Popular Gospel Singer Bunmi Akinnanu Passes Away

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Popular Nigerian gospel singer Bunmi Akinnanu, best known for her hit song “Omije Ojumi,” has passed away. She died on January 12, 2026, in a Lagos hospital after a prolonged battle with a serious leg ailment.

The sad news was confirmed by her family through a statement shared by fellow gospel artist Ayo Melody on Instagram: “With great sadness we announce the passing of Evangelist Olubunmi Akinnanu Adeoye (OMIJE OJUMI), who passed away on 12th January 2026 at a Lagos hospital in Nigeria.” Her death comes after months of public prayers and concern, especially following a widely circulated 2025 video from G.F. David Ministries in Ibadan showing her receiving prayers for her condition.

Bunmi began singing at age 10 and later left a career in banking to pursue gospel music full-time. “Omije Ojumi” became one of her most beloved tracks, resonating deeply with fans across Nigeria, and she released several other impactful songs over the years. She will be greatly missed by the gospel community. May her soul rest in perfect peace.

FG Launches ₦40 Billion CCTV Command Centre for Third Mainland Bridge

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The Federal Government has commissioned a ₦40 billion CCTV control center on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, marking a major advancement in safety, security, and infrastructure management for one of Nigeria’s busiest and most strategic roadways.

The inauguration took place on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Minister of Works Senator Dave Umahi, who officiated the event, explained that the project is the culmination of extensive rehabilitation works carried out on the bridge since the current administration assumed office in 2023. He described the condition of the bridge at that time as “very terrible,” noting that the Third Mainland Bridge, together with the nearby Carter and Iddo bridges, required thorough structural re-evaluation and repairs both above and below water level.

President Bola Tinubu approved the full rehabilitation program, which included replacement of expansion joints, resurfacing, and other critical upgrades. These interventions have significantly improved driving conditions and extended the bridge’s service life.

The CCTV system itself was first announced in 2025 and is purpose-built to address multiple safety challenges. Its primary goals are to curb reckless and excessive speeding, help prevent suicide attempts, and strengthen overall security on the bridge. Security personnel will monitor live feeds around the clock from the dedicated control centre and actively enforce speed limits. Umahi emphasized that the facility provides complete visibility: “The idea is that we can see everything that is happening on the bridge.” He also used the occasion to urge motorists to strictly obey traffic rules.

To support real-time monitoring and rapid emergency response, the contract includes the handover of one surveillance boat and two Hilux patrol vans to the Nigeria Police Force.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, described the installation as the first of its kind on any bridge in Nigeria. The system enables continuous real-time observation of activities on the bridge and in the surrounding waters. Among its advanced features are 240 solar panels paired with 10 inverters, a 300 kVA transformer, a standby generator, multiple large monitoring screens, and full air-conditioning for operator comfort. The wider scope of works also covers installation of 1,268 solar-powered street lights along the bridge and provision of a borehole facility.

The entire project was awarded at ₦40.17 billion, with roughly ₦36 billion already paid to the contractor. Sunday’s commissioning represents Phase 1; a second and final phase will be inaugurated once the ongoing bridge extension works are completed.

This development reflects the Tinubu administration’s broader commitment to modernizing federal infrastructure in Lagos while integrating sustainable energy solutions and proactive security measures. For the millions who use the Third Mainland Bridge daily, the new control centre promises safer journeys, faster incident response, and a stronger deterrent against dangerous behaviour on one of the country’s most critical transport links.

“I Didn’t Know I Was Being Recorded” – Tiwa Savage Rejects Apology Demand After Tape Leak

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Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage has revealed that she was urged by a Nigerian politician to issue a public apology following the circulation of her leaked private video — a demand she firmly but calmly rejected.

Speaking during a conversation with American radio host Angela Yee, alongside three other women, the award-winning singer reflected on the period following the viral spread of the footage and how she processed the situation.

Tiwa Savage said the call from the politician left her feeling both stunned and confused. According to her, the individual insisted that she owed Nigerians – particularly young girls – an apology over the incident.

She explained that she immediately questioned the basis of the demand, pointing out that she had not released the video herself. In response, the politician reportedly argued that allowing an intimate moment to be recorded was itself inappropriate.

Tiwa countered by clarifying that the man involved was her boyfriend at the time and stressed that she had no knowledge that the recording was being made. She said she was completely unaware of the camera.

Reflecting further, the singer noted that the experience opened her eyes to a broader issue. She questioned how many people may have been violated in similar ways without their stories ever becoming public.

Her comments shed light on the personal impact of the incident and the wider conversation around consent, privacy, and accountability in cases involving leaked intimate content.

Nigerian Literary Icon Chimamanda Adichie Mourns Loss of Young Twin Son

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Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, are mourning the tragic loss of their 21-month-old twin son, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness.

The heartbreaking news was confirmed on Thursday, January 8, 2026, in a statement issued by family representative Omawumi Ogbe.

The statement reads: “We’re deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege’s twin boys, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed on Wednesday, 7th of January 2026, after a brief illness. He was 21 months old.

“The family is devastated by this profound loss, and we request that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time. We ask for your grace and prayers as they mourn in private.

“No further statements will be made, and we thank the public and the media for respecting their need for seclusion during this period of immense grief.”

The announcement has elicited an outpouring of condolences from fans, literary figures, and admirers worldwide, with many sharing messages of sympathy and support on social media.

Adichie, acclaimed for bestselling novels such as Half of a Yellow Sun, Americanah, and her essay collection We Should All Be Feminists, has always fiercely guarded her family’s privacy. The couple, married since 2009, welcomed twin boys in 2024, a joyful milestone she revealed quietly in interviews the following year. They also have an older daughter born in 2016.

As the family grieves this unimaginable loss, the global literary community stands in solidarity, honoring the family’s request for space and privacy during this painful time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Dr. Ivara Esege, and their loved ones.

Skales Breaks Silence on Controversy Surrounding His Church Testimony

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Afrobeats star Skales has addressed the backlash surrounding his recent testimony at Harvesters Church, admitting his first response might have been hasty while offering a more measured clarification.

During the church service, Skales shared how his career received a major boost when Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal helped revive his 2015 hit “Shake Body,” bringing it back into the spotlight. He thanked God for using Yamal to reignite his musical journey.

Taking to X to respond to critics, Skales posted: “I may have responded too quickly to the concerns raised about my crossover testimony at Harvesters Church. After sitting with it, I felt it was important to respond again. This time with more clarity and less emotion, for the sake of the Body of Christ.”

He stressed that every believer has a unique purpose, whether inside the pulpit or out in the world, and that callings beyond traditional ministry are just as valid and significant.

Defending his decision to share the testimony, Skales argued that professionals in various fields—musicians, filmmakers, athletes, teachers, and more—serve God through their talents and platforms. Referencing 1 Corinthians 12:28, he maintained that openly acknowledging God’s hand in one’s life and career is always appropriate.

Reaffirming his faith, the singer declared he remains unapologetic about publicly testifying to what God has done for him.

“As children of the Lord, we all have our part to play,” he wrote. “I truly believe that those who believe in the Word but are not in the pulpit do not have a lesser calling, just a different assignment. Just because something doesn’t happen from the pulpit doesn’t make it any less significant. Musicians, filmmakers, athletes, teachers, etc. We exist to make life lighter for others. We all function here, serving God through what we’ve been called to do.

“That said, I will never believe that testifying about what my God has done for me is wrong! I’m a child of God, and I have no problem sharing that with the world. 1 Corinthians 12:28.”

Wizkid Inducted as Honorary Member of Lagos Motor Boat Club

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Nigerian music star Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has been formally inducted as an honorary member of the prestigious Lagos Motor Boat Club, one of Nigeria’s oldest and most renowned private social clubs.

The induction followed Wizkid’s high-energy performance at the club’s New Year’s Eve gala, where he entertained attendees with his signature Afrobeats repertoire. During a ceremony at the event, the club’s Commodore presented the internationally acclaimed musician with an official certificate of honorary membership and a club hat.

Founded on 23 January 1950, the Lagos Motor Boat Club has long been recognised as a pre-eminent social and boating organisation in the country. It maintains a membership drawn from prominent boat owners, business leaders, and social figures, and has played a continuous role in Lagos’s elite recreational and cultural life for over seven decades.

In accepting the honour, Wizkid joins a roster of distinguished figures associated with the club. The organisation, originally formed by boating enthusiasts breaking away from the earlier Lagos Tarpon Club, has grown to include a wide array of recreational and social activities for its members throughout its history.

Wizkid’s induction highlights an intersection between contemporary Nigerian entertainment and the long-standing traditions of the Lagos Motor Boat Club, symbolically linking his global cultural influence with one of the country’s notable social institutions.

From breaking barriers on international stages to earning respect within Nigeria’s most prestigious social circles, Wizkid continues to redefine what it means to be a Nigerian artist in the global arena. This latest honor adds another distinguished chapter to his remarkable journey.

Nollywood Star Allwell Ademola Passes Away Aged 43

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Nollywood has been plunged into mourning following the reported passing of celebrated actress and producer Allwell Ademola, who died at 43 years old.

Industry insiders confirmed that Ademola collapsed on Saturday after experiencing a cardiac arrest at home. She was immediately transported to a medical facility, where she was later pronounced dead.

The tragic news has triggered widespread sorrow online, with numerous film professionals expressing shock and disbelief on social media platforms.

Veteran actress Faithia Williams shared her grief on Instagram, posting: “Haaaa. This hit me so bad. Eniobanke. Allahu Akbar..Allwell.”

Fellow performer Mide Martins uploaded a tribute photograph on Facebook, accompanied by the words: “BLACK SATURDAY……This is not fair😭 May God forgive your shortcomings Allwell😭😭😭.”

Actor Damola Olatunji posted an image of a lit candle with a brief message stating: “Life is a mirage.”

Meanwhile, actress Bidemi Kosoko struggled to accept the reports, writing: “No way. No, no,, no. Ko possible ooo. This isn’t true. God forbid, in Jesus’ name.”

She continued with an emotional plea: “I refuse to accept this one Lai Lai God forbid. Olorun oni je. Just reply to my message, abeg Oremi/ aunty mi. I will wait patiently for your reply.”

Ademola was recognized as a versatile creative talent within Nigeria’s entertainment sector, having worked as an actress, filmmaker, director, singer, and writer. Her contributions to Yoruba cinema earned her widespread recognition and respect throughout her career.

She entered the world on August 9, 1983, in Lagos State and came from distinguished heritage in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Her grandfather was Justice Adetokunbo Ademola, who served as Nigeria’s inaugural Chief Justice.

Her entertainment career launched in 1986 when she appeared as a young performer on NTA’s Animal Games with Uncle Wole. She formally entered the Nollywood scene in 1992 and gained significant acclaim starting in 2008 through memorable performances in productions including You or I (2013), Omo Emi (2017), and Aye Keji.

Ademola’s artistic pursuits extended beyond the screen. She founded her musical ensemble, Allwell and Company, in 2002, produced a studio album in 2006, and formally launched the band in 2010.

Snoop Dogg questions LGBTQ+ scene in Disney’s Lightyear

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Hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg has sparked debate after revealing his discomfort with LGBTQ+ representation in the new Disney movie, Lightyear.

He shared his thoughts during an episode of the It’s Giving podcast, hosted by Sarah Fontenot on Thursday.

Snoop recounted taking his grandson to see the film, only to be caught off guard when a scene depicted two women raising a child together.

“Papa Snoop, how can she have a baby with another woman?” his grandson asked. “I didn’t come here for this; I just came to watch the movie,” Snoop admitted.

He added, “I’m worried about taking kids to the movies now, because they’re putting me in situations I don’t know how to explain.”

His comments reflect the confusion he experienced in that moment and his struggle to address complex topics with children.

The rapper’s remarks have reignited conversations about LGBTQ+ themes in children’s media, with some praising Disney for inclusivity, while others, like Snoop, question whether such content is suitable for younger audiences.