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Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos-Born Tems Joins John Legend, Jennifer Hudson for Obama Presidential Center Opening in Chicago

Nigerian singer to perform alongside global stars as Obama Foundation opens new centre, with ceremony livestreamed worldwide

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Nigerian singer to perform alongside global stars as Obama Foundation opens new centre, with ceremony livestreamed worldwide

Nigerian music sensation Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has been confirmed as a performer at the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, United States, on Tuesday, 18 June. The announcement places the Lagos-born artiste as the only Nigerian and one of a select group of international acts featured in the high-profile event.

According to the Obama Foundation, Tems will share the stage with world-renowned musicians including Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, Common, The Roots, Eddie Vedder, Marc Anthony and U2’s The Edge. Young American actress Marsai Martin is also slated to participate in the ceremony. The opening event will be livestreamed globally from the Centre’s John Lewis Plaza.

Tems’ inclusion marks another significant milestone in her rapidly expanding international profile. Over the past four years, she has distinguished herself among Nigerian artistes making waves on the global scene. In 2022, Tems became the first African woman to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart when her collaboration ‘Wait For U’ with Future and Drake reached number one. She also performed at the closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar that same year.

The Chief Executive Officer of Obama Foundation, Valerie Jarrett, described the opening as a once-in-a-generation celebration of democracy and culture. “This Grand Opening ceremony will be unlike any other, filled with music, performances and hope,” Jarrett said during the announcement. Former First Lady Michelle Obama noted that establishing the centre on Chicago’s South Side represents a full circle moment for her community, transforming previously underutilised land into a hub for history and leadership. The centre will open to members of the public from Wednesday, 19 June with further activities scheduled through Juneteenth weekend.

Since her breakout success internationally, Tems has won a Grammy Award and received an Oscar nomination for her contribution to ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ soundtrack. She was also listed among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people globally. Her selection for this event alongside legends who have shaped popular music further solidifies her position as one of Africa’s most influential cultural exports.

As Nigerians continue to gain recognition on world stages across entertainment and other sectors, Tems’ performance at such a symbolic event underscores both her talent and Nigeria’s growing impact on global pop culture.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/tems-obama-presidential-center-opening-performers-2026061714253434250

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Davido Slams Kano Singer Rarara Over Criticism of World Cup Performance

Rarara alleges Davido’s protest at FIFA event endangered kidnap victims; debate sparks reactions across entertainment industry

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June 17, 2026

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Rarara alleges Davido’s protest at FIFA event endangered kidnap victims; debate sparks reactions across entertainment industry

Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has fired back at Kano-based musician Dauda Kahutu Rarara after being criticised for highlighting Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis during his performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ceremonies. The dispute, which emerged on Monday, has drawn attention to how artists use international platforms to address national issues.

The controversy started after Rarara publicly accused Davido of exposing Nigeria’s internal security challenges by referencing ongoing kidnappings in his stage outfit at the global football event. Rarara alleged that such actions could put the lives of kidnapped victims in danger by drawing global scrutiny to sensitive security matters.

Davido’s decision to spotlight the kidnapping crisis comes amid rising concerns over abductions, especially in northern states like Kano. His move has been interpreted by some as a call for urgent action, while others, like Rarara, see it as damaging to Nigeria’s image abroad. Entertainment stakeholders say Nigerian artists have increasingly used their platforms to demand accountability from government on issues ranging from insecurity to social welfare.

Speaking in response, Rarara said: “What Davido exhibited was crude behaviour. How can you go and expose Nigeria’s secrets to the world?” He argued that such public protests could make negotiations for kidnapped victims more difficult and endanger those still in captivity. As at press time, Davido had not issued a formal statement but responded through social media channels dismissing the criticism and defending his artistic choices.

Observers note that debates around celebrity activism are likely to intensify as more Nigerian artists gain global recognition. Analysts also caution that balancing advocacy with national interest will remain a complex issue for performers representing Nigeria on international stages.

Source: https://guardian.ng/life/davido-slams-rarara-over-world-cup-performance-criticism/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Ondo Police Arrest Suspect After 18-Month-Old Beheaded in Idanre Farm Attack

Father of slain child urges Ondo State Government and security agencies to ensure justice as police confirm arrest

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June 17, 2026

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Father of slain child urges Ondo State Government and security agencies to ensure justice as police confirm arrest

An 18-month-old toddler was killed and beheaded by an unidentified assailant at Agoti farm settlement in Idanre Local Council Area of Ondo State, with the incident reported a few days ago. The attack, which also left the child’s mother injured, occurred when the suspect invaded the family’s residence within the farm community.

According to local accounts, the father of the victim, Bright Kalu—a peasant farmer from Abia State—was working on a separate farmland at the time of the incident. Upon returning, he discovered that his daughter had been abducted and later found dead with her head severed. The mother was reportedly attacked during the ordeal but survived with injuries.

The incident has sparked outrage among residents and heightened concerns about security in rural settlements across Ondo State. Cases of violent attacks targeting farming communities have been a persistent issue in parts of South-West Nigeria, prompting calls for enhanced security measures from stakeholders and local leaders.

Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a suspect linked to the gruesome killing. Police authorities stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack and whether others may be involved. Meanwhile, Bright Kalu has appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and relevant security agencies to ensure those responsible are brought to justice, urging human rights organisations to intervene on behalf of bereaved families like his.

The police assured residents that patrols would be increased around farm settlements in Idanre LGA while investigations continue. The state government is expected to meet with community leaders in coming days to address rising concerns about rural safety.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/18-month-old-toddler-beheaded-in-ondo-farm-as-assailant-attacks-mother/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

NDLEA Alerts on Rising Drug Shipments Through Motor Parks in Kwara, Lagos and Abuja

Kwara NDLEA Commander urges corporate bodies to join anti-drug efforts as traffickers exploit commercial buses and SUVs

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June 17, 2026

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Kwara NDLEA Commander urges corporate bodies to join anti-drug efforts as traffickers exploit commercial buses and SUVs

The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kwara State Command, has raised alarm over the increasing use of motor parks in Lagos, Oyo, Abuja, and other cities as major points for drug shipments into Kwara State. Commander Fatima Abiola Popoola made this disclosure on Tuesday in Ilorin during the MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) stakeholder conference with the theme: “the world Drug problem: persisting issues, new challenges, innovative responses.”

Popoola stated that most illicit drug dealers operating in Kwara obtain their supplies from Lagos, Oyo, Abuja and other locations by using commercial bus operators. She explained that tracking these illegal shipments is often difficult because some drivers are allegedly financially induced and deliberately avoid security checkpoints. “Some of these drivers, after collecting money from traffickers, will go out of their way to dodge our checks,” Popoola said at the event.

According to the NDLEA commander, the situation has become more complex as some peddlers have started using tinted SUV vehicles to transport banned substances across state lines. She noted that the ongoing challenges underscore the need for a multi-sectoral response involving both public institutions and private sector partners.

Popoola commended the MTN Foundation for its support of anti-drug initiatives and called on other corporate organisations to emulate this commitment. “Unless more companies join hands with us like MTN Foundation is doing now, Nigeria may not come out of this problem,” she added.

The NDLEA’s warning comes as stakeholders at the conference discussed innovative ways to tackle substance abuse among Nigerian youths. The agency reiterated its commitment to clamp down on drug trafficking networks but stressed that community involvement and corporate participation remain key to lasting progress.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/motor-parks-now-points-of-drug-shipments-ndlea/

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