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Highlife veteran and Zigima sound creator, Bright Chimezie, has reflected on the evolution of music production, highlighting the discipline and craftsmanship that defined his generation of musicians.

Speaking on The Honest Bunch Podcast, Chimezie said that unlike today’s artistes who depend heavily on producers and digital instruments, musicians of his era went into the studio fully prepared and confident in their craft.

‘Before we went to the studio, we already mastered the craft, we knew the music and exactly what we wanted to do. We were not depending so much on the producer,’ he said.

According to him, producers in the past had minimal work because artists came with their own rhythm, direction, and musical structure.

‘Back in the day, producers didn’t do too much work. If you were a good artist, you worked out the music within yourself. Most artists now come empty-handed-no direction, no rhythm. It gives the producer too much work, and that’s why most productions today sound alike,’ he added.

Chimezie emphasized that in his time, true artistry was measured by a musician’s ability to play an instrument and create original sounds.

‘If you have an instrument, you’ll be able to work out the song the way it plays inside you,’ he said, noting that sometimes they spent two to three hours balancing drums before recording.

Segilola Resources Operations Limited (SROL), Nigeria’s foremost gold mining company, reaffirmed its leadership in shaping conversations around mining, inclusion, and community wellbeing at the Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce breakfast session, held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.

Themed ‘Unlocking Africa’s Hidden Wealth: Mining as a Catalyst for Bilateral Movement,’ the forum convened business executives, policymakers, and industry leaders from both nations to deepen trade and investment ties.

SROL’s Country Manager, Austin Menegbo, delivered the keynote address and participated in a high-level panel discussion. In his keynote, Menegbo paid tribute to the vision and resilience of Segun Lawson, CEO of Thor Explorations, whose leadership has established the company as a formidable force in Nigeria’s mining landscape.

During the panel session, Menegbo spotlighted SROL’s role in driving inclusive growth and advancing shared prosperity across Nigeria and South Africa. He stressed the company’s commitment to community wellbeing, stating, ‘When communities thrive, investors are protected. When investors are protected, capital flows. That is the essence of bilateral investment. Without the structures, institutions, and partnerships that sustain operations, growth becomes impossible.’

His insights highlighted SROL’s four-pillar agenda with its host communities, which includes gender inclusion and training initiatives, infrastructure development, capacity-building programs that create sustainable local expertise, as well as empowerment initiatives designed to ensure long-term community resilience.

Through these initiatives, SROL continues to demonstrate that responsible mining extends beyond resource extraction; it is about building thriving communities and creating the conditions for bilateral growth between Nigeria and South Africa.

Former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, has declared his ambition to contest the 2026 governorship election in Osun State, expressing confidence that the party’s chances of victory are ‘100 percent.’

Omisore made the declaration on Tuesday at the APC state secretariat along the Osogbo/Gbongan Road, Osogbo, where he urged his supporters to turn out in large numbers to vote for the party in 2026.

The former deputy governor also met with members of the APC state executive to formally announce his intention, assuring them that if given the party’s gubernatorial ticket, he would deliver victory for the APC in the upcoming election.

He said, ‘I am expecting Osun State people to vote for APC en masse come August 8, 2026. This is to show preparedness of the core APC members in the state, to show how ready we are to ensure that I become the party candidate by God’s grace in December, and to further strengthen the belief of the people in the coming APC government in Osun State.

‘APC chance in 2026 is 100 percent, these are volunteers from the nook and cranny of the state, this is just within the party and not the public this is an internal politics, preparing us for the forthcoming primaries in December.’

Omisore disclosed that he tagged his movement as ‘rescue mission’, noting that their presence at the declaration is a show of strength to rescue Osun State from the current Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) administration.

He said, ‘I am optimistic, you know if we go to the primaries today, I’ll win more than 90 percent, by God’s grace I shall emerge and deliver the APC government by next year August.’

‘People are expecting maturity governance, educational improvement, agricultural improvement, rural capital development, structural adjustment of the state, capital development, impartial policies, among others. Government is not a dancing matter, it’s a serious business and must be taken seriously by serious people.’

Also, Coordinator of Omisore Rescue Mission, Israel Famurewa, a former lawmaker, said, ‘The people here today are members of the APC from all the wards across the State. These are the people that asked Omisore to come out and vie for the ticket of the party. We are sure that with their support, Omisore will emerge as the party’s candidate.

‘Governance is a serious business and as a former deputy governor he is the most experienced among other good aspirants of the party to fly the ticket and deliver victory come next year.’

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to complete all projects initiated by his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, vowing to restore transparency and integrity in governance.

Governor Okpebholo expressed disappointment that some of the projects were publicly commissioned despite being incomplete, describing the act as a ‘disservice to the Edo people’ and an attempt to conceal inefficiency.

He made the remarks during an on-the-spot inspection of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital and the Education Hub Complex at Iyaro, where he said he was shocked by the level of uncompleted work at both sites.

The governor assured that his administration is determined to complete all abandoned or half-finished projects for the benefit of citizens, adding that the Stella Obasanjo Hospital would be completed before Christmas.

‘A lot of work has been done, but much more is left. The administrative block and the theatre are still incomplete. However, between now and Christmas, we will ensure this hospital is activated and serving the Edo people.

‘I do not know why the previous administration commissioned this hospital when work was still ongoing.

‘It is wrong to mislead the people with such gestures. Our duty is to finish what was started and ensure that Edo people get full value for every naira spent.’

Edo Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, who took the Governor around the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, said the hospital was barely 60 percent completed when it was commissioned.

Dr. Oshiomhole said, ‘We have gone round the facility with His Excellency, and it’s clear that the hospital is far from completion.

‘The Governor has, however, directed that all necessary work be accelerated to bring it to 100 percent completion as quickly as possible.’

At the Iyaro Education Hub, Governor Okpebholo expressed disappointment that the former administration commissioned the complex.

‘This building was hurriedly commissioned without power, equipment, or any operational capacity,’ Okpebholo lamented. ‘It is sad because there was really nothing to commission. Our focus now is to make this place fully functional, restore its purpose, and breathe life into the Ministry of Education.

‘My administration remains focused on accountability, transparency, and tangible results. The era of cosmetic governance and deceptive commissioning is over in Edo State.

‘We are not here to play politics with the lives of Edo people,’ he declared. ‘Our mission is to rebuild, restore, and ensure every project serves the people. The Edo people deserve honesty and visible progress, and that is exactly what this administration will deliver

Singer Omawumi has attributed a significant part of her career success to music producer Cobhams Asuquo, revealing how his impact soared her career.

In a recent interview on HipTV, Omawumi recalled their first meeting, where Cobhams offered her an opportunity to record a song, despite uncertainty about its potential impact.

‘Cobhams gave me one of my first opportunities outside Idol West Africa. The first time we met, he said, ‘Omawumi, this is Cobhams Asuquo, you know he likes to funkify his name. There is a song I want you to do. It might not come out as anything for now, but let’s just go with it,” she said.

Omawumi said she accepted the offer and became a brand ambassador for a product, lasting two years.

She said the collaboration also led to her opening for P-Square in four locations.

Omawumi also credited Cobhams with teaching her valuable lessons on delivery and posture.

‘I did the song, and then the agency picked it. I became the brand ambassador for that product for two years. I opened for PSquare in four locations. Cobhams taught me a lot of nuances when it comes to delivery and posture,’ she added.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the Kampala Declaration (2026-2036) on Agriculture and Food Security.

This, he said, will enhance sustainable food production, drive agro-industrialisation, reduce post-harvest losses, and boost intra-African agricultural trade.

Kyari stated this during the Community of Practice Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) with the theme ‘From Kampala to Abuja: Transforming Agrifood Systems in Nigeria,’ held in Abuja.

According to the Minister, the declaration’s implementation seeks to deepen agricultural investments, promote regional integration, foster inclusivity, advance research and development, encourage innovation, and strengthen governance structures across the sector.

‘The need to drive food system transformation cannot be overemphasized. We must move beyond business-as-usual approaches and embrace bold reforms that make our food systems more productive, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. This transformation is essential to ensure food security in the country,’ Kyari said.

He noted that the Federal Government has made significant progress through clear policy direction and collaboration with state governments in executing the Malabo Declaration, with the African Union’s Biennial Review showing notable improvement in Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem over the past decade.

Kyari revealed that the ministry has established an Agricultural Sector Working Group consisting of research institutions, private sector actors, development partners, non-governmental organizations, and civil society stakeholders.

He explained that the group serves as a governance mechanism to scale up best practices, monitor progress, identify gaps, and mobilise collective action toward achieving shared goals in the agricultural sector.

Highlighting key government initiatives, Kyari disclosed that the Federal Government has provided 2,000 tractors and related implements to enhance food production and has launched the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) in Kaduna, Cross River, and Ogun States, with more to follow.

He added that under the SAPZ project, the country has attracted $538.05 million in investments, leveraging private sector participation to establish industrial hubs and agricultural transformation centers. This initiative, he said, is expected to stimulate an additional $1 billion in investment by 2027.

The Minister also referenced the Nigeria Postharvest Systems Transformation Programme (NiPHaST), unveiled at the recent Africa Food System Summit in Dakar, which targets the reduction of annual post-harvest losses estimated at ?3.5 trillion.

‘The outcome of this investment drive will create a more efficient, sustainable, and equitable food system – improving farmers’ income, reducing waste, strengthening value chains, and advancing national food sovereignty,’ he stated.

Kyari emphasised that achieving the objectives of the Kampala Declaration requires strong synergy between federal and state governments, urging Commissioners of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Rural Development to align efforts for effective policy implementation.

‘Our challenges require not only innovative solutions but also coordinated action and unwavering commitment at every level of government,’ he added, assuring that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting state-level initiatives in alignment with CAADP and national priorities.

Delivering her goodwill message, Deputy Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Suwaiba Muhammad Dankabo, commended the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, GIZ, and other partners for organizing the summit.

She said the Kampala Declaration offers Africa an opportunity to realign agricultural goals and address challenges such as low productivity, climate shocks, and gender inequality.

Dankabo presented findings from ActionAid’s Non-State Actors Biennial Review Value Addition Toolkit (NSAs VABKIT), which identified critical gaps affecting smallholder women farmers, including limited access to credit (below 23%), agricultural insurance (4.77%), and processing facilities (18%).

She urged increased investment in women-led agribusinesses, agricultural extension services, and post-harvest infrastructure.

Dankabo also announced the launch of ActionAid’s Pots and Pans Campaign’ on October 1, 2025, aimed at raising awareness about hunger and poverty among Nigeria’s 133 million citizens living in multidimensional poverty.

The campaign encourages peaceful protest against hunger by banging empty pots and pans in public spaces, using hashtags such as #MyHungerStory, #PotsAndPansAction, and #EndHungerNow.

In his remarks, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi,said CAADP implementation has transformed Nigeria’s agricultural landscape by aligning national policies with continental priorities and driving measurable progress.

Also speaking, Dr. Karen Yansen, Head of German Cooperation, described the Kampala Declaration as an evidence-based framework designed to strengthen governance systems through integrated monitoring, inclusivity, and equity.

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.

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.’

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.

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.