Tag: Nigeria

Publisher’s Note

This article is part of our weekly #OpinionPiece series. Today, we deviate slightly from our schedule to celebrate the birthday of a modern legend, Asake.

Introduction

This is a special edition of our series! Today, January 13, 2026, marks the 31st birthday of the man who redefined the speed of success in the Nigerian music industry: Asake (Ahmed Ololade).

To celebrate “Mr. Money,” we are diving into his journey from the “Lungu” streets of Lagos to the global arenas and looking at the pivotal moves he has made in just the last few months.

Today, the 13th of January 2026, the “Lungu Boy” himself turns 31. Just four years ago, many of us were just learning his name through “Omo Ope.” Today, it is impossible to discuss the global lifestyle of Afrobeats without mentioning his name.

In my opinion, Asake is not just a musician; he is a cultural movement. While 2022 and 2023 were about his “lightning fast” rise, I believe 2025 and the start of 2026 have shown us a more mature, independent, and grounded version of the artist.

The Career Highlights

Asake’s career trajectory is, factually, one of the most successful in African history. He achieved what few thought possible; three consecutive #1 albums in Nigeria.

From Mr. Money with the Vibe (2022) to Work of Art (2023) and finally Lungu Boy (2024), which became the longest-running #1 album in Nigerian chart history.

In 2024 and 2025, he successfully headlined the world’s most iconic stages, including Madison Square Garden and the O2 Arena, proving that his “Street-Pop” sound had no borders.

Beyond winning the Best African Act at the 2024 MOBO Awards, his 2025 Grammy nomination for “MMS” (with Wizkid) solidified his status as an elite global collaborator.

The Birth of Giran Republic

Choosing independence is one of the most significant lifestyle and business moves Asake made as he departed from YBNL Nation in early 2025.

In February 2025, Asake officially launched his independent label, Giran Republic. This marked his transition from being a “star under Olamide” to becoming a CEO and mogul in his own right.

Opinion Piece: I see this as a bold lifestyle statement. In an industry where artists often fear leaving the nest of a major label, Asake chose the “Giran” path. It showed his fans that true success is about eventually owning your platform.

The 2026 Milestone: Family and Reconciliation

Few weeks ago before his 31st birthday, Asake made headlines for something more personal than music: healing his home.

Following public accusations in 2025 regarding neglect of his family, January 9–10, 2026, saw a major turnaround. Asake publicly reunited and reconciled with his father (Fatai Odunsi), his daughter, and his baby mama. He reportedly pledged to finance his father’s medical bills and purchase a new home for him. He also paid a visit to his Alma mater where he was welcomed by students and authorities of the school. 

Opinion Piece: I believe this is his most important “win” yet. At 31, Asake is showing that being “Mr. Money” is empty if your foundation isn’t solid. This reconciliation shows a man maturing beyond the fast-paced fame of his 20s.

The Fashion Oracle: Defining the Gen Z Look

Asake’s lifestyle influence on Gen Z fashion remains unparalleled.

From his Paris Fashion Week appearances (showcasing Marine Serre and Off-White) to his signature baggy trousers and eclectic grills, he has made “quirky-cool” the standard.

Opinion Piece: He taught a generation that you don’t have to look like a traditional “gentleman” to be taken seriously in global luxury and it’s also okay to try out different styles until you probably understand what works best for you.

Even though I can’t really say if this current look of his would be his last change, we can all agree his styles are interesting. His fashion is a mix of Lagos “Lungu” (slum/street) energy and high-end couture. It’s an “unbothered” lifestyle that resonates with millions.

Starting 2026 on a High: The Goldrush Dome

Asake didn’t wait long to dominate 2026. Just ten days ago, on January 3, 2026, he shut down the 10,000-capacity Goldrush Dome in Johannesburg, South Africa.

His album, Mr. Money with the Vibe, has also surpassed 800 million streams on Spotify, entering the top 10 Nigerian projects on the platform.

This was his first-ever headline show in South Africa, a market that has deeply influenced his sound (through Amapiano).

Opinion Piece: By starting the year this way, he is signaling that 2026 will be another year where we will have more of Asake because his impact is just beginning.

As we celebrate Asake today, we aren’t just celebrating hit songs like “Lonely at the Top” or “Mentally.” We are celebrating the evolution of a man.

From the theatre student at OAU to the CEO of Giran Republic, Asake’s 31st birthday represents a transition from “The Next Big Thing” to a stable, independent, and family-oriented icon.

Happy Birthday, Ololade Mr. Money. The world is still watching.

Who should be our next feature for the #OpinionPiece series? Drop your comment below! 

The 2026 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final stage came to a dramatic conclusion on Saturday as Nigeria and Egypt booked their places in the semifinals, completing a final four that blends pedigree, pressure, and title ambition.

Following earlier victories by Senegal and Morocco, Saturday’s fixtures delivered intensity and decisive moments, confirming the tournament’s most competitive phase yet.

Nigeria Outclass Algeria to Reach the Semi-Finals

Nigeria confirmed their status as one of the tournament’s strongest sides with a composed 2–0 win over Algeria, producing a disciplined and controlled performance in Marrakech.

After a measured first half, the Super Eagles raised the tempo following the break. Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock shortly after halftime, powering home a header to give Nigeria a deserved lead. The striker later turned provider, setting up Akor Adams to double the advantage and seal the result.

Algeria struggled to break Nigeria’s structure as the Super Eagles managed the game expertly, limiting clear chances and seeing out the contest with confidence. The victory sets up a high-profile semi-final clash against host nation Morocco.

Egypt Edge Ivory Coast in Five-Goal Thriller

In a tightly contested encounter, Egypt defeated Ivory Coast 3–2 to secure the final semi-final spot and keep their AFCON title hopes alive.

The Pharaohs made a blistering start, opening the scoring through Omar Marmoush (4’). Rami Rabia (32’) extended Egypt’s lead before Ivory Coast found a route back into the game when Ahmed Fotouh inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 40th minute.

Early in the second half, Mohamed Salah (52’) restored Egypt’s two-goal cushion with a clinical finish, underlining his influence on the big stage. Ivory Coast responded through Guéla Doué (73’), setting up a tense finale, but Egypt held firm to claim a famous victory.

The result sends Egypt into a heavyweight semi-final showdown against Senegal.

AFCON 2026 Quarter-Final Results

• Senegal 1–0 Mali
• Morocco 2–0 Cameroon
• Nigeria 2–0 Algeria
• Egypt 3–2 Ivory Coast

Confirmed AFCON 2026 Semi-Final Fixtures

• Morocco vs Nigeria
• Senegal vs Egypt

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has officially recognized the growing influence of Nigerian and West African English by adding 24 new words and phrases. From everyday slang to local foods and cultural expressions, these words reflect the global reach of Nigerian culture, music, and language.

This update marks a milestone in acknowledging Nigerian English and Pidgin English as vibrant contributors to the English language worldwide.

24 Nigerian Words Now in the Oxford English Dictionary

Here’s the complete list of newly added Nigerian and West African words, now officially part of the global English lexicon:

1. Abeg – A Pidgin term meaning “please” or used to soften requests.
2. Abrokyire – From Twi, meaning foreign or overseas countries.
3. Adowa – Traditional Ghanaian dance style.
4. Amala – A Nigerian staple swallow made from yam, cassava, or plantain flour.
5. Ampesi – A Ghanaian boiled dish of tubers like yam or plantain.
6. Benachin – Senegalese/Gambian one-pot rice dish (similar to jollof).
7. Bend down (and) select – Refers to choosing second-hand clothes, now used as a noun and verb.
8. Biko – Igbo word meaning “please,” also used as an interjection for surprise or emphasis.
9. Domoda – Mandinka peanut and tomato stew.
10. Dumboy – A Liberian boiled cassava dish.
11. Ghana Must Go – The iconic checkered travel bag, named after a historical deportation event.
12. Kpanlogo – A Ghanaian dance and music style.
13. Light soup – Spicy Ghanaian tomato-based soup.
14. Mammy Market – Markets traditionally run by women, especially in military barracks.
15. Moi Moi – Steamed bean pudding from Nigeria (Yoruba origin).
16. Nawetan – A football tournament in Senegal and Gambia.
17. Nyash – Pidgin slang for “buttocks” or something attractive.
18. Obroni – Ghanaian term for foreigner, especially light-skinned people.
19. Poda-poda – Sierra Leonean minibus taxi.
20. Swallow – Class of starchy foods eaten by hand (fufu, amala, eba).
21. Talk less – Phrase meaning “seriously” or “no joke.”
22. Yassa – Senegalese marinated dish with meat or fish and onions.
23. Hiplife – Ghanaian music genre combining hip-hop and highlife.
24. Articulator – Usage noted in West African contexts, added to OED for cultural relevance.

How Nigerian Words Are Going Global

1. Social Media & Music – Phrases like “Abeg” and “Talk less” trend online, showing how Nigerian Pidgin spreads internationally.
2. Food & Culture – Words like Moi Moi, Amala, and Yassa reflect Nigeria’s and West Africa’s culinary influence.
3. Fashion & Lifestyle – “Bend down (and) select” represents local markets and fashion culture that now resonates globally.
4. Diaspora Influence – Nigerian and Ghanaian communities abroad help these words enter mainstream English.

The Oxford English Dictionary has officially acknowledged what Nigerians have always known: their language, slang, and culture are shaping global English. Next time you say “Abeg” or enjoy Moi Moi, remember: you’re speaking officially recognized English now.

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 has reached its business end, with CAF officially confirming the quarter-final fixtures following the conclusion of the Round of 16 matches in Morocco.

The last eight features some of Africa’s biggest footballing nations, setting the stage for a series of high-stakes encounters as teams battle for a place in the semi-finals.

AFCON 2025 Quarter-Final Fixtures

Friday, January 9, 2026

• Mali vs Senegal – Grand Stade de Tangier
• Cameroon vs Morocco – Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat

Saturday, January 10, 2026

• Algeria vs Nigeria – Stade de Marrakech
• Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire – Stade Adrar, Agadir

The quarter-finals deliver several classic African football rivalries and high-profile matchups.

West African neighbours Mali and Senegal face off in what promises to be a tightly contested encounter, with both sides showing tactical discipline and defensive solidity throughout the tournament.

Hosts Morocco will rely on home support as they take on five-time champions Cameroon, a team known for thriving under pressure in knockout stages.

One of the standout ties sees Nigeria square off against Algeria, a clash between two continental heavyweights with rich AFCON histories. Both teams come into the game with strong momentum after convincing Round of 16 performances.

Meanwhile, Egypt meet Côte d’Ivoire in a fixture that pits AFCON’s most successful nation against the former champions, adding extra weight to an already high-profile contest.

With no clear favourites remaining, AFCON 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions in recent years. The winners of these fixtures will advance to the semi-finals, keeping their hopes of continental glory firmly alive.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Orientation Course will officially commence on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, across all orientation camps nationwide.

The announcement confirms the start of activities for prospective corps members following months of anticipation, marking the beginning of another service year under the NYSC scheme.

Key Dates and Schedule

According to the official schedule released by the NYSC, reporting and registration for the 2026 Batch ‘A’ corps members will begin on January 21 and run until midnight on January 23, 2026. Prospective corps members are expected to complete all registration formalities within this window at their respective orientation camps.

The swearing-in ceremony, a major highlight of the orientation programme, is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 23, 2026, officially inducting the corps members into national service.

The orientation course will span three weeks, with the closing ceremony fixed for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, after which corps members will be posted to their various places of primary assignment (PPA).

The orientation course will be held simultaneously in all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), continuing NYSC’s long-standing tradition of nationwide participation and integration.

During the camp period, corps members will undergo paramilitary drills, lectures, skill acquisition training, and cultural integration activities, designed to prepare them for the service year ahead.

The Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 delivered contrasting narratives as Egypt edged past Benin after extra time, while Nigeria produced a commanding display to dismantle Mozambique, sealing their place in the quarterfinals.

Egypt 3–1 Benin

Egypt booked their quarterfinal spot after a dramatic 3–1 extra-time victory over Benin in Agadir.

The breakthrough arrived in the 69th minute when Marwan Attia struck from distance, but Benin responded late through Jodel Dossou’s 83rd-minute equaliser, forcing extra time.

In the additional period, Egypt’s experience proved decisive. Yasser Ibrahim restored the lead in the 97th minute, before Mohamed Salah sealed the win in the 124th minute, ending Benin’s resistance.

Final Score:

• Egypt 3–1 Benin (after extra time)

• Goals: Attia (69′), Ibrahim (97′), Salah (124′); Dossou (83′)

Nigeria 4–0 Mozambique

Nigeria delivered one of the most emphatic performances of the knockout stage, defeating Mozambique 4–0 to book their place in the AFCON quarterfinals.

The Super Eagles set the tone early when Ademola Lookman opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Just five minutes later, Victor Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s advantage, finishing clinically to put Mozambique under severe pressure.

Osimhen struck again shortly after the restart in the 47th minute, effectively ending the contest. Nigeria continued to dominate and were rewarded once more when A. Adams added a fourth goal in the 75th minute, completing a comprehensive victory.

Final Score:

• Nigeria 4–0 Mozambique

• Goals: A. Lookman (20′), V. Osimhen (25′, 47′), A. Adams (75′)

AFCON 2025 Quarterfinalists So Far

With Round of 16 matches now concluded up to January 5, the following teams have secured quarterfinal places:

• Senegal
• Mali
• Morocco
• Cameroon
• Egypt
• Nigeria

The remaining Round of 16 fixtures will determine the final spots as the tournament heads deeper into its decisive phase.

OPay has quietly introduced a ₦9,999 preset transfer option in its app, and Nigerians are paying close attention. The move comes amid growing concerns over the ₦50 stamp duty now applied to electronic transfers of ₦10,000 and above, a policy that officially took effect at the start of 2026.

While ₦50 may seem insignificant on its own, frequent transfers mean the cost adds up quickly. For millions of Nigerians who rely on fintech apps for daily transactions, even small deductions matter.

OPay’s new transfer option appears to offer a simple workaround, staying just below the threshold where stamp duty applies.

Understanding the ₦50 Stamp Duty on Bank Transfers

Under Nigeria’s updated stamp duty framework:

• Electronic transfers of ₦10,000 or more attract a ₦50 stamp duty
• The charge is deducted from the sender
• Transfers below ₦10,000 are exempt
• The rule applies across banks and fintech platforms

The policy is part of broader government efforts to improve tax compliance and generate revenue through digital transactions. However, its rollout has been met with mixed reactions, especially from users who make multiple transfers daily.

What the ₦9,999 Transfer Option Does

OPay’s ₦9,999 button allows users to send money without triggering the stamp duty charge. Instead of manually typing an amount, users can now select a preset value that keeps the transaction just under the ₦10,000 mark.

The feature:

• Reduces friction for users trying to avoid extra charges
• Speeds up transfers with a one-tap option
• Reflects how Nigerians already adjust spending habits around policy thresholds

OPay has not officially stated that the feature was designed to bypass stamp duty, but the timing and amount strongly suggest a response to user behaviour and concerns.

On social media, many users say they were already sending ₦9,999 manually before the update. The difference now is convenience.

Some users also admit to splitting larger transfers into multiple ₦9,999 transactions. While this is not illegal, financial experts advise moderation, as excessive micro-transactions can sometimes raise flags on financial platforms.

Tyler Perry’s psychological drama Straw has emerged as Nigeria’s most-searched movie of 2025, according to Google’s official Year in Search data.

The film, which stars Taraji P. Henson, as a desperate single mother pushed to her limits, dominated movie related searches in Nigeria throughout the year, outperforming both major Hollywood releases and popular Nollywood titles.

The ranking highlights the strong connection Nigerian audiences had with the film’s emotional themes and central performance.

At the core of Straw is a story about economic pressure, motherhood, survival, and moral choices under extreme stress; themes that strongly resonate with viewers in Nigeria.

Taraji P. Henson’s intense performance sparked widespread online conversation, with many viewers searching for:

• Plot explanations
• Reviews and reactions
• Character motivations
• Tyler Perry’s creative choices

Perry’s focus on family struggles, economic hardship, and emotional resilience aligns closely with themes that often trend well among Nigerian audiences, especially on streaming platforms and social media.

Google Year in Search

Google’s Year in Search rankings are based on search growth, not total views or box office numbers. This means Straw recorded the highest spike in interest among Nigerian users compared to other films released in 2025.

The list reflects what Nigerians were most curious about, the movies that drove conversations, debates, and repeat searches throughout the year.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has formally suspended the nationwide enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy, originally scheduled to commence on January 2, 2026, following an interim court order restraining its implementation. 

In a statement issued by CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, the Nigeria Police disclosed that it was served with an interim order of court in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, issued on 17 December 2025, which restrains the Force from enforcing the tinted glass permit policy pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or until the order is lifted. 

The statement emphasised that, in strict compliance with the subsisting court order, the enforcement has been placed on hold nationwide until further direction from the judiciary. 

The Nigeria Police Force confirmed that it has entered an appearance in the matter, filed preliminary objections, and formally applied for the vacation of the interim order. The matter has been adjourned to 20 January 2026 for further proceedings. 

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, further explained the Force’s commitment to uphold the rule of law while continuing its statutory responsibilities to protect lives and property across the nation. 

The Tinted Glass Permit policy was first introduced by the Nigeria Police as part of efforts to strengthen internal security and public safety by regulating the use of tinted vehicle glass, which authorities have linked to concealment in criminal activities. 

Originally announced to take effect on 2 January 2026, the policy required motorists to obtain permits for vehicles fitted with tinted glass, with applications processed via a digital portal. The initiative had been paused or extended multiple times due to public pushback and legal disputes. 

The policy has faced sustained legal challenges and criticism from civil rights organisations, legal bodies, and motorists. Critics argue that the Nigeria Police lacks statutory authority to impose tinted glass permits on vehicle owners and have questioned the constitutionality and fairness of the policy. 

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has been particularly vocal, describing the policy as potentially illegal and unconstitutional and has engaged in court actions challenging its enforcement. 

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) delivered a dramatic final round of Group C and Group D matches on Tuesday, 30 December, as teams battled for a place in the Round of 16. From Nigeria’s perfect group stage to Senegal’s clinical win and Tanzania’s historic progression, here’s a complete rundown of today’s matches with goal scorers. 

Uganda 1–3 Nigeria

Nigeria capped off their group stage with a 3–1 victory over Uganda in Fès. Paul Onuachu opened the scoring in the 28th minute before Raphael Onyedika added a brace in the 62nd and 67th minutes. Uganda pulled one back late through Rogers Mato in the 75th minute, but it was too little too late. 

The Super Eagles finish the group stage with a perfect 3‑0 record, topping Group C and entering the knockout stages with high spirit. 

Tanzania 1–1 Tunisia

Tanzania earned a historic 1–1 draw with Tunisia, securing their first-ever AFCON Round of 16 qualification as one of the best third-placed teams. Tunisia went ahead from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute via Ismaël Gharbi, but Tanzania responded immediately after halftime with Feisal Salum scoring in the 47th minute.:

This draw marks a milestone in Tanzanian football history, as the Taifa Stars advance to the knockout stage for the first time in AFCON. 

Benin 0–3 Senegal

Senegal confirmed their Group D dominance with a 3–0 win over Benin. Abdoulaye Seck opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a powerful header, Habib Diallo doubled the lead in the 70th minute, and Iliman Ndiaye sealed the victory in the 90th minute. 

Botswana 0–3 DR Congo

DR Congo finished second in Group D with a convincing 3–0 win over Botswana. Nathanaël Mbuku opened the scoring in the 31st minute, followed by Gaël Kakuta, who converted a penalty in the 41st minute and added a third in the 60th minute.