By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Kano State Government, under its World Bank-assisted programme, Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), has awarded a ₦8.5bn contract for the Bulbula/Gayawa Gully Erosion Control Project in Kano.

The project, a long-awaited intervention, seeks to address the severe erosion issues affecting communities in both Ungogo and Nassarawa Local Government Areas of the state.

Speaking at the event to announce the bid winner, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Hashim, reaffirmed government’s commitment to the project.

Hashim, who is also the Chairman of the ACReSAL Project, said the project marked a significant milestone in efforts to prioritise infrastructure projects that safeguard lives and property.

“This project is a direct response to the cries of the people. Many believed it was not feasible, but under the leadership of Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, we refused to accept impossibilities.

“Today, we are delivering on his mandate to make Kano a safer and more resilient state.

“For years, residents of Bulbula and Gayawa have suffered the devastating effects of erosion, leading to the loss of lives, the destruction of homes, and hazardous routes for school children.

“The contract, awarded to Habib Engineering Nigeria Limited at a cost of ₦8,497,595,290.00, is expected to be completed within 715 days,” Hashim said.

He noted that to ensure quality execution and accountability, a robust monitoring team would be constituted, adding that over N600m would be spent on compensating residents affected by the project.

In his remarks, Ammar Nouri, the General Manager of Habib Engineering Nigeria Ltd., handling the project, said work would commence on the project on April 1.

He promised to deliver the highest quality of work and assured that the company would actively engage with the local community once the project begins.

Some of the residents of affected areas who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also voiced their support for the project.

Ali Bala, a community member at Gayawa, commended the state government for addressing their long-standing concerns.

He noted that the erosion had been a major challenge, causing frequent flooding and damaging homes, roads, and farmlands.

Buba Sani of Bulbula, expressed happiness that the government has finally awarded a contract for the gully erosion control.

He said that erosion has been a serious problem in the neighbourhood for years. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Yakubu Uba

By Joshua Olomu

Nigerian First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu and Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy have been nominated for the Women of Impact Awards.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that they were nominated among a 65-woman list announced by Arise Group, organisers of the award, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The Women of Impact award is an initiative that recognises the top 65 women who have made significant impacts in various fields and for their outstanding contributions to the country’s development.

Tinubu is nominated for being a strong advocate for women empowerment, and  Musawa’s nomination is for her innovative role in promoting Nigeria’s art, culture, tourism and creative sector as a veritable economic instrument for national development.

Other notable nominees include Imaan Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, Doris Uzoka-Aniete, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State, Foreign Affairs and Jumoke Oduwole Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organisation (WTO) , Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere–Ekun, Amina Mohammed, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha and Ojinika Okpe are also nominated for the award.

The Women of Impact award ceremony is scheduled to hold on March 30 at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos as part of activities marking the International Month for Women. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Chinemerem Ndinojue

Grammy-winning Nigerian music sensation Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has made the lineup of artistes for the 2025 Dreamville Festival in North Carolina, United States.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that American rapper and founder of the annual music fiesta, J. Cole unveiled the headlining artistes on Dreamville web.

The two-day festival is scheduled for April 5 and 6 at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, North Carolina.

According to the rapper, he will headline the festival alongside Lil Wayne, Tems 21 Savage, Eryka Badu and other artistes.

Notably, Tems, who recently won the Best African Music Performance for her song “Love Me Jeje.” at the 67th Grammys, is the only African-based artiste slated for the show.

The “Love Me JeJe” crooner is set to thrill audience on the global stage again as she joins some of America’s best at the festival.

NAN reports that Dreamville Festival is an outdoor weekend music celebration curated by internationally-acclaimed hip-hop superstar J. Cole alongside his Dreamville team.

The festival serves as Dreamville’s signature annual event for its fans worldwide bringing together local residents and travellers alike to gather together and enjoy incredible music performances.

As one of the most anticipated annual events in the state of North Carolina, the festival acts as a perfect complement to the existing event landscape and cultural fabric of the city of Raleigh.

Being a proud Black-owned music festival, Dreamville continues to emphasise community, diversity, and inclusivity throughout the onsite fan experience each spring.

Beyond the cultural impact that Dreamville Festival creates, the weekend celebration has also become well-known for meticulously curating each year a new music lineup, blending together stadium headliners alongside exciting up-and-comers. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Chinemerem Ndinojue

Nigerian music superstar, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has made history as the first African artiste to feature on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rolling Stone is an American monthly magazine that focuses on music, politics, and popular culture.

According to Rolling Stone, the Afrobeats sensation known for breaking  boundaries on the global stage, is the Cover Star for April edition of the  prestigious magazine.

Mavin Records lauded the uncommon feat with a post on its official Instagram page: “Rave Lordé Rema the Afrobeats Visionary, makes history as @Rollingstone USA First African Cover Star!”

Following the recognition, the ‘Heis’  crooner thrilled audiences with an electrifying performance at the Rolling Stone concert, performing some of his hit songs, including ‘Dumebi’, ‘Woman’ and ‘Calm Down’.

This milestone has further cemented Rema’s place as a trailblazer for African music, as this feat is coming shortly after he was highlighted on the cover of Dazed Magazine, another major international platform.

NAN reports that Rema, born in 2000 in Benin City, came to limelight in 2019 after signing with Mavin Records.

His rising profile has continued to highlight Afrobeats on global stage, as his  hit song “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez became the most streamed Afrobeats track in history, earning him multiple platinum certifications.

The song also broke records as the first African-led track to surpass a billion on  Spotify streams, dominating  international charts.

‘Calm Down’ became number one hit on the world’s first regional streaming chart and first-ever official chart in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), earning Rema a Guinness World Record.

Among other global showcase, Rema has also made history as the first African artiste to perform at the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony, when he thrilled audience at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, France. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Blessing Tanko

Nollywood Actors Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Toyin Abraham and popular Nigerian record producer, Michael Ajereh, known as Don jazzy, were among those who received the 2025 Silverbird Awards for their contributions to the entertainment industry.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that they were honoured alongside other Nigerians at the annual award held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

Don jazzy bagged the Extraordinary Achievement Award and RMD clinched the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Other recipients include popular Tiktoker Habeeb Hazmat, aka Peller, who received the Influencer of the Year Award, while Toyin Abraham and Chidi Mokeme bagged the Trailblazer Awards.

The awards, which cuts across different fields of endeavours, also honoured  Gov. Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State with the prestigious Silverbird Man of the Year Award.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and his Enugu State counterpart, Peter Mbah, received the distinguished Governors of the Year Award, while the  Minister of Works, Dr David Umahi, was recognised as Minister of the Year.

NAN reports that the Silverbird Man of the Year Award which started in 2006 is an annual event that celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to various sectors, including business, politics and entertainment.

The annual event presents a political discourse where government policies are censored, speeches are made amidst various awards that will be given to individuals who had excelled in their various fields.

Some of the prominent awardees of past editions include P-square, Olu Jacobs, Aliko Dangote, Akinwumi Adesina, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, among others. (NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Chinemerem Ndinojue

Ace Nigerian music superstar, Davido, has dropped a new single, ‘Be There Still’, as fans keenly wait for his upcoming fifth studio album, ‘5IVE’.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the hit single released on Friday is a dynamic blend of Afrobeat and contemporary sounds.

The 5-time Grammy-nominated singer announced the release with a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, @davido, with the caption, “Midnight we feast” moments earlier before dropping the song.

‘Be There Still’ presents an impressive production team, featuring Marvey Muzique, DJ Maphorisa, and Black Culture as producer and the track’s mixing was handled by D-RO.

Davido had earlier announced to curious fans that his  highly anticipated fifth album is scheduled for release on April 18.

NAN recalls that as part of prelude to the release of “5IVE”, the singer had previously dropped two singles “Funds”, featuring ace singers Odumodublvck and Chike, and “Awuke”, featuring YG Marley.

“Funds” presents a scintillating collaboration, as Odumodublvck’s gritty verses complements Chike’s smooth melodies, while Davido ties it all together with his signature energy.

According to him, ”5IVE’is  a reflection of his “story, truth, and growth”.

He said: “My people! The journey continues in 2025 with my new album, 5IVE!! This one is straight from the heart – my story, my truth, my growth.

“This one’s for the dreamers, the go-getters, and everyone chasing what’s theirs! Thank you for riding with me. Let’s make history again!!! Album pre-order link in bio! OBO 30BG”. (NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Joshua Olomu/Chioma Ugboma

By Deborah Ifeanyi

Nigerian singer Burna Boy has earned the prestigious Platinum SNEP Certification in France for his featured vocals on French-Congolese singer Dadju Nsungula’s hit single “Donne-moi l’accord.”

Although the collaboration was released in 2019, it has continued to resonate strongly with listeners.

This achievement marks yet another major milestone for Burna Boy, who has been steadily cementing his status as one of the most sought-after global features in the music industry.

The Grammy-winning singer had earlier in the year 2025, earned an RIAA gold certification for his song ‘Alone’, one of the songs off the ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ soundtrack album.

The “African Giant” crooner had also broken new grounds as the first artiste to appear on the cover of the newly launched Billboard France Magazine, marking a historic moment for African music.

With this latest platinum certification, Burna Boy has now achieved six RIAA certifications and four solo plaques, reinforcing his position as one of Africa’s leading global music icons. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi