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Jet blast damages aircraft at Lagos airport

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The damaged aircraft

United Nigeria Airlines has confirmed that one of its aircraft was damaged in a ground incident at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, following a jet blast from a nearby aircraft.

The airline disclosed this in a travel advisory issued on Sunday, stating that the incident involved one of its operating aircraft parked at the airport’s domestic terminal.

According to the statement, the aircraft, an Embraer 190, had arrived from Akanu Ibiam International Airport on Flight UN0503 and was preparing for another scheduled trip when the incident occurred.

In adherence to our strict and uncompromising safety standards, the affected aircraft has been withdrawn from service for comprehensive inspection before returning to operations,” it stated.

The airline reassured passengers of its commitment to safety and operational standards, while acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the disruption.

“United Nigeria Airlines wishes to inform its valued passengers and the general public of a ground incident involving one of its operating aircraft at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MM2), Lagos,” the statement read.

The airline explained that the aircraft was parked in an open bay between two other planes when multiple ground movements took place simultaneously. “While preparations were ongoing to board passengers for another scheduled flight, a nearby aircraft, having completed its own boarding process, commenced taxiing. At the same time, another aircraft was executing a pushback onto the taxi line,” it stated.

The airline noted that the combined movements led to a powerful jet blast within the ramp area. “During these simultaneous ground movements, the taxiing aircraft manoeuvred in a manner that generated significant jet blast within the ramp area,” the statement added.

It said the force of the jet blast displaced ground equipment, which then struck the aircraft. “The force of the jet blast displaced a baggage trolley belonging to a ground handling company, which subsequently made contact with the United Nigeria Airlines aircraft,” it said.

The affected aircraft was scheduled to operate Flight UN0500 at noon. Providing details of the damage, the airline said critical external components of the aircraft were impacted.“The impact resulted in damage to external components, including the antenna and the forward fuselage area near the nose landing gear,” the statement noted.

Following the incident, the airline said it had taken immediate safety measures by grounding the aircraft for further checks. “In adherence to our strict and uncompromising safety standards, the affected aircraft has been withdrawn from service for comprehensive inspection before returning to operations,” it stated.

The airline reassured passengers of its commitment to safety and operational standards, while acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the disruption.

“United Nigeria Airlines remains committed to upholding the highest safety standards. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this unforeseen development may cause to your travel plans,” the statement added. It further assured affected passengers that efforts were ongoing to minimise disruption and provide necessary support.

Source: Punch

Kwankwaso resigns from NNPP, cites ‘strategic realignment’

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Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

Former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has resigned from the party with immediate effect.

Kwankwaso announced his decision in a statement, citing the need for “strategic realignment” in response to the evolving political landscape in the country.

“I wish to formally announce my resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) with immediate effect,” he said.

The former governor, who served as the party’s National Leader and presidential flagbearer in the 2023 general elections, described the decision as difficult.

“As a committed and bonafide member of the party, this was not an easy decision to make,” he stated.

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Explaining the rationale behind his exit, Kwankwaso said he intends to align with another political platform that he believes offers a better opportunity to drive national change.

“Considering the current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation,” he added.

He expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the party for their support during his time in the NNPP.

“I extend my deepest appreciation to the National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed and the entire National Working Committee for their steadfast support throughout my time,” Kwankwaso said.

He also thanked other organs of the party, including the Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, and members at all levels, as well as supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

Source: Vanguard

Picture Caption : Kwankwaso

Kwara community deserted, residents flee over persistent bandits’ attacks

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Residents of Omugo Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have deserted their homes due to persistent bandit attacks.

DAILY POST reports that the once lively community has turned into a ghost town with only a few domestic animals left.

Reports indicate that the recent bandits’ attack on the Omugo ECWA Church via Oro-Ago, led to the abduction of eight worshippers including the wife of the pastor in charge.

Three persons escaped out of the eight abductees with a N1b ransom placed on the remaining victims in captivit. The community could only gather N1m which was rejected by the bandits.

Last week, armed bandits invaded Oro-Ago community, killed one vigilante man identified as Baba Ibeji and injured his younger brother known as Ajere.

A Point of Sales, PoS, shop directly opposite the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, Divisional office, was broken into by the bandits.

The gunmen also attacked the NSCDC office and sprayed bullets on the facility, though no casualty was recorded.

In earlier attacks on Oro-Ago environs, armed bandits ambushed a convoy between Oro-Ago and Oke-Ayan in Ilere district of Ifelodun Local Government Area and killed two local hunters on escort duty.

On Saturday, there was tension in Oro-Ago following a security alert that armed bandits were regrouping to launch fresh attacks on the community.

All security formations were, however, placed on ‘Red Alert’ to forestall the planned attack.

DAILY POST could not obtain official reaction from concerned authorities on the latest developments.

Source: DAILY POST

 

Mahama Failing In Fight Against Galamsey

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RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
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President John Mahama

The rivers of Ghana are dying. From the Ankobra to the Pra, illegal miners armed with chanfan machines, cyanide and apparent political protection are poisoning the water sources on which millions depend.

The forests are no longer safer.

When President Mahama took office, 45 forest reserves were compromised by galamsey. That figure has risen to at least 50, with more than 9,000 hectares now devastated. The machines, sources tell The Chronicle, are still running.

In its most urgent statement to date, the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) issued a sweeping indictment of the administration’s anti-galamsey record on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Signed by Conveners Kenneth Ashigbey, Awula Serwah, Senyo Hosi and Daryl Bosu, the statement spans forests, rivers, human rights, political accountability and enforcement resourcing.

Its central verdict is unambiguous: the fight against galamsey is failing and President Mahama must personally intervene before the damage becomes irreversible.

“Every chanfan machine still sitting in a river is an act of state negligence” –GCAG.

Atewa and Achimota: Two Forests, One Urgent Test

The coalition’s gravest concern centres on the Atewa Forest Reserve in the Eastern Region, one of Africa’s most critically important upland evergreen forests and the source of drinking water for over five million Ghanaians, which it says faces unprecedented illegal mining and imminent large-scale encroachment.

Despite government declarations that forests are ‘red zones’ off-limits to mining, the GCAG reports no meaningful enforcement on the ground.

The group is also demanding the immediate revocation of Executive Instrument 144 to secure long-term protection for Achimota Forest. It added that a petition to this effect has already been submitted to the Presidency.

“Even more critical, Mr President, is the urgency to repeal EI 144 to guarantee lasting protection for Achimota Forest. Our petition has been before you since last year, and more recently, the Board of the Forestry Commission has made a similar request.

“Ghanaians expect decisive action to safeguard Achimota by revoking EI 144. Time is of the essence.”

A formal petition for its repeal has sat before the presidency for over a year and the Board of the Forestry Commission has separately made the same request.

‘The time is ticking,’ the coalition warned.

Cyanide in the Rivers, Silence from Government

The water crisis has taken a more sinister turn. The GCAG has disclosed that illegal miners are now using cyanide, which it describes as ‘a weapon of mass destruction’ in rivers and mining pits across affected communities.

The chemical causes severe neurological damage and can render water sources permanently undrinkable.

Chanfan machines remain embedded in riverbeds across the country despite the training of blue water guards and police deployment to every district.

The government has issued no public response to the cyanide disclosures. The coalition is demanding an immediate action plan and crackdown and is calling on the government to honour its promise to publish weekly water quality data, including turbidity and heavy metal levels in national newspapers. That commitment was made publicly. It has not been fulfilled.

A Child Murdered, Activists Prosecuted, The Powerful Untouched

The human cost carries a name: Pious Nketia Nkansah, 13 years old, murdered at Adelekezo in circumstances the GCAG says may implicate corporate actors operating in a galamsey-affected area. The coalition is demanding a full investigation and swift prosecution.

Meanwhile, five environmental defenders known as the Atronsu 5 face state prosecution for peaceful advocacy, the GCAG wants all charges dropped immediately, arguing that criminalising activists while shielding miners is a fundamental violation of the State’s duty to protect its citizens.

The coalition’s political charge is its sharpest yet.

President Mahama has publicly admitted that ‘his people’ are involved in galamsey. The GCAG is demanding he moves beyond that admission to concrete action: name the individuals, order arrests and release the long-suppressed Frimpong-Boateng Report, which reportedly identifies politically exposed persons linked to illegal mining networks.

Years after the report was compiled, not a single prosecution has followed. Not one District or Municipal Chief Executive has been sanctioned, despite the President’s pledge to make anti-galamsey performance a condition of their tenure.

A separate investigation ordered by the Attorney-General into two NDC-affiliated individuals has produced no public findings.

The GCAG is demanding the report be released or the government admit the inquiry was not genuine.

A Demand, Not a Discussion

The GCAG is not asking for dialogue. It is setting a deadline. It wants time-bound presidential commitments, the immediate release of NAIMOS’ budgetary allocation, and the operationalisation of all 21 promised alternative livelihood sites of which only two are currently functional.

It is also demanding that the practice of deporting foreign illegal miners without prosecution be ended; foreign criminals, it insists, must face Ghanaian law.

Ghana’s forests and rivers cannot be replaced. The coalition is now asking, with unmistakable urgency, whether this presidency grasps that reality before it is too late.

 

 

 

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Zijin, Forestry Commission Launch Ghana’s First Large-Scale Mining Biodiversity Offset

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ISAAC AKWETEY-OKUNOR
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Jason Zhang, Vice President for Sustainability and External Relations at ZGRL handing over the symbolic key to some officials of the Commission

Zijin Golden Ridge Limited (ZGRL) has unveiled the Atewa Biodiversity Offset Project, marking Ghana’s first large-scale, science-driven biodiversity offset initiative in the mining sector. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Forestry Commission of Ghana.

The 10-year initiative is designed to ensure “no net loss” of biodiversity affected by mining operations at the Akyem Mine.

It focuses on safeguarding and restoring the ecologically sensitive Atewa Range Forest Reserve through targeted interventions such as forest protection, habitat restoration, enrichment planting and sustainable livelihood support for local communities.

Jason Zhang, Vice President for Sustainability and External Relations at ZGRL handing over two-way radios and mobile phones for communication,

Speaking at the launch, Jason Zhang, Vice President for Sustainability and External Relations at ZGRL, underscored the company’s environmental commitment, adding that the project reflects a deliberate effort to balance mining activities with long-term ecological preservation.

“This initiative demonstrates our commitment to responsible mining and environmental stewardship,” he said.

“Working with the Forestry Commission, we aim to restore and protect biodiversity impacted by mining for future generations.”

The launch aligns with Ghana’s broader environmental agenda which prioritises forest conservation as a key pillar of national development.

Recently, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, minister for Lands and Natural Resources and acting minister for Environment, Science and Technology announced significant progress under the government’s reforestation drive.

Under the second phase of the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative held under the theme: “Forests and “Economies”, the country recorded the planting of over 30 million seedlings in 2025, generating more than 41,000 jobs with a similar target set for 2026.

The Atewa Biodiversity Offset Project complements this national vision by linking conservation efforts with employment creation, community development and long-term environmental sustainability.

As part of the project rollout, ZGRL presented a range of logistics to the Forestry Commission at a ceremony in Accra. The support package included operational vehicles, drones, communication devices, and field monitoring equipment aimed at enhancing the Commission’s capacity to protect the Atewa forest landscape.

Unlike traditional reforestation programmes, the initiative is designed to address “residual” environmental impacts of mining such as habitat destruction and the displacement of threatened species that cannot be mitigated through tree planting alone.

ZGRL has already surpassed its reforestation obligation, establishing 317 hectares of plantation forest, exceeding the required 303 hectares.

The biodiversity offset programme now aims to achieve 371 “Quality Hectares,” an internationally recognised metric for measuring biodiversity value, within the project’s lifespan.

In 2026, the programme is set for significant expansion, with approximately 1,500 hectares earmarked for enrichment planting and an additional 500 hectares targeted for active restoration.

Local communities remain central to the project’s success. More than 200 residents were employed during the pilot phase of enrichment planting, which achieved an impressive 94.6 percent seedling survival rate. Additionally, over 44 communities in and around the Atewa Forest Reserve were engaged during feasibility and planning stages.

The logistics support provided to the Forestry Commission includes pickup trucks and station wagons for fieldwork, drones and laptops for monitoring, two-way radios and mobile phones for communication, camp tents for remote patrols, and a specially equipped audiovisual van to enhance community outreach and education.

The Atewa Biodiversity Offset Project officially entered its implementation phase in 2025 and is expected to run through at least 2035.

It is being executed in partnership with key stakeholders, including the Resource Management Support Centre, Conservation Alliance and international biodiversity experts such as Wychwood Biodiversity and The Biodiversity Consultancy.

The initiative forms part of ZGRL’s Environmental and Forest Entry Permit requirements and is aligned with the International Finance Corporation Performance Standard 6.

 

 

 

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Health Director Puts Workers on Edge as Bono Records 38 Maternal Deaths 

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Bono Regional Director, Dr. Osei Kuffour Afreh

Health professionals in the Bono Region have been put on tenterhooks, as authorities demand urgent action to reverse the alarming rise in maternal deaths.

At the 2025 Annual Performance Review Meeting of the Bono Regional Health Directorate in Sunyani, the Regional Director of Health, Dr. Osei Kuffour Afreh declared it unacceptable for any woman to die in the process of giving life.

“This unfortunate situation cannot be allowed to continue! We need to ensure zero tolerance for maternal mortality in this region, and I know we can do it,” he stressed.

The Regional Director of Health’s remarks followed a disturbing data presented at the meeting showing that 38 pregnant women died in the region in 2025 – representing a 100% increase over the previous year.

Participants at the meeting

Even more troubling to the Regional Director was the fact that, 37 of those pregnant women had attended antenatal care, which he said raises serious questions about the quality of maternal healthcare delivery in the region.

The 38 women, aged between 15 and 45 years, included eight first-time mothers.

According to medical data presented at the meeting, haemorrhage and hypertension were identified as the leading causes of their death.

These conditions, Dr. Afreh bemoaned, were known to be preventable and manageable with timely and skilled medical intervention.

However, other factors such as delays in seeking care, lapses in referral systems, poor quality of care at some facilities and cases of missed or late diagnosis were identified as some of the underlying causes.

The report on the maternal deaths fueled outrage among some of the key stakeholders, including the Paramount Chief and President of the Sunyani Traditional Council, Odeefour Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II, who did not mince words in condemning the situation.

The Chief raised serious concerns about the attitude of some midwives and nurses towards patients, particularly pregnant women, which he said could discourage timely access to care.

He stressed the need for professionalism, compassion and urgency in handling maternal cases. Adding that, such negative attitudes within health facilities could be costing more lives.

In response, Dr. Afreh announced that the Directorate had established a Regional Maternal Mortality Audit Taskforce to investigate each case and recommend urgent corrective measures.

The Regional Director of Health revealed that his administration would not cover up or shield any personnel whose negligence would lead to court action against the service or lead to a death of a patient.

“If we are taken to court over your negligence or unprofessional conduct and judgement debts are awarded against us, you will pay 50% of the total amount and also internal sanctions”.

All the health professionals at the meeting were taken through medico-legal lessons in a PowerPoint presentation by Ms. Efia Agyeiwaa Danso, from the GHS legal department.

Commendably, almost all the participants (mainly senior health officers) gave their strong backing to the Regional Director to institute necessary punitive measures to ensure discipline, professionalism and accountability at the facilities.

There were also some renewed concerns over the uneven distribution of skilled health personnel, especially in deprived communities where access to emergency obstetric care remains limited.

By Edmond Gyebi 

 

 

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Okyenhene Appoints Regent For Kukurantumi, As Chief’s Whereabouts Remain Unknown

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ISAAC AKWETEY-OKUNOR
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Bafour Ohemeng Gyamera, the Krontihene of Kukurantumi, as Acting Chief (Regent)

The Okyenhene, His Royal Majesty Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has appointed a regent for Akyem Kukurantumi, following the prolonged and unexplained absence of the town’s substantive chief.

In an official statement, the Okyenhene named Bafour Ohemeng Gyamera, the Krontihene of Kukurantumi, as Acting Chief (Regent) with immediate effect.

The statement, signed by Akyem Abuakwa State Secretary, D.M. Ofori-Atta, explained that the decision became necessary due to the continuous absence of Daasebre Boamah Darko II, who also serves as Adontenhene of Akyem Abuakwa. His whereabouts, authorities say, remain unknown.

As Regent, Bafour Ohemeng Gyamera is tasked with overseeing the customary administration of Kukurantumi, managing all affairs relating to the stool and ensuring peace and stability within the traditional area.

He is further expected to work closely with the stool elders and report directly to Daasebre Adusei Peasah IV, the Tafohene, in the discharge of his duties.

The Okyenhene expressed confidence in the regent’s ability to uphold tradition, maintain order, and preserve unity in Kukurantumi during the chief’s absence.

Background

Akyem Kukurantumi is a key town within the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, where chieftaincy plays a central role in governance, dispute resolution, and cultural preservation. Under customary law, the installation of a regent becomes necessary when a stool is vacant or when a substantive chief is unable to perform his duties due to absence, incapacity, or other exceptional circumstances.

The unexplained absence of Daasebre Boamah Darko II has, however, sparked widespread concern and speculation within the community and beyond. Unconfirmed reports circulating in recent weeks have fueled rumours about his possible demise, although no official confirmation has been provided by the traditional council or family.

The situation has heightened public interest, particularly given the chief’s prominence not only within Akyem Abuakwa but also in national affairs, where he is reported to be a member of the Council of State.

Traditional authorities are expected to rely on the regency arrangement to maintain continuity in leadership and prevent any vacuum that could trigger instability or disputes over the Kukurantumi Stool.

Rising Tension

The latest development is likely to intensify public scrutiny and deepen the ongoing speculation surrounding the chief’s status, even as authorities urge calm and restraint.

Observers say the regent’s role will be crucial in sustaining peace and ensuring that customary processes are respected while clarity is awaited on the fate and status of the substantive chief.

In a related development Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin has announced an immediate ban on the burial of deceased persons within residential homes, citing serious public health and environmental concerns.

The directive was issued during a State Council meeting held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Ofori Panin Fie in Kyebi.

Addressing the council, the Okyenhene stressed that the growing practice of burying the dead in family homes, while residents simultaneously depend on boreholes within the same environment poses significant health risks and is no longer acceptable.

He warned that any individual found flouting the directive would face sanctions, underscoring the traditional authority’s commitment to safeguarding public health and sanitation.

The move, according to the Okyenhene, forms part of broader efforts to promote healthy living standards and prevent potential disease outbreaks linked to unsafe burial practices.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Abuakwa South, Addo Aikins Jnr, endorsed the decision, describing it as timely and necessary to protect the environment and public well-being.

In his address, the MCE also sounded the alarm over increasing degradation of the Atewa Forest Reserve, attributing it to the activities of illegal miners.

He disclosed that some heavily armed illegal miners had recently kidnapped forestry guards, who were subsequently rescued through coordinated efforts by security agencies.

Addo Aikins Jnr warned that decisive action would soon be taken to clamp down on illegal mining and appealed to religious leaders to support the fight, noting that many of the activities occur at night and require both physical and moral intervention.

The combined push against unsafe burial practices and illegal mining, authorities say, is part of a broader agenda to protect the environment and ensure sustainable development within the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area.

 

 

 

 

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Nana Akuoko Sarpong passes on to eternity 

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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The Late Nana Kwame Akuoko Sarpong – former Omanhene of Agogo Traditional Area

His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has been informed about the passing of Nana Kwame Akuoko Sarpong, the Omanhene of Agogo Traditional Area.

The Queenmother of Agogo, Nana Juaben Serwaa Afrakoma Kusi Oboadum, at the head of kingmakers and stool elders broke the news of the demise of the revered chief to the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace on Thursday.

Nana Akuoko Sarpong, 88, reportedly kicked the bucket on Tuesday February 24, 2026 after reigning for 50 years, having occupied the Kyei ne Krobon stool at the prime age of 38 years.

Otumfuo has directed the stool elders to cooperate with the Queen mother to coordinate the transitional processes and programmes.

The Asantehene stressed the need for the Krontihene, Gyasehene, Akwamu, Adonten, Nifa, Benkum, Ankobia and elders to team up with the Queenmother, who is indispensable at this stage of planning, to accord the late chief a befitting funeral.

The Omanhene of Agogo Traditional area, Nana Kwame Akuoko Sarpong celebrated the 50th anniversary of his enstoolment and occupation of the “Kyei ne Krobon” stool with a low-key 50th anniversary celebration at the Agogo Palace on January 1, 2026 to mark the occasion of five decades of peaceful and impactful leadership.

Lawyer Akuoko Sarpong was installed the Omanhene of Agogo on December 23, 1975, upon the demise of his uncle, Nana Kwaku Duah.

He swore the oath of allegiance to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, at the Manhyia Palace to legitimise his position.

His alma mater are Accra Academy, Opoku Ware School, University of Ghana and Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration.

He was called to the Ghana Bar in October 1965, heralding an outstanding legal and public service career.

Agogo Queenmother and elders

As a young lawyer, he served as a Public Prosecutor (Assistant State Attorney) at the Attorney General’s Department in Cape Coast.

In the 50 years that he occupied the Agogo stool, Nana Kwame Akuoko Sarpong served his people well and Ghana at large, as a lawyer, traditional ruler and a politician.

He served as the Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North Constituency (1979-1981) during the Third Republic and the opposition spokesman on Foreign Affairs.

In governance, he held key positions and served as the Secretary (Minister) of Health (1988-1991) and Secretary of The Interior (1991-1992) in the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) administration, as well as the Secretary of Chieftains and Culture, when the country returned to civilian rule in 1992.

Nana Akuoko Sarpong also served as a Member of the Council of State in the 4th Republic.

While he served as the Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs, he scored a diplomatic victory in restoring bilateral relations between Ghana and the USA in the Soussoudis Affairs, in the late 1980s.

One of his legacies is making Agogo a citadel of learning, with the establishment of various educational institutions of all levels.

 

 

 

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AMVCA 2026 Set For May 9 As Joke Silva Named Head Judge

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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0

Africa Magic has announced the return of the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), with the ceremony scheduled to hold on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

The announcement was made during a press conference on Thursday, 26 March, at the MultiChoice Studio in Ilupeju, Lagos, where organisers outlined plans for what is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most prestigious entertainment events.

Organisers say the award, which had its inception in 2013, has generated over 30,000 jobs across the creative industry, spanning areas such as production design, screenwriting and sound engineering.

For the 2026 edition, the organisers have introduced new categories aimed at widening continental representation.

These include Best Indigenous Language, North Africa and Best Indigenous Language, Central Africa, further expanding the platform for diverse African storytelling.

A total of 32 categories will be featured at this year’s ceremony. Of these, 18 will be decided by a jury, 11 will be open to public voting, while three will be dedicated to special recognition awards, including Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer honours.

Veteran actress Joke Silva has been appointed Head Judge for this year’s awards, bringing her extensive experience in the film and television industry to the role.

Speaking at the event, Executive Head of Content and Channels at MultiChoice West Africa, Atinuke Babatunde, emphasised the broader vision behind the awards.

“Beyond the lights, the red carpet, and the applause, there is a deeper story — one of craftsmanship. The writers, the directors, the editors, the designers, the technicians, the many hands and minds that shape the stories we love. This year, we are being as intentional as we’ve always been about recognising that ecosystem of excellence,” she said.

Ahead of the main event, nominations for the 2026 edition will be unveiled on Sunday, 29 March, during a live broadcast on Africa Magic channels at 7pm. The announcement will be hosted by AMVCA-winning actor Chimezie Imo.

The announcement was made during a press conference on Thursday, 26 March, at the MultiChoice Studio in Ilupeju, Lagos, where organisers outlined plans for what is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most prestigious entertainment events.

Since its inception in 2013, the AMVCA has grown significantly, not only in profile but also in economic impact. Organisers say the awards have generated over 30,000 jobs across the creative industry, spanning areas such as production design, screenwriting and sound engineering, underscoring its contribution beyond the glamour of the red carpet.

For the 2026 edition, the organisers have introduced new categories aimed at broadening continental representation. These include Best Indigenous Language, North Africa and Best Indigenous Language, Central Africa, further expanding the platform for diverse African storytelling.

Credit: channelstv.com

Angélique Kidjo, Ayra Starr Drop ‘Cross-Generational’ Single ‘Aye Kan’

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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0

Beninese music legend Angélique Kidjo has joined forces with Nigerian Afropop star Ayra Starr on a new single titled “Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back?)”, released on March 27, 2026.

The song is the lead track from Kidjo’s forthcoming 19th album HOPE!!, which is due for release on April 24, 2026.

On the record, both artistes bring their distinct styles together, combining Kidjo’s rich, traditional African sound with Ayra Starr’s modern Afrobeats and R&B influence.

The collaboration also points to a shared cultural background, as both singers have roots in the Benin Republic and Yoruba heritage, and highlights a growing wave of cross-generational partnerships shaping the direction of African music.

“When we link up It’s a vibe. On Feb 22nd, on the day of the Blizzard Of The Century, I joined forces with Queen @ayrastarr at the Power Station Recording studio in New York. But not even a storm could have prevented us from singing and dancing together! Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back?) was born!

“Thanks to @louddaaa for the production, to @johnnydrille for a powerful mix, to @apmworldmag for a beautiful and classy video and everyone from Ayra’s team from making this dream happen!!!” Kidjo wrote on her Instagram.

“Aye Kan” explores themes of love and longing, built around the recurring question, “Are you coming back or what?”.

The track moves between English, Pidgin and Yoruba, with Ayra Starr delivering expressive verses, while Kidjo’s vocals provide a strong, grounding chorus.

The single was produced by Louddaaa, with guitar by Femi Leye and saxophone by Bishop Sax, while mixing was handled by Johnny Drille.

An official music video directed by Apmworld has also been released, showing both artistes in a lively, colourful setting.

Kidjo had earlier hinted at the collaboration on social media, where she described Ayra Starr as “the queen” and shared her excitement about working together.

The release has already drawn positive reactions online, with many listeners praising the chemistry between the two artistes and the mix of old and new sounds.

Credit: channelstv.com

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