Skales Testifies How Prayer And Fasting Triggered Career Revival Through Lamine Yamal Viral Dance

Afrobeats singer Skales has recounted how a season of intense prayer and fasting preceded a major turnaround in his career, following a viral video involving Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal. According to the singer, the early days of 2025 were spiritually demanding for him, as he committed himself to extended fasting and prayer unlike any period before. He explained that the phase came at a time when his career felt stagnant and he was being mocked by many. While speaking during a testimony at Harvesters Church, Skales revealed that he wrote down seven specific prayer requests, all of which he said were answered within a single day. “Earlier this year [2025], I prayed a lot, I fasted a lot; I’ve never fasted like this year. I told God that he needed to bless me because I’m being laughed at and my career just looked funny. I wrote down seven prayer points, and all of them happened in one day. The one that changed my life was when a kid in Barcelona, Lamine Yamal, did a simple dance step to my song, and it went viral and changed my whole life,” he said. The turning point came after a video surfaced online showing the young football star dancing to Skales’ 2015 hit Shake Body. The clip quickly gained traction across social media, reviving interest in the song and drawing fresh attention to the singer’s catalogue. The renewed spotlight translated into major opportunities for Skales, including an invitation to perform at Barcelona’s Copa del Rey celebration, a high-profile event linked to the club’s achievements. The experience, he noted, marked a clear shift in his career trajectory.

Read More

Rihanna Vibes Hard To Shallipopi’s “Laho” In Barbados, Gets Shoutout From The Singer

Rihanna was spotted enjoying Shallipopi’s hit “Laho” with friends in Barbados, showing off her dance moves and island energy as she grooved to the infectious Afrobeats track. The moment captured her laughing and vibing fully with the music, bringing a carefree, joyful atmosphere to her gathering. Shallipopi’s “Laho”, known for its catchy beats and Edo slang flair, has become one of the biggest songs of the year, gaining massive attention on social media and music charts worldwide. Reacting to Rihanna’s video, Shallipopi commented “Get it queen”, delighting fans and highlighting the mutual admiration between the Nigerian artist and the global pop superstar. The clip is being celebrated as a perfect example of cultural crossover, with Rihanna, a proud Barbadian, embracing African music and showing how Afrobeats continues to resonate across the world. 🚨Rihanna Vibing hard to shallipopi’s “Laho” in Barbados 🇧🇧 🤩 pic.twitter.com/xgu7oGaZpN — HYPETRIBE (@hypetribeng) January 1, 2026

Read More

Peller Confirms Breakup With Jarvis, Says They’re Now Just Friends

Nigerian TikTok star Peller has announced that he and his girlfriend, content creator Jarvis, have ended their romantic relationship. The confirmation comes two weeks after Peller was involved in a deliberate car accident, reportedly in an attempt to harm himself following breakup threats from Jarvis. He was hospitalised and briefly detained by authorities for violating traffic regulations. On January 1, 2026, Peller addressed the breakup during a TikTok livestream, saying the pair are now friends. “Jarvis and I have officially broken up. For now, we’re just friends. We kindly ask everyone to respect our decisions. She’s my friend now, please don’t bully anybody,” he stated. He also revealed that he had reached out to Jarvis’ family to apologise for the incident. “I spoke with her family and begged them to forgive me. They were upset, but they forgave me. We’re still friends, but she said I should keep my distance for now,” Peller added.

Read More

Mozambique President Promises Huge Bonus If Mambas Beat Super Eagles At AFCON 2025

Mozambique President Daniel Francisco Chapo has applauded the Mambas for reaching the round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and has unveiled a special incentive ahead of their clash with Nigeria. The Mozambican side booked a date with the Super Eagles after finishing third in Group F, even though they closed the group stage with a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon. In a message released on Thursday to the players and coaching crew, President Chapo praised the team’s efforts at the tournament, describing their progression to the knockout stage as a historic achievement that has brought pride to the country. He commended the squad for their discipline, bravery and determination, noting that their performance had pushed Mozambican football to a new level on the continental scene. To further boost morale ahead of the Nigeria encounter, Jornal Notícias reported that the president approved an extraordinary bonus of 500,000 meticais, valued at about N11.3 million, for each player and member of the technical team if they defeat the Super Eagles and qualify for the quarter-finals. President Chapo also assured the team of the full support of the nation and expressed confidence in their ability to rise to the occasion against Nigeria. Nigeria and Mozambique will meet at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Monday, January 5, with kickoff scheduled for 8 pm.

Read More

Ex Ooni Queen, Zaynab Explains Purpose Behind Marriage To SGF George Akume

Zaynab Ngohemba, wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has explained the motivation behind their recent marriage, saying it was a conscious decision rooted in purpose, maturity, and shared ideals. The couple tied the knot a few weeks ago in a low-key private ceremony, drawing public attention due to Akume’s high-profile role and Zaynab’s own public background. In a statement released by her media aide, David Adeoye, Zaynab said the union was not about personal reinvention or change, but about deepening the commitment of two individuals already dedicated to public service. The statement described the marriage as “a partnership shaped by maturity, shared purpose, and mutual understanding,” adding that personal stability plays a key role in fulfilling public duties effectively. “It is the coming together of two individuals already devoted to public service,” the statement said. “This partnership reinforces shared values such as humility, discipline, empathy, and responsibility.” Adeoye noted that the marriage carries wider significance, especially at a time when many Nigerians are demanding greater integrity, accountability, and compassion from those in leadership positions. He explained that the union reflects a leadership philosophy that blends authority with empathy and governance with sincere service, stressing that leaders are most effective when grounded in strong personal values. “At a time when Nigerians demand more humanity from their leaders, this union quietly signals that service is strongest when built on shared values, stability, and a long-term vision,” the statement added. Zaynab, formerly known as Zaynab Otiti Obanor, was previously married to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. Their traditional marriage took place in March 2016, but ended in separation in 2017. During the 17-month union, she was popularly known as Olori Wuraola.

Read More

Police Suspend Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement Nationwide After Court Order

The Nigeria Police Force has suspended the nationwide enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy following an interim court order restraining the move. The Force had earlier announced on December 15, 2025, that enforcement of the policy would resume from January 2, 2026, citing its responsibility to safeguard public safety and internal security. That decision, however, has been put on hold due to ongoing legal proceedings. In a statement released on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the police were served with an interim order issued on December 17, 2025, in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025. The order restrains the police from proceeding with enforcement pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or until the order is vacated. “The Nigeria Police Force was served with an interim order of court in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, issued on 17th December 2025, restraining the Force from proceeding with the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or the vacation of the order.” The police confirmed that it has entered appearance in the case, raised preliminary objections, and formally applied for the interim order to be vacated. The matter has been adjourned to January 20, 2026, for further proceedings. “In line with constitutional obligations and respect for judicial authority, the Nigeria Police Force has entered appearance in the matter, raised preliminary objections, and formally applied for the vacation of the interim order. The court has adjourned the case to 20th January 2026 for further proceedings.” According to the statement, the suspension of enforcement is in strict compliance with the subsisting court order. “Accordingly, and strictly in compliance with the subsisting court order, the Nigeria Police Force has placed the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy on hold nationwide, pending the decision of the court.” The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to upholding the rule of law while carrying out its mandate of protecting lives and property. “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, affirms that the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in upholding the rule of law while discharging its primary mandate of protecting lives and property. The Force will continue to deploy lawful, intelligence-driven strategies to address security challenges and safeguard public safety across the country.” The police assured members of the public that further updates and clear guidance would be issued after the court delivers its decision, in the interest of public order and national security.

Read More

Sunderland Hold Manchester City To Goalless Draw As Arsenal Take Premier League Lead

Manchester City were held to a 0-0 draw by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, as the hosts produced a resolute defensive display, leaving City four points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal. Pep Guardiola’s side had watched Arsenal dismantle Aston Villa earlier in the week, but they left the northeast frustrated after failing to break down Sunderland’s disciplined defence. City had an early scare when Bernardo Silva’s close-range finish from Erling Haaland’s flick-on was ruled out for offside inside six minutes. Haaland had another chance in the first half, but his shot from 12 yards was comfortably saved by Sunderland keeper Robin Roefs. Sunderland also threatened on several occasions. Brian Brobbey outmuscled Ruben Dias to a lofted ball but could only fire straight at Gianluigi Donnarumma, while Trai Hume narrowly missed with a glancing header just before half-time. City made a change at the break with Rodri coming on for Nico Gonzalez, but the visitors struggled to find a breakthrough. Jeremy Doku saw a shot blocked by Nordi Mukiele’s face, and Josko Gvardiol’s flicked effort hit the post. Donnarumma also kept City in the game, saving Eliezer Mayenda’s low strike. Despite dominating possession with 67.7% and registering 13 shots, only four were on target, leaving Guardiola’s side to rue missed opportunities. Sunderland held firm, preserving their unbeaten home record and earning a valuable point. Injuries also posed concerns for City. Gonzalez left at half-time with a knee issue, Rodri returned after barely featuring in the past three months due to a hamstring injury, and Savinho limped off in the second half. Nathan Ake, however, was able to continue despite an early scare. With City’s eight-game winning streak ended, Arsenal have taken the first advantage in what is shaping up to be a tight title race. January promises to be busy for City, who will begin the month with eight fixtures ahead.

Read More

DDG Says Nigeria Is Safer Than America During Lagos Visit

American rapper and online personality Darryl Dwayne Jr., known as DDG, has sparked online reactions after claiming that Nigeria is safer than the United States. The rapper made the comments in a video shared by CutnPaid on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, January 1, while visiting Lagos, challenging the widely held notion that Nigeria is extremely dangerous. “I think America is the most dangerous country there is, to be honest. I don’t think Nigeria is as dangerous as America, nowhere near,” he said. DDG compared crime in both countries, pointing to the high rates of gang-related shootings in the U.S., which he said are far more serious than anything he has experienced in Nigeria. “You get robbed out here for sure, but people aren’t getting shot like that — the way it happens in America,” he noted. He encouraged anyone planning to visit Nigeria not to be swayed by negative stereotypes. “So if anybody is thinking about coming out here, just pull, bro,” he added. 𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐈 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐈𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚” — 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐃𝐆 American rapper and internet personality Darryl Dwayne Jr., popularly known as DDG, has stirred reactions online after stating that Nigeria… pic.twitter.com/Ryov4K7gjw — Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) January 1, 2026

Read More