Tiwa Savage breaks down mid-performance in Cotonou as fans rally around her

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December 29, 2025

Photo Credit: TheCable Lifestyle

2025-12-28

According to TheCable Lifestyle, Tiwa Savage became visibly emotional while performing her hit “Somebody’s Son” at the WeLoveYa Festival concert in Cotonou.

Clips shared across social platforms show the singer pausing as the emotion hit, with the audience cheering her on as she tried to continue.

The moment has since sparked conversation about how deeply certain songs can connect to an artist’s personal season—especially in a live setting.

Verification

NotJustOk (Facebook): “Tiwa Savage was visibly emotional while performing ‘Somebody’s Son’ last night…”
Legit.ng (Website): “The singer burst into tears during her performance at the WeLoveYa Festival in Cotonou.”

Echotitbits take: Authentic, unscripted moments like this can deepen fan connection and extend a song’s life beyond streaming. Watch for whether Tiwa addresses the moment directly and how it shapes her upcoming setlists and storytelling on stage.

Source: TheCable Lifestyle — December 28, 2025 — https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/tiwa-savage-cries-on-stage-while-performing-somebodys-son-at-cotonou-concert/

TheCable Lifestyle
2025-12-28

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NIRSAL highlights wider 2013–2025 impact: ₦290bn+ finance facilitated and jobs claims

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 29, 2025

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2025-12-28 09:00:00
Figures cited by The Nation show NIRSAL says it facilitated over ₦290bn in finance between 2013 and 2025 across production, processing, logistics, market development and exports, alongside job and beneficiary impact claims.

NIRSAL positions its role as facilitation rather than direct lending—using risk-sharing, guarantees and technical assistance to help banks and partners extend credit to agribusiness segments seen as too risky.

The narrative is reinforced in NIRSAL’s communications, where it frames credit guarantees as a mechanism that expands partner financial institutions’ appetite for agriculture lending.

Set against Nigeria’s food-security pressures, the big question is whether the cumulative numbers translate to measurable productivity gains or mainly reflect credit intermediation and programme counting.

The Nation reported NIRSAL “has facilitated more than N290 billion” in finance, while NIRSAL communications said it was “closing 2025… with… credit guarantees for over N100 billion” in agriculture and agribusiness.

Echotitbits take: Impact claims need independent verification. Watch for audited portfolio outcomes, borrower performance data and state-by-state breakdowns—especially default rates and whether credit reached smallholders or stayed concentrated in large firms.

Source: The Nation — https://thenationonlineng.net/nirsal-facilitates-over-n100bn-in-2025-drives-159-jobs/ — December 28, 2025
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PASAN warns of unrest over alleged federal character breaches in National Assembly appointments

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 29, 2025

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2025-12-29 09:00:00
Reporting by Punch indicates parliamentary workers under PASAN protested what they described as repeated violations of the federal character principle in the appointment of secretaries, warning the trend could provoke industrial unrest.

PASAN’s argument is that uneven representation in sensitive appointments fuels perceptions of marginalisation and undermines cohesion inside the legislature’s bureaucracy.

The Guardian reported PASAN referenced Section 14(3) of the Constitution and warned that continued disregard could fuel discontent and industrial unrest.

Blueprint also reported PASAN’s petition, noting concerns about appointments and the risk of institutional tension if the alleged imbalance persists.

Punch reported workers warned of “industrial unrest,” while The Guardian wrote PASAN warned “continued disregard… could fuel discontent and industrial unrest.”

Echotitbits take: Federal character disputes rarely stay administrative. Watch for whether the National Assembly Service Commission publishes appointment data by state/zone and whether PASAN escalates to work-to-rule or strikes.

Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/nassembly-workers-protest-alleged-federal-character-breach/ — December 29, 2025
The Punch 2025-12-29

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SERAP takes subsidy-savings fight to court, demands project-by-project disclosure

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 29, 2025

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2025-12-29 09:00:00
According to Punch, SERAP has sued state governments and named officials over the handling of fuel-subsidy savings, arguing that the public deserves full disclosure of what was received and which projects were funded.

The group’s case is built around traceability: if subsidy removal was justified partly as freeing funds for development, then spending should be linked to locations, contractors and outcomes.

A separate report also framed the case as an attempt to compel disclosure and accountability around subsidy-era windfalls at subnational level.

The suit matters because it could expand expectations of fiscal transparency from Abuja to the states, especially around pooled or shared national savings.

Punch reported SERAP is asking the court to force disclosure of how subsidy savings were spent, while another report described the suit as a bid to compel “accountability and transparency” over the funds.

Echotitbits take: If courts entertain the suit, governors may face new documentation pressure. Watch for whether the case triggers pre-emptive publication of state-level scorecards—projects, costs and completion status.

Source: THISDAYLIVE — https://newsdiaryonline.com/serap-sues-governors-wike-over-failure-to-account-for-n14trn-fuel-subsidy-savings/ — December 29, 2025

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NJC integrity screen drops 34 nominees as judicial recruitment tightens

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 29, 2025

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2025-12-29 09:00:00
In an update published by Punch, the National Judicial Council reportedly shortlisted 28 nominees for Federal High Court appointments while 34 candidates were said to have failed an integrity test under updated recruitment guidelines.

The screening reflects an institutional push to reduce the entry of persons of doubtful character into the bench, amid fragile public trust in justice delivery.

The Guardian also reported that “No fewer than 34 lawyers… have failed the integrity test” and were removed from consideration, noting that petitions featured in the eliminations.

If sustained, the reforms could shift incentives—making reputational vetting and petition handling as important as technical competence in judicial appointments.

Punch reported the integrity test filtered out dozens of applicants, while The Guardian wrote, “No fewer than 34 lawyers… have failed the integrity test.”

Echotitbits take: Integrity screening is welcome, but transparency is key. Watch whether NJC clarifies criteria, petition handling timelines and appeal safeguards so the process doesn’t become opaque or politically weaponised.

Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/csp-33-others-fail-judges-integrity-test-njc/ — December 29, 2025
The Punch 2025-12-29

Photo Credit: National Judicial Council

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Pastor Chris Okafor issues public apology as Doris Ogala controversy intensifies

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 29, 2025

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2025-12-29 09:00:00
Reporting by The Nation indicates Pastor Chris Okafor publicly apologised amid a fast-moving dispute involving actress Doris Ogala, after days of social media backlash and legal threats escalated online.

The story has blended celebrity culture, religion and policing into one combustible storyline, especially after Ogala’s detention and the public interventions that followed her release.

The Guardian reported that Okafor apologised broadly while still disputing parts of the claims, saying he was sorry to those offended and willing to make restitution.

The saga continues to ripple because it touches reputational damage, alleged relationship claims and the limits of online accusation-versus-proof culture.

The Guardian quoted Okafor: “I am sorry to everyone I have offended… To Doris Ogala, I also say sorry,” while The Nation reported the apology came amid allegations and counter-claims that have kept the issue trending.

Echotitbits take: Public sentiment is moving faster than verified facts. Watch for court filings, formal police statements, and whether parties shift from social narratives to documented evidence.

Source: Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/100049883156816/posts/i-acknowledge-my-past-mistakes-and-i-sincerely-apologise-to-doris-ogala-i-am-kne/1520113579661399/ – December 29, 2025
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FirstBank rolls out 500-seat premium viewing stand for Carnival Calabar

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 29, 2025

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2025-12-29 09:00:00
According to Punch, FirstBank says it built a 500-capacity premium bleacher to improve spectator comfort and safety at Carnival Calabar 2025, framing it as part of its long-running support for arts and culture.

The project blends branding with tourism economics: a better viewing experience can help the festival attract higher-value visitors, sponsors and media coverage.

The Guardian also reported the development, describing the facility as a first-of-its-kind private premium bleacher introduced for the carnival.

Organisers and sponsors are pitching the stand as private-sector infrastructure support for one of Nigeria’s most visible cultural tourism events.

The Guardian quoted FirstBank: “We are introducing the first-ever private 500-seater premium bleacher…,” while Punch said the stand was designed to offer “comfort, safety” and a better viewing experience.

Echotitbits take: Sponsorship is good, but the long-term win is tourism receipts—hotel occupancy, small business sales and repeat visits. Watch for post-event economic impact numbers and whether other corporates replicate infrastructure-style sponsorships.

Source: Independent — https://independent.ng/firstbank-introduces-exclusive-500-seater-bleacher-at-carnival-calabar-festival-2025/ – December 29, 2025
Independent 2025-12-29

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Air Peace CEO says 49 bird strikes hit operations as airline pushes back on regulators

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 29, 2025

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2025-12-29 09:00:00
Figures cited by Punch show Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema says the airline recorded 49 bird strikes in 2025, describing the incidents as a costly operational hazard that can ground aircraft and disrupt schedules.

In related appearances, Onyema also complained about what he sees as disproportionate pressure on local carriers, citing taxes, compliance costs and agency actions as compounding the burden.

ARISE News reported the comments, stressing that bird strikes can trigger maintenance downtime and cascading delays, especially when spare parts and replacement aircraft are limited.

The disagreement adds to public debate over airfares, consumer protection scrutiny and the balance between safety enforcement and airline viability.

ARISE quoted Onyema: “Air Peace has had 49 bird strikes…,” while Punch reported he said the strikes caused “serious operational setbacks.”

Echotitbits take: Bird strikes are real, but passengers will ask what mitigation looks like—airport wildlife control, runway management and transparent incident reporting. Watch for FAAN/NCAA data disclosures and joint industry safety steps.

Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/air-peace-recorded-49-bird-strikes-in-2025-allen-onyema/#google_vignette – December 29, 2025
The Punch 2025-12-29

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Tinubu heads to Europe ahead of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week trip

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 29, 2025

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2025-12-28 09:00:00
In an update published by Channels Television, the Presidency said President Bola Tinubu departed Lagos for Europe to continue his end-of-year break, ahead of an official trip to Abu Dhabi for ADSW 2026 in early January.

The trip is being framed as part of Nigeria’s engagement with global sustainability, innovation and finance conversations, with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week positioned as a convening point for government, business and civil society.

A State House statement echoed the itinerary and purpose, saying the President left for Europe ahead of the Abu Dhabi engagement and noting the summit theme and timing.

The messaging emphasises schedule and participation rather than announcing any immediate domestic policy actions tied to the travel.

Channels quoted a Presidency statement that Tinubu would continue “his end-of-year break… ahead of his official trip to Abu Dhabi,” while the State House said he “departed Lagos… for Europe” ahead of the summit.

Echotitbits take: If Abuja wants value from ADSW, outcomes should be measurable—climate-finance pipelines, project partnerships or investment commitments. Watch for what Nigeria returns with, beyond summit optics.

Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025
The Punch 2025-12-28

Photo Credit: The Punch

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SEC flags ₦753bn commercial-paper surge as firms tap short-term funding

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 29, 2025

0

2025-12-29 09:00:00
Reporting by The Nation indicates Nigeria’s capital-market regulator says companies raised over ₦753bn through commercial paper issuance within months, pointing to renewed appetite for short-term, non-bank funding as businesses cover working-capital needs.

Commercial paper has increasingly become a bridge instrument for corporates facing tight credit conditions, higher borrowing costs and volatile cashflows, especially in manufacturing and supply chains.

SEC leadership has tied the momentum to broader market-structure reforms, arguing that faster settlement and deeper participation can improve liquidity and reduce risk for investors.

In effect, the regulator is projecting the surge as evidence of confidence in market plumbing and regulation, even as macro pressures remain.

The Whistler quoted the SEC DG saying, “Commercial paper issuance remained vibrant, with over N753bn raised…,” while The Guardian quoted him on settlement reforms: “By shortening the settlement period, we have enhanced liquidity….”

Echotitbits take: The key watch item is pricing and rollover risk. If firms keep issuing at very high yields, the market may be masking stress rather than solving it. Watch for defaults, delayed redemptions, and whether issuers shift to longer-dated bonds.

Source: BusinessDay — https://businessday.ng/markets/article/nigeria-records-over-n753bn-commercial-paper-issuances-in-6-months/?amp – December 29, 2025
BusinessDay 2025-12-29

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