Author: Opalim Lifted

Premium Times says it will take legal action against Robert Ngwu, the spokesperson to former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, over a “false and defamatory” claim that the newspaper received a ₦100 million bribe. Ngwu, speaking during an interview on Channels TV, alleged that the Enugu State Government paid Premium Times to publish its investigation into Nnaji’s alleged certificate forgery. “Premium Times was allegedly paid ₦100 million to start this process,” Ngwu claimed  before admitting he had no proof to support the allegation. Pressed for evidence, he insisted the payment “allegedly” came from Enugu State but failed…

The Nigerian military has deployed a full brigade and heavy weaponry across parts of Kwara South and Kwara North following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to wipe out bandits hiding in the state’s forests. The large-scale military operation, part of Operation Fasan Yanma (OPFY) has already kicked off in Oke Ode and Babanla communities in Ifelodun Local Council, extending to Edu and Patigi. Troops are combing through dense forests long used as hideouts by kidnappers and armed gangs. Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who earlier briefed President Tinubu on the worsening insecurity, expressed gratitude for the swift federal response. “This intervention…

Despite record-breaking cocoa prices, millions of farmers in West Africa remain trapped in poverty, according to the Cocoa Barometer 2025 report released on Wednesday. The global study, led by a consortium of civil society groups under the VOICE Network, paints a grim picture of inequality in the chocolate supply chain. It reveals that while Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana produce over 60% of the world’s cocoa and Nigeria is set to hit 350,000 tonnes in the 2024/25 season, smallholder farmers continue to earn next to nothing. The report blames forward-selling mechanisms that delay price increases, combined with falling yields from ageing…

Ashleigh Plumptre, Super Falcons defender, says she feels safer living in Saudi Arabia than in the UK. In a chat with the BBC, the 27-year-old English-born footballer described her stay in Saudi Arabia as a “peace bubble” compared to her country of birth. Plumptre was born in Leicester, England, and rose through the ranks of Leicester City. She spent three years with the club in the English Women’s Super League (WSL) before joining Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia in 2023. In recent years, global human rights organisations have accused Saudi Arabia of repressing women’s rights and upholding discriminatory, unsafe laws against…

Cristiano Ronaldo has been valued as the first active footballer to become a billionaire, according to Bloomberg.  According to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which tracks the net worths of the world’s richest individuals, Ronaldo’s wealth is estimated at around $1.4 billion. The index added that the 40-year-old’s net worth was calculated using contract earnings, investment portfolio and endorsement deals. “Ronaldo earned over $550 million in salary between 2002 and 2023,” the report reads. “He also signed a decade-long Nike deal for nearly $18 million annually and other endorsements with brands like Armani and Castrol, adding over $175 million to…

Cole Palmer has officially trademarked his iconic nickname ‘Cold Palmer’, sealing his transformation from football prodigy to commercial powerhouse. The Chelsea and England midfielder successfully registered the term with the UK Intellectual Property Office, giving him exclusive rights to use it across a vast range of products from clothing, toys, and football boots to ice cream and even underwater vehicles. The move means no one can now use ‘Cold Palmer’ for commercial purposes without his permission. It follows the 23-year-old’s earlier attempt to trademark the phrase, which was initially blocked by French vineyard Château Palmer. To resolve the dispute, Palmer…

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has warned that the growing Western narrative accusing Nigeria of “Christian genocide” is a dangerous plot designed to divide the country and spark religious conflict. In a strongly worded statement, Fani-Kayode said he was alarmed by recent comments from American media figures Bill Maher and CNN’s Van Jones, as well as US Senator Ted Cruz, who claimed Christians in Nigeria were being systematically killed. He also noted that Canada’s Parliament had passed a resolution branding Nigeria one of the most dangerous countries for Christians. The former minister questioned the sudden Western interest in Nigerian…

Uche Nnaji, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has clarified that his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet should not be seen as an admission of guilt but rather as a demonstration of his respect for due process. Nnaji resigned on Tuesday following allegations of certificate forgery against him. An investigation by Premium Times revealed Nnaji did not complete his university education and that both the bachelor’s degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate he presented to Tinubu, as well as to the offices of the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), the Department of State…

The Palace of the Oba of Benin has rejected the introduction of the “Iyaloja” title into Edo State’s market system. The Palace said the Iyaloja title is alien to Benin culture and potentially disruptive to peace and tradition. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and authorized by His Royal Majesty, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II. The Palace also warned that both the introduction of the Iyaloja concept and the growing influence of political trade associations in local markets threaten Benin’s traditional market structure. It then urged market women across Edo State to respect the…

President Bola Tinubu has accepted Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s departure as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission following the expiration of his second term in office. Yakubu was first appointed in November 2015 as the 14th chairman of the commission for an initial term of five years. The appointment, which was renewed in 2020, has now expired due to the passage of time. Tinubu thanked Yakubu for his services to the nation and his efforts to sustain Nigeria’s democracy, particularly through the organisation of free and fair elections throughout his two-term tenure. In recognition of Yakubu’s dedicated service to the…