Author: Opalim Lifted

The Federal Government has accused foreign lobbyists, particularly in the United States, of orchestrating the narrative of a so-called “Christian genocide” in Nigeria. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday that the government’s findings revealed a network of external actors deliberately promoting false and divisive portrayals of Nigeria’s security challenges. “There is a clear correlation between some lobbyists operating in the US and the activities here in Nigeria,” Idris said. “Some of those pushing this ‘Christian genocide’ narrative have direct ties to American lobby groups influencing opinion abroad.” The minister…

From fruit stalls to abattoirs, a deadly trend has invaded Nigerian kitchens. A Senate investigation has uncovered shocking food adulteration practices across the country — from fruits ripened with calcium carbide and meat softened with paracetamol to grains laced with Sniper insecticide and cassava soaked in bleach. Declaring the situation a “public health emergency”, the Senate on Wednesday vowed to strengthen existing laws and impose tougher penalties on anyone using toxic chemicals in food production or processing. The resolution followed the adoption of a damning report by the Joint Senate Committees on Health and Agriculture, which revealed widespread and dangerous…

Cypriot champions Pafos picked up their first ever win in the Champions League proper as they stunned Villarreal. The hosts, formed only 11 years ago, have lost just one of their 10 matches in the competition this season, including qualifiers – and that was to Bayern Munich. And this was another landmark moment for the team managed by ex-Arsenal assistant Juan Carlos Carcedo. Dutch defender Derrick Luckassen scored the historic winner with an unmarked header following a 46th-minute corner from former Watford winger Ken Sema. Cyprus’ president Nikos Christodoulides, a Pafos fan, reportedly missed the goal – taking his seat…

Victor Osimhen wrote his name into the history books on Wednesday night after becoming the second Nigerian to score a hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League, inspiring Galatasaray to a commanding 3–0 victory over Ajax at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam. The Super Eagles striker produced a complete centre-forward display, netting twice from the spot and once from open play as the Turkish champions continued their impressive European campaign. His treble makes him the first Galatasaray player to achieve the feat in the competition since Burak Yilmaz’s hat-trick against Cluj in 2012. After a goalless first half, Osimhen broke…

Chelsea escaped suffering a historic loss to Qarabag through substitute Alejandro Garnacho’s second-half equaliser, avoiding the embarrassment of becoming the first English team to lose to the Azerbaijani side. Garnacho equalised having come on as one of three half-time substitutes with his side 2-1 down after goals from Leandro Andrade and Marko Jankovic had put the hosts ahead following Estevao Willian’s early opener for the Blues. Qarabag had lost all seven of their previous matches against English opposition. The last time they were in the Champions League, they faced Chelsea and lost both matches by an aggregate score of 10-0…

The House of Representatives has reversed its earlier decision to suspend plenary for one week following a protest by indigenous contractors at the National Assembly complex in Abuja. Earlier on Tuesday, the lawmakers had adjourned sittings until next week after contractors stormed the complex to demand payment for completed federal projects, accusing the government of withholding funds allocated in the 2024 and 2025 budgets. However, hours after the adjournment, the lower chamber rescinded its decision. House spokesperson Akin Rotimi said the reversal followed “positive developments arising from engagements and interventions across various levels of government concerning the issue.” In an…

Seven years after the tragic death of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, her family has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over what they describe as the “blatant refusal” of the Nigeria Police Force to arrest one of the key suspects, Victor Ogbuja. In a petition dated November 3, 2025, and signed by human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, the family accused the police of neglecting their statutory duty to bring Victor—who absconded in 2018—to justice. The document stated that Victor and his father, Andrew Ogbuja, allegedly subjected Ochanya to years of sexual abuse while she lived with them in Ugbokolo, Benue…

A company has placed a job advert for a “dedicated and spiritually grounded” prayer warrior to serve as a corporate intercessor for an executive leadership team and their business ventures. The ad was posted on Indeed, an employment website, by Betafans NG, a company registered on the website as working in the broadcast media industry. According to the ad, the ideal candidate must be a Christian prayer warrior who will provide consistent prayer support, spiritual guidance, and prophetic covering to ensure divine alignment, peace, and progress across multiple business operations. As part of the responsibilities, the candidate will lead daily…

The Federal Government has announced the appointment of Dr John Nwabueze as the Tax Ombudsman, in accordance with the provisions of the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025. This was contained in a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday. According to the statement, “The appointment aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to implementing far-reaching and sustainable reforms in the tax and revenue administration framework.” It further said: “Dr John Nwabueze, from Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, brings extensive professional and public service experience to the…

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Nigeria’s security training institutions as part of sweeping reforms to strengthen the fight against crime and insecurity across the country. Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who chairs the National Economic Council (NEC) committee overseeing the overhaul, made the announcement at the Police Training College, Ikeja, Lagos, during the committee’s inspection tour of security facilities nationwide. Mbah explained that the initiative stemmed from the President’s proposal at the 152nd NEC meeting two weeks ago, where he expressed deep concern over the dilapidated condition of training facilities for security personnel across…