Dr Ijeoma Akunyili Named First Black Chief Medical Officer in Jersey City Medical Centre’s 188-Year History
Dr Ijeoma Akunyili, daughter of the late Professor Dora Akunyili, has been appointed Chief Medical Officer of Jersey City Medical Center, an RWJ Barnabas Health facility in the United States.
According to a statement on the hospital’s official website, Dr Akunyili becomes the first Black physician to serve in the role since the medical centre was founded in 1882.
Speaking on her appointment, Dr Akunyili said she was grateful for the opportunity and looked forward to serving residents of the county while advancing safe, innovative, efficient and equitable care.
Funke Akindele Makes History as Behind The Scenes Crosses ₦2bn.
Nollywood filmmaker and actor Funke Akindele has further cemented her place in African cinema history as her latest film, Behind The Scenes, crossed the ₦2 billion mark at the box office.
The milestone was disclosed by the film’s distributor, FilmOne Entertainment, which confirmed that the title has now grossed ₦2,103,039,706 in ticket sales.
FilmOne described the achievement as record-breaking, noting that Behind The Scenes is the first Nollywood film to cross the ₦2 billion threshold, making it the highest-grossing Nollywood release in Africa.
The distributor also revealed that the film currently holds the record as the top-grossing Nollywood production in the United Kingdom and Ireland, further underscoring its global appeal and commercial success.
Rema Emerges Biggest Winner at AFRIMA 2026
Nigerian artistes delivered a commanding showing at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) held in Lagos, with Rema emerging as the most decorated act of the night.
The ceremony took place at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, bringing together musicians, industry figures and cultural stakeholders from across the continent.
Rema clinched three major awards: Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African R&B and Soul for his global hit Calm Down, edging out Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid and Asake in key categories.
MultiChoice Nigeria Appoints Kemi Omotosho as CEO
MultiChoice Nigeria has appointed Kemi Omotosho as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2026.
She succeeds John Ugbe, who is retiring after nearly 15 years at the helm.
According to MultiChoice, Omotosho brings over 20 years of leadership experience across media, telecommunications and digital businesses in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. She has held several senior roles within the MultiChoice Group, including Executive Head of Customer Value Management in Nigeria and Group Executive Head for Rest of Africa, providing leadership across more than 50 markets.
Most recently, she served as Regional Director for Southern Africa, with full P&L responsibility for a seven-country portfolio. She will now oversee strategy, operations and stakeholder engagement.
Uganda to Shut Down Internet Ahead of National Election
Uganda has ordered an internet shutdown two days ahead of national elections in which President Yoweri Museveni is seeking to extend his 40-year rule.
In a letter to internet service providers, the Uganda Communications Commission said the measure was necessary to curb the spread of misinformation, electoral fraud and incitement to violence. The decision was verified by government officials speaking to AFP.
Uganda implemented a similar blackout during the 2021 elections, which were marred by allegations of rigging and violence against the opposition led by singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who is contesting again.
Chimamanda Adichie Sues Lagos Hospital Over Son’s Death
Award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has filed a lawsuit against Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Lagos, over the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, alleging medical negligence.
The legal action, dated January 10, 2026, has prompted Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to order a probe into the incident. According to the family, the child died a day after being referred to Euracare for diagnostic procedures ahead of a planned medical evacuation to the United States.
In a notice issued by solicitors led by Professor Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, Adichie and her partner, Dr Ivara Esege, accused the hospital and its medical staff of breaching their duty of care. They alleged that intravenous sedation using propofol led to severe complications during patient transfer, citing concerns about oxygen supply, monitoring, staffing, delayed response and inadequate resuscitation equipment. The family has demanded full medical records and preservation of all evidence related to the case.
Abdul Samad Rabiu Pledges $1m Bonus for Super Eagles AFCON Victory.
BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu has pledged $1 million to the Super Eagles if they win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
In addition, he promised $100,000 for every goal scored in the final, and $500,000 plus $50,000 per goal for a semi-final victory.
Rabiu announced the pledge on X following Nigeria’s win over Algeria, praising the team for lifting national morale and urging them to keep making the country proud as they progress in the tournament.
Ethiopia Begins $12.5bn Construction of Africa’s Largest Airport
Ethiopian Airlines has commenced construction of a $12.5 billion international airport in Bishoftu, about 45 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa.
The four-runway Bishoftu International Airport is projected to handle 110 million passengers annually and accommodate up to 270 aircraft upon opening in 2030. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the project as Africa’s largest aviation infrastructure development.
The airport is being designed by Dubai-based engineering firm Sidara and is expected to significantly expand capacity beyond the country’s current main airport, which is projected to reach saturation within three years.
Submissions Open for 12th Edition of AMVCA
Africa Magic has opened submissions for the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
The organisers announced via X that entries are open from January 11 to January 31, 2026, inviting filmmakers and television creators whose projects aired in 2025 to submit their work.
Entries can be made through africamagic.tv/amvca, with the awards recognising outstanding film and television content across Africa.
Adekunle Gold and Simi Celebrate Seventh Wedding Anniversary
Singers Adekunle Gold and Simi have marked their seventh wedding anniversary with heartfelt tributes shared on social media.
In an Instagram post, Adekunle Gold described Simi as his best friend, reflecting on a marriage built on laughter, growth and faith. Simi responded simply, “I love you.”
In her own post, Simi recalled how a friend once questioned her choice early in their relationship. “We just fit,” she wrote, reaffirming their bond seven years on. The couple, who married in 2019, share a daughter and remain one of Nigeria’s most admired celebrity partnerships.
