Mercy Aigbe turns 48 with two statement looks that set the early-2026 style mood

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January 3, 2026

According to BellaNaija, Mercy Aigbe marked her 48th birthday with two contrasting looks—a purple aso-oke moment and a clean white gown—prompting fresh fashion chatter online.

The styling split between classic Yoruba glam and soft editorial elegance has fans sharing ‘owambe’ inspiration and designer guesses.

As usual, her birthday shoot is being treated as trend-setting content rather than just celebration photos.

GlamCityz (style recap): ““The purple aso oke iro and buba was pure elegance.””
Instagram reel celebrating milestone: ““What a way to kick off the new year!””

Echotitbits take: Mercy’s style moments often become reference points for event fashion. Watch for designer credits, fabric tags, or BTS posts that typically signal the next wave of looks for weddings and parties.

Source: BellaNaija — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.bellanaija.com/2026/01/mercy-aigbe-48th-birthday-looks/

BellaNaija
Jan 3, 2026
Photo Credit: BellaNaija / Mercy Aigbe

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Priscilla Ojo names her father and addresses why many didn’t recognize him publicly

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 3, 2026

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In a clip recap shared by Legit.ng, Priscilla Ojo identified her father as Ade Ojo and explained why many people online claimed he was absent from her wedding.

She said he was present but not widely recognized, suggesting the confusion came from public unfamiliarity rather than family distance.

The conversation has fueled fresh speculation around celebrity privacy and family narratives on social media.

Legit.ng (interview quote): ““My dad is Ade Ojo… Everyone saw him at my wedding.””
Instagram post circulating excerpt: ““Everyone saw him at my wedding.””

Echotitbits take: Celebrity family stories get rewritten fast online, especially around weddings. The key watch item is full-context footage or a longer interview to reduce clip-driven misinterpretation.

Source: Legit.ng — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1690794-everyone-saw-him-wedding-priscilla-ojo-opens-relationship-real-father/

Legit.ng
Jan 3, 2026
Photo Credit: Legit.ng

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‘Village people’ talk trends after pastor links Anthony Joshua crash to spiritual forces

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 3, 2026

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In an update published by Legit.ng, a pastor’s social post suggesting a spiritual explanation for Anthony Joshua’s crash went viral and revived ‘village people’ commentary online.

The post urged followers to consider unseen forces, setting off waves of memes, arguments, and rebuttals.

So far, the viral angle remains commentary rather than evidence about the accident itself.

Pastor’s X post (origin of claim): ““Has anyone considered the role of ‘Village people’ in Anthony Joshua’s accident?””
Legit.ng (report framing): ““As a pastor, I must consider a spiritual angle…””

Echotitbits take: This is a reminder of how fast serious incidents get swallowed by culture-war content. The credible next step is verified reporting on the crash details and recovery updates—not speculation.

Source: Legit.ng — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1690801-role-village-people-anthony-joshuas-accident-pastor-speaks-viral-post

Legit.ng
Jan 3, 2026
Photo Credit: Legit.ng

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Bolaji Idowu’s crossover photos with entertainers spark fresh ‘church vs culture’ clash

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 3, 2026

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Reporting by Legit.ng indicates Pastor Bolaji Idowu drew mixed reactions after sharing crossover service photos that included popular entertainers.

In his response, he argued the outrage misses the point of church as a place for restoration, not exclusivity.

The moment has reopened the conversation about how Nigerian churches engage youth culture and celebrity influence.

Legit.ng (quoted response): ““Church is not a Museum but a Healing Centre.””
X post recaps the appearance: ““Peller makes his first public appearance… as he spends the New Year…””

Echotitbits take: This is bigger than photos—it’s a battle over relevance and reach. Watch whether the pastor, the church, or the celebrities involved follow up with clearer context or additional posts that either cool or intensify the debate.

Source: Legit.ng — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1690796-bolaji-idowu-criticised-sharing-pictures-peller-broda-shaggi-people-react/

Legit.ng
Jan 3, 2026
Photo Credit: TheCable Lifestyle

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Zinoleesky explains viral fight clip and pushes back on “fan” narrative

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 3, 2026

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According to Legit.ng, Zinoleesky addressed a trending video that appeared to show him trading punches with a young man described online as a fan.

He claimed the encounter followed an escalation, alleging the person had been stoning his car while his family was inside.

The clip has triggered debate about celebrity safety, boundaries, and the risks that come with public access culture.

KanyiDaily (web report): ““Person wey dey stone car wey my family dey inside na fan?””
Legit.ng (original report): ““Person wey dey stone car wey my family dey inside na fan?””

Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s celebrity-fan culture keeps colliding with real security concerns. If more context footage emerges, it will shape whether public sentiment shifts from “celebrity arrogance” to “personal safety first.”

Source: Legit.ng — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1690798-zinoleesky-addresses-video-exchanging-punches-alleged-fan-person-wey-stone-car/

Legit.ng
Jan 3, 2026
Photo Credit: Legit.ng

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Trump Claims Maduro Was Seized After U.S. Strikes in Venezuela, as Legal Questions Mount

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 3, 2026

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In a Truth Social post early Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump said American forces carried out a “large-scale” strike in Venezuela and that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were captured and flown out of the country. The claim has not been independently verified, and Venezuelan authorities have disputed Washington’s account while demanding clarity on the couple’s status.

Witnesses and local reports described explosions and low-flying aircraft over Caracas during the overnight operation, as Venezuelan officials condemned what they called an attack on national sovereignty and urged citizens to mobilize. U.S. officials have not publicly released operational details that would confirm where Maduro is being held or the legal basis for the action.

A screenshot of President Donald Trump post on Truth Social

The U.S. has, for years, accused Maduro’s inner circle of running a “narco-state.” Washington’s Justice Department previously announced federal charges in 2020 accusing Maduro of narco-terrorism and cocaine-trafficking conspiracies, allegations the Venezuelan government has repeatedly rejected.

International-law scrutiny is expected to intensify. Legal experts typically assess cross-border capture operations under the UN Charter’s rules on sovereignty and the use of force, and under customary rules on the immunity of sitting heads of state. Without clear Security Council authorization or a recognized self-defense justification, critics argue such operations risk violating international law, even where domestic criminal charges exist.

Reuters|Associated Press|CBS News 2026-01-03

Photo Credit: Valter Campanato/ABr (Agência Brasil), CC BY 3.0 BR, via Wikimedia Commons

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AI Poised to Revolutionize Risk Pricing and Fraud Detection in Nigerian Banking

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 3, 2026

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According to The Guardian Nigeria, financial experts are forecasting a major shift in the banking sector as Artificial Intelligence (AI) takes a lead role in real-time risk pricing. Omolade Oke, a prominent industry analyst, stated that AI will soon become the primary tool for fraud detection and personalized liquidity management across major Nigerian banks.

This technological evolution is expected to significantly reduce the rate of non-performing loans by providing more accurate credit scoring models. Banks are already increasing their tech budgets to integrate these AI solutions, aiming to compete with the rising dominance of fintech platforms.

BusinessDay supported this outlook, noting that ‘AI will revolutionise risk pricing’ and modernize how banks interact with their customers. Vanguard also reported on the trend, emphasizing that ‘Cardoso’s brilliant monetary management’ is creating the stability needed for such long-term tech investments.

Echotitbits take: AI is the ‘silver bullet’ for Nigeria’s high credit risk environment. If banks can successfully automate fraud detection, we might finally see a reduction in the massive interest rate spreads that currently make borrowing so expensive for small businesses.

Source: The Guardian — https://guardian.ng/interview/ai-will-revolutionise-risk-pricing-fraud-detection-and-personalised-liquidity-management-in-real-time-says-omolade-oke/
The Guardian January 3, 2026

Photo Credit: The Guardian

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Ogun Police Charge Driver with Negligence Over Fatal Anthony Joshua Accident

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 3, 2026

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Reporting by Premium Times indicates that the Ogun State Police Command has officially charged a driver with criminal negligence following a tragic road accident involving associates of boxing star Anthony Joshua. The accident, which occurred shortly after the group’s arrival in Nigeria, resulted in the deaths of two of Joshua’s close friends.

Police investigators found that the driver’s ‘reckless disregard for safety protocols’ was the primary cause of the fatal crash. The court proceedings are expected to begin later this month, while the local community in Ogun continues to mourn the loss of the visitors.

Punch Newspaper validated the story, reporting that ‘bystanders stole Anthony Joshua’s phone at the accident scene,’ highlighting the chaotic aftermath of the crash. Vanguard also mentioned the incident in their review of January’s headlines, noting that ‘Ogun police charge driver over fatal accident.’

Echotitbits take: This incident is a PR nightmare for Nigerian tourism and safety. Beyond the legal case against the driver, the reports of theft at the crash site reflect a disturbing lack of empathy that the government needs to address through community engagement.

Source: The Punch — https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/fatal-crash-anthony-joshua-escaped-death-after-swapping-seats-report/%3famp
The Punch January 3, 2026

Photo Credit: The Punch

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Governor Fubara Assures Residents of Stability Amid Heightened Political Rhetoric

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 3, 2026

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According to Premium Times, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has addressed the state, urging calm in the face of what he termed ‘sounds of war’ coming from political opponents. The Governor’s broadcast was a direct response to recent threats of administrative disruption by factions loyal to the former Governor, Nyesom Wike.

Fubara maintained that his administration remains focused on delivering infrastructure and social services, despite the intense political friction within the state assembly. He also announced the appointment of new special advisers aimed at strengthening his team’s ‘execution capacity’ for the 2026 budget.

The Guardian Nigeria reported that ‘Fubara tells new special advisers to strengthen teamwork,’ reinforcing his message of administrative continuity. Daily Post also highlighted the tension, quoting the Governor’s speech where he sought to ‘assure Rivers people of peace’ despite the political climate.

Echotitbits take: Fubara is attempting to project the image of a focused leader unbothered by ‘distractions,’ but the underlying struggle for control of the Rivers State treasury is far from over. Investors will be watching the state assembly closely to see if political deadlock stalls the N1.8 trillion budget.

Source : The Punch — https://punchng.com/ignore-sounds-of-war-fubara-tells-rivers-people/
The Punch January 3, 2026

Photo Credit: The Punch

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Sanwo-Olu Sanctions Demolition of Fire-Ravaged GNI Building as Death Toll Hits Eight

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 3, 2026

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Reporting by The Cable indicates that Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the total demolition of the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building following a catastrophic fire. The Governor confirmed that the death toll has risen to eight, with several others still hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.

The decision to level the structure was made after structural engineers declared the building’s integrity compromised, posing a threat to surrounding properties in the busy Lagos Island district. Emergency services remain on-site to ensure the safe recovery of any remaining remains before the demolition begins.

BusinessDay reported that the Governor visited the scene for a second time to ‘confirm fatalities and survivors,’ emphasizing the need for stricter safety audits. Premium Times also covered the tragedy, noting that ‘Sanwo-Olu orders demolition as fire death toll rises,’ highlighting the recurring issue of fire safety in Lagos’ high-rise buildings.

Echotitbits take: This tragedy exposes the ‘death trap’ nature of many old high-rises in Lagos. A forensic audit of all buildings on the Island is overdue; if the state doesn’t enforce the ‘Building Safety Code,’ the skyline of Nigeria’s commercial capital will continue to be a liability.

Source: The Guardian — https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/again-sanwo-olu-visits-gni-building-fire-scene-confirms-eight-dead/
The Guardian January 3, 2026

Photo Credit: The Guardian

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