Benin City to Host Edo Carnival 2025 in December

Benin City, the Edo State capital, will come alive from December 21 to 24 when it plays host to the Edo Carnival 2025, a four-day cultural fiesta showcasing music, dance, fashion, food, and tradition.

The event, which will hold at Garrick Memorial on Ekehuan Road, is expected to draw thousands of visitors, including culture enthusiasts, tourists, and residents. Organisers said the carnival will feature cultural parades, traditional masquerades, live music concerts, and fashion shows celebrating Edo and African styles. Dance competitions and street performances will also add colour to the city.

Food lovers will enjoy a festival of delicacies that blends Edo favourites with Nigerian staples, while educational programmes such as seminars and training sessions will run alongside the entertainment.

One of the highlights will be the Miss Edo Carnival 2025 pageant, described as a platform to celebrate grace, intelligence, and cultural pride.

The festival will climax with a grand finale and fireworks display across the Benin skyline.

According to the organisers, Edo Carnival is designed not only as entertainment but also as a celebration of the state’s heritage and a platform to boost tourism and community.

’Thank you for standing by me’ – Oxlade thanks loyal fans

Afrobeats singer Oxlade has expressed gratitude to his early supporters, appreciating those who believed in him before he gained widespread success.

Oxlade, on X, acknowledged that not everyone can see potential in an artist early on and value the support of those who stood by him from the beginning.

He thanked his loyal fans and supporters for their faith in him and his music, subtly acknowledging that doubters won’t deter him from his path to success.

Oxlade wrote, ‘I know this isn’t meant for everyone to see . but For those that saw the light early enough, those that ddnt need to see me succeed before they started to believe my shit. I just wanna thank you.. Cause no be everybody fit see am that early before E start dey make sense. I cherish the early investors in my stocks Una own no go actuall spoil’.

Oxlade’s unique sound blends Afrobeats with contemporary styles, resonating with fans globally.

His breakthrough hit ‘Ku Lo Sa’ achieved global recognition, and he has since released successful albums like ‘OFA’.

Drawing inspiration from his life experiences, including his struggles and triumphs, Oxlade has made a significant impact in the music industry, selling out venues and collaborating with notable artists like Sarkodie, Flavour, and Dave.

Nicki Minaj apologises to Cardi B’s daughter Kulture after vile insults

Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj has apologised to Cardi B’s daughter Kulture, whom she previously referred to as ‘ugly,’ a ‘roach,’ and a ‘monkey’.

The apology comes after a heated online exchange between Minaj and Cardi B, where both rappers exchanged blows, including personal attacks on each other’s children.

Minaj stated: ‘Dear Kulture, truth is: I did all of this for a bigger purpose and one day you’ll understand.

‘You’re a cute child and lots of kids have cute little funny looking gums before they grow into all of their features.

‘One day you’ll see this, so I have to say: I apologize. As a child of God and QUEEN of my community who look to me for integrity. You’re an innocent child and don’t deserve any of this’.

However, Minaj’s apology wasn’t without a jab at Cardi B.

She stated :’One day your mother, aunt and many more will be brought to their knees for what they’ve said AND TRIED to do to my young prophet/beautiful boy. Take care my darling. This isn’t who I am’.

JUST IN: Fubara dissolves Microfinance Board appointed by Ibas

The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved another board, the Rivers State Microfinance Agency, inaugurated by the former Sole Administrator of the state, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd).

The dissolution occurred about two days after Fubara disbanded the Rivers Pension Board and directed the state’s Accountant-General to take charge of the board’s activities till further notice.

The recently dissolved Microfinance Board was among the eight agencies inaugurated in one fell swoop by Ibas on August 14th, with Prof. Adolphus Toby named as the Chairman.

The governor, in a statement signed by the Head of Service, Dr Inyingi Brown, appointed Pastor Jonathan Tobin to act as the Managing Director of the Agency.

The statement said, ‘The Rivers State Governor hereby announces the dissolution of the Board of the Rivers State Microfinance Agency and the immediate appointment of Pastor Jonathan Tobin as the Acting Managing Director of the Agency.

‘Consequently, members of the defunct Board are by this notice to hand over all properties and assets of the Board in their possession to the Acting Managing Director of the Agency.

‘His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, will in due course reconstitute the Board’.

Group advocates inclusive democratic system

The Lagos State chapter of the Omoluabi Progressive, a coalition of young politicians in the Southwest, has called for a more active and inclusive democratic system.

This, it said, is to ensure that the voices of people at the grassroots are better represented in governance.

Speaking at a meeting held in Lagos, the group, under the leadership of its state chairman, Rilwan Usman, stressed that true democracy can only thrive when ordinary citizens are carried along in decision-making processes.

Usman noted that the current political climate requires a deliberate effort to bridge the gap between leaders and the electorate.

He added that the Omoluabi Progressive was committed to building a platform where young leaders can champion accountability, transparency, and grassroots development.

‘Our mission is to ensure that the people at the grassroots are not sidelined but remain the bedrock of democratic participation.

‘As young progressives, we believe in a system where every voice counts and where governance reflects the aspirations of the people,’ he said.

The group resolved to intensify grassroots mobilization across local communities in Lagos, while also advocating youth involvement in leadership and policy development.

According to Usman, the Omoluabi Progressive intends to set a new standard of political engagement in Lagos State, one that prioritises community needs and sustainable development over personal interests.

The meeting ended with a renewed pledge by members to work together in strengthening democratic ideals and preparing young leaders for more active roles in the political process.

BMJ Music signs rising Afrobeat star KNG Maleek

BMJ Music, under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, James Ochuko Blessing, has unveiled its newest artiste, KNG Maleek, in a move set to deepen the label’s stake in the Afrobeat and street-pop scene.

KNG Maleek, whose style fuses Afrobeat rhythms with street-pop energy, has been described as a rare talent with the potential to dominate the music industry.

His sound, rooted in both the struggles and triumphs of everyday life, has already won him street credibility and growing attention.

Speaking during the unveiling, Ochuko Blessing said, ‘KNG Maleek is a rare talent. He has the energy of the streets, the creativity to cross borders, and the voice that speaks to today’s generation. At BMJ Music, our focus has always been on nurturing artistes who can grow into global stars, and Maleek is exactly that kind of artiste.’

The artiste is set to make his official debut with an Extended Play (EP) project titled Minimum Wage. The project, expected to hit streaming platforms soon, will feature tracks such as Motion, Tension, Scatter, and Elevate.

Industry watchers say the move positions BMJ Music as one of the record labels to watch, as it continues to groom artistes capable of crossing local and international markets.

Abbo denies alleged rape of 13-year-old girl, police detention

Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo on Friday denied the allegation of raping a 13-year-old girl or having been detained by the police over the matter.

Abbo, who represented Adamawa North Senatorial District in the Ninth Senate, said rather, a woman attempted to extort N5million from him with a threat to report him to the police that he had sexually assaulted her daughter should he refuse to give her the money.

He said following the threat, he personally reported the issue to the police who thereafter invited him to substantiate his claim as well as the unnamed woman to defend herself over the allegation.

He said he was neither detained nor slept in a police cell as reported by a section of the media.

An online media on Thursday reported that Abbo had surrendered himself to the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja after being accused of raping a 13-year-old secondary school student.

The report claimed that the parents of the minor allegedly told journalists that another popular former Senator from Adamawa had visited their home to plead with them not to disclose the scandal.

According to the report, the parents of the said girl further alleged that after the incident, Abbo repeatedly sent money to the victim’s father in what they described as an attempt to suppress the matter.

The alleged rape reportedly took place on June 29, 2025, at Abbo’s residence in Katampe, Abuja.

However, Abbo denied the allegation and described the report as baseless, unfounded, mischievous and fake news.

Senator Abbo, who reacted in a telephone conversation with some journalists covering the Senate, said he was in his Abuja residence (Katampe Extension) throughout Thursday and not at the FCID, Abuja.

‘The said report is the handiwork of my political detractors. It is an orchestrated smear campaign to disturb my peace by political enemies,’ he said.

He however admitted that he recently reported to the police a case of attempted blackmail and extortion by a woman who allegedly demanded that he should give her N5million or be reported to the police for alleged sexual assault against her daughter.

‘I personally reported the desperate female money monger to the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), where both of us were later invited for questioning, only for me to be reading or hearing a completely different story several weeks after now.

‘The report that I raped a girl and that I was detained at the FCID is baseless, mischievous and fake,’ he said.

Winning Tong its Today? Don’t Forget Luck, WiFi, and Strategy

If you’ve ever sat at a Tong its table-whether it’s the old-school version with friends on a Sunday afternoon or the modern digital version on your phone-you know one thing is certain: winning isn’t as simple as just drawing good cards.

Tong its, that rummy-style Filipino favorite, has always had a mix of unpredictability, skill, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of drama.

But times have changed. Back in the day, all you needed was a sharp memory, guts to bluff, and maybe a rosary in your pocket for luck.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and we now have a third force sitting at the table: your WiFi connection. Without it, all your skill and luck might go down the drain faster than your phone battery on data mode.

So let’s break it down. What really makes someone win at Tong-its today? The answer boils down to three big pillars: Luck, WiFi, and Strategy. And if you think you can skip one, well, prepare to watch your victory slip away.

Let’s be real-Tong its is still a card game, and card games will always have that element of chance.

You could be the most brilliant strategist in the barangay, but if you keep getting stuck with deadwood cards, your brilliance might only shine when you tell the story after the game.

Luck sets the stage. You might draw a golden starting hand, or you might be forced to hold onto the ugliest combination known to man.

But here’s the fun part: luck doesn’t have the final say. Smart players know that luck is like the weather-you can’t control it, but you can prepare for it.

For example, if you’ve been dealt a bad hand, instead of sulking, you might double down on bluffing or focus on reading your opponents’ discards.

Tong its has always rewarded players who adapt. Think of it this way: luck hands you the script, but it’s your strategy that decides if the play becomes a tragedy or a comedy.

Here’s the modern twist nobody from the 20th-century Tong its era saw coming: your internet connection is now a make-or-break factor. And honestly? Sometimes it feels just as cruel as bad luck.

Picture this:

You’re one discard away from declaring Tong its. and suddenly your screen freezes.

You’re in the middle of setting a perfect meld, but lag makes you miss your chance.

Worst of all, your WiFi drops completely, and the system declares you the loser-even though your cards could’ve sealed the win.

Painful, right?

That’s why, in today’s digital Tong its world, WiFi is practically the fourth player at the table. Just as old-school players relied on charms or ‘lucky seats,’ modern players now cross their fingers for strong signal bars.

Want to give yourself a fighting chance? Do some prep work before your next online game:

Play in areas with stable connections.

Close unnecessary apps that eat up bandwidth.

Keep your device and game updated to avoid sudden crashes.

Because let’s face it-there’s no worse way to lose than being taken out not by a better opponent, but by your own shaky connection.

If luck is the weather and WiFi is the new wildcard, then strategy is still the captain of the ship. This is the one pillar you can actually control, and it’s what separates casual players from consistent winners.

Good strategy in Tong its isn’t just about memorizing rules-it’s about sharpening instincts. Every discard, every meld, and every hesitation is a clue you can use.

The best players have a mental notebook running in the background, keeping track of cards like they’re detectives piecing together a case.

Here are a few timeless strategies worth mastering:

Reading the Table: Don’t just stare at your own hand. Watch what others pick up and throw away-it’s like peeking into their thought process.

Discard Discipline: Tossing the wrong card at the wrong time is practically an invitation to lose. Learn when to hold onto high-value cards and when to let go.

Calculated Risk-Taking: Sometimes you have to gamble on keeping a risky set if the payoff could turn the game in your favor.

Perfect Timing: Knowing when to declare Tong its-too early or too late-can completely change the outcome.

The beauty of strategy is that it’s learnable. Unlike luck, you can practice it, refine it, and even reinvent it depending on who you’re up against.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. These pillars don’t work in isolation-they’re more like a three-piece band that only makes good music when they play together.

Luck without strategy? That’s like a jackpot you can’t cash in.

Strategy without WiFi? Good luck watching your brilliant move evaporate mid-game.

WiFi without either luck or strategy? Congrats, you’re online. to lose gracefully.

Winning Tong its consistently means respecting all three pillars. They’re not just abstract concepts; they’re the actual conditions that shape every round you play.

Tong its used to be all about people sitting around a table, shuffling cards, laughing, and maybe throwing in a bit of trash talk.

Today, it’s also about smartphones, apps, and WiFi signals. Does that mean the game has lost its soul? Not at all.

If anything, the evolution of Tong its shows us how traditions bend but don’t break. The rules are still the same. The thrill of a winning hand still makes your heart race. What’s changed is the environment-and we players have to adapt.

Think of it this way: playing Tong its online isn’t abandoning the past. It’s bringing the past into the present, where the ‘deck’ is digital and the ‘table’ might be a chatroom or app lobby.

Let’s make this actionable. If you’re serious about upping your game, here’s how to apply the three pillars:

For Luck:

Accept the randomness. Bad draws will happen-don’t tilt.

Use unlucky hands as a chance to flex your bluffing and defensive play.

For WiFi:

Stick to strong, stable connections. Coffee shop WiFi might be cute, but it’s not reliable.

Close background apps to keep your connection smooth.

Update your game and device regularly-lag loves outdated software.

For Strategy:

Practice consistently. Even casual rounds sharpen decision-making.

Learn from stronger players. Watch how they manage their discards and timing.

Review your own games-yes, even the painful losses. That’s where the best lessons hide.

Tong its is more than just a card game-it’s a cultural staple, a reflection of how Filipinos play, compete, and connect.

Understanding luck, WiFi, and strategy isn’t just about winning; it’s about appreciating how the game mirrors both tradition and technology.

It shows us something bigger too: life itself often runs on the same trifecta. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes your ‘connection’ to opportunities is what makes or breaks you, and sometimes it’s simply about strategy-making the best moves with what you’ve got.

At the end of the day, winning in Tong its comes down to balance. Luck will always be unpredictable, WiFi will always be a modern risk, and strategy will always demand effort. But together, these three form the foundation of consistent success.

So the next time you fire up a game, remember this trifecta. Keep your strategy sharp, accept luck with a grin (or a groan), and for heaven’s sake-check your WiFi before you declare Tong its.

Because nothing hurts more than losing a sure win. to a loading screen.

Why I introduced my daughter to clubbing, alcohol at 17 – Laide Bakare

Actress Laide Bakare has sparked controversy by revealing why she introduced her 17-year-old daughter to clubbing and alcohol.

In a recent interview with content creator Mr. Lilgaga, Bakare stated that she took pride in being the one who introduced her daughter to nightlife, anticipating that her daughter would reference her in her future memoir.

‘I took my daughter to the club for the first time at 17. And I like the fact that in her memoir, she would reference me as the person who introduced her to alcohol and clubbing,’ she stated.

The revelation has elicited mixed reactions, with many criticising Bakare for her parenting decisions.

Some have described her actions as reckless and questioned her judgment as a mother.

It_hafizski wrote, ‘Introducing a 17-year-old to alcohol and nightlife is reckless parenting, not cruise. At that age, guidance and discipline should come first, not clubbing.’

Just_2undey opined, ‘Some of these people are not worth the pedestal the people place them on. All these coming from someone that calls herself a mother.’

DamiTheOG said, ‘Many of those you admire are often poor role models as parents.’

Shuluemp wrote, ‘Which kind of mother takes pride in introducing her 17-year-old to alcohol and clubbing?’

Others have defended Bakare, stating that her approach might foster an open relationship with her daughter.

Sturbyrich opined, ‘Low-key this thing normal, at least her daughter will be free to talk to her about anything. If she no carry her go club, she’ll still go by herself and might even do worse things.’

Brainpink wrote, ‘Make una leave her, that’s how she wants to train her girl. Because if you dey overprotect, sometimes she will still go to the club, drink alcohol and still smoke join, and you won’t notice. But sha, small small ooo.’

Tiwa Savage sparks speculation with cryptic Instagram posts

Award-winning singer Tiwa Savage has left fans puzzled after sharing cryptic messages on her Instagram Story.

‘Just because it looks easy doesn’t mean it is. one day the story of the traumas will be reviewed,’ she wrote, followed by, ‘The crown is heavy, Lord help me carry it.’

The posts came at a time when the ‘Queen of Afrobeats’ had been more open about her personal struggles, including heartbreak, leaked content, and emotional scars.

Although Tiwa offered no further explanation, her words have triggered widespread speculation among fans and critics.

However, Tiwa has not released any follow-up statement to clarify the intent behind her posts.