Author: user user

Diaspora giants driving Nigerian music’s global rise

The story of Nigerian music’s global rise is not written only on stage and in streaming charts. It is also written in boardrooms, festival offices and label headquarters across the diaspora, where Nigerian executives are building the pipelines that carry Afrobeats and its stars to the world. From Atlanta to Toronto, London to Portugal, these are the figures turning cultural momentum into industry infrastructure.

In Atlanta, Tunde Balogun stands at the centre of one of the most influential independent music companies in the world. As CEO and co-founder of LVRN, Love Renaissance, he has helped build a label that has amassed more than 30 billion streams. Its roster stretches across Afrobeats and global RandB, a reflection of the borderless sound Balogun and his team have helped normalize. For him, the diaspora is not a distant market; it is a creative and commercial engine.

In Toronto, Ikenna Nwagboso has taken a similar bridge-building approach. The Nigerian-Canadian executive previously co-founded emPawa Africa, a platform that helped democratize opportunity for African artists, and in 2025 he co-founded Hi-Way 89 Entertainment. The label is designed as a corridor connecting African artists to North America’s music industry, a deliberate piece of infrastructure for a generation of acts who no longer see continents as barriers but as connected markets.

Temi Adeniji’s work has reshaped the corporate side of African music. The Nigerian-American executive serves as Managing Director of Warner Music Africa, and under her leadership the company achieved a 60 per cent increase in topline revenue and over 20 per cent market share expansion between 2021 and 2023. Her role shows how global majors are increasingly entrusting African markets to executives who understand both the culture and the business, and who can translate local dominance into international strategy.

In the United Kingdom, Tonye Ibiama has been doing the groundwork for decades. The UK-based Nigerian music executive founded Grafton Entertainment in 2004, with dual headquarters in the UK and Nigeria, helping to launch the careers of artists from Port Harcourt into the global spotlight. Long before Afrobeats became a fixture on international charts, Ibiama was building the kind of dual-base structure that allowed Nigerian talent to move between local roots and global reach.

Across Europe, Okolie Tochukwu Desmond, known as Chapguy, has turned live promotion into a powerful export channel. Born on July 27, 1989, the Europe-based Nigerian show promoter, event manager and artist manager founded Culture Records in October 2023, with offices in Portugal and Nigeria. He has promoted Afrobeats tours and festivals across Europe, America and Australia, including Rolling Loud Germany, Portugal and Australia, as well as Afro Nation Portugal and USA. His work has connected A-list artists such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Rema, Fireboy DML and Tiwa Savage with diaspora audiences and new fans alike.

Together, their stories form a larger narrative about how Nigerian music went global. The artists may be the faces of the movement, but behind them is a diaspora network of executives, promoters and label builders constructing the roads, rooms and deals that keep the music moving. Their rise is inseparable from the rise of the sound itself.

14,000 Ilocandia security, emergency personnel all set for Undas 2026

Around 14,000 security and emergency personnel will be deployed across the Ilocos region to strengthen public safety and road security during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2.

Police Maj. Cherry Tolentino, chief of the Police Regional Office I public information office, said the deployment would include 6,181 police officers, supported by 1,603 personnel from partner agencies and 6,532 force multipliers.

The personnel will secure cemeteries, major thoroughfares and tourist destinations to maintain peace and order, address public safety concerns, and assist residents and travelers, Tolentino said during the Philippine Information Agency’s online Kapihan sa Ilocos on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the Ilocos region has intensified its operations under Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2026 to ensure roadworthiness of vehicles and passenger safety.

LTO Ilocos Region Operations Division chief and Supervising Transportation Regulation Officer Atty. Danica Blyn Sanchez said the measures include inspections of public transport terminals and vehicles, stricter operations against colorum vehicles, and closer coordination with partner agencies.

As part of efforts to prevent drug-impaired driving, the LTO, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, PRO 1, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and the Department of Health, is conducting random drug testing of public utility vehicle drivers and conductors in San Fernando City, La Union, Sanchez said.

The Philippine National Police has also established police assistance desks in cemeteries and along major thoroughfares to provide immediate assistance and respond to public concerns.

Authorities urged residents to secure their homes before traveling, avoid posting real-time travel locations on social media, and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Unified 911 emergency hotline.

Motorists, passengers and pedestrians were also reminded to observe traffic rules, exercise caution and cooperate with authorities to help ensure a safe, peaceful and orderly Undas observance throughout the region.

US court rejects discovery bid against Tinubu DCI Group in FOIA suit

A United States federal court has rejected an attempt to obtain discovery from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and DCI Group in an ongoing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The United States District Court for the District of Columbia in a ruling delivered on Friday October 30 2026 denied a motion filed by Aaron Greenspan seeking limited discovery from the Nigerian President and DCI Group over alleged cyberattacks on his website.

The development was disclosed in a statement posted by Bayo Onanuga the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy on his verified X handle @aonanuga1956.

According to the statement the court held that the proposed discovery was not sufficiently relevant to the substantive issues in the FOIA litigation involving the two American federal law enforcement agencies.

The ruling effectively rejected Greenspan’s attempt to introduce the alleged cyberattacks into the proceedings limiting consideration to matters directly connected to the underlying information-disclosure dispute.

Onanuga’s post also said the court rejected Greenspan’s motion for summary judgment along with other applications connected to the litigation.

It specifically denied a separate application by Karl Von Batten a non-party to the proceedings seeking permission to submit an ‘amicus curiae’ or friend-of-the-court brief.

Greenspan’s related request for judicial notice was equally denied.

In response attorney Christopher W. Carmichael described the ruling as a reaffirmation of the legal boundaries governing FOIA proceedings.

‘The Court’s decision makes clear that this Freedom of Information Act proceeding cannot be used to pursue discovery unrelated to the legal questions before it.

‘By denying the request for discovery against President Tinubu and DCI Group the Court reinforced the importance of keeping this litigation focused on the issues properly before it’ Carmichael said.

Another attorney Oluwole Afolabi said the decisions had established important procedural limits on the scope of the litigation.

‘The Court also denied the plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment and rejected a separate request to introduce an amicus brief.

‘While the underlying FOIA issues remain before the Court these rulings establish important procedural boundaries and clarify which matters are appropriate for consideration in this litigation’ Afolabi said.

Afternoon rains, high heat index forecast for ‘Undas’ in Mindanao

Cemetery visitors joining the annual exodus on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2 are advised to adjust their schedules.

The recommendation is due to the expected afternoon rains and high heat indices forecast across Mindanao.

Justine Navarro, a specialist at the state weather bureau’s Mindanao Regional Services Division, gave the information to the Inquirer on Saturday morning, October 31.

Navarro predicted that localized rain showers might occur in Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Lanao del Sur, mostly in the afternoon and evening.

He suggested that the public should visit cemeteries early in the morning to avoid the anticipated rainfall.

On Saturday, October 31, the trough of a Low Pressure Area (LPA) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) is expected to bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms across Mindanao.

There might also be moderate to occasionally heavy rains in the afternoon, particularly over the Zamboanga Peninsula and adjacent areas.

An improvement in weather is expected on November 2, with fair weather and less rainfall forecast for Bukidnon and neighboring provinces.

However, weather forecasters still urged visitors to bring umbrellas and drink water to prevent heat cramps.Bukidnon is projected to reach a 35-degree Celsius heat index on October 31 and 34 degrees Celsius on November 1.

Navarro also noted that under the ongoing El Niño conditions, northwestern Bukidnon has a 40 percent chance of rainfall from November through January.

The official declaration of the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) season was made on October 27.

In observance of Undas 2026, national government agencies and several local government units implemented half-day work schedules and afternoon class suspensions on Friday, October 30.

No illegal items seized in Manila North Cemetery so far – police

No illegal items like guns and knives have been confiscated in Manila North Cemetery on the eve of Undas (All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day), according to the police.

Police Major Philipp Ines, public information office chief of the Manila Police District, attributed this to the law enforment’s effective information dissemination.

‘As of now, we have not confiscated anything like that [illegal],’ Ines said in an interview.

‘It only proves that our information dissemination has become effective,’ he said. ‘We confiscated items that are not illegal per se. For example – perfumes, cleaning items.’

Ines said authorities return the prohibited items to their owners as they leave.

Upon visitors’ handing over of the banned materials, they are given claim stubs so that they can claim the items when they exit the cemetery.

Objects like guns, sharp items including knives, intoxicating drinks, flammable products like alcohol and thinners are not allowed in this cemetery.

Also prohibited to bring are guitars and sound systems, gambling paraphernalia, and pets like cats and dogs.

As of 10 a.m., the crowd estimate in this cemetery reached 8,900, with more or less 300 police personnel deployed to secure the site.

Ines said this cemetery recorded 1.7 million visitors on November 1 last year.

According to Ines, the situation in the place is generally peaceful.

JS Body Seeks Realistic Plan to Keep Fuel Prices Affordable

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Public Administration has recommended that the authorities formulate a realistic plan to keep fuel prices affordable for the public and assess the country’s preparedness to meet future demand.

At its fi rst meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban recently, the committee also asked the authorities to present detailed information on current fuel demand, storage capacity and institutional preparedness at its next meeting.

The meeting, chaired by committee chairman and Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, reviewed the activities of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) and its affi liated organizations.

Members discussed the reasons for periodic petroleum price increases and adjustments, measures to keep prices affordable, and the roles of Padma Oil PLC, Meghna Petroleum PLC and Jamuna Oil PLC in fuel pricing

Isko to elderly: Visit cemeteries on off-peak days

With more than a million visitors anticipated for Undas at the Manila North Cemetery (MNC), Mayor Isko Moreno is advising senior citizens to consider coming on off-peak days to avoid health risks amid large crowds.

‘The weather is very humid. This may cause hardship to the elderly visitors’ health. As we all know, we have El Niño upon us,’ Moreno said.

City health officer Grace Padilla suggested that visitors wear light clothing and to bring refreshments and protection against possible rain.

Padilla echoed Moreno’s appeal for the vulnerable population to wear face masks amid large crowds, as influenza-like illnesses may spread in densely packed areas.

MNC director Daniel Tan said the city government deployed 100 e-tricycles to offer free rides to visitors, making their movements around the 54-hectare cemetery easier. The e-tricycles will be available only until today.

At the Manila South Cemetery, road closures were imposed along Kalayaan Avenue, South Avenue, Vito Cruz Avenue Extension and Pililla Street.

Moreno reiterated that liquor, sharp objects, firearms, noise equipment and pets are prohibited inside the memorial grounds.

‘Our intention is to make this occasion solemn. A time for families to come together, visit the graves of their departed loved ones and pray for the peace of their souls,’ Moreno said.

In Malabon, the city government opened a new crematory and interment facility at the Tugatog Public Cemetery.

Mayor Jeannie Sandoval led the inauguration yesterday to provide residents with additional facilities for cremation, funeral services and interment.

At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon led officials in inspecting the NAIA to ensure the safety, security and convenience of passengers, as part of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos.

Office for Transportation Security administrator Gilberto DC Cruz said the OTS has intensified security measures and strengthened its coordination with law enforcement agencies and airport operators to ensure a unified approach to airport security.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has set up more than 80 LTFRB help desks at bus stations and other public land transportation hubs across the country.

Acting LTFRB Chairman Greg Pua Jr. said the help desk is tasked to provide basic information on travel schedules and provide assistance, especially to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

‘Our personnel manning the help desks were instructed to extend all the courtesy and assistance especially to those with special needs,’ Pua said.

Millions of passengers are expected to troop to bus stations and other major transportation hubs to go to their home provinces for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Lightning strike kills 19-year-old hiker in Bukidnon

What was meant to be a scenic mountain getaway ended in tragedy on Friday afternoon, Oct. 30, after a 19-year-old male hiker died from a lightning strike at a popular nature spot on Mt. Kilagas in Barangay Kiliog, Libona town.

The victim, a resident of Macanahan, Cagayan de Oro City, had traveled by motorcycle with his 18-year-old girlfriend to view the scenic sea of clouds and mountain ranges at Cowboys Camp, an elevated site overlooking Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro City.

An initial investigation led by Capt. Erwin James Tabequero of the Libona Municipal Police Station revealed that the couple parked their motorcycle at the foot of the trail before hiking up the mountain.

However, weather conditions suddenly deteriorated past 1:00 p.m., bringing an unexpected thunderstorm and sudden lightning strikes across the open terrain.

The lightning struck the young man while he was at the scenic spot with his companion.

Responders from the Libona Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) rushed the victim to the nearest hospital in Cagayan de Oro City, but attending physicians declared him dead at around 5:00 p.m. on Friday.

After the incident, Libona municipal officials and police urged tourists and hikers visiting Cowboys Camp to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant, warning that open elevated sites carry severe risks during sudden thunderstorms.

Gada flags off Sokoto East campaign, says PDP poised to reclaim power

Former Senator and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Sokoto East, Abubakar Umar Gada, has expressed confidence that the party will reclaim political power in Sokoto State in the 2027 general elections, as scores of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) defected to the PDP.

The defectors, who joined the PDP during the flag-off of Gada’s senatorial campaign in Gwadabawa on Saturday, pledged to work for the party’s success in the forthcoming elections.

Gada, while addressing supporters at the event, urged voters across the district to renew their commitment to the PDP and mobilise support for its candidates, expressing optimism that the party would regain its political dominance in the state.

He described Sokoto East as a traditional stronghold of the PDP, saying the party’s electoral history in the district provided a strong foundation for its return to power.

According to him, the campaign was designed to rekindle the confidence of party members and remind them of their political strength.

‘Sokoto East is traditionally a PDP zone. Past performance data and records have shown that. So, it is just to awaken them and bring back their self-consciousness, determination and readiness to take over,’ Gada said.

The former lawmaker also expressed confidence in his previous performance in the Senate, describing his legislative achievements as a major selling point for his candidacy.

‘I do not want to sound immodest, but I am always proud of my performance the last time I was in the Senate.

‘People have recently made efforts, and I think they have done a lot, but compared to what we achieved at the time, it was absolutely incredible,’ he said.

Addressing the security and poverty challenges confronting communities in the district, Gada called for deliberate government intervention and greater federal attention to areas requiring urgent development.

He said tackling the challenges would require effective policy implementation, strategic deployment of public resources and sustained prioritisation of the needs of vulnerable communities.

The PDP candidate also urged voters to appreciate the power of their ballots, warning that their choices at the polls would have lasting consequences for their future.

Describing votes as the people’s most powerful political weapon, he urged them to elect leaders who understood their challenges and were committed to addressing their needs.

‘They are the power. Their votes are their guns and arsenals. Their voice is their weapon of battle. They should respect and understand that this is their God-given right,’ he said.

Gada warned that making the wrong electoral choices could jeopardise the future of the electorate, urging voters to use their constitutional rights responsibly.

‘If they mess it up, they are messing up their future. If they hold it dearly and use it for the purpose for which it is meant, they will elect credible leadership that is sensitive to people’s yearnings and aspirations and their predicaments,’ he added.

Also speaking, the PDP leader in Sokoto State and National Organising Secretary of the party, Umar Bature, called on residents of Sokoto East to support the party’s candidates and work towards its return to power.

Bature described Gada as a credible and dependable candidate, saying his previous representation in the Senate was marked by the fulfilment of campaign promises.

He said the PDP was determined to reclaim the Sokoto State Government House and win all three senatorial seats in the state.

Bature urged party members to remain united, strengthen grassroots mobilisation and work towards securing victory for the PDP in the 2027 general elections.

PUCSL says new Electricity Act could unlock power-sector FDI via competition

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) believes the new Electricity Act could help attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into the power sector by replacing the traditional single-buyer model with a competitive market that gives investors greater flexibility to sell electricity.

PUCSL Director General and CEO Damitha Kumarasinghe said the Electricity Act No. 36 of 2024, which he said had come into force in March 2026, envisages multiple buyers and suppliers, allowing generators to explore direct supply arrangements with customers rather than relying solely on the national system operator.

‘The new Electricity Act gives options for everybody. Options for electricity user and options for investors, both existing and future,’ he said at the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2026.

Under the previous framework, procurement powers were concentrated within the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), creating a single-buyer structure.

The new framework envisages a multi-buyer market in which electricity generators could identify buyers and route power to them through the network, subject to the applicable legal and regulatory arrangements.

Kumarasinghe said this could help address procurement-related constraints faced by investors and widen opportunities for private participation in electricity generation and supply.

He stressed, however, that the benefits would depend on completing the outstanding legal steps required to implement the Act fully.

‘We need to quickly do the necessary legal actions to create a level playing field,’ he said, warning that without these measures, the system could remain overly focused on the national system operator, limiting the benefits for investors and electricity users.

Kumarasinghe said the proposed framework would introduce competition not only for access to the market but also within the market itself. The electricity users could have greater choice over their electricity suppliers, while generators would have more opportunities to compete for customers.

In this environment, the national system operator would need to remain competitive against alternative suppliers, including private generators and electricity users’ own-generation options.

He said PUCSL’s role would be to facilitate investment by ensuring a level playing field and enabling the choices envisaged under the new law.

The regulator’s position complements its call for a simple, transparent and fair wheeling tariff to facilitate electricity transactions between generators and customers using the transmission and distribution network. Kumarasinghe has said such charges should cover network costs and provide a reasonable return without becoming so high that they discourage investment.

A functioning wheeling framework, together with a competitive electricity market, could help energy-intensive businesses secure power supply and give private generators greater certainty over potential buyers. This would be particularly relevant to investors considering data centres and other industries with substantial electricity requirements.

Kumarasinghe said the Government had enacted a forward-looking electricity law and that PUCSL viewed it positively. The priority now, he indicated, was to complete the necessary legal and regulatory work so that investors and electricity uses could benefit from the options it envisages.

The pace and effectiveness of implementation will be critical to determining whether the proposed shift from a single-buyer structure translates into greater competition, more private investment and improved choice for electricity users.