A graphic showing Nigeria’s employment and unemployment data. Source: NBS.
Nigeria’s unemployment rate has now gotten to 27 per cent in the second quarter of 2020, a move from 23.1 per cent reported in the third quarter of 2018.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) disclosed this in its ‘Labor Force Statistics: Unemployment and Underemployment Report’ released on Friday.
“For the period under review, Q2 2020, the unemployment rate among young people (15-34 years) was 34.9 per cent, up from 29.7 per cent, while the rate of underemployment for the same age group rose to 28.2 per cent from 25.7 per cent in Q3 2018,” the NBS report said. “These rates were the highest when compared to other age groupings.”
According to the NBS, the number of persons in the economically active age (15 – 64 years), jumped from 115,492,969 in Q3 2018 to 116,871,186 in Q2 2020.
“The number of persons in the labour force (i.e. people within ages 15 -64, who are able and willing to work) was estimated to be 80,291,894,” it said.
This was 11.3 per cent less than the number of persons in Q3 2018.
“Of this number, those within the age bracket of 25-34 were highest, with 23,328,460 or 29.1 per cent of the labour force,” it added.
A further peep into the latest NBS unemployment data indicated that the number of employed people in Q2 2020 slumped by 15.8 per cent to 58,527,276 when placed side by side with that of Q3 2018.
“Of this number, 35,585,274 were full-time employed (i.e. worked 40+ hours per week), while 22,942,003 were underemployed (i.e. working between 20-29 hours per week),” the report revealed.
At 48.7 per cent, Imo State has the highest unemployment rate in the country and is trailed by Akwa-Ibom State (45.2 per cent) and Rivers State (43.7 per cent).
Anambra State, however, has the lowest unemployment rate in the nation – 17 per cent.
“For underemployment, the state which recorded the highest rate was Zamfara with 43.7 per cent, while Anambra State recorded the lowest underemployment rate, with 17 per cent in Q2 2020,” the agency said.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NBS said: “2,736,076 did not do any work in the last seven days preceding the survey due to the lockdown but had secure jobs to return to after the lockdown.”
Burna Boy lost the 2019 Grammy award to Angelina Kidjo. Photo: [email protected]
Nigerian Grammy-nominated, Damini Ogulu on Thursday released a fresh album, “Twice As Tall, ” a follow-up to his 2019 album, “African Giant.”
The 15-track album features Senegalese artist, Youssou N’Dour, O.G, Chris Martin, U.K. rapper Stormzy, afro-pop band Sauti Sol among others.
Burna Boy noted that the “Twice As Tall” album is “a journey through a bunch of emotions and energies at different points in time. It has now morphed into something bigger than me. It serves as a bridge for mankind to show that we’re all different but still very much the same.”
In a post on his Instagram page following the release of the new album, he lauded those who played a part in the success of the project, saying he is grateful for the “unreal talents” that went into the production.
“I’m grateful for the unreal talents that came together from ALL over the world to pull this off,” he said.
“Shout out to the OG @diddy for coming on board and sprinkling his own unique spice on this! I hope I’m able to spark something in you when you listen.”
Burna’s new album was produced by Diddy, Bose Ogulu and the afro-pop fusion singer himself.
The last is yet to be heard of the case involving alleged criminal mastermind popularly known as ‘Hushpuppi’.
A week after the Dubai police officially confirmed his arrest with the release of a video disclosing astounding details of his crimes, they have now announced that Hushpuppi has been extradited from the United Arab Emirates to the United States.
Meanwhile, more Nigerians have been contracting the COVID-19 and one of those who have shared their gruesome experience is P-Square’s Peter Okoye. he has a message for Nigerians who still think its all a joke!
There have also been some big win in the industry this week from the bets to the Oscars, Nigerian stars such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Genevieve, and more are being recognized for their outstanding work.
Catch all the juicy details on this all-new exciting episode of Vibez.
Vibez is your weekly recap of the top stories in showbiz.
Nigerian singer-songwriter Burna Boy poses on the red carpet on arrival for the BRIT Awards 2020 in London on February 18, 2020. (Photo by Tolga AKMEN / AFP)
Afrobeats star Burna Boy has dropped the accompanying visuals for his newest single “Wonderful” after his recent BET Awards win.
The video was directed by Director K.
“Wonderful” is the first single from Burna Boy’s upcoming album, Twice As Tall, which is set to arrive later this year.
“It’s important for me to show that music is a uniting force that transcends state lines, barriers and borders. This song is about the ‘wonders’ of seeing the impact of my music on people’s lives as they shared their joy, pain and pleasure with me while I toured the world,” Burna Boy said in a statement about the song’s release.
“It serves as a note that no matter how far you go, or how hard you work; you must be ready to come home, the pandemic forced us all to take refuge in our homes. Above all, Africa is home, it is the motherland to all people. For us to truly matter, Africa has to matter.”
The video comes just soon after his second year running as the winner of the BET Award‘s Best International Act.
In his acceptance speech, he said, “I’d like to use this opportunity to say that sometime around 1835 there was a mission to turn the nation of Africa into a dominated nation”.
“Now is the time to overturn that and go back to the royalty that we were because, in order for black lives to matter, Africa must matter.”
In the video, he keeps the tempo upbeat with a mix of English, Pidgin, and Yoruba that sees Burna expressing excitement:
“Wonderful, I go show you wonder waa ri wonderful, you no go believe wetin won happen/
No disturbance when the gbedu wan catch you, iz like you dey sleep but this one pass you…/”
Nigerian singer-songwriter Burna Boy poses on the red carpet on arrival for the BRIT Awards 2020 in London on February 18, 2020. (Photo by Tolga AKMEN / AFP)
Afro-fusion artiste, Burna Boy on Sunday won the BET Awards for Best International Act.
The BET Awards celebrates achievements in entertainment and honors music, sports, television, and movies.
April the 22nd, marked 10 years since the Nigerian music industry lost a legend, Olaitan Olaonipekun, popularly known as Da Grin.
This week on Vibez, we look at how Nigerian rap and music lovers took a trip down memory lane as they reminisced over the death of the one who is said to have revolutionised indigenous rap in the country.
We also talk about yet another win in the fight against the COVID-19, donations and even Burna Boy’s global collaboration and more.
Vibez is your weekly recap of stories from the world of showbiz.
Please like, share, and join the conversations. Also, remember to stay safe and stay home. This too shall pass!
This week on the Vibez we captured how top African leaders such as Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo, threw their hats in the fight ring against the COVID-19, the backlash that came upon actor Desmond Elliot over his ‘makeshift cleansing project’ and some extra drama from the self-acclaimed African Giant, Burna Boy.
Don’t forget to watch, like, comment and share this video.
A photo combination of Nigerian music star, Burna Boy, and Beninese singer, Angelique Kidjo.
Singer and songwriter, Burna Boy on Tuesday said he felt “totally sick” after losing out at the 62nd Grammy Awards.
Burna Boy, whose legal name is Damini Ogulu, had been nominated in the Best World Music Album category with his groundbreaking ‘African Giant’.
But, last January, he lost to Beninese singer-songwriter, Angelique Kidjo.
“Sick. Totally sick,” he said on his Twitter page while responding to a fan on how he felt after realising he wasn’t going to win.
“But my musical Mother @angeliquekidjo told me everything I needed to understand about the Grammys. So now I’m “Twice as Tall” (that’s the name of my next album by the way dropping in July by the grace of the Most High).”
Apparently, it was also the first time he was announcing the release of his new album.
His Grammy comments were part of a tweet-chat with his audience on the social networking site.
“Yes I’m bored,” he said at the beginning of the tweet-chat on Tuesday. “And I have excess time now. Trust me.”
His boredom appeared to be a reference to the lockdown implemented by the Nigerian government on major cities – Lagos and Abuja – on Tuesday due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“I started in 2010, I was motivated by my talent, passion, family, AFRICA and FELA,” he said, responding to a question on how he began his career.
“Twitter does not have enough space for me to talk about the challenges. Just know that the challenges don’t stop when you are on top, they get WORSE.”
When former Big Brother Nigeria star, Tacha (Natacha Akide) asked him what it was like growing up in Port Harcourt and chasing his dream, Burna Boy said it was both beautiful and hell at the same time.
“But it showed me all the lessons I needed to learn to face the world,” he said.
Burna Boy has recently shared a video for his track “Odogwu.” The clip portrays the world acclaimed artist as a king among warriors and dancers.
The African Giant’s ethnically charged new music video for ‘Odogwu’ is his first official single of 2020.
The video, directed by TG Omori and with beats by Kel-P, follows Burna Boy and a crew through a number of striking scenes—from a supermarket to the waterside.
‘When I reach Igboland, them calling me Odogwu,’ sings the artist on the chorus. The title seems fitting as Burna sings of his status and success in the wake of his twitter outburst saying, “FACT! I always knew I was and I am THE BEST. Everyone you think is the best know I’m best since Fela Kuti,” Burna Boy wrote on Twitter. “Remember I told you I was the African Giant and most of you laughed and said I should be grateful for small fonts. I pray that you learn from me, I mean this in no bragging way and the wise know that the Future of Africa depends on the kind of strength and resilience I show.”
‘Odogwu’ is an Igbo word for a well-respected man in the society. Such a person could be a chief. The Igbo language is one of the most popular Nigerian languages, especially because of Nigerian home movies. The term Odogwu is then a relation between Burna Boy’s roots and his current standing amongst his peers.
This week in entertainment news, we are covering a number of stories for you, including the Burna Boy afrobeat controversy, Davido’s latest milestone and the stunning variety of bespoke fashion at, arguably, the most prestigious film awards in the world, the Oscars.
Vibez is your weekly recap of top stories making the rounds in the showbiz world.
The past week was one filled with all sorts of emotions – thrills, anticipation, and unfortunately losses.
Vibez brings you a quick rundown of the moments and stories that stood out.
5. Dr Sid, Wife Head For Divorce
Love is indeed a beautiful thing but sometimes like they say, it’s just not enough.
Trending at number 5 is a love story gone sour, of popular singer, Dr Sid and his estranged wife, Simi Esiri.
Simi who is the founder and editor-in-chief of Schick magazine, confirmed her separation from the singer, saying they are heading for a divorce.
She said this while reacting to allegations that she was violent in the marriage.
Simi and Dr Sid tied the knot in 2014 and they have two beautiful daughters together. The singer is, however, yet to comment on the matter.
4. Peruzzi Accused of Defrauding, Sexually Assaulting Singer
Taking the number 4 spot, is Peruzzi’s controversial start to 2020 which has continued with another accusation and this time it’s from a London-based singer who claims to have been defrauded and sexually molested by him.
The UK-based singer identified as Daffy Blanco, called Peruzzi out on Instagram, alleging that she had paid him about 15million naira for a songwriting service that was never rendered.
She further alleged that Perruzi had also attempted to rape her and subsequently, inflicted physical injuries on her.
But the singer who is still embroiled in a contract renegade situation with his former manager, appears to have laughed off the accusation via a post of his own on social media.
3. Ernest Asuzu Allegedly Ill With Stroke
At number three is the controversial story of Nollywood actor, Ernest Asuzu, who is reportedly down with a stroke.
Asuzu who has in the past featured in many Nollywood hits with the likes of Jim Iyke was said to have had a stroke in 2016 but was later healed by a pastor who also allegedly gifted him a jeep and some money to revive his career.
However, news that his situation has taken a turn for the worse recently surfaced after a video of him allegedly roaming the streets and begging for help, went viral.
A man who claimed to have spotted the actor by a shopping mall, was seen appealing to fellow actors in Nollywood to come to Asuzu’s rescue.
2. NBA Legend Kobe Bryant, Daughter Die In Helicopter Crash
At number 2 is the shocking death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
The basketballer died on Sunday when a helicopter he was flying in crashed and burst into flames in thick fog, killing all nine people on board including his teenage daughter, Gianna.
Bryant is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history and the news of his death did not only plunge the sports world into mourning but it also cast a shadow across the globe.
He is survived by his wife and three children and tributes have continued to pour in both for him and the others who died in the crash.
1. Grammys 2020: Burna Boy, Agelique Kidjo Stir Social Media
And finally, topping our list is the 2020 Grammy awards, where a lot of Nigerians and Afrobeats lovers had been rooting for Burna Boy to pick up the prize in the Best World Music Category.
The hopes of thousands of Nigerian music fans for a second Grammy for the country, were, however, dashed as serial winner Angelique Kidjo who was also a nominee in the category, took home the prize for the fourth time.
Kidjo who sings in more than five languages and whose career has spanned almost four decades was gracious in receiving the award and dedicated it to Burna boy.
While some fans took to social media to express their disappointment, others continued to congratulate him.
One of those who particularly stood out, was south African rapper, A.K.A worldwide, who had been engaged in a social media brawl with Burna, months ago.
A.k.A, however, appeared to be letting bygones be bygones in a tweet, where he described Burna Boy as a champion for his Grammy nomination.
Other big winners included teenage goth-pop artiste, Billie Eilish with a total of five golden statuettes, including the award for album of the year, Tyler, the Creator, Lizzo and Lil Nas X.
Meanwhile, the Grammys opened with a tribute to the late basketball legend, Kobe Bryant, with many stars at the event paying homage to him.
Music
Sauti Sol Signs Major Recording Deal With Universal Music Africa
Staying with music from the international scene, Kenyan afro-pop band, Sauti Sol has signed a major recording deal with universal music Africa, a division of the universal music group.
The deal comes just as the group is preparing to drop its 5th studio album titled ‘midnight train’, following their successful 2019 album, ‘Afrikan Sauce’ which featured the likes of Patoranking, Tiwa Savage and Burna Boy.
Sauti Sol announced the news on social media and thanked fans for their support and patience with their upcoming album.
Movies
Mercy Eke, Davido, Cohbams Asuquo, Others Feature In ‘Fate of Alakada
And in moviedom, Nollywood actress and producer Toyin Abraham, appears to be pushing the boat out on the new installment of her comedy film ‘Alakada’.
The new movie which is titled: ‘the fate of Alakada’ will include appearances from the top shelf of the Nigerian showbiz circle such as singers Davido, Cobhams, Orezi.
BbNaija reality stars, Mercy, Khafi, Khloe and Anto as well as fashion icon, Toyin Lawani are also expected to feature in the film.
Fashion
Who wore what at the 2020 Grammys
The Grammy Award has come and gone but we certainly won’t be leaving you without sharing some of our most unforgettable looks.
In addition to receiving six nominations, Billie Eilish shook the red carpet with her neon green crystal-embroidered Gucci suit while Billy Porter was also on brand with his shimmery blue suit and fringe hat.
Priyanka Chopra was spotted looking ravishing in a navel bearing gown, while Lizzo, Ariana Grande and Lil Nas X, were equally nothing short of show-stopping.
Photo collaboration of Angélique Kidjo and Burna Boy
Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo on Sunday night dedicated her Grammy award to the Nigerian music star Burna Boy who was up against her to win the music prize.
Burna Boy had been nominated in the same category for his acclaimed album ‘African Giant’ but Kidjo won, for the fourth time, leaving Burna Boy still waiting to win his first.
Kidjo while dedicating the award showered praises on Burna saying, “Four years ago on this stage, I was telling you that the new generation of artists coming from Africa are going to take you by storm.
“And the time has come. This is for Burna Boy.
“Burna Boy is among those young artists that come from Africa that is changing the way our continent is perceived and the way African music has been the bedrock of every music.”
Kidjo who sings in more than five languages and whose career has spanned almost four decades was gracious in receiving the award and dedicated it to Burna Boy.
“This is for Burna Boy,” she said, lifting up her award to cheers, and declaring the “African giant” as part of the new generation of African musicians that are changing the global perception of Africa and its music.
A win for Burna would have made it the second time a Nigerian would be returning home with the grammy plaque. Sikiru Adepoju is the only Nigerian to have won a grammy. he won it in 2009 with the “global drum project” a collaborative album with Mickey Hart, Zakir Hussain, and Giovanni Hidalgo.
