NACCIMA Raises Alarm Over 139 Million Nigerians in Poverty

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January 9, 2026

In an update published by ThisDay, the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye, said about 139 million Nigerians are living below the poverty line, citing updated World Bank data for 2025/2026. He argued that GDP growth is being undermined by the scale of economic hardship.

Oye said Nigeria is facing a “dual-inflation” challenge: demand-pull inflation linked to deficit spending, and cost-push inflation tied to high energy and transport costs. He added that higher interest rates may curb liquidity but also squeeze private-sector investment.

He called for a shift in fiscal policy, urging the government to prioritize manufacturing and agricultural productivity over heavy borrowing, and warned that weak purchasing power will keep pressure on prices and the naira.

The Guardian and Vanguard also reported related concerns from analysts about the widening gap between market indicators and household conditions.

Echotitbits take: The 139 million estimate highlights how macro gains can miss the street-level reality. The tension between tighter monetary policy and private-sector calls for cheaper credit could intensify into a major policy debate in 2026.

Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/news/article/2026-budget-could-trap-nigeria-in-fiscal-time-loop-despite-gains-from-reforms/ 2026-01-09

Photo Credit: BusinessDay

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Regulators Mandate Fast Refunds for Failed Electronic Transactions

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 9, 2026

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According to Premium Times, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have finalized a joint regulatory framework to address the persistent issue of failed airtime and data purchases. The new policy mandates that subscribers who are debited without receiving value must be refunded within a specified short window, significantly reducing the current resolution time which often stretches into days.

The framework introduces a Central Monitoring Dashboard, which will be co-hosted by the two regulators. The dashboard is designed to provide real-time visibility into transaction failures across Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), ensuring providers are held accountable for technical glitches and system downtimes.

Stakeholders including Value Added Service (VAS) providers and financial institutions participated in months of negotiations to reach the agreement. Regulators say it responds to a surge in complaints about “hanging” funds during network instabilities, which has eroded trust in the digital economy.

The Punch reports that banks and telecom operators have been given a March 1, 2026 deadline to fully implement the new refund framework, while BusinessDay highlights the technical target of near-instant refunds for failed airtime and data purchases to match the pace of modern fintech competitors.

Echotitbits take: This is a major win for consumer rights in Nigeria’s digital space. By integrating NCC and CBN monitoring systems, the policy reduces the long-running “blame game” between banks and telcos. If implemented well, it could lift digital transaction volumes as confidence improves.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/ncc-cbn-unveil-refund-framework-for-failed-airtime-data-transactions/ 2026-01-09

Photo Credit: The Punch

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Ray J Hospitalized in Las Vegas With Pneumonia and Heart Pain, Reports Say

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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TMZ reports that Ray J has been hospitalized in Las Vegas with a severe case of pneumonia and heart pains, and is undergoing tests including X-rays and an echocardiogram.

Page Six and BET also carried the update, noting that the singer has previously dealt with pneumonia-related health scares in the past.

Fans and entertainment peers have flooded social media with well-wishes as observers await confirmed updates from his camp.

Echotitbits Take: Repeat pneumonia scares are serious. If Ray J is forced into downtime, expect a temporary slowdown in business appearances as recovery takes priority.

Source: TMZ — https://www.tmz.com/2026/01/07/ray-j-hospitalized-heart-pain-pneumonia/ 2026-01-07
Photo Credit: TMZ

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Lagos Braces for 9th AFRIMA Awards as Artists and Delegates Arrive in the City

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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Champion News reports that Lagos is set to host the 9th AFRIMA Awards, with artists and delegates arriving ahead of a concert and the live awards ceremony at Eko Hotels and Suites.

The Guardian Nigeria also reported that the state is positioning culture and entertainment as a development driver as the event draws visitors, industry executives, and media attention.

Music In Africa highlighted organisers’ announcement that Falz and Liliane Maroune will host the ceremony, reinforcing the show’s pan-African outlook.

Echotitbits Take: AFRIMA is still the continent’s big “home-stage” moment. Expect fashion, networking, and a tourism bump for Lagos—plus plenty of storyline fuel heading into global awards season.

Source: BusinessDay — https://businessday.ng/news/article/top-16-artists-expected-as-lagos-hosts-9th-afrima-awards/ 2026-01-07
Photo Credit: BusinessDay

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Portable Calls Out Father Over Alleged Exploitation, Sparks Fresh Family Drama

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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Daily Post Nigeria reports that singer Portable has accused his biological father, Mr. Olalomi, of exploiting him financially and taking personal property without permission.

In a series of videos, Portable suggested he has long felt unsupported and warned his father “not to be like Baba Mohbad,” referencing a separate public controversy.

PM News and Legit.ng also reported the outburst, which has reignited debate about family involvement, money, and management in the street-pop ecosystem.

Echotitbits Take: This is the ugly side of “family as management.” Without clear professional structures, money issues spill into public chaos—and Portable is once again turning private conflict into a viral spectacle.

Source: Premium Time — https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/848115-dont-be-like-baba-mohbad-portable-accuses-dad-of-extortion-manipulation.html 2026-01-07
Photo Credit: Premium Time

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Cardi B Goes Viral With a Banana ‘Image Etiquette’ Lesson as Relationship Drama Lingers

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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TMZ reports that Cardi B posted a comedic “class is in session” clip, jokingly coaching men on how to eat a banana in public without looking goofy—an instant viral hit.

Complex and AOL also highlighted the video’s spread across social platforms, where fans praised Cardi’s trademark humor and timing.

The post arrives amid renewed scrutiny of her relationship with NFL star Stefon Diggs, who faces allegations he has denied through his attorney.

Echotitbits Take: Cardi’s pivot game is elite—when the timeline gets too tense, she drops comedy that re-centers the conversation. Still, the serious legal chatter around Diggs won’t disappear on vibes alone.

Source: TMZ — https://www.tmz.com/2026/01/07/cardi-b-banana-eat-tutorial-for-men/ 2026-01-07
Photo Credit: TMZ

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Tiwa Savage Warns Influencer After Posts About Her Son, Promises Legal Pushback

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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The Punch reports that Tiwa Savage issued a public warning to an X influencer, saying any further posts involving her son, Jamil, would move “beyond Twitter.”

The influencer later posted an apology as the incident fueled wider debate about cyberbullying and public commentary about celebrity children.

Vanguard also covered the apology, while Legit.ng reported that Tiwa’s stance drew support from other celebrity parents who have faced similar online harassment.

Echotitbits Take: The industry is shifting from “ignore trolls” to “set legal boundaries.” If this is pursued formally, it could become a reference point for how Nigerian stars protect their kids online.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/tiwa-savage-warns-x-influencer-over-posts-involving-her-son/ 2026-01-06
Photo Credit: The Punch

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Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Mourns After Family Confirms Death of 21-Month-Old Son

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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The Guardian Nigeria reports that a family statement has confirmed the death of one of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s twin boys, Nkanu Nnamdi, after a brief illness.

Premium Times and Punch also published the confirmation, noting the family’s request for privacy as condolences pour in from readers, writers, and public figures.

Adichie has long kept her children out of the public eye, making the announcement especially sobering for fans who know her as a fiercely private cultural voice.

Echotitbits Take: This is grief beyond headlines. The most respectful response is space—expect her public schedule to go quiet as the family mourns.

Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/breaking-chimamanda-adichie-loses-son/ 2026-01-08
Photo Credit: The Punch

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NBA Shockwave: Trae Young Dealt to Wizards as Trade News Breaks During Game

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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Reuters and the Washington Post report that the Atlanta Hawks have traded Trae Young to the Washington Wizards in a major deal that sends CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert back to Atlanta.

The moment went viral because the news broke while the Hawks were playing, with cameras catching Young saying goodbye in the arena as fans processed the bombshell.

TMZ Sports also spotlighted courtside reactions—most notably rapper Boosie Badazz—captured in real time as the trade spread online.

Echotitbits Take: A mid-game franchise-player trade is rare and loud. Washington is betting Young can reboot a rebuild; Atlanta is choosing reset-and-flexibility over continuity.

Source: Sport.Yahoo – https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/trae-young-traded-to-wizards-during-hawks-game-023140863.html 2026-01-08
Photo Credit: Sport.Yahoo

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Regina Daniels Posts Drug Test Video as Marriage Rumors and Accusations Swirl

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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Politics Nigeria reports that actress Regina Daniels shared a video of herself taking a drug test, saying she needed to clear her name amid allegations she describes as malicious.

In the clip, Daniels is seen at a clinic providing a sample; she says the move is about protecting her reputation and her image as a mother.

Premium Times and Legit.ng also reported on the episode, noting she has threatened legal action against those spreading what she calls falsehoods.

Echotitbits Take: Taking a personal dispute to the “medical receipts” stage is peak escalation—whether or not the courts get involved, the public fallout suggests this relationship crisis is heading for a decisive end.

Source: The Nation – https://thenationonlineng.net/regina-daniels-undergoes-drug-test-threatens-to-sue-amid-marital-drama/ 2026-01-08
Photo Credit: The Nation

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