I once thought Mavin’s hit song ‘Dorobucci’ was ‘crap’- Tiwa Savage

Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has opened up about her initial reaction to ‘Dorobucci,’ one of Mavin Records’ biggest hits, admitting she once thought the song was unimpressive.

In an interview with NotJustOk, Savage revealed that during her wedding trip in Dubai, she heard producer Don Jazzy repeatedly playing the unfinished track at their hotel but didn’t realize it was a Mavin project.

‘Don’t know if people know this, but ‘Dorobucci,’ I had Don Jazzy playing that in the hotel when we were in Dubai for my wedding, and I didn’t want to tell him, but I thought it was such a crap song,’ she confessed.

The singer recounted that after her wedding, Don Jazzy urged her to cut short her honeymoon and return to Nigeria to work on a new record.

‘And so after the wedding, he asked me when I was going to come back, and I needed to come back. And I was like, no, I think we’re supposed to go on our honeymoon. He’s like, eh, there’s one record, you have to come back to Nigeria,’ she recalled.

According to Savage, when she eventually returned and heard the completed version of ‘Dorobucci,’ she was stunned by how much it had evolved – a transformation that would later make the track one of the biggest Afrobeats anthems of its era.

She recalled a similar experience with her hit Eminado, which she also initially doubted.

‘I got back to Nigeria, and I got to the studio, and I heard the song that I heard him play in Dubai. I was flabbergasted.

‘I was so angry, like, I don’t know, because this had happened with Eminado too, and I did not like it,’ she said.

Hesitant about the song’s potential, Tiwa said she was the last Mavin artist to record her verse, watching her labelmates embrace the track while she remained uncertain.

‘I was the last person to record my verse because I was just looking at everybody in the studio, like, do you guys like this really?

‘So everybody had recorded it and then I was just the last person to record it,’ she said.

Despite her early doubts, Dorobucci became a massive success.

Tiwa credited Don Jazzy’s production talent, vision, and acknowledged the song’s phenomenal impact.

‘We all know what happened to the record. I don’t know what Don Jazzy does, but yeah, that was. I heard it, and I didn’t want to tell him.

‘I was like, man, who, I was like, is it Reekado he’s doing this song for? Is it Korede or D’ija?

‘I was just thinking, ehyaa, like these people, not knowing that I was going to be on the song as well. And it turned out to be phenomenal. So shout out as always to Don Jazzy,’ Tiwa concluded.

How my father’s reacted to my first TV appearance, by Bright Chimezie

Veteran singer Bright Chimezie has shared insights into his early music career and his family’s reaction when he first appeared on television.

Speaking on a recent episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast, Chimezie revealed that his father, a reverend, had no idea he would be on TV, noting that secular music was considered taboo in their home.

The highlife legend, who once worked with the paramilitary and customs before fully embracing music, said those experiences built his resilience and contributed greatly to his success in the entertainment industry.

‘My father didn’t even know I was going to appear on television because back then it was a taboo,’ he explained, noting that children from such families were expected to sing only hymns or Christian songs.

Recalling the experience, he added, ‘I was afraid they were going to scold me. So I came up and dished the song very well to the admiration of a lot of people.’

Chimezie said his father’s eventual response came as a surprise: ‘My father was proud.’

Kizz Daniel submits new song ‘Police’ for Grammy consideration

Nigerian music star Oluwatobiloba Daniel, popularly known as Kizz Daniel, has officially submitted his latest single, ‘Police,’ for Grammy Awards consideration.

The track features Beninese music legend and Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo alongside Nigerian R and B sensation Johnny Drille, blending their distinct sounds into a soulful fusion of Afrobeats and world music.

Showcasing Kizz Daniel’s signature Afrobeats flair infused with global influences, ‘Police’ celebrates African creativity, rhythm, and cross-border collaboration.

Following the success of his recent hit ‘Pano Tona’ featuring Adekunle Gold, Kizz Daniel is setting his sights higher, hoping ‘Police’ will earn him his first Grammy nomination.

Sharing the news on Instagram, he captioned a photo: ‘For your Grammy consideration with @angeliquekidjo and @johnnydrille. Police.’

Produced by Ghana’s M.O.G Beatz, alongside Nigerian producers BlaiseBeatz and Johnny Drille, the record unites some of West Africa’s finest musical talents to deliver a masterpiece with global appeal.

Fans have flooded social media with excitement, sharing their reactions:

‘Bring it home, King , bring it home. I’ll really scream,’ a fan wrote.

Another commented, ‘This Grammy is ours! Let’s go, Uncle K!’

‘If Vado wins this Grammy, una no go rest for this app. Congratulations, my Music AI,’ added another user.

Eleven things to know about new acting INEC chair May Agbamuche-Mbu

A National Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), May Agbamuche-Mbu, has taken over as the acting Chairman of the Commission.

This followed the formal handover of duties by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who is proceeding on a terminal leave.

The transition was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners held on Tuesday at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking at the meeting, Yakubu explained that he was stepping down in accordance with Section 306, Subsections 1 and 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

1. May Agbamuche-Mbu was born in Kano but hails from Delta State.

2. She attended St. Louis Secondary School, Kano.

3. After her secondary education, she proceeded to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where she earned her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1984 with an LLB in Law.

4. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985 and later qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales after completing studies at the College of Law, London.

6. Agbamuche-Mbu holds an LLM specializing in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, London; completed two additional postgraduate programs in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.

7. She is a recognized expert in Alternative Dispute Resolution.

8. Agbamuche-Mbu is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, United Kingdom Nigeria branch, where she served as Secretary.

9. She served on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (PPAC) from March 2010 to November 2011 as the sole solicitor, evaluating a nationwide portfolio of major unfinished public projects in Nigeria.

10. She was appointed in March 2016 as a member of the Ministerial Committee to prepare the Road Map for the Solid Minerals Sector.

11. Prior to her INEC appointment, she served as managing partner of her law firm, Norfolk Partners, in Lagos.

NCAA okays Ekiti airport for commercial flights

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has approved the commencement of commercial flight operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport.

The development followed the expiration of the airport’s initial non-scheduled flight permit in December 2024 and the successful fulfillment of regulatory requirements.

The approval was disclosed in a letter dated October 3, 2025, addressed to Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and signed by the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engineer Godwin Balang.

According to the letter with reference number NCAA/DAAS/TECH//043/Vol. 1/158, the new approval for scheduled commercial flights, which takes effect from October 2, 2025, is valid for an initial period of six months.

It added that the agency conducted a validation inspection of the airport between June 16 and 19, 2025, which confirmed that the facility had met the essential operational requirements for scheduled flight services.

The letter reads, ‘The outcome revealed that the basic operational requirements for scheduled flight operations to Ado-Ekiti Airport have been significantly complied with, and the instrument flight check validation report conducted by NAMA indicates satisfactory compliance with regulatory requirements.

‘In view of the above and in line with the provisions of Nig CARs Part 12 Vol. 1, 2023, I have been directed to convey the Authority’s Interim Operational Permit subject to the limitations of VFR or daylight (sunrise to sunset) operations.

‘Furthermore, Your Excellency is respectfully invited to note that this interim Operational Permit is to enable Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport to implement outstanding gaps and commence the certification process, which will allow for issuance of Aerodrome Operational Permit with a three-year validity in accordance with the Nig.CARS Part 12 Vol.1.

Reacting to the development, Governor Oyebanji, in a statement on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, described the approval as a major boost to the economic growth of Ekiti State, noting that commercial flight operations would enhance agribusiness, tourism, commerce, and medical tourism in the state.

‘This is another bold step in our quest to make Ekiti a preferred destination for people looking for where to live, work, invest, and relax,’ the Governor said.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for subnational growth, and also appreciated his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, for initiating the airport project in 2019.

The governor equally acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), as well as the Airport Implementation Committee, for their roles in making the project a reality.

He disclosed that it is at an advanced stage of installing an Instrument Landing System (ILS) to enable the airport to operate safely at night and under all weather conditions.

Actress Bukky Amos-Bello loses father

Actress and producer Bukky Amos-Bello has announced the passing of her father, Olaniyi Mofolorunsho Amos.

In a touching Instagram post, she shared a photo of her late father and fondly recalled the special memories they shared.

She expressed gratitude for her father’s love and presence throughout her life, describing him as her ‘forever ajitannawo’ and the best father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Amos-Bello wrote on Instagram, ‘Today, Monday, 6th Oct 2025 @8.25am (naija time) my clock stopped- my mirror was shattered- my first love, my forever love, my world, my supporter, my role model, babami, olokomi, alabaromi, olubadamoranmi, my one and only, abiyamo toooooto- goodnight my father. Sleep tight, Babami. O daaro babami Alamu.. I will always love u. Thank U for being the best.’

Bukky revealed that her father had promised to depart only after witnessing her become a grandmother, a promise he fulfilled before his passing.

‘Babami Amos, Olaniyi, Mofolorunsho, Alamu Oladapo- goodnight. Thank u for sharing your life with me. Thank u for being my ‘forever ajitannawo’, thank you for being the best father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. I’m typing this smiling- u said you’ll leave after replacing my love 4 u, u waited until I became a grandmother. The sparkles in your eyes when I gave u the news. Thank you for sharing your last moment with me- I’ll 4ever cherish those eyes that were wide open just for me last night. Babami- this hurts sooooooo deep, your passing hurts so deep, but thank you for fulfilling all your promises. I’ll always love u.. Sleep tight omo olofamojo,’ she added.

Skit maker Samuel Banks laments loss of iPhone 17 Pro Max at Lagos concert

Popular skit maker Samuel Bankole, better known as Samuel Banks lost his newly purchased iPhone 17 Pro Max during the Luli Concert in Lagos.

The content creator, who recently celebrated acquiring a new home, had been actively promoting the concert organized by the Celestial Church of Christ, expressing excitement about the event and what fans could expect.

In a promotional video ahead of the show, which took place on Friday at Tafawa Balewa Square, Samuel was seen wearing his signature white garment.

However, a viral video now circulating online shows a visibly distraught Samuel Banks searching for his missing phone alongside his partner and several others.

The comedian was seen pacing nervously while discussing the situation with a man nearby, as his partner stood by looking worried.

Onlookers were also seen trying to call his number in hopes of finding the device, but their efforts proved unsuccessful.

The incident added to a growing list of celebrity phone thefts. A few years ago, popular DJ Florence Otedola, widely known as DJ Cuppy, had her phone snatched in London while walking down the street.

Etsako East leaders fault alleged claims of marginalisation of North Ibie

Leaders from the Three Ibie/Okpekpe zone in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State have dismissed the allegation of political marginalisation of ‘North Ibie’ region, describing the claims as false, misleading, and mischievous.

The clarification followed a publication credited to Abdullahi Shuaibu, accusing political leaders in Etsako East council area of sidelining the ‘North Ibie’ area in the sharing of political positions since 1999.

In a statement by the Chief Administrator of the People of Imiegba Village Square (Home and Abroad), Three Ibie, Etsako East, the leaders said that there was no officially recognized area known as the ‘North Ivie’ in the local government.

According to him, the correct structure consists of the three Ibie Clans namely the Imiegba, Itsukwi, and Imiakebu and the Okpekpe Clan.

Ekiogwe expressed concern that the claims of marginalization was capable of creating tension and disunity among the people of Etsako East, noting that the allegations were purely self-serving and intended to mislead the public.

‘The so-called Abdullahi Shuaibu is unknown to our political, traditional, and community leadership structures. His purported representation of the zone is false, fraudulent, and does not reflect our collective reality,’ the statement read.

He added that the zone had benefited immensely from political inclusion over the years, producing several prominent figures who have held strategic elective and appointive positions at both local and state levels.

Ekiogwe noted that the zone has, over the years, produced prominent political figures who have made significant contributions to governance at various levels.

Among them are two members of the Edo State House of Assembly, the late Hon. J.B. Momoh and Rt. Hon. Engr. Abubakar Momoh as well as a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, who currently serves as a Federal Minister.

He added the zone has also produced two substantive council chairmen, Engr. Abubakar Momoh and Hon. Benedicta Attoh; an acting chairman, Hon. Attoh; and four vice chairmen,Edward Imanobe, Haruna Yaro Yaro, Benedicta Attoh, and Charles Dagana all of whom have played key roles in advancing the development of Etsako East.

Ekiogwe further said zone also produced the current Etsako East APC Chairman, Mr. Okponokhe, further proving that the

Three Ibie/Okpekpe zone has not been marginalized in political participation or representation.

He noted that APC in Etsako East had consistently upheld equity and fairness in political zoning, adding that the party’s recent decision to zone the Edo State House of Assembly seat to the Three Ibie/Okpekpe zone further demonstrated inclusiveness.

He cautioned individuals against using the media to propagate divisive narrative or to seek political recognition outside established party structures, stating that ‘loyalty to one’s political party and due consultation with leaders remain the only credible path to elective offices, not media propaganda’.

JUST IN: Yakubu steps down as INEC chairman

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has stepped down from his position, marking the beginning of a transition to a new administration within the electoral body.

Yakubu, who was sworn in for a second five-year term on December 9, 2020, announced his decision during a meeting with the commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on Tuesday.

Following his exit, one of INEC’s National Commissioners, Barrister May Agbamuche-Mbu, has assumed office as Acting Chairman pending the appointment of a substantive head by the President.

Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner from the South, currently heads INEC’s Legal Services, Clearance and Complaints Committee (LSCCC).

Yakubu’s stepping down aligns with the constitutional term limit, as he had previously vacated the position at the end of his first term in November 2020 before being reappointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

In an emotional farewell speech, the outgoing chairman expressed deep gratitude to INEC staff and Resident Electoral Commissioners for their dedication, commitment, and hard work throughout his tenure.

Dangote vs PENGASSAN: Critical lessons for Nigeria’s economic future by Emir Sanusi, Kukah, Atedo, others

Some prominent stakeholders in Nigeria including religious leaders, business figures, and civil society advocates have appealed for calm and sustained dialogue in the labour dispute between the Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

They unanimously lamented that the recent industrial strike had sent out wrong signals to investors.

These eminent Nigerians noted that while government mediation and renewed talks had de-escalated the crisis, the episode exposed risk to investor confidence and efforts to restore domestic refining capacity.

This joint statement was signed by: Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, Aisha Yesufu, Arunma Oteh, Atedo Peterside CON, Bishop Matthew Kukah CON, Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman.

Others are: Dudu Mamman Manuga, Ibrahim Dahiru Waziri, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, Sarkin Kano, Obonganwan Barbara Etim James, Opeyemi Adamolekun, Osita Chidoka and Senator Sola Akinyede.

According to the statement, the refinery’s operations have already contributed to a drop in petrol prices – from around ?1,500 to about ?820 per litre – representing a 55 percent reduction in some areas.

This, they said, has begun to ease the burden of transport and food costs on ordinary Nigerians.

Recall PENGASSAN had last week shut down critical oil and gas facilities over allegations that Dangote refinery sacked 800 workers who joined the union.

But Dangote refinery said it only sacked a few workers who were sabotaging the facility, saying this was part of the company’s reorganisation.

The oil and gas workers embarked on a strike in defence of their colleagues, causing the nation losses in oil and gas production as well as a drop in power generation.

The intervention of the Federal Government restored normalcy as PENGASSAN suspended the strike after the Dangote Group was asked to redeploy the sacked workers to other business units.

The statement reads, ‘We, the undersigned, note with concern the recent disputes and disruptions surrounding the Dangote Refinery. Although the immediate crisis has been de-escalated through government mediation and renewed dialogue between labour and management, the episode raises important lessons for Nigeria’s economic future.

‘For decades, Nigerians endured the collapse of government-owned refineries, the waste of trillions of naira in subsidies, and dependence on fuel imports.

‘These failures left citizens exposed to scarcity, inflation, and insecurity. In this context, the Dangote Refinery represents more than a private venture; it is a national symbol of what bold domestic investment can achieve.

‘Already, the refinery has begun to ease supply pressures, with petrol prices in some parts of the country dropping from around ?1,500 per litre to about ?820 – a 55% reduction. This impact on transport costs and food prices offers Nigerians a glimpse of how local productivity can improve daily life. It also signals to investors at home and abroad that industry, rather than speculation, can still thrive in Nigeria.

‘However, the strikes and threats that accompanied this transition send the wrong signals. Industrial disputes, if not carefully managed, risk discouraging both domestic and foreign investment at a time when Nigeria most needs capital and innovation.

They urged that workers’ rights to organise and bargain must be upheld, and those rights must not be used to hold the economy hostage.

They also called for transparency and social responsibility from large investors.

‘A refinery of this scale is a national lifeline, with profound consequences for jobs, energy security, and inflation.

‘We wish to underscore three principles: Workers’ rights must be respected. The Constitution guarantees the right to organise and to demand fair treatment. No enterprise can succeed without motivated, fairly treated workers; Markets and productivity must be protected.

‘The right to organise cannot become a license to hold the economy hostage. Productive enterprises that lower costs and create jobs must be safeguarded; Social responsibility and accountability must remain central. Investors of this magnitude must operate transparently, uphold fair labour practices, and reinvest in the communities they serve.

‘We also note that concerns about monopoly or market dominance should not be settled by disruptive industrial action.

‘Nigeria has institutions, such as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), that are mandated to assess such claims.

‘Where there are legitimate issues of pricing or dominance, the proper channel is through these statutory bodies, not strikes that harm ordinary Nigerians. Moreover, as has been noted, there is no legal monopoly here; others are free to invest in refining, provided they can mobilise the necessary resources and expertise.

‘We commend the Federal Government, labour unions, and Dangote Refinery for stepping back from confrontation and resolving this dispute through dialogue. We urge that this spirit of constructive engagement becomes a template for the future. At the same time, we must stress the dangers that such disruptions pose to investor confidence, economic stability, and Nigeria’s strategic interest in reducing dependency on imports.

‘This crisis is not about a refinery or any other business. It is about the direction of our economy: whether we will continue in a cycle of scarcity and rent-seeking or build a future anchored in productivity, fairness, and shared prosperity. The Dangote refinery represents an audacious step forward. It should not be undermined but strengthened – as a signal to other industrialists that investing in Nigeria’s future is worthwhile.’