NEWS

No date yet to re-open land borders — Buhari

Published

7 years ago

December 3, 2019

President Buhari has disclosed that there is no date yet for re-opening of the Nigerian border which according to him has led to a drop in the country’s domestic fuel consumption.

The Nigerian leader who is on a 4-day working visit at his hometown Daura in Katsina State, told a delegation of Katsina State Elders Forum that he is yet to give a date for the reopening of the land borders.

In a statement released by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, the Presidency said two months into the closure of Nigeria’s land borders to curb smuggling activities especially rice, the Buhari-led administration was betting on same measure to rekindle the agriculture sector.

President Buhari who acknowledged the hardship residents of border communities have been going through following the ban on sale of fuel at stations 20 kilometres to the border, stated that the restriction was a temporary measure as the Nigerian Customs Service needed to ascertain outlets involved in real sale of products and those being used for smuggling.

The statement reads in part “Two months into closure of Nigeria’s land border to curb smuggling activities, especially rice, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is betting on same measure to rekindle the agriculture sector.

The government’s directive will save the country billions of naira on import bills.

Receiving a delegation of Katsina State Elders Forum at his country home in Daura, the President said the country’s domestic fuel consumption had dropped by more than 30 per cent, following closure of land borders.

President Buhari said he had not given any date for the reopening of the land border until the situation improves.

The President commended the actions taken by the President of Niger Republic, Muhammadou Youssoufou, including the dismissal of officials and a ban on use of the country as a dumping ground for Nigeria-bound smuggled goods.

President Buhari noted that the measures taken by the President of Niger were helpful and supportive.

President Buhari acknowledged the hardship of border communities following the ban on sale of fuel at stations 20 kilometres to the border, a restriction that also saw to the closure of all fuel stations in his native home, Daura.

‘Farmers must be protected. Dishonesty is deep rooted in the country. Otherwise the border closer would not have been warranted,” he said.

According to him, the restriction was a temporary measure as the Nigerian Customs Service needed to ascertain outlets involved in real sale of products and those being used for smuggling.

President Buhari told the delegation that he intends forging ahead with poverty alleviation schemes and the agricultural and livestock reforms started by the administration in the first term, since the election was behind him and a government now in place.

He explained that the reforms, especially those relating to the settlement of livestock herders would take time to accomplish, assuring that his deliberate choice of tested farmers as his past and current ministers of agriculture was informed by the need to carry his vision through.”

Entertainment

MAIDEN MOEISHA CREATIVE EXPERIENCE HOLDS THIS FRIDAY

Published

5 days ago

September 25, 2026

Baba Blow

MAIDEN MOEISHA CREATIVE EXPERIENCE HOLDS THIS FRIDAY

Utibe Utuk

All is set to host a gathering of artists,innovators,creative entrepreneurs,young talents,students and industry professionals as the MOEISHA Creative Experience 2026 takes center stage.

The event, which brings together diverse voices and ideas around art,technology,culture and the future of the creative economy is scheduled for Friday,September 25th from 4pm,toprovide a platform for participants to connect,share ideas,showcase their creativity and explore emerging opportunities at the intersection of art,innovation and technology at Ibom LED Centre.

A major feature of the gathering will be the official launch of The Moeisha Foundation,an initiative focused on empowering young women and fresh school leavers with creative skills and opportunities in digital entrepreneurship.

The foundation is expected to provide opportunities for young people to develop practical skills,discover their creative potential and explore sustainable pathways within the growing digital economy.

Beyond the celebration of creative expression,the MOEISHA Creative Experience is designed to promote networking,collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants from different areas of the creative industry.

The event will take place at Ibom LED,Ibom E-Library,Ibb Way,Uyo,Akwa Ibom State,with free entry for participants. Artists,students,young entrepreneurs,industry professionals and lovers of culture are expected to attend the gathering.

Some of the speakers and panelists to grace the event are Mandu Akpekong (Public Speaker), Sukmama Akpanusong (Tech Entrepreneur),Utonne Ekefre (CEO Latonne Signature) and Emmanuel Udosen (CEO Coddatech Nigeria Ltd), with performances by Udo Mariam, Psc Ben, Ferric Wondaz, Carlos Umoh and Evelyn Praiz to spice up the evening.

The convener,Mekmfonabasi Essien,an artist,creative visionary and curator,said in a chat with this reporter penultimate week that the event was conceived as an avenue to bring people together and create opportunities for meaningful connections within the creative space.

According to her,for a creative community like Uyo,which continues to explore new ways of turning talent and ideas into opportunities,the MOEISHA Creative Experience 2026 provides an avenue for participants to connect,create and discover new possibilities.

She called on young people in Akwa Ibom and neighbouring cities to take advantage of the gathering,describing it as a networking hub capable of opening doors for greater collaboration and creative partnerships.

#Inexperienced

#MOEISHAexperience2026

NEWS

Jubet Brings His Pen and Perspective to emPawa Publishing as “Hardest Truth” Continues Its Global Run

Published

2 weeks ago

September 15, 2026

Baba Blow

Jubet Brings His Pen and Perspective to emPawa Publishing as “Hardest Truth” Continues Its Global Run

Following more than four months on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart and major Shazam milestones, the Nigerian singer-songwriter enters a new chapter with emPawa Publishing.

Nigerian singer-songwriter Jubet is entering a significant new phase of his career after joining the emPawa Publishing roster, marking an important step in the development and global positioning of his songwriting catalogue.

The development was announced by emPawa Publishing and emPawa Africa, who publicly welcomed the rising Nigerian artist to the publishing family while highlighting the distinctive qualities that have come to define his music: vulnerability, melody and honest storytelling.

The partnership arrives at a defining moment for Jubet, whose breakthrough single, “Hardest Truth,” has evolved from an intensely personal record into an international Afrobeats success story.

The song has maintained a sustained presence on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart for more than four months, while reaching No. 1 in five African countries and securing placements on the Global Shazam Chart and Global Afrobeats Top 100.

“Hardest Truth” has also demonstrated the depth of its international reach, connecting with audiences across multiple African markets and establishing Jubet as one of the emerging voices of a new generation of Afrobeats artists.

In its announcement welcoming Jubet, emPawa described the artist as a rising Nigerian recording artist whose sound is built around vulnerability, melody and honest storytelling, qualities that have become central to his artistic identity.

The publishing company also placed emphasis on the songwriter behind the music, noting that Jubet is bringing “that pen, that perspective and that unmissable emotionality” to the emPawa Publishing catalogue.

That distinction is significant.

For Jubet, the publishing partnership represents more than recognition for a successful record. It marks a move toward developing the songwriter and the catalogue behind his growing international profile, while creating a foundation for the next phase of his career.

“Hardest Truth” has demonstrated that emotional honesty can travel. What began as a deeply personal expression has resonated with listeners across borders, turning Jubet’s vulnerability into a shared experience for audiences around the world.

For Jubet’s management, the partnership is a natural progression in an increasingly international journey.

“Jubet’s journey has always been about more than creating a successful record. At the heart of his artistry is his ability to translate real emotion and personal experiences into songs that people can see themselves in. The response to ‘Hardest Truth’ has shown us just how far that honesty can travel. Partnering with emPawa Publishing is an important step in developing Jubet not only as an artist, but as a songwriter and a catalogue with long-term global potential. We are excited about what this next chapter will make possible.”

– Louiza Williams –

Jubet’s emergence comes at a time when Afrobeats continues to expand its global footprint, with artists possessing distinctive voices and emotionally resonant songwriting finding increasingly receptive audiences beyond Nigeria.

From his beginnings in Ilora, Oyo State, to international chart recognition, Jubet’s trajectory has been shaped by an increasingly intentional approach to artistry, audience building and long-term career development.

The emPawa Publishing partnership now adds another important layer to that trajectory.

With “Hardest Truth” continuing to demonstrate staying power and a growing catalogue ahead of him, Jubet enters this next chapter not simply as a breakout artist, but as a songwriter whose voice and perspective are beginning to command international attention.

The breakthrough may have started with “Hardest Truth.” The next chapter is about what comes after it.

About Jubet

Jubet, born Akanbi Oluwa Jubelo, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and recording artist whose music is defined by vulnerability, melody and emotionally honest storytelling. His breakthrough single, “Hardest Truth,” propelled him onto international charts and introduced his distinctive sound to audiences beyond Nigeria.

About emPawa Publishing

emPawa Publishing is part of the wider emPawa Africa ecosystem, supporting songwriters and artists while developing and expanding the value of African music catalogues and creative works.

Media Contact:

Info@louikempire.com

+2348063815440

Entertainment

Nigerian Duo KIEZ x MUSTI Set to Release New Afro-Fusion & Soul Track on September 23 Under Our Own Music Worldwide

Published

3 weeks ago

September 11, 2026

Baba Blow

Nigerian artists Oke Gift Godspower (stage name KIEZ, also known as D Kiez) and Mustapha Audu (stage name MUSTI) are set to release a new collaborative track on September 23 under the record label “Our Own Music Worldwide”. The project, credited as KIEZ x MUSTI, is produced and mixed by Kokomani.

D Kiez is a Nigerian musician driven by passion, creativity, and a desire to connect with people through music. His sound blends Afrobeat, Afro-fusion, and soulful melodies, creating music that reflects real-life experiences, emotions, ambition, and the journey of chasing dreams. The upcoming release falls squarely in the Afro-Fusion & Soul genre, combining rhythmic energy with emotional depth.

The collaboration brings together KIEZ’s expressive, experience-driven songwriting and Musti’s complementary artistry, guided by Kokomani’s production and mixing. Released through Our Own Music Worldwide The September 23 project marks a fresh addition to the growing wave of Nigerian Afro-fusion that prioritizes authentic storytelling and melodic soul.

Fans of Afrobeat, Afro-fusion, and contemporary African soul can expect a track that balances groove with heartfelt emotion. Full details on the song title, streaming platforms, and official artwork will follow closer to the release date.

Stay tuned for KIEZ x MUSTI on September 23, presented by Our Own Music Worldwide with Digital PR by **Viral9ja Distribution & Marketing