Author: Opalim Lifted

Suspected terrorists who abducted schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly opened communication channels with the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde. The kidnappers insisted they would only negotiate directly with the state government and refused to engage with families of the victims, according to sources quoted by Punch. “They said they only want to talk to the governor and nobody else,” one source disclosed. Although it remains unclear whether Makinde himself is directly involved in the negotiations or acting through representatives, insiders described the development…

United States President, Donald Trump, has announced a new immigration directive requiring Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking green cards to return to their home countries to complete their applications, except under extraordinary circumstances. The new policy was disclosed on Friday by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In a statement, USCIS said the directive was introduced to restore what it described as the “original intent” of America’s immigration laws. Under the policy, foreigners seeking adjustment of status in the United States will now be expected to process their residency applications through US consular offices in their home…

Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has revealed how he persuaded former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to greet President Bola Tinubu during the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. Fayemi disclosed this in an interview on Edmund Obilo’s YouTube channel published on Thursday, explaining that Obi was initially hesitant because he feared the encounter could be politically misrepresented in the media. The meeting first became public on May 18, 2025, after presidential aide Bayo Onanuga shared photographs from the event on X. According to Onanuga, Fayemi spotted Tinubu seated among world leaders and encouraged Obi to…

Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta said on Friday he would retire from professional football at the end of the season, bringing the curtain down on a career spanning two ‌decades. The 36-year-old played for Osasuna, Olympique de Marseille, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, with his longest and most notable spell at Chelsea. He made 508 appearances during an 11-year stay at the London club and became the first player to win every major ⁠trophy with them. He won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup, one Champions League, two Europa Leagues, one Super Cup and one FIFA Club…

The Presidency has dismissed reports claiming that President Bola Tinubu plans to amend the Constitution to rename Nigeria the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia law in the North, describing the claims as false and politically motivated. In a statement issued on Thursday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the viral report was fabricated by “desperate politicians” seeking to stir tension ahead of the next general elections. According to the Presidency, there is no truth to allegations that the Tinubu administration intends to introduce a constitutional amendment bill allegedly code-named “Project True Federation.” “The Presidency wishes to inform Nigerians and…

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Michael Carrick as their permanent head coach on a two-year contract. The 44-year-old took interim charge after Ruben Amorim was sacked in January and has delivered Champions League qualification with an impressive run of form. Former Middlesbrough boss Carrick has led United to a guaranteed third place in the Premier League after Sunday’s thrilling win over Nottingham Forest. He has won 11 of his 16 matches in charge and has been named on a six-man shortlist for the Premier League’s manager of the season award. No top-flight club has won more points than…

Manchester City have confirmed that manager Pep Guardiola will leave the club after Sunday’s final match of the season. Guardiola has led City to 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League victory in 10 top-flight seasons in charge. The 55-year-old’s final game will be against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium. In honour of Guardiola’s impact, City’s newly developed north stand will be named after him and will be fully open for the first time for his last game in charge of the club. BBC Sport reported on Monday that City were preparing for Guardiola’s…

Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his family’s ongoing N8.7 billion money laundering trial was stalled on Friday following the absence of his lawyer in court. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Malami alongside his wife, Hajiya Asabe Bashir, and son, Abdulaziz Malami, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged money laundering offences amounting to N8.7 billion. The matter, scheduled for continuation of trial, could not proceed after Malami’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, failed to appear in court. Although counsel to the EFCC, Jibrin Okutepa, was present alongside the…

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has approved nearly ₦1 billion to clear outstanding salary arrears and allowances owed to judiciary staff, in what officials describe as a renewed push to strengthen welfare and institutional stability in the justice sector. The governor made the announcement while receiving the leadership of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Kaduna State chapter, on a courtesy visit at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House. Discussions focused on improving conditions of service and reinforcing the judiciary’s role in democratic governance. The delegation, led by its chairman, Auwalu Sarki, raised concerns affecting judiciary workers while expressing appreciation…

Mixed reactions from Nigerians have trailed the appointment of Segun Aina by President Bola Tinubu as the new registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board), succeeding Professor Is-haq Oloyede, whose second and final tenure ends on July 31, 2026. Segun Aina, who turns 40 in July, is a renowned academic and systems engineering expert with extensive experience in examination administration, digital infrastructure, and public sector reform. The Presidency said this exposure shaped his long-standing contributions to examination reform and institutional systems optimisation. Tinubu expressed confidence that the new registrar would deploy his experience and…