Author: Opalim Lifted

A heated argument erupted between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, lawmaker representing Kogi central, over a change in seating arrangements. The disagreement began when Natasha Akpoti-seat was reassigned at the start of plenary, but she refused to comply with the relocation. Tahir Monguno, the senate chief whip, defended the decision, citing constitutional provisions and explaining that the adjustments were necessary to accommodate opposition lawmakers who had defected to the ruling party. Monguno warned that failure to adhere to the new seating arrangement could have consequences, including preventing the lawmaker from contributing to discussions in the chamber. Akpabio backed…

Former president Goodluck Jonathan has hailed ex-military president Ibrahim Babangida over the launch of his memoir and believes Nigeria’s history is incomplete without the former’s story. Jonathan said this in Abuja on Thursday during the launch of a book by Babangida titled, ‘A Journey in Service”. “So, Ibrahim Babangida as we all know, is one of the most charismatic leaders in this country. He is somebody that, up to date, people go as if they are going on a pilgrimage to consult him. We thank God for giving him that grace and the wisdom to continue to mentor people,” Jonathan…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has reported that its flow station, located around the Cawthorne Channel area of the Western Bonny Local Government Area in Rivers State, went up in flames. The company’s chief corporate communications officer, Olufemi Soneye, said in a statement on Thursday that the incident occurred at approximately 2:10 pm on Wednesday. “At approximately 14:10 hours on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, a fire broke out on the dry crude storage barge BESTAF5 at Cawthorne Channel 1, Rivers state, spreading to other barges,” he said. “Thanks to the swift response of our emergency teams and industry…

President Bola Tinubu approved the creation of two Federal Universities for Osun and Ekiti States after the bills backing their establishment were signed on Thursday in Abuja. Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, said the two new universities are Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State, and the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State. The president maintained that these specialised institutions are set up to address the educational needs of the populace while driving research and innovation and contributing to the country’s overall economic growth and development. According to him, these…

A heated confrontation unfolded during Thursday’s Senate plenary session when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) protested the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, leading to tense moments in the chamber. The session took an unexpected turn when Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived to find her seat reassigned, with her nameplate removed. Outraged, she immediately raised her voice in protest, demanding an explanation for what she perceived as an unjustified move. Citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules, which protects members’ privileges, Akpoti-Uduaghan sought recognition from the Senate President to air her grievances. However, Akpabio refused her request, escalating…

A US woman has sued a fertility clinic for allegedly implanting the wrong embryo in her during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. The woman identified as Krystena Murray became pregnant in May 2023 after undergoing IVF at Coastal Fertility clinic. However, after delivering a baby boy in December 2023, Murray discovered the clinic had “recklessly” transferred the embryo of another couple to her. According to the lawsuit, she said she “knew something was very wrong” because she delivered a “dark-skinned, African American baby” while she and her sperm donor were American. After delivery, she confirmed she was not related…

The federal government, through the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), has taken a significant step towards strengthening the bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa in the areas of hospitality, tourism, and travel. During a recent meeting between both African nations at NIHOTOUR headquarters in Abuja, Director General/CEO of NIHOTOUR,  Dr. Abisoye Fagade, stressed how important it was to use Nigeria’s tourism potential, especially the 2024 Lagos Detty December, to improve people’s perceptions of safety in the country and encourage peaceful coexistence. Also, Bobby J. Monroe The Consul General of the Republic of South Africa in Lagos, Nigeria,…

Lagos State House of Assembly has refuted the claims that 27 of its members are planning to defect to the Labour Party (LP), labelling the reports as “malicious and unfounded.” In a statement, yesterday, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, dismissed the allegations as “entirely false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.” He said that the recent removal of former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and the subsequent election of Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker were purely internal matters conducted in accordance with Nigeria’s constitution, and did not signal any intention…

The Federal Government has resolved the passport printer crisis at Nigeria’s consulates in New York and Atlanta, United States. Following directives issued by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in January 2025, the Nigeria Immigration Service delivered and installed new printers at both consulates on Tuesday. The move follows recent calls from Nigerians in the diaspora, who raised concerns about delays in the passport application process due to outdated printing machines. On Wednesday, in a statement signed by Babatunde Alao, the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo said, “The Ministry is committed to innovation and improved…

Borussia Dortmund clinched their spot in the Champions League last 16 after a goalless draw against Sporting in the second leg of their knockout play-off tie. The return leg was a formality after the German side posted a comprehensive 3-0 victory in Lisbon last week with goals from Serhou Guirassy, Pascal Gross and Karim Adeyemi. Dortmund were dominant and had the chance to break the deadlock when they won a penalty in the second half after Rui Silva’s challenge on Adeyemi, but the Sporting goalkeeper made amends by keeping out Guirassy’s spot-kick. The hosts, who lost last season’s final to…