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 Eedris Abdulkareem criticizes NBC for prohibiting his protest song “Tell Your Papa,”

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Veteran Nigerian rapper and social activist, Eedris Abdulkareem, has condemned the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for banning his politically charged song, “Tell Your Papa,” which criticizes the deteriorating socio-economic conditions in the country and calls out President Bola Tinubu through his son, Seyi Tinubu.

In the controversial track, which has been trending across social media platforms since its release, Eedris delivers a raw and uncompromising message, urging Seyi Tinubu to confront his father over the prevailing hardships in Nigeria. With lyrics such as “Seyi, tell your papa country hard… tell your papa people dey die” and “try travel by road without security,” the rapper paints a grim picture of insecurity, poverty, and government insensitivity.

In a memo dated April 9, 2025, the NBC officially directed all broadcast stations to refrain from airing “Tell Your Papa.” The directive was signed by the Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, and referenced Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which bars the broadcast of materials deemed “inappropriate, offensive, or in breach of public decency.”

According to the Commission, although the song continues to gain traction online, its lyrics fall short of the standards expected of content aired on national radio and television. The track was officially labelled “Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB),” effectively restricting its presence in traditional media.

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Reacting to the ban in a statement shared via his Instagram page on Thursday, Eedris did not mince words in his criticism of the Tinubu-led administration, accusing it of intolerance to dissent and branding it as vindictive and oppressive.

“It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed as a big crime by the government,” he wrote. “This present administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is going down in history as one of the most insensitive, vindictive, and grossly maleficent regimes this country has ever endured.”

Eedris went further, comparing the current ban to a similar incident in 2004 when former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government banned his now-iconic protest song “Jaga Jaga.” That track, much like “Tell Your Papa,” called out the rot in Nigeria’s political and economic systems and sparked national debate.

Reflecting on his decades-long activism through music, Eedris noted that censorship has become a recurring tool used by Nigerian governments to suppress voices of dissent. “This is history repeating itself. They banned Jaga Jaga 21 years ago, and here we are again. Has anything really changed?” he asked rhetorically.

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The rapper insisted that banning the song would not silence the growing frustration among ordinary Nigerians who face daily challenges ranging from hunger and insecurity to joblessness and inflation.

“This government should understand that the conscience is an open wound. Only truth can heal it,” he said. “Rather than attacking the messenger, they should focus on fixing the message—the reality we all face.”

Following the NBC’s decision, fans and civil society activists have taken to social media to show support for Eedris and condemn what they see as a continued erosion of free expression in Nigeria. The hashtag #TellYourPapa is gaining traction, with many sharing their personal experiences and frustrations under the current administration.

While traditional broadcast stations may be barred from airing the song, it continues to circulate widely online, cementing Eedris Abdulkareem’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most vocal musical dissidents.

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I’m broke yet accused of money laundering – VDM breaks silence after EFCC release

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Popular social activist Martins Vincent Otse widely known as Verydarkman has reacted to allegations of financial malfeasance which led to his arrest by the EFCC.

In a viral video recorded by his lawyer after his release this evening, VDM expressed disbelief over the charges of money laundering brought against him, questioning why such accusations would be directed at someone who is not wealthy.

“How would they level allegations of money laundering on someone who doesn’t have money? I have done so many charity, they wonder how, they don’t know I use debt for charity. Anyway, we are outside, with my lawyer of course.” he said.

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How I narrowly escaped death in U.S hotel room – Seun Kuti

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By Francesca Hangeior

Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has shared his harrowing experience in the United States when a stray bullet pierced through the window of his hotel room.

He shared the terrifying encounter on his Instagram page, posting a video of the damaged window and bullet hole.

Seun, who expressed shock, questioned the perception of safety in America.

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In the video, Seun Kuti said that he was in his hotel room, relaxing, when the bullet suddenly came through the window.

“I read somewhere that these are the civilised people. Tell me you are in America without telling me you are in America. I am in my hotel room just chilling and boom this happened”, he said.

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Funke Akindele paid, secured Lagos best doctor for my wife’s delivery – Kamo

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By Francesca Hangeior

Actor and skit maker Kamo State has penned a heartfelt note to his senior colleague and godmother, Funke Akindele, expressing deepest gratitude for her unwavering support throughout his wife’s pregnancy and childbirth.

He described her as “an angel in human form” and highlighted her selfless acts, including securing one of Lagos’s best doctors for his wife’s care and covering all medical expenses.

According to Kamo, she also offered to fly Kamo State’s wife to the US for the baby’s birth when she found out about the pregnancy late.

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He wrote: “AN ANGEL IN HUMAN FORM (Iyami Olufunke Mi Owon). To the woman who embodies love, strength, and unwavering support, my dearest godmother, Lafunky Omo Akindele. Where do I even begin to express the depth of my gratitude for all you do? You’ve always stood by me, a beacon of light in every storm, and a source of endless encouragement.

“I’ll never forget the nights you spent by my side at the hospital, your presence, a soothing balm, your vigilance, a testament to your love. Even when I told you about the pregnancy late, you were ready to fly my wife to the US for the baby’s birth, showing the lengths you’d go to for us. We were supposed to go to Dubai together when I told you my wife’s expected delivery date is close,you insisted I stay with her while you’re in Dubai with your kids, and you called my wife every single day, just to check up on her and make sure she was doing well any day I didn’t pick call like this you’ll fight me ni ooo that you must talk to ESTHER to check her, you told your driver and security details to follow us to the hospital even if we call them in the midnight, ensuring we were safe and sound. You secured one of the best doctors in Lagos for my wife and took care of every single bill, showing your selfless generosity. You prayed for my wife in our prayer group every single time, and you forced me to pray countless times, always reminding me of the power of faith. And now, as we shall be christening our baby this Tuesday, you’ve once again stepped forward, sponsoring the naming from the food to the beautiful outfits for my wife and me, you’re taking care of everything, ensuring that this celebration is as special as possible.

“IYAMI IYAMI, your generosity knows no bounds, and your love is a gift I cherish every single day. I wanted to write more, but I’m honestly short of words to express how much you mean to me. I pray that God blesses you abundantly, showering you with health, happiness, and all the good things life offers. Thank you for being the amazing woman you are, and for showing me the true meaning of family. I owe you so much, and I’ll spend a lifetime trying to repay the kindness you’ve shown me. I love you dearly!”.

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