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Nigeria’s music industry is riding a new digital wave and at the centre of its global growth is Ademola Alugo, Senior Vice President at Dvpper Digital, one of Africa’s leading indigenous distribution companies.

Under his leadership, Dvpper has achieved over 10 billion global streams, marking a major milestone in Afrobeats’ rise as a global sound.

In 2024, Alugo made history by dominating Apple Music Nigeria’s Top 3 with Different Pattern by Seyi Vibez, Holy Ghost by Omah Lay, and Cast by Shallipopi, a rare clean sweep that underscored its dominance in the digital music space.

Between 2023 and 2024, Dvpper distributed 20 of the Top 100 songs on the platform, highlighting the strength of its catalogue and market influence.

Alugo’s strategic leadership at Dvpper has not only expanded the reach of Nigerian artists but also deepened the infrastructure supporting the country’s fast-growing music ecosystem.

His focus on royalties, platform strategy, and long-term artist development has distinguished him in an industry often driven by fleeting viral moments.

Beyond distribution, Alugo founded Normad Music, a venture dedicated to providing artists with structural and career support.

He also established Trackfit Community, a wellness and social impact initiative whose second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk will hold on October 25, 2025, at the University of Lagos.

Industry analysts credit the rise of Afrobeats partly to the efforts of companies like Dvpper Digital, which connect local talent to international streaming platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, Boomplay, and Audiomack. Nigeria is now one of Africa’s largest streaming markets, with digital revenues growing steadily year after year.

Alugo believes the next frontier for Nigeria’s music industry lies in ownership and innovation, particularly in live streaming, fan engagement, and lifestyle-driven platforms.

Former West Ham manager Graham Potter has been announced as the new head coach of Sweden.

The 50-year-old has accepted the role on an initial short-term basis in a bid to aid Sweden’s faltering World Cup qualification campaign.

Potter said: ‘I am very humbled by the assignment, but also incredibly inspired. Sweden has fantastic players who deliver in the world’s best leagues during the weeks.

‘My job will be to create the conditions so that we as a team deliver at the highest level to take Sweden to the World Cup next summer.’

Sweden had been seeking a new head coach since the dismissal of Jon Dahl Tomasson following their 1-0 loss to Kosovo on 13 October, a result that made automatic qualification from their group impossible.

However, they could still reach the play-offs even without finishing in the top two of Group B as a result of their success in the 2024-25 Nations League, where they topped their group.

Potter was sacked by West Ham at the end of September after a disappointing start to the season.

Five losses in six games in the 2025-26 campaign had left the Hammers in the Premier League bottom three. Overall, he won just six of 23 matches since joining the east London club in January.

However, Potter retains a positive image in Sweden, having delivered three promotions in four seasons at Ostersund, taking them from the fourth division to the top flight, while also winning a domestic cup in 2017.

Potter also had successful spells managing Brighton and Swansea City before joining Chelsea in 2022 but was dismissed from his role at Stamford Bridge after seven months.

The Chinwe Bode-Akinwande (CBA) Foundation, a leading non-governmental organisation commemorated its 10th anniversary with a high-impact conference to address the systemic challenges faced by widows and explore sustainable pathways to empowerment.

The conference with the theme: ‘Empowering Widows in Nigeria: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Vulnerability’ was held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

Delivering the keynote address, the Founder and Chairperson of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, described widow empowerment as both a moral obligation and a national priority. She commended the Founder of the CBA Foundation, Mrs. Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, for turning compassion into a movement that restores dignity and hope for widows and their children.

‘Through the CBA Foundation, you have given courage, confidence, and dignity to countless widows and children. Your work proves that one person’s vision can transform generations,’ Oyagbola stated.

Head of Internal Communications at FirstBank, Acharu Osime, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Bank.

She said: ‘At FirstBank, we are passionate about supporting platforms that empower individuals and nurture talent. The objectives of the conference align with our sustainability pillars focused on welfare, diversity and financial inclusion, so we are excited to be a part of this initiative, supporting one of our own, to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for widows.’

DigitXplus commended the Foundation’s decade-long impact, describing the conference as a celebration of resilience and dignity.

Representing the company, Head of Strategy, Damilola Popoola, stated, ‘This event is not just a gathering, it is a testament to the strength and unyielding spirit of womanhood. Empowerment begins with dignity, and dignity grows when women are given a voice, a skill, and a chance to dream again. We at digitXplus remain dedicated to walking the walk with the CBA Foundation.’

Bode-Akinwande expressed gratitude to all partners and attendees, reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to continue lighting the path for widows across Nigeria.

‘We envision a Nigeria where widowhood is not a sentence to poverty but a pathway to resilience. When we lift a widow, we lift her children, her community, and our nation,’ she said.

The conference featured a dynamic plenary session moderated by seasoned radio host and communications strategist, Jide Benson. The panel which comprised the CEO of Impact Investors Foundation, Etemore Glover; Head of Operations at Market Ranch, Abiola Odanye; and Managing Director of Meristem Trustees Limited, Mrs Damilola Hassan, as they explored critical issues such as policy advocacy for widows’ rights, empowerment initiatives, and the support structures needed to overcome the challenges that widows face.

The event was supported by FirstBank, Vyrus, Eko Hotel, Truecaller, Power Oil, Munch It, Minimie Noodles, Minimie Chinchin, Kellogg’s, and Colgate, whose contributions underscored the private sector’s vital role in driving inclusive social change.

Renowned Juju musician Oluwashina Peters popularly known as Sir Shina Peters has recounted how he began his career at 10, purchased his first car at 13, became a father at 14 and built his first house by 16.

The 67-year-old revealed this during an appearance on The Honest Bunch podcast.

‘I started my career at the age of 10. I had my first child at 14. I bought my first car at 13. I built my first house at 16,’ he said.

Despite his storied career, Peters expressed reluctance to return to active music production.

He referenced an unconducive creative environment and a lack of inspiration as barriers to new work, stating that the current music landscape does not align with his artistic style.

The musician noted that 65 percent of his fanbase now consists of Igbo listeners, rather than his native Yoruba community, with many urging him to release new music.

However, he remains hesitant, unsure of what themes to explore in today’s industry.

He said: ’65 per cent of my fans are Igbos, not Yorubas. My fans are demanding that I give them new music but I don’t just go to the studio. I can’t go to the studio, the atmosphere is not conducive for me. I don’t know what to sing.’

Born in 1958 in Lagos, Nigeria, Sir Shina Peters is celebrated for pioneering Afrojuju, a fusion of traditional Juju with Afrobeat and funk.

His 1980s and 1990s hits, including albums like Ace and Shina Peters Live, cemented his legacy as a cornerstone of Nigerian music history.

Luxury real estate developer Sujimoto Construction Limited has announced plans to pursue legal action against individuals and organizations behind recent reports alleging a $556,000 fraud, describing the claims as ‘malicious, false, and misleading.’

Speaking on the issue, Dr. Sijibomi Ogundele, Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Holdings, said, ‘There is no fraud. What exists is a delay, nothing more. Yet from this delay, some have chosen to fabricate lies and mislead the public. Those responsible for spreading these falsehoods will be held accountable.’

The company clarified that The LeonardoBySujimoto, its flagship high-rise project, has not been abandoned but only delayed due to regulatory processes and macroeconomic challenges.

Approvals were secured in 2024, and work is progressing toward full delivery in December 2025.

Sujimoto further explained that all clients who requested refunds have been duly attended to through a transparent and verifiable process. It also cited past successes, noting that projects such as

The Giuliano and LucreziaBySujimoto have delivered significant returns – appreciating from ?285 million to over ?2.5 billion within six years.

‘Despite rising costs of cement, steel, and shipping, we have refused to compromise on quality,’ Dr. Ogundele added. ‘Our integrity remains unshaken.’

The company also condemned the alleged misuse of public institutions to settle private contractual issues, describing it as ‘a dangerous precedent that undermines business confidence in Nigeria.’

Over the past decade, Sujimoto said it has paid more than ?7 billion in wages, empowered thousands of artisans, and contributed to Nigeria’s architectural landscape through its iconic projects.

The firm reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, excellence, and integrity in all its operations.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have continued to record significant breakthroughs against Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other splinter groups in the North East.

In a recent operation in the region, the 21 Special Armoured Brigade eliminated several terrorists during a firefight in the Kashimiri general area in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, who announced this in a statement on Monday, added that the operation was conducted on October 17.

Anele explained that the troops had successfully located and destroyed identified Boko Haram camps in the area, thereby frustrating the terrorists’ plans to attack civilians and disrupt their socio-economic activities.

She said: ‘During the operation, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun fight and neutralized several, while others suffered injuries.

‘However, the encounter took its toll on our side, as the Commanding Officer, 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and a few other valiant soldiers paid the supreme price, as they fell in battle.

‘These brave heroes fought for the peace of our great nation, and their legacies shall endure forever.’

Anele said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the departed.

‘They were not just soldiers but fathers, brothers, and sons who expressed immeasurable courage by taking the last stand in the face of adversity, and we stand together in this time of grief,’ she quoted the COAS as saying.

‘The Chief of Army Staff also reaffirms the Nigerian Army’s unwavering resolve to pursue all terrorist elements relentlessly until total peace and normalcy are restored in the region and the nation by extension.’

The army spokesperson urged the public, in the spirit of respect and compassion, to refrain from sharing or publishing images of personnel who have paid the supreme price during operations, generally, until their next of kin have been duly informed.

‘This is to preserve the dignity of such fallen heroes and protect the privacy of their families,’ Anele said.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, has called on legal authorities to sanction Mr. Aloy Ejimakor, one of the lawyers representing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, for what he described as ‘unethical conduct’ during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.

Onanuga, in a post on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956, said he was surprised to see Ejimakor among protesters led by publisher of Sahara Reporters and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore.

‘I spotted Aloy Ejimakor, one of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, among the small group of protesters mobilised in Abuja by Omoyele Sowore. I wonder what Mr. Ejimakor was thinking when he decided to join this shambolic protest,’ Onanuga wrote.

The presidential aide argued that as a legal practitioner, Ejimakor should be mindful of the principle of sub judice, particularly as Kanu’s ongoing treason trial is still before the court.

‘The prosecution has concluded its case, and it is now incumbent upon Mr. Ejimakor and the other lawyers to mount a strong defence for Kanu,’ Onanuga said, adding that rather than focusing on legal strategy, the lawyer had ‘resorted to extra-legal tactics’ by joining ‘a career anarchist to influence the process.’

The Presidential spokesman described the protest as ‘shambolic’ and said Ejimakor’s action ‘questions his adherence to professional ethics,’ urging the relevant legal bodies to ‘consider appropriate sanctions for the unethical conduct of the bearded lawyer.’

The #FreeNnamdiKanu demonstration, organised by Mr. Sowore, disrupted movement around major parts of the Federal Capital Territory on Monday as protesters demanded the release of the IPOB leader, whose trial for alleged treasonable felony is ongoing before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to conclude ongoing negotiations with unions across the nation’s tertiary institutions.

The labour body also criticised the government’s no-work-no-pay policy imposed on members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as punishment for embarking on a nationwide strike.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this known during an interactive session with labour correspondents on Monday in Abuja.

The session came after a meeting between the NLC and leaders of tertiary institutions-based unions at the Congress headquarters.

‘We have decided to give the federal government four weeks to conclude all negotiations in this sector. They have started talks with ASUU but the problem in this sector goes beyond ASUU.

‘That is why we are extending this to four weeks. If after four weeks this negotiation is not concluded, the organs of the NEC will meet and take a nationwide action that all workers in the country, all unions in the country will be involved so that we get to the root of all this.

‘The era of signing agreements, negotiations and threatening the unions involved, that era has come to an end. ‘The policy, the so-called policy of no work, no pay, will henceforth be no pay, no work. You can’t benefit from an action you instigated. We have discovered that most, 90% of strike actions in this country are caused by failure to obey agreements,’ Ajaero said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate provision of a new, state-of-the-art auditorium for the Nigerian Law School, to further enhance legal education infrastructure.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Nyesom Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Monday, during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of a 600-bed student hostels at the Abuja campus of the Institution, in Bwari.

Wike explained that the President’s directive followed an observation that the anticipated increase in student intake occasioned by the building of the new hostel necessitated a review of the existing lecture facilities, stressing that the intervention demonstrates Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s legal education infrastructure.

He said: ‘I was discussing with my son who by the grace of God was called to Bar in the last Call to Bar Ceremony .I said now that we are providing hostels that will take almost 600 students, does it mean that they will now admit more students. He expressed doubt about whether the auditorium will accommodate everybody, which means they require another auditorium.

‘Luckily for us, I was privileged to meet Mr. President last night and I tabled this to him. He said, go back and make sure another auditorium is built for the Nigerian Law School’.

The Minister praised Tinubu’s decisive leadership, noting that his administration has intervened directly in the institution more than any government since the campus opened in 1997.

He also extended commendation to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN for his relentless support and commitment to the justice sector, saying; ‘All we are doing in the justice sector today is because of his support’.

He cited the ongoing digitisation of the FCT High Court as another collaborative success story that has received Presidential backing and budgetary approval.

Wike further praised the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School for his selfless leadership, especially for prioritizing the infrastructural needs of other campuses, such as the completed hostel and auditorium project at the Yenagoa Law School campus, stressing that history will be kind to him.

Speaking on the 600-bed hostel accommodation, the minister noted that it is the second major intervention at the Law School within two years of the current tenure of President Tinubu.

Wike recalled that following the earlier flag-off of staff-quarters at the Nigerian Law School, a promise was made through the Attorney General of the Federation to provide the hostel accommodation.

He said: ‘Today, we are here to fulfill that promise that Mr. President made’, noting that the new 600-bed capacity hostel will significantly alleviate the accommodation challenges faced by students.

The Minister confirmed that the construction, awarded to a trusted contractor, will not exceed the 12-month timeline.

While flagging off the project, the Attorney General of the Federation, who was visibly elated, thanked the FCT Minister for his consistent support to the Nigerian Law School.

He praised the Minister’s decisive nature, saying, ‘One thing I know is that you don’t promise what you will not do. Take it or leave it, love him or hate him, you will know where he stands on any issue,’ he said, and likened the Minister to a Computer Based Test (CBT) which results are instantaneous.

The AGF also acknowledged the Minister’s extensive history of intervention in the justice sector, even before his ministerial appointment, including feats in Yenagoa and Port Harcourt.

He confirmed the judicious use of previous donations, which include four Hilux vans and three Coaster buses, in addition to the flag-off of staff quarters, and now, the 600-bed student hostel.

While noting that many people have come and talked without walking their talk, Chief Fagbemi further extended profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his numerous supports through the FCT Minister.

and thanked President Tinubu for approving the project.

He also extended appreciation to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation for his support, while also acknowledging the significant contributions of the FCT Minister to the development of judiciary infrastructure, describing him as ‘our great benefactor’.

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) has condemned the invasion of the frontage of its headquarters by no fewer than 50 protesters in Abuja on Monday.

The Corps Spokesman, Babawale Afolabi, said the management of the NSCDC took exceptions to the actions of the protesters despite warnings that the promoters of the protests should stay away from its facilities and other critical national assets and infrastructures.

Babawale said in a statement the actions of the protesters were totally unacceptable and condemnable as the protesters invaded the entrance of the Corps National Headquarters chanting different songs.

He noted that the Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, had earlier sent warnings across the Corps Commands and Formation on the need for caution regarding those who have marked October 20 as a protest day in support of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Audi, he said, had ordered enhanced security measures to be put in place regarding the safety of citizens and Critical National Assets and Infrastructure in their respective domains.

‘Our respective Formations and Commands have been alerted on the need to upscale security in the protection of the nation’s critical infrastructure in order to avert form of vandalism by hoodlums and unscrupulous elements who could hijack the protest.

‘Intelligence operatives and personnel were also deployed across the States and the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja to ensure the security of lives and property as it was reasoned that some defiants might turn out for the protests, ‘ Babawale said.

While the Corps maintained its stance on performance of its constitutional role, it said it would not succumb to any form of threats, disruption of peace, vandalism of government utilities, and activities of economic saboteurs.

‘The Corps reaffirm that as much as the civil populace reserves the right to meaningful gathering and freedom of association; the need to exercise caution and restraint is fundamental especially where court bars any reasonable citizen from such gathering,’ Babawale said.