By Anifowoshe Oladipupo

Popular Nigerian musician and Benue State government adviser, Innocent Idibia, known as 2Baba, has condemned the recent massacre in Yelewata, Benue State, calling it a national emergency that demands urgent action.

In a video shared online, 2Baba, who serves as Technical Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Entertainment and Community Outreach, expressed deep sorrow over the killings.

“My heart is heavy. I am terribly sad and angry,” he said. “This keeps happening over and over again. This has to stop.”

He urged political, traditional, and community leaders in the state to set aside differences and unite for peace.

“What is happening in Benue is no longer something we can just condemn in words. Serious action needs to be taken,” he added.

The attack on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area left at least 59 dead, according to official figures, though some reports suggest the toll may be higher.

Victims were reportedly burned alive in their homes.

Governor Alia condemned the killings and blamed herders from Nasarawa State.

Amnesty International also called the attack part of a pattern of unchecked violence in Benue, urging the federal government to act.

2Baba, a native of Benue, has consistently used his platform to promote peace and community development.

By Njoku Chijioke

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has been announced as one of the headline performers for the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show.

The event will take place on July 13, 2025, at the MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.

Tems will share the global stage with Colombian reggaeton sensation J Balvin and American rapper Doja Cat during the final match of the newly expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, which will run from June 14 to July 13 across 12 venues in 11 U.S. cities.

The halftime show, curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, will be broadcast live and is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide.

More than just entertainment, the performance will spotlight the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a partnership between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans.

The initiative aims to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children globally.

For every ticket sold to Club World Cup matches in the U.S., $1 will be donated to the fund.

“We’re going to bring the world together for a beautiful moment – to celebrate football, feel the unity that music brings, and improve the lives of millions of children through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. I can’t wait – see you at the Club World Cup final!” Tems said in a statement.

J Balvin described the opportunity as “historic” – both for himself, for Latin culture, and for “every kid who dreams big.”

Tems’ inclusion in the landmark event marks another major milestone for African music on the global stage, reinforcing her status as a leading voice in the international music scene.

By Oso Abidemi 

One year after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pledged to boost Nigeria’s creative economy, key players in the sector say the industry is still waiting for real action.

At his inauguration on May 29, 2023, Tinubu vowed to unlock opportunities for Nigeria’s vibrant creative sector; an industry estimated to contribute over 2.3 million jobs and $7 billion annually. Yet, despite the bold promises, stakeholders argue that little has changed.

“There’s been more talk than action,” said Ngozi Eze, a film producer based in Lagos. “Funding is inaccessible, infrastructure is poor, and policies remain vague.”

While the administration has acknowledged the importance of Nollywood, music, fashion, and digital content as job-creating engines, concrete support like grants, tax breaks, or dedicated facilities remains minimal.

Some strides have been made. The Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, recently launched a ‘Destination 2030’ plan to grow the sector into a major GDP driver. However, critics say the plan lacks implementation clarity and stakeholder engagement.

Young creatives across Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt continue to hustle in informal, under-supported spaces, hoping the government will match words with tangible support.

For now, the promise of a creative industry renaissance under Tinubu remains a work in progress.