Venezuela demands proof of life after Maduro seizure claim jolts global diplomacy

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January 4, 2026

According to Vanguard, Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez called on the United States to provide “proof of life” for President Nicolás Maduro following claims he was captured and flown out of the country.

The demand has sharpened tensions, with Caracas framing the episode as an assault on sovereignty while Washington and allies push competing narratives about legality and next steps.

Reuters quoted Trump saying, “We will run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.” AP’s live coverage also quoted a Cuban leader condemning the move as “state terrorism,” warning the crisis could destabilise the region.

Beyond the headlines, watch the UN track, regional responses, and how oil markets price in the risk of prolonged disruption or sanctions escalation.

Echotitbits take: Beyond the headlines, watch the UN track, regional responses, and how oil markets price in the risk of prolonged disruption or sanctions escalation.

Source: Vanguard — January 3, 2026 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/venezuela-demands-us-provide-proof-of-life-of-maduro/)

Vanguard January 3, 2026

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World Bank flags record debt squeeze as developing countries’ outflows hit 50-year high

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 4, 2026

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According to Punch, the World Bank is warning that developing economies face a persistent debt squeeze even as global financial conditions show pockets of relief.

The report highlights rising debt-servicing burdens, a shift toward costlier financing, and pressure on domestic credit markets as governments borrow more at home.

Reuters reported that the World Bank sees a $741 billion gap between debt-service outflows and new financing, adding that countries “are not out of danger.” In its own press release, the World Bank said developing countries “paid out $741 billion more” than they received in new financing between 2022 and 2024.

Nigeria and peers will be watching what ‘breathing room’ really means: cheaper refinancing, longer maturities, and whether fiscal reforms can prevent the next rollover crunch.

Echotitbits take: Nigeria and peers will be watching what ‘breathing room’ really means: cheaper refinancing, longer maturities, and whether fiscal reforms can prevent the next rollover crunch.

Source: The Punch — January 3, 2026 (https://punchng.com/debt-wbank-urges-nigeria-others-to-rethink-exports/)

The Punch January 3, 2026

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Reps release certified tax-law copies to end confusion as reforms roll out

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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 House of Representatives has released certified true copies (CTCs) of the newly passed tax laws, aiming to resolve discrepancies and improve clarity for implementation.

Lawmakers say the move is meant to align what stakeholders are seeing in circulation with the versions formally passed, so agencies, businesses, and professional bodies can reference the same texts.

The Nation reported that federal lawmakers released the CTCs to “address discrepancy,” while THISDAY similarly reported the chamber’s push to ensure stakeholders rely on a single, authoritative version of the reforms.

For taxpayers and businesses, the next test is whether clarified texts translate into consistent regulations, guidance notes, and enforcement without sudden interpretive shocks.

Echotitbits take: For taxpayers and businesses, the next test is whether clarified texts translate into consistent regulations, guidance notes, and enforcement without sudden interpretive shocks.

Source: Arise — January 4, 2026 (https://www.arise.tv/house-releases-certified-tax-acts-to-clarify-controversy-restore-public-confidence/)

Arise January 4, 2026

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Resident doctors warn of January 12 shutdown as welfare talks stall

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 4, 2026

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In an update published by The Nation, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) says it will resume a suspended nationwide industrial action on January 12 unless key demands are fully implemented.

The association says the action plan—tagged TICS 2.0—will include service withdrawal and protests, with doctors insisting unresolved allowances, arrears, and administrative issues are undermining morale and patient care.

THISDAY also reported that NARD plans to resume TICS 2.0 nationwide from January 12, noting it will commence “at exactly 12:00 am on Monday, January 12, 2026,” while The Nation states NARD “is set to resume its suspended nationwide industrial action on January 12.”

The stakes are immediate: if both sides don’t close gaps quickly, teaching hospitals and major public facilities could see a fresh disruption in services.

Echotitbits take: The stakes are immediate: if both sides don’t close gaps quickly, teaching hospitals and major public facilities could see a fresh disruption in services.

Source: The Nation — January 4, 2026 (https://thenationonlineng.net/resident-doctors-set-to-resume-indefinite-strike-january-12/)

The Nation January 4, 2026

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Petrol market tightens as depot owners raise ex-depot prices toward ₦800/litre

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 4, 2026

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Reporting by Punch indicates private depot operators in Lagos have raised the ex‑depot price of petrol toward ₦800 per litre, a move that could ripple into higher retail pump prices if sustained.

Traders and logistics players say the adjustment reflects supply uncertainty and financing/transport costs, while marketers watch whether the change will hold or ease as supply channels stabilise.

TheCable quoted an industry source warning that “Prices will likely increase in the coming days,” even as another refinery source insisted “Production is still going on, of course.” Tell Magazine similarly noted that operators “increased the ex‑depot price of petrol to about N800 per litre.”

If ex‑depot prices remain elevated, Lagos commuters and businesses may face another round of transport‑led inflation—so watch depot pricing, supply volumes, and any regulatory guidance.

Echotitbits take: If ex‑depot prices remain elevated, Lagos commuters and businesses may face another round of transport‑led inflation—so watch depot pricing, supply volumes, and any regulatory guidance.

Source: The Punch — January 4, 2026 (https://punchng.com/private-depots-hike-petrol-price-to-n800-litre-in-lagos/)

The Punch January 4, 2026

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Donovan Mitchell’s 33-point night powers Cavs past Nuggets as NBA chatter heats up

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 3, 2026

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According to Reuters, the Cavaliers closed strong to beat an injury-hit Nuggets team 113–108, with Donovan Mitchell dropping 33 and Darius Garland hitting a key late three.

The win is already feeding NBA social discussion, especially around Cleveland’s late-game execution and Denver’s injury situation.

It’s the kind of January result that can shape All-Star narratives and contender talk.

Cavs.com (team recap): ““a 33-point effort.””
NBA.com (highlight framing): ““Donovan Mitchell finishes with 33 points…””

Echotitbits take: Early-year momentum matters in the NBA because storylines harden quickly. Watch Denver’s injury updates and whether Cleveland sustains fourth-quarter discipline against top competition.

Source: Reuters — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/cavaliers-use-late-run-beat-banged-up-nuggets–flm-2026-01-03/

Reuters
Jan 3, 2026
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Dove Cameron confirms engagement to Damiano David with a New Year ring reveal

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 3, 2026

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In a post shared via People, Dove Cameron confirmed she’s engaged to Måneskin’s Damiano David, sharing photos and highlighting her ring.

Her caption kept it short and emotional, turning the confirmation into a direct-to-fans moment rather than a formal statement.

The news has sparked cross-fandom buzz across pop and rock audiences.

E! News (coverage): ““My favourite part of being alive.””
Just Jared (recap): ““My favourite part of being alive… happy new year.””

Echotitbits take: This is a high-visibility crossover couple, and the IG-first confirmation shows how celebrity news now breaks. Watch for official photo drops, wedding timeline hints, or ring/designer details that often follow early engagement announcements.

Source: People — Jan 3, 2026 — https://people.com/dove-cameron-is-engaged-to-maneskin-s-damiano-david-photos-11839675

People
Jan 3, 2026
Photo Credit: People

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Kylie Jenner’s gold-bikini New Year Stories light up the style cycle again

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 3, 2026

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According to People, Kylie Jenner welcomed 2026 with poolside Instagram Stories featuring a gold metallic bikini and a noticeable jewelry detail.

The clips quickly bounced from Stories to headline coverage, turning a casual holiday post into another viral fashion moment.

As usual, the reaction is split between admiration for the look and criticism of ‘influencer culture’ dominance.

TMZ/Yahoo Entertainment (recap): ““Rings in New Year… out of gold bikini.””
AOL repost (summary): ““a series of Instagram Stories… by a pool.””

Echotitbits take: Kardashian-Jenner posts often function like mini campaigns—even when they look casual. Watch for brand linkages, product tags, or follow-up posts that convert attention into business.

Source: People — Jan 2, 2026 — https://people.com/kylie-jenner-rings-in-2026-with-busty-gold-metallic-bikini-11878663

People
Jan 2, 2026
Photo Credit: People

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Nollywood creators clash as Christmas film dispute triggers a new copyright storm

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 3, 2026

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Figures cited by Ripples Nigeria show Nollywood is in a fresh copyright dispute after filmmaker Lily Perez accused another production of copying significant elements from her Christmas film.

The story has reignited industry debate about originality, enforcement, and how YouTube-era distribution changes the speed and scale of disputes.

Both sides are making public claims, and audiences are now asking for clear evidence rather than vague allegations.

Leadership (denial statement): ““The allegations… are false and… baseless.””
Lily Perez (Instagram statement): ““I have documentary evidence…””

Echotitbits take: Digital distribution amplifies disputes before courts can. Watch for formal filings, takedown actions, and side-by-side proof that can be independently assessed—otherwise it stays in the rumour-and-reaction lane.

Source: Ripples Nigeria — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/nollywood-hit-by-copyright-storm-as-filmmakers-clash-over-christmas-movie/

Ripples Nigeria
Jan 3, 2026
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Doris Ogala rejects pastor’s ‘January break’ and insists on fuller answers

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 3, 2026

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In a report published by Ripples Nigeria, actress Doris Ogala rejected Pastor Chris Okafor’s apology and temporary step-aside, arguing it doesn’t address her claims.

She maintained that stepping down for January is not the same as accountability and called for clearer explanations.

The issue remains highly sensitive and is playing out in public, where claims can spread faster than verified facts.

Instagram reel quoting her stance: ““Stepping down… is not enough.””
Facebook post amplifying same demand: ““Stepping down is not enough. You must explain to me…””

Echotitbits take: Because this involves allegations and personal loss, accuracy matters more than virality. Watch for formal legal steps, verifiable documentation, and direct on-record responses—beyond social media posts.

Source: Ripples Nigeria — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/actress-doris-ogala-rejects-pastor-okafors-january-break-demands-confession-over-brothers-death/

Ripples Nigeria
Jan 3, 2026
Photo Credit: Ripples Nigeria

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