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Shallipopi Leads Nigerian Creators to Big Wins at TikTok Awards

Oluchi Okwuego
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Shallipopi Leads Nigerian Creators to Big Wins at TikTok Awards

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, has been named TikTok’s 2025 Artiste of the Year.

The announcement was made in a statement by TikTok and shared with the News Men on Monday in Lagos.

The TikTok Awards for Sub-Saharan Africa, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, carried the theme: “New Era, New Icons.”

READ ALSO: TikTok Sub-Saharan Africa Awards to Celebrate Creators Shaping Culture

According to the platform, “Shallipopi’s hit single, “Laho”, dominated charts and sparked viral trends across the continent. TikTok described the track as a cultural reset that reverberated across users’ “For You Feeds” and inspired viral challenges extending well beyond Nigeria’s borders.”

His win marked a standout night for Nigeria at the awards, with Nigerian creators taking home six of the 10 honors presented.

Other Nigerian winners at the award included Brian Nwana (@briannwana) as Storyteller of the Year; Belove Olocha (@beloveolocha) as Entertainment Creator of the Year; and Raja’atu Ibrahim (@diaryofanortherncook) as Creator of the Year.

Also, Izzi Boye (@izziboye) for Education Creator of the Year and Degoke Ogunbiyi (@noositiwantiwa_) as Social Impact Creator of the Year.

The awards received was the highest for any country, showcasing the nation’s growing influence on digital creativity and African pop culture.

TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, Boniswa Sidwaba, said Nigeria’s dominance at the ceremony reflects the strength of the country’s creative ecosystem.

“With Nigerian creators securing six of the 10 awards, we are honoured to celebrate their impact, especially as these victories were voted for by the TikTok community, who continue to champion the stories shaping culture,” she said.

Sidwaba said the wins highlighted how Nigerian creators, from food storytellers and entertainers to tech educators and social advocates, were using short-form video to share local culture with a global audience.

The platform said Nigerian creators were steering global conversations on African identity through language, music, cuisine and community-focused storytelling.

The creators commended the organisation for giving them the platform to showcase Nigeria on the global stage.

“Every single creator is a storyteller.

“We all tell stories that help drive the local communities, our cities and our countries, and when we do that we change the perception that the world has about us,” Brian Nwana said.

Audiences across Africa would be able to watch the ceremony, including Shallipopi’s acceptance moment on TikTok Live on Dec. 11 at 19.00 WAT.

 

 

 

 

NAN/Oluchi

Late Penalty Gives Liverpool 1-0 Win Against Inter

Omolara Blessing
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Late Penalty Gives Liverpool 1-0 Win Against Inter

Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai scored an 88th-minute penalty to give them a 1-0 UEFA Champions League win at Inter Milan on Tuesday, boosting their hopes of a top-eight finish.

With the shadow of absent winger Mohamed Salah’s recent falling-out with head coach Arne Slot still hanging over them, Liverpool needed a positive result. Still, Inter made it hard for them until a late loss of concentration cost them dearly.

With the game heading for a draw, Alessandro Bastoni tugged on Florian Wirtz’s shirt and the VAR awarded a penalty.

Szoboszlai stepped up and slammed the ball past keeper Yann Sommer to lift his side to eighth place in the table on 12 points after six of their eight group games.

With the top eight qualifying directly for the last 16, Inter are in fifth place, also on 12 points but with a superior goal difference.

“Huge result. We knew we were coming to a tough place, to a team that’s in a good moment,” Liverpool defender Andy Robertson said.

“We had to show fight and dig in. The clean sheet was crucial and then we went and scored the goal,”

VP Shettima Seeks Collaborative Approach to Education Financing

Rita Obiora
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VP Shettima Seeks Collaborative Approach to Education Financing

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima has called for a bold, collaborative, and innovation-driven approach to education financing, declaring that government alone cannot carry the weight of transforming the nation’s education system.

Shettima made the remarks while declaring open the 2025 Nigeria Education Forum (NEF) in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Speaking on the Forum’s theme, “Pathways to Sustainable Education Financing: Developing a Synergy Between Town and Gown,” Shettima said Nigeria must transition from traditional government-only funding to a model anchored on partnerships, innovation, industry participation, and community responsibility.

Shettima highlighted what he described as unprecedented growth in education funding under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

According to him, federal allocations have risen sharply over the last three years

He said that “key education agencies have recorded significant budget expansions. TETFUND, for example, saw its allocation increase from ₦320.3 billion in 2023 to ₦1.6 trillion in 2025, while UBEC expanded its reach with matching grants accessed by 25 states and the FCT.”

A major highlight of the Vice President’s speech was the progress recorded by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

He announced that the newly created scheme has already disbursed ₦86.3 billion to more than 450,000 students across 218 tertiary institutions, describing it as a “turning point” in ensuring equitable access to higher education.

VP Shettima stressed that government cannot bear the burden of reform alone, calling for a nationwide coalition from private-sector actors, industry leaders, alumni associations, philanthropists, local governments, and traditional institutions.

He further urged stakeholders to co-invest in research centres, innovation clusters, vocational hubs, laboratories, and endowments.

The VP also challenged universities to rebuild a strong endowment culture and strengthen alumni networks to enhance global competitiveness.

VP Shettima described the crisis of out-of-school children as a “national emergency”, calling for coordinated action to ensure safe learning environments, improved welfare for teachers, and expanded technical and vocational training.

“Education is not just a budget line; it is the foundation of our national identity, the engine of our economic transformation, and the shield of our collective security,” he declared.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said Nigeria’s youthful population,  43% under age 14 and 33% aged 15–24, presents both an opportunity and a challenge.

Represented by the Director-General of the Forum, Abdulateef Shittu, he expressed concern that Nigeria’s education spending remains at 3% of GDP, below the global benchmark of 4–6%.

Shittu also noted that national and subnational budgets still fall short of UNESCO’s recommended 15–20% allocation for education.

He said the NGF projects that two-thirds of Nigerian states will meet the 15% benchmark by the 2026 fiscal year but warned that debt servicing continues to undermine states’ capacity to invest in foundational learning, teachers, and technical education.

He said; “We must close the financing and execution gaps, we must modernise teaching and learning, strengthen accountability, and deepen partnerships across all levels of government and industry to ensure every Nigerian child can thrive in the 21st-century knowledge economy.”

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Alausa, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, urged states and local governments to align their education strategies with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).

He called for the construction of more junior and senior secondary schools and improved data reporting for full integration into the Nigerian Education Data Initiative (NEDI).

Basketball Promoter Pledges Support For Mak Town Flyer

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
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Basketball Promoter Pledges Support For Mak Town Flyer

Basketball promoter and the initiator of the Mark D Basketball Championship, Igoche Mark, has promised to provide all necessary support to Mak Town Flyer as they prepare to represent Nigeria in the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Mak Town Flyer were formerly known as the Lagos Legends Basketball Club. In a grand reception held for the team in Abuja, Mark assured the current Nigerian champion of the support for the team to excel at the Africa League.

Basketball promoter and the initiator of the Mark D Basketball Championship, Igoche Mark.

“Your victory now is just the beginning, more victories will come,” Mark said. “I have been with you on this journey, there is a bigger battle ahead, the BAL, and one thing I can assure you is that our support won’t end here,

“Everything needed to have an excellent outing in BAL will be provided,” he assured.

Speaking with Sports Journalists after the reception, Mark expressed confidence in the team’s ability to excel in major Championships, lauding the club’s proprietor, Akerannan Manusseh Achii, a former Mark Mentos player, for his determination.

“From the onset he was determined, and with his ability to motivate the team brought them this far,” he added.

The same way you entered this league and you conquered, it is the way you will go to BAL and excel. I have faith that you will go to BAL and come out with a great result.”

In his remarks, Akerannan Manusseh Achii, recounted the emotional and challenging journey that transformed the team into national champions.

“It was a tedious journey. I bought the team just two and a half weeks before the league started. Getting players, funding, logistics everything was tough. But I’m grateful to God and the players,” Achii stated.

The event drew basketball stakeholders nationwide, including FIBA Zone 3 President Col. Sam Ahmed (rtd), NBBF North Central Rep. Adamu Adeshi, Rear Admiral Hazma Ibrahim,  NTA Sports 24 GM Kayode Adeniyi, Osita Nwanchukwu, Engr. Frank Jituboh, Scot Nnaji, NDA Abu, among others.

All the dignitaries believes with the assurance from the promoter. Mak Town Flyer is poised to make Nigeria proud in the BAL.

Mak Town Flyers Basketball Club of Makurdi, last month emerged as champion of the 2025 Nigerian Premier Basketball League. They clinched the national championship after defeating defending champions Rivers Hoopers in a thrilling final in Port Harcourt.

The 2026 BAL season will be the 6th season of the Basketball Africa League (BAL). The playoffs and finals will be held in BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, for a fifth time, as a result of a long-term agreement with the country.

The winners will earn the right to play in the 2026 FIBA Intercontinental Cup. Al Ahli Tripoli were the previous champions, but have not yet qualified for the competition.

Atalanta Stuns Chelsea In UEFA Champions League Thriller

Simon Stephanie
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Atalanta Stuns Chelsea In UEFA Champions League Thriller

Italian club Atalanta produced a thrilling comeback on Tuesday night, beating Chelsea 2–1 in Bergamo to secure a crucial UEFA Champions League victory.

Chelsea opened the scoring after 25 minutes when Joao Pedro capitalised on a quickly taken corner, sweeping in Reece James’ precise low cross. A brief VAR check confirmed the goal, and the visitors maintained control until halftime.

Atalanta emerged revitalised for the second half and thought they had equalised through Nigerian Ademola Lookman, but his effort was correctly ruled out for offside. The hosts then equalised in the 55th minute, when Gianluca Scamacca nodded home.

Atalanta’s Gianluca Scamacca scores great goal.

The momentum stayed firmly with Atalanta, whose swift wing play repeatedly troubled Chelsea’s back line.

Their dominance was rewarded late on when Charles De Ketelaere surged into the area and struck a low shot, beating Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez.

Charles De Ketelaere celebrates goal.

Chelsea mounted a late rally and created several chances, but poor finishing and resilient defending ensured Atalanta held on for a significant victory.

Goals from Gianluca Scamacca and Charles De Ketelaere lifted the Italian side to 13 points, strengthening their push for direct qualification to the round of 16, while Chelsea remain on 10 points in the playoff zone.

Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League results

Kairat 0-1 Olympiacos

Bayern Munich 3-1 Sporting

AS Monaco 1-0 Galatasaray

Atalanta 2-1 Chelsea

Barcelona 2-1 Frankfurt

Inter Milan 0-1 Liverpool

PSV 2-3 Atletico Madrid

USG 2-3 Marseille

Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Slavia Praha.

UN Women Warns of Rising Online Abuse

Rita Obiora
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UN Women Warns of Rising Online Abuse

The UN Women has warned that online abuse targeting women and girls has reached alarming levels, describing it as a pandemic eating up our society.

The organisation urged Universities to strengthen reporting systems to ensure survivors can seek help confidentially and safely.

The UN Women Representative for Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, stated this during a University Discussion Forum on Ending Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls in Abuja, Nigeria, as part of activities marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Ms Eyong, represented by the UN Women Deputy Country Representative, Ms Patience Ekeoba, said that “every individual has a role to play in stopping digital violence,” stressing that the responsibility is shared across institutions, families, and young people.

She said; “Digital violence is not just a social problem but a criminal offence under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, the Cybercrime Act 2015, and the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023.”

According to her, this year’s commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism offers the world a renewed opportunity to confront the realities of violence, both online and offline. Noting that statistics show that “one in every three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence,”

Ms Eyong said that in online spaces, “85 per cent of women say they have witnessed digital violence, while 38 per cent have personally experienced technology-facilitated abuse. ……. “For the global community to have agreed to spend 16 days on this issue, you can imagine how serious it is.”

She reminded the students that digital abuse is not just harmful but criminal. “Some of the people who bully others online are not strangers; they are our friends, our classmates.

“This thing you consider as fun is not fun. It is an offence. Speak up when you see offline or online violence. Don’t say it is not my business. Support classmates going through silent digital trauma,” Ms Eyong said.

The UN Women Country Representative further reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to ensuring that women and girls are safe both online and offline, calling for more partnerships with government agencies, civil society, universities, tech companies, and the private sector.

Speaking earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Nile University, Professor Dili Togo, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Central Administration, Professor Prema Kimakaran, emphasised that safe digital spaces are integral to building thriving communities and a stronger democracy.

He noted that the world must no longer ignore the escalating harm women and girls face online, saying many young people fail to recognise digital abuse, which harms mental health, careers, and safety, making global action and stronger protections essential.

On her part, the Registrar and Dean, Student Services of Nile University, Dr Fausat Aleghinloye, praised the partnership that made the event possible.

The event, with the theme: “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” was organised by UN Women in partnership with Nile University Nigeria to spotlight the growing challenge of online abuse, strengthen advocacy for safer digital spaces, and amplify actions needed to protect women and girls from all forms of digital violence.

Women Facing Transgender Athletes Not Fair, Says Sabalenka

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
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Women Facing Transgender Athletes Not Fair, Says Sabalenka

Women’s tennis World number one, Aryna Sabalenka, has weighed into the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sport, saying it would be unfair for women to face “biological men” in professional tennis.

The WTA Tour Gender Participation Policy currently permits transgender women to participate if they have declared their gender as female for a minimum of four years, have lowered testosterone levels and agree to testing procedures.

These conditions may be further varied by the WTA Medical Manager on a case-by-case basis.

Asked about transgender athletes in an interview released on Tuesday, four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka shared a few words.

“That’s a tricky question. I have nothing to do against them,” said the Belarusian. “But I feel like they still got a huge advantage over the women and I think it’s not fair on women to face basically biological men.”

“It’s not fair. The woman has been working her whole life to reach her limit and then she has to face a man, who is biologically much stronger, so for me I don’t agree with this kind of stuff in sport.”

In 2024, Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association updated its rules to bar transgender women from competing in national and inter-club female competitions.

In the past two years, several sports federations have launched their own studies or changed rules to ban anyone who has gone through male puberty, from competing in the female category at an elite level.

Transgender advocacy groups say excluding trans athletes amounts to discrimination. Critics of transgender inclusion in women’s sport, say going through male puberty imbues athletes with a huge musculo-skeletal advantage that transition does not mitigate.

NFF Management Stage Anti-Corruption Enlightenment Walk

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
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NFF Management Stage Anti-Corruption Enlightenment Walk

On the occasion of the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day, members of the Management and Staff of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), staged an enlightenment walk round the premises of the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

In attendance at the special event were; NFF Desk Officer in the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Abdulrahman Maigari; NFF Director of Media & Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire;, .

Also present were, NFF Director of Competitions, Ruth David; NFF Deputy Director, Protocol, Barnabas Joro; NFF Deputy Director, Competitions, Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman and NFF Head of Women’s Football, Amina Daura and other senior officers, in the walk.

“The International Anti-Corruption Day reminds us that corruption is not just a legal violation; it is a barrier to development,” Head of NFF’s ACTU (Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit), Barr. Queen Otarakpo, said. “A threat to institutional integrity, and an enemy of public trust.”

“Our organisation stands at the frontline of this fight. As the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, we are committed to promoting a culture where integrity is non-negotiable, transparency is a standard, and accountability is a shared responsibility. Corruption survives where silence prevails.”

“But today, we choose to raise our voices. We choose honesty over shortcuts, service over self-interest, and responsibility over negligence. When we uphold ethical standards in our daily duties, we strengthen our institution and contribute to a nation where fairness and justice can thrive,” she added.

Reiterating that the three mandates of ICPC are enlightenment, prevention and prosecution, Maigari advanced that enlightenment and prevention are more important to the commission, and praised the NFF for being very active in the anti-corruption crusade.

NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi (MON), commended the NFF ACTU for organising the enlightenment walk and for always involving the ICPC Desk Officer in all that they do.

“There are some little things we do that we are not aware could be anti-corruption, but through enlightenment and crusades such as this, people and institutions are better-guided,” Dr. Sanusi said.

“The NFF ACTU executive team is very much alive to its responsibilities and we are proud of their proactivity, focus, diligence and sense of duty.”

BUA Cement Awards N40 Million Scholarship To Students

Oluwasola Akintonde
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BUA Cement Awards N40 Million Scholarship To Students

BUA Cement has offered scholarships worth N40 million to 200 students from Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

The beneficiaries include 50 students each from Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states studying various courses in different tertiary institutions, while an additional special allocation of 50 students was reserved for the host community.

Under the disbursement structure, each of the three states receives N10 million, with another N10 million dedicated to beneficiaries from host communities.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director of BUA Cement, Engineer Yusuf Binji, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to education and community empowerment as part of its corporate social responsibility.

Binji, represented by the Plant Director of the company, Engr. Aminu Bashar said the company places education at the centre of its social impact drive, describing it as “the fabric and premise of progress.”

He explained that the scholarship is designed to help deserving students achieve their academic goals while strengthening future human capital development.

He urged beneficiaries to remain committed to their studies, noting that academic performance and records would be monitored to ensure accountability and impact.

He added that the scholarship scheme, which started in 2019, has been implemented in phases and successfully executed in 2022 and 2023, with beneficiaries selected through rigorous screening and interviews.

The Managing Director assured that the initiative would be extended gradually for sustainable educational development in the country.

Also speaking, the representatives of Kebbi and Zamfara states, Yusuf Abubakar and Professor Rashidat Usman, commended BUA Cement for the initiative and pledged continued collaboration to advance education and community welfare.

They reassured their government’s commitment to support the company in sustaining the initiative for the overall benefits of people in the country.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on Corporate Social Responsibility, Hon. Usman Fako, praised the company’s investment in human development, saying the state would continue to support initiatives that improve citizens’ welfare.

Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Ubandoman of Arkilla, Alhaji Aliyu Hassan, also appreciated the gesture and urged BUA Cement to expand employment opportunities for qualified indigenes of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, stressing that the region has capable manpower.

He charged the students to use the gesture judiciously to build their future toward contributing meaningfully to society.

 

Kwasu to Graduate 8,119 Students at Forthcoming Convocation

Lateefat Ibrahim
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Kwasu to Graduate 8,119 Students at Forthcoming Convocation

The Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh, says the institution is entering a new phase of academic expansion, research breakthroughs, and community impact as it prepares for its 13th Convocation Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025.

Addressing journalists at the Muhammadu Buhari Main Library, the vice-chancellor said the 2025 convocation will award a total of 8,119 degrees, including 7,618 first degrees and 501 postgraduate degrees.

“This convocation reflects our steady growth and the impact we continue to make in improving society,” he said.

He said that 82 students graduated with First Class honours, while 75 doctoral degrees will also be conferred.

Professor Jimoh highlighted the successful take-off of KWASU’s two new campuses in Osi and Ilesha-Baruba as one of the university’s most significant achievements in the past year.

He praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for ensuring KWASU now operates three fully functional campuses. “The success of these campuses belongs to the Visitor to the University. His doggedness made the dream a reality,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor also thanked the traditional rulers and host communities of Osi and Ilesha-Baruba for providing a welcoming environment for staff and students. “Their warm reception reminds us of the strategic importance of town and gown collaboration,” he said.

He announced that KWASU’s fourth-year medical students have resumed clinical training at the newly upgraded Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, while 56 pioneer and second-set law graduates have been called to the Bar. “These are milestones we have long awaited,” he noted.

The university recorded new infrastructure strides, including a N1 billion TETFund intervention for its Library Annex and smart classrooms installed across all faculties. Projects nearing completion include the First Lady/TETFund-supported Experience Centre, a Central Laboratory funded by the CBN, and the Faculty of Law building.

A new 600-bed hostel built through a PPP arrangement has also been commissioned.

On research and innovation, Professor Jimoh celebrated staff who secured over N35 million in NRF grants and two scholars who won international research fellowships worth more than $50,000 each. “These two are the only Nigerians among the 22 global winners this year,” he emphasised.

He also revealed that KWASU engineers have built a prototype electric vehicle from scratch, which will be displayed during the convocation exhibition. “This is an advancement from conversion to electric; every material was assembled here in KWASU,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor applauded students’ growing research culture, citing that 44 undergraduates received N100,000 each during the last Undergraduate Research Day.

On community service, he said over 100 intervention projects were executed in various LGAs within the year, while 125 women have graduated from KWASU’s Centres for Women Development across its four locations. “Many of them now run their own businesses and are training others. That ripple effect is what we envisioned,” he said.

The KWASU Microfinance Bank also issued agric-loans to seven farmer groups for the second year running.

Professor Jimoh reaffirmed the university’s commitment to staff welfare, pointing to rebates, hazard allowance, disability support and promotion of deserving staff. “At KWASU, industrial harmony is non-negotiable. I appreciate all unions for sustaining peace on campus,” he said.

He highlighted major challenges, particularly the dangerous Shao–Malete crossing, urging the government to facilitate a flyover to prevent accidents. He also called for more security posts, more on-campus hostels and swift resolution of ongoing land encroachment issues.

On recent robbery incidents in Malete, he said joint security measures with the community have restored peace. “The bye law passed by the Moro Local Government has given legal backing to our restrictions. We are committed to preventing a recurrence,” he assured.

The Vice-Chancellor thanked members of the press for their ongoing partnership and invited the public to join in the convocation activities featuring exhibitions, a lecture by Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola, a football match, and a convocation play titled Lisabi Agbongboakala.

“KWASU is experiencing remarkable growth. We remain focused on training the workforce Nigeria needs and advancing knowledge for societal development,” he stated further.

Lateefah Ibrahim

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