Ayra Starr Names Burna Boy as Her Dream Collaboration Ahead of 2026 Grammys

Nigerian Afrobeat singer Ayra Starr has revealed that Burna Boy remains her top choice for a future music collaboration. The award-winning artiste made the disclosure during a Billboard interview with Love Island USA star, Chelley Bissainthe, while speaking about her nomination for the 2026 Grammy Awards. Reflecting on her journey and growing confidence in her career, Ayra Starr described the latest nomination as a reassuring moment, especially when compared to her first experience. “I am very grateful that I’m actually a two-time Grammy nominee. The first time I got nominated, it was like oh my God, I got nominated. “But the second time I was like maybe I need to trust God and myself a bit more. I have collaborated with many people, and I still want to collaborate with more people. But everyone knows Burna Boy is like my number one person I want to collaborate with,” she said. TRENDBRIO reports that Ayra Starr secured a Grammy nomination in the Best African Music Performance category for Gimme Dat, her collaboration with Wizkid, which was released in April 2025. The nominations were officially announced in November 2025, ahead of the Grammy Awards ceremony scheduled for February 1, 2026. Reacting to the honour, the singer reiterated that the recognition serves as reassurance of her growth and consistency in the global music space.

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Cole Palmer Faces Neighbour Dispute Over Plans to Build Home Gym

Cole Palmer Faces Neighbour Dispute Over Plans to Build Home Gym

Chelsea star Cole Palmer has reportedly become involved in a disagreement with neighbours over plans to construct a private gym at his residence in Surrey, close to the club’s training ground. The England international is said to be seeking approval to add an outdoor gym facility within the grounds of his mansion, but the proposal has drawn objections from a nearby resident who is unhappy with the planned development. According to reports, Palmer intends to build a detached gym structure at the far end of his garden, measuring about 36 by 16 feet and standing roughly 11 feet high. The location of the proposed building, which would sit close to the boundary line, is said to have caused concern for the neighbour. The objecting resident has reportedly written to the local council, arguing that the gym would affect privacy and generate noise. The neighbour also raised concerns about the impact on existing greenery. “The proposed building is right up against our border which will involve removing two mature trees which will mean we are no longer screened from the house it belongs to,” they said. The neighbours have suggested that the gym should instead be positioned closer to Palmer’s house and further away from their property. The local council is expected to consider and rule on the matter in March. The off-pitch issue comes at a time when Palmer is regaining form on the field. The midfielder has had to manage an injury for much of the current campaign, limiting his appearances. However, he recently returned to action and made a strong impact. Coming off the bench against Napoli, the former Manchester City player helped inspire a turnaround that secured Chelsea a place in the top eight of the Champions League. Since his move from Manchester to west London, Palmer has emerged as one of Chelsea’s standout performers. New manager Liam Rosenior will be hoping the midfielder can stay fit and continue delivering key performances as he navigates a challenging start to life in the Premier League.

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Funke Akindele Fires Back at Kunle Afolayan Over Comments on Cinema Profits and Marketing

Funke Akindele Fires Back at Kunle Afolayan Over Comments on Cinema Profits and Marketing

Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has reacted to comments made by her colleague, Kunle Afolayan, on profit-making strategies in the Nigerian film industry and blockbuster cinema earnings running into billions of naira. Afolayan, in a series of videos, had criticised what he described as the current marketing culture surrounding cinema releases, questioning the sustainability and personal financial benefits of such strategies. Speaking during the launch of his movie Anikulapo, the filmmaker dismissed the idea of competing over box office figures, arguing that high gross earnings do not always translate to personal profit. “There is no competition between us. I don’t just want N1 billion or N2 billion in the cinema that I won’t be able to personally receive N10 million from,” he said. He further elaborated on his stance during an appearance at the Lagos Business of Film Summit, where he explained why he does not actively collaborate with cinema-focused marketing approaches. “I want to make a film if you can guarantee I don’t have to dance to sell. We need to come up with other strategies. How do we sell without exhausting ourselves? I don’t know how the likes of Funke Akindele and others are doing it. Creating skits every day, changing costumes all the time. I can’t do it,” Afolayan said. Reacting to the remarks via her Instagram story, Funke Akindele attributed his comments to jealousy and insisted that she was not responsible for anyone’s lack of progress in the industry. “I’m not the one hindering your progress. Ka rin ka po, yiye ni n ye ni,” she wrote. She encouraged creatives to focus on their individual journeys rather than comparing themselves to others, stressing that success comes in different forms. “If you can’t beat them or join them, create your own path. No allow jealousy burn you. The sky is so big for everybody to fly. Eyin Werey jojo. You can do it! The opportunities are endless, and everyone has their own path. I’m focused on mine, and I have faith in God’s plan for me. “Go ahead and create alternative promotion or marketing strategies for promoting your business, or hire a company to handle it”, she said. Trendbrio reports that Afolayan’s comments came against the backdrop of recent box office milestones, with Nollywood actresses Toyin Abraham and Funke Akindele recording cinema grosses of N1 billion and N2 billion respectively.

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Tinubu Remains Best Southern Candidate to Lead Nigeria Beyond 2027– Ganduje

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, has declared that no politician from Southern Nigeria is better positioned to lead the country beyond 2027 than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Ganduje made the statement in Abuja while receiving a delegation of youth leaders from Northern Nigeria, drawn from all 19 northern states. During the meeting, he dismissed suggestions that the North would oppose Tinubu’s bid for re-election, describing such views as misplaced. “There is no better candidate to govern Nigeria beyond 2027 from the southern Nigeria than Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Ganduje stated. He warned critics against assuming that Northern voters would abandon Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. “Pertaining to the next election in 2027, those that are nursing or thinking otherwise that the north will vote another candidate other than Asiwaju are making a big mistake,” he said. According to the former APC chairman, Tinubu possesses uncommon political experience that sets him apart, noting that the country is fortunate to be led by someone whose life has been deeply rooted in politics and democratic ideals. “This is the first time Nigeria as a nation is lucky to have a politician as president; his constituency is politics, his upbringing is politics because he believes in the unity of this country,” he said. Ganduje also highlighted Tinubu’s involvement in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, recalling the personal sacrifices he made during the military era. “In fact, he struggled; he was even in exile for democracy to survive in Nigeria. So, there is no better person to be elected in 2027 than Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he added. He further referenced a political understanding reached before the emergence of former President Muhammadu Buhari, which, according to him, ensured that power would return to the South after eight years. “Asiwaju has only been there for less than four years now, and we have seen the measures, the reforms that he undertook,” Ganduje said. “The reforms that he introduced in order to improve the social economic development of this country.” Ganduje concluded by insisting that the reforms introduced by President Tinubu demonstrate his capacity to continue leading Nigeria beyond 2027.

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Jide Kosoko Describes Emergence as Oloja of Lagos-Elect as Call to Service

Jide Kosoko Describes Emergence as Oloja of Lagos-Elect as Call to Service

Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has described his emergence as the Oloja of Lagos-elect as a serious responsibility rooted in service to culture and community. The 72-year-old actor was formally presented as the Oloja-elect on January 24 at the palace of the Elereko of Lagos, signalling a major transition in his public life beyond the entertainment industry. Speaking to journalists on Friday, Kosoko expressed excitement over his selection, stating that he believes the choice was well earned. He, however, did not state whether his new traditional role would affect his career in Nollywood. Following the announcement, Nollywood actor and theatre practitioner Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, congratulated Kosoko, describing the development as a testament to the discipline and relevance of professionals in the film industry. “Jide is not the only prince in Lagos or in the Kosoko family, but because of his intelligence and respect in the community, he was chosen as Oloja of Lagos,” Amusan said. Kosoko’s emergence places him among a growing number of entertainers who have assumed traditional leadership positions, including comedian and actor Okey Bakassi, who was crowned a monarch in his Imo State community last year. The Oloja of Lagos stool had been vacant since the death of Chief Adebola Ige in 2017. The announcement of Kosoko’s selection was made by Mrs Mutiat Ali-Balogun, the Olori Ebi General of the King Kosoko Royal Family, who officially presented him to members of the royal household and invited guests. As part of the ceremony, she raised his hand in public acknowledgment while traditional rites and prayers were observed. She was joined by the Deputy Olori Ebi General, Oyindamola Ayepola, who also serves as the head of the Meshimo Ruling House.

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Every Nigerian Must File Tax Returns By March 31 – Oyedele

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has called on Nigerians to comply with the law by filing their annual tax returns, stressing that the obligation applies to both employers and individual taxpayers. Oyedele made the call during a webinar organised for HR managers, payroll officers, chief financial officers and tax managers, held in collaboration with the Joint Revenue Board. The session, which was posted on YouTube on Friday, focused on tax compliance and ongoing fiscal reforms. Speaking during the webinar, Oyedele noted that a significant number of Nigerians remain non-compliant with the requirement to file self-assessment tax returns. “In terms of filing returns, you need to file annual returns as employers for your employees. Many of you must have done that already. If you haven’t, you have just a couple of days left to file those returns, including projections of how much you will pay your staff,” he said. He also highlighted the low level of compliance among individual taxpayers, describing it as a major weakness in Nigeria’s tax system. “This is one area where we have been non-compliant in Nigeria. In many states, more than 90%—even the most sophisticated states—cannot boast of 5% filing returns,” Oyedele said. According to him, recent tax reforms have clarified that employees still have responsibilities even when their employers deduct taxes directly from their salaries. “Many people assume that if they are an employee and the employer has deducted pay, they don’t have to do anything. That is wrong. Both under the old and new tax laws, you must still file your returns.” Oyedele assured taxpayers that efforts are ongoing to simplify the filing process and encourage compliance across all income levels. “I’m sure the tax authorities, joint revenue boards, and various state internal revenue services are working on how to make this process simpler and easier. All of us must file our returns, including those earning low income. You must file returns by 31st March of the year in respect of the previous fiscal year.” He further disclosed that businesses benefiting from tax incentives now have additional disclosure obligations under the new tax framework. “Under the new tax law, if you operate a business as an enterprise and you enjoy certain incentives, you have the obligation to disclose those incentives. There’s a disclosure requirement for tax incentives that is not available to everybody as a general rule for taxpayers—to disclose them when filing their tax returns or shortly after.” Oyedele concluded by reiterating that improved compliance is central to strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal system and supporting sustainable economic development.

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2027: Okpebholo Orders LG Chairmen To Erect 360 Campaign Billboards For Tinubu’s Re-election

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has directed chairmen of the state’s 18 local government areas to erect a total of 360 campaign billboards in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid. The directive was issued on Friday, January 30, 2026, during the inauguration of the Edo State chapter of the National Renewed Hope Initiative, a platform created to promote President Tinubu’s agenda across the country. According to the governor, each local government chairman is expected to put up 20 billboards within their respective council areas. He explained that the move is aimed at ensuring that the Renewed Hope message of the President penetrates grassroots communities, including religious institutions such as churches and mosques. Governor Okpebholo praised President Tinubu for what he described as far-reaching reforms in critical sectors including petroleum, security, education and the economy, insisting that the impact of the policies is already evident nationwide. He argued that replacing a president who is delivering tangible results would be unrealistic, urging Edo residents to rally behind Tinubu’s return to Aso Rock for a second term. Expressing confidence in the level of support within the state, the governor said Edo citizens across all age groups are prepared to mobilise massively for the President. “It is not just about the agenda; it is about the capacity to mobilise. The Edo people are prepared. Nobody can beat Asiwaju’s record in governance. We cannot replace a man who is performing. “With 30 APC governors nationwide, President Tinubu’s re-election campaign is already strengthened. The victory in 2027 is assured. “I want local government chairmen across the 18 LGAs to erect at least 20 billboards each and ensure the Renewed Hope message reaches grassroots communities, religious institutions, churches, and mosques. “The religious groups must hear this message. Churches and mosques must be involved. Religious groups will be inaugurated soon. “I promised Mr President 2.5 million votes. Our party chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, added to it, and the women’s leader also added, and now we have 3.9 million votes. Edo people must deliver on this promise,” he said. Earlier, the Edo State Coordinator of the National Renewed Hope Initiative, Mr Sylvester Aigboboh, formally inaugurated Senatorial, Local Government Area and Youth Coordinators to drive President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign. Aigboboh commended the President’s reforms, noting that they are drawing investors and restoring confidence among Nigerians. He added that the benefits of fuel subsidy removal are gradually becoming evident. He charged the newly appointed ambassadors to intensify grassroots mobilisation while actively promoting the policies and achievements of the Tinubu administration. According to him, the inauguration marked the official launch of a people-focused movement designed to strengthen party outreach, deepen good governance and consolidate the Renewed Hope Agenda. He described the appointments as a call to service, urging the coordinators to function as vital links between the government, party leadership and grassroots supporters, while promoting unity within the All Progressives Congress, APC. “The objective of this group is to foster inclusiveness, galvanise grassroots support, and consolidate the gains towards President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027,” he said, urging members to remain loyal in service to the party and nation”, he added. The three senatorial leaders appointed as Renewed Hope Ambassadors are Joshua Uwagboe for Edo South, Hon. Odinose Okojie for Edo Central, and Hon. Abdul Lawani for Edo North. The appointees expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo for the confidence placed in them and pledged to take the campaign message directly to the grassroots to secure President Tinubu’s re-election. In addition, 18 coordinators were inaugurated to oversee activities across the state’s local government areas, alongside three youth coordinators appointed from the three senatorial districts.

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LIRS Extends Deadline for Employers’ Annual Tax Returns to February 7

LIRS Extends Deadline for Employers’ Annual Tax Returns to February 7

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, LIRS, has announced a one-week extension for the submission of employers’ annual tax returns, shifting the deadline from February 1 to February 7. The extension was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Executive Chairman of the agency, Dr Ayodele Subair. According to the service, the decision is aimed at giving employers additional time to comply while ensuring that filings are accurate ahead of stricter enforcement of tax regulations in Lagos State. Dr Subair explained that under existing laws, employers are ordinarily required to file their annual tax returns on or before January 31 each year. However, the agency considered it necessary to grant a brief extension to help employers complete their submissions properly and avoid mistakes that could result in penalties or further review. He emphasized that the filing of annual returns remains a fundamental obligation for employers and should form part of their regular business processes, rather than being treated as an afterthought. Dr Subair also made it clear that the extension does not signal any softening of LIRS’ enforcement posture. “Employers must give priority to the timely filing of their annual returns, and compliance should be embedded as a routine business practice.” He further reiterated that electronic submission remains mandatory, noting that physical or manual filings are no longer accepted by the agency. “Electronic filing through the LIRS eTax platform remains the only approved method for submitting annual returns, as manual filings have been completely phased out.” “Employers are therefore required to file their returns exclusively through the LIRS eTax portal: https://etax.lirs.net,”he said. In addition, Dr Subair advised employers to ensure that the Tax Identification Number, TaxID, of all employees is accurately reflected in their filings. He also encouraged them to visit any LIRS office or make use of the agency’s official communication channels should they require further assistance or clarification.

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