Accepting the nomination, Makinde said his ambition was driven not by personal interest but by the need to restore public confidence in leadership and rebuild hope among Nigerians.
The post 2027: ‘Nigeria is hurting’, Makinde calls for national reset appeared first on Tribune Online.
Filmmaker and music video director, Apampa Oluwadamilola, professionally known as Dammy Twitch, has said Nollywood producers are increasingly finding it difficult to use Afrobeats songs in movies as many Nigerian artists sign publishing and copyright agreements that limit direct access to their music.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, the video director explained that the rapid global expansion of Afrobeats has led many artists to enter publishing deals with foreign companies, making music licensing more complex and expensive for filmmakers.
According to him, personal relationships with musicians are no longer enough to secure permission to use their songs in films because many artists no longer have full control over the commercial rights to their catalogues.
“Nollywood producers can’t freely use Afrobeats songs in movies anymore. Some artists have already sold their music rights, so adding their songs to films becomes difficult,” he said.
Dammy Twitch noted that the rising cost of licensing popular Afrobeats tracks poses a major challenge for independent filmmakers, who account for a large share of Nigeria’s film industry.
“Even if the artist is my friend, they can’t permit me to use their song freely because they have already entered a contract. That is a major challenge in the movie industry,” he added.
The video director described the current relationship between Nollywood and the Afrobeats industry as increasingly strained, and that only productions backed by major studios or well-funded investors can easily afford the licensing fees attached to hit songs.
“The collaboration between Nollywood and Afrobeats is at a very weird place right now. Many producers can’t afford to include Afrobeats songs in their movies unless a major studio or investor backs them. Nigerian producers are mostly independent filmmakers, so a lot of us won’t be able to afford it,” Twitch said.
He warned that the trend could widen the gap between two of Nigeria’s most influential creative industries if more affordable and flexible licensing arrangements are not developed.
Why Nollywood Producers Can’t Afford Afrobeats Songs — Dammy Twitch is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
President Bola Tinubu, who stated this at the commissioning of the rolling energy high-capacity Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) daughter booster station in Jahi,
The post FG unveils CNG booster station, restates commitment to gas expansion appeared first on Tribune Online.
Several football icons have predicted the scoreline of the Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.
Both teams will clash in the Champions League final on Saturday at 5 pm.
However, in a video post on UEFA Champions League official X account before the final, several football icons like David Silva, Xavi, Yaya Toure, Rio Ferdinand, Theo Walcott, and Ashley Cole were asked to provide their scoreline for the encounter.
Silva tipped Arsenal to defeat PSG 1-0, while Xavi backed PSG to beat Arsenal 3-1.
Similarly, Toure predicted PSG to beat Arsenal 2-0, while Walcott backed Arsenal to win 2-1 against PSG.
Also, Ferdinand also backed backed Arsenal to beat PSG 1-0, while Cole tipped both teams to play a 2-2 draw.
UCL Final: Xavi, Rio Ferdinand, Yaya Toure, others predict Arsenal vs PSG
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses, Kwara State chapter, has issued a two-week ultimatum to the state government to address welfare issues of members or risk an industrial action.
In a letter addressed to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, and signed by the secretary of the association, Marcus Luka, the association lamented that despite several letters and reminders to appropriate authorities, the government had failed to address the welfare issues affecting the members.
The association listed the unresolved issues to include entry points and proper placement of nurses among others.
According to the association, “Nurses with Bachelor of Nursing Science qualifications are expected to be placed on Grade Level 10 CONHESS 9, while nurses with dual qualifications are expected to be placed on Grade Level 08 in line with the approved unified scheme of service.”
The association also complained about the non-implementation of approved allowances for nurses, particularly those serving in specialty units.
On the issue of lateral conversion, the union said “Nurses are recognized as officers under the provisions of the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation and therefore should not be subjected to lateral conversion.”
It also decried the increasing harassment and intimidation, and assault on nurses and other healthcare workers on duty.
The body recalled a recent incident at Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, where a nurse was assaulted by a patient’s relative and called for improved protection of healthcare personnel across the state.
“We therefore request the establishment of effective security measures and appropriate sanctions against perpetrators of violence against healthcare workers to safeguard lives and maintain professionalism within the health facilities.”
The association, reiterated its commitment to industrial harmony and quality healthcare delivery in the state, but warned that “if the issues are not addressed within two weeks, from May 25, to June 17, 2026, the association may be compelled to embark on lawful industrial action in pursuit of the demands”.
Dr Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, Executive Director of Finance at the Hadejia–Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, has said that the concentration of development projects in northern Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu’s administration would secure the president’s re-election in the region in the next general election.
The projects, according to him, fall under the “Renewed Hope” agenda, with the Federal Executive Council (FEC) prioritising the North-West and North-East regions to boost regional trade, agriculture and connectivity.
Kwankwaso believes that the execution of projects and the attention shown by the president to Kano and the wider North would translate into strong electoral support in 2027.
In a statement released on Saturday, Kwankwaso listed projects such as the Kano–Kongolom Road, a 132-kilometre dualisation and construction project valued at N334 billion, designed to connect Kano with Jigawa and Katsina, among others.
Similarly, he cited the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, a major ongoing reconstruction project using reinforced concrete pavement technology, alongside enhanced security measures.
He also referenced the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, a 1,068-kilometre six-lane economic corridor with an integrated rail line, which he said demonstrates federal commitment to northern development.
Kwankwaso noted that the 37.8-kilometre Kano Eastern Bypass, designed to divert heavy industrial traffic away from the Kano metropolis, is ongoing and nearing completion.
Another major project, he said, is the Kano–Maradi Rail Line, a 284-kilometre rail project linking Kano, Jigawa and Katsina and extending connectivity towards the Niger Republic.
He also highlighted the Ajaokuta–Abuja–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, a 614-kilometre project aimed at boosting domestic gas supply, industrialisation and power generation in northern states.
On ecological and agricultural interventions, he said the federal government had approved the Jakara–Gogau–Zungeru project, a N47 billion urban drainage and sewage system in Kano metropolis aimed at flood control and improved sanitation.
He added that multi-billion-naira interventions had also been made for 16 dams in Kano State, including the Challawa Gorge and Tiga dams, as well as the broader Kano River irrigation project.
On healthcare, he noted ongoing upgrades of federal teaching hospitals across the northern region and the revitalisation of primary health centres under the IMPACT programme.
Kwankwaso also referenced the Energising Commercialisation Nigeria (ECoN) initiative launched in Kano by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, aimed at converting research outputs into commercially viable products to create jobs in the North-West.
He further mentioned the North-West Development Commission, noting that preparatory work and inspections for its projects and permanent headquarters in Kano are ongoing.
Kwankwaso said the projects are not merely on paper but are visible and ongoing, describing them as evidence of the president’s commitment to the region.
He added that President Tinubu would “sleep with his two eyes closed” because, in his view, the 2027 re-election was assured, with the North and Kano in particular expected to deliver strong support.
Tinubu’s northern projects will secure re-election in 2027 – Kwankwaso
A groundbreaking endurance event is set to redefine the limits of sport and human resilience in Nigeria.
Nigerian endurance athlete, Coach Dreh, has officially announced the launch of The 226 Challenge, a full-distance triathlon scheduled to take place on September 27, 2026, spanning four states in the country.
The initiative comes on the heels of a visa setback that prevented the athlete from participating in an international triathlon. Rather than be deterred, Coach Dreh has chosen to bring the experience home—creating a world-class endurance challenge on Nigerian soil.
Recall that in 2024, Dreh swam across the 11.8-kilometre-long water of the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos, to raise awareness on mental health.
The feat started from Oworonshoki, on the Mainland and ended at Adeniji Adenle on the Island.
He swam for 2 hours 33 minutes to complete the breath-taking exercise.
A 226KM TEST OF ENDURANCE
The 226 Challenge is a long-distance triathlon covering a total of 226 kilometers across Osun, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos States.
The challenge will feature:
3.8km Swim at Owala Lake, Osun State 180km Cycling Route across Osun → Oyo → Ogun → Lagos
42.2km Marathon Run, finishing at the Lagos State Government House
The event is expected to test not only physical strength but also mental toughness and national spirit.
TURNING SETBACK INTO A NATIONAL MOVEMENT
Speaking on the inspiration behind the project, Coach Dreh described The 226 Challenge as a response to limitation and a call to action. “If the opportunity doesn’t come to us, we will create it ourselves.”
The challenge is positioned as more than a personal feat—it is a symbol of resilience, self-belief, and the determination to showcase African excellence on a global stage.
BEYOND SPORT: A PLATFORM FOR INSPIRATION
Organisers say The 226 Challenge is designed to go beyond athletics by: Inspiring young Nigerians to pursue excellence Promoting endurance sports and healthy living Demonstrating Nigeria’s capacity to host world-class sporting initiatives Uniting communities across multiple states through a shared experience
DIGITAL EXPERIENCE AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
To ensure wide participation and visibility, the event will be supported by a comprehensive digital campaign, including:
A dedicated website with **live tracking** of the challenge * Real-time updates and milestone coverage * Interactive route mapping * Opportunities for public support and engagement
Official hashtags for the campaign include: #The226Challenge #EnduranceHasNoVisa #NaijaStrength #AfricanExcellence #BuiltInNigeria #TestedByDistance
CALL FOR PARTNERSHIPS
Corporate organisations, government institutions, and brands are invited to partner with the organisers to deliver what is expected to be a landmark endurance event in Africa.
Partners will benefit from: Extensive brand visibility Association with a high-impact national initiative * Media exposure across multiple platforms
EVENT DETAILS
Event:The 226 Challenge
Date: September 27, 2026
Route: Osun → Oyo → Ogun → Lagos
Finish Line: Lagos State Government House —
MEDIA CONTACT
For media inquiries, sponsorship, and partnerships, please contact:
Gbolahan Balogun
📞 +234 810 161 2160
ABOUT THE 226 CHALLENGE
The 226 Challenge is an endurance initiative founded by Coach Dreh to redefine limits and showcase African excellence through resilience, performance, and storytelling.
Coach Dreh Unveils “The 226 Challenge” — A Historic Endurance Event Across Four Nigerian States
The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Akwa Ibom Command, says it booked 51 traffic offenders during the Eid-el-Kabir special patrol operation conducted during the celebrations.
The Sector Commander in Akwa Ibom, Mrs Felicia Kalu, who led the team, said in a statement on Saturday that the special operation was to ensure reduction in road crashes during the celebrations.
According to Kalu, the special patrol operation was organised by the command with special marshals targeting critical traffic offences capable of causing road crashes.
“Such offences targeted at include: driving against traffic, speeding, overloading, dangerous driving/overtaking, distracted driving, use of cell phone while driving and tyre violation among others.
“During the operation, a total of 51 targeted critical offences were recorded, while minor offenders were cautioned and warned to desist from such violations of road traffic rules and regulations,” Kalu said.
The sector commander warned drivers and motorists against any act that undermines the safety of other road users.
She noted that the command had made adequate deployment of human and material resources to ensure effective enforcement of traffic laws, prompt rescue services, removal of obstruction and traffic control.
She expressed concern over the rise in ‘wrong-way’ driving and other reckless practices on major routes in the state, describing them as grave dangers to motorists and pedestrians.
Physical businesses that once relied heavily on banners, roadside displays, and word-of-mouth referrals are now paying closer attention to digital visibility.
The post Simple guide to influencer marketing for brick-and-mortar stores in Ibadan appeared first on Tribune Online.
Wedding guests and delegates of the Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, national convention clashed at an event center in Abuja on Saturday.
DAILY POST reports that the confusion erupted at Chelsea Hotel, Central Business District, Abuja, on Saturday.
An eyewitness, Mohammed Abbas, told DAILY POST that ZLP delegates had arrived at the hotel venue but surprisingly met an ongoing wedding reception.
The development forced the delegates to stay outside as the convention is currently on hold pending when the wedding reception is concluded.
Both the ZLP executives and the hotel management are yet to officially comment on the situation as of the time of filing this report.
Chief Dan Nwanyanwu is the national chairman of ZLP.
Confusion as wedding guests, delegates clash at opposition party convention in Abuja