In a surprising turn of events, iconic rapper and music producer Kanye West has announced his retirement from music. The multi-award-winning artist made this revelation during a recent public appearance, sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry and his legion of fans worldwide.

“I’m retiring from music,” Kanye stated succinctly, marking the end of an era for one of the most influential figures in contemporary music. Known for his innovative approach to hip-hop and his boundary-pushing projects, Kanye’s career has been nothing short of legendary.

Spanning over two decades, Kanye’s influence in the music industry is unparalleled. From chart-topping albums to groundbreaking production techniques, his work has continually redefined the genre. Beyond music, Kanye has made significant strides in fashion, politics, and business, always staying in the public eye with his bold and often controversial statements.

This decision comes after a tumultuous period in Kanye’s personal and professional life, which has seen him navigate various challenges and controversies. In his announcement, Kanye hinted at a desire to shift focus towards his business ventures, philanthropic efforts, and personal growth.

While fans may feel a sense of loss at this announcement, it’s also a moment to reflect on the immense impact Kanye has had on the music world. His legacy includes not just his own prolific body of work, but also his influence on countless other artists and the broader cultural landscape.

As Kanye West steps away from music, the world will be watching closely to see what the next chapter holds for this multifaceted artist. His retirement marks the end of a significant era but also the beginning of new possibilities for one of the most dynamic figures in modern entertainment.

Popular Nigerian comedian and activist, Mr Macaroni, has voiced his disapproval of using connections to illegally detain citizens, emphasizing the need to seek justice through the court system. His comments come in response to claims that actress Toyin Abraham allegedly used the police to detain a man who defamed her.

Mr Macaroni took to X (formerly Twitter) on July 9, 2024, to stress the importance of following the legal process. He wrote, “If anyone insults you or defames your character, go to court and seek justice. APC trolls insult me and tell so many lies against my person. I have never for once used the police to illegally arrest or detain anyone and Never will I. There is serious danger in using the police to illegally detain citizens.”

He further warned against the misuse of power and the potential consequences, stating, “I hope those of you supporting this abuse of power won’t cry foul when you or your loved ones are the victims. To be clear, this is not to support online bullying and harassment. I strongly condemn it and believe that those involved should be made to face the consequences of their actions.”

Mr Macaroni highlighted the importance of adhering to the rule of law, adding, “But go to court and seek justice like the rest of us do. Don’t use your friends in government to illegally detain citizens. It may favour you now, but think about tomorrow when you no longer have that power or the closeness to that power. It might not be you, it might be someone you care about. What will become of us if everyone takes the law into their own hands?”

His comments followed reports that Toyin Abraham allegedly had a man and his mother detained by the police for defaming her on X. This led to backlash against the actress, with users criticizing her for purportedly using her connections to detain the man. Abraham responded to some of the users but later deleted her comments.

Mr Macaroni’s post garnered numerous reactions from fans and fellow X users, with one fan commenting, “Toyin Abraham dan go use police arrest person because of a mere tweet. Isn’t that the height of oppression?” Mr Macaroni responded, “It is not a ‘mere’ tweet if it defames her character. It is a crime and it is punishable by law. My point is that any aggrieved person should seek justice in a court of law and not use their connections with those in government to take the law into their own hands. – That is oppression.”

Amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has been recognized for his significant contributions and leadership in key areas such as education, health, rural development, and urban renewal. Despite the heated feud with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, and the resulting political turmoil, Governor Fubara has maintained peace and decorum in his leadership approach.

The Independent Monitors on Good Governance in Nigeria (IMGGN) have praised Governor Fubara for his transparency and accountability, highlighting his dedication to sustainable growth and development in the state. At a press conference in Port Harcourt, Okwa Dan, the group’s convener, commended Fubara for his commitment to even distribution of developmental efforts across Rivers State, including the hinterlands.

Dan noted that Fubara has ensured the provision of motorable roads, primary healthcare services, and other initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people in the state. Despite the political issues, the governor’s sound leadership and dedication to development have garnered appreciation from the residents of Rivers State.

The House of Representatives has called for sanctions against Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and six Area Council Chairmen for their insubordination and disregard for the House. Rep. Ikonne Ifeanyi of the House Committee on FCT Area Council and Ancillary raised this issue during a committee meeting in Abuja, stating that the Minister and the council chairmen’s refusal to appear before the House shows disrespect and lack of regard for the institution.

Rep. Ifeanyi criticized the Minister and the council chairmen for their arrogance and suggested that the House should not approve any requests from them until they show respect and honor the House’s invitations. He even proposed bringing the issue to the floor of the House to demand an explanation from those involved and suggested recommending Wike’s removal as FCT Minister if the situation does not improve.

Rep. Fredrick Agbedi, the chairman of the committee, expressed that the Minister and the council chairmen’s actions breach their constitutional responsibilities and undermine the committee’s oversight functions, which are crucial for ensuring accountability and good governance. Agbedi pointed out that despite receiving substantial monthly allocations, the six area council chairmen had not initiated, completed, or commissioned any significant projects.

Rep. Adesola Adebayo emphasized that the House of Representatives has the authority to oversee the activities of the council areas and that the council chairmen’s refusal to appear is an affront to the House. He suggested applying maximum pressure to ensure accountability.

The committee members discussed the need for the FCT Minister and the council chairmen to show up as requested, with some members, like Rep. Nurudeen Abbas, suggesting giving them one last chance to comply before taking further action. Rep. Sada Soli proposed breaking into a closed session to discuss the matter further.

The committee aims to ensure that the FCT Minister and the council chairmen fulfill their obligations and respect the legislative process.

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has praised President Bola Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Livestock Development. Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, President of MACBAN, highlighted that this ministry aims to unlock the trillion-naira livestock economy and create qualitative and productive jobs across the livestock value chain, ultimately improving the Nigerian economy.

Othman-Ngelzarma noted that the new ministry fulfills the promises made under Tinubu’s Renew Hope Agenda to raise the productive capacity of Nigerian agriculture and ensure food security. He expressed MACBAN’s longstanding advocacy for a standalone ministry to modernize livestock production in line with global best practices.

He pledged MACBAN’s support to the federal government in turning livestock production into a foreign exchange earner, reducing farmer-herder conflicts, and addressing related security challenges. The association, including its Chairman and members, along with the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, congratulated President Tinubu on this historic development.

President Tinubu announced the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja. Tinubu, who chairs the committee, appointed Prof. Attahiru Jega as the deputy or co-chair. The president emphasized the unique opportunity to develop the economy and excel in livestock development, leveraging the expertise of veterinary doctors and addressing conflicts related to livestock. Present at the inauguration were Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Sen. George Akume, and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, among others.

Niger State Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba commended the Nigerian Army’s resilience and sacrifices in safeguarding lives and property in the state. He made these remarks while receiving a delegation from the 013 Quick Response Force, led by Air Commando Lazarus Solomon, who visited to express condolences over the death of Garba’s wife, Hajiya Zainab Garba.

Garba appreciated the army’s efforts in combating insecurity and requested reconsideration of the withdrawal of troops from Allawa community in Shiroro Local Government Area. He highlighted that the absence of military personnel had caused setbacks, particularly for farmers needing security cover.

Solomon, on behalf of the delegation, expressed condolences and acknowledged the significant loss to Garba and the state. He praised Garba’s active role in discussing security issues and maintaining peace. Solomon prayed for Garba’s strength to endure the tribulations following his wife’s demise.

Garba also received condolences from stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Shiroro LGA and former commissioners.

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele is standing trial over allegations of abuse of office and fraud involving $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion. At an Ikeja Special Offences Court, an Assistant Manager with Zenith Bank Plc, Ifeoma Ogbonnaya, detailed how Emefiele allegedly moved funds to his wife, Margaret Emefiele, through various companies.

Ogbonnaya, the fifth prosecution witness, explained that Emefiele used Zenith Bank to transfer multimillion-naira amounts to his wife via companies like Amswing Resources and Solution, Limelight Dimensional Service Ltd., Omec Support Service Ltd., and Mango Farm. She stated that all transactions were confirmed by Margaret Emefiele.

The witness, who manages these company accounts, provided evidence showing substantial cash flows from the CBN to these accounts. For example, she noted transactions including ₦18.9 million and ₦1.8 million in March 2015, ₦43 million in February 2021, ₦37.3 million in July 2022, ₦44.6 million in October 2022, and ₦93.1 million in May 2023.

Ogbonnaya communicated with Margaret Emefiele through email, phone calls, and WhatsApp for transaction approvals. She also mentioned that documents detailing these transactions were printed from her office desktop and provided to law enforcement.

The court admitted bundles of documents and a certificate of identification as evidence after the prosecution presented them without objection from the defense. The trial continues, with the next hearing scheduled for July 10, 2024.

Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), reaffirmed that negotiations for a new minimum wage have not been abandoned, emphasizing that ₦250,000 is the ideal minimum wage for workers in Nigeria. Speaking at the maiden Annual Convention of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Women Commission in Abuja on July 9, 2024, Osifo clarified that discussions with the government are ongoing.

Osifo highlighted that the silence from labour unions is to allow President Bola Tinubu to consult with various stakeholders, including governors, Local Government chairmen, the organised private sector, and labour representatives. He stressed the importance of these consultations to ensure the new minimum wage caters to the poorest citizens.

In June, the Federal Government and the Organised Private Sector proposed ₦62,000 as the new minimum wage, which labour unions rejected. The government argued that ₦62,000 was the most realistic option that would not lead to job losses. Despite this, the TUC remains steadfast in advocating for a ₦250,000 minimum wage.

President Bola Tinubu’s re-election as Chairman of ECOWAS marks a significant step for Nigeria and the West African region, reinforcing Nigeria’s influential role in regional affairs. Tinubu’s leadership has been crucial in emphasizing peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and economic development. His efforts in mediating political crises and addressing security challenges have been notable, and his re-election signals a potential intensification of these efforts.

Governor Dapo Abiodun praised Tinubu’s statesmanship, particularly in handling violent government changes in three member states, which averted severe crises. Dr. Doyin Okupe highlighted Tinubu’s leadership style as beneficial for ECOWAS, particularly in uniting Sahel nations and promoting diplomatic outreach.

Economically, Tinubu’s re-election supports regional integration initiatives, including the launch of the single currency, ECO, which aims to enhance trade and investment opportunities. The ECO will be included in the new three-in-one identity card by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), scheduled for release in August. Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from the 15 ECOWAS member states finalized the details of this initiative recently in Abuja.

With Tinubu at the helm, there is potential for renewed focus on infrastructure development, trade facilitation, and economic growth across West Africa. His leadership represents continuity and steady progress on longstanding issues, advocating for democratic governance and addressing socio-economic challenges in the region.

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has announced a significant initiative to promote inclusivity by granting a 50% waiver for persons with disabilities (PWDs) who wish to join the institute. This announcement was made by Dr. Ike Neliaku, the National President of NIPR, during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between NIPR and TAF Africa in Abuja.

Dr. Neliaku emphasized the institute’s commitment to inclusivity, aiming to give marginalized groups, including PWDs, a voice in decision-making processes. He highlighted the importance of equity over equality, stating that NIPR advocates for gender equity rather than gender equality, recognizing that everyone has different abilities and contributions.

Ambassador Jake Epelle, founder of TAF Africa, praised NIPR for its advocacy of inclusivity for PWDs and expressed a commitment to furthering this advocacy through their collaboration. He underscored the importance of diplomatic advocacy in engaging with diverse stakeholders to promote understanding and support for marginalized communities.

This initiative by NIPR reflects a proactive approach towards ensuring representation and empowerment across sectors, particularly for individuals with disabilities, within the professional sphere of public relations in Nigeria.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) at the Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) have initiated a protest due to unpaid salary arrears by the Federal Government. This action has led to the shutdown of the university as both unions have joined a nationwide strike.

Malam Aliyu Turaki, the state Chairman of SSANU, emphasized that the protest aligns with directives from their national bodies and is aimed at highlighting grievances over the unpaid salary arrears. He indicated that this protest is the beginning of their actions, with plans to assess the strike’s impact by next week Thursday. Additionally, a national protest in Abuja is scheduled for July 18 if no resolution is reached.

In response, the Vice-Chancellor of FUBK, Prof. Muhammad Zaiyanu-Umar, acknowledged the challenges faced by union members due to the unpaid salaries. He expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the protest and underscored the university management’s support for the unions’ actions, urging continued cooperation and understanding between all parties involved.

The situation highlights ongoing issues within Nigeria’s educational sector regarding salary payments and the actions taken by unions to address these concerns through collective protest.