Public affairs commentator and legal practitioner, Justice Osai Ahiakwo, has openly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for disregarding his own directive on reducing unnecessary foreign trips by government officials. He described the president’s actions as wasteful, insensitive, and a reflection of misplaced priorities in governance. In an interview with LMSINT MEDIA in Calabar, Ahiakwo reminded Nigerians that President Tinubu had previously warned public officeholders against excessive international travels as part of measures to ensure fiscal responsibility. However, according to him, the president has continued to embark on frequent journeys abroad, including his ongoing two-week “working vacation” in Europe. Ahiakwo argued that such acts of financial indiscipline weaken the government’s credibility and worsen Nigeria’s already fragile economic situation. He noted that the president’s constant trips portray a lack of seriousness in tackling pressing domestic issues, especially at a time when the country is grappling with inflation, rising debt, and widespread unemployment. The lawyer further stressed that frequent foreign trips by leaders place a huge strain on the nation’s scarce resources, encourage overspending, and push the country deeper into debt. Beyond financial consequences, he warned that such actions also damage Nigeria’s reputation before the international community. He lamented the growing culture of wastefulness in governance, pointing out that the legislative arm and state assemblies have failed to hold the executive accountable for reckless expenditures. “The President must be an example of discipline if he wants other public officials to embrace fiscal responsibility. A government that spends without control cannot hope to rescue a struggling economy,” Ahiakwo emphasized, holding both federal and state leaders responsible for the problem. He went further to call for the enactment of strict laws that would place limits on how often elected officials, including the president, can embark on foreign trips. According to him, without such legal restraints, the embarrassing trend of waste and abuse of public funds will likely continue even after the current administration.
Former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, has rejected the perception that the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition is purely a northern political agenda. Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today, a current affairs programme aired on Channels Television, Tambuwal emphasized that the coalition is a broad-based national opposition front that cuts across all regions of Nigeria, not a northern-centric movement. In his words, Tambuwal questioned the basis of the claims by asking, “Is Peter Obi from Northern Nigeria? Is Rauf Aregbesola not from Osun State in the South-West? Are they not all integral members of this coalition?” He stressed that the coalition represents a collective political movement across Nigeria’s diverse geopolitical zones, not a regional platform. Tambuwal, who is currently the Senator representing Sokoto South, further highlighted that Nigerians should anticipate a change of government through constitutional and democratic means by May 29, 2027, when the next presidential transition is scheduled to take place. The former governor also took a swipe at the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of failing to meet the expectations and hopes of ordinary Nigerians. According to him, the narrative being pushed by certain groups—that President Tinubu is politically “untouchable” or undefeatable in the upcoming 2027 elections—is misleading. Tambuwal dismissed such suggestions, stating clearly: “It is not cast in stone that he cannot lose in 2027. Every narrative suggesting he is invincible — that Bola Tinubu cannot be defeated — is absolute rubbish.” Tambuwal’s remarks have stirred political debates nationwide, as many stakeholders continue to assess the strength of the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kindly Share:
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD …in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13). The moment you received Christ, something remarkable happened: you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. This seal is not just a mark of identity; rather, it’s a declaration of ownership, protection and inheritance. In the realm of the Spirit, it identifies you as God’s peculiar treasure. In ancient times, and even to this day, a seal denoted authority and authenticity. Kings sealed documents to signify that the contents carried their full backing. You might have heard of the “Presidential Seal”, which signifies the authority of your country or some other country’s president. In the same way, God placed His Spirit in you as proof that you’re fully His—marked for divine purpose and backed by heaven. When you received the Holy Spirit, you received the “earnest of our inheritance,” that is, the down payment, the guarantee of everything that belongs to us in Christ (Ephesians 1:14). Since God gave you His Spirit, it means He’s already given you His best. There is nothing else He would withhold from you. Therefore, refuse to walk through life hoping for acceptance or struggling to “qualify.” You’re already accepted, already qualified, already sealed. The Spirit in you is your access to divine wisdom, power and fellowship with God. He’s all that you could ever need; He’s God’s best. He’s the fulfilment of the promise God made to Abraham that through Christ, the blessing and the Spirit would come upon the Gentiles. Recognize and respond to the Holy Spirit in your daily life. Listen to Him. Speak with Him. Acknowledge His presence. He is your Helper, your Teacher, your Advocate, your Strengthener, your Intercessor, your Standby, and your Guide. And because you’re sealed with Him, you’re divinely protected; you’re untouchable, preserved, empowered and distinguished for glory. PRAYERDear Father, I thank you for sealing me with the Holy Spirit, my guarantee of divine protection. I walk in the consciousness of His presence, power and guidance. I belong to you, marked and preserved for your glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. FURTHER STUDYEphesians 1:13-14 NIVAnd you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Romans 8:14-17 NKJVFor as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with [Him,] that we may also be glorified together. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 KJVNow he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, [is] God; 22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. DAILY SCRIPTURE READING1-Year Bible Reading Plan2 Corinthians 3:7-4:1-18 & Proverbs 16-17 2-Year Bible Reading PlanLuke 21:1-9 & 1 Samuel 24 DAILY AFFIRMATIONS: The Lord Almighty is my defense and fortress. Satan has nothing in me because I am full of the Holy Spirit at all times. The environment in which I live is Christ. Here, there are no health scares, infections, or pandemics. No matter what happens to those in the world, I stand firm in faith, and I enjoy my glorious life now. I bask in the provisions of Christ for my life, health, and all that concerns me. I dwell in the secret place of the Most High, and I abide under the shadow of the Almighty in health, safety, prosperity, and joy. In everything I do today and everywhere I go, I’m mindful of God’s love, and that consciousness inspires faith and boldness in me to face the circumstances of life and win. Excellence, glory, health, peace, virtue, and success describe my life. My blessings cannot be humanly explained. I have money everywhere. I am a big-time kingdom financier. I enjoy the supernatural intervention of the Almighty God in all my affairs. I am mightily blessed by the Lord! I am a blessing from God—a carrier and distributor of His blessings and grace to my world. Christ is my life. He’s in every fibre of my being, every bone of my body, and every cell of my blood. I reign and rule over circumstances in His Name, shielded from all evil and harm because I’m seated together with Christ in the heavenly realms—far above all principality, power, might, dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world but also in that which is to come! I walk in the consciousness of God’s righteousness. I am securely established in Christ, and I live above the corrupting influences of this age. I live without worries, conflicts, or agitation. I walk in glory, dominion, and the strength of God. I do not worry about my health, finances, or anything else because the Lord has perfected all that concerns me. Through me, God shows forth His manifold wisdom and excellent greatness. My family, workplace, neighbourhood, city, and nation are all blessed for my sake. I am an offspring of the Word, and the Word has pre-eminence in my life. I reign and rule in life by the Word in the mighty and matchless Name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Speak in tongues.
Kindly Share:
Former Manchester United forward, Michael Owen, has set a clear condition for Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling if he wants to revive his professional football career. According to Owen, the 29-year-old is trapped in a difficult situation after failing to secure a move away from Stamford Bridge during last summer’s transfer window. Sterling’s decision to stay has backfired, as he is now completely isolated from the Chelsea first team. Sterling’s Struggles at Chelsea Reports from Stamford Bridge reveal that Sterling has been frozen out of the squad, with strict measures taken against him. The England international has reportedly been ordered to eat meals separately from his teammates and even use a different toilet facility—a clear indication of how far he has fallen out of favor with the club’s management. The winger, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022, has made 59 appearances for the London club and scored 14 goals. Despite this, he has struggled to live up to expectations and last season spent time on loan at Arsenal, where his performances were widely considered disappointing by Gunners’ fans. Why Sterling Refused to Leave Sterling’s situation worsened because he rejected multiple offers that could have revived his career. Clubs like Fulham and Crystal Palace were interested but could not meet his huge weekly wage demands. He also turned down big-money moves to Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer (MLS), even though those leagues were willing to match his current earnings. His refusal to take a wage cut left him stuck at Chelsea, where he is now sidelined. Michael Owen’s Advice to Sterling Michael Owen, speaking to Metro UK and 247Bet, stressed that Sterling’s only chance to continue playing top-flight football is to accept a significant wage reduction and join a smaller Premier League side. “It’s a difficult one with Raheem. He’s on big wages, and he didn’t quite grasp his chance at Arsenal. Sadly, the only way for him now is probably down to Crystal Palace, West Ham, that type of club,” Owen explained. Owen went further to say that Sterling’s wealth should give him the freedom to prioritize football over money: “Some might say, ‘Well, you’re rich enough already.’ If he’s already very wealthy and doesn’t need the money, maybe he would [consider the wage cut].” What Lies Ahead for Sterling? At this point, Sterling’s career is at a crossroads. If he wants to keep playing regularly, he will have to accept a step down to mid-table clubs like West Ham or Crystal Palace. Otherwise, his career at the top level may come to an abrupt end despite his talent and experience.
Kindly Share:
Brazilian striker Joao Pedro has admitted that he was initially worried about how Chelsea’s standout performer, Cole Palmer, would react when he joined the London club from Brighton & Hove Albion. Pedro explained that upon his move to Stamford Bridge during the early stage of the 2025 summer transfer window, he feared Palmer might feel threatened by his presence, believing he was there to take his place as the team’s main attacking force. In an interview with Standard Sport, the 23-year-old revealed details of his first meeting with the England international, describing the tension he felt before approaching Palmer. “Cole is a superstar,” Pedro admitted. “When I came to Chelsea, I was a little bit nervous about his reaction because at Brighton, I was the key player. I knew joining Chelsea would be very different. I told him, ‘Cole, I’m here to help you.’ He understood it immediately, and now we support each other on the pitch.” Since his arrival, Joao Pedro has been instrumental in Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup triumph, quickly becoming a crucial figure in Enzo Maresca’s squad. Despite his fears, Pedro emphasized that Palmer welcomed him warmly, and the two have since built a strong partnership that is beginning to flourish in the Premier League. Pedro further stressed that their chemistry could help Chelsea compete for more silverware this season: “He knows I can help him, and I know he can help me. Together, we can make Chelsea stronger and win more trophies.” Chelsea have started the 2025/26 Premier League campaign on solid ground, securing two wins and one draw in their opening three fixtures. The Blues currently sit second in the league table, just behind Liverpool, which shows the progress being made under Maresca’s leadership. Both Pedro and Palmer are expected to play key roles throughout the season, as Chelsea aim to challenge for domestic and European glory.
Kindly Share:
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the final figures of registered voters for the upcoming Anambra governorship election. The update was provided on Thursday after INEC’s weekly strategic meeting, where officials deliberated extensively on the comprehensive register of voters for the forthcoming election in the state. According to the Commission, the continuous voter registration exercise, which took place across all 326 wards in Anambra State, was successfully concluded between July 8 and July 20, 2025. INEC disclosed that a total of 168,187 individuals initially completed their voter registration process during this period. However, after a thorough screening using the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), the Commission identified several irregularities. The statement signed by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, revealed that 27,817 entries were discovered to be invalid due to double or multiple registrations. These names were subsequently removed from the official register in line with the Electoral Act 2022. With these adjustments, the valid number of new registrants now stands at 140,370, alongside 5,983 valid applications for voter transfers into the state. This brings the total figure of newly added voters in Anambra to 146,353. Prior to this latest update, Anambra State already had 2,656,437 registered voters. With the new additions, the total number of eligible voters in the state has now risen to 2,802,790. INEC further broke down the figures by Local Government Areas (LGAs). The statistics show that: The Commission emphasized that all Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for the new registrants and transfers will be ready for collection before the governorship election. This assurance is aimed at ensuring that no eligible voter is disenfranchised on election day. INEC also reiterated its commitment to transparency and adherence to due process in line with Nigeria’s democratic values. With the election drawing closer, the Commission urged all eligible voters in Anambra to collect their PVCs and prepare to exercise their civic responsibility.
Kindly Share:
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has openly criticized the Kaduna State Police Command, accusing it of outrightly violating the Nigerian Constitution. El-Rufai strongly condemned the summon issued to him, describing the action as “a dangerous descent into lawlessness” orchestrated by the Commissioner of Police and the Command. ADC Meeting Disrupted by Police Command According to reports, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had planned to hold a scheduled political meeting in Kaduna State. However, the state Police Command allegedly obstructed the gathering, preventing the party from carrying out its activities. Following the disruption, the Police Command went further to issue a summon to El-Rufai and seven other ADC members for interrogation. Allegations Against El-Rufai and ADC Members The summon accused the former governor and the ADC members of: In the directive, the Police Command ordered that the ADC Chairman in Kaduna State should produce El-Rufai and the other individuals at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on September 8 for questioning. El-Rufai’s Reaction to the Police Summon Reacting during a press conference at his private residence in Kaduna, El-Rufai firmly rejected the Police Command’s actions, insisting that the Commissioner of Police acted outside the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution. He further revealed that the Commissioner presented a piece of paper, allegedly a court order, but emphasized that such an order was never formally served to him. El-Rufai declared: “The Commissioner knows that his actions directly violate the Constitution. He waved a paper claiming it was a court order, but it was never served. Even if such an order exists, the law requires it to be properly delivered before it takes effect. That has not happened.” The former governor maintained that the Police Command’s behavior represents a troubling decline into unconstitutional governance. He stressed the need for transparency and accountability, demanding to see the supposed injunction and its legal basis. El-Rufai concluded his remarks by affirming that legal steps would be taken against the Police Command: “This is a dangerous descent into lawlessness. We want to see the injunction, we want to know the grounds, and we will contest them in court. This is not the end—further steps will follow.”
Kindly Share:
The Deputy Director General of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Salisu Mohammed, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately declare a national emergency on insecurity. Mohammed made this strong appeal during an interview on Prime Time, a political affairs program aired on Arise Television, on Thursday. He emphasized that the alarming state of insecurity in Northern Nigeria has now spilled over into other regions of the country, making it a collective national problem that requires urgent and drastic intervention. According to him, the worsening situation is no longer confined to the North but has metastasized into insecurity across Nigeria, threatening the peace, stability, and unity of the nation. “The stance of the Northern Elders on the insecurity situation, not just in the North but in Nigeria as a whole, is that the President should officially declare a national emergency,” Mohammed stated. He argued that the fight against insecurity should go beyond military action, stressing the need for a comprehensive societal approach that includes active citizen involvement alongside the efforts of the Armed Forces, the Police, and other security agencies. Mohammed further highlighted that the current security architecture in Nigeria has been overwhelmed, and as such, traditional measures will no longer be sufficient. Declaring a national emergency, according to him, would allow for drastic handling of the crisis, ensuring that all sectors of society are mobilized towards restoring peace. The Northern Elders Forum has consistently raised concerns about the persistent killings, kidnappings, and banditry in Northern Nigeria, noting that these security threats have increasingly undermined economic growth, disrupted education, and weakened social structures across the country. For them, Tinubu’s administration must urgently prioritize national security as a matter of survival, rather than politics or regional focus.
Kindly Share:
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the elimination of more than 15 terrorists through precise airstrikes under Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State. According to a statement released by NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operation was successfully executed on September 3, 2025, following extensive intelligence gathering and surveillance activities. How the Operation Was Carried Out The intelligence report revealed a newly discovered terrorist base located west of Zuwa in the Sambisa forest axis—an area long known for insurgent activity. Acting on this credible intelligence, the Air Force initiated a well-coordinated air interdiction mission, targeting key hideouts and operational bases. Ejodame disclosed that the strikes were aimed at neutralizing both fighters and top commanders who were behind recent violent attacks around the Bitta region. The targeted operation successfully dismantled several strongholds while also destroying structures that served as critical assets to the terrorists’ operations. Impact of the Airstrikes on Insurgency The airstrikes not only wiped out more than 15 insurgents but also crippled the terrorists’ capacity to regroup and launch further attacks in the North-East. According to the statement, the mission significantly weakened the enemies’ command and control structure, leaving them with limited resources to sustain hostilities. Air Commodore Ejodame further emphasized that the operation forms part of the broader joint counter-terrorism strategy involving both air and ground troops. The synergy between air interdictions and ground assaults is aimed at systematically dismantling terrorist networks in the region. NAF’s Continued Commitment to Security The Nigerian Air Force has continued to play a vital role in the fight against terrorism in Borno and across the North-East. With consistent air surveillance, targeted missions, and intelligence-driven strategies, NAF remains committed to restoring peace and stability in areas once plagued by insurgents. These operations are not only reducing the threat posed by terrorists but also boosting the morale of ground troops and reassuring local communities of the military’s determination to end terrorism in Nigeria.
Kindly Share:
More than a year after Nigeria’s local government areas (LGAs) secured a landmark Supreme Court ruling affirming their autonomy, state governors still appear to maintain firm control over these grassroots institutions. In July 2024, the Supreme Court delivered a historic judgment that granted full financial and administrative independence to the country’s 774 local councils. The verdict declared unconstitutional the frequent interference of state governments in local administration. Specifically, it prohibited governors from: Despite this pronouncement, implementation has remained elusive. This delay has reignited calls from some political actors that the entire local government system in Nigeria should be abolished. Adamu Garba Calls for LG Scrapping Adamu Garba, a former presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), recently renewed the controversial debate by urging that local governments be scrapped altogether. According to him, LGAs are mere channels exploited by state governors to divert public funds. Garba proposed that the powers of local governments be handed over to traditional rulers, arguing that these custodians of culture and tradition are better positioned to serve local communities effectively. He stated: Action Alliance Opposes LG Scrapping However, not all stakeholders share this view. Kenneth Udeze, National Chairman of Action Alliance (AA), strongly rejected Garba’s position. Speaking with LMSINT Media, Udeze emphasized that local governments remain vital in delivering the dividends of democracy to rural communities. According to him, the real problem lies in bad governance and corruption, not the structure of local government itself. Udeze stressed: He further revealed that his own LGA recently received an allocation of over ₦400 million, yet citizens saw little to no development because funds were allegedly diverted by the state. Legal Perspective: Scrapping LGs Not in Nigeria’s Interest Activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam also opposed the idea of abolishing LGAs. He described such a move as “self-serving” and argued that it only benefits individuals seeking political or financial control. Idam noted that Section 7 of the Nigerian Constitution clearly establishes the existence of local governments and guarantees their autonomy. He further highlighted the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling (AGF vs Attorneys-General of the 36 States), which reinforced this constitutional mandate. According to him: Idam concluded by questioning why the Supreme Court judgment has not been enforced, stressing that its decisions are binding and must be obeyed by all levels of government. The Way Forward The debate over whether Nigeria should scrap local governments or strengthen them reflects the ongoing struggle between constitutional governance and political realities. While critics like Adamu Garba believe LGAs are ineffective and prone to abuse, others argue that they remain a necessary tool for grassroots democracy. The consensus among reformists, however, is that Nigeria needs genuine electoral reforms, direct allocation of funds, and stronger enforcement of judicial rulings to make local governments truly effective. For now, the question remains: Will Nigeria strengthen its third tier of government, or will it bow to calls for restructuring in favor of traditional institutions?
Kindly Share:
Former Major League Soccer (MLS) forward Alan Gordon has openly criticized Lionel Messi, alleging that the Inter Miami captain threatened his fellow Argentine, Pedro de la Vega, during a heated moment in the Leagues Cup final. According to Gordon, Messi, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, allegedly told De la Vega that he would “never play for Argentina” following an on-field clash. The shocking claim has sparked intense debate within the football community, especially as it involves Messi in his role as captain of both Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. The Heated Leagues Cup Final The controversial incident reportedly took place during the Leagues Cup final between Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders last Sunday. Seattle stunned Messi’s side with a convincing 3–0 victory, which set the stage for tempers to flare at the final whistle. Players and staff from both clubs engaged in heated confrontations after the match. Among the notable clashes was the face-off between De la Vega and Messi, with the involvement of Messi’s long-time Argentina teammate, Rodrigo de Paul. Pedro de la Vega, who played a crucial role for the Sounders and was crowned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, found himself in direct conflict with Messi and De Paul during the game. Messi’s Alleged Threat to De la Vega Alan Gordon claimed on the Major League Journeymen podcast that Messi used his influence as Argentina’s captain to threaten the 24-year-old midfielder. “Messi told him to his face, ‘You will never play for the national team as long as I am involved,’” Gordon said. “He basically blackballed him on the field, and to me, that is absolutely disgusting.” De la Vega, who has not yet made his debut for the Argentina senior squad, could see his future at the international level jeopardized if the allegations are true. Gordon insisted that Messi’s actions went beyond the spirit of competition, describing the behavior as manipulative and damaging for a young player’s career. What This Means for Argentina Despite the controversy, Argentina continues to focus on their journey toward qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with upcoming fixtures against Venezuela and Ecuador. For De la Vega, the allegations, if proven true, could significantly affect his international aspirations. This situation also raises broader questions about the role of senior players in national teams and the influence they hold over the selection process. Messi’s global reputation and legendary status make the accusations even more impactful, drawing widespread attention from both fans and analysts. As of now, neither Messi nor De la Vega has made an official public statement addressing Gordon’s claims.
Kindly Share:
Daniel Levy has officially resigned from his role as executive chairman of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, marking the end of an era that lasted almost a quarter of a century. His decision comes after serving nearly 25 years, making him the longest-serving chairman in Premier League history. Levy first became involved with Tottenham in December 2000 after acquiring a significant stake in the North London club. Since then, his leadership has been central to Tottenham’s development both on and off the pitch. Achievements and Infrastructure Development Under Levy’s tenure, Tottenham Hotspur experienced a period of major transformation. He spearheaded the construction of the club’s state-of-the-art training ground and the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which is now regarded as one of the most modern football arenas in the world. These developments positioned Spurs among the elite in terms of infrastructure within European football. However, despite these achievements, Levy’s reign was not without controversy. Many supporters frequently voiced frustration at what they considered a lack of consistent investment in big-name transfers, a factor often cited as limiting the club’s success in competing for top trophies. Recent Appointments and Leadership Changes Earlier this summer, Levy oversaw crucial managerial changes. He appointed Thomas Frank as the new head coach for the men’s senior team, replacing Ange Postecoglou, while also naming Martin Ho as the women’s team manager following the departure of Robert Vilahamn. These appointments highlighted Levy’s continued involvement in shaping the future of the club up until his resignation. Sporting Success Under Levy’s Leadership While trophies were relatively scarce during his long tenure, Tottenham did celebrate key moments of success. Spurs lifted the League Cup, secured the Europa League title in May, and famously reached the UEFA Champions League final under Mauricio Pochettino in 2019—a remarkable milestone in the club’s history. Levy’s legacy will remain a subject of debate among fans, with his impact on the club’s finances and facilities widely recognized, even as some question whether Spurs could have achieved more silverware during his chairmanship.
Kindly Share:
Renowned Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage has spoken out in defense of Tems, criticizing the exclusion of the Grammy-winning singer from Afrobeats’ prestigious “Big 3” category. LMSINT MEDIA reports that the term Afrobeats Big 3 is commonly associated with Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid, who are often celebrated as the genre’s most dominant global icons. However, Tiwa Savage has challenged this long-standing narrative, questioning why the contributions of female artists, especially Tems, are consistently overlooked. During an exclusive interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra, Tiwa Savage stressed that the criteria for naming Afrobeats’ top artistes are unfair and exclusionary, particularly toward women who have significantly shaped the genre. She explained: “Think about it—certain types of artistes get paid more, giving them the resources to invest heavily in influencers and radio play. As a result, their music is heard more widely. But I feel it is absolutely unfair to have conversations about Afrobeats’ Top 3 without mentioning someone like Tems. Are you serious?” Her statement has reignited conversations across the Nigerian and global music community about gender bias in Afrobeats and the importance of recognizing women who have taken the sound to international heights. Tems’ Rise to Global StardomTems broke into the global scene in 2020 following her collaboration with Wizkid on the chart-topping hit Essence, a record that earned worldwide acclaim. She won her first Grammy Award in 2023 for her contribution to the track Wait For U by Future featuring Drake. Continuing her meteoric rise, Tems secured her second Grammy Award in 2025, winning the category for Best African Performance, further solidifying her status as one of Afrobeats’ most influential figures. With her groundbreaking achievements, many fans and industry experts agree with Tiwa Savage that Tems deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid. ? Watch Tiwa Savage’s full interview below:
