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Famous rapper Nicki Minaj has claimed that there are powerful music figures making talented artists “almost invisible” if they don’t abide by their rules. 

She claimed that most of the challenges herself and other talented artists face in the music industry were orchestrated by those figures, whom she declined to name.

Speaking in a recent episode of The Bryce Crawford podcast, Minaj said those powerful music figures treat musicians like “properties” to make money for them and sabotage those who don’t work for them.

The rapper said she has faced “constant spiritual warfare” for not playing by the rules of those powerful music figures. 

Minaj said if she had known that the music industry was deeply spiritual, she would have come better prepared. 

“It was constant spiritual warfare. I wish I kind of knew sooner that this music industry was such a spiritual experience because I felt like I brought a knife to a gunfight,” she said. 

‘I faced constant spiritual warfare in music industry’ – Nicki Minaj opens up

The Federal Government will begin the rollout of 10,000 electric tricycles into the Nigerian market in August 2026 as part of efforts to improve public transportation…

The post FG to roll out 10,000 electric tricycles in August — Shettima appeared first on Tribune Online.

The organisers of the Headies have announced that the awards will be leaving Nigeria again, unveiling Canada as the host of the 18th edition. 

Recall that the awards first left Nigeria in 2022 for its 15th edition in Atlanta but returned to Lagos for the 17th edition in 2025. 

Speaking on Monday during “The Big Announcement” event held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, Headies founder, Ayo Animashaun said the decision to hold the 18th Headies in Toronto, Canada, was highly economical. 

He explained that that although the main ceremony will take place in Toronto, it will run simultaneously with a live watch party in Lagos, where Nigerian fans will participate in the celebration and witness portions of the awards presentation as the event unfolds abroad.

Animashaun said, “Someone said Ayo, you are taking the Headies out of the country again, he said it doesn’t make sense. Tell me what makes sense. Does it make sense for us not to do it anymore? 

“So how do we fund it? We will have a watch Party in Lagos.”

Why we’re holding 18th Headies Awards in Canada – Organisers 

Former Manchester United midfielder, Paul Pogba, has put Spain winger Lamine Yamal among the top three best players in the world.

Pogba spoke during a recent interview with El Chiringuito as Spain played a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their World Cup opener on Monday.

The Frenchman advised the Barcelona star to focus on playing football and not worry about anything else.

“I would advise Lamine to just focus on playing football and not worry about anything else,” Pogba said.

“He needs to be with reliable people. His family and agent are crucial to him; let them worry about his public image, and he only needs to focus on playing football.

“Even if he’s not the best in the world, he is definitely top three. Even if not first, then second or third.”

Yamal has been impressive for both club and country as he helped Barcelona to win the LaLiga title last season.

The 18-year-old finished in second position on the Ballon d’Or ranking last year behind winner Ousmane Dembele.

World Cup 2026: Pogba puts Yamal among top three world’s best players

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has charged local and international investors to embrace sustainable financing models for the electrification of Nigeria‘s healthcare facilities, describing the sector as one of the most compelling investment opportunities on the African continent. The minister made the call while speaking at the National Healthcare Electrification Investor Matchmaking Forum, held under […]

The post Tegbe champions sustainable financing models at NPH initiative appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Usman Kanfani Jibrin, has ordered strict enforcement against vehicles operating without registration plates or with concealed numbers, and directed intensified efforts to curb the possession of dangerous weapons as part of new security measures for the farming season.M

According to a statement by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, the CP gave the directives yesterday, during a strategic security with the Police Management Team, Heads of Departments, Tactical Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs).

The conference reviewed security operations and adopted proactive measures to address emerging threats, particularly farmer-herder disputes, communal clashes, youth restiveness, hooliganism, and illicit drug abuse associated with the farming season.

“All DPOs and Tactical Commanders are ordered to intensify community engagement, intelligence gathering, and stakeholder collaboration towards preventing conflicts and ensuring peaceful coexistence among residents”, the Jibrin directed 

The CP also directed all DPOs and Tactical Commanders to impound vehicles without registration plates or with covered number plates in line with the law. 

On the possession of dangerous weapons, the Police Commissioner charged officers to intensify efforts in curbing the possession and movement of dangerous weapons, including cutlasses, bows, arrows, and other harmful objects carried by individuals with the intention of engaging in violent confrontations and acts of hooliganism.

“sustained raids on criminal hideouts, black spots, and areas suspected to be harbouring criminal elements,” rhe Commissioner further directed.

He warned officers against interfering in civil matters and contractual disputes, stressing respect for human rights, professionalism, and civility in dealing with the public. 

The CP also encouraged continuous training in law enforcement, weapons handling, human rights standards, and community policing.

He appealed to members of the public to support the police and other security agencies by providing credible information to prevent crime and maintain peace in Yobe State.

Yobe police begin crackdown on unregistered vehicles, dangerous weapons

The Young Amazons of Benin Republic have started preparations for their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against Nigeria’s Flamingos, DAILY POST reports.

The team is camped at the Missérété Excellence Centre.

Head coach Idah Azonsou invited 30 players to camp for the final qualifying round fixture.

Azonsou is expected to prune down the list before the clash with the Flamingos.

Nigeria will host the first leg at the Remo Stars Sports Complex on Saturday, 4 July, while the reverse fixture will hold one week later in Kegue.

The winner on aggregate will qualify for the U-17 Women’s World Cup which will be hosted by Morocco.

U-17 WWCQ:Benin Republic resume camp for Flamingos showdown

Peak 4-5-6 Growing Up Milk marked this year’s Children’s Day with a series of vibrant celebrations across Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, bringing together thousands of children and families in a nationwide experience that combined fun, learning and talent development while unveiling the brand’s refreshed packaging.

The multi-city activation transformed Children’s Day into a memorable celebration of childhood, creating platforms for children to express themselves through games, performances, competitions and interactive activities designed to inspire confidence, creativity and discovery.

At the flagship event held at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos, children enjoyed a colourful carnival atmosphere filled with engaging activities, while similar celebrations in Abuja and Port Harcourt echoed the same spirit of joy and excitement. The Lagos event was further enlivened by the presence of popular food and lifestyle influencer, Yemisi Odusanya, popularly known as Sisi Yemmie, who connected with families and added warmth and energy to the occasion.

Speaking at the event, Senior Brand Manager, Peak 4-5-6 Growing Up Milk, Moronke Adisa-Abayomi, said the celebrations reflected the brand’s commitment to supporting children during a critical stage of development. “Children’s Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate the incredible potential of every child. At Peak 4-5-6, we understand that ages four to six are critical years for growth, learning and discovery. Through these celebrations and our refreshed pack launch, we are reminding parents that while the look may be new, our commitment remains the same, providing trusted nutrition that supports children’s cognitive development, confidence and ability to thrive.”

The refreshed packaging introduces a modern and engaging design while retaining the same trusted nutritional formulation that parents have relied on over the years. Peak 4-5-6 remains fortified with DHA and essential nutrients that support brain development, helping children navigate one of the most important phases of their growth journey.

The celebrations also highlighted the brand’s commitment to supporting not only children’s nutritional needs but also their talents and aspirations.

Renowned paediatrician Dr. Zainab Momo Yaro, popularly known as Dr. Mims, who attended the Abuja event, emphasized the importance of nurturing children’s overall development. “For us at Peak, we are always committed to supporting healthy children. And not just their health, we are also committed to supporting their talents and watching them thrive,” she said.

Reflecting on the performances and activities showcased by children, she added: “Honestly, it has been fun being here judging from the amount of talent we have seen. It further buttresses our belief that children are indeed the leaders of tomorrow.” Beyond the physical events, Peak 4-5-6 extended the celebrations through strategic radio partnerships with Kid 101.7 FM, Inspiration FM and Kids FM, creating engaging conversations around parenting, childhood nutrition and talent development while reaching families across multiple cities.

The initiative reinforces FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to providing quality dairy nutrition that supports children’s physical, cognitive and emotional development. Through Peak 4-5-6, the company continues to champion age-appropriate nutrition for children between four and six years old, helping them grow strong, confident and ready to achieve their full potential.

As families departed the celebrations with smiles, prizes and lasting memories, the message remained clear: every child deserves the opportunity to grow, thrive and dream.

Peak 4-5-6 celebrates Nigerian children, unveils refreshed packaging at nationwide Children’s Day events

 

For many Nigerians, kidnapping has become one of the country’s most frightening security challenges. In a shocking development, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested five suspects linked to a kidnapping and banditry network operating around Abuja, including a heavily pregnant woman accused of serving as a cook and logistics supplier for the criminal gang and their captives.

According to the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, the arrests followed a major clearance operation carried out on June 11, 2026, in the Byazin area of the FCT. During the operation, security forces reportedly arrested several bandits, neutralised others, and rescued victims held by the criminal group.

One of the most startling arrests was that of Hauwa Shafiu, a woman who was heavily pregnant at the time of her capture. Police allege that despite her condition, she actively supplied food, cooked meals, and handled logistics for the kidnappers and their hostages.

Commissioner Sanusi revealed that after her arrest, she was immediately taken to a hospital where she safely gave birth. He confirmed that both mother and child are receiving medical care while investigations continue.

Other suspects arrested include Yahaya Abdullahi, Muhammed Yunusa, and Shamsudeen Mustapha. Preliminary investigations suggest the group was part of a wider criminal network responsible for kidnappings and banditry attacks within and around the Federal Capital Territory.

Police disclosed that the suspects had strategically integrated themselves into a local community located approximately one kilometre from Abuja’s boundary. This positioning allegedly enabled them to gather intelligence, monitor targets, and coordinate attacks without attracting suspicion.

During the operation, law enforcement officers recovered several exhibits believed to be linked to the gang’s activities, including:

• Four motorcycles

• 31 tablets of 500mg tramadol

• 10 tablets of 50mg tramadol

• Five mobile phones

• One POS machine

• Cooking utensils

• ₦320,000 in cash

According to police, the cash recovered was allegedly part of the proceeds from a recent kidnapping ransom. One suspect reportedly confessed that the ₦320,000 represented his personal share from a ₦7 million ransom paid by victims’ families.

Investigators also uncovered evidence suggesting that members of the network actively assisted fleeing bandits. One suspect allegedly admitted to providing a motorcycle that helped two bandits escape during the June 11 security operation.

Another suspect, Shamsudeen Mustapha, is accused of supplying drugs to members of the criminal network, further highlighting the organised nature of the operation.

In response to the discoveries, the FCT Police Command announced plans to demolish properties identified as hideouts used by the suspects. Commissioner Sanusi stated that the demolition exercise would be carried out in collaboration with the FCT Administration and warned that any property linked to criminal activities would face similar action.

The police chief also declared several wanted bandits as active targets of ongoing security operations, stating that authorities have already obtained photographs of some of the fugitives and remain committed to tracking them down.

The arrests have once again exposed the complex support systems that often sustain kidnapping operations, showing that criminal networks frequently rely on logistics suppliers, informants, and local collaborators to carry out their activities.

As investigations continue, authorities say efforts are underway to dismantle the entire network and bring all those involved to justice.

What are your thoughts on this case? Should anyone found aiding kidnappers face the same punishment as those carrying out the abductions?

The Kano State Government has established a Digital Multimedia Department under the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs as part of efforts to modernise government communication and improve public engagement through digital platforms.

The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, unveiled the new department at the ministry’s headquarters in the Audu Bako Secretariat, Kano.

Waiya described the initiative as a major institutional reform designed to bridge communication gaps between the government and citizens in an increasingly digital world.

According to him, the department was created after consultations and assessments revealed the need for a dedicated structure to document government activities, showcase achievements, disseminate policies and counter misinformation through timely and credible communication.

He said the Digital Multimedia Department would serve as the central hub for content creation, digital engagement, online publishing, documentation of government programmes and strategic media management.

“The department represents our response to the growing demand for modern, efficient and professional government communication.

It will ensure that the voice of government remains visible, accessible and authoritative across all communication platforms,” he said.

The commissioner commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for approving the creation of the department, describing the decision as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to responsive governance and effective public communication under the Kano First Agenda.

The event also featured the inauguration of the Forum of Directors of Public Enlightenment and Public Relations Officers drawn from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) across the state.

Waiya said the forum would promote coordination, information sharing and professional collaboration among communication officers in the state.

He also announced a donation of N1 million to support the activities of the newly inaugurated forum.

In separate goodwill messages, communication experts and media stakeholders, including representatives of the Faculty of Communication at Bayero University Kano, the media organisations forum and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, praised the state government for establishing the department, saying it would significantly strengthen Kano’s digital communication strategy and improve information dissemination to the public.

Kano Creates Digital War Room To Counter Misinformation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper