Author: Opalim Lifted

Authorities in Jersey, a British Crown Dependency in the Channel Islands, are set to repatriate more than $9.5 million (£7 million) to the Nigerian government, marking another milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing recovery of illicit funds stashed abroad. The money will be channelled into critical infrastructure, specifically the final stages of the highway linking Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria’s political and commercial capitals. The repatriation follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in December between Jersey’s Attorney General, Mark Temple KC, and the Federal Government of Nigeria. The agreement builds on two previous asset recovery deals between both parties that led to…

The National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued an interim injunction restraining the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and its agents from embarking on any form of industrial action, including strikes, go-slows, picketing, or preparatory steps for protest, from Monday, January 12, 2026. Justice E.D. Subilim ordered that the injunction remain in force pending the hearing of the motion on January 21. The suit was filed by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Federal Government against NARD, its president, Dr Mohammad Suleiman, and Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim. The court order comes days after resident doctors at the…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has redesignated the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, celebrated annually on January 15, to Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day. The Director Defence Information (DDI), Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, explained in a statement on Thursday that the redesignation was to reflect the dual purpose of the day. “January 15 is set aside annually by the Federal Government of Nigeria to honour the living personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) while acknowledging the sacrifices of those who have paid the supreme price to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity as well as the lives and properties of…

Manchester City have signed Ghana international Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in a deal worth about £65m. It is a record sale for the Cherries after City met Semenyo’s release clause, which had to be activated before Saturday, and they will pay £62.5m across 24 monthly instalments plus bonuses. He has signed a contract until 2031 and will wear the number 42 shirt previously worn by Yaya Toure, who won three Premier League titles during his eight years at the club. “I am so proud to have joined Manchester City,” Semenyo said. “They have set the highest of standards and it’s…

Fresh infighting between rival jihadist factions, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), has left scores of fighters dead following days of intense clashes in Borno State’s Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains. Security sources said the violence erupted on 3 January when ISWAP launched coordinated assaults on Boko Haram camps around the Ali Ngulde axis of the Mandara Mountains. The offensive, reportedly led by ISWAP commanders Jundullah and Ibn Hataf, initially met fierce resistance. Boko Haram fighters, under the coordination of a field commander identified as Abu-Rijal, also known as Ba-Sulhu, mounted counter-attacks that inflicted heavy losses…

President Bola Tinubu has commended corporate Nigeria, investors and other stakeholders in the capital market for pushing the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) past the historic N100 trillion market capitalisation mark. Describing the feat as a defining moment for the nation’s economy, the President said the achievement should inspire greater confidence among participants in the money and capital markets, while urging Nigerians to channel more investments into the domestic economy. According to him, in a statement, the year 2026 promises even stronger returns as the administration’s economic reforms begin to yield more robust and sustainable outcomes. “With the Nigerian Exchange crossing the…

The market capitalisation of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) has hit N100 trillion on Monday. According to data obtained from the NGX, the market capitalisation closed at N101.80 trillion. The market capitalisation increased from the N99.94 trillion recorded on January 2, representing a N1.87 trillion increase. In dollar terms, the NGX said the market capitalisation increased from $69.61 billion to $71.15 billion. During trading, the all-share index (ASI) appreciated by 1.74 percent or 2725.86 basis points, from 156,492.36 ASI to 159,218.22. The exchange said the growth in ASI pushed both month-to-date and year-to-date returns to 2.32 percent. Dangote to sell 10%…

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, son of renowned writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, extending heartfelt condolences to her, her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, and the entire family. In a message of sympathy released on Thursday, the President described the loss of a child as one of life’s most devastating experiences, noting that no parent should be made to endure such pain. “As a parent myself who has suffered the loss of a loved one, I know that no grief is as overwhelming as losing a child,” President Tinubu said. “I deeply empathise with…

Federico Valverde scored a stunning early free-kick as Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid to set up a Clasico meeting with Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. Rodrygo doubled Real’s lead in the 55th minute before Alexander Sorloth pulled a goal back for Atletico, but it was the 13-time Super Cup winners who prevailed to reach Sunday’s final (19:00 GMT). Thursday’s semi-final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was only 77 seconds old when Los Blancos captain Valverde sent a 30-yard free-kick fizzing past Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak into the top corner. Rodrygo doubled Real’s lead 10 minutes into the second half…

Arsenal missed a chance to move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League as they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Liverpool. This was a disappointing game that ended on a notable sour note, with Arsenal substitute Gabriel Martinelli angering Liverpool in stoppage time when he crudely attempted to push Conor Bradley off the pitch after the defender went down close to the touchline with a painful knee injury. Martinelli was booked and Bradley was taken away on a stretcher with hands over his face. Arsenal, who had won their five previous Premier League matches,…