Author: Opalim Lifted

State governments across Nigeria have committed more than N500 billion to establishing airports, airlines and expanding aviation infrastructure, as sub-national authorities increasingly seek a foothold in the country’s growing air transport sector. Several state-owned aviation projects have emerged in recent years, ranging from airport construction and upgrades to the launch of government-backed airlines. The investments are aimed at boosting connectivity, attracting business opportunities and stimulating economic growth. Among the most prominent examples are state-backed carriers such as Ibom Air and new airport developments across different regions of the country. Supporters argue that improved air connectivity can unlock tourism, trade and…

Keir Starmer has announced that he is stepping down as UK Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party. Here is Starmer’s resignation speech in full: Thank you. Thank you. Walking up this street two years ago was the proudest moment of my life. A new Labour government. The first in 14 years. A page in our country’s history turned after years of disappointment and despair. The chance to change the lives of millions of people for the better. That’s what I came into politics for. The journey to that point was not easy. Six years ago, I inherited a…

Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has criticised the Federal Government’s classification of bandits as terrorists, warning that the move could escalate insecurity and eliminate opportunities for dialogue with the groups. Gumi made the remarks in a viral video, in which he criticised the classification of bandits as terrorists, warning that the move could worsen the security situation. According to the cleric, some bandit groups had previously shown a willingness to negotiate and should not have been labelled terrorists. “We don’t want to push them into terror beyond what they are doing now because it can get worse,” Gumi said. He…

Lassa fever has claimed 214 lives across Nigeria in 2026, with the case fatality rate rising sharply to 25 per cent, according to the latest report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The agency disclosed in its Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 23 (June 1 to June 7, 2026) that the fatality rate marks a significant increase from 18.9 per cent recorded over the same period in 2025. It noted that new confirmed cases remained stable within the reporting week, matching figures recorded in Week 22. Infections were recorded in Edo, Ondo, Bauchi and Ebonyi…

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (Nigeria Union of Journalists) has honoured the Director-General of the Department of State Services (Department of State Services), Adeola Ajayi, for what it described as his leadership in strengthening cooperation between security agencies and the media. The award was presented at the end of a two-day National Security Summit organised by the NUJ in partnership with the DSS in Abuja, according to proceedings from the event. NUJ National President, Al-Hassan Yahaya, said the decision to honour Ajayi reflects the union’s belief that partnership, openness and mutual respect between the media and security institutions are essential…

Mohamed Salah scored one goal and created another as Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand and secure their first-ever World Cup win. Their 3-1 victory also ensures the Pharaohs look set to qualify from the group stage for the first time in their history. New Zealand took a first-half lead when Finn Surman headed home Tim Payne’s well-placed corner in the 15th minute as the All Whites dreamed of securing their first win in this competition. The Kiwis squandered leads twice in their opening game draw with Iran and ended up doing the same here. Egypt scored three…

Cape Verde’s gripping debut World Cup campaign continued as they held two-time champions Uruguay to a thrilling draw in Miami. Having delighted fans with their shock 0-0 draw with Spain in their opener, Cape Verde took a dream lead against Uruguay through Kevin Pina’s long-range free-kick which went through the middle of the wall in the 21st minute. Going ahead changed the game’s structure as Cape Verde became more attacking and left themselves exposed at the back. Uruguay made the most of the extra space, with Maxi Araujo diving low to nod in an equaliser after defender Sidny Lopes Cabral…

Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand produced a series of outstanding saves as Iran held 10-man Belgium to a 0-0 draw in their Group G clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles on Sunday. Belgium’s hopes of securing victory suffered a setback in the 66th minute when defender Nathan Ngoy was shown a straight red card for bringing down Mehdi Taremi after the Iranian forward intercepted his attempted pass and raced through on goal. Despite enjoying a numerical advantage, Iran struggled to capitalise, creating few clear opportunities as Belgium continued to push forward and increase the pressure in the…

Lamine Yamal scored 10 minutes into his first World Cup start as Spain beat Saudi Arabia to register their first win of the tournament. The Barcelona teenager had been a second-half substitute in Spain’s opening Group H game against Cape Verde, but he was unable to inspire his side to victory as the 2010 winners laboured to a deeply frustrating goalless draw. As expected, the 18-year-old was restored to manager Luis de la Fuente’s starting line-up against Saudi Arabia – and he wasted little time in making his mark. Mikel Oyarzabal’s low cross from the left evaded Saudi Arabia defender…

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping syndicate linked to the abduction of a 20-year-old farmer and cattle rearer, Michael Benua, in Oorelope Local Government Area. According to a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the breakthrough followed ongoing investigations into the attack reported at the Okaka Police Division. The victim was seized in the early hours of 19 June when about eight armed men invaded Igboti Village via the Okutalogun axis. The attackers, armed with firearms and cutlasses, reportedly whisked him away after storming the community and also stole…