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First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Welcomes Nigeria’s First Baby of 2026, Hails New Beginnings and Prosperity

By Prosper

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on January 1, 2026, welcomed the country’s symbolic First Baby of the Year, born precisely at midnight at the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja.

The newborn, Zion Adakole, arrived via caesarean section to 26-year-old first-time mother Mrs Patience Adakole and her husband, Mr Celestine Adakole.

Continuing her longstanding tradition of promoting maternal and child healthcare, Mrs Tinubu presented the infant with a national birth certificate from the National Population Commission, along with gifts and cash, gestures she also extended to other babies delivered at the facility that day.

Hospital management confirmed that Zion was the first baby born at the centre in 2026.

The First Lady described Zion’s arrival as deeply symbolic, representing both the dawn of a new year and the hope of fresh beginnings.

She also showered affection on three other newborns delivered on January 1, as well as a set of quadruplets born to Mr and Mrs Blessing Oragwu after 13 years of waiting.

Mrs Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to fostering an environment in which every Nigerian child can flourish and reach their full potential.

During the visit, the First Lady cradled each infant and offered heartfelt prayers for the babies, their families, and the nation as a whole.

She urged parents to treasure and guide their children, calling them divine blessings and the nation’s future leaders.

Finally, Mrs Tinubu appealed to all Nigerians to practise compassion by generously sharing with those in need, emphasising that uplifting the less privileged is a shared national duty.

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Tragedy Strikes on Christmas Day in Delta Community

By Prosper Mene

What was supposed to be a day of celebration and family bonding turned into an unimaginable nightmare for Mrs. Chinyere Emeagi on December 25, 2025. Her only son, 32-year-old Amauche Lucky Ezeji, was fatally shot by an unknown assailant in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The incident occurred around 8 p.m. along Ashaka Road. According to the grieving mother, her son had earlier escorted his pregnant wife to his grandmother’s house to join in the Christmas festivities.

Still reeling from the shock, Mrs. Emeagi recounted the heartbreaking events: “Amauche was everything to me, my only child, my pride, and the light of my life. He was simply being a caring husband, ensuring his wife could spend the holidays with extended family.

“We were all gathered when he got a phone call. He assured us he’d return soon and stepped out. That was the final moment I saw him breathing.”

Shortly after, news reached the family that Amauche had been gunned down. Rushing to the scene, Mrs. Emeagi found him in a pool of his own blood, having suffered a close-range gunshot wound to the chest. The attacker had fled, leaving chaos and panic in the area.

Despite efforts to save him, including a desperate rush to the hospital, doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. “My entire world shattered in an instant,” she said through tears. “Not only have I lost my sole child, I have no other children, but he was meant to lay his father to rest on January 7, 2026. Now, I’m forced to plan a double burial for both my husband and my son.”

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the launch of a full investigation into the homicide.

Sources from the Utagba Ogbe Police Division, handling the case, revealed early findings suggest the victim may have been involved in a dispute with a group of unidentified youths at a local drinking spot just prior to the shooting, which reportedly took place as he departed the venue. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

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Beyoncé Officially Becomes a Billionaire, Forbes Reports

By Prosper Mene

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has reached a new milestone: billionaire status. According to Forbes, the 44-year-old music icon has crossed the $1 billion net worth threshold, becoming only the fifth musician ever to achieve this feat.

She joins an elite group that includes her husband Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and Bruce Springsteen.

Forbes attributes Beyoncé’s wealth primarily to her music empire, built through full control of her catalog and tours via her company, Parkwood Entertainment, founded in 2010. This in-house approach allows her to retain higher profits from productions, merchandising, and rights.

The surge came in recent years: Her 2023 Renaissance World Tour grossed nearly $600 million, one of the highest-earning tours ever.

Following that, her 2024 genre-shifting album Cowboy Carter, which won Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammys, led to the Cowboy Carter Tour, the world’s highest-grossing tour of 2025 with over $400 million in ticket sales and an additional $50 million in merchandise.

Additional boosts included a reported $50 million NFL Christmas halftime show in 2024 (streamed on Netflix), sponsorships like Levi’s commercials, and ventures such as her Cécred hair care line and SirDavis Whisky.

Forbes estimates Beyoncé earned $148 million pre-tax in 2025 alone, ranking her as the third-highest-paid musician of the year.

 

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Funke Akindele Continues Box Office Dominance as Behind The Scenes Surpasses ₦1.1 Billion

By Prosper Mene

Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele has solidified her reign as the industry’s undisputed box office queen with her latest directorial effort, Behind The Scenes, which has grossed an impressive ₦1,109,463,846 just weeks after its theatrical release.

The milestone was announced by distributor FilmOne Entertainment on December 29, 2025, hailing it as a groundbreaking achievement for West African cinema

According to FilmOne, Behind The Scenes is the fastest West African film to cross the ₦1 billion threshold and delivered the highest single-day earnings ever recorded on Boxing Day with ₦129.5 million.

The film, which explores the pressures of “black tax” and the hidden struggles behind success, currently stands as the highest-grossing theatrical release of 2025, showing remarkable staying power in cinemas across Nigeria and beyond.

This triumph marks yet another record-breaking chapter for Akindele, who is now the only director with three films surpassing ₦1 billion at the box office, Nollywood’s all-time highest-grossing producer, and the first filmmaker to achieve three consecutive billion-naira hits in a single calendar year.

Featuring a star-studded ensemble including Scarlet Gomez in the lead, alongside Iyabo Ojo, Destiny Etiko, Tobi Bakre, Uzor Arukwe, Ini Dima-Okojie, Mr Macaroni, and Big Brother Naija duo Wanni x Handi, the movie has resonated deeply with audiences, blending relatable storytelling with high entertainment value.

As Behind The Scenes continues its run, with expansions to international markets like the UK, Ireland, and the US planned,vAkindele’s unparalleled commercial streak shows no signs of slowing down.

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Ekiti Amotekun Arrests 20-Year-Old for Alleged Rape of 14-Year-Old Deaf and Mute Girl

By Prosper Mene

The Ekiti State Amotekun Corps has arrested a 20-year-old man, Dare Omoyajowo, for the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl who is deaf and mute.

The incident reportedly occurred in Are Ekiti on Friday, according to a statement issued by the Corps’ Head of Communications, Adeleye Adewale, in Ado Ekiti on Monday.

The arrest followed a report lodged by the suspect’s own mother. The victim’s mother recounted to Amotekun officials that her daughter returned home with visible signs of sexual assault, including seminal fluids on her body. Unable to speak, the girl communicated the incident through sign language.

Amotekun operatives in the Ifedara Local Council Development Area interrogated the suspect, who confessed to the crime. He admitted to luring the girl into his apartment using gestures and body language before assaulting her.

The suspect has been handed over to the Rapid Response Squad of the Ekiti State Police Command in Ado Ekiti for further investigation and prosecution.

This arrest comes amid a series of similar incidents in the state. Earlier in December, the Amotekun Corps apprehended 28-year-old Olapade Ifeoluwa for allegedly raping a seven-year-old girl in Ilawe Ekiti. Ifeoluwa reportedly confessed, luring the child with a film before the assault, and later blamed his actions on “the devil.” The victim’s cries alerted neighbours, leading to her rescue.

Additionally, Amotekun arrested five individuals earlier this month for offences including kidnapping, attempted abduction, and fraud.

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Asake’s Christmas Reunion with Daughter Melts Hearts

By Prosper Mene

Afrobeats superstar Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with a touching Christmas reunion with his 11-year-old daughter, Zeenat, and her mother, Adijat.

Viral videos and photos from Christmas Day show the “Mr. Money” singer sharing tender moments with his family in Lagos, including warm hugs, affectionate kisses on the cheek, and family poses. The heartwarming scenes come after a period of public family challenges earlier in 2025.

In March 2025, Adijat publicly accused Asake of neglecting Zeenat for several years following his rise to fame. She claimed to have supported him financially during his university days at Obafemi Awolowo University. Similar allegations emerged from Asake’s father regarding family support.

However, reports indicate Asake reconciled with his family, taking full responsibility for Zeenat and providing support. The Christmas reunion signals a positive turn, with fans praising the singer for prioritizing family amid his global success.

One fan commented online: “This is beautiful  family first, no matter what.” Another added: “Redemption looks good on Asake. Merry Christmas to them.

The reunion coincided with Asake’s triumphant homecoming performances in Lagos, including a headline slot at the Flytime Music Festival.

As the festive season continues, this story serves as a reminder of forgiveness and reconciliation during the holidays.

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Rena Wakama Makes History as First Female Coach to Secure Back-to-Back Women’s AfroBasket Titles

By Prosper Mene

Rena Wakama has solidified her legacy in African basketball by guiding Nigeria’s D’Tigress to their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket championship, becoming the first woman to win the tournament in repeat fashion as head coach.

In a commanding final, Nigeria defeated Mali 78-64, extending an unbeaten AfroBasket streak to 29 games and claiming their seventh overall title. This historic feat, no team had ever won five straight, also secured direct qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Amy Okonkwo earned MVP honors, heading the All-Star Five.

Wakama, who first broke barriers in 2023 with Nigeria’s fourth straight title, praised her players as “my queens” for their resilience despite limited preparation. At 33, the US-born coach of Nigerian descent (Rivers State roots) has rapidly risen, previously assisting with the Chicago Sky (WNBA) and earning 2024 Paris Olympics Best Coach after D’Tigress’ quarterfinal run, the first for any African team.

President Bola Tinubu honored the team with national awards, cash, and housing. Wakama’s achievements challenge gender norms in coaching, inspiring greater female participation while elevating women’s basketball across Africa.

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First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Expands Empowerment Programs Through Renewed Hope Initiative in 2025

By Prosper Mene

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, has intensified the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) throughout 2025, delivering comprehensive support to women, youths, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and vulnerable communities as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

RHI’s flagship programs included agricultural empowerment, providing farm inputs, tools, agrochemicals, and financial grants to hundreds of female farmers, student farmers, and cooperatives in states like Delta (400 beneficiaries in May) and others.

Economic initiatives featured non-repayable grants of ₦50,000 each to women entrepreneurs, in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, aiming to reach 18,500 women nationwide. Food outreaches distributed essentials to vulnerable households, widows, and PWDs in states including Ekiti, Kogi, and Niger.

Additional efforts encompassed health interventions (e.g., cervical cancer support), skills acquisition, environmental awareness through school clubs, and recapitalization grants for PWD-owned businesses. Collaborations amplified impact, touching over 100,000 families with education, social investment, and sustainability projects.

Praised by groups like the Arewa Youth Forum for northern impacts, these initiatives underscore RHI’s focus on inclusivity, food security, economic growth, and family strengthening, particularly elevating women as community pillars.

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Debut Novelist Oyin Olugbile Wins Prestigious 2025 Nigeria Prize for Literature

By Prosper Mene

In a landmark victory celebrating emerging literary talent, Nigerian author and cultural storyteller Oyin Olugbile (also known as Oyindamola Olugbile) has been awarded the 2025 Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG).

The $100,000 prize, one of Africa’s most prestigious and valuable literary awards, recognizes outstanding prose fiction in this cycle.

Olugbile’s debut novel, Sanya, triumphed over a fiercely competitive shortlist featuring renowned authors Chigozie Obioma (The Road to the Country) and Nikki May (This Motherless Land).

Described by judges as a captivating mythological retelling with Yoruba influences, Sanya explores profound themes of dangerous love, loss, redemption, identity, destiny, and transformation. Set in a fantastical empire enchanting even to the Òrìṣà deities, the novel boldly reimagines figures like Sango as female, blending lucid prose with sophisticated philosophical depth rooted in African traditions.

The announcement was made during the NLNG Grand Award Night at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, presided over by Advisory Board Chair Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo. She praised the high caliber of entries from 252 submissions, noting that while all shortlisted works demonstrated excellence and improved local publishing standards, Sanya “slightly takes the edge” for its daring narrative and emotional resonance.

A University of Lagos graduate with a B.A. in Creative Arts, Olugbile holds advanced qualifications from institutions including Harvard Business School Online and King’s College London. As a social impact management consultant and chief curator of the Experience Factory, an education, enterprise focused on youth development, she brings real-world insights into her storytelling. In interviews, Olugbile has shared that her “rebellious streak” and fascination with Yoruba mythology inspired the novel, emphasizing storytelling as a tool for cultural reclamation and societal change.

This win positions Olugbile among a rare group of debut authors to claim the prize, highlighting the rising prominence of female voices in Nigerian literature and inspiring aspiring writers nationwide.

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Shenseea Set to Light Up Lagos This Detty December with Cheeky Request for a “Rich Man”

By Prosper Mene

Jamaican dancehall sensation Shenseea has sent social media into a frenzy with her playful announcement that she’s heading to Lagos for the iconic Detty December festivities and she’s got a hilarious shopping list for her Nigerian fans.

In a viral video post, the “Blessed” hitmaker addressed her “Naija people” directly: “My Naija people, I dey come to Lagos for Detty December. Bring me gold. Bring me frankincense. Bring me a man.” With a wink and a laugh, she emphasized her top request: a rich one.

The cheeky biblical twist, referencing the gifts of the Magi but swapping myrrh for a wealthy suitor, has sparked thousands of reactions online, with Nigerians flooding her comments with jokes, invitations, and even “applications” from eligible bachelors.

Shenseea, known for her bold lyrics and electrifying performances, joins a star-studded lineup of international artists flocking to Lagos this festive season. Detty December, the month-long explosion of concerts, parties, beach raves, and nightlife, has become a global phenomenon, drawing diaspora Nigerians and tourists alike to the vibrant city.

This year, Lagos is buzzing more than ever with events like Flytime Fest, Livespot’s Detty December Fest, and headline shows from artists including Rick Ross, Gunna, and local Afrobeats kings. Shenseea’s arrival adds a dancehall flair to the mix, promising high-energy vibes amid the non-stop parties.

Fans are already speculating about potential performances or surprise appearances, given her history of collaborations with Afrobeats stars. Whether she’s here to perform or just to “detty” the season her way, one thing’s clear: Lagos is ready to roll out the red carpet and perhaps a few eligible rich men.

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