Fela Kuti Set for Historic Posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

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January 31, 2026

In a post shared by Leadership News, the legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is slated to become the first African artist to be honored with the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The announcement comes just ahead of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, signaling a massive cultural moment for African music on the global stage. The Recording Academy’s decision to honor the “Abami Eda” underscores the foundational role Afrobeat has played in shaping contemporary global sounds.

Validation comes from Vanguard Nigeria, which noted the excitement in the Kuti camp, quoting a representative: “Fela lives on, and this honor tomorrow proves his message is still as potent as ever.” NewsNow Nigeria also corroborated the story, stating: “Fela Kuti becomes first African icon honored with Grammy Lifetime Award,” while referencing the global impact of his “rebel genius.”

Echotitbits take:

This is more than just a trophy; it’s a formal validation of the source code of modern Afrobeats. With five contemporary Nigerian stars nominated this year, Fela receiving this award creates a “full circle” moment for the industry. Watch for a potentially massive tribute performance at the ceremony that could further boost Nigerian music’s stock in the US market.

Source: Leadership Nigeria — https://leadership.ng/fela-becomes-first-african-artiste-to-be-honoured-with-posthumous-grammy-lifetime-award/ January 30, 2026

Photo Credit: Leadership Nigeria

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Funke Akindele Fires Back at Critics Questioning Her Marketing Tactics

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Bob Echols’s

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January 31, 2026

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According to TVC News, Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele has officially responded to industry whispers suggesting her aggressive, dance-heavy promotional style is stifling other filmmakers. Akindele, whose latest project Behind The Scenes recently shattered records by crossing the ₦2.4 billion mark at the box office, took to her Instagram stories to clarify that her success is a result of hard work, not a monopoly on the market. She urged colleagues to stop the jealousy and instead focus on creating their own unique promotional paths.

Confirming the development, Legit.ng reported on the filmmaker’s defiant stance, quoting her directly: “If you can’t beat them or join them, create your own path. No allow jealousy burn you.” Additionally, Naija News highlighted the viral nature of her response, noting her advice to other creatives: “Go ahead and create alternative promotion or marketing strategies for promoting your business.”

Echotitbits take:

Funke Akindele has effectively gamified movie marketing in Nigeria, and her defensive stance suggests a growing friction between “old guard” Nollywood and the new era of influencer-style promotion. By crossing the ₦2 billion threshold, she has set a benchmark that is intimidating to many, but her “sky is big enough” philosophy puts the ball back in the court of her peers to innovate rather than complain.

Source: TVC News — https://www.tvcnews.tv/funke-akindele-defends-film-promotion-style/ January 31, 2026

Photo Credit: TVC News

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Blackdrum TV Celebrates 5 Years of Promoting African Culture

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January 31, 2026

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According to Vanguard, Blackdrum TV is celebrating its fifth anniversary of broadcasting authentic African culture and lifestyle content. Launched on February 1, 2021, the channel has become a major player on the StarTimes platform, reaching audiences across the continent and the diaspora. Over the past five years, the channel has broadcast over 500 live and recorded events, ranging from festivals and fashion shows to art exhibitions, solidifying its position as a key voice for African storytelling.

The channel’s leadership highlighted its commitment to showcasing the vibrancy of African experiences to viewers aged 16 to 65. As it marks this milestone, Blackdrum TV plans to expand its digital footprint and increase its weekly hours of fresh content. The anniversary is seen as a testament to the growing global appetite for African-centric media and the resilience of the continent’s creative ecosystem.

The celebration was also reported by Tribune and Daily Post. Tribune noted that “the channel has been a platform for emerging African designers,” while Daily Post highlighted its “100% broadcast uptime over the last half-decade.”

Echotitbits take:

Blackdrum TV’s success shows that there is a massive market for “cultural lifestyle” content beyond just news and movies. As they move into their sixth year, watch for them to launch a dedicated streaming app to capture more of the younger, mobile-first demographic in the diaspora.

Source: TheSun – https://thesun.ng/blackdrum-tv-5-years-of-telling-authentic-african-stories-on-startimes/#google_vignette, January 31, 2026

Photo credit: TheSun

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Clarivo Refinery Set to Drastically Cut Nigeria’s Fuel Imports

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January 31, 2026

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Reporting by Vanguard indicates that the management of Clarivo Refinery has announced a strategic roadmap to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products by the year 2035. The refinery, which is part of a new wave of private energy investments, aims to scale its production capacity to meet both domestic demand and export requirements. This announcement comes as the federal government continues to encourage private modular and large-scale refineries to stabilize the energy sector.

The management emphasized that the refinery will focus on high-efficiency output and local value addition, ensuring that crude oil produced in Nigeria is refined within the country. This move is expected to save the nation billions in foreign exchange and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the downstream sector. The project is seen as a major win for the “Renewed Hope” economic agenda which prioritizes domestic energy security.

The development was also validated by The Nation and Leadership. The Nation mentioned that “Clarivo is seeking further partnerships for its petrochemical wing,” while Leadership noted that “the refinery’s first phase is already 60% complete.”

Echotitbits take:

With the Dangote Refinery already operational, the addition of Clarivo suggests Nigeria is finally moving toward becoming a net exporter of refined products. Watch for the competition between these private giants to potentially drive down local pump prices through increased supply.

Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/clarivo-oil-plans-world-class-refinery-in-nigeria-ceo-obidike/, January 31, 2026

Photo credit: Vanguard

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Supreme Court Warns Judiciary Against Political Interference

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January 31, 2026

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In an update published by Daily Post, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has echoed a growing concern that Nigerian courts are “gradually becoming politicians” due to their frequent involvement in internal party disputes. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, called on the judiciary to maintain its independence and stay away from partisan matters to preserve public faith in the legal process. This comes as several high-profile political cases continue to saturate the Federal High Courts.

The PDP also pointed to a “perception problem” where judicial officers are seen soliciting favors from government officials, which they claim compromises the appearance of neutrality. Legal experts have warned that if the judiciary does not self-regulate, the outcome of the 2027 elections could be decided in courtrooms rather than at the ballot box. This tension has led to calls for a reform that limits the types of political cases that can be brought before the bench.

The issue was also covered by The Guardian and ThisDay. The Guardian reported that “the Chief Justice is facing pressure to issue new guidelines on political litigation,” while ThisDay noted that “civil society groups are planning a march for judicial independence.”

Echotitbits take:

The “judicialization of politics” is at an all-time high. When the court becomes the final arbiter of who leads a party, it loses its “impartial priest” status. Watch for a possible constitutional amendment aimed at limiting the court’s jurisdiction over internal party congresses.

Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/politics/adebayo-hails-supreme-court-victory-warns-inec-against-interference-in-sdp-affairs/, January 31, 2026

Photo credit: The Guardian

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Creative Sector Identified as Primary Driver for 2026 GDP Growth

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January 31, 2026

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Figures cited by Leadership from the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, indicate that the creative sector is being prioritized as a primary engine for Nigeria’s economic growth in 2026. Following a strategic meeting with the leadership of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), the government pledged to create a more enabling environment for filmmakers, musicians, and digital creators. The sector is expected to play a critical role in the government’s plan to bring 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity.

The Minister emphasized that the “orange economy” has the potential to generate massive foreign exchange and create jobs for the youth at a faster rate than traditional manufacturing. Plans are underway to provide better copyright protection and access to low-interest loans for creative projects. This shift reflects a broader policy move to diversify the economy away from oil and leverage Nigeria’s cultural influence globally.

The story was also reported by The Punch and ThisDay. The Punch noted that “TAMPAN has requested for a dedicated creative industry bank,” while ThisDay highlighted that “creative exports could account for 5% of Nigeria’s GDP by 2027.”

Echotitbits take:

The government is finally putting its money where its mouth is regarding Nollywood and the music industry. By involving the Ministry of Interior, they are also likely looking at “visa facilitation” for international crews coming to film in Nigeria. Watch for the rollout of the “Creative Industry Fund” in the Q2 budget.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/creative-sector-key-to-growth-tunji-ojo/ , January 31, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

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Federal Government Moves to Disrupt Terrorist Bomb-Making Networks

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January 31, 2026

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In a security update published by The Punch, the Nigerian government has launched a specialized operation to dismantle the supply chains used by terrorists to manufacture Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The initiative focuses on tracking and restricting the flow of explosive materials, chemicals, and electronic components frequently intercepted in conflict zones. This follows a recent Boko Haram attack in Borno State that claimed the lives of five soldiers and 15 civilians, underscoring the urgent need for a more proactive counter-IED strategy.

Security agencies have been directed to tighten surveillance at borders and monitor the sale of dual-use chemicals in the open market. The National Security Adviser’s office is coordinating with industrial chemical importers to ensure that materials meant for manufacturing and mining do not end up in the hands of insurgents. The government believes that by “choking” the supply of bomb-making materials, they can significantly reduce the lethality of terrorist operations.

The operation was also validated by Daily Post and Premium Times. Daily Post reported that “new checkpoints are being established specifically to inspect chemical shipments,” while Premium Times noted that “intelligence sharing with neighboring countries has been intensified to track cross-border smuggling.”

Echotitbits take:

Choking the supply chain is a smarter long-term strategy than just kinetic warfare. However, the challenge will be doing this without hurting legitimate businesses in the mining and construction sectors that rely on these chemicals. Watch for new licensing requirements for chemical distributors.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/fg-to-disrupt-terrorists-bomb-making-supply-chains/, January 31, 2026

Photo credit: Adobe Stock

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Nigeria and Türkiye Partner to Commercialize Scientific Research

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January 31, 2026

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According to The Punch, high-level discussions between Nigeria and Türkiye have culminated in a new agreement focused on the commercialization of scientific research. The partnership aims to turn laboratory discoveries into viable commercial products, specifically targeting sectors like agriculture, defense, and manufacturing. The initiative is expected to boost Nigeria’s industrial growth by adopting Turkish technological frameworks and manufacturing processes to scale local innovations.

The agreement includes exchange programs for researchers and the establishment of “innovation hubs” in major Nigerian cities. Officials from both countries noted that the goal is to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported finished goods while creating a robust pipeline for “Made in Nigeria” products destined for the international market. This bilateral cooperation is seen as a key component of the federal government’s 2026 economic expansion agenda.

This development was also highlighted by Leadership and Tribune. Leadership reported that “the partnership will prioritize tech transfer in the defense sector,” while Tribune mentioned that “funding for the first phase of the hubs has already been secured.”

Echotitbits take:

Türkiye has become a strategic middle-power partner for Nigeria, especially in tech and defense. This move toward “commercializing research” suggests Nigeria is moving away from purely academic science toward an industrial-military complex model. Watch for the first “Nigeria-Türkiye” joint venture products in the agricultural machinery space.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/nigeria-advances-research-commercialisation-talks-with-turkiye/, January 31, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

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Igbo Nation Observes First Annual Civil War Thanksgiving Day

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January 31, 2026

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Reporting by Vanguard indicates that the Igbo Nation has today, January 31, 2026, commenced its first annual “Day of Adoration and Thanksgiving,” 56 years after the end of the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War. The event, which is intended to be held every last Saturday of January, is a dedicated moment for healing, reflection, and gratitude for surviving the conflict that ended in 1970. Prominent leaders and groups like Ohanaeze Ndigbo have encouraged Igbos globally to use the day for spiritual redirection and honoring fallen heroes.

The initiative aims to foster unity among the Igbo people and promote a collective vision for the future. Organizers stated that while the war claimed millions of lives, the survival and subsequent economic resilience of the Igbo race deserve a dedicated day of worship. Events are being held in various states across the South-East, as well as in the diaspora, with many seeing it as a way to address the “peace gap” that persisted long after the war’s end.

The event was also covered by The Punch and Daily Post. The Punch noted that “the thanksgiving is expected to become a major cultural landmark for the South-East,” while Daily Post mentioned that “security was beefed up in major cities like Enugu and Owerri to ensure a peaceful celebration.”

Echotitbits take:

This is more than a religious event; it is a strategic move to consolidate “Igbo soft power” and historical memory. Watch for how the federal government reacts to this—whether they embrace it as a national healing process or view it with suspicion as a form of ethnic mobilization.

Source: Newsexpressngr – https://newsexpressngr.com/news/293623/civil-war-56-years-after-igbo-nation-begins-annual-thanksgiving-today, January 31, 2026

Photo credit: Newsexpressngr

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Nigerian Banks to Enforce Mandatory Tax ID for All Account Operations

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January 31, 2026

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In an update published by Channels TV, Nigerian commercial banks have begun the full enforcement of mandatory Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) for both new and existing account holders. This policy, which stems from the new tax reforms, requires every individual and business to link their bank accounts with their tax records. Failure to comply will result in restricted access to banking services, including transfers and withdrawals, as the government seeks to widen the tax net and track illicit financial flows.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the FIRS have collaborated on a unified platform that allows for real-time verification of tax IDs. Bank officials have urged customers to update their records immediately to avoid being locked out of the financial system. The policy is also aimed at identifying high-net-worth individuals who have previously evaded taxes while moving large sums of money through the banking sector.

The enforcement was also documented by The Nation and Vanguard. The Nation reported that “banks have seen a surge in customers visiting branches to link their TINs,” while Vanguard noted that “the move is expected to significantly boost the government’s non-oil revenue.”

Echotitbits take:

This is the “no-escape” phase of Nigeria’s tax reform. By linking TIN to bank accounts, the government can now monitor income versus lifestyle in real-time. Watch for a rise in fintech usage and “under-the-mattress” cash holdings as some small businesses try to avoid the digital tax footprint.

Source: Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/ReportYourself/posts/nigerian-govt-set-make-tax-identification-number-mandatory-for-bank-accounts-fro/1421006479380864/?_rdc=1&_rdr#, January 31, 2026

Photo credit: Facebook

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