Igbo Nation Observes First Annual Civil War Thanksgiving Day

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January 31, 2026

Reporting by Vanguard indicates that the Igbo Nation has today, January 31, 2026, commenced its first annual “Day of Adoration and Thanksgiving,” 56 years after the end of the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War. The event, which is intended to be held every last Saturday of January, is a dedicated moment for healing, reflection, and gratitude for surviving the conflict that ended in 1970. Prominent leaders and groups like Ohanaeze Ndigbo have encouraged Igbos globally to use the day for spiritual redirection and honoring fallen heroes.

The initiative aims to foster unity among the Igbo people and promote a collective vision for the future. Organizers stated that while the war claimed millions of lives, the survival and subsequent economic resilience of the Igbo race deserve a dedicated day of worship. Events are being held in various states across the South-East, as well as in the diaspora, with many seeing it as a way to address the “peace gap” that persisted long after the war’s end.

The event was also covered by The Punch and Daily Post. The Punch noted that “the thanksgiving is expected to become a major cultural landmark for the South-East,” while Daily Post mentioned that “security was beefed up in major cities like Enugu and Owerri to ensure a peaceful celebration.”

Echotitbits take:

This is more than a religious event; it is a strategic move to consolidate “Igbo soft power” and historical memory. Watch for how the federal government reacts to this—whether they embrace it as a national healing process or view it with suspicion as a form of ethnic mobilization.

Source: Newsexpressngr – https://newsexpressngr.com/news/293623/civil-war-56-years-after-igbo-nation-begins-annual-thanksgiving-today, January 31, 2026

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Nigerian Banks to Enforce Mandatory Tax ID for All Account Operations

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Bob Echols’s

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January 31, 2026

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In an update published by Channels TV, Nigerian commercial banks have begun the full enforcement of mandatory Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) for both new and existing account holders. This policy, which stems from the new tax reforms, requires every individual and business to link their bank accounts with their tax records. Failure to comply will result in restricted access to banking services, including transfers and withdrawals, as the government seeks to widen the tax net and track illicit financial flows.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the FIRS have collaborated on a unified platform that allows for real-time verification of tax IDs. Bank officials have urged customers to update their records immediately to avoid being locked out of the financial system. The policy is also aimed at identifying high-net-worth individuals who have previously evaded taxes while moving large sums of money through the banking sector.

The enforcement was also documented by The Nation and Vanguard. The Nation reported that “banks have seen a surge in customers visiting branches to link their TINs,” while Vanguard noted that “the move is expected to significantly boost the government’s non-oil revenue.”

Echotitbits take:

This is the “no-escape” phase of Nigeria’s tax reform. By linking TIN to bank accounts, the government can now monitor income versus lifestyle in real-time. Watch for a rise in fintech usage and “under-the-mattress” cash holdings as some small businesses try to avoid the digital tax footprint.

Source: Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/ReportYourself/posts/nigerian-govt-set-make-tax-identification-number-mandatory-for-bank-accounts-fro/1421006479380864/?_rdc=1&_rdr#, January 31, 2026

Photo credit: Facebook

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INEC Formally Recognizes Nenadi Usman as Labour Party Leader

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Bob Echols’s

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January 31, 2026

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According to Vanguard, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially uploaded the particulars of Senator Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwochocha as the legitimate Chairman and Secretary of the Labour Party (LP). This move follows a protracted leadership tussle that saw the party split into factions. By recognizing the Usman-led interim leadership on its website, INEC has complied with a Federal High Court judgment that invalidated the tenure of the previous executive led by Julius Abure.
The interim leadership expressed its relief, stating that the move allows the party to focus on repositioning itself as a credible opposition ahead of future elections. The development is seen as a major win for the “Abia faction” of the party, supported by Governor Alex Otti, who has been vocal about the need for constitutional order within the LP. However, the opposing faction is yet to fully concede, leading to fears of further litigation.
The recognition was also reported by Channels TV and Tribune. Channels TV noted that “the update on the INEC portal has effectively settled the administrative dispute,” while Tribune stated that “Labour Party members are being urged to unite under the newly recognized leadership.”
Echotitbits take:
Nenadi Usman’s recognition is a stabilizing force for the Labour Party, but the wounds from the leadership battle are deep. Watch for whether Peter Obi fully aligns with this new structure or if a third force emerges from the remnants of the Abure faction.

Source: Channel TV – https://www.channelstv.com/2026/01/30/inec-recognises-nenadi-usman-led-lp-after-court-order/, January 31, 2026

Photo credit: Channel TV

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New Federal Tax Laws Take Full Effect Across Nigeria

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Bob Echols’s

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January 31, 2026

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Reporting by ThisDay indicates that the 2026 Federal Tax Laws have officially entered their full implementation phase, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s fiscal landscape. As of today, January 31, the government has mandated that only electronic receipts will be recognized as legal proof of payment for all federal services, ranging from customs duties to birth certificates. This move is part of the “Revenue Optimisation Platform” designed to eliminate cash leakages and ensure all funds are remitted directly to the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

The new laws also include a controversial provision requiring Nigerians in the diaspora to self-report and pay taxes on certain types of local income. While the government maintains these reforms are meant to create a fairer fiscal foundation and fund infrastructure, business owners and investors have expressed concerns over the potential for multiple taxation across different tiers of government. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has been tasked with providing clear guidelines for low-income earners who may be exempt.

The implementation was also validated by Daily Post and Premium Times. Daily Post highlighted that “the electronic receipt system is a major blow to corruption in revenue collection,” while Premium Times mentioned that “FIRS is setting up help desks to assist businesses with the new digital compliance.”

Echotitbits take:

The move to 100% electronic receipts for federal services is a massive leap for transparency. However, the “diaspora tax” element remains a PR nightmare. Watch for a possible “Tax Amnesty” window for those abroad to encourage compliance without legal friction.

Source: StateHouse – https://statehouse.gov.ng/new-tax-laws-will-commence-on-january-1-2026-as-planned/, January 31, 2026

Photo credit: StateHouse

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Fuel Prices Surge Toward N1,000 Milestone as Global Crude Rises

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Bob Echols’s

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January 31, 2026

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Figures cited by The Punch show that Nigerian fuel marketers are warning of a potential petrol price hike to ₦1,000 per litre as global crude oil prices cross the $70 per barrel mark. Marketers indicated that the current landing cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has been significantly impacted by the rising international oil prices and the continued volatility of the Naira. This development threatens to further strain the disposable income of citizens who are already grappling with high transport costs.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is currently under pressure to review the pricing template to reflect these market realities. Industry experts suggest that without a significant appreciation of the Naira or a subsidy-like intervention, the ₦1,000 mark is nearly inevitable. This comes at a time when the federal government is shifting focus from economic stabilization to expansionary growth.

This news was also covered by Leadership and ThisDay. Leadership reported that “marketers are calling for a transparent pricing mechanism to avoid supply disruptions,” while ThisDay noted that “the $70 crude price is a double-edged sword for Nigeria’s oil-dependent budget.”

Echotitbits take:

Rising fuel prices are the most potent trigger for inflation in Nigeria. If the price hits ₦1,000, we expect another wave of transport fare hikes and a possible spike in food prices. Watch for the government’s “Renewed Hope” ward development programs to be fast-tracked as a palliative measure to douse public tension.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/petrol-to-hit-n1000-litre-as-crude-crosses-70-marketers/, January 31, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

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Security Agencies Nab Popular Actor Over Alleged Coup Involvement

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Bob Echols’s

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January 31, 2026

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In an update published by Premium Times, security forces have confirmed the discreet arrest of Nollywood actor and former Actors Guild chairman, Stanley Amandi, in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Amandi was reportedly taken into custody in Enugu by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) during a quiet operation that initially left his family in the dark. The investigation is said to involve both high-ranking military officers and civilian collaborators linked to the foiled coup attempt.

The actor’s family initially suspected the Department of State Services (DSS) was behind the move due to the opaque nature of the arrest. However, formal correspondence later clarified that the DIA is leading the probe into what has been described as a “national security threat.” Amandi’s legal team and family have already raised concerns regarding his health, specifically citing his battle with hypertension, while requesting immediate access to him in detention.

The arrest has also been detailed by The Punch and Daily Post. The Punch stated that “the operation marks a significant expansion of the government’s crackdown on alleged dissenters,” while Daily Post reported that “security is being beefed up in Enugu following the actor’s detention.”

Echotitbits take:

The involvement of a civilian entertainment figure in a coup investigation is rare and suggests the government is casting a wide net to identify “civilian influencers” potentially tied to military unrest. Watch for a public statement from the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) as this could trigger a rift between the creative industry and the security apparatus.

Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/news/article/nollywood-actor-stanley-amandi-arrested-for-alleged-role-in-coup-plot-against-tinubu/, January 31, 2026

Photo credit: BusinessDay

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Massive Shift in Regional Markets: ECOWAS Projects 5% Growth for 2026

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Bob Echols’s

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January 31, 2026

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According to reporting from The Guardian, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, has officially projected a regional economic growth rate of 5.0% for the current 2026 fiscal year. This optimistic forecast follows a resilient 4.6% growth recorded in the previous year, despite global economic headwinds and high inflation. Speaking at a news conference in Abuja regarding the exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the commission emphasized that the West African bloc continues to outperform other regions on the African continent.

The projections are built on the back of recovering industrial output and a steady decline in inflation across member states. Officials noted that while the global economy has slowed down, Africa’s resilience remains a key driver for the regional uptick. The commission is now focusing on harmonizing trade policies to ensure this 5% target is met through increased intra-regional commerce and infrastructure stability.

This development has been corroborated by Vanguard and The Nation. Vanguard noted that the “resilience of the West African economy is a testament to recent fiscal reforms,” while The Nation reported that “member states are being urged to maintain fiscal discipline to meet the 5% growth threshold.”

Echotitbits take:

This 5% growth projection is a bold signal of stability for a region recently rocked by the exit of three key members. Investors should watch for new trade treaties within ECOWAS to compensate for the “exit shock,” as the commission seeks to prove that the bloc remains economically viable without the Sahelian trio.

Source: Daily Trust – https://dailytrust.com/ecowas-targets-5-growth-for-west-african-countries-in-2026/ , January 31, 2026

Photo credit: Daily Trust

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Kanye West Sparks Controversy with Unannounced Pop-Up in Milan

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 30, 2026

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Kanye West (Ye) triggered chaos in Milan after staging an unannounced pop-up during Milan Fashion Week, drawing huge crowds and reportedly blocking streets.

The display centered on an “architectural” clothing concept, but attendees say no items were available for purchase, and authorities eventually stepped in over crowd control concerns.

WWD and The Cut have both noted how the disruption pulled attention away from official runway programming.

Echotitbits take: Ye remains a chaos-first marketer—building his own spotlight outside the traditional calendar. The tactics are divisive, but the turnout reinforces a reality: his influence still converts attention into mass movement.

Source: Yahoo – https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kanye-west-hope-music-comeback-221511744.html (2026-01-30)
Photo Credit: Yahoo

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Rema Sells Out Arena in Japan, Continuing Global Dominance

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 30, 2026

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Rema has sold out his first arena show in Tokyo, underlining the growing reach of his “Afrorave” sound across Asia.

Reports describe a high-tech stage setup and a setlist balancing major hits with experimental moments—an approach that has helped him connect globally without flattening his identity.

The Sun Nigeria and Rolling Stone have both referenced the milestone as a key marker for African music exports.

Echotitbits take: By winning in Asia, Rema is diversifying Afrobeats revenue beyond the usual US/UK lanes. If more artists follow, the industry’s touring and licensing economics could become far more resilient and truly global.

Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/life-arts/article/remas-heis-world-tour-eyes-350000-attendees-across-global-venues/ (2026-01-30)
Photo Credit: BusinessDay

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Asake Teases New Cinematic Music Video Featuring Nollywood Veterans

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 30, 2026

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Asake has shared a teaser hinting at a high-budget, cinematic music video for his next release—complete with cameo appearances from Nollywood veterans.

The concept appears to nod to classic Nigerian action-film aesthetics, expanding Asake’s signature visual language that blends street culture with stylized storytelling.

The Guardian Nigeria and Netng have both noted the cultural weight of blending Afrobeats visuals with Nollywood legacy talent.

Echotitbits take: This is audience-retention strategy at its best. By tapping Nollywood’s deep cultural memory, Asake is building visual legacy—not just hits—so the music lives longer in an era of fast, disposable content.

Source: AfroBeating – https://afrobeating.com/asake-releases-new-music-video/ (2026-01-30)
Photo Credit: AfroBeating

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