Author: Opalim Lifted

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate withdrawal of a controversial sanctions notice issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). In a letter dated 18 April 2026 and signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group described the NBC’s directive as “unlawful” and a threat to press freedom. The notice, issued on 17 April, warned broadcasters of sanctions over alleged breaches of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, particularly in news, political and current affairs programming. However, SERAP argued that the directive amounts to prior censorship, especially…

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a strong warning to broadcasters over declining professional standards, cautioning that violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code will attract sanctions as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections. In a statement released by its Public Affairs Department, the commission said it had observed a worrying rise in unethical conduct among presenters and programme anchors, particularly in news, current affairs, and political shows. The NBC highlighted repeated breaches of core journalistic principles, including fairness, balance, and neutrality. According to the regulator, some presenters now blur the line between opinion and fact, deny opposing…

Manchester United took a massive stride towards securing a return to the Champions League as Matheus Cunha’s first-half goal proved enough to beat out-of-form Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea’s own hopes of a place at European club football’s top table are in peril as they suffered fourth Premier League defeat in a row for only the second time this century. They have failed to score in any of those losses and have not found the net since 4 March. Yet Chelsea will wonder how they managed to extend that sorry record this evening. Three times – through Estevao, who went…

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has clarified that it has not banned airtime borrowing or data advance services in Nigeria, countering widespread claims. The statement comes a few days after MTN Nigeria said it was suspending its airtime and data credit advance service, popularly known as “Xtratime,” in compliance with the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional (DEON) consumer lending regulations, 2025. The regulations were officially gazetted and took effect on July 21, 2025. In September 2025, the FCCPC said the rules, issued under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (2018), would serve as a comprehensive framework…

The Imo State Government has announced plans to honour late Nigerian football legend Henry Nwosu with a state burial, recognising his contributions to the country’s sporting history. Nwosu, a member of Nigeria’s historic 1980 African Cup of Nations-winning squad, died on March 14 at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital after a brief illness. He was 62. Following his death, his remains were moved to Owerri, the Imo State capital, where preparations for his final rites are underway. Speaking on the development, Imo Commissioner for Sports, Obinna Onyeocha, confirmed that the state government is working closely with the family to organise…

Members of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have temporarily suspended their planned nationwide shutdown over the reported 300 per cent increase in Jet A1 aviation fuel prices. The decision followed an appeal by the Federal Government, which urged operators to hold off on suspending flights or raising airfares amid mounting economic pressure on passengers. In a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting on Friday, AON described the move as “concessionary but conditional,” stressing that the suspension remains temporary. The group said its next steps would depend on the outcome of a crucial meeting with the Minister of Aviation and…

Eric Chelle, head coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, has promised to scour the Nigeria Premier Football League and European leagues for exciting new talent to add to the team for the 2026 Unity Cup. The Super Eagles will defend their Unity Cup title against India national football team, Jamaica national football team, and Zimbabwe national football team in London from May 26 to 30. Chelle said he would leverage the invitational tournament to inject a fresh stream of players into the team’s setup. “The Unity Cup provides a platform to assess new players. I will comb Europe and…

The Ogun State Government is set to file criminal charges against Abubakar Adamu, the driver of the stationary truck linked to the fatal road crash involving associates of Anthony Joshua. The development emerged during court proceedings on Thursday, where state counsel D.O. Ogunyomi took over the prosecution of Adeniyi Kayode, the driver of the Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and his friends at the time of the accident. Ogunyomi urged the court to consolidate charges against both Adamu and Kayode, arguing that both drivers played roles in the tragic incident. The request followed legal advice from the Ogun State Department of…

Temisan Okomi, a Nigerian sports broadcaster, has died after a brief illness. Classic FM, the radio station he worked with for over 12 years, announced his death in a social media post on Friday. “With the heaviest of hearts, we regret to announce the passing of one of our staff, Temisan Okomi, following a brief illness,” the statement reads. “Until his passing, Temisan was the Group Head of the Sports Department. He was a valued member of our team whose contributions and presence will be deeply missed. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this most difficult time.”…

The Federal Government has moved to halt the growing misuse of the “Ambassador” title in Nigeria, warning that only individuals formally appointed by the President are legally recognised to bear the designation. The directive was announced on Friday in Abuja by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, during a press briefing where he expressed concern over the increasing number of Nigerians parading themselves as diplomats without official backing. According to him, the development has created confusion within diplomatic circles, with several foreign missions reaching out to the ministry for verification of individuals claiming ambassadorial status. “The…