Funke Akindele’s ‘Behind The Scenes’ Shatters Nollywood Box Office Records

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February 26, 2026

In a report by TVC News, Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele has once again rewritten the history books as her latest cinematic release, “Behind The Scenes,” officially became the highest-grossing Nigerian film of 2025. The movie has surpassed the staggering ₦1.77 billion mark in less than a month, solidifying her status as the “Queen of the Box Office.”

The film’s distributor, FilmOne Entertainment, confirmed that the project broke five separate opening-weekend records. These milestones include the highest single-day gross ever recorded in Nigerian cinema history, achieved during the festive Boxing Day period.

Akindele, who both produced and starred in the film, has been vocal about the hard work involved in the production. She credited the success to her loyal fanbase and the evolving quality of Nollywood storytelling, which is increasingly attracting massive domestic audiences.

Industry experts suggest that this achievement sets a new benchmark for the industry, moving the goalposts for what is financially possible in the local market. The film’s success is expected to spur more high-budget investments into Nigerian theatrical releases throughout 2026.

* FilmOne Entertainment stated on Instagram: “Celebrating yet another incredible milestone… Behind The Scenes hits a whopping N1.77 billion.”

* The Punch noted: “Funke Akindele continues to dominate the theatrical space, proving that local stories told with high production value are what the audience craves.”

Echotitbits take:

Funke Akindele has mastered the “blockbuster” formula in Nigeria, blending relatable social themes with aggressive marketing. The implication here is a widening gap between her “A-list” productions and the rest of the industry; soon, ₦2 billion will be the new standard for success.

Source: TVC News — https://www.tvcnews.tv/funke-akindeles-behind-the-scenes-becomes-highest-grossing-nollywood-film-of-2025-2/ February 26, 2026

Photo Credit: TVC News

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Rema Reveals Spiritual Pre-Performance Rituals During Global Tour

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Bob Echols’s

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February 26, 2026

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According to a report by The Nation, Afrobeats sensation Rema has shared rare insights into how he prepares for his high-energy stage shows. The “Calm Down” singer disclosed that his routine involves a combination of smoking and prayer, a revelation that has sparked significant conversation regarding the intersection of lifestyle and spirituality in the music industry.

The singer clarified that these actions are part of his personal process to find balance and focus before facing thousands of fans. He emphasized that the prayer aspect is a core part of his foundation, while the smoking helps him manage the intense adrenaline associated with his global “Heis” tour.

This disclosure comes at a time when Rema is enjoying unprecedented success, with his recent album continuing to dominate global charts. Fans have reacted with a mix of curiosity and support, noting his transparency about the pressures of international stardom.

In a follow-up post, the artist noted that his performances are not just musical events but spiritual experiences for him. He maintains that being authentic about his habits is better than projecting a curated, “perfect” image to the public.

* Legit.ng reported: “Rema’s admission about his pre-show habits has left many fans debating the balance between his religious roots and his rockstar persona.”

* Naija News stated: “The singer remains unapologetic, stating that his connection with his craft requires a specific mental state that only his rituals provide.”

Echotitbits take: Rema is leaning further into his “Heis” persona, which is defined by a rebellious yet deeply focused artistic vision. By being vocal about these rituals, he is humanizing the Afrobeats superstar experience, though he risks pushback from more conservative segments of his Nigerian fanbase. Watch for how this “rockstar” branding influences his upcoming visual projects.

Source: The Nation — https://thenationonlineng.net/i-smoke-pray-before-stage-performance-rema/ February 26, 2026

Photo Credit: The Nation

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Rivers State Government Undergoes Major Cabinet Shake-up

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February 26, 2026

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Reporting by The Punch indicates that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has appointed Dr. Dagogo Wokoma as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Barrister Sunny Ewule as his Chief of Staff. The appointments, which take immediate effect, mark a significant restructuring of the governor’s inner circle following months of political friction in the state.

In a report by Daily Post, it was noted that the new appointees replace Benibo Anabraba and Edison Ehie, respectively. The swearing-in ceremony was scheduled for Thursday afternoon at the Government House in Port Harcourt. This move is widely seen as a strategy by Fubara to consolidate his administration’s executive wing and stabilize his government.

Validating the political shift, Channels TV reported that the appointments are a “direct result of recent peace moves” brokered by the Presidency to end the rift between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Vanguard also confirmed the development, quoting a government insider who said, “The Governor is assembling a team that is 100% loyal to his vision for Rivers State.”

Echotitbits take: Fubara is finally moving out of the shadow of his predecessor. By appointing his own SSG and Chief of Staff, he is effectively taking full control of the state’s administrative machinery. Watch for how the Wike-aligned lawmakers in the House of Assembly react to these new appointments.

Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/politics/fresh-twist-as-fubara-sacks-commissioners-dissolves-cabinet/, February 26, 2026

Photo credit: The Guardian

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Amnesty International Demands Investigation into Plateau Road Killings

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February 26, 2026

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According to Premium Times, Amnesty International has called for an urgent probe into the recent killing of four travellers along the Nding axis of Barkin Ladi, Plateau State. The rights group reported that armed youths blocked the road, leading to a fatal encounter that highlights the persistent insecurity and breakdown of law and order in the North-Central region.

Reporting by The Punch suggests that these road blockades are becoming a “recurring pattern” that threatens the fundamental rights to life and freedom of movement. Amnesty’s statement urged the federal government to move beyond verbal condemnations and ensure that the perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted to deter future ethnic or communal clashes.

Vanguard reported that local community leaders in Barkin Ladi have called for increased military patrols, while the Plateau State Police Command confirmed it has “deployed a tactical team to the area to restore calm.” A spokesperson for the Plateau State government told the press that “no stone will be left unturned in finding the killers,” as reported by Daily Post.

Echotitbits take: Plateau State remains a tinderbox of ethnic tension. These road-blockade killings are often retaliatory in nature, and without a robust local justice system, they risk spiraling into a wider communal conflict.

Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/859776-amnesty-demands-probe-into-plateau-road-killings.html, February 26, 2026

Photo credit: Premium Times

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NAFDAC Issues Emergency Recall of Baby Formula Over Toxin Concerns

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February 26, 2026

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In an update published by Premium Times, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to a precautionary recall of specific batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate infant formula. The recall was triggered by the potential contamination of these products with cereulide, a toxin that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting and nausea.
According to The Guardian, the affected batches were manufactured in Ireland and Hungary and distributed globally. While NAFDAC clarified that products specifically produced for the Nigerian market remain safe, it warned parents to be vigilant about “grey market” imports—products brought into the country through unofficial channels that may belong to the tainted batches.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has monitored the recall globally, noting that Danone Nutricia initiated the move as a “safety-first measure.” Additionally, Channels TV reported that NAFDAC inspectors have been deployed to major supermarkets across Lagos and Abuja, with a spokesperson stating, “We are ensuring that no recalled product remains on the shelves of any retail outlet in Nigeria.”
Echotitbits take: This is a critical health alert for parents. The reliance on imported baby food makes Nigeria vulnerable to global supply chain issues. Expect NAFDAC to tighten regulations on “personal effect” imports of food products in the coming months.
Source: Nafdac.Gov.ng – https://nafdac.gov.ng/public-alert-no-04-2026-nestle-uk-recallsspecific-batches-of-its-smainfant-formula-and-follow-on-formulaover-toxin-contamination-concerns/, February 26, 2026
Photo credit: Banwo & Ighodalo

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Federal Government Extends Export Ban on Raw Shea Nuts to Boost Local Industry

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Bob Echols’s

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February 26, 2026

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Figures cited by ThisDay show that President Bola Tinubu has approved a one-year extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts, effective from February 26, 2026. This policy is designed to force the domestic processing of shea nuts into high-value products like shea butter, which the government claims can fetch up to twenty times the price of the raw commodity on the global market.

Reporting by The Nation indicates that the ban will now remain in place until February 25, 2027. The administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” seeks to utilize this period to deepen the processing capacity of local factories and improve the livelihoods of women-led cooperatives in the Savanna belt, where shea trees are most prevalent.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX) has been mandated to oversee all surplus exports, ensuring that “no raw nuts leave the country without proper value-addition frameworks.” Furthermore, BusinessDay noted that the move has been praised by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), with a spokesperson stating, “This policy provides the necessary protection for local industrialization to thrive.”

Echotitbits take: By restricting raw exports, Nigeria is following the “Indonesia model” of resource nationalism. If successful, this could turn the country into a global hub for cosmetic-grade shea butter, but success depends on providing constant electricity and credit to local processors.

Source: Daily Post – https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/26/tinubu-extends-ban-on-export-of-raw-shea-nut/, February 26, 2026

Photo credit: Daily Post

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Tinubu Issues Urgent Directive to Senate on State Police Legislation

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Bob Echols’s

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February 26, 2026

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According to Vanguard reporting, President Bola Tinubu has formally called upon the 10th Senate to initiate a constitutional amendment to facilitate the establishment of State Police. Addressing lawmakers during an interfaith breakfast in Abuja, the President argued that the current centralized security structure is no longer sufficient to tackle the evolving threats of banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency.

In a report by Daily Post, the President was quoted as saying that decentralized policing is essential to “take over our forests from marauders” and protect citizens at the grassroots level. This move aligns with a previous consensus reached by the 36 state governors, who had earlier expressed their support for the initiative through the National Economic Council.

Validating this development, The Guardian noted that Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, described the move as a “generational reform” that aligns with the aspirations of sub-national governments. ThisDay further confirmed the legislative momentum, reporting that Senate President Godswill Akpabio promised that the assembly would “prioritize the legal framework required” to bring the reform to fruition.

Echotitbits take: The shift toward State Police is the most significant structural change to Nigeria’s internal security architecture since 1999. While it promises better local intelligence, the primary concern remains the potential for state governors to use local police as political tools against opposition.

Source: StateHouse – https://statehouse.gov.ng/president-tinubu-to-senators-tinker-with-the-constitution-to-accommodate-state-police/, February 26, 2026

Photo credit: StateHouse

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New Era for Nigerian Policing as Olatunji Disu Takes Reins

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Bob Echols’s

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February 26, 2026

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Reporting by Leadership indicates that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially decorated Olatunji Disu as the Acting Inspector-General of Police. During the ceremony at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, the President tasked the new police chief with the immediate restoration of public confidence and the strengthening of national security. Disu succeeds Kayode Egbetokun, whose tenure concluded amidst a transition period for the force’s leadership.

In an update published by The Punch, it was noted that the Acting IG arrived at Aso Rock for his decoration following a career marked by high-profile roles, including his previous leadership of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos. The President emphasized that Disu’s appointment comes at a “critical moment,” requiring a firm but fair approach to law enforcement and better collaboration with other security agencies.

The leadership transition has drawn significant attention from civil rights circles. Daily Post highlighted that the exit of the former IG was met with sharp criticism from activists like Deji Adeyanju, who claimed the previous administration “created many enemies” for the presidency. Meanwhile, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the Nigeria Police Council is expected to meet next week to deliberate on the permanent ratification of Disu’s appointment.

Echotitbits take: The appointment of Olatunji Disu, a veteran with a reputation for professional conduct in Lagos, suggests a shift toward more community-centric policing. Watch for a possible reshuffling of top police brass as Disu moves to implement his own security strategy ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/new-ig-old-challenges-expectations-trail-disus-appointment/, February 26, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

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Naira Maintains Stability Against Dollar Amid Tightened Monetary Policy

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Bob Echols’s

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February 25, 2026

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Figures cited by Vanguard show that the Nigerian Naira has maintained a steady performance against the US Dollar in the official window, opening at N1,351.13 this Wednesday. This stability is being attributed to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) consistent market interventions and the current high-interest-rate environment, which has discouraged speculative hoarding. The spread between the official and parallel markets has narrowed to less than 1.5%, a historic low for the currency.

In the parallel market, the dollar is trading between N1,355 and N1,365, reflecting a calm sentiment among currency traders in major hubs like Lagos and Kano. Financial analysts point out that the absence of “unpredictable swings” is a result of improved dollar liquidity in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM). The CBN’s transparent price discovery mechanism has helped restore some level of confidence among international investors and local manufacturers.

Despite the stability, the high Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) of 26.50% continues to place a strain on borrowing for local businesses. While the strong Naira helps keep imported inflation in check, the cost of capital remains a significant hurdle for expansion. The federal government has expressed optimism that the Naira will appreciate further to the N1,000 mark as oil exports increase and diaspora remittances continue their upward trajectory.

The currency’s performance was also tracked by The Guardian and ThisDay. The Guardian noted that “The convergence of the rates is a significant milestone for the Tinubu administration’s exchange rate unification policy.” ThisDay quoted a lead economist saying, “The Naira’s current stability is fragile but sustainable if oil production targets are met.”

Echotitbits take:

The “Naira-Dollar War” seems to have entered a period of truce. The convergence of rates is great for transparency, but the high interest rates required to sustain this are killing small business growth. Watch the NNPCL’s oil production figures—if they dip, this stability could vanish overnight.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/inflation-plunges-as-reforms-anchor-naira-stability/, February 25, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

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Zamfara State Allocates N125 Billion for Massive 28-Road Infrastructure Project

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February 25, 2026

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In an update published by Vanguard, the Zamfara State government has announced a N125.4 billion investment for the construction and rehabilitation of 28 roads across its 14 local government areas. Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration intends for these projects to bridge the infrastructure gap between urban and rural communities, facilitating better movement of agricultural produce and enhancing internal security through improved accessibility.

The road projects are part of the state’s N871.3 billion 2026 budget, which prioritizes capital expenditure at a staggering 83%. This aggressive infrastructure drive is aimed at transforming the state’s economic landscape, which has been hampered by years of neglect and insecurity. The government has assured residents that the selection of the 28 roads was done based on economic impact and the need for regional connectivity.

Contractors have reportedly been mobilized to various sites, with a mandate to ensure high-quality delivery within the stipulated timelines. The state government has also set up a monitoring and evaluation team to prevent the issue of “abandoned projects” that has plagued previous administrations. For the people of Zamfara, this represents one of the largest infrastructure interventions in the state’s history.

The infrastructure push was also reported by Tribune and Daily Trust. Tribune commented that “The N125 billion road project is the cornerstone of Governor Lawal’s ‘Rescue Mission’ for Zamfara.” Daily Trust added, “Villagers in rural Zamfara expressed hope that the new roads would finally allow them to get their crops to market without the fear of being bogged down by mud or bandits.”

Echotitbits take:

Governor Lawal is betting big on the “build it and they will come” philosophy. By focusing on rural roads, he is directly addressing the logistics bottleneck that keeps Zamfara’s farmers poor. However, the success of these roads will depend entirely on the security situation; if the roads aren’t safe to travel, their economic value will be severely diminished.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/how-n140-billion-ongoing-capital-projects-are-shaping-zamfara-official/, February 25, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

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