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Tinubu, West African Leaders Convene Amid Benin Coup Fallout.

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According to reports, President Bola Tinubu attended the 68th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on Sunday. Vice President Kashim Shettima led Nigeria’s delegation, marking the first time he has headed the country’s team at an ECOWAS summit held on home soil, while President Tinubu remained in the country for undisclosed reasons.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The summit, which began at 3:00 p.m. local time, featured a “special debate on the future of the Community,” according to a draft agenda. Several West African leaders were present, including President Julius Bio of Sierra Leone, President Patrice Talon of Benin, José Maria Neves of Cabo Verde, Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, Adama Barrow of The Gambia, John Mahama of Ghana, Umaro Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Joseph Boakai of Liberia, Bassirou Faye of Senegal, and Faure Gnassingbé of Togo.

The public session included opening remarks from the host, statements by ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray, and an address by Chair Julius Bio. Leaders also heard presentations from UNOWAS Chief Leonardo Santos Simão and African Union Commissioner Bankole Adeoye before moving into a closed-door session.

Key agenda items included the 2025 State of the Community report, updates from the Mediation and Security Council, and the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme. Special reports focused on Guinea-Bissau, the recent attempted coup in Benin, confirmation of the host state for the West African Health Organisation headquarters, and the political transition in Guinea.

The summit comes after five years of political upheaval in West Africa, including coups in Mali (2020, 2021), Burkina Faso (twice in 2022), and Niger (2023), which led to withdrawals from ECOWAS by the juntas in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. The region’s latest challenges include the attempted coup in Benin on December 7, 2025, and renewed instability in Guinea-Bissau, described by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan as a “ceremonial coup.”

Following the Benin coup attempt, President Tinubu deployed jets and troops in response to requests from the Beninese government. The Nigerian Senate approved the deployment on December 9 to restore calm. Around 200 West African soldiers, mainly from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, are assisting Benin. Analysts note that the country’s stability has significant economic implications for Nigeria, particularly regarding cargo flow through the Cotonou port, the Sèmè border crossing, and China’s 2,000-kilometre Niger–Benin export pipeline.

Leaders at the summit are expected to discuss proposals for tighter security cooperation, sanctions mechanisms, and economic integration measures, including the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme. The session will also review Dr. Touray’s report and schedule the 69th Ordinary Session.

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“The Truth Finally Out: How Peter Obi Shocked Critics By Leaving ₦86.6 Billion Behind In Anambra!”

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Oseloka Obaze, a former Secretary to the Anambra State Government, has stated that former governor Peter Obi left ₦86.6 billion in the state treasury when he handed over power in 2014. Obaze, who served under Obi from 2006 to 2014, made this revelation in a post on X amid ongoing controversies regarding the financial records inherited by successive administrations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Obaze noted that he was personally present on March 17, 2014, when Obi officially handed over financial documents and the Handover Report to his successor, Willie Obiano. According to him, Obiano received and signed an acknowledgment copy of the letter, which included certified bank statements detailing the state’s assets and liabilities.

Past Debates and Public Corroboration

Recalling the 2017 Anambra governorship debate organized by Channels Television, Obaze mentioned that he challenged Obiano—a certified accountant and auditor—on national television for later expressing reservations about the funds after formally signing off on the handover documents. Following this, Obiano publicly acknowledged that certain funds were left behind, though he questioned the rationale of saving money instead of executing projects.

Obaze also referenced remarks from former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku, noting that Obiano once told the Nigerian Press Corps that Obi left substantial funds used to finance the construction of the Anambra Airport at Umueri. Additionally, he cited comments from Abia State Governor Alex Otti, a former banker, as further public validation of the financial legacy.

Expressing confusion over why the records remain a subject of dispute under the current administration, Obaze concluded: “If Governor Obiano… would eventually acknowledge, implicitly and explicit, that Governor Peter Obi indeed left the stipulated funds; a fact that was also publicly corroborated by Governor Alex Otti… what then, one may ask, is the beef and grouse of the incumbent Anambra State Government?”

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“The Internet Never Forgets: How An 11-Year-Old Tweet Cost Blaqbonez A Major Young Jonn Feature”

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Music producer-turned-singer Young Jonn turned down a collaboration offer from rapper Blaqbonez after unearthing a resurfaced 2015 post where the rapper stated a preference for DJ Coublon over him.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The exchange began when Young Jonn posted on social media: “I need like 5 bad friends way we go dey move in bulk!”

Blaqbonez quickly expressed interest in linking up, replying, “Oya, make we dey together, sing as one.”

Instead of accepting, Young Jonn posted a screenshot of the old tweet showing Blaqbonez’s historical preference and clapped back: “Go sing as one with Coublon.”

In his defense, Blaqbonez denied writing the post himself, claiming it was the work of his social media handler back in 2015.

Why Peter Okoye Changed His Birthday Away From Twin Brother Paul

In other entertainment news, Nigerian singer Peter Okoye has explained his decision to shift his birthday celebration from November 18 to November 30.

Speaking on the Capital XTRA Podcast, Peter revealed that his shared birthday with his twin brother, Paul, had become one of the worst days of his life over the past 13 years due to toxic family dynamics and tension.

He alleged that visitors would frequently go to Paul’s house to gossip about him before visiting him, making the shared occasion deeply uncomfortable. “I wish I could change it on my documents and passport,” Peter stated.

This development highlights the ongoing strain between the twin brothers, who initially split in 2017, briefly reunited in 2021, and parted ways again in 2024.

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“World Cup Panic: NFF Fires Back At Reports Claiming Falconets Refused To Train Over Unpaid Bonuses!”

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has strongly refuted claims that the Falconets planned to boycott training ahead of their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup quarter-final match against Colombia. While rumors suggested players were considering a training strike, the NFF dismissed the reports as entirely false and affirmed the team’s full focus.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

  • “Reports in a section of the media that the Falconets are planning to boycott training are an absolute falsehood,” the NFF stated.

  • “The girls are now heading to training for their last session before tomorrow’s match against Colombia.”

The Falconets advanced to the quarter-finals following a dominant 3-0 victory over England in the Round of 16. They are set to face Colombia at Stadion Miejski ŁKS in Łódź, with a semi-final spot on the line.

Squad Brilliance and Super Falcons Prospects

Reflecting on the tournament, head coach Moses Aduku expressed confidence that several players possess the talent to eventually transition into the senior national team, the Super Falcons.

Key performances have propelled Nigeria’s run:

  • Captain Christianah Uzoma delivered a crucial performance against England, saving a 33rd-minute penalty by Rachel Maltby to secure the team’s place in the last eight.

  • Winner Onajite David and Ramotalahi Kareem have spearheaded the attack, netting three goals each.

  • Janet Akekoromowei, Tosin Rafiu, and Rebecca Adegbemile have each contributed two goals to the campaign.

Emphasizing the importance of the tournament for player development, Aduku told FIFA, “I think the girls are doing well. We need to do more. There is going to be a transition to the senior national team from this junior side. So they really need to apply themselves.”

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