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US Embassy In Abuja, Lagos Consulate To Close On Monday

The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day.

The US Mission in Nigeria disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X account on Sunday, noting that normal operations will resume after the public holiday.

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day.

“Originally established to honor George Washington’s birthday, Presidents’ Day now celebrates all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the nation’s history and positively influencing the world,” the statement read.

Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday in the United States, was originally established to honour the birthday of George Washington.

The holiday has since evolved to celebrate all American presidents and their contributions to the nation’s history and global influence.

Washington is credited with creating the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart, a military decoration that still bears his image.

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Entertainment News

Afrobeats Currently Going Through Purge, Returning To Real Music – Nigerian Singer, Joeboy

Popular Nigerian singer Joeboy has stated that Afrobeats is currently experiencing a renaissance, stressing that the genre is being cleansed of watered-down music.

Speaking midway into his performance at his sold-out Valentine’s Day show in Lagos, the ‘Faji’ crooner explained that Afrobeats was returning to “real music.”

He added that “wack music no longer have a place in the genre.

“Afrobeats right now is going through a purge. We are getting back to the times where real music is going to stay – no more gimmicking and all of that.

“I can feel it already and I am happy that we are getting back to those zones where the music speaks. I thank God for that,” he expressed.

Recall that at the beginning of the 2020s decade, the Nigerian music industry saw a heavy fusion of Afrobeats with other genres, especially South Africa’s Amapiano, American hip-hop and R&B.

This led to critics calling for a return to “original Afrobeats”, claiming that the fusion of foreign genres, often intended to cater for a global audience, has diluted Afrobeats.

The situation started changing in 2024 when some Nigerians artists began making “real Afrobeats” again and stopped infusing too much of Amapiano in their sounds.

Many Nigerian music buffs have hailed this as a move in the right direction, even though they admitted that it would take some time for Afrobeats to fully recover its original rhythm.

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Entertainment News

You Think I’m Desperate – BBNaija Star, Queen Mercy Slams Ex-Lover Attempting Reconciliation

Reality TV personality Queen Mercy Atang has publicly turned down an ex-boyfriend who tried to reach out to her on Valentine’s Day.

Atang, who confirmed her marriage to David Oyekanmi ended last year, shared a screenshot of the message she received from the unnamed ex.

She described his attempt to reconnect as both inappropriate and ill-timed, pointing out that he had once spread false stories about her.

The reality star explained that in 2024, around her wedding, her ex had allegedly recruited friends and acquaintances to circulate damaging claims about her on social media platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Snapchat.

Atang said she was deeply hurt by the situation but chose not to respond publicly, instead reaching out to people close to him and leaving the matter in God’s hands.

She also mentioned that her friends defended her online when she could not, showing support while she dealt with the emotional pain.

Reflecting on the Valentine’s message, Atang questioned her ex’s motives, suggesting he might think she is vulnerable now that her marriage has ended. She made it clear that she has moved on and no longer prioritizes romantic relationships.

Atang clarified that the relationship with the man dated back to 2013 while she was a student at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK). She stressed that once a relationship ends, she does not revisit it.

See post below:

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Entertainment News

I Was Circumcised When I Was 6 Years Old – Nollywood Actress, Biodun Stephen Reveals

Award-winning Nigerian filmmaker Biodun Stephen has opened up about her personal experience with female circumcision.

The producer spoke during an interview on the Diary Of A Naija Girl Podcast.

She explained that her circumcision happened when she was six years old and involved her grandmother. The filmmaker described the process as part of her family’s cultural practice.

She recalled being taken outside under her grandmother’s supervision to a place where the procedure would take place. At first, she was allowed to play and eat, which made her feel comfortable and unaware of what was coming.

Stephen said the next step involved a shower and then lying down, after which she experienced intense pain that stayed with her memory.

According to her, there was no explanation given at the time about what was happening. When she returned home, her mother offered some comfort, rubbing her body and apologising, but no detailed discussion followed.

Stephen emphasised that the memory of the pain remains vivid even years later. She also reflected on how the practice was passed down through generations, rooted in tradition, and often carried out without informing children of its purpose.

She said, “In my own case, it was my grandma. My grandma, God bless her soul. Mine was, anyway, I don’t want to talk about it. So I think that also my mom was. So it’s a culture for them. Because I remember I was six when I went for circumcision. Yes, I was six years old. So I remember it vividly. Deep pain. Vividly. As I’m talking to you, I’m seeing the picture. That afternoon. It was a mat outside. They took me to the woman’s place.

“You know, I was six. I didn’t know what was going on. My grandma just said, I mean, I love my grandma. She’s like, let’s go somewhere. So we went to this somewhere. They allowed me to play. They allowed me to play. I even ate food. Made me feel comfortable. Then the next, my grandma said, come on, let’s go have a shower. You know, I was six. I remember this. And the next day they told me to lie down.

“The pain was searing to the brain. Yes. I didn’t know what happened to me. There was no conversation about it. My mother wasn’t, you know, when I got home, they gave me pain sick. She rubbed my body like sorry my baby. And that was it.”

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Entertainment News

How My Daughter Was Bullied For Being My Child – Nollywood Actor, Bob Manuel Reveals (Video)

Bob-Manuel Udokwu, the Nollywood actor, has disclosed that his daughter was bullied during her time at Queens College, Lagos because she was recognized as his child.

The incident occurred when she was in Junior Secondary School 1.

Udokwu, 58, explained that he and his wife decided to send their children to public schools so they could grow up normally despite his celebrity status.

In an interview with Chude, he recalled that some senior students would target his daughter simply because of her connection to him.

He said he avoided confronting the students directly to prevent distractions, choosing instead to let his daughter navigate the situation.

The actor shared that his daughter can now laugh about the experience, but at the time, it was difficult for her as a young student.

Udokwu also reflected on raising his children in a regular school environment to ensure they experienced a normal upbringing.

He said, “I have a good family. My kids are grown now. Being born and seeing your father is popular. And growing with all the inconveniences and all that.

“I remember when my daughter was in Queens College, some senior students were just punishing her for just being my daughter. Today when we talk about it, she will laugh. But it was not funny. She was in JSS 1.

“I did not want to be in their face so that I do not distract them. We agreed they were going to go to public school, because I also attended public schools.”

Bob-Manuel Udokwu began his education at St. Peter’s Primary School in Enugu before moving to Oraukwu Grammar School in Anambra State.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt.

He started acting in 1992 with the film Living in Bondage, a movie credited with shaping the modern Nigerian film industry.

He serves as special assistant to the Anambra State governor on entertainment, tourism, and culture.

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Entertainment News

Fear Women Who Carry Churches On Their Heads – Davido’s Aide, Israel DMW Slams Sophia Momodu’s Lawyer

One of Nigerian singer, Davido’s aides, Israel DMW, has also joined in criticizing Sophia Momodu’s lawyer.

Recall that Davido had reportedly lost his cool in court some days ago during his child custody hearing.

Lawyer Maruf Muhammed, via Twitter, alleged that the singer was in court in Yaba, where he lost his cool during cross-examination and was creating chaos in the courtroom.

Davido later explained that he never asked for full custody and asked for joint custody.

He announced that he had decided to drop the case and assured his daughter that she would grow up knowing he fought for her.

Reacting, Israel DMW, slammed Sophia’s lawyer.

In a now-deleted Instagram story, he admonished the public to fear women who carry churches on their heads like cross. He noted how their minds are always deep and don’t care how one feels when they hurt them.

“Fear women, who carry churches on their heads like Cross. Their minds are always deep.

“They don’t care how you feel when they’re about to hurt you.

“Wicked and useless lawyer”.

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Sport News

2026 World Cup: FIFA Sets Date To Rule On Nigeria’s Petition Against DR Congo

FIFA is set to deliver its ruling on Nigeria’s eligibility protest against DR Congo on Monday, February 16.

Last December, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, officially complained, saying at least six DR Congo players who played in the 2025 African playoff final in November were not allowed to play because they recently changed their nationality.

The Super Eagles lost the match 4-3 on penalties after it ended 1-1 in regulation time.

Recently, the NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said, “We have a good case.”

Sanusi also added, “We don’t go into things that would be a waste of time. We believe we have a strong case, and we are waiting for FIFA’s decision on our complaints.”

If FIFA supports Nigeria, they will be allowed to take part in the Intercontinental Play-Off tournament, which will take place in March in Mexico.

Winning a top spot in that tournament would earn Nigeria one of the remaining African spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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Entertainment News

Drama As Davido Drags Nigerian Gospel Singer, Tosin Bee Into Child Custody Battle With Sophia Momodu

The child custody dispute between Nigerian singer Davido (David Adeleke) and his first child’s mother, Sophia Momodu, escalated dramatically after the musician launched a scathing attack on popular gospel singer Tosin Bee.

The incident comes in the wake of Davido’s outburst in court over the custody of his daughter, Imade Adeleke, which had already drawn widespread public attention.

During the court proceedings on Thursday at the Lagos State High Court, Yaba, Davido fumed at a lawyer representing Sophia for referencing the death of his son, Ifeanyi Adeleke.

In a post via Instagram, Davido further slammed the lawyer identified as Ebelechukwu Enedah, who was involved in his child custody proceedings.

He wrote, “@Belachukwu, I disgraced you in the courtroom. I was teaching you your work, you couldn’t even take it and then went on to mention my son.

“Like I said in the courtroom, I pray you never go through what me and my wife have gone through ever, and you were still smiling, smirking.

“You are a wicked human being. You are the worst lawyer ever. I beat you in court. You are not learned.”

Shortly after venting his frustrations, Davido reposted a post from gospel artiste, Tosin Bee, to his Instagram story on Friday , mistakenly assuming a connection between the gospel artist and Enedah.

Davido wrote, “And she has a son. Tosin you will live long amen with the rubbish you dey sing. So your son nah musician Bella Chukwu. You no even get sense. Make we help am. Useless people.”

The repost triggered an immediate backlash, with fans attacking Tosin Bee’s Instagram page under the impression he had a personal connection to the lawyer Davido mentioned.

However, reacting to the sudden wave of hostility, Tosin Bee clarified the situation, describing it as a case of mistaken identity.

He wrote, “Hello Mr David, I don’t know anything about the post you made. As a matter of fact, my mum went to be with the Lord eight years ago.

“I guess this is a case of mistaken identity. So sorry you had to deal with this, but my prayers are with you. I love you brother.”

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Entertainment News

They Sold Out Their People – Nollywood Actress, Onyi Alex Slams Igbo Elites For Supporting Tinubu

Onyi Alex, the popular Nigerian movie star, has reacted to the move by some Igbo businessmen to back the administration of Bola Tinubu.

The controversy started after businessmen like Obi Cubana, Chiefpriest, and Zenco publicly declared their support for the City Boys Movement, said to be led by Seyi Tinubu.

Their action triggered mixed reactions online, especially among people from the South-East who questioned their political direction and loyalty.

Taking to her Instagram story, Onyi Alex expressed disappointment over the involvement of certain Igbo businessmen in the movement.

She said that betrayal has become common among her people and made a biblical comparison, saying she believed Judas, who betrayed Jesus Christ, must have been Igbo.

She also raised concerns about insecurity in the South-East, stating that many Igbos now struggle to travel safely to the region.

According to her, some wealthy individuals prefer to use private jets when visiting because of safety fears.

Despite this situation, she lamented that certain people are still standing by what she described as a failed mandate.

The actress further stated that Igbo men who sell out their people may eventually realise that those they align with do not fully trust them either.

She wrote: “I’m sure Judas who betrayed Jesus Christ was Igbo. It is no longer funny that many Igbos cannot travel safely to the East because of insecurity. Even wealthy people now use private jets to travel home because of what is happening.

“Yet some people are still standing on a failed mandate. Igbo men who sold out their people will soon realise that those they aligned with do not even trust them.”

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Entertainment News

This Is Why God Destroyed Sodom And Gomorrah – BBNaija Star, Pere Counters Pastor Who Said LGBTQ+ Is Not A Sin

BBNaija star Pere Egbi has stated that identifying as gay, lesbian, or transgender is a sin.

A pastor identified as Dr. Kevin M. Young had taken to X to share a post saying being LGBTQ+ is not a sin one needs to repent from.

According to the X user, s*xual Orientation is not something one can control so they cannot repent from it.

He wrote: Being LGBTQ+ isn’t a sin, 

“nor does the Bible ever say it is.

“You cannot “repent” 

“of your sexual orientation 

“because you did not choose it, 

“nor can you change it.

“God loves you the way God 

“themself created you.”

However, responding to the post, Pere argued that being LGBTQ+ is a sin as God never created a man to be with a man neither did he create a woman to be with a woman.

He averred that God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of the same issue.

He wrote: “Being LGBTQ+ is a sin as other sins. It’s not a greater sin nor is it a lesser sin. 

“God did not create a man for another man nor a woman for another woman.  He didn’t make a man to be with other men.

“And to prove my point, it was for this same reason he destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.”

Read the exchange below:

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