Author: Drum Africa Correspondent
Nigerian singer Ayra Starr claimed two major awards at the 2025 MOBO Awards, held in Newcastle, United Kingdom. The MOBO Awards, which celebrate “music of Black origin,” recognized Aura Starr as the ‘Best International Act’, making her the first African female to win the category. She also took home the ‘Best African Music Act’ award—becoming the first female winner in 16 years. Other winners included Darkoo, a Nigerian-British rapper, who won ‘Best Female Act’, while Central Cee secured the ‘Best Male Act’ award. The popular podcast 90s Baby Show was named ‘Best Media Personality’, and Nigerian-born singer Odeal won ‘Best…
The Osun State Police Command, on Tuesday, began a manhunt for those responsible for the violence that erupted across the state, resulting in multiple deaths. This came as the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission dismissed reports that its office had been sealed by military personnel, insisting that the local government election scheduled for Saturday would proceed as planned. There was chaos in Osun State on Monday, following the insistence of sacked local government chairmen and councillors to return to council offices, a move resisted by the Peoples Democratic Party supporters. The APC members, on Monday, moved to enforce the judgment…
Timini Egbuson’s cinematic debut, “Reel Love”, has achieved unprecedented success, breaking multiple box office records since its premiere on February 14. The film has grossed an impressive N99 million, setting a new standard for the filmmaker. Egbuson took to Instagram to express his gratitude to his fans, attributing the film’s success to their unwavering support. He wrote: “Little drops of water make a mighty ocean, and every single one of YOU has been a part of this incredible wave! ‘Reel Love’ has shattered records at the box office, and it’s all thanks to your unwavering support, every ticket bought, every…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, on the occasion of his 60th birthday, praising his leadership and contributions to economic and infrastructural development. In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Dr. Otti as “an economist, banker, and politician” whose leadership in both the private and public sectors has been impactful. He commended the governor’s “enterprising leadership” and his efforts in driving transformation across Abia State. Acknowledging the progress made under Dr. Otti’s administration, Tinubu noted improvements in “infrastructure, education, and…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) have agreed to deepen collaboration in the fight against corruption. Through this collaboration, both agencies will work together to strengthen their efforts in curbing fraudulent activities, ensuring that businesses operate with integrity, and ultimately creating a more stable economic foundation for the country. This partnership was disclosed in a statement issued by the commission on Tuesday, in Abuja after a courtesy visit by the EFCC Executive Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede. Olukoyede, in his opening remarks, thanked the entire management and staff of CAC for the support and prompt…
The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned the presence of the Department of State Services operatives at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday. In a statement posted on his X page, Atiku described the security deployment as “utterly reprehensible” and insisted that such actions must not be tolerated in a democracy. “The viral video of armed security operatives invading the Lagos State House of Assembly is utterly reprehensible and stands condemned,” he wrote. Atiku called for a full investigation into the matter, raising concerns over reports…
Afrobeat star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has publicly criticized the Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Abba, over the ongoing political crisis in the state. Osun, currently governed by Davido’s uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, is facing heightened tensions between members of the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress. The crisis stems from attempts by sacked local government chairmen, elected under the APC, to reclaim their positions despite court rulings removing them from office. Over the weekend, Governor Adeleke held a press conference urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene and restrain his Minister, Gboyega Oyetola, from…
The former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has called for the immediate reopening of non-drug markets that were closed down following the closure of the Head Bridge Drug Market in Onitsha. The drug market was closed by regulatory and security authorities last week because of suspected illegal drug trading in an area referred to as Ogbo Ogwu. Obi, who condemned the sale of illicit drugs in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, however, called for fairness in the enforcement of the law. “One unequivocally condemns such illicit drug trading activities and urges the government to…
The leadership of the Labour Party has denied reports circulating that its 2027 presidential ticket has been zoned to the South-East geo-political zone. In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party stated that it has not and will not zone any of its positions to any geographical zone or individual. Recall that the party on Sunday issued a statement titled “2027: Labour Party still available for Ndigbo to realise presidency – Abure”, which fuelled speculation that its presidential ticket has been zoned to the South-East. Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, had flown…
Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the departed leader of the Yoruba Socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, as an advocate of an equitable and progressive Nigeria. Adebanjo died on Friday, February 14 at the age of 96. In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, on Monday, the Vice President described Adebanjo as “a living bridge that connected us to the foundational struggles of our democracy. Shettima hailed Adebanjo’s extensive contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, from his role as the Organising Secretary of the Action Group to his leadership in the National Democratic…