Wizkid Reported to Cross 10 Billion Total Spotify Streams, a First for Africa

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January 8, 2026

Techloy reports that Wizkid has become the first African artist to surpass 10 billion total Spotify streams across all credits, powered by years of global hits and features such as Drake’s “One Dance.”

Pulse and The Beat 99 also highlighted the milestone, describing it as another sign of Afrobeats’ growing digital reach worldwide.

Online tracking accounts have celebrated the achievement as a continent-wide win, as fans mark the number as a new streaming-era benchmark.

Echotitbits Take: Beyond bragging rights, 10B streams is leverage—expect it to show up in tour pricing, brand deals, and every “greatest African pop run” debate for the rest of the decade.

Source: TVC – https://www.tvcnews.tv/wizkid-becomes-first-african-to-reach-10b-spotify-streams-seals-spot-as-afrobeats-giant/ 2026-01-08
Photo Credit: TVC

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Adekunle Gold & Simi Welcome Twins After Months of Quiet Hints

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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Daily Post Nigeria reports that singers Adekunle Gold and Simi have welcomed twins, expanding their family nearly six years after the birth of their first child, Adejare.

The update surfaced after Adekunle Gold shared a celebratory message on Snapchat, sparking a wave of congratulations across the music community.

Vanguard and MyJoyOnline also carried the development, echoing the couple’s message that what they asked for came “double.”

Echotitbits Take: Nigeria’s “wholesome power couple” just became a family of four in one move—expect a surge in family-focused content (and maybe another baby-themed record) as fans celebrate.

Source: WazobiaFm – https://www.wazobiafm.com/news/hottori/music-power-couple-adekunle-gold-and-simi-welcome-twin-babies/ 2026-01-08
Photo Credit: WazobiaFm

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Zamfara Government Accuses Defence Minister Matawalle of Politicising Security Operations

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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Insights shared by Daily Post indicate the Zamfara State Government has accused Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle of using federal security agencies to intimidate political opponents.

State officials claimed recent operations disproportionately affected opposition figures, while the minister reportedly denied wrongdoing and said actions were focused on tackling banditry.

The dispute reflects deeper political rivalries within the state as insecurity remains a major public concern.

**Echotitbits take:** When security becomes politicised, citizens lose. Watch for any presidential mediation, independent oversight of operations, and whether state–federal cooperation on intelligence and enforcement deteriorates or improves.
Source: TheSun – https://thesun.ng/zamfara-govt-accuses-defence-minister-nsas-office-of-hounding-opposition/ 2026-01-08

Photo Credit: TheSun

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Questions Grow Over Civilian Impact and Strategy After Reported US Airstrikes in Sokoto

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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As documented by The Guardian, concerns are being raised about the long-term impact of reported U.S. airstrikes targeting the ‘Lakurawa’ insurgent group in Sokoto State.

While the strikes were said to have hit militant targets, local accounts have raised questions about debris and potential effects on civilian assets such as farmlands.

Analysts say airpower can degrade leadership but must be matched with coordinated ground operations to prevent regrouping.

**Echotitbits take:** Foreign strikes are tactically useful but politically risky if communities feel harmed or unheard. Watch for follow-up security operations, transparent damage assessments, and local engagement to avoid fresh grievances.
Source: The Guardian Nigeria – https://guardian.ng/news/sokoto-airstrikes-nigerias-diplomatic-appeals-fall-on-deaf-ears-as-us-clings-to-christian-genocide-narrative/ 2026-01-08

Photo Credit: The Guardian Nigeria

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FG Targets Solid Minerals Boom as Dele Alake Pushes New Mining Roadmap

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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A review by Leadership highlights Federal Government plans to reposition solid minerals as a major revenue driver, with Minister Dele Alake outlining reforms aimed at modernising mining governance and attracting large-scale investment.

The roadmap prioritises boosting the sector’s GDP contribution, tightening regulation, and clamping down on illegal mining through stronger enforcement mechanisms.

Officials have also discussed value-chain capture to ensure Nigeria benefits beyond raw extraction.

**Echotitbits take:** The opportunity is huge, but enforcement and community relations will determine success. Watch for credible licensing transparency, environmental safeguards, and whether the proposed enforcement units are properly funded and accountable.
Source: fmino – https://fmino.gov.ng/fg-plots-new-roadmap-for-solid-minerals-development/ 2026-01-08

Photo Credit: fmino

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EFCC Alleges Coordinated Media Campaign to Undermine Ongoing Investigations

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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Evidence compiled by Vanguard suggests the EFCC has raised an alarm over what it called a coordinated ‘campaign of calumny’ allegedly sponsored by suspects and other actors to discredit the agency and its leadership.

The commission said the narratives are designed to frame investigations as politically motivated and to pressure the agency away from prosecutions and asset recovery efforts.

EFCC officials urged the public to be cautious about unverified claims circulating online.

**Echotitbits take:** Public smear campaigns often spike when investigations get close to sensitive targets. Watch for whether EFCC releases supporting details, and how institutions manage the balance between transparency and ongoing case integrity.
Source: PmNews – https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/01/08/efcc-alleges-coordinated-smear-campaign-ahead-of-2027-elections/ 2026-01-08

Photo Credit: PmNews

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Lagos Welcomes Stars as 9th AFRIMA Kicks Off With Music, Culture and Business Talks

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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Reporting from The Nation indicates Lagos has begun hosting the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), with multiple leading artistes arriving for a week of performances, tours and industry sessions.

Organisers say beyond the awards, the festival is designed to strengthen Africa’s music business ecosystem, including discussions around intellectual property and fair royalties.

Lagos State officials are also positioning the event as a tourism and creative-economy showcase for the city.

**Echotitbits take:** AFRIMA is major soft power for Nigeria’s creative industry. Watch for policy conversations around rights management—because global popularity won’t translate to wealth for artistes without stronger, enforceable structures.
Source: Tribune – https://tribuneonlineng.com/lagos-hosts-9th-afrima-as-16-african-artistes-headline-week-long-event/ 2026-01-08

Photo Credit: Tribune

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Court Grants Bail to Ex-AGF Malami, Wife and Son in ₦8.7bn Money Laundering Case

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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A briefing from Premium Times reports a Federal High Court granted bail to former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, alongside his wife and son, in a case involving alleged ₦8.7 billion money laundering.

The court reportedly set bail conditions at ₦500 million each, with sureties and passport surrender requirements as proceedings continue.

The defence has disputed the allegations, while prosecutors insist the evidence is strong.

**Echotitbits take:** Bail isn’t a verdict, but the conditions signal the court sees the allegations as serious. Watch for the next hearing dates and whether prosecutors bring key witnesses and financial trail evidence promptly.
Source: X – https://x.com/TheNationNews/status/2008881048998822179 2026-01-08

Photo Credit: X

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FG Announces National AI Centre of Excellence to Drive Homegrown Innovation

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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In a dispatch by Premium Times, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy announced plans to establish Nigeria’s first National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence.

The centre is expected to support research and practical AI applications in areas such as agriculture, healthcare and education, with a collaborative model involving academia and the private sector.

Officials also spoke about funding support for startups building solutions tailored to Nigeria’s local needs, including language and productivity tools.

**Echotitbits take:** This could be transformative—but only if the basics (power, connectivity, and stable funding) are handled. Watch for where the centre will be hosted, how grants are administered, and whether talent pipelines are built beyond Abuja and Lagos.
Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/fg-to-establish-ai-centre-at-unijos/ 2026-01-08

Photo Credit: The Punch

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PwC Forecasts 4.3% GDP Growth for Nigeria in 2026, Cites Reforms and Digital Shift

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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Insights from The Punch show PwC Nigeria is projecting a 4.3% expansion in Nigeria’s GDP in 2026, pointing to energy sector recovery and ongoing digital transformation in financial services.

The report also linked growth prospects to sustained reform momentum, including fiscal adjustments and improvements in oil-region security.

PwC flagged risks around inflation and external shocks, warning that poorly managed transitions could squeeze SMEs.

**Echotitbits take:** The projection is achievable—but only if reforms translate into investment, stable prices and inclusive growth. Watch for policy clarity and execution speed, especially around taxes, FX and energy.
Source: BusinessDay — https://businessday.ng/business-economy/article/nigerias-tax-to-gdp-ratio-seen-rising-in-2026-as-reforms-kick-in/ 2026-01-08

Photo Credit: BusinessDay

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