NEWS
FCT, Lagos, Ogun Communities Ignore Lockdown Order
Residents of some communities in the Federal Capital Territory, Ogun and Lagos states on Sunday violated the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari’ s ( retd. ) lockdown order .
On Saturday and Sunday, our correspondents in the FCT observed that although there was compliance with the order within the Abuja metropolis , residents of its suburbs , who cited hunger , went out contrary to the government ’ s directive .
In Ogun State , the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako- Oyedele , in a statement on Sunday, decried the level of compliance in the Ado -Odo /Ota Local Government Area .
Residents of Lagos areas such as Iyana -Ipaja , Ketu and Alapare cited hunger for violating the lockdown.
The President had , in a nationwide broadcast on February 29, imposed 14- day lockdown on the FCT, Lagos and Ogun states to curb the spread of COVID- 19 cases, which increased to 232 on Sunday.
Security men disperse traders at Kuje market
In the FCT , security personnel consisting of the police and the Federal Road Safety Corps officials chased away traders from Kuje market in the Kuje Area Council on Sunday.
One of our correspondents, who was in the area between 2pm and 3pm, observed that while the market was locked , traders displayed their goods at its entrance .
On sighting the security men, some traders took to their heels and abandoned their wares which included clothes , food and cosmetics .
However , the security men were civil with those who had the courage to stay behind . They appealed to the traders to respect the sit- at – home order .
A barber, who gave his name simply as Tunde, was working in his shop not far away from the market .
He told The PUNCH that security men regularly patrolled the area to enforce the order.
He said , “ The security officials, especially policemen, have been coming here very often. Some of them insist that I close my shop , but others allow me after convincing them that mine is an essential service . ”
Okada riders defy lockdown order in Kubwa
Commercial motorcycle riders , popularly known as okada in Kubwa , one of the major satellite towns in Abuja , defied the lockdown.
Okada riders were seen in most of the streets in Kubwa on Sunday, as they moved passengers from one location to another .
On the Arab Road , Byazhim, Kubwa Village Market , among other areas, for instance, the riders transported passengers who patronised them.
On why he was not obeying the lockdown , a rider , Umar Gambo , told one of our correspondents that it “ was difficult” for him to stay indoor continuously because he needed to fend for his family.
The rate of compliance in Bwari on Sunday was not as high as it was when the lockdown started last week.
One of our correspondents, who went around Bwari between 1pm and 2pm, observed that many shops, markets , filling stations and pharmacies were opened .
Unlike the first two days when the roads were almost empty, there were movements of vehicles and commercial motorcycles .
Taxi drivers devise means of flouting order
Taxi drivers in the FCT , particularly in the Dei- Dei and Zuba areas, started work on Sunday
The PUNCH observed many taxi drivers resorted to wearing face masks and conveyed three passengers on the back seats, while squeezing two others in front .
In Zuba , it was observed that the drivers had increased their fares . It was gathered that they bribed policemen in order to operate, particularly from late afternoon and evening .
“ We cannot stay at home . We have to eat . We should wear face masks. I think that is enough. Some of the policemen are cooperative . They also understand that we cannot survive without working, ” a driver, Sanni Ahmed, said .
Hunger preventing us from observing lockdown – Lagos residents
Residents of communities in Lagos State told The PUNCH that hunger was responsible for their noncompliance with the lockdown .
While some residents observed the stay – home- order, others, including commercial motorists, were seen flouting the directive. They cited different reasons including hunger and illnesses when accosted by law enforcement agents.
When asked why she decided to disobey the stay – home directive , one Iya Rukayat , a bag seller in Ketu , said hunger prompted her to display her bags for sale. She added that she fed her family from her daily income.
She said , “ At first , I observed the order, but it got to a point that there was no money to feed my family, so I had to come out to sell my bags. I just started displaying my goods this morning and I have not made any sale . I cannot just stay at home when my family is hungry .”
Speaking on condition of anonymity, another resident of the Alapere, said she had not benefitted from the foodstuffs donated by state government .
At Berger, Iyana -Ipaja . Igando, Iba, Iyana- Iba and Mile 2, motorcyclists , ( Okada); tricyclists ( Keke ) and traders were seen working without being disturbed by security men .
Ogun street urchins, cultists defy lockdown
In Ogun State, street urchins, cultists and some traders defied the sit-at – home order.
The lockdown, which commenced in the state on Friday night, recorded substantial compliance in many parts , but some residents of Sango – Ota and Ewekoro did not stay at home
Some miscreants in Ota defied the restriction of movement in the area while scrambling for foodstuffs donated by the state government .
An eye witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the miscreants besieged the Ado -Odo / Ota Local Government headquarters following an announcement that foodstuffs would be shared in the place.
According to the source , the miscreants ran amok when they failed to get their share of the foodstuffs .
The deputy governor , in a statement by her press officer, Seun Boye, frowned upon the poor level of compliance by some residents of the local government area.
She was said to be on an assessment of the Ado – Odo / Ota and the Yewa South Local Government areas.
She said , “ On the violators, I have met with Ota Area ( police ) commander on my way and let me reiterate that the law must be obeyed and nobody would be spared.
“ We will also continue to engage our law enforcement agencies to make sure that they support us to be able to achieve our mission. ”
Also, the cultists in the Ifo Local Government Area of the state defied the restriction of movements in the area when they clashed.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, while confirming the incident , said the cultists made a mess of the order.
He said the clash between two rival groups claimed one life. He added that four people had been arrested.
Source:- Punch ng
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)
Popular Nigerian Singer Ceena Gears Up for October Release as He Joins Forces with SperoachbeatzNigerian 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.
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
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