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This week’s news cycle captures a mix of pivotal leadership shifts, legal developments, loss, public accountability and innovation driven by women responding to real-world challenges. From a major executive appointment in Nigeria’s media landscape to the government’s withdrawal of criminal charges, the stories reflect moments of transition and progress. Here’s a roundup of the top stories you need to know.
- Kemi Omotosho Appointed CEO of MultiChoice Nigeria
MultiChoice Nigeria has announced the appointment of 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 of the pay-TV company.
In her new role, Kemi will oversee MultiChoice Nigeria’s strategy, daily operations, and engagement with regulators, partners, and stakeholders, building on the foundations laid by her predecessor. The handover between John Ugbe and Kemi Omotosho will happen smoothly before January to ensure a smooth transition and continued operational stability in the Nigerian market.
- Nigerian Gospel Singer Bunmi Akinnaanu, Known as ‘Omije Ojumi,’ Dies
The Nigerian gospel music industry has been struck by tragedy with the death of popular singer Bunmi Akinnaanu, widely known for her hit song Omije Ojumi.
Her passing was confirmed on January 13, 2026, in a statement shared on Instagram by fellow gospel artist Ayo Melody on behalf of the family. Accompanied by a photograph of the late singer and a short video clip, the post revealed that Bunmi died on January 12, 2026, at a Lagos hospital. The news has left fans and fellow artistes mourning the loss of one of Nigeria’s cherished gospel voices.
- Federal Government Drops Cases Against Senator Natasha
The Federal Government has discontinued criminal cases against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, with the charges officially struck out in court on January 15, 2026. The Federal Government had filed criminal charges against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan in May 2025 over alleged defamatory remarks made during a televised interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on April 3, 2025.
The cases were withdrawn following a letter of discontinuance sent by the Federal Government on December 12, 2025, though it took over a month for the matter to be heard and resolved in court.
- Family Demands Justice for Aishatu after Death From Surgical Negligence
Aishatu Umar, a mother of five from Kano, died on January 11, 2026, after surgeons allegedly left a pair of scissors inside her abdomen during a September operation at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre. She suffered four months of severe abdominal pain, but hospital staff reportedly only gave her painkillers.
The Kano State Hospitals Management Board suspended three health personnel directly involved and ordered a full investigation. The board also referred the case to the Kano State Medical Ethics Committee.
- Tech Expert Invents Smart Bra that Detects Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Motivated by the loss of her aunt to breast cancer in 2017 and subsequently, witnessing the pains and sufferings of many women from the disease, Kemisola Bolarinwa, the founder and chief executive officer of Nextwear Technologies, invented a smart bra to detect early-stage breast cancer before symptoms develop.
This smart bra is a nanotechnology device that uses ultrasound technology to identify potential tumours in 30 minutes.
Aside from being an inventor, Kemisola is a strong advocate for increasing female participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. She has over 10 years of professional experience and is recognised for her strong technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.
