GloRilla Sparks Dating Rumors with NBA Star Brandon Ingram After Raptors Win

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January 4, 2026

A TikTok video by @theathletelifestyle shows rap sensation GloRilla turning heads at a Toronto Raptors game, fueling intense speculation about a romance with NBA star Brandon Ingram. The ‘Yeah Glo!’ artist was spotted courtside during Ingram’s dramatic win, wearing a ‘ski bunny’ inspired outfit that immediately went viral across social media platforms.

The rumors were further amplified by her enthusiastic reactions to Ingram’s performance, as fans captured clips of her cheering from the front row. This appearance comes amidst a wave of ‘WAG’ (Wives and Girlfriends) culture taking over the NBA, with high-profile female artists increasingly being linked to top-tier basketball talent.

Validating reports from Sports Illustrated and Complex Style confirm her high-profile presence. Sports Illustrated stated that ‘the rap star easily was the biggest winner at the Toronto Raptors game,’ while Complex noted, ‘GloRilla’s courtside style is becoming as anticipated as the games themselves.’

Echotitbits take: GloRilla is currently at the peak of her ‘it-girl’ era, and an NBA romance is the ultimate celebrity branding move for 2026. While neither has officially confirmed the relationship, the ‘courtside confirmation’ is a time-honored tradition in Hip-Hop/NBA crossovers. If she shows up in New Orleans (Ingram’s home base) next week, consider the rumors verified.
Source: Cassiuslife – https://cassiuslife.com/1292092/glorilla-talk-brandon-ingram-relationship/ December 29, 2025
Photo Credit: Cassiuslife

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Nollywood Star Anita Joseph and MC Fish Fuel Split Rumors with Public Exchanges

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 4, 2026

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Reporting by Daily Post Nigeria indicates a deepening rift between Nollywood actress Anita Joseph and her husband, MC Fish, following a series of pointed social media posts. The controversy began when MC Fish shared details about their initial meeting, leading Anita to respond that she does not wish to ‘run in the mud’ with her estranged partner.

The public back-and-forth has captivated followers on Instagram, where the couple was previously known for their frequent displays of affection. MC Fish’s comments suggested that Anita ‘approached him first,’ a claim that seemed to trigger the actress’s defensive response. The tension follows months of speculation as fans noticed a significant decrease in their joint digital appearances.

Confirmation of the friction appeared in Vanguard and Premium Times. Vanguard reported that ‘the marriage appears to be on the rocks as both parties trade words,’ while Premium Times quoted a close associate who said, ‘They are currently giving each other space to figure out the next steps.’

Echotitbits take: High-profile Nollywood marriages often play out like the movies themselves, and the ‘unfollowing’ and ‘deleting’ cycle is usually the first sign of a legal separation. While neither has used the word ‘divorce’ explicitly, the shift from ‘couple goals’ to ‘public shade’ is a classic indicator. Watch their Instagram bios; if the surnames start disappearing, the split is likely final.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/mc-fish-finally-speaks-on-split-from-actress-anita-joseph/ January 4, 2026
Photo Credit: The Punch

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NBA Cracks Down on Jalen Suggs’ Viral Headband ‘Choker’ Fashion Statement

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January 4, 2026

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According to a report by Sports Illustrated, the NBA has officially banned Orlando Magic star Jalen Suggs from wearing his signature headband around his neck. The league’s front office stepped in to halt the look, which Suggs often styled as a ‘choker’ during pre-game warmups and the start of contests, citing a violation of the league’s strict uniform and wardrobe policies.

The ruling comes at a difficult time for Suggs, who is currently battling knee soreness after a loss to the Chicago Bulls. The NBA has a long history of regulating ‘non-traditional’ accessories, dating back to bans on double headbands and specific types of bandages used for marketing purposes. While fans on TikTok and Instagram celebrated the look as a bold style move, the league remains firm on its ‘on-court equipment’ regulations.

Validating coverage from Complex and SI’s Athlete Lifestyle section highlights the league’s focus on brand consistency. Complex noted that ‘the NBA cares about what is around his neck,’ while Sports Illustrated added that ‘the headband ban is a relatively small setback compared to the prospect of Suggs sitting more games’ due to his recent injury.

Echotitbits take: The NBA is famous for its ‘tunnel walk’ fashion, but they draw a hard line at anything that alters the official on-court uniform silhouette. Suggs’ ‘choker’ was a viral hit with Gen Z fans, and this ban will likely only increase its status as a ‘forbidden’ fashion icon. Expect Suggs to pivot his style energy into more elaborate tunnel outfits to bypass the on-court restrictions.
Source: Nytimes – https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6937739/2026/01/03/jalen-suggs-headband-ban-magic/ January 3, 2026
Photo Credit: Nytimes

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Anthony Joshua Returns to UK Following Tragic Car Crash in Nigeria

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January 4, 2026

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In an update published by The Associated Press, former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has flown back to Britain after surviving a fatal car accident near Lagos that claimed the lives of two of his close associates. The crash, which occurred earlier this week when their vehicle struck a stationary truck, resulted in the deaths of Joshua’s strength coach, Sina Ghami, and trainer, Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.

Joshua, who holds dual British and Nigerian nationality, was in Nigeria for a private visit and briefly attended a boarding school there as a youth. While the boxer sustained only minor injuries and was cleared by medical professionals on Wednesday, the psychological toll of the loss has resonated deeply within the global sporting community.

Reports from Global News and theScore confirmed the champion’s departure to prepare for the funerals of his friends. Global News shared footage of the star being ‘led away from a car following the fatal accident,’ while theScore noted that the driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, ‘was charged on Friday with dangerous and reckless driving.’

Echotitbits take: This tragedy highlights the ongoing concerns regarding road safety on major Nigerian expressways, even for high-profile convoys. While Joshua’s physical recovery is confirmed, the loss of his core training staff could significantly impact his upcoming fight schedule and mental preparation. Watch for a potential hiatus from the ring as he mourns this deeply personal loss.
Source: skysports – https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/13489932/anthony-joshua-returns-to-uk-after-car-crash-in-nigeria-that-killed-two-of-his-close-friends January 3, 2026
Photo Credit: skysports

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Funke Akindele Shatters Box Office History as ‘Behind The Scenes’ Crosses ₦1.1 Billion

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January 4, 2026

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According to a historical milestone report by BellaNaija, Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele has officially cemented her status as the industry’s most bankable director after her latest film, Behind The Scenes, surpassed the ₦1.1 billion mark in just 17 days. This achievement makes it the fastest film in West African history to reach the billion-naira milestone, breaking records previously set by her own blockbuster hits.

The film’s distributor, FilmOne Entertainment, confirmed that the project recorded the highest single-day gross in Nigerian cinema history on Boxing Day, earning a staggering ₦129.5 million. Akindele is now the first filmmaker to deliver three consecutive ₦1.1 billion films, following the massive success of A Tribe Called Judah and Everybody Loves Jenifa.

Validating reports from Vanguard and The Nation underscore the magnitude of this feat. Vanguard noted that the ‘Queen of the Box Office’ has ‘redefined expectations for theatrical releases,’ while The Nation quoted FilmOne’s official statement: ‘This win is for all of us as she becomes the only director to cross ₦1B+ three different times.’

Echotitbits take: Funke Akindele has cracked the code for Nigerian cinema by blending relatable family drama with high-tier production value. Her dominance suggests that local audiences are increasingly choosing high-quality Nollywood stories over Hollywood imports during the festive season. Expect a major expansion of her ‘Jenifa’ universe or a high-stakes streaming deal as global platforms look to partner with the industry’s undisputed revenue leader.
Source: Vanguard – vanguardngr.com/2026/01/nollywoods-biggest-box-office-movies-of-2025-why-funke-akindele-remains-the-queen/ January 4, 2026
Photo Credit: Vanguard

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Senator says subsidy removal saves Nigeria ₦10tn yearly, urges patience with reforms

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January 4, 2026

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Figures cited by Punch show Ogun West senator Solomon Adeola says removing petrol subsidy is saving Nigeria over ₦10tn annually, arguing the funds can support economic predictability and infrastructure.

Adeola also defended tax-law implementation, insisting the versions being rolled out align what lawmakers passed and were not altered after signing.

The remarks reflect the government’s broader reform narrative—short-term pain for medium-term fiscal stability—though citizens continue to weigh claims against lived inflation pressures.

Echotitbits take: The savings claim will be tested by transparency: where exactly does the money go, and can Nigerians see it in services and inflation relief? Watch for audited baselines, monthly fiscal reporting, and how palliatives/infrastructure spending track against ‘savings’ narratives.

Source: The Punch — January 3, 2026 (https://punchng.com/subsidy-removal-saving-nigeria-over-n10tn-annually-adeola/)

The Punch January 3, 2026

Photo Credit: The Punch

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Power ministry says 2026 priority is reliable supply as grid fragility persists

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January 4, 2026

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Reporting by Vanguard indicates Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu says the federal priority for 2026 is to deliver electricity that is reliable, accessible and sustainable, tying the goal to ongoing reforms.

The pledge lands amid recurring grid fragility driven by generation constraints, transmission bottlenecks and sector liquidity disputes that keep supply volatile for households and manufacturers.

Officials say achieving stability requires sustained investment and tighter coordination across gas supply, generation, transmission and distribution.

Echotitbits take: Promises won’t move the needle without measurable milestones. Watch grid stability metrics, DisCo supply-hour transparency, and whether sector cashflow improves enough to fund maintenance and new capacity.

Source: Vanguard — January 4, 2026 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/minister-adelabu-pledges-reliable-power-supply-in-2026/#google_vignette)

Vanguard January 4, 2026

Photo Credit: Vanguard

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Tunde Onakoya spotlights inclusive chess as tool for children living with disabilities

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January 4, 2026

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In an update published by Punch, Chess in Slums Africa founder Tunde Onakoya urged wider adoption of inclusive chess programmes, saying the game can support learning, confidence and social inclusion for children with disabilities.

He spoke at an Inclusive Chess Day event in Lekki, where organisers introduced children with different disabilities to chess in a participation-first setting.

The initiative reflects a growing push in Lagos to integrate disability inclusion into extracurricular learning through partnerships that can scale beyond one-off events.

Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s inclusion story is shifting from speeches to practical programs children can touch. Watch for whether education and disability agencies adopt a scalable pilot across public schools, including teacher training and steady funding.

Source: Facebook — January 4, 2026 (https://web.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1321410013356512&set=a.631182355712618&id=100064625772115&_rdc=1&_rdr#)

Facebook January 4, 2026

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Colombia deploys forces on Venezuela border amid fears of refugee spillover

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January 4, 2026

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According to Vanguard, Colombia has deployed armed forces to its border regions with Venezuela amid concerns about instability and potential displacement pressures.

Border authorities worry that sudden shifts in Venezuela’s internal situation can rapidly increase migration flows, armed-group movement, and humanitarian strain on frontier communities.

The deployment comes as international reactions intensify, with calls for restraint and coordinated diplomacy to avoid escalation across the region.

Echotitbits take: Border militarisation can reassure—or trigger new flashpoints. Watch for UN/OAS engagement, any temporary border closures, and whether Colombia builds humanitarian staging capacity for potential inflows.

Source: Aljazeera — January 4, 2026 (https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2026/1/3/colombia-braces-with-alarm-after-maduros-removal-in-venezuela-by-us)

Aljazeera January 4, 2026

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Visa reciprocity: four African states suspend entry permits for Americans

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January 4, 2026

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According to Punch, four African countries have moved to suspend or restrict visas for US citizens, framing the action as reciprocal within a tightening global visa environment.

The decision signals a more assertive approach to visa diplomacy, where restrictions on citizens are mirrored, potentially affecting business travel, aid programmes, and diaspora family visits.

For travellers and airlines, sudden policy shifts can trigger boarding uncertainties, cancellations, and a rush for clarifications or exemptions.

Echotitbits take: This could be the start of wider tit-for-tat visa actions. Watch for formal circulars that list exemptions and timelines, and whether airlines adjust routes or require additional documentation before boarding.

Source: The Punch — January 4, 2026 (https://punchng.com/us-visa-four-african-countries-ban-american-citizens/)

The Punch January 4, 2026

Photo Credit: The Punch

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