Broadcasting
AFRIMA Demands Justice For Slain AKA; Urges Governments In Africa To Protect Music Stars
The International Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), has implored governments of African countries to arrest the growing cases of violent deaths against music stars on the continent just as it urged the South African authorities to expedite the process of prosecution of the killers of rapper Kiernan Forbes popularly known as AKA.
AFRIMA recalls that the 35-year-old AKA was killed in a cold-blooded shooting on February 10, 2023, at a nightclub in Durban, South Africa and the awards body is demanding that everyone linked to his gruesome murder be expeditiously brought to justice.
President and Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mike Dada, in a statement, said governments of African nations must make deliberate efforts to prevent violent attacks against music talents, averring that the disturbing trend could potentially erode the gains recorded in the creative industry over the years if not checked.
Dada said the murder of AKA is a wake-up call to governments across the continent to scale up their security architecture to encourage the protection of talented individuals. He suggested that efforts should be sustained to checkmate the proliferation of small arms especially.
AFRIMA said the senseless killing of AKA utterly hurts African creative space, insisting that South African authorities must arrest and prosecute everyone involved in the dastardly act.
“We strongly demand from the government of South Africa to arrest and prosecute all the persons involved in the killing of AKA to serve as a deterrent to criminally-minded individuals who cut short the lives of talents at their prime. The crime deterrent is for criminals to know that there is a big chance for them to be arrested, prosecuted and convicted; we strongly call for justice to be sufficiently served in this case.
“However, this is also a call to the governments of various countries across the continent of Africa to react to this gruesome killing by addressing the challenge of the proliferation of small arms. The trend of arms proliferation in Africa has had an impact on the continent’s internal security, which has led to violence and the deaths and injury of thousands of innocent citizens including our music stars and we encourage steps that will lead to the protection of the lives of our talented stars.
“Our ideals include using the platform of AFRIMA to promote the strength of Africa and tell a positive story of the continent and we believe we can tackle poverty, inequality, unemployment, climate change and other challenges bedeviling our dear continent through music but the lives of creative talents should be protected to fully realise these lofty dreams,” he said.
Similarly, speaking on AKA’s killing, AFRIMA’s Country Director, South Africa, Lekunutu Seboko, said the government of the country must back up its promises and assurances with concrete action by solving the murder case in good time. He believes bringing the perpetrators of the heinous crime to book will deepen the trust and belief in a better future for not only the music stars in the country but all South Africans, where they can feel safe and secure in their homes and communities.
“AKA’s sudden death is a deeply disturbing tragedy and development in South African music; the ghastly manner of his death has had international reverberations and our government must endeavour to bring his assailants to book to prove to the world that we indeed operate a system that uplifts justice and sanity.
“Undoubtedly, the African music landscape is diminished by his untimely death; but it is now the responsibility of South African authorities to ensure that justice prevails. We understand that some arrests have been made, but the process of bringing everyone connected to his death to book must be swift because justice delayed is justice denied,” he said.
AFRIMA also reacted to the sudden death of another South African rapper Costa Titch who died in March while performing on stage.
Dada said the invaluable contributions of Costa Stitch, whose real name was Constantinos Tsobanoglou, and AKA to Africa’s creative and music ecosystem would be sorely missed.
He added that African music was yet to come to terms with the sudden demise of the two great artists, describing them as true musical giants whose incredible songs and voices touched countless lives.
He added that AKA set the bar high for South African hip-hop just as Costa Titch took it up a notch and the two superstars collectively and collaboratively projected African music and culture on the world stage with many songs they did together.
He added that the two music icons were prominent figures in the AFRIMA community, recalling that AKA was a winner while Costa Titch won multiple nominations.
Dada said: “The deaths of AKA and Costa Titch will continue to cause significant reverberations across the African music fraternity because their contributions to the art were simply magical. Their music, messages, and successes gave hope to young Africans mired in poverty, violence, and uncertainty. Their works did not only elevate the hip-hop genre to the mainstream of South African music but impacted the global music audience in a manner that deepened the acceptance of African music and culture on a large scale.
“Their losses are personal to us in AFRIMA because they have been part of our journey. We recall that AKA won the Best African Collaboration award in the 2015 edition of AFRIMA for his effort on ‘All Eyes on Me’ which features Burna Boy, Da LES and others, while Costa Titch got a historic six nominations in the recently held 2022 edition. The greatness of their crafts is still being acknowledged even in their graves.
“We are still sombre and sad about their sudden departures. They inspired the whole of our continent; full of faith, courage, and strength, they have left a huge void in the music industry and their invaluable contributions to the African music ecosystem would be missed forever.”
Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, restrained the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) from taking “any administrative steps” against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited following its upward review of DStv and GOtv bouquet prices.
Justice James Omotosho issued the order following an ex parte motion filed by MultiChoice’s lawyer, Moyosore J. Onigbanjo (SAN), against the FCCPC, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/379/2025. Justice James Omotosho gave the order after an ex-parte motion moved by Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, counsel to MultiChoice.
Justice Omotosho, in the motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/379/2025, ordered FCCPC not to take “any administrative steps” against the pay-Tv company.
The FCCPC had summoned MultiChoice Nigeria Ltd to provide explanations regarding the March 1 price review of its packages.
The commission directed the company’s chief executive officer to appear for an investigative hearing on Feb. 27, raising concerns over frequent price hikes, potential market dominance abuse and anti-competitive practices within the pay-TV industry.
The FCCPC also issued a stern warning, stating that failure to justify the price adjustment or comply with fair market principles would lead to regulatory sanctions.
However in the ex parte motion filed by MultiChoice’s legal team led by Onigbanjo, the company sought an order of interim injunction restraining the FCCPC and its officers from carrying out the threat against it, as communicated via a letter dated March 3, pending the hearing and determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction.
It also sought an order restraining the commission and its officers from issuing any further directive or taking any steps capable of disrupting its business activities, pending the hearing and determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction.
“An order of interim injunction restraining the FCCPC, its agents, servants, or privies from sanctioning or penalising MultiChoice (the applicant) in any manner whatsoever in relation to its price increase pending the hearing and determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction.” .
Onibanjo, in his grounds of argument, submitted that Nigeria operates a free-market economy where prices of goods and services are not regulated.
He argued that the FCCPC Act and other enabling laws do not grant the commission the authority to regulate prices or require businesses to seek approval before adjusting the cost of their services.
He added that MultiChoice had communicated its intention to increase prices via a letter dated Feb 21.
He said that the FCCPC, however, in a letter dated Feb. 27, ordered the pay-TV company to suspend its planned price increment.
The lawyer said following the development, the company filed a suit on March 3, challenging, among other things, the FCCPC’s power to regulate prices or suspend its price adjustment.
He said MultiChoice, after filing the suit, proceeded with the planned price increase.
He said despite the pending suit, the FCCPC threatened to prosecute MultiChoice via a letter dated March 3 if it failed to provide reasonable justification for disregarding the directive to suspend the price increment.
In an affidavit deposed to by Gozie Onumonu, head of Regulatory Affairs and Government Relations at MultiChoice, the company argued that its subscription rates in Nigeria are the lowest among all the countries where it operates.
“For instance, the cost of the Premium package in Nigeria is equivalent to $29.81, while the same package costs $85.11 in Kenya,” Onumonu said.
The officer maintained that MultiChoice had the legal right to operate its business, including adjusting its prices when necessary.
When the matter was called on Wednesday, Onigbanjo moved the motion, praying the court to grant their reliefs.
The judge, after hearing the lawyer’s application, restrained the FCCPC from taking any “administrative steps” against MultiChoice pending the determination of the case.
The judge equally ordered an accelerated hearing on the matter and adjourned the matter until March 27 for hearing.
Running a business in Nigeria isn’t just about providing quality products or services; it’s also about making sure you get paid on time. Too often, business owners find themselves chasing payments, sending repeated reminders, and struggling with cash flow gaps. According to a PwC report, 48% of Nigerian SMEs experience delayed payments, which can disrupt operations, affect salaries, and slow down business growth.
But the real cost of these delays isn’t just the stress of waiting—it’s the uncertainty it creates. Businesses struggle to plan ahead, restock inventory, pay workers, or even keep the lights on. Without predictable payments, expansion is nearly impossible, and owners are left firefighting short-term financial struggles rather than focusing on growth.
If you’re tired of chasing customers for money, here are seven simple ways to ensure you get paid on time—without the stress. The seventh tip includes a newly unveiled tech tool.
1. Set Clear Payment Terms from the Start
One of the biggest reasons payments are delayed is because customers aren’t sure when or how to pay. Avoid this by clearly outlining payment terms before any transaction. Let customers know the exact due date, acceptable payment methods, and any penalties for late payments.
For businesses offering services, a simple invoice with clear terms helps. If you run a school, cooperative, or subscription-based service, structuring payments with due dates reduces confusion. When expectations are clear, payments are more likely to come in on time.
2. Request Upfront or Part Payments
Rather than waiting until the end of a service period to get paid, consider requesting a percentage of the payment upfront. This ensures that customers are financially committed from the start.
For example, if you run a catering business, you can require 50% of the payment before sourcing ingredients. Schools can structure fees into manageable installment plans to encourage parents to pay in advance. When customers have already invested in your service, they are more likely to complete payments on time.
3. Automate Payment Reminders
People get busy, and sometimes, late payments are due to forgetfulness rather than unwillingness to pay. Sending reminders before due dates can prevent this. Instead of calling each customer individually, use automated reminders via SMS, WhatsApp, or email.
For instance, a gym owner can schedule monthly reminders for members before their subscription renewal. Cooperatives collecting monthly contributions can send automatic alerts to remind members of upcoming payments. A simple nudge at the right time can make all the difference.
4. Reward Reliable Customers
Sometimes, the best way to encourage timely payments is to reward the customers who consistently pay on time. This creates an incentive for others to follow suit while reinforcing good payment habits.
For example, a school could offer early payment discounts for parents who settle fees before term starts. A business that provides services on credit could prioritize loyal customers for special deals or extended services. When customers know there’s a benefit to paying on time, they’re more likely to make it a habit.
5. Offer Discounts for Early Payments
Everyone loves a good deal, and small incentives can go a long way in encouraging customers to pay on time. Consider offering a small discount for customers who pay early.
For example, a school can offer a 5% discount on fees paid before the term starts. Landlords can offer a slight reduction on rent if tenants pay before the due date. Small rewards create urgency, motivating customers to settle payments quickly.
6. Enforce Late Payment Penalties (But Politely)
While incentives encourage early payments, penalties discourage late ones. Establishing a small late fee can push customers to prioritize your payment over others. However, the key is to communicate it upfront and enforce it politely.
For instance, a tailor can state that late balance payments will result in an extra charge per day. A cooperative can apply an administrative fee for overdue contributions. Many businesses use “grace periods” before applying penalties to give customers a fair chance. It’s about striking a balance between being firm and maintaining good customer relationships.
7. Use PaywithAccount to Automate and Secure Your Payments
Even with all the right steps in place, managing collections manually can still be time-consuming and stressful. That’s why OnePipe launched PaywithAccount two weeks ago—to help Nigerian businesses get paid on time without the hassle.
PaywithAccount allows businesses to automate payments, ensuring funds are collected directly from customer accounts without the need for follow-ups. This means fewer delays, predictable cash flow, and no more awkward reminders. By eliminating the inefficiencies of traditional payment methods, businesses can focus on what truly matters—growth and customer satisfaction.
Whether you run a school, a cooperative, a gym, or any business that relies on scheduled payments, PaywithAccount simplifies collections and provides peace of mind. Learn more at paywithaccount.com/signup.
In conclusion, late payments can be frustrating, but they don’t have to be the norm. By setting clear expectations, offering flexible options, and using the right tools, you can ensure steady cash flow without stress.
The most successful businesses don’t waste time running after payments—they set up systems that make payments run smoothly. With the right strategy in place, you can focus less on collecting money and more on growing your business.
National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Saturday destroyed counterfeit pharmaceuticals and other products worth about N100 billion at Moniya dump sites in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The Director General of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who performed the exercise at the dumpsites in the Akinyele Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, said the affected products include, Analgin, controlled substances such as Tramadol 225mg, among others.
Represented by the Director of Narcotics, Yedunni Adenuga, Adeyeye reiterated the commitment of NAFDAC to ensuring that food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, packaged water, and drinks are safe, wholesome, and effective for human consumption.
She said: “The products that were classified as illicit, expired, and banned were confiscated during a raid on three markets in the country. The recent discovery of counterfeit and other products in these three major markets in the country is mind-boggling.
“Our recent enforcement activities at the Idumota, Onitsha, Ariara, and Ezeuku open drugs market were mind-boggling.
“The discoveries made of the presence of unregistered products, banned products such as Analgin, and controlled substances such as Tramadol 225mg, among others, which are part of the things making our country unsafe in terms of security.
“This operation could not have been made possible without the support of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, who graciously approved the use of over 1,000 security personnel, including the military, police and Department of State Services (DSS).
“Today, we are witnessing the destruction of expired, falsified, controlled, unregistered, and banned medicines removed from Idumota Open Drugs outlets. The estimated street value of these products is N100 billion.
“During the three weeks exercise, several suspects were apprehended. Further investigation is being carried out, and those found culpable will be sanctioned.”
Earlier, the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Shaba Mohammed, disclosed that raids were carried out on three markets.
Mohammed described selling drugs in the open market as an illegal and punishable act under the law.
“It is a punishable offence to sell the drugs in an open market. Also, it is illegal for people to hawk drugs inside the vehicle, kiosks, and open markets,” Mohammed explained.
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