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Ugo Ugochukwu wins Formula Regional after split with his F1 team

Ugo Ugochukwu Wins Formula Regional After Split With His F1 team

Nigerian-born American driver Ugo Ugochukwu has won the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy, capping a season defined by consistency and composure under pressure. The 18-year-old sealed the championship with four victories from 15 races, finishing 15 points clear of Audi-backed rival Freddie Slater. His title push was built on a strong early statement, highlighted by back-to-back wins at Hampton Downs, which provided the foundation for his successful campaign. Ugochukwu reached the podium at every round of the season and finished outside the top 10 just twice, underlining his remarkable reliability across the championship. “Amazing feeling honestly to cross the line,” he said after the New Zealand Grand Prix. “The race felt way longer than usual. I’m just happy to get it done and get the championship. “It’s been a really good campaign, really good season. I can’t thank the whole team enough. They did a mega job all year and I’m happier for them than even for me.” He credited his early-season momentum for shaping the rest of the title run. “Hampton Downs was the perfect start. It gave me a nice advantage to build into the rest of the season. Today was just about getting the points we needed and bringing it home,” he added. The championship finale was not without drama. A suspension failure late in qualifying for the New Zealand Grand Prix forced Ugochukwu into the pits, and although his M2 Competition team repaired the car in time, a technical breach saw him relegated to 13th on the grid for the feature race. “It hasn’t been easy,” he admitted. “We got a little unlucky in Q1, which was a shame. I would have loved to fight for the New Zealand Grand Prix as well. But I had to focus on the bigger picture and get the championship, and that’s what we did.” The Oceania title marks his first major success since parting ways with McLaren following changes to its junior programme. With the trophy secured, Ugochukwu now turns his attention to the FIA Formula 3 Championship, where he will begin his second season with Campos Racing. After finishing 16th overall last year with Prema, including two podium finishes, his 2026 F3 campaign will get underway at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, scheduled for March 6–8.

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Pray For Us Politicians, We’re The Problem of Nigeria – Peter Obi

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to pray for politicians, describing them as the major cause of the country’s challenges. Obi made the appeal on Sunday, February 1, during a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of St Peter, Aremo, as part of activities marking Day 7 of the Oyo State at 50 celebrations. Speaking at the church service, the former Anambra State governor said Nigeria’s problems stem largely from leadership failures rather than the actions of ordinary citizens. “I want to make a request of Nigerians. Please do remember us politicians in your prayers. We are the problem of Nigeria. No other person,” Obi said. He emphasised that Nigeria is richly endowed with resources and has the capacity to thrive, but poor governance continues to hold the country back. “Nigeria is not a poor country. It is poorly governed. Remember us in your prayers that God should touch our hearts to use public money for public good. That is what is required. If they use it, Nigeria will be good,” he added. Peter Obi’s remarks drew attention to the role of leadership and accountability in addressing Nigeria’s long-standing economic and social challenges, reinforcing his long-held position that good governance is key to national development.

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Wizkid, Burna Boy and Asake to Headline Afro Nation 2026 in Portugal

Wizkid, Burna Boy and Asake to Headline Afro Nation 2026 in Portugal

Afrobeats heavyweights Wizkid, Burna Boy and Asake have been confirmed as the headline acts for the highly anticipated Afro Nation 2026 festival in Portugal. The organisers made the announcement via an official post on X (@AfroNation), unveiling a star-studded lineup that blends Afrobeats royalty with fast-rising global talents. The three-day festival is scheduled to hold from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5, at the scenic Praia da Rocha Beach in Portimão, a venue that has become synonymous with Afro Nation’s vibrant energy and cultural celebration. Grammy-winning superstar Burna Boy will headline the opening night on July 3, bringing his globally acclaimed fusion of Afrobeat, dancehall and contemporary sounds to the stage. He will be joined by South African sensation Tyla, whose rapid rise has positioned her as one of Amapiano’s leading international exports. Asake, known for his electrifying performances and unique blend of Afrobeats and street pop, will take centre stage on July 4, while global Afrobeats icon Wizkid is set to close the festival on July 5. Beyond the headliners, Afro Nation 2026 boasts an impressive international lineup, including American R&B star Kehlani and rapper Gunna. Nigerian acts such as Olamide, Young John, Darkoo, Wande Coal and Mavo will also perform, further showcasing the depth and global influence of African music. Organisers announced that early-access tickets will go on sale on February 5, ahead of the general ticket release. Founded in 2019 by The Malachite Group, Afro Nation has grown into one of the world’s biggest celebrations of African music, culture, fashion and cuisine, with editions held in Portugal, Ghana, Puerto Rico, Miami and Detroit. Previous headliners include Davido, Megan Thee Stallion, 50 Cent, Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj, cementing the festival’s status as a global cultural powerhouse.

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Grammy

Grammy Winners 2026: See the Full List

The 2026 Grammy Awards kicked off in  Los Angeles, with hip-hop superstar Kendrick Lamar emerging as the most nominated artist this year. Lamar leads the pack with a ceremony-high nine nominations, including a coveted Album of the Year nod for his 2025 project, GNX. The album has been widely praised for its lyrical depth and sonic experimentation, further cementing Lamar’s status as one of music’s most influential voices. Following closely behind are Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff, and Mayhem producer Cirkut, who each secured seven nominations. Cirkut marked a major milestone earlier in the night by winning his first-ever Grammy, taking home the award for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical, at the Premiere Ceremony. Lady Gaga also picked up an early win, clinching Best Dance Pop Recording for her track “Abracadabra”, adding to her long list of Grammy achievements. See Full List below: Best New Artist Addison Rae Alex Warren Katseye Leon Thomas Lola Young The Marías WINNER: Olivia Dean Sombr Best Rap Album Clipse, Pusha T & Malice: Let God Sort Em Out Glorilla: Glorious JID: God Does Like Ugly WINNER: Kendick Lamar: GNX Tyler, the Creator: Chromakopia Best Rap Song Clipse: “The Birds Don’t Sing” [ft. John Legend, Voices of Fire] Doechii: “Anxiety” Glorilla: “TGIF” WINNER: Kendrick Lamar: “TV Off” [ft. Lefty Gunplay] Tyler, the Creator: “Sticky” [ft. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne] Best Melodic Rap Performance Fridayy & Meek Mill: “Proud of Me” JID, Ty Dolla $ign & 6lack: “Wholeheartedly” WINNER: Kendrick Lamar & SZA: “Luther” PartyNextDoor & Drake: “Somebody Loves Me” Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon Featuring Rapsody: “WeMaj” Best Rap Performance Cardi B: “Outside” WINNER: Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T & Malice: “Chains & Whips” Doechii: “Anxiety” Kendrick Lamar: “TV Off” [ft. Lefty Gunplay] Tyler, the Creator: “Darling, I” [ft. Teezo Touchdown] Best R&B Album Coco Jones: Why Not More? Giveon: Beloved Ledisi: The Crown WINNER: Leon Thomas: Mutt Teyana Taylor: Escape Room Best Progressive R&B Album Bilal: Adjust Brightness Destin Conrad: Love on Digital WINNER: Durand Bernarr: Bloom Flo: Access All Areas Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon: Come as You Are Best R&B Song Chris Brown Featuring Bryson Tiller: “It Depends” Durand Bernarr: “Overqualified” WINNER: Kehlani: “Folded” Leon Thomas: “Yes It Is” Summer Walker: “Heart of a Woman” Best Traditional R&B Performance Durand Bernarr: “Here We Are” Lalah Hathaway: “Uptown” Ledisi: “Love You Too” WINNER: Leon Thomas: “Vibes Don’t Lie” SZA: “Crybaby” Best R&B Performance Chris Brown Featuring Bryson Tiller: “It Depends” Justin Bieber: “Yukon” WINNER: Kehlani: “Folded” Leon Thomas: “Mutt (Live from NPR’s Tiny Desk)” Summer Walker: “Heart of a Woman” Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical WINNER: Amy Allen Edgar Barrera Jessie Jo Dillon Laura Veltz Tobias Jesso Jr. Producer of the Year, Non-Classical Blake Mills WINNER: Cirkut Dan Auerbach Dijon Sounwave Best Immersive Audio Album Duckwrth: All American F**k Boy WINNER: Justin Gray: Immersed Tearjerkers: Tearjerkers Trio Mediæval: Yule Various Artists: An Immersive Tribute to Astor Piazzolla (Live) Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical Alison Krauss & Union Station: Arcadia Cam: All Things Light Japanese Breakfast: For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women) WINNER: Pino Palladino & Blake Mills: That Wasn’t a Dream Best Alternative Music Album Bon Iver: SABLE, fABLE WINNER: The Cure: Songs of a Lost World Hayley Williams: Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party Tyler, the Creator: Don’t Tap the Glass Wet Leg: Moisturizer Best Alternative Music Performance Bon Iver: “Everything Is Peaceful Love” WINNER: The Cure: “Alone” Hayley Williams: “Parachute” Turnstile: “Seein’ Stars” Wet Leg: “Mangetout” Best Rock Album Deftones: Private Music Haim: I Quit Linkin Park: From Zero WINNER: Turnstile: Never Enough Yungblud: Idols Best Rock Performance Amyl and the Sniffers: “U Should Not Be Doing That” Hayley Williams: “Mirtazapine” Linkin Park: “The Emptiness Machine” Turnstile: “Never Enough” WINNER: Yungblud, Nuno Bettencourt & Frank Bello Featuring Adam Wakeman & II: Changes (Live From Villa Park / Back to the Beginning)” Best Rock Song Hayley Williams: “Glum” WINNER: Nine Inch Nails: “As Alive as You Need Me to Be” Sleep Token: “Caramel” Turnstile: “Never Enough” Yungblud: “Zombie” Best Dance Pop Recording WINNER: Lady Gaga: “Abracadabra” PinkPantheress: “Illegal” Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco: “Bluest Flame” Tate McRae: “Just Keep Watching” Zara Larsson: “Midnight Sun” Best Music Film Devo: Devo Diane Warren: Relentless WINNER: John Williams: Music by John Williams Pharrell Williams: Piece by Piece Raye: Live at the Royal Albert Hall Best Music Video Clipse: “So Be It” WINNER: Doechii: “Anxiety” OK Go: “Love” Sabrina Carpenter: “Manchild” Sade: “Young Lion” Best Song Written for Visual Media Elton John & Brandi Carlile “Never Too Late (From the Film Elton John: Never Too Late)” WINNER: Huntr/x: “Golden” Jayme Lawson: “Pale, Pale Moon” Miles Caton: “I Lied to You” Nine Inch Nails: “As Alive as You Need Me to Be” Rod Wave: “Sinners” Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media WINNER: Austin Wintory: Sword of the Sea Gordy Haab: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Pinar Toprak: Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – Secrets of the Spires Wilbert Roget, II: Helldivers 2 Wilbert Roget, II & Cody Matthew Johnson: Star Wars Outlaws: Wild Card & A Pirate’s Fortune Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media (Includes Film and Television) John Powell: How to Train Your Dragon John Powell & Stephen Schwartz: Wicked Kris Bowers: The Wild Robot WINNER: Ludwig Göransson: Sinners Theodore Shapiro: Severance: Season 2 Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media Timothée Chalamet: A Complete Unknown Various Artists: F1® the Album Various Artists: KPop Demon Hunters WINNER: Various Artists: Sinners Various Artists: Wicked Best Tropical Latin Album Alain Pérez: Bingo Gilberto Santa Rosa: Debut y Segunda Tanda, Vol. 2 WINNER: Gloria Estefan: Raíces Grupo Niche – Clásicos 1.0 Rubén Blades Featuring Roberto Delgado & Orquesta: Fotografías Best Música Mexicana Album (Including Tejano) Bobby Pulido: Bobby Pulido & Friends Una Tuya Y una Mía – Por la Puerta Grande (En Vivo) WINNER: Carín León: Palabra de To’s (Seca) Fuerza Regida & Grupo Frontera: Mala Mía Grupo Frontera: Y Lo Que Viene Paola Jara: Sin Rodeos Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album Aterciopelados: Genes Rebeldes Bomba Estéreo, Rawayana & Astropical: Astropical WINNER: Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso: Papota Fito Páez: Novela Los Wizzards: Algorhythm Best Latin Pop Album Alejandro Sanz: ¿Y Ahora Qué? Andrés Cepeda: Bogotá (Deluxe) Karol G: Tropicoqueta WINNER: Natalia Lafourcade: Cancionera Rauw Alejandro: Cosa Nuestra Best Remixed Recording The Chemical Brothers & Chris Lake: “Galvanize (Chris Lake Remix)” Huntr/x & David Guetta: “Golden (David Guetta Rem/x)” WINNER: Lady Gaga & Gesaffelstein: “Abracadabra (Gesaffelstein Remix)” Mariah Carey & Kaytranada: “Don’t Forget…

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Moves to Unseat Tinubu Driven by Self-Interest — Matawalle

Moves to Unseat Tinubu Driven by Self-Interest — Matawalle

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has cautioned that efforts to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are motivated by personal ambitions rather than the national interest, warning that such actions pose a threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability. Speaking on Saturday at his residence in Abuja, Matawalle said early political manoeuvring and internal power struggles aimed at weakening the current administration could disrupt ongoing reforms and undermine national unity. He praised President Tinubu’s leadership style and policy direction, describing them as critical to repositioning Nigeria for economic recovery, stronger institutions and improved national cohesion. “President Tinubu has taken bold steps to stabilise the economy and strengthen national institutions. Those plotting to unseat him are motivated by personal interests rather than the public good. If allowed to complete his reform programme, I am confident the President will win convincingly in 2027,” Matawalle said. The minister expressed optimism that Tinubu would secure a decisive victory in the 2027 presidential election, citing the growing impact of the administration’s policies across the country. According to him, notable progress has been recorded in the North, particularly in governance reforms, security operations and institutional development. Matawalle urged Nigerians and political leaders to rally behind the administration and support its reform agenda, calling for unity and cooperation rather than division. He emphasised that political stakeholders should prioritise dialogue and collaboration, stressing that Nigeria’s collective interest must come before individual ambitions. “Rather than engaging in rancour and short-term political calculations, we should focus on solutions that deliver jobs, security and stronger institutions for Nigerians,” he added.

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Why I’m not rich like other actresses — Bimbo Akintola

Why I’m Not Rich Like Other Actresses — Bimbo Akintola

Veteran Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has shed light on why she does not live as lavishly as some of her colleagues, pointing to the harsh financial realities of Nigeria’s film industry. Speaking in a recent interview, Akintola dismissed the widespread belief that acting alone can make many actresses wealthy, noting that payments from platforms such as Africa Magic and similar outlets are often far from enough to sustain extravagant lifestyles. “We hear stories of some actresses who do things with politicians for money. So when people ask me why I am not rich like the others, I tell them to go ask them what other jobs they do,” she said. Emphasising the limited earnings from film roles, the seasoned actress added, “Because we know how much Africa Magic and other platforms pay for a movie.” Akintola, who has spent decades in Nollywood, explained that the public often misunderstands the true sources of wealth in the entertainment industry. According to her, many of the flashy lifestyles displayed on social media cannot realistically be supported by acting fees alone. Her comments have sparked renewed conversations about transparency, income sources, and the financial sustainability of acting careers in Nollywood.

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Aisha Yesufu Slams Onanuga Over ‘Shoot-at-Sight’ Comment on Vandals

“You Would’ve Been Shot” – Aisha Yesufu Slams Onanuga Over ‘Shoot-at-Sight’ Comment

Human rights activist and co-convener of the BringBackOurGirls movement, Aisha Yesufu, has strongly criticised the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, over his controversial “shoot at sight” comment on vandals. In a statement shared on her verified X handle on Sunday, Yesufu described Onanuga and those who share his views as “the worst species of citizens,” arguing that such rhetoric undermines the rule of law and basic human rights. Yesufu maintained that the individuals the presidential aide referred to are, in many cases, victims of what she described as the current administration’s “depravity, unconscionable and insatiable greed.” “Without rule of law, justice and the right to fair hearing, you and those you work for would also have since been shot, and these citizens might not have had to resort to the hideous criminality they are alleged to be engaging in,” she wrote. She further accused the government of inflicting widespread hardship on Nigerians, insisting that this, rather than criminal intent alone, fuels acts of vandalism. “What is more hideous than how you and the illegitimacy you work for have destroyed the lives of hundreds of millions for your selfish, myopic and greedy interests!” she added. Warning against normalising extreme measures, Yesufu said such statements could signal dangerous intentions within government circles. “For him to talk about shoot on sight, don’t be surprised that it is now part of their discussions and what they plan to do,” she wrote. Recall that Onanuga’s remarks followed the circulation of a video showing alleged vandals damaging materials at a federal highway construction site, prompting his call for immediate execution of offenders.

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

Funke Akindele Called, Warned Me Against Mentioning Her Name in Interviews – Kunle Afolayan

Nollywood filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has revealed that actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele personally cautioned him against mentioning her name during media interviews. Afolayan made the disclosure on Sunday during an interview with ARISE News, while reacting to the controversy that followed his earlier comments on the pressures and demands of promoting cinema films in Nigeria. According to the filmmaker, Akindele called him angrily and accused him of deliberately referencing her during discussions about movie promotion. “Listen, Funke called me yesterday, and all she was saying… she called and said, ‘Mr Afolayan, I know you don’t like me, but don’t mention my name in your interviews,’” he said, adding that she raised her voice and ended the call abruptly. Afolayan explained that he later reached out via text message to clarify his intentions. “I texted her and said I don’t know what must have caused this, but it’s fine, and I explained a few things to her, and that was it,” he added. The filmmaker contrasted Akindele’s reaction with that of actress Toyin Abraham, whom he said understood his point and even turned it into a skit. “Toyin Abraham and I spoke, and she said, ‘Egbon, I get what you’re saying,’ and she turned it into a skit where she was jokingly asking people to watch her film so she could make more than N10 million,” Afolayan said. Clarifying the context of his earlier remarks, Afolayan stressed that his comments were made at a film business forumwhere cinema operators questioned him about returning to cinema releases. “The cinema operators were asking me when I’m coming back to the cinema, and I said I can’t if you can’t guarantee that I’ll make substantial money,” he explained. He further noted that box office figures are often misleading, as filmmakers receive far less after deductions. “If a film makes N2 billion, after sharing, taxes, and deductions, what comes to you might be around N500 million,” he said. Despite the backlash, Afolayan insisted he harbours no ill feelings toward Akindele, describing her career as a model worth emulating. “I have absolutely nothing against Funke,” he said, revealing that he recently advised young filmmakers at the Rama Film Festival in Kaduna to adopt her business model. He praised Akindele’s consistent growth from her early success with Jenifa to the strength of her current brand, while admitting that the intense promotional energy her strategy requires no longer suits him. “She has grown consistently, and it’s working for her. I just don’t have that kind of energy anymore,” he said. The comments come after Akindele appeared to react to Afolayan’s earlier statements with a series of pointed posts on her Instagram story, urging creatives to avoid jealousy, focus on their individual paths, and develop alternative marketing strategies for their work.

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