Source: Premium Times Nigeria — https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/866221-davido-announces-first-uk-festival.html March 23, 2026

Photo Credit: Premium Times Nigeria

Inline1

Nigeria Becomes Africa’s Leading Buyer of AI Surveillance Tech

By

Bob Echols’s

-

March 23, 2026

0

Figures cited by The Punch show that Nigeria has emerged as the top buyer of Artificial Intelligence (AI) surveillance technology in Africa, spending over $470 million on systems primarily supplied by Chinese firms. The investment is part of a broader government strategy to use technology to combat urban crime and track insurgent movements.

However, the acquisition has sparked a debate regarding privacy and the effectiveness of these systems. While the government maintains that the tech is vital for national security, civil rights groups have raised concerns about the potential for mass surveillance and the lack of a robust data protection framework.
The Nation reported on the “rising spend on Chinese-supplied tech,” and The Guardian noted that “privacy advocates are calling for a regulatory framework” to govern the use of AI in security.

Echotitbits take: High-tech surveillance can be a force multiplier, but only if integrated with traditional policing. Without proper maintenance and skilled personnel to interpret the data, this $470 million could become another “white elephant” project.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/nigeria-spends-470m-on-ai-powered-surveillance-devices/, March 23, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

Inline1

Tinubu Warns of Inflation Spike Due to Middle East Tensions

By

Bob Echols’s

-

March 23, 2026

0

Reporting by The Guardian indicates that President Bola Tinubu has alerted Nigerians to a potential surge in inflation and a subsequent drop in purchasing power linked to the escalating crisis in the Middle East. Speaking at an Eid-el-Fitr gathering, the President cautioned that global supply chain disruptions could have a direct impact on the domestic cost of living.

Tinubu emphasized the need for “administrative empathy” and urged leaders to prioritize the welfare of the vulnerable during this period. He noted that the government is monitoring the situation closely as it balances fiscal reforms with the need to protect household income from external shocks.

ThisDay highlighted similar concerns, citing FAO projections that “food inflation for Nigeria in 2026 could reach 17.1%,” while Daily Post reported the President’s call for “collective efforts to defeat the economic challenges ahead.”

Echotitbits take: Nigeria remains highly sensitive to global oil and commodity price shocks. If the Middle East crisis deepens, the CBN may be forced to hike interest rates again, making credit even tighter for small businesses.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/middle-east-crisis-tinubu-warns-of-inflation-hike-purchasing-power-drop/, March 23, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

Inline1

FG Scraps Common Entrance Exam in Major Education Overhaul

By

Bob Echols’s

-

March 23, 2026

0

In an update published by The Punch, the Federal Government has announced the abolition of the National Common Entrance Examination for Junior Secondary Schools. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, stated that the exam will be replaced by a Continuous Assessment (CA) system and a new Learner Identification Number (LIN) to track pupils’ academic progress from primary school through their entire education.

The reform aims to address a worrying “access gap,” where only about 3 million out of 23 million public primary school pupils successfully transition to junior secondary school. The new LIN system is designed to ensure that no student falls through the cracks during school transfers or promotions.

Tribune reported on the session where Alausa queried, “Where are the about 20 million not enrolled in our public secondary schools?” and Leadership echoed the story, noting that the “Learner Identification Number will track pupils’ academic journey.”

Echotitbits take: This is one of the most radical changes to the Nigerian basic education system in decades. While it removes the pressure of a single “make-or-break” exam, the success of Continuous Assessment relies heavily on the integrity of teachers and school records.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/fg-to-scrap-common-entrance-track-students-journey-with-identification-number/, March 23, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

Inline1

DisCos Hit with N2.4 Trillion Loss Amid Systemic Power Crisis

By

Bob Echols’s

-

March 23, 2026

0

Figures cited by Vanguard show that Nigeria’s Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) have recorded a staggering combined loss of N2.349 trillion over the last two years. The massive deficit is attributed to persistent inefficiencies in billing and collection, which have worsened the liquidity crisis within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

The sector is currently grappling with an overall debt estimated at N6 trillion, leaving many thermal power plants unable to secure the gas needed for generation. Consequently, homes and businesses across the country are facing prolonged blackouts, with operators and the Presidency at odds over the grid’s management and the lack of mass metering for consumers.

The Guardian noted that “experts seek policies to empower the sector,” while Channels TV discussed how “infrastructure gaps” continue to hinder the power supply chain. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) previously stated, “the financial health of DisCos is critical to the survival of the entire value chain.”

Echotitbits take: With N2.4 trillion in losses, the power sector is on the verge of a total meltdown. Expect the government to face renewed pressure to either fully nationalize the DisCos or provide another massive bailout, though neither solves the underlying collection inefficiency.

Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/03/electricity-woes-worsen-as-discos-record-n2-4trn-in-financial-losses/, March 23, 2026

Photo credit: Vanguard

Inline1

Tinubu Secures French Military Support to Combat Insurgency

By

Bob Echols’s

-

March 23, 2026

0

According to reporting by The Nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has successfully brokered a strategic partnership with French President Emmanuel Macron to provide Nigeria with advanced military equipment and specialized training. The President revealed this development during a meeting with state governors in Lagos, emphasizing that the collaboration is a direct result of diplomatic efforts to modernize Nigeria’s security apparatus.

The move follows the President’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom, where he focused on securing international interventions to curb the rising tide of terrorism. In his address, Tinubu noted that the government is prepared to leverage existing credit lines to ensure the military is adequately equipped for the “next major challenge” of restoring nationwide stability.

This development was also covered by Radio Nigeria Lagos, which noted, “France has expressed willingness to support Nigeria with equipment and training for security forces,” and by The Punch, which reported that “Tinubu secured French military assistance, including equipment and training, to combat rising terrorism.”

Echotitbits take: This deal signals a shift toward diversifying Nigeria’s security partners beyond traditional allies. Watch for the delivery timeline of this hardware, as it will be a litmus test for the administration’s ability to translate diplomatic talk into tangible battlefield advantages.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/terrorism-tinubu-brokers-french-military-assistance-deal/, March 23, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

Inline1

Cardi B Joins Zevia as Investor and Brand Ambassador

By

Bob Echols’s

-

March 23, 2026

0

According to Black Enterprise, Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B has made a significant business move by joining the beverage company Zevia as both an investor and a global brand ambassador. Cardi stated she is going “zero fake,” aligning with Zevia’s mission of providing zero-sugar, plant-based soda.

This partnership marks another expansion of Cardi B’s diverse business portfolio, which already includes successful ventures in fashion and beauty. The rapper shared that she became a fan of the brand while looking for healthier options for her family, leading to a formal equity stake in the company.

The move is seen as a strategic play by Zevia to tap into the “Hip-Hop and Soul” consumer base, where Cardi’s influence is unparalleled. Marketing campaigns featuring the “WAP” rapper are expected to roll out across social media platforms later this month.

* XXL Mag noted: “Cardi B goes all in on ‘Zero Fake’: Rap star joins Zevia as investor.”

* Vice Canada reported: “50 Cent offers explanation on being uncancellable… while Cardi B secures beverage deal.”

Echotitbits take:

Cardi B is evolving from a music icon into a savvy corporate mogul. Following in the footsteps of Jay-Z and Diddy, she is moving away from simple “endorsement” deals toward equity ownership. This is a massive win for Zevia, as Cardi’s “authentic” brand voice can move products in a way traditional ads cannot. It also signals a trend of Hip-Hop stars pivoting toward wellness and “clean” lifestyle products.

Source: [Black Enterprise] — https://www.blackenterprise.com/cardi-b-zevia-brand-partnership/ [March 22, 2026]

Photo Credit: Black Enterprise

Inline1

Peller and Governor Adeleke’s Viral Dance Sparks Social Media Frenzy

By

Bob Echols’s

-

March 23, 2026

0

A TikTok video by @thecablelifestyle shows popular Nigerian streamer and content creator Peller dancing with Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, at the Government House. The Governor, famously known as the “Dancing Governor,” hosted the young influencer in a visit that highlighted the growing intersection between traditional politics and Gen-Z digital culture.

Peller, who has become one of Nigeria’s biggest live streamers, was seen teaching the Governor modern dance steps, while Adeleke reciprocated with his signature energetic moves. The meeting wasn’t just for show; it reportedly touched on youth engagement and the creative economy in Osun State.

The video has garnered millions of views within hours, with many praising the Governor for his “relatability.” However, some critics have questioned the optics of high-level officials hosting social media pranksters while state issues persist.

* Naija News reported: “VIDEO: Support Tinubu to experience peace, Portable backs President’s re-election… while Adeleke hosts Peller.”

* Legit.ng noted: “Ademola Adeleke hosts, dances with Peller at Osun government house.”

Echotitbits take:

This is a masterclass in “clout politics.” Governor Adeleke knows that Peller holds the attention of the youth demographic that will decide the next election cycle. For Peller, this is a major validation of the “influencer” career path in Nigeria. It’s no longer just about funny videos; these creators are now political gatekeepers. Watch for more “Gov-Creator” collaborations as the 2027 election cycle begins to warm up.

Source: [The Cable Lifestyle] — https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/video-ademola-adeleke-hosts-dances-with-peller-at-osun-government-house/ [March 22, 2026]

Photo Credit: The Cable Lifestyle

Inline1

Arsenal Face Manchester City in High-Stakes Carabao Cup Final at Wembley

By

Bob Echols’s

-

March 23, 2026

0

A post shared by the Official Arsenal Website confirms that North London is descending upon Wembley today for the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. This marks a pivotal moment for Mikel Arteta, who has the chance to secure his first piece of silverware in the 2025/26 campaign and break a six-year trophy drought.

The match is being billed as a “psychological battle” for the Premier League title, as both clubs are currently locked in a tight race at the top of the table. Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, is looking to lift the trophy for the ninth time, while Arsenal seeks their third League Cup in history.

Injury news has dominated the build-up, with Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard facing a late fitness test. Meanwhile, City’s Erling Haaland remains the primary threat, despite the Sky Blues’ recent midweek European exit. Fans from Nigeria’s massive “Gunners” and “Cityzens” fanbases have been trending all morning on TikTok and X.

* BeyondBlue reported: “Arsenal v Man City LIVE: Carabao Cup final team news as Arteta faces Raya or Kepa decision.”

* The Guardian Sports (via NewsNow) stated: “Pep Guardiola hoping to strike a psychological blow at Wembley.”

Echotitbits take:

In the Nigerian context, the Premier League is more than sport; it’s a cultural lifestyle. This final is seen as a litmus test for Arsenal’s “new era” under Arteta. Winning here wouldn’t just be about a trophy; it would provide the momentum needed to finally topple City in the league. For City, it’s about damage control after their European slump. Expect high-tension “viewing center” debates across Lagos and Abuja today.

Source: [Arsenal.com] — https://www.arsenal.com/news/carabao-cup-final-preview-arsenal-v-man-city [March 22, 2026]

Photo Credit: Arsenal.com

Inline1