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Nigerian Ahmadu, Who Sat for WASSCE 17 Times, to Lead Mental Health Tour in Ohio

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Dr. Emmanuel Ahmadu, a Nigerian who famously sat for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) 17 times, will spearhead the “Resilience Rise” Mental Health Awareness Tour across Northeast Ohio. The tour is set to address mental health challenges among students and is a collaboration with Triumphators LLC and other local educational and mental health stakeholders.

In a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ahmadu shared that the initiative aims to combat the rising trend of mental health issues among students, including depression and suicide. The tour will engage high schools and colleges in the region, providing tools and inspiration to help students overcome personal adversities and excel academically and personally.

Ahmadu’s journey from a turbulent childhood, including attending 16 primary schools and 14 secondary schools, to achieving a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Benin, reflects his resilience. His story is intended to inspire students and promote mental resilience through the tour.

With mental health statistics indicating high levels of persistent sadness and suicide among Ohio students, the tour seeks to provide essential support and resources. Ahmadu’s collaboration with Triumphators LLC, led by Coach Tonya Maxwell, aligns with efforts to empower individuals who have experienced trauma and support their development into community leaders.

The “Resilience Rise” tour is expected to expand across Ohio and the U.S., amplifying its impact on student mental health. Ahmadu’s recent honors include an honorary Doctorate Degree in International Affairs from Global Seminary University and recognition as a Global Mental Health Advocate by Marquis Who’s Who 2024. His efforts are seen as a significant contribution to global mental health advocacy.

Complete Statistics on WASSCE Pass Rates Over the Past 10 Years

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The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) serves as a critical measure of student performance in West Africa. The following data, provided by Statisense, presents the pass rates for Nigerian students from 2014 to 2024, highlighting trends and changes influenced by educational policies and external factors.

  1. 2014: A Low Start (31.28%)
    • The success rate was relatively low at 31.28%, reflecting significant challenges in that year.
  2. 2015: Slight Improvement (38.68%)
    • A modest improvement to 38.68%, indicating gradual progress.
  3. 2016: Significant Leap (52.97%)
    • A notable increase to 52.97%, surpassing the 50% mark for the first time.
  4. 2017: Momentum Continues (59.22%)
    • Continued upward trend with a pass rate of 59.22%, showing sustained academic advancement.
  5. 2018: A Setback (48.15%)
    • A decline to 48.15%, highlighting inconsistencies in success rates.
  6. 2019: Back on Track (64.18%)
    • A strong rebound with a pass rate of 64.18%, restoring confidence in the system.
  7. 2020: Slight Growth (65.24%)
    • Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the pass rate increased slightly to 65.24%.
  8. 2021: Record-Breaking (81.70%)
    • A landmark year with a record-high success rate of 81.70%.
  9. 2022: Strong but Slight Decline (76.36%)
    • A slight decrease to 76.36%, yet still reflecting strong performance.
  10. 2023-2024: Stabilization and Drop (79.81%, 72.12%)
    • The pass rate stabilized at 79.81% in 2023 before dropping to 72.12% in 2024.

This data underscores the fluctuating nature of educational success rates and highlights the impact of both internal and external factors on student performance.

Governor Ododo Gifts 11 Cars to Judges, Promises Additional Vehicles Soon

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Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has presented 11 new cars to judges as part of his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of judicial officers. This gesture, made at Muhammad Buhari Square in Lokoja, aims to support the effective functioning of the judiciary.

Ododo, represented by Head of Service Elijah Evimemi, emphasized that the gift of vehicles underscores his administration’s dedication to the judiciary. This follows a previous distribution of 14 vehicles to judges in July. The governor promised that more vehicles would be provided soon to ensure all judges and magistrates in the state receive one.

Chief Judge Justice Josiah Mejabi thanked the governor for honoring his promise, noting that the vehicles would aid in the judicial officers’ duties. Mejabi praised Ododo for his people-oriented policies and expressed hope that, after addressing health sector needs, the governor would also focus on renovating court facilities to enhance their functionality.

Kaduna Residents Lament Spike in Transport Fares as Fuel Hits ₦950 per Litre

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Residents of Kaduna have expressed frustration over a sharp increase in transport fares over the past two days. The surge in fares follows recent hunger protests and coincides with a significant rise in fuel prices, which now stand at ₦950 per litre.

Abdulmumin Shuaibu, a civil servant, reported that his usual fare from Sabon Tasha to the city center has jumped from ₦300 to ₦400. He noted that the situation worsens during evening rush hours, with many people struggling to find available transportation due to a shortage of buses.

Aisha Sulaiman experienced a similar increase, paying ₦800 for her commute to work, up from ₦600. Yohannah Isiah faced additional challenges as fuel stations in his area were closed, forcing him to buy fuel from the black market at ₦1,250 per litre. Commercial tricycle rider Shafi’u Ibrahim also saw his fuel costs rise from ₦800 to ₦950 per litre compared to the previous week.

Groups Call for Increased Funding as Tuberculosis Cases Rise in Anambra

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The Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC) has raised concerns over the increasing cases of Tuberculosis (TB) in Anambra State. During a stakeholders’ forum in Awka, GPSDC Executive Secretary Eucharia Anekwe criticized the insufficient funds allocated for TB interventions despite a ₦50 million budgetary provision for 2022 and 2023.

Anekwe stressed that improved domestic funding is essential to combat the growing TB burden. Many Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Anambra lack the necessary GeneXpert machines for rapid TB diagnostics, and those that do have them are not adequately equipped.

The forum aimed to discuss ways to enhance domestic funding for TB programs. Anekwe appealed to the state government to increase budget allocations and ensure timely release of funds.

Chiamaka Oguejiofor, Monitoring and Evaluation Focal Person for the Anambra State TB Control Programme, reported a rise in TB cases from 2,300 in 2018 to 13,125 in 2022 and 2023 combined. She noted a decrease in case detection in early 2024 and highlighted the impact of funding cuts from partners.

Arthur Iwuanya, Director of Planning in the state Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, emphasized the need for relevant data to support increased funding. Oge Ozoemena, Programme Manager at GPSDC, called for TB to be treated as a public health emergency and urged the state government to recognize the need for increased funding.

Governor Makinde Approves New Allowances for Oyo State Fire Service Staff

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Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved new hazard and shift allowances for the staff of the Oyo State Fire Service Agency. The announcement was made by the state Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni, during a meeting with the agency’s management in Ibadan.

Oni stated that the new allowances were in response to the agency’s management requests and are intended to boost the morale and commitment of the fire service staff. Additionally, the state will purchase new firefighting trucks and equipment to enhance the agency’s operational efficiency.

The agency’s General Manager, Akinyemi Akinyinka, thanked the governor for the new allowances, noting that they would significantly improve staff morale and performance. Oni also encouraged the staff to stay dedicated and contribute positively to the state’s development.

UNESCO and Nigerian Police Collaborate to Empower Youth for National Security

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In a notable effort to integrate youth into national security initiatives, UNESCO and the Nigerian Police have come together to highlight the critical role young people play in safeguarding the nation. The event, marking International Youth Day, featured a summit with over 400 delegates including government officials, security agencies, and youth representatives.

Key Highlights:

  1. Youth as Change Agents:
    • Prince Abdulsalami Adesgun Ladigbolu, President of the UNESCO REF, stressed the essential role of youth in national security. He argued that discouraging youth would undermine the nation’s future prosperity.
    • Ladigbolu emphasized that Nigerian youth, given their familiarity with technology and social media, are well-positioned to provide innovative solutions and fresh perspectives on security challenges.
  2. Role of Technology:
    • The summit acknowledged that young people’s technological adeptness enables them to serve as crucial informants and contributors in identifying and addressing potential threats.
  3. Call for Unity and Engagement:
    • Ladigbolu urged the youth to focus on unity and capacity building, stressing the importance of listening and collaborating to transform Nigeria.
    • The message was clear: youth involvement is not just beneficial but crucial for national security, and their engagement can lead to significant positive changes.
  4. Police Chief’s Support:
    • Nigerian Police Chief Kayode Egbetokun echoed the sentiments, reinforcing the need for steadfast commitment to youth engagement in security matters. He expressed confidence that the combined efforts of youth, supported by partners, would make a substantial impact.

The summit aimed to celebrate and harness the energy and creativity of Nigerian youth, positioning them as pivotal contributors to national security. The collaboration between UNESCO and the Nigerian Police underscores a broader commitment to integrating young people into critical national roles.

President Tinubu Chairs First Council of State Meeting Since Taking Office

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President Bola Tinubu is set to preside over the National Council of State meeting at Presidential Villa.

The meeting which just kicked off now is Tinubu’s first Council of State meeting he is hosting since assuming office as President.

Those expected to attend the meeting are all living former presidents and past heads of state.

As of the time of filing this brief report, past presidents sighted are former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari while Abdulsalami Abubakar and former Head of State Yakubu Gowon joined virtually.

Sources within the presidency revealed that top on the agenda is the issue of the fallouts of the #EndBadGovernance protests which took place from August 1 and later fizzled out although it was planned to be a 10-day straight demonstration.

Beyond the recent protests, serving ministers of the Tinubu administration are also billed to make presentations to the Council.

While the ministers are not members, they have been specifically invited by the president to make the presentations.

Other cabinet members expected to sit in include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the NSA, and the Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, among others.

Apart from the lead presentations by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, other presentations expected today include on Food Security by the Agriculture & Food Security Minister, State of the Economy by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy,
Road Construction by the Minister for Works and a presentation on Solid Minerals by the Minister in Charge of the Ministry.

The Council of State consists of the following persons: President, who is the Chairman Vice-President, who is the Deputy Chairman, All former Presidents of the Federation and all former Heads of the Government of the Federation, All former Chief Justices of Nigeria President of the Senate Speaker of the House of Representatives, All the Governors of the states of the Federation, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation.

NPFL: Enyimba Appoints Olanrewaju as New Head Coach

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Enyimba Appoints Yemi Olanrewaju as Head Coach After Interim Spell

Enyimba FC has confirmed Yemi Olanrewaju as their new head coach. Olanrewaju, who had been serving as interim coach since May following Finidi George’s move to the Super Eagles, signed his contract at the club’s secretariat in Aba. The 32-year-old, who previously served as an assistant coach and played a key role in Enyimba’s 2022/23 title win, had declined an offer to join Finidi at Rivers United.

Man Arrested for Impersonating EFCC, Army Officials in Ogun Vandalism Scheme

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The Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has arrested 30-years Oluwatobi Salami for impersonating officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as well as an officer of the Nigerian Army.

The suspect was paraded alongside 20-years Idris Zakari who was arrested for vandalising the railway clips in Ifo local government area of the state.

Parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters, Kobape Road, Abeokuta on Tuesday, the Corps’ Commandant, David Ojelabi said Salami was arrested by members of the Sagamu community around OGD International Market and handed over to the officials of the NSCDC.

Ojelabi said, “ Salami specialises in impersonating as an official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as well as an officer of the Nigerian Army.

“ He was arrested on Saturday, August 10, 2024, and found with him were EFCC jackets and other outfits worn by the soldiers.

Ojelabi added “Idris Zakari aged 20 of Bagudu Local Government, Kebbi State, was on Friday, August 9, 2024, arrested at the railway in Ifo Local Government Area of the state vandalising the railway clips.

“Zakari was arrested by the men of So-Safe Corps and in the interest of inter-agency collaboration and effective investigation, he was handed over to the NSCDC State’s Command for further investigation and prosecution”.

The commandant stressed that the act of vandalising the government-owned infrastructure is an economic sabotage that will not be tolerated.

Ojelabi noted that the suspects will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further discrete investigation and likely prosecution.

He stated that the Command will always work with other security agencies and members of the public to rid the state of crime and illicit activity.

Meanwhile, Salami told journalists that he stole the EFCC uniform from a hotel around Lekki, Lagos State and contracted the printing of Nigerian Army insignia on a vest he bought so that he could be taken to be an officer of the Nigerian Army.

He said, “I actually stole the uniforms from a bag that I picked up from a hotel in Lekki. I don’t usually wear it but I have taken pictures with it and sent it to my friends who I have told I am an officer.

“I also like entering Lagos as an officer, I sincerely regret this and I pray that the government will use this to warn me and let me go as my parents are dead’

Ancelotti Warns Real Madrid of Atalanta’s Threat Ahead of UEFA Super Cup Clash

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Real Madrid boss, Carlo Ancelotti, has warned his team about “dangerous” Atalanta ahead of both sides’ clash in the 2024 UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday.

Both teams will meet at the National Stadium Warsaw in Poland.

The annual UEFA Super Cup is contested by the winners of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.

Real Madrid won 2-0 against Borussia Dortmund in the 2023-24 Champions League final, while Atalanta won 3-0 against reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final.

Speaking ahead of the UEFA Super Cup clash, Ancelotti said (via @MadridXtra on X):

“Atalanta deserve to be here, they are a great team and had an amazing season. We hope to be the best team on Wednesday.

“We know they are able to win these games, so we respect them. They are a dangerous team that plays in a unique way.”

Abia Assembly Swears in PDP’s Uzodike as Lawmaker After 9-Month Delay

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Abia Assembly Swears in PDP’s Aaron Uzodike as Aba North Lawmaker After 9-Month Delay

Emmanuel Emereuwa, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, has officially sworn in Aaron Uzodike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the representative for Aba North. The swearing-in follows a prolonged delay of nearly nine months, attributed to an alleged court injunction and controversy surrounding the Appeal Court’s decision. Uzodike, declared the winner over Destiny Akara Nwagwu of the Labour Party by the Appeal Court, faced delays despite holding a Certificate of Return from INEC. The assembly’s action has been met with jubilation among PDP supporters in Aba North and beyond.

“Wan-Bissaka Departs Man Utd for EPL Club; Arsenal Secures New Forward”

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“Transfer Update: Aaron Wan-Bissaka Joins West Ham; Arsenal Sign Forward Rosa Kafaji”

Manchester United have announced the permanent transfer of defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham United. Wan-Bissaka, who joined United from Crystal Palace in June 2019, made 190 appearances for the club. Manchester United expressed gratitude for his contributions and wished him well for the future.

In a separate transfer move, Arsenal have secured Swedish international forward Rosa Kafaji from BK Häcken on a long-term deal. Kafaji, who will wear the number 16 jersey, expressed her excitement about joining Arsenal, saying, “It feels amazing to join this club – I’m so happy to be here.”

“Darren Bent Warns Arsenal Against Signing Barcelona Target Due to Decline”

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“Darren Bent Cautions Arsenal Against Signing Kingsley Coman, Citing Player Decline”

Darren Bent has advised Arsenal to reconsider their interest in Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, who is also a target for Barcelona. Bent, speaking on talkSPORT, expressed concerns that Coman might be on the decline.

He noted that the 27-year-old Coman had his first season without a league title last year, suggesting a drop in form. Despite acknowledging Coman’s talent, Bent’s comments highlight potential risks associated with signing the player. Coman, capable of playing on both wings, was seen as a potential addition to strengthen Arsenal’s attacking options, offering competition for Gabriel Martinelli and cover for Bukayo Saka.

Afrobeats & Activism: Are Nigerian Fans Demanding Too Much?

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In Nigeria, music often intersects with politics, with artists using their platforms to address social and political issues. Recently, there has been growing pressure on Afrobeats artists to align with social causes, especially during periods of mass protests.

Recent Context: Amidst protests over economic hardships and high living costs, Nigerian fans have called on prominent musicians to speak up and show support. This has been especially noticeable in the case of Burna Boy, who faced criticism for not supporting recent protests, recalling backlash he experienced during the 2020 EndSARS protests. Critics argue that while Burna Boy’s music addresses societal issues, his public stance seems lacking compared to his artistic narratives.

Similarly, other artists like Olamide and Davido have faced scrutiny for their associations with political figures and their apparent reluctance to engage in social activism, leading to questions about their sincerity.

Fan Expectations vs. Artist Autonomy: The debate centers around whether fans have the right to demand activism from artists or if such expectations are unfair.

  • Jim Donnette, Marketing & PR Executive: Fans have the right to expect some level of concern from artists, but artists are not obligated to meet these demands. The political inclinations of artists vary, and not all are inclined to use their platforms for activism.
  • Chinonso Ihearika, Culture Journalist: Successful artists may become disconnected from the struggles of the masses, leading fans to view them as insensitive if they remain silent on sociopolitical issues. This detachment can result in frustration when fans see artists only engaging with them for commercial purposes.
  • Honour Aghedo, Brand and Marketing Executive: Artists wield significant influence and with that comes responsibility. Fans project their hopes onto artists, and when these artists seem indifferent to pressing issues, it can feel like a betrayal. Additionally, artists who use sociopolitical issues as creative content should also be vocal when these issues become actionable.
  • Ogaga Sakpaide, Talent Manager and Music Executive: Public figures, particularly those who portray themselves as champions of cultural causes, should be sensitive to the issues affecting their fanbase. It’s important for these figures to show concern, even if it’s not always active.

The Risks of Speaking Out: Artists who choose to engage with sociopolitical issues can face significant backlash. For instance, Davido’s support for the EndSARS protests led to governmental scrutiny and personal trouble, illustrating the potential risks involved in taking a stand. Similarly, actress Toyin Abraham faced online harassment for her support of political figures.

Conclusion: While it is reasonable for fans to expect some level of engagement from artists on social issues, it’s also important to recognize the personal and professional risks involved for these artists. The challenge lies in balancing artistic expression with social responsibility and understanding that not all artists will align with these expectations. Ultimately, if artists draw inspiration from societal issues, it’s fair to hold them accountable to the standards they set.

Phyna Blasts Twitter Influencers

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After trending under the hashtag “Phyna not successful” on X (formerly Twitter), BBNaija season 7 winner Phyna has responded with a strong message against Twitter influencers.

On August 12, 2024, Phyna addressed the situation by calling out the influencers, stating:

“Just to be clear…I will start testing the money I don’t have and the connections I don’t have on some Twitter idiots. Even Una mama and all the Twitter influencers put together cannot save you…just check me and see, I will show you how razz and broke babes move.”

She further expressed her frustration, saying:

“Parody but the link na straight to your YouTube all of Una dy mad.”

Phyna’s reaction follows comments from Big Brother Naija season 9 housemate Wanni, who compared Phyna’s success to that of former housemate Beauty. Wanni claimed that Beauty, despite being disqualified early from the show, has been more successful than Phyna and highlighted endorsements and other achievements.

Wanni also mentioned Beauty’s controversial actions on the show, which led to her disqualification, but stated that Beauty remains successful compared to other ex-housemates, including Phyna.

Records Set by Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’

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Asake’s third album, Lungu Boy, has achieved significant milestones across various streaming platforms. Released on August 9, 2024, the album features collaborations with notable artists such as Wizkid, Central Cee, Stormzy, Travis Scott, and Ludmila.

Here are the records set by Lungu Boy:

  1. Biggest Opening Day on Spotify Nigeria: The album garnered 5.86 million streams on its first day, surpassing the previous record of 4.91 million held by Davido’s Timeless.
  2. Biggest Opening Day Streams Globally on Spotify: Lungu Boy recorded 9.2 million streams globally on its opening day, setting a new benchmark for Nigerian albums on Spotify.
  3. Record for ‘MMS’: The track ‘MMS,’ featuring Wizkid, achieved 870,577 streams on its first day on Spotify Nigeria, breaking the previous record of 626,000 streams set by Wizkid’s ‘IDK’ featuring Zlatan.
  4. Highest-Charting Nigerian Album on Apple Music US: The album equaled the record for the highest-charting Nigerian album on Apple Music US, previously held by Burna Boy’s I Told Them and Davido’s Timeless.
  5. First Nigerian Artist with 3 Albums at No. 1 on Apple Music UK: Lungu Boy reached No. 1 on the Apple Music UK Chart, making Asake the first Nigerian artist to achieve this with three different albums, including Mr. Money With The Vibe and Work of Art.

Asake’s Lungu Boy has tallied 13.52 million streams in its first four days, approaching the record for the biggest opening week for an album on Spotify Nigeria, currently held by Davido’s Timeless with 14.4 million streams.

The album’s success underscores Asake’s influential status in the music industry and continues his streak of commercial achievements.

Omoni Oboli Announces Birth of First Grandchild

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Nollywood actress Omoni Oboli has shared the joyful news of the birth of her first grandchild, a baby girl named Naya. Oboli took to Instagram on August 12, 2024, to celebrate the arrival of her granddaughter, expressing deep gratitude and happiness.

In her post, Oboli shared a video from her son Tobe and his wife Marelle’s baby shower, writing, “Our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy. 💝💝💝We never knew we could love a tiny human this much 😍Our baby Naya is here and she’s the perfect gift from God🎁🎁🎁Our hearts are filled with so much love. 🥰🥰🥰Naya, mummy, daddy, grandparents, and uncles are all doing amazing. 🤩 THANK YOU LORD.”

Oboli, who has three sons, had previously expressed a longing for a baby girl and is thrilled with the arrival of Naya. Fans and colleagues quickly joined in to congratulate the family, with messages of joy and welcome for the newest member.

Earlier in July 2024, Oboli had announced her daughter-in-law’s pregnancy and shared excitement over the forthcoming addition to their family, celebrating with a series of maternity photos. Tobe and Marelle, who got engaged in January 2024 and married in March, are now welcoming their first child.

Charly Boy Urges P-Square to Resolve Feud Privately

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Veteran Nigerian singer Charly Boy has expressed frustration over the public conflict between Paul and Peter Okoye of P-Square. In a recent Instagram post, Charly Boy criticized the twin brothers for their handling of the dispute and urged them to resolve their issues privately.

Charly Boy advised Paul and Peter to lean on each other and handle their disagreements away from the public eye. He emphasized the importance of their bond as twins and criticized their public exchanges, calling them “childish.”

His comments come amid a recent split announcement by Paul and allegations that Peter had Paul arrested by the EFCC. Peter has since addressed these claims in an open letter on Instagram, refuting the accusations.

Rema and Tems Featured on Barack Obama’s 2024 Summer Playlist

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Nigerian superstars Rema and Tems have made it onto Barack Obama’s 2024 summer playlist, highlighting the global success of Afrobeats.

Tems’ track “Love Me Jeje,” a sample of Seyi Sodimu and Shaffy Bello’s classic, is included in the playlist. This marks her third appearance, following previous inclusions with “Vibe Out” in 2022 and “Me & U” in 2023. Rema’s upbeat single “Yayo” from his album HEIS also features, adding to his previous mention with “Iron Man” in 2019.

Other notable tracks on the playlist include Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ’em,” Shaboozy’s “A Bar Song,” H.E.R’s “Process,” and collaborations by Tyla, Gunna, and Skillibeng. The playlist reflects a diverse range of global music, with Afrobeats continuing to make an impact internationally.