Grammy-nominated singer says new album, out 14 August, features Asake, Wizkid and Rema with focus on self-confidence and growth

Nigerian international music star Ayra Starr has confirmed that her highly anticipated third studio album, ‘Starr Girl’, will be released on 14 August 2026. The announcement was made during an interview on The Dotty Show on Apple Music, where the Lagos-born artiste discussed how her evolving experiences as a woman and entrepreneur are shaping her latest body of work.

Ayra Starr explained that recent singles like ‘Hot Body’ and ‘Tornado’ reflect her personal growth and self-assurance. The singer noted that she is now focused on creating music grounded in her own story. “Definitely something I wanted to communicate because it was my experience… I want to sing about where I am presently,” Ayra Starr said during the interview. She added that embracing her journey into adulthood and business ownership has influenced the themes on the upcoming project.

The multi-award-winning artiste described ‘Hot Body’ as a track that celebrates confidence and authenticity. According to Ayra Starr, both she and her team were optimistic about the song’s success before its release, with positive reactions pouring in from fans across social media platforms. “When Hot Body got released, even before I released it, when I posted it on TikTok and Instagram, the reaction already – I was like, I have one,” she said.

Ayra Starr also shared insights into the making of ‘Tornado’, calling it a feel-good soundtrack for moments when people are getting ready for a night out. She emphasised her desire to create music that captures different moods and experiences: “Tornado is like one of those songs that I love to make songs that people can get ready to… I feel sexy, and I was like, yeah, wind like a tornado.”

On what fans should expect from ‘Starr Girl’, Ayra Starr promised variety and innovation: “I like to do different things, and I like to surprise you guys… Just expect me to exist in multitudes.” The album will include previous hits such as ‘Gimme Dat’ featuring Wizkid, ‘Who’s Dat Girl’ featuring Rema, as well as a newly confirmed collaboration with Afrobeats star Asake.

With two Grammy nominations already under her belt and millions of global streams, Ayra Starr’s forthcoming project is expected to further cement her status as one of Nigeria’s leading music exports.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/i-am-going-to-make-music-from-my-experiences-ayra-starr-says-on-upcoming-album-starr-girl-2026061811582298280

Officers intercept suspected traffickers during Lagos operation; authorities intensify efforts against cross-border child trafficking

The Lagos State Police Command on Thursday said its officers have disrupted an attempt to traffic a group of girls from Kaduna State through Lagos to Ivory Coast. The interception took place within Lagos metropolis on 18 June, following intelligence reports that underage girls were being moved for exploitation outside Nigeria.

According to police sources, operatives acted swiftly after receiving tip-offs about the movement of the girls. The suspects were tracked and stopped before they could exit the country through one of the city’s transport hubs. The rescued girls are now in police custody, while investigations continue to unravel the full network behind the trafficking ring.

Human trafficking remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, with Lagos often serving as a transit point for illegal cross-border activities due to its location and transport infrastructure. Security agencies have repeatedly warned about increasing incidents of young people being lured from northern states like Kaduna with promises of better opportunities abroad, only to end up in forced labour or sexual exploitation.

Police spokespersons said that efforts are ongoing to identify other members of the syndicate and secure safe return for all victims. “We want to assure Nigerians that we are committed to stamping out human trafficking,” an officer involved in the operation stated. Stakeholders in child protection have praised the intervention but urged government to strengthen community awareness and support for survivors.

The latest incident highlights ongoing challenges in securing Nigeria’s borders against traffickers. Authorities say they will continue joint operations with sister agencies and work closely with source communities in Kaduna State and beyond, aiming to reduce vulnerability and improve early detection of similar plots.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/888638-lagos-police-foil-plot-to-traffic-kaduna-girls-to-ivory-coast.html

Lagos government mobilises LAWMA and private operators after residents complain about sanitation and public health risks in key areas

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed an immediate intensification of waste evacuation operations across Lagos State following widespread complaints from residents about refuse piling up in several neighbourhoods. The directive, issued on Thursday, comes as many Lagosians express concerns over sanitation standards and possible health risks due to blocked roads, drains, and overflowing collection points in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

According to a statement from the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gbenga Akosile, the Lagos government has mobilised the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), private service providers, and relevant environmental agencies to work round the clock to clear refuse backlogs. The administration says it is deploying additional resources and implementing new measures to improve collection efficiency in affected areas.

Lagos, which produces an estimated 13,000 tonnes of waste daily and is home to more than 20 million people, faces ongoing infrastructural challenges when it comes to managing domestic and commercial refuse. Despite reforms in the sector, recent build-up of waste has led to calls for urgent action from both residents and businesses who fear negative impacts on public health.

Akosile stated that Governor Sanwo-Olu has instructed the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, LAWMA, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), and other stakeholders to scale up their activities immediately. “We are not oblivious to the inconveniences occasioned by this situation. Lagosians deserve a clean, healthy and environmentally sustainable city, and this administration remains fully committed to delivering on that obligation,” Akosile said in a written statement.

The government described the current refuse surge as a temporary challenge. It noted visible progress had already been recorded in some locations with more improvements expected in coming days. Residents, market associations, traders, businesses, and community leaders were urged to dispose of their waste responsibly while refraining from dumping refuse in open drains or road medians. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment on the government’s latest efforts.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/if-your-street-is-overflowing-with-waste-sanwo-olu-has-a-message-for-you-2026061811440603595