Global pop star Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats singer Burna Boy have released “Dai Dai”, the official song for the FIFA World Cup 2026.   According to Punch Newspapers, the song was announced on Friday, with Shakira confirming the release on social media and telling fans that the tournament excitement had already begun.   FIFA said the track is available on major streaming platforms through Sony Music Latin and will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative targeting $100 million in donations by the end of the tournament.   The governing body said proceeds from the single will go toward improving children’s access to education and football opportunities worldwide. FIFA also said Shakira would donate her royalties from the track, while Sony Music would match the first $250,000 raised.   “Dai Dai” carries themes of resilience, ambition and unity. The lyrics reference several football icons, including Pelé, Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Mohamed Salah.   The release marks Shakira’s return to the World Cup stage after her previous tournament hits, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) and La La La.   It is also Burna Boy’s first official World Cup song appearance and the second time a Nigerian artist has featured on a FIFA tournament soundtrack, after Davido appeared on Hayya Hayya (Better Together).   FIFA also announced that Rema will headline the opening ceremony in Los Angeles on June 12, while Shakira is scheduled to co-headline the final halftime show on July 19, the first halftime performance in World Cup history.

Bola Tinubu has urged members of All Progressives Congress to avoid violence and internal division as the ruling party begins its nationwide primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.   In a statement reported by Channels Television, the president told aspirants, delegates and party leaders to conduct themselves peacefully and ensure the exercise reflects fairness, sportsmanship and internal democracy.   Tinubu said the primaries, which began with House of Representatives contests and will conclude with the presidential primary on May 25, 2026, are vital to the party’s future and cohesion.   He cautioned against a return to what he described as “do-or-die” politics, saying electoral contests should not be treated as a zero-sum game. According to him, where consensus candidates cannot be agreed, members should still approach the primaries as one political family and preserve unity.   The president also reminded contestants that both victory and defeat are part of democratic competition. He advised winners to avoid gloating and urged unsuccessful aspirants to accept results in good faith and prepare for future opportunities.   Tinubu praised ongoing efforts by APC leaders to reach consensus in some contests, noting that such arrangements, where accepted, could reduce tension and prevent rancour among party members.   He further directed governors and other senior party leaders to provide equal opportunities for all contestants, warning against bias or sentiment during the selection process.   The president also renewed his call for greater participation of women and young people in party politics, asking delegates and leaders to give them stronger consideration during the primaries.   Tinubu warned the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to limit their role strictly to maintaining peace and order during the exercise.   He expressed confidence that the APC would emerge stronger after the primaries and wished all aspirants success in the process.

Nigeria has signed a €365 million development partnership with Germany aimed at boosting investment, infrastructure and economic growth, in a move expected to deepen economic ties between both countries.   The agreement, reported by The Nation, includes €65 million in fresh financial support and a separate €300 million export credit guarantee framework to back trade and investment between businesses in Nigeria and Germany.   The deal was signed at the German Embassy in Abuja after bilateral talks between officials from both nations. Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning said the package will support long-term projects, strengthen investment flows and improve economic cooperation.   Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Uzoka-Anite said the agreement comes at a key stage in the country’s economic reform programme under Bola Tinubu.   She said the partnership would support sectors including agriculture, renewable energy, industrial development, healthcare, skills acquisition and employment. She added that all projects would align with Nigeria’s National Development Plan 2026–2030 and its Agenda 2050 strategy.   German Ambassador Annett Günther said the talks involved several Nigerian ministries, German development agencies, representatives of the European Union and other stakeholders. She said the broad participation underlined the strategic importance Germany places on its relationship with Nigeria.   Also speaking, Philip Knill described Nigeria as a key political and economic partner in Africa. He said German firms including Siemens, SAP, Bayer and STIHL are exploring expanded operations in Nigeria.   Knill said Germany had already approved the €300 million export credit facility and noted that existing joint programmes have delivered measurable results. He said more than 16,000 small businesses have increased their income, around 600,000 farming households have benefited from agricultural training, and over 70,000 Nigerians are gaining access to mini-grid electricity projects.   He added that Germany would continue backing the Presidential Power Initiative, being implemented with Siemens, to improve electricity generation and supply nationwide.

Nigeria has announced plans to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced anti-drone systems as part of a major overhaul of its military operations, according to TheCable.   The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, disclosed the development while leading a high-level delegation to Monaco to finalise discussions on the Hybrid Intelligence Shield (HIS) project.   The initiative is designed to strengthen border security, protect urban centres and improve Nigeria’s response to evolving security threats, including insurgency, banditry, piracy and oil theft.   Under the proposed system, AI-powered surveillance technology will be deployed to rapidly detect and analyse threats using smart algorithms, while anti-drone technology will be used to intercept and neutralise unmanned aerial systems that may pose security risks.   The plan also includes the establishment of national and regional command-and-control centres to enhance real-time coordination and operational response across security agencies.   Musa said the project will prioritise technology transfer and local capacity development through the creation of a military “Centre of Excellence” in Nigeria.   The Defence Ministry is also expected to work with international partners, including Marss UK Ltd, while building indigenous capacity to address internal security challenges.   Nigeria continues to face multiple security threats across different regions, prompting growing calls from security experts for the adoption of advanced technologies such as AI surveillance systems, drones and integrated intelligence platforms to support military operations, TheCable reports.