NEWS

Democracy Day: Tinubu Hails MKO Abiola, Promises To Ease Subsidy Removal Pains

Published

3 years ago

June 12, 2023

Chief MKO Abiola winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election has been hailed by President Bola Tinubu, on Monday.

Tinubu described the late businessman who died in suspicious circumstances after his election was annulled by the late Gen Sani Abacha, as the symbol of democracy.

Tinubu, who acknowledged the hardship being faced by Nigerians in the aftermath of the fuel subsidy removal, said his administration will “reward” their sacrifices with “massive investment” in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare, and other public utilities that will improve their quality of life.

The President who said he identified with the pain of Nigerians argued that the temporal discomfort was necessary to save the country from going under.

“I feel your pain. This is one decision we must bear to save our country from going under and take our resources away from the stranglehold of a few unpatriotic elements,”Tinubu said in his maiden Democracy Day address to Nigerians as President.

In his inaugural speech on May 29, the President stated that subsidy can no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources. Therefore, it had to go.

The aftermath of Tinubu’s announcement was the increase in petrol pump price from N195 to N537 nationwide, alongside an ancillary price increase.

Addressing the aftermath of the move, he said, “It is for this reason that, in my inauguration address on May 29, I gave effect to the decision taken by my predecessor-in-office to remove the fuel subsidy albatross and free up for collective use the much-needed resources, which had hitherto been pocketed by a few rich.

“I admit that the decision will impose an extra burden on the masses of our people. Painfully, I have asked you, my compatriots, to sacrifice a little more for the survival of our country.

“For your trust and belief in us, I assure you that your sacrifice shall not be in vain. The government I lead will repay you through massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare, and other public utilities that will improve the quality of lives.”

Speaking of the rule of law, the President said his administration will not condone conflicting and illegal orders that undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

He also described the bill he signed into law on June 8 for the harmonisation of the retirement age for judicial officers as one of many policy reforms to come.

“For Chief MKO Abiola, the symbol of this day, in whose memory June 12 became a national holiday, democracy is eternal.

“It is about the rule of law and vibrant judiciary that can be trusted to deliver justice and strengthen institutions. It has become imperative to state here that the unnecessary illegal orders used to truncate or abridge democracy will no longer be tolerated.

“The recent harmonisation of the retirement age for judicial officers is meant to strengthen the rule of law, which is a critical pillar of democracy. The reform has just started,” he said.

President Tinubu described the February and March elections as a true testament of Nigeria’s democratic journey, adding that the current legal contestations of the results are the “beauty of democracy.”

He said “This year, we held the seventh in the cycle of elections that have become sacred rituals of our democratic practice in this dispensation since 1999.

“That the polls were intensely contested is in itself positive evidence that democracy is well and alive in our land. It is only natural that even as those who won and experienced victory in the various elections are elated and fulfilled, those who lost are disenchanted and disappointed.

“But the beauty of democracy is that those who win today can lose tomorrow and those who lose today will have an opportunity to compete and win in the next round of elections.”

“Those who cannot endure and accept the pain of defeat in elections do not deserve the joy of victory when it is their turn to triumph.

“Above all, those who disagree with the outcome of the elections are taking full advantage of the constitutional provisions to seek redress in court and that is one of the reasons why democracy is still the best form of government invented by man,” Tinubu added.

Reminiscing on the 1993 struggles that ushered in a civilian government in 1999, the President venerated the Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Alfred Rewane and Maj-Gen Shehu Yar’Adua who were silenced by the military junta saying “They gave their yesterday for the liberty that is ours today.”

“We can easily recall the sacrifice and martyrdom of Chief MKO Abiola, the custodian of the sacred mandate that was so cruelly annulled.

“He sacrificed his life in unyielding, patriotic defense of the ideals of democracy as symbolized in his choice, by his fellow countrymen and women, as their duly-elected President.

“There was an easier choice for him. It was to forgo the justice of his cause and opt for the path of ease and capitulation in the face of the tyranny of power. To his eternal credit and immortal glory, Abiola said no. He demonstrated the time-tested eternal truth that there are certain ideals and principles that are far more valuable than life itself,”said the President.

Therefore, he urged Nigerians not to take the liberty they now enjoy for granted as it was obtained through great sacrifice.

“The point is that we must never take this democracy for granted. We must forever jealously guard and protect it like a precious jewel.

“For, a people can never truly appreciate the freedoms and rights democracy guarantees them until they lose it.”

He pledged his administration’s commitment to diligently fulfill every component of its electoral pact with the people – the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.

“We shall be faithful to truth. Faithful to equity. And faithful to justice.

“We shall exercise our authority and mandate to govern with fairness, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to always uphold the dignity of all our people,” the President concluded.

NEWS

Becky Slim Crowned AFROMAICA June Edition Dancehall Queen

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2026

Baba Blow

Becky Slim Crowned AFROMAICA June Edition Dancehall Queen

AFROMAICA which is Nigeria’s Number 1 monthly urban reggae dancehall party delivered another unforgettable celebration of reggae and dancehall culture on june 25th 2026 as Emediong Emmanuel Edet, popularly known as Becky Slim won the cash prize of #500,000, she emerged the overall winner after an outstanding performance that earned her the admiration of both the organizers and the audiences at Club Plan B by Carabana. Afromaica happens every last thursday of the month at same venue.

Representing Kenya also know as Slim Shady showcased remarkable stage presence, confidence, and authentic dancehall energy throughout the competition. Her captivating performance distinguished her from a lineup of talented contestants, securing her the coveted Dancehall Queen title in what proved to be one of the most competitive editions of the event.

The June edition featured an impressive display of reggae and dancehall artistry, highlighting the depth of emerging talent across the African music scene. Contestants thrilled fans with energetic performances and a passion for preserving the vibrant spirit of the genre.

Adding to the excitement of the event recorded the presence of several notable entertainment personalities who came out to support the movement. Popular Facebook content creator MC Mbakara, respected reggae artist Tossy Young, and dancehall heavyweight Bclean were all in attendance, lending their support to AFROMAICA‘s vision of promoting reggae and urban dancehall music while encouraging the next generation of performers.

Their presence further demonstrated the growing influence of AFROMAICA as a platform that continues to unite entertainers, content creators, artists, and music lovers under one cultural movement dedicated to the advancement of reggae and urban dancehall across Africa.

The event is proudly powered by Spartan Media Ltd and Club Plan B, with valuable support from Element Irish Whiskey, TM Luxury Apartments, Aurum Trading Exchange, Jogab Logistics, The Cove, and Isno Hotels. Their partnership played a significant role in delivering a well-organized and memorable experience for contestants, guests, and fans.

As AFROMAICA continues to expand its impact on the African entertainment landscape, anticipation is already building for the next edition, where more gifted dance and lyrical artists will bring mind blowing performances while celebrating the rich heritage and enduring influence of reggae and urban dancehall music.

Congratulations to Emediong Emmanuel Edet (@Beckslim001 on tiktok ) on her well-deserved victory at the AFROMAICA Dancehall Queen June Edition. Her success stands as a testament to hard work, talent, and dedication, inspiring aspiring artists to pursue excellence while keeping the spirit of reggae and urban dancehall alive.

See Exclusive photos below

NEWS

Popular Nigerian Singer Ceena Gears Up for October Release as He Joins Forces with Speroachbeatz (Watch Video)

Published

2 weeks ago

June 17, 2026

Baba Blow

Popular Nigerian Singer Ceena Gears Up for October Release as He Joins Forces with Speroachbeatz

Nigerian music sensation Ceena has once again set tongues wagging after being spotted in the studio with legendary producer Speroachbeatz, fueling anticipation for what could become one of the biggest records of 2026.

Although details surrounding the project remain under wraps, including the official title and release date, sources close to the camp reveal that the highly anticipated collaboration is expected to arrive in October 2026.

Known for his consistency, creativity, and ability to deliver captivating records, Ceena appears determined to elevate his career to a new heights. The singer reportedly disclosed that the forthcoming track is designed to serve as an anthem that listeners from all walks of life can relate to and embrace.

The studio session has already generated excitement among fans and industry stakeholders, especially considering Speroachbeatz’s impressive track record of producing chart-topping hits for some of Africa’s biggest stars like Davido.

With Ceena’s growing influence and Speroachbeatz’s production genius, expectations are high that this collaboration will make a significant impact upon release.

As the countdown to October begins, music lovers will be eagerly awaiting further updates on what promises to be a spectacular hit project from the talented singer.

See video teaser below;

NEWS

How “Hardest Truth” Became One Of Nigeria’s Most Searched Emerging Songs and Number 4 Song On Shazam Worldwide Chart.

Published

1 month ago

May 20, 2026

Baba Blow

In a music industry constantly chasing noise, controversy and trends, fast-rising Nigerian artist Jubet is building momentum differently, through emotional honesty.

Born Akanbi Oluwa Jubelo Emmanuel and raised in Ilora, Oyo State, Jubet’s journey into music started long before the numbers began rising. During his secondary school days, he developed his passion for music through freestyle sessions and raw self-expression, gradually shaping the emotionally driven sound that listeners are now connecting with across streaming platforms and social media.

A graduate of Obong University, Akwa Ibom State, where he won the Best Performing Artist Award in 2025, Jubet represents a new generation of artists using music to communicate pain, reality, heartbreak, struggle, reflection and survival in a deeply relatable way.

His breakout record, “Hardest Truth,” has quickly become one of the most emotionally resonant emerging songs in Nigeria’s digital music space.

Within just TWO WEEKS of release, the song has generated:

• Over 119,600 Spotify monthly listeners
• More than 504,000 Spotify streams
• Over 1.3 million Audiomack streams
• More than 406,000 Boomplay streams
• More than 411,000 YouTube audio views
• Over 281,805 Shazams
• More than 900,000 TikTok user-generated contents (UGC)
• #1 on Shazam Viral Nigeria
• #1 Shazam in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia
• #4 Shazam Worldwide
• #60 Shazam United Kingdom
• #109 Shazam Canada
• #133 Shazam United States
• Spotify Nigeria Top 100 entry
• Apple Music chart entries across multiple African countries
• Placement across dozens of editorial playlists on Audiomack and Boomplay

The rapid growth has been driven largely by organic audience connection, emotional relatability and massive social sharing across platforms, with listeners strongly connecting to the song’s raw honesty and reflective storytelling.

What makes Jubet’s rise stand out is not just the numbers, but the emotional relationship listeners are building with the music. Across social media, fans continue to describe “Hardest Truth” as deeply relatable, emotionally painful, honest and reflective of real-life experiences many young people silently go through.

Rather than positioning himself around luxury, hype or internet theatrics, Jubet’s music speaks directly to people navigating heartbreak, betrayal, pressure, emotional struggles and everyday realities.

As momentum around “Hardest Truth” continues to grow globally, Jubet is steadily emerging as one of the new emotionally driven voices to watch in Nigeria’s evolving music landscape.

Jubet is currently managed under the Louiza Williams -led LOUI-K EMPIRE LTD, as efforts continue toward building his long-term creative and commercial growth.

Listen to “Hardest Truth”: https://linktr.ee/jubetjayyouhttps://linktr.ee/jubetjayyou