Year: 2025

In a dramatic turn in the ongoing controversy involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Nigerian journalist Francess Olisa Ogbonnaya has accused UK-based Nigerian businesswoman Sandra Duru—popularly known as Prof Mgbeke—of attempting to recruit her to smear the Kogi Central Senator. In a now-viral video, Ogbonnaya claimed that Duru approached her with a script and audio materials allegedly designed to tarnish Senator Natasha’s image, requesting she produce a defamatory voiceover for broadcast. “She wanted me to disrupt and destroy Natasha on live TV and pretend to be neutral,” Ogbonnaya said, adding that she declined the offer due to her professional ethics and political ambitions. “I’m a journalist and plan to run for office. I couldn’t do it.” Ogbonnaya further revealed that Sandra offered her ₦300,000 for the recording, a discounted rate from her usual ₦500,000 charge for political voiceovers. However, Duru allegedly rejected her version after she edited out false claims. “She got angry that I removed the lies from the script. She refused to use my voice and went to someone else,” Ogbonnaya stated. The journalist also refuted recent claims made by Duru, including allegations that Senator Natasha attempted to bribe her with ₦200 million to frame Akpabio for organ harvesting. Natasha has denied the accusation. Ogbonnaya challenged Duru’s narrative, stating the audio recordings Sandra sent her included no such confession or denial regarding sexual harassment. Rather, she said the content alluded to inappropriate remarks that amounted to harassment. “She never denied sexual harassment in those recordings. She even talked about experiences that suggest it,” Ogbonnaya clarified. The journalist also dismissed claims that Natasha had insulted or attempted to “buy” former minister Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, saying the audio instead showed gratitude toward Ezekwesili for her support. Beyond the Natasha controversy, Ogbonnaya alleged that Duru had a pattern of political manipulation, claiming involvement in blackmailing prominent figures like Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and former governor Rochas Okorocha. “Sandra even told me she made Rochas governor. She was blackmailing him,” Ogbonnaya alleged, urging law enforcement to investigate the matter thoroughly. As the controversy continues to unfold, Ogbonnaya warned Senate President Akpabio to be cautious in his dealings with Duru. “I don’t know if she’s working for Natasha or Akpabio, but Sandra is the common link here. The police need to do their job,” she added. She concluded by hinting at further revelations. “What I’ve released so far is just the tip of the iceberg. If Sandra wants to go further, I’m ready to release more.”

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has further reduced the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to ₦825 per litre—down from ₦835—as competition heats up in Nigeria’s domestic fuel market. This marks the second price cut in just over a month. In April, the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery reduced the price from ₦865 to ₦835 per litre. According to checks by Vanguard, the latest adjustment is part of a strategic move to offer greater value to customers and strengthen the refinery’s growing dominance in the local petroleum market.

Nigerian actors are making an indelible mark on Hollywood, bringing powerful performances, cultural richness, and global perspectives to the world’s biggest screens. From blockbuster franchises to critically acclaimed dramas, these stars of Nigerian descent are not only excelling as actors but also shaping the narrative both in front of and behind the camera. Chiwetel EjioforA commanding presence in global cinema, Ejiofor—born to Nigerian Igbo parents—rose to fame with his Oscar-nominated role in 12 Years a Slave. His performances in Doctor Strange, The Lion King (2019), and his directorial debut, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, have solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s finest actors. John BoyegaBest known as Finn from the Star Wars sequel trilogy, Boyega’s range extends to gritty dramas like Detroit and the satire They Cloned Tyrone. With Nigerian heritage and a strong voice for equity, Boyega is carving out a dual identity as a performer and producer focused on empowering marginalized communities. David OyelowoRenowned for his portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, Oyelowo—who has Yoruba and Igbo roots—continues to deliver impactful roles in films like The Butler and Queen of Katwe. As a director and producer (The Water Man), he remains committed to telling inclusive, diverse stories. Uzo AdubaA powerhouse of talent, Aduba gained fame with her Emmy-winning role in Orange Is the New Black. Her portrayal of Shirley Chisholm in Mrs. America and her lead role in In Treatment have further showcased her dramatic range and connection to her Nigerian heritage. Yvonne OrjiComedian and actress Orji is widely celebrated for her role in Insecure, earning award nominations and acclaim. Her HBO comedy special Momma, I Made It! and her book Bamboozled by Jesus reflect her sharp wit and Nigerian-American identity. Hakeem Kae-KazimKnown for his intense roles in Hotel Rwanda and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Kae-Kazim bridges Hollywood and Nollywood. He’s featured in Nigerian films like Half of a Yellow Sun, emphasizing his dedication to telling African stories. Dayo OkeniyiFrom The Hunger Games to Terminator Genisys, Okeniyi has grown into a versatile talent. His recent work includes Disney’s Iwájú and TV dramas like Shades of Blue, highlighting his expanding influence. Tomiwa EdunWith notable roles in Merlin, Doctor Who, and the FIFA video game series, Edun is a rising star who effortlessly blends traditional acting with new-age media, embodying the future of global entertainment. Cynthia ErivoA triple threat and EGOT hopeful, Erivo has already secured an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony. Her portrayals of Harriet Tubman and Aretha Franklin have received critical acclaim, cementing her legacy as one of the most powerful performers of her generation. From red carpets to director’s chairs, these Nigerian-rooted stars are redefining what it means to be global storytellers. Their presence in Hollywood not only celebrates African excellence but also signals a future where African voices are central to world cinema. Would you like a visual collage of these Nigerian Hollywood stars for publication or sharing?

Veteran Nigerian music producer and executive ID Cabasa has pushed back strongly against recent claims by Senegalese-American artist Akon, who suggested he played a central role in the creation of Afrobeats. In a widely circulated interview, Akon asserted that his collaborations with Nigerian artists between the late 2000s and early 2010s were instrumental in birthing the now globally recognized genre. But Cabasa isn’t having it. Appearing on Wazobia FM, the acclaimed producer dismissed Akon’s claims, emphasizing that Afrobeats predates his involvement in the Nigerian music scene. While acknowledging Akon’s collaborations and distribution partnerships during that era, Cabasa stressed that several Nigerian artists—2Face Idibia, 9ice, and Timaya, among others—were already building Afrobeats’ foundation before Akon’s entry. “Akon for also tok say na he still discovered the likes of 2Face, Timaya, 9ice and Co,” Cabasa said in Pidgin. “Na the people wey he roll with when he come Nigeria, wey tell am say, ‘I’m the biggest person around this place.’ So, he properly feels he pioneered business and branding sides of Afrobeats.” Cabasa also debunked Akon’s claim that he discovered and signed Wizkid before the artist became famous. He clarified that Banky W was responsible for signing and grooming Wizkid under Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), which later collaborated with Akon’s label for distribution purposes. “Even the way wey he take dey tok about Wizkid, no be wettin the story be be that,” Cabasa said. “Yes, we collaborate with Akon in terms of distribution but e no mean say he go tok say na he create Afrobeats. Because Afrobeats no be wettin wey one person create, na culture.” The music executive concluded by stating that Afrobeats is a cultural movement, shaped by decades of talent, creativity, and grassroots support—not the invention of any single artist or executive. This rebuttal adds to the ongoing discourse on Afrobeats’ origins and the rightful recognition of those who laid the groundwork for its global rise.

The Premier League is poised to send a record five clubs to the UEFA Champions League for the 2025–26 season, thanks to its stellar performance in European competitions this year. With just two league games remaining, the fight for those final UCL spots is heating up—with six teams still in contention and drama guaranteed until the final whistle. Liverpool have already secured their place, while Arsenal, currently sitting on 67 points and playing Liverpool, need just three more to mathematically guarantee their qualification. With their consistency this season, it’s all but certain they’ll return to Europe’s top tier. Guaranteed European football is now confirmed for all clubs in the current top seven, but the scramble for the final three Champions League places is fierce. Manchester City’s unexpected draw against last-place Southampton has put their top-five finish in jeopardy, while Aston Villa seized the moment with a gritty 1-0 away win at Bournemouth. On Sunday, Newcastle’s pivotal home victory over Chelsea gave them a vital edge, while Nottingham Forest lost ground after a frustrating 2-2 home draw with already-relegated Leicester City. Final Day Showdown Looms All eyes are now on the final day of the season, when Chelsea visit Nottingham Forest in what could become a winner-takes-all clash for a Champions League spot. Europa League Twist Adding even more intrigue, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur face off in the Europa League final on May 21. The winner will be handed a Champions League ticket, potentially bumping the total Premier League representation to six clubs in the UCL and nine in Europe overall—an unprecedented haul for English football. As the campaign nears its dramatic climax, every point and every goal could make or break a club’s European dream.