Burna Boy, Davido, and Ayra Starr Lead Nigerian Charge at 68th Grammy Awards

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February 1, 2026

In a post shared by BellaNaija, the Nigerian music industry is on high alert as the 68th Annual Grammy Awards kick off tonight at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Burna Boy leads the Nigerian contingent with two nominations, including Best African Music Performance for his hit “Love” and Best Global Music Album for No Sign of Weakness.

Davido also makes a significant return to the nomination list for his collaboration “With You” featuring Omah Lay. Meanwhile, “Sabi Girl” Ayra Starr has secured a nomination for “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid, a track that dominated airwaves throughout the past year. The nominations represent a peak for the “Afrobeats to the World” movement.

The atmosphere in Los Angeles is described as electric but tense, as the ceremony takes place amidst broader social unrest in the United States. Recording Academy President Harvey Mason Jr. has expressed hope that the music—particularly the global sounds from Africa—will act as a “healing” force for the audience.

Fans across Nigeria are organizing viewing parties, hoping for a clean sweep that would solidify 2026 as the most successful year in the history of Nigerian music. With Fela Kuti already receiving a lifetime achievement honor, the stakes for the active nominees have never been higher.

* Punch Newspapers (Official Website): “Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Tyla battle for Grammy glory… Sunday, February 1, 2026.”

* ThisDay Live (Official Website): “Wizkid and Burna Boy finally brought home the Grammy glory… competition intensified.”

Echotitbits take:

The “African Music” category is the real battleground this year. If Burna Boy wins again, he moves into legendary “untouchable” status. If Ayra Starr or Davido wins, it signals a shift in power towards the newer commercial sounds. Regardless of the outcome, the sheer volume of Nigerian presence in LA confirms that Afrobeats is now a global landlord.

Source: ThisDay — https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/02/01/nigerias-eyes-on-the-grammys/ February 1, 2026

Photo Credit: ThisDay

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Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo Sparks Debate Over Gospel-Themed Tattoo

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Bob Echols’s

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February 1, 2026

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According to The Nation Nigeria, popular relationship coach and cleric Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo has stirred a heated online conversation after revealing a tattoo of “John 3:16” on his arm. The move has triggered a wave of reactions from the Nigerian Christian community, with many questioning the biblical permissibility of tattoos for a minister of the gospel.

In his defense, Pastor Okonkwo stated that the tattoo has already served as a unique tool for evangelism, claiming it helped him reach millions of people online within just 24 hours. He argued that the ink serves as a conversation starter, allowing him to preach the gospel to demographics that might otherwise avoid traditional religious settings.

The controversy has seen prominent figures and “netizens” take sides, with some praising his “modern” approach to soul-winning and others criticizing it as a compromise of traditional values. This debate reflects the ongoing tension within the Nigerian church regarding the balance between cultural relevance and scriptural tradition.

Religious scholars and fellow pastors have also weighed in, leading to a viral discourse on TikTok and Instagram. Despite the backlash, Okonkwo remains steadfast, focusing on the “millions” he claims have been impacted by the message inscribed on his skin.

* Punch Newspapers (Official Website): “Gospel reached millions in 24 hours through my tattoo – Lagos pastor… defends his John 3:16 tattoo.”

* Legit.ng (Official Website): “Netizens react as Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo gets tattoo… states it helped preach the gospel.”

Echotitbits take:

This is a classic “clash of generations” moment in the Nigerian church. Okonkwo is betting on “attractional” ministry, where the medium changes to keep the message alive. While it might alienate conservative elders, it clearly resonates with Gen Z and Millennials who value authenticity over optics. Expect more “cool pastors” to follow suit if the backlash doesn’t result in formal disciplinary action.

Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/lagos-pastor-kingsley-okonkwos-tattoo-sets-tongues-wagging/ February 1, 2026

Photo Credit: The Punch

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Kunle Afolayan and Funke Akindele Clash Over Movie Marketing “Dancing” Tactics

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February 1, 2026

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A post shared by Legit.ng details a burgeoning friction between Nollywood heavyweights Kunle Afolayan and Funke Akindele regarding their promotional styles. The drama began when Afolayan remarked in a video that he is not interested in “chasing Box Office records” or performing TikTok dances to sell his films, a comment many perceived as a direct shade toward Akindele.

Akindele, known for her high-energy social media campaigns and “dancing” marketing strategies that have led to record-breaking box office hits like A Tribe Called Judah, reportedly fired back online. The exchange has divided fans, with some defending Afolayan’s “pure art” approach and others hailing Akindele as a marketing genius who understands the modern audience.

Afolayan later clarified his comments, stating that while he respects her success, his personal brand focuses on a different cinematic experience. However, the tension remains palpable, as Akindele allegedly called the director to express her displeasure over what she felt was an elitist dismissal of her hard work.

This controversy highlights a growing philosophical rift in Nollywood between the “Old School” auteur directors and the “New Wave” commercial juggernauts. While both have contributed significantly to the industry’s growth, their public disagreement has become the talk of the Nigerian film community.

* Punch Newspapers (Official Website): “Funke Akindele slams critics over ‘dancing’ marketing style… Afolayan says he’ll never dance to promote movies.”

* The Nation Nigeria (Official Website): “Funke Akindele fumes as Kunle Afolayan clarifies cinema comment… ‘Funke Akindele called to yell at me’.”

Echotitbits take:

This isn’t just a petty celebrity feud; it’s a debate on the future of African cinema. Akindele has proven that “populist” marketing sells tickets, while Afolayan maintains the prestige of the “festival” film. The friction is natural as Nollywood matures, but both need to be careful—alienating each other’s fanbases helps no one in an industry still fighting for global shelf space.

Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/funke-akindele-kunle-afolayan-faceoff-over-film-promotion-tactics/ February 1, 2026

Photo Credits: The Punch

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Super Eagles Star Ademola Lookman Finalizes €40 Million Move to Atlético Madrid

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February 1, 2026

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In a report by Yahoo Sports, Nigerian international Ademola Lookman has successfully reached a final agreement to join Spanish giants Atlético Madrid. The deal, valued at approximately €40 million, involves a €35 million fixed fee with an additional €5 million in performance-based bonuses, marking one of the most significant winter transfers for a Nigerian player.

Lookman, who famously scored a hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final for Atalanta, reportedly snubbed a lucrative offer from Turkish club Fenerbahçe to play under Diego Simeone. The 28-year-old winger is scheduled to undergo his medical examinations in Madrid within the next few hours to finalize the long-term contract.

The move is seen as a strategic bolster for Atlético Madrid’s attacking line as they look to close the gap on Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga. Lookman’s departure from Italy ends a successful stint where he became one of the most feared attackers in Serie A, consistently delivering high-level performances for both club and country.

Logistical steps are already underway for the “Super Eagles” talisman to travel to Spain. Fans in Nigeria are closely monitoring the development, as Lookman follows in the footsteps of Nigerian legends who have graced the Spanish top flight, such as Finidi George and Mutiu Adepoju.

* Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano on X): “Lookman has definitively chosen the Madrid club, despite strong offers from other teams… logistical steps are already underway.”

* The Whistler (Official Website): “The agreement between Atalanta and Atlético Madrid consists of a €35m fixed fee, with an additional €5m in performance-related add-ons.”

Echotitbits take:

Lookman moving to a “gritty” defensive-minded team like Atlético is a fascinating stylistic match. Simeone prizes work rate and clinical finishing, two things Lookman has in abundance. This move elevates his profile significantly ahead of the next AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, making him arguably the most high-profile Super Eagle in a top-three European league right now.

Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/atletico-agree-e40m-deal-for-lookman-as-fenerbahce-atalanta-talks-stall/ February 1, 2026

Photo Credit: The Punch

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Afrobeat Legend Fela Kuti Receives Historic Posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

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Bob Echols’s

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February 1, 2026

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According to TheCable, the family of the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has officially accepted a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Special Merit Awards. The ceremony, held just ahead of the main 68th Grammy event, marks a monumental milestone as Fela becomes the first African artist to ever receive this specific distinction from the Recording Academy.

The honor recognizes Fela’s unparalleled contribution to global music and his role in founding the Afrobeat genre, which continues to influence contemporary stars like Burna Boy and Wizkid. His children and grandchildren were present to receive the golden gramophone, cementing the Kuti legacy on the world’s most prestigious musical stage.

This recognition comes at a time when African music is seeing record-breaking representation at the Grammys. The Academy highlighted Fela’s activism and musical innovation as key reasons for the honor, placing him alongside icons like Whitney Houston and Cher in this year’s class of honorees.

The win has sparked widespread celebration across Nigerian social media, with fans noting that the “Abami Eda” has finally received his due from an institution that many felt had overlooked him for decades. The timing of the award serves as a powerful prologue to the main ceremony, where several Nigerian artists are vying for wins in the newly established African music categories.

* Punch Newspapers (Official Website): “Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti is posthumously honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the first for an African artist, at the 2026 ceremony.”

* The Nation Online (Official Website): “He’ll be celebrated alongside icons like Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher, and Paul Simon at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony.”

Echotitbits take:

This is more than just a trophy; it is a formal validation of Nigeria’s cultural export at its source. By honoring Fela, the Recording Academy is finally acknowledging that the current global Afrobeats explosion isn’t a trend, but a movement built on a half-century-old foundation. Expect this to fuel the “Grammy fever” in Nigeria, potentially influencing how the Academy views African legacy acts in the future.

Source: Al-Jazeera — https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/1/fela-kuti-becomes-first-african-to-get-grammys-lifetime-achievement-award February 1, 2026

Photo Credit: Al-Jazeera

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US Companies Spend N3.23 Billion on Visas for Nigerian Specialists

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February 1, 2026

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Figures cited by The Punch show that American firms invested over N3.23 billion in the 2024 fiscal year to secure H-1B specialty worker visas for 880 Nigerian professionals. This data, released on February 1st, 2026, underscores the high demand for Nigerian talent in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and engineering within the United States.

Reporting by BusinessDay indicates that this trend reflects a growing “brain gain” for the US but a “brain drain” for Nigeria’s domestic economy. The report mentions that many of these professionals are being recruited by top Silicon Valley firms and major medical centers. “The cost of these visas shows how much US employers value the skill sets coming out of Nigeria,” a migration expert was quoted as saying.

In an update published by The Sun, it was revealed that the Nigerian government is currently in diplomatic talks with Washington to ease visa restrictions and create a more formal framework for professional exchange. The paper quoted a Diaspora Affairs official who noted: “While we celebrate the success of our citizens abroad, our priority is to create an environment where these specialists feel incentivized to return and invest their skills at home.”

Echotitbits take: This story highlights the duality of the Nigerian diaspora. While the N3.23bn spent by US firms shows the global competitiveness of Nigerian talent, it also points to a massive gap in the local banking and tech sectors that struggle to retain top-tier specialists. Watch for new “Return-to-Nigeria” incentives in the 2026 mid-year economic review.

Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/us-firms-spent-n3bn-on-permits-for-nigerian-workers-report/, February 1, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

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Wike Asserts Authority in Rivers State Amid Lingering Political Crisis

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February 1, 2026

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In an update published by The Punch on February 1st, 2026, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he remains the dominant political force in Rivers State. Speaking at a civic reception in his honor, Wike assured his supporters that they could “sleep with both eyes closed” because his camp remains firmly in control of the state’s political structure despite his role in Abuja.

According to Vanguard News, Wike’s comments have reignited the cold war between his loyalists and the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The report highlights that Wike used the event to showcase his influence, including his role in recommending top officials for federal appointments. “I have always said that appreciation is the currency of loyalty, and we will continue to reward those who stand with us,” Wike reportedly told the crowd.

Reporting by Daily Post indicates that the political atmosphere in Port Harcourt remains tense following the Minister’s pronouncements. The outlet quoted a local activist who warned: “The continued power struggle between the FCT Minister and the Governor is distracting from governance and could lead to further instability in the Niger Delta region.”

Echotitbits take: The Rivers crisis is no longer just a state matter; it is a significant government policy and security headache for the presidency. Wike’s “I am in charge” stance suggests that no reconciliation is in sight, which could impact the 2027 presidential calculations for the South-South region.

Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/rivers-crisis-were-in-charge-says-wike/, February 1, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

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NNPP Dismisses Rumors of Kwankwaso’s Defection to Ruling Party

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February 1, 2026

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According to Daily Post reporting on February 1st, 2026, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has officially debunked viral reports claiming that its national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is in talks to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). The party described the rumors as “mischievous fabrications” intended to create disharmony among opposition forces ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.

Reporting by Leadership News confirms that the NNPP leadership held an emergency meeting in Abuja to address the speculation. The party’s spokesperson clarified that Kwankwaso has not met with President Tinubu for political negotiations since 2024. “Our leader remains committed to the NNPP’s ideology and is focused on building a formidable alternative for Nigerians,” the spokesperson said in a direct quote.

In an update published by The Nation, it was suggested that the rumors were fueled by recent defections of other high-profile opposition members to the APC. However, the paper quoted an NNPP chieftain who insisted: “Kwankwaso is a man of principle; he will not be intimidated or lured into a party that he has consistently criticized for its economic policies.”

Echotitbits take: This denial is a classic move in the Nigerian political “chess game.” While the NNPP is currently holding its ground, the ongoing realignment of governors—including the rumored exit of Abba Yusuf—suggests that Kwankwaso may soon find himself politically isolated if he doesn’t secure a new alliance.

Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/kwankwaso-never-discussed-defection-with-apc-nnpp/, February 1, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

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Nigerian Music Giants Lead Global Charge at 2026 Grammy Awards

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Bob Echols’s

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February 1, 2026

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Reporting by The Guardian indicates that the 68th Grammy Awards, taking place this Sunday, February 1st, 2026, features a record number of Nigerian nominees, highlighting the country’s continued dominance in the global entertainment industry. Leading the pack is Burna Boy with two nominations, while Davido, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid also vie for major prizes in the Global Music categories.

In an update published by ThisDay, the significance of these nominations is described as a “cultural export triumph” for Nigeria. The publication notes that the inclusion of younger artists like Omah Lay alongside veterans shows the depth of the Afrobeats genre. “Nigerian music is no longer a sub-genre; it is the global standard for pop culture in 2026,” an industry critic told the newspaper.

According to Daily Post, fans across Lagos and Abuja have organized viewing parties to celebrate what many expect to be a historic night for African music. The outlet quoted a music producer who noted: “Winning or not, having five of our own on that stage simultaneously proves that the ‘Afrobeats to the World’ movement has reached its zenith.”

Echotitbits take: Entertainment is one of Nigeria’s most successful “soft power” exports. Beyond the glamour, these nominations represent significant foreign exchange earnings and tourism potential. Watch how the government leverages this global visibility to boost the “Creative Economy” ministry’s initiatives.

Source: Channels TV – https://www.channelstv.com/2026/01/31/nigeria-dominates-68th-grammy-africa-nominations-with-five-superstars-eyeing-major-wins/, February 1, 2026

Photo credit: Channels TV

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National VAT Collections Hit Record N8.61 Trillion as Tax Reforms Yield Fruit

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Bob Echols’s

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February 1, 2026

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Figures cited by The Punch show that Nigeria’s Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue experienced a historic surge, reaching N8.61 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year. This performance, reported on February 1st, 2026, is being attributed to the aggressive automation of tax collection systems and the broadening of the tax base to include more informal sector participants and digital service providers.

In a report by The Sun, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, noted that the focus has shifted from increasing tax rates to improving the efficiency of collection. “The 2025 figures are a testament to what happens when you simplify the tax code and eliminate multiple levies that previously stifled small businesses,” Oyedele was quoted as saying.

According to Vanguard News, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has surpassed its revised targets, providing the government with much-needed fiscal space to service debts and fund infrastructure. The report quoted a financial analyst who stated: “While the revenue growth is impressive, the government must now ensure that these funds are transparently utilized to mitigate the impact of inflation on the average citizen.”

Echotitbits take: This taxation milestone suggests that the government’s fiscal reforms are finally gaining traction. For businesses, the “tax harmonization” agenda is the real story to watch; if the government successfully collapses hundreds of taxes into a few single digits, it could trigger a significant boom in the SME sector by 2027.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/vat-collections-surged-to-n8-61tn-in-2025/, February 1, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

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