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A woman in Eswatini, Dumsile Dludlu, is facing up to three years in prison after she was remanded for allegedly snooping through her husband’s WhatsApp account without his consent.
The act, which contravenes Eswatini’s Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act of 2022, was condemned by Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi at the Mbabane Magistrates Court.
Dludlu pleaded not guilty to the charge of unauthorised access but admitted to insulting her husband. She stated in court, “I did insult him, but it wasn’t as severe as what’s in the police statement.”
The police statement had described her insults as more severe than Dludlu acknowledged.
Dludlu’s trial is set to resume on March 10, 2025.
The Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act criminalises the unauthorised access of digital devices, and violators face fines or imprisonment of up to three years.
The Act aims to protect individuals’ digital privacy and prevent unauthorised intrusions into personal communication.
Meanwhile, Eswatini Communications Commission CEO, Prince Mvilawemphi, has warned that accessing a partner’s cellphone is now considered a criminal offence in the country, with fines reaching up to E300,000
The Nigeria Labour Congress has said the Federal Government is prioritising revenue generation over the welfare of citizens by supporting the recent 50 per cent increase in telecommunications tariffs.
The tariff hike, announced by the Nigerian Communications Commission on Monday, will see MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile charge more for calls and messages.
The move, the first in 11 years justified by the need for telcos to cover inflation and the high cost of operations of over 300 per cent, has sparked outrage among citizens, with the NLC particularly calling for protest.
Speaking on Arise TV on Friday, the Labour Union president Joseph Ajaero criticised the government for aligning with telecom companies while Nigerians grapple with the rising cost of living.
Ajaero, who leads a workforce earning less than $50 monthly as minimum wage, expressed concern that the government is neglecting its regulatory responsibilities and acting as though these private telecom companies are public enterprises.
“These corporate entities will be smiling to the bank while poverty among Nigerians continues. That’s the challenge we face now. We hear the minister speaking as if these are government-owned businesses.
“When you increase tariffs by 50 per cent, aside from the taxes the government may collect, it’s seen as a way to boost government revenue. This has been the same approach even in the power sector.
He warned that the tariff increase would disproportionately affect low-income earners, many of whom already struggle to cover basic living expenses.
“Government officials often say that higher tariffs are good, but this only pushes the people further down the poverty line. This is where we disagree. The government has not acted as a proper regulator to strike a balance between corporate interests and the welfare of the people.
“The government needs to strike a balance. For someone earning N70,000, paying over N10,000 on this tariff increase alone is significant. How will they afford transportation, housing, and other basic needs? It’s not realistic because, in reality, there’s no housing that costs N10,000, and transportation costs are equally high,” Ajaero said.
The NLC president also criticised the government’s reliance on imported telecom and power equipment, arguing that local production of essential components like cables and meters could reduce costs.
The NLC chief urged the government to encourage local manufacturing rather than passing the cost of importation onto consumers.
Ajaero criticised officials who defend the tariff hike on the grounds of inflation and operational costs, describing their arguments as a pretext to boost government revenue while neglecting the plight of Nigerians.
“The justification for this increase—citing inflation, cost of living, and importation of equipment—doesn’t hold when there’s potential for local production. Why are we importing cables and other materials that can be manufactured locally?
“For instance, even for metering, we’re importing cables. These are items we could produce domestically, but instead, we rely on imports and then blame rising costs on currency value and importation expenses.
“Where did we go wrong that ordinary Nigerians must always bear the brunt? We need to rethink these policies and ensure that people aren’t left struggling to survive while corporations thrive,” he lamented.
On Wednesday, the union issued a statement warning of potential collective action, including a nationwide boycott of telecom services, to compel the government and the NCC to reverse the decision.
The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers will today engage the telecom regulator seeking a possible reversal of the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike to 10 per cent.
Hundreds of transgender federal prisoners face uncertainty and fear after President Donald Trump’s executive order mandating transfers to facilities based on biological sex rather than gender identity.
The move has sparked concerns, particularly from legal advocates who warn of the dangers these inmates may face in male prisons.
“It’s going to be incredibly dangerous,” said attorney Moira Meltzer-Cohen, who represents Donna Langan, a transgender woman serving a life sentence for bank robbery, as quoted by DailyMailUK.
Meltzer-Cohen fears a “bloodbath” if trans inmates are forced into male prisons.
The order, signed on Trump’s first day in office, states the government will recognise only two sexes and restrict “intimate spaces” like bathrooms and dorms to biological sex. Federal funding for transition-related healthcare has also been halted.
Sandra Gant, a federal public defender, revealed that her office was alerted after a trans client was segregated for transfer to a men’s prison. “She is terrified,” Gant shared, calling for legal strategies to challenge the policy.
Rhonda Fleming, a female inmate in Texas, welcomed the decision after her failed legal battle to exclude trans women from women’s prisons, citing fears for her safety. Fleming claimed some male inmates fake gender identities to serve sentences in women’s facilities.
The Bureau of Prisons, which oversees approximately 1,500 trans women and 750 trans men, has yet to decide on placements for inmates who have undergone gender-affirming surgeries, citing additional security concerns.
The executive order, part of Trump’s broader rollback of protections for transgender individuals, faces potential legal challenges from groups like the ACLU.
The Controller General (CG) of Corrections has addressed a communication to all State Controllers of Corrections and the Federal Capital Territory Commands, soliciting the submission of lists detailing all qualified prisoners and inmates within their jurisdictions for consideration of presidential pardon.
Naija News reports that this directive was issued by the Acting Controller General of Corrections (CGC) for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche.
Recall that Nwakuche assumed this role on December 16, 2024, following the retirement of Haliru Nababa and his subsequent appointment by President Bola Tinubu.
According to SaharaReporters, the directive to compile a list of eligible prisoners for pardon was contained in a memo obtained by the media house dated January 17, 2025, bearing the reference number NCoS 848/C. I/VOL. 1/288.
The memo, titled ‘Re: Request For List Of Prisoners/Inmates Eligible For Presidential Pardon/Clemency Nation-Wide,’ indicates that factors such as advanced age, health conditions, and duration of incarceration will be considered in determining eligibility for clemency.
It reads, “I am directed to write and request you to as a matter of urgency, furnish the office the Controller-General of Corrections with list of ALL qualified prisoners/Inmates in your Command for Presidential Pardon/Clemency.
“For avoidance of doubt, Inmates other than Nigerian Prisoner-citizens deported to the Country, must have been convicted or awaiting trial for Federal offences only.
“Note that in determining eligibility, regard shall be had to the following criteria: Old age – (60 years and above); ill-health, likely to terminate in death; young persons, 16 years and below; long term convicts who have served 10 years and above with good record; long awaiting trial persons in custody for 10 years and above; convicts serving 3 years and above and have less than 6 months to serve; awaiting trial persons (ATPs) who have been in custody for 3 years and above for minor offences and ATPs who must have stayed longer than sentence that would have been imposed.”
‘Your Bahaviour Has Become Embarrassing’ – Late Alaafin Of Oyo Family Threatens To Drag Queen Dami To Court
AFOLABI
The family of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has warned the monarch’s ex-wife, Queen Dami, against defaming his name at every provocation while granting an interview.
This comes a few days after Queen Dami, in a recent interview with Nigerian journalist, Esabod Aboderin, over his issue with ex-lover, Portable, referenced the late Alaafin.
Part of her statement reads, “When I was in the Palace, the king didn’t allow us to work but I was selling fabrics online without his knowledge. Concerning Alaafin’s daughter who came out to say my son is not for the king, we never liked each other when I was in the palace, and that was why she came out to lie against me. I am ready to have a DNA test done on my son.”
However, the monarch family, in a letter via the Instagram page of his daughter, Aminat Adeyemi, warned Dami against mentioning their father’s name again in any interview or online publication and threatened to take legal action against her.
The family also stated that Dami was not the only widow of the late king, and her behaviour has become increasingly embarrassing and unacceptable.
The letter memo, which was written with the letter headed paper of the late Alaafin of Oyo but not signed by anyone, has the caption, “On behalf of the ADEYEMIS’ Dammy be warned ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ officialqueen_dami Okó melo lówà nidi bàbá yen abi…dey play ▶️ To be forewarned is to be forearmed.”
‘I’m Being Scapegoated By Government’ – Agunloye Links Obasanjo, Buhari To Mambilla Power Project
AFOLABI
Former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, has accused ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo of spreading falsehoods to obscure his involvement in the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
Agunloye, who served under Obasanjo from 2002 to 2003, is currently facing a seven-count charge brought by the Federal Government over allegations of fraud in the $6 billion Mambilla project contract.
In a statement released on Friday, Agunloye, now the National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), alleged that Obasanjo is deliberately distorting facts about the project.
Naija News reports that he also accused Obasanjo of feigning ignorance about the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) contract signed during his administration, saying, “Obasanjo later distorted the facts in public and judicial settings to shield himself from scrutiny.”
Agunloye further suggested that his current legal troubles stem from personal conflicts involving Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Leno Adesanya, the owner of Sunrise Power Company.
He said, “The government seeks to use me as a scapegoat to portray systemic corruption to the arbitration panel and undermine Sunrise’s claims. Challenges stem from personal conflicts between President Obasanjo and two of his associates: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Leno Adesanya, owner of Sunrise Power Company.
“Obasanjo feigned ignorance of the BOT contract during his presidency and later distorted the facts in public and judicial settings.
“The arbitration in France arose from actions taken by successive administrations, particularly under President Buhari. In 2017, then-Minister of Power Babatunde Fashola bypassed a 2012 agreement signed under President Goodluck Jonathan with Sunrise and awarded the contract to another company.
“Despite advice from the Chinese government to resolve the dispute amicably, the FGN failed to honour two settlement agreements, leading Sunrise to return to arbitration.
“The government is spreading misinformation and using me as a pawn to divert attention from the actions of its own officials and four former presidents who handled the project over two decades.”
![[OPEN LETTER] 23 Years Behind Bars: A Plea for Mercy for Olayinka Afolalu - Femi Falana](/media/k2/items/cache/87fb2b555a69ba160f642ba4eb6ab8cc_S.jpg)
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at solidifying the United States’ position as a global leader in cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence (AI).
The order prohibits central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and establishes a working group to develop clear regulations for the crypto industry.
This comprehensive directive outlines a framework designed to foster innovation, eliminate regulatory uncertainty, and safeguard individual financial sovereignty.
Following the announcement, Bitcoin (BTC), the world’s largest cryptocurrency, surged by 3%, reaching the $105,000 mark in Friday’s trading.
One of the most notable aspects of the executive order is the proposal to create a national crypto reserve. This “digital asset stockpile” would consist of cryptocurrencies seized by federal law enforcement agencies.
While Trump has previously suggested the idea of a national Bitcoin reserve, the order does not prioritize BTC alone. Instead, it includes U.S.-developed altcoins, indicating a broader approach to digital asset adoption.
Reflection on the crypto market
The crypto industry welcomed the announcement, having urged the administration to provide clear support during Trump’s early days in office.
- As of 6:40 am Nigerian time, Bitcoin was trading at $104,971, up by 2.8%, after reaching an intraday high of $106,820. Ethereum also saw a surge, rising 5% to $3,376. The global cryptocurrency market capitalization increased by 2.65%, reaching $3.61 trillion.
- Other major altcoins followed suit, with Solana rising by 4%, XRP by 1%, Dogecoin by 1.3%, Cardano by 3.5%, and Chainlink by 5.2%. Additionally, Tron and Avalanche experienced gains.
- The volume of stablecoins now stands at $189.11 billion, accounting for 91.79% of the total 24-hour crypto market volume, according to data from CoinMarketCap.
In the past 24 hours, Bitcoin’s market capitalization surged to $2.079 trillion. Currently, Bitcoin’s dominance in the market is 57.49%, with BTC’s 24-hour trading volume rising by 73.5% to $100.98 billion.
What you should know
Also on Thursday, President Trump addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, declaring his intention to make America “the world capital of AI and crypto.” These comments marked the first direct mention of cryptocurrency by the President since his inauguration.
He emphasized that an increase in domestic oil and gas production would secure U.S. manufacturing dominance and establish the country as the global leader in artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency.
Industry insiders had grown concerned by the lack of a direct mention of crypto by the President since being sworn in on Monday. Bitcoin prices rose following the mention, further boosted by the news that Senator Cynthia Lummis was confirmed as chair of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Digital Assets.
[Nairametrics]
The Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku has stated that she is ready to step down from her position if her leadership is no longer needed.
Speaking on Thursday evening while fielding questions during an interview on Television Continental, Kuku stated that she has stepped on toes and is ready to step on more toes to do her job properly.
She, however, stated that if her methods of leadership are no longer working she is ready to resign from her position.
She said, “I have stepped on toes and I am still stepping on toes and I know that I need to do that with caution but definitely not at the jeopardy of the airport system.
“If I have to, I will step down, I will resign if I see that it is not working but what is important is to make sure that I do what is right.”
She also responded to criticisms that have greeted her claim that ₦580bn is required to fix obsolete runways across the country.
Kuku who confirmed the barrage of critics questioning what FAAN needed such a humongous amount for, appealed to all who care to understand the need for the money to find out what it takes to take care of aviation infrastructures
She said, “I would like to clarify two things; First we have a number of runways in Nigeria today, we have mentioned to you that there are 22 airports that are owned by the Federal Government and we also support some that are state-owned.
“I also made specific reference to airports with runways that have exceeded their lifespan. The average lifespan of a runway is about 20-25 years and a lot of our runways in Nigeria have actually exceeded that time. Meaning that we had them for 30 to over 35 years.
“What it means is that we have to reconstruct those runways. The N580bn that I initially mentioned was for over 17 runways and it is not just runways but also includes some perimeter fencing and so on.
“I have seen commentaries where people asked what we would be needing those monies for. Just look it up in Google to understand what it means to build runways, taxi expansion and all that is needed to be done.”
While speaking on what she had done within her first 100 days in office, Kuku topped her achievement with the level of sanity that has been restored to Nigerian aerodromes in the last 90 days.
“We have spent too much time talking about the decay and it is time for us to start fixing things and that is exactly what we are doing. And what is more critical is the continuity, meaning that wherever we stop, somebody needs to pick that up and that is the biggest challenge that we see. Because we have a new administration we tend not to complete or continue old projects.
“Now to what we are doing; I think what to do is to block some immediate gaps which is what we have done. If you have been a traveller in the last 90 days, you will observe that the airports are cleaner and more friendly in terms of the atmosphere,” she said.
[NaijaNews]
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has described the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as a politician with double loyalty, saying such a character is shameless and sets a dangerous precedent in Nigerian politics.
The governor stated this in a statement signed by Mukhtar Gidado, his
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, reacting to Wike’s recent media chat where he knocked Mohammed’s opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills
Mohammed, who is the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, said Wike’s incoherence often made it difficult to discern any substantive points.
The statement read, “Chief Wike’s ascendancy in politics is a testament to the opportunities provided by the PDP, yet, he now gleefully undermines the very foundation that nurtured him. It is disheartening that a man who owes so much to a party that stood by him in his political journey has chosen to be a willing tool in its denigration.
“Unlike Wike, who thrives on drama and divisiveness, Sen. Bala Mohammed has always understood that politics is not a game of self-serving theatrics but a platform to serve the public good. Wike’s erratic behaviour and opportunistic alliances expose him as an unreliable and fair-weather friend—traits that alienate even those who once stood by him.”
The governor said that Wike’s recent media outburst was yet another reminder of his transactional approach to politics, where personal ambition eclipsed loyalty, principles, and collective interests.
Governor Mohammed stated that Wike’s attempt to question his opposition to President Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills was not only baseless but hypocritical.
“While Wike accuses others of insincerity, he has seamlessly transitioned from being a self-proclaimed PDP stalwart to an ardent supporter of the APC government. He now advocates for the re-election of the same APC administration in 2027, all while continuing to claim membership in the PDP. This chameleonic behavior raises serious questions about Wike’s credibility and moral compass.
“Nigerians are not deceived by Wike’s antics. They see a man willing to undermine his party for personal gain, a man whose loyalty shifts as quickly as his alliances. By contrast, Sen. Bala Mohammed’s opposition to the Tax Reform Bills reflects a principled stand aimed at ensuring inclusive governance and accountability. His constructive interventions have already led to significant adjustments in the reform process, underscoring the importance of meaningful dialogue over hollow rhetoric.
“Chief Wike’s dual loyalty—if it can even be called that—is a dangerous precedent in Nigerian politics. His shameless oscillation between PDP and APC undermines the moral fabric of democracy. Politics must be guided by principles, not by personal whims. Wike’s behavior, reminiscent of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, where roles blur and values vanish, exemplifies the kind of amoral politics that erodes public trust and damages national unity,” the statement added.
[DailyPost]
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Veteran journalist, Dele Momodu, has accused the All Progressives Congress, APC, of causing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Labour Party, LP, and New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP.
Momodu said APC was orchestrating crisis within the opposition to weaken them.
In an interview with Arise Television, the PDP chieftain accused APC of pushing Nigeria towards a one-party state.
According to Momodu: “Nigeria is obviously moving in a direction of a one-party state.
“The ruling party, APC, is so scared of opposition that right now crisis are being orchestrated from party to party, especially the leading opposition parties like PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP. It’s obvious what is going on.”
He further expressed concern about the uncertainty surrounding the situation, stating, “no one is in doubt about that. How this would end, I have no idea. So, we are watching.”
Stressing that power is transient, Momodu cautioned those currently aligned with the APC.
“The maximum they would do is eight years, so after that, what next? It’s not about how long, it’s about how well.
“That’s why I’m advising a lot of people now who are holding onto Asiwaju; he would think they love him—No!
“It’s self-preservation because they lost out in one party, they ran to Asiwaju, and now they are using him as an umbrella when they should be holding the broom,” he said.
[DailyPost]
Music superstars Burna Boy, Tems, Lojay and Davido have bagged nominations for the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Davido and Lojay are up for Best R&B Song for their feature on Chris Brown’s “Sensational,” competing against South African singer Tyla for her hit single “Water”.
Grammy winners Burna Boy and Tems are nominated for World Artist of the Year with British rapper Central Cee, Tyla, and Jamaican star YG Marley.
Tyla leads the African contingent with three nominations, including Best Dance Song for the remix of “Water” with Marshmello.
The iHeartRadio Music Awards are set to take place on March 17 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, airing on FOX.
Evening Roundup: Stories making waves in The Nation - The Nation
Full Nominations List
Artist of the Year
Billie Eilish
Doja Cat
Jelly Roll
Kendrick Lamar
Morgan Wallen
Post Malone
Sabrina Carpenter
SZA
Taylor Swift
Teddy Swims
Song of the Year
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)”- Shaboozey
“Agora Hills”- Doja Cat
“Beautiful Things”- Benson Boone
“Espresso” – Sabrina Carpenter
“Greedy”- Tate McRae
“I Had Some Help” – Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen
“Lose Control” – Teddy Swims
“Lovin on Me” – Jack Harlow
“Not Like Us”- Kendrick Lamar
“Too Sweet” – Hozier
Best Collaboration
“Die With a Smile”- Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
“Fortnight”- Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone
“I Had Some Help”- Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen
“Like That” – Future, Metro Boomin and Kendrick Lamar
“Miles on It”- Kane Brown and Marshmello
Producer of the Year
Julian Bunetta
Jack Antonoff
Evan Blair
Mustard
Dan Nigro
Songwriter of the Year
Josh Coleman
ERNEST
Ashley Gorley
Amy Allen
Justin Tranter
GENRE-SPECIFIC CATEGORIES
Pop Song of the Year
“Agora Hills”- Doja Cat
“Beautiful Things”- Benson Boone
“Espresso”- Sabrina Carpenter
“Greedy”- Tate McRae
“Too Sweet”- Hozier
Pop Artist of the Year
Billie Eilish
Chappell Roan
Sabrina Carpenter
Tate McRae
Taylor Swift
Best New Artist (Pop)
Benson Boone
Chappell Roan
Gracie Abrams
Shaboozey
Teddy Swims
Country Song of the Year
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)”- Shaboozey
“Cowgirls” – Morgan Wallen featuring ERNEST
“I Am Not Okay”- Jelly Roll
“I Had Some Help”- Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen
“World on Fire”- Nate Smith
Country Artist of the Year
Jelly Roll
Kane Brown
Lainey Wilson
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Best New Artist (Country)
Ashley Cooke
Dasha
George Birge
Shaboozey
Tucker Wetmore
Hip-Hop Song of the Year
“Like That”- Future, Metro Boomin and Kendrick Lamar
“Lovin on Me”- Jack Harlow
“Not Like Us”- Kendrick Lamar
“Rich Baby Daddy”- Drake featuring Sexyy Red and SZA
“TGIF” – GloRilla
Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
Drake
Future
GloRilla
Kendrick Lamar
Travis Scott
Best New Artist (Hip-Hop)
310babii
BigXthaPlug
BossMan Dlow
Cash Cobain
Jordan Adetunji
R&B Song of the Year
“ICU” – Coco Jones
“Made for Me”- Muni Long
“Sensational” – Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay
“Water” – Tyla
“WY@”- Brent Faiyaz
R&B Artist of the Year
Chris Brown
Muni Long
SZA
Usher
Victoria Monét
Best New Artist (R&B)
4Batz
Ambré
Inayah
Josh X
Maeta
Alternative Song of the Year
“Dilemma” – Green Day
“Landmines” – Sum 41
“Neon Pill”- Cage The Elephant
“The Emptiness Machine” – Linkin Park
“Too Sweet”- Hozier
Alternative Artist of the Year
Cage The Elephant
Green Day
Linkin Park
Sum 41
twenty one pilots
Best New Artist (Alt and Rock)
Djo
Fontaines D.C.
Good Neighbours
Myles Smith
The Last Dinner Party
Rock Song of the Year
“A Symptom of Being Human” – Shinedown
“All My Life” – Falling In Reverse and Jelly Roll
“Dark Matter” – Pearl Jam
“Screaming Suicide” – Metallica
“The Emptiness Machine” – Linkin Park
Rock Artist of the Year
Green Day
Linkin Park
Metallica
Pearl Jam
Shinedown
Dance Song of the Year
“360” – Charli xcx
“Chase It (Mmm Da Da Da)” – Bebe Rexha
“I Don’t Wanna Wait”- David Guetta and OneRepublic
“Make You Mine”- Madison Beer
“Water” – Tyla X Marshmello
Dance Artist of the Year
Calvin Harris
David Guetta
Dua Lipa
Kylie Minogue
Tiësto
Latin Pop / Urban Song of the Year
“Brickell” – FEID X Yandel
“LA FALDA” – Myke Towers
“Perro Negro”- Bad Bunny featuring FEID
“Qlona” – Karol G featuring Peso Pluma
“Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido”- Karol G
Latin Pop / Urban Artist of the Year
Bad Bunny
FEID
Karol G
Myke Towers
Shakira
Best New Artist (Latin Pop / Urban)
Christian Alicea
Cris MJ
Ela Taubert
FloyyMenor
Kapo
Regional Mexican Song of the Year
“Alch Si” – Grupo Frontera and Carin León
“El Beneficio De La Duda” – Grupo Firme
“FIRST LOVE” – Oscar Ortiz and Edgardo Nuñez
“La Diabla”- Xavi
“Tu Perfume” – Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga
Regional Mexican Artist of the Year
Grupo Frontera
Intocable
Los Ángeles Azules
Peso Pluma
Xavi
Best New Artist (Regional Mexican)
Chino Pacas
Iván Cornejo
Luis R. Conriquez
Tito Double P
Xavi
K-pop Artist of the Year
aespa
ATEEZ
ENHYPEN
Jimin
Lisa
K-pop Song of the Year
“Chk Chk Boom” – Stray Kids
“Magnetic”- ILLIT
“Supernova” – aespa
“Who”- Jimin
“XO (Only If You Say Yes)”- ENHYPEN
Best New Artist (K-pop)
BABYMONSTER
BADVILLAIN
ILLIT
NCT WISH
TWS
World Artist of the Year
Burna Boy
Central Cee
Tems
Tyla
YG Marley
SOCIALLY VOTED CATEGORIES
Favorite Soundtrack
Back to Black
Bad Boys: Ride or Die
Bob Marley: One Love
Challengers
Deadpool & Wolverine
Descendants: The Rise of Red
Emilia Pérez
The Book of Clarence
Twisters
Wicked
Favorite Broadway Debut
Adam Lambert – Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club
Ariana Madix – Chicago
Barbie Ferreira – Cult of Love
Charli D’Amelio – & Juliet
Grant Gustin – Water for Elephants
Kit Connor – Romeo + Juliet
Lola Tung – Hadestown
Nicole Scherzinger – Sunset Blvd
Rachel Zegler – Romeo + Juliet
Robert Downey Jr. – McNeal
Sebastián Yatra – Chicago
Shailene Woodley – Cult of Love
Favorite K-pop Dance Challenge
“GGUM”- Yeonjun (TXT)
“MAESTRO” – Seventeen
“Magnetic”- ILLIT
“Smart”- LE SSERAFIM
“Sticky”- Kiss of Life
“Supernova” – aespa
“Touch” – KATSEYE
“UP”- Karina (aespa)
“WORK”- ATEEZ
“XO (Only If You Say Yes)”- ENHYPEN
Favorite Surprise Guest
Charli xcx bringing out Lorde
Coldplay bringing out Selena Gomez
Future & Metro Boomin bringing out Travis Scott
GloRilla & Megan Thee Stallion bringing out Cardi B
Jennifer Hudson bringing out Cher
Kendrick Lamar bringing out Ken & Friends
Luke Combs bringing out the “Twisters” Cast
Morgan Wallen bringing out Travis Kelce & Patrick Mahomes
Niall Horan bringing out Shawn Mendes
Olivia Rodrigo bringing out Chappell Roan
Peso Pluma bringing out Becky G
Taylor Swift bringing out Travis Kelce
Favorite Tour Tradition
Benson Boone- Backflips
Chappell Roan – Teaching “HOT TO GO” dance
Charli xcx + Troye Sivan – “Apple” Girl (dance)
Morgan Wallen – Walk out song
Niall Horan – Heaven pose
Nicki Minaj – Fans sing
Olivia Rodrigo- Encore tank
Sabrina Carpenter- “Juno” position
Tate McRae – Soundcheck covers
Taylor Swift- “22” Hat
Taylor Swift – Surprise songs
Usher – Feeding cherries
Best Lyrics
“Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER” – Billie Eilish
“Espresso”- Sabrina Carpenter
“Exes” – Tate McRae
“Fortnight” – Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone
“Good Luck, Babe!”- Chappell Roan
“I Had Some Help”- Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen
“I Love You, I’m Sorry” – Gracie Abrams
“Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
“Saturn” – SZA
“we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” – Ariana Grande
“Who”- Jimin
Best Music Video
“APT.” – ROSÉ and Bruno Mars
“Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone
“Die With A Smile” – Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
“Espresso”- Sabrina Carpenter
“Fortnight”- Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone
“Houdini” – Dua Lipa
“Houdini” -Eminem
“I Had Some Help” – Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen
“LUNA” – ATL Jacob X FEID
“Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
“Please Please Please” – Sabrina Carpenter
“Rockstar”- Lisa
Favorite Tour Style
Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft
Chappell Roan – The Midwest Princess
Charli xcx and Troye Sivan – Sweat
GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion – Hot Girl Summer Tour
Nicki Minaj – Pink Friday 2 Tour
Olivia Rodrigo – GUTS
Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet
Tate McRae – Think Later
Taylor Swift – The Eras Tour
Usher – Usher: Past Present Future
Favorite Tour Photographer
Adam Degross – Post Malone
Alfredo Flores – Sabrina Carpenter
Baeth – Tate McRae
Christian Tierney – Niall Horan
David Bergman – Luke Combs
Henry Hwu – Billie Eilish
Lucienne Nghiem – Chappell Roan
Miles Leavitt – Olivia Rodrigo
Pooneh Ghana – Noah Kahan
RAYSCORRUPTEDMIND – Travis Scott
Sanjay Parikh – Shinedown
Yasi – Kacey Musgraves
Favorite On Screen
Are You Sure?! (Jimin and Jungkook)
Child Star (Demi Lovato)
Elton John: Never Too Late (Elton John)
Gaga Chromatica Ball (Lady Gaga)
I Am: Céline Dion (Céline Dion)
Lainey Wilson: Bell Bottom Country (Lainey Wilson)
Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words (Megan Thee Stallion)
Olivia Rodrigo: GUTS World Tour (Olivia Rodrigo)
Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE (KATSEYE)
Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (Bruce Springsteen)
Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version) (Taylor Swift)
Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story (Bon Jovi)
President Bola Tinubu has appointed the Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje as the board chairman of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria.
Also appointed is the APC National Secretary, Senator Bashiru Ajibola as the board chairman of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC).
The Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, announced the appointment in a statement on Friday.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed board chairpersons for 42 federal organisations and a secretary to the board of the Civil Defence, Immigration, and Prisons Services,” the statement read.
“The President has also appointed a new managing director for the Nigerian Railway Corporation and a director-general for the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI).”
He said Tinubu appointed former deputy governor of Kebbi State, Sulaiman Argungu, as the Chairman, Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company.
Similarly, a long time ally of the President and former Senator representing Rivers South-East, Magnus Abe, made the list as the Chairman, National Agency For Great Green Wall.
According to the presidential spokesman, Tinubu directed the “board chairpersons not to interfere with the management of the organisations, emphasising that their positions are non-executive.”
See the full statement below:
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
APPOINTMENT OF BOARD CHAIRPERSONS AND CEOS
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed board chairpersons for 42 federal organisations and a secretary to the board of the Civil Defence, Immigration, and Prisons Services.
The President has also appointed a new managing director for the Nigerian Railway Corporation and a director-general for the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI).
President Tinubu directs the board chairpersons not to interfere with the management of the organisations, emphasising that their positions are non-executive.
All the appointments take immediate effect.
- NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE CORPS, MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
– Hon. Hillard Eta Chairman (Cross River)
- NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
– Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Chairman (Lagos)
- FEDERAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY OF NIGERIA, MINISTRY OF AVIATION
– H. E. Abdullahi U. Ganduje, Chairman (Kano)
- NATIONAL SUGAR DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
– Sen. Surajudeen Bashiru Ajibola, Chairman (Osun)
- NIGERIA BULK ELECTRICITY TRADING COMPANY
– H. E. Sulaiman Argungu, Chairman (Kebbi)
- NATIONAL AGENCY FOR GREAT GREEN WALL
– Sen. Magnus Abe, Chairman (Rivers)
- NATIONAL TEACHERS INSTITUTE
– Barr. Festus Fuanter, Chairman (Plateau)
- NATIONAL BOARD FOR TECHNOLOGY INCUBATION (NBTI)
– Raji, Kazeem Kolawole, Director-General (Oyo)
- NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONAL PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION
– Chief Victor Tombari Giadom, Chairman (Rivers)
- TEACHERS REGISTRATION COUNCIL OF NIGERIA
– Comrade Mustapha Salihu, Chairman (Adamawa)
- INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND
– Hon. Hamma Adama Ali Kumo, Chairman (Gombe)
- NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY
– Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa, Chairman (Abia)
- SHEDA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMPLEX
– Sen. Abubakar Maikafi, Chairman (Bauchi)
- FEDERAL MORTGAGE BANK OF NIGERIA
– H. E. Nasiru Gawuna, Chairman (Kano)
- NATIONAL OFFICE FOR TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION AND PROMOTION
– Sen. Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Chairman (Lagos)
- NIGERIAN POSTAL SERVICE
– Chief D. J. Kekemeke, Chairman (Ondo)
- NATIONAL INLAND WATERWAYS AUTHORITY
– Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, Chairman (Sokoto)
- NATIONAL STEEL COUNCIL
– Prof. Abdulkarim Kana Abubakar, Chairman (Nasarawa)
- NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS
ENFORCEMENT AGENCY
– Hon. Garba Datti Muhammad, Chairman (Kaduna)
- NATIONAL BIO-SAFETY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
– Mu’azu Bawa Rijau, Chairman (Niger)
- NIGERIAN BUILDING AND ROAD RESEARCH INSTITUTE
– Hon. Durosimi Meseko, Chairman (Kogi)
- FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL, GOMBE
– Hajia Zainab A. Ibrahim, Chairman (Taraba)
- NIGERIAN RAILWAY CORPORATION
– Dr.Kayode Isiak Opeifa, Managing Director (Lagos)
- FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL, IDO-EKITI
– Aare (Hon.) Durotolu Oyebode Bankole, Chairman (Ogun)
- FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, ABEOKUTA
– Mr Abdullahi Dayo Israel, Chairman (Lagos)
- FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, ASABA
– Dr. Mrs. Mary Alile Idele, Chairman (Edo)
- FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, LOKOJA
– Nze Chidi Duru (OON), Chairman (Anambra)
- FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, OWERRI
– Hon. Emma Eneukwu, Chairman (Enugu)
- CIVIL DEFENCE, IMMIGRATION AND PRISONS SERVICES BOARD
– Major Gen. Jubril Abdulmalik Rtd, Secretary (Kano)
- FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, UMUAHIA
– Mr. Uguru Mathew Ofoke, Chairman (Ebonyi)
- FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, YENAGOA
– Barr. Felix Chukwumenoye Morka, Chairman (Delta)
- FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, YOLA
– Alh. Bashir Usman Gumel, Chairman (Jigawa)
- DAVID UMAHI FEDERAL UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, UBUHU, EBONYI STATE
– Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, Chairman (Imo)
- NATIONAL OIL SPILL DETECTION AND RESPONSE AGENCY
– Chief Edward Omo-Erewa, Chairman (Edo)
- NIGERIAN MARITIME ADMINISTRATION AND SAFETY AGENCY (NIMASA)
– Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, Chairman (Kaduna)
- NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, NNEWI, ANAMBRA STATE
– Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, Chairman (Borno)
- AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, SHIKA, ZARIA,
KADUNA STATE
– Hon. Lawal M. Liman (Chairman)
- FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE KATSINA
– Dr. Abubakar Isa Maiha (Chairman)
- RAW MATERIALS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (RMRDC)
– Isa Sadiq Achida, Chairman (Sokoto)
- FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE BIRNIN KUDU
– Dr. Mohammed Gusau Hassan, Chairman Zamfara
- NATIONAL BUILDING AND ROAD RESEARCH INSTITUTE
– Hon. Yahuza Ado Inuwa, Chairman (Nasarawa)
- SOKOTO-RIMA RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
– Amb. Abubakar Shehu Wurno, Chairman (Sokoto)
- AMINU KANO TEACHING HOSPITAL
– Augustine Chukwu Umahi, Chairman (Ebonyi)
- FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP BOARD
– Engr. Babatunde Fakoyede, Chairman (Ekiti)
- NIGERIAN SOCIAL INSURANCE TRUST FUND
– Hon. Shola Olofin, Chairman (Ekiti)
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
January 23, 2025
A heartwarming moment has captured the internet’s attention, as a video of Cameroonian football legend and President of the Cameroonian Football Federation, Samuel Eto’o, recognising a former teammate working as a security guard goes viral.
The encounter reportedly took place after an Ecobank Group seminar in Douala, Cameroon, according to a report shared on X by a news platform, ED HUB.
In the video, Eto’o, surrounded by fans and attendees, was leaving the venue when someone offscreen called out his name.
At first, he glanced back briefly before walking on, but then he stopped, turned again, and realised it was an old friend.
The man, dressed in a security uniform, walked into the frame, and Eto’o’s face lit up in recognition.
The former Barcelona star warmly shook hands with his old teammate, embraced him briefly, and exchanged pleasantries in Bassa’a, a Cameroonian dialect.
Eto’o was visibly moved, repeatedly patting his friend’s arm as they reminisced.
Turning to the crowd gathered around them, Eto’o introduced the man, saying, “He was my colleague. I played with him.”
The touching moment has drawn widespread admiration on social media, with many users praising Eto’o for his humility.
This heartfelt moment has however earned him praise among netizens.
Hendrïxx, tweeting as @Mr_humble87, wrote, “When life favors you, don’t ever think others are lazy. Bravo to Eto’o on acknowledging his old teammate.”
Another user, @MrsLucyEssel, wrote, “Much respect to Etoo. Even if he doesn’t meet him again this man would forever remember this day.”
Dark Cookies, tweeting as @ayo30bg, speculated on how Eto’o recognised him, saying, “I think he called him a name his old friends or close family calls him and caught his attention very fast.”
Some users even translated parts of their conversation spoken in Bassa’a.
Keke, tweeting as @corenti67008438, explained, “He Said: we need to meetup, we can’t speak right now because I have meetings in 10 minutes but tell Christian (assistant of Eto’o and friends of both) to do everything we meetup we gonna speak my friend. I’m happy to see you.”
Many netizens reflected on the unexpected twists and turns of life.
Twiddle™, tweeting as @Boison__, wrote, “Life be someway o. May all the boys we roll with succeed and may we all meet at the top!”
Another user, @Phemmydeji, added, “Life is deep. Sometimes you really can’t understand the mystery.”
[Punch]