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

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January 4, 2026

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

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B.O.B Echoload

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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

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

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B.O.B Echoload

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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

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

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B.O.B Echoload

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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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B.O.B Echoload

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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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B.O.B Echoload

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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

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Nigeria construction output hits ₦13.83tn as activity strengthens on investor confidence

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 4, 2026

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Figures cited by Punch show Nigeria’s construction sector produced ₦13.83tn in nominal output over the first nine months of 2025, pointing to a rebound in activity.

Analysts tie the momentum to improved sentiment and project execution, though material costs, FX exposure, and logistics remain major constraints on margins and delivery timelines.

Construction performance often signals wider economic spillovers—jobs, cement demand, and infrastructure effects that feed into manufacturing and services.

Echotitbits take: The rebound is real, but durability depends on financing depth and stable input costs. Watch for Q4 prints, whether mortgage/real-estate credit expands, and how quickly major public works translate into verifiable on-ground output.

Source: The Punch — January 4, 2026 (https://punchng.com/investor-confidence-lifts-construction-output-to-n13-83tn/#google_vignette)

The Punch January 4, 2026

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IEI shareholders approve ₦17.5bn recapitalisation drive amid tighter insurance rules

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 4, 2026

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In an update published by Punch, shareholders of International Energy Insurance (IEI) approved a ₦17.5bn recapitalisation plan aimed at strengthening the firm’s capital base.

The company says the move is designed to improve compliance and expand underwriting capacity as regulators and market expectations raise the bar for solvency and governance.

Recapitalisation remains a defining test in Nigeria’s insurance sector, influencing reinsurance terms, corporate ticket size, and customer confidence.

Echotitbits take: The key questions are who funds the raise, valuation terms, and how quickly cash is injected. Watch for filings, NAICOM response, and IEI’s post-raise strategy—whether it targets retail expansion or larger corporate lines.

Source: The Punch — January 4, 2026 (https://punchng.com/iei-shareholders-approve-n17-5bn-recapitalisation/)

The Punch January 4, 2026

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Customs and NDLEA intercept cocaine consignment at Apapa port in joint operation

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 4, 2026

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In a report by Punch, the Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA say they intercepted 30.1kg of cocaine concealed on a vessel at Greenview Terminal, Apapa Port, during a joint operation.

Authorities said the drugs were packaged in slabs and hidden on board, describing the seizure as part of tightened surveillance at Nigeria’s busiest seaport.

The bust adds to concerns about maritime smuggling routes and the need for stronger profiling, scanning coverage, and intelligence-led interdiction across port corridors.

Echotitbits take: Expect follow-up disclosures on arrests, consignee/handler trails, and prosecution. The bigger watch item is whether joint interdiction becomes routine—backed by improved scanning capacity and sustained intelligence-sharing.

Source: The Punch — January 4, 2026 (https://punchng.com/customs-ndlea-seize-30-1kg-cocaine-at-apapa-port/)

The Punch January 4, 2026

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Niger State extends school shutdown in high-risk areas, sets new resumption date

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 4, 2026

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Reporting by The Nation indicates the Niger State government has kept schools in security-affected areas closed, directing only institutions in safer locations to resume based on official guidance.

Officials warned that any private school resuming without clearance may face sanctions, as authorities try to manage learning continuity without compromising student safety.

The decision underscores how insecurity is increasingly shaping education administration, with partial closures becoming a crisis-management tool in vulnerable zones.

Echotitbits take: Education disruption is becoming a secondary crisis of insecurity. Watch for ward-by-ward safety classifications, how exam schedules are protected, and whether alternative learning options are funded for students in closed areas.

Source: SaharaReporters — January 4, 2026 (https://saharareporters.com/2026/01/02/niger-government-warns-private-schools-shelve-resumption-threatens-sanctions)

SaharaReporters January 4, 2026

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