Author: Opalim Lifted

Arsenal missed the chance to restore their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League in a frustrating draw at Brentford. The Gunners’ lead at the top was halved when Manchester City beat Fulham on Wednesday and Mikel Arteta’s side faced a tough assignment against a Brentford side who had lost just twice at home this season. It was a subdued performance in the first half as Arsenal struggled to break down a well organised Brentford side, but they took the lead in the 61st minute when Noni Madueke headed Piero Hincapie’s cross back across goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. It…

Afrobeats star, Oladipupo Halley, has revealed that life lessons are a major source of inspiration behind his hit songs. The ‘Colos Timo Mogbe’ crooner, whose versatility has earned him a solid reputation in the music industry, noted that music is the tool he uses to express himself and address societal challenges. Speaking in an interview, Halley reiterated that his creative voice is inspired by real-life experiences, street stories, and deep reflections on success, struggle, and faith. “My music blends African rhythms, soulful melodies, and street wisdom, creating sounds that connect with everyday people and real emotions. “Through my songs, I…

A fresh bill in the United States House of Representatives has proposed that the country’s Secretary of State work with the Nigerian government to thwart the “hostile foreign exploitation of Chinese illegal mining operations.” The proposed legislation, titled Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was introduced by five Republican lawmakers on Tuesday. The congressmen who sponsored the bill are Chris Smith, Riley Moore (the bill’s author), Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga. The bill’s sponsors alleged that illegal Chinese mining operations in Nigeria engage in the “destabilizing practice of paying protection money to Fulani militias.” The legislation…

Heineken will cut up to 6,000 jobs globally as the brewing giant battles weak demand, rising costs and slowing profit growth. The world’s second-largest brewer by market value confirmed the move on Wednesday, saying it will reduce its workforce by roughly seven per cent over the next two years. The cuts form part of a major productivity drive aimed at delivering “higher growth with fewer resources”. The announcement comes just weeks after the surprise resignation of Chief Executive Officer Dolf van den Brink in January, leaving the Dutch brewer searching for new leadership at a critical time. Slower Profit Outlook…

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has vowed to resign if the ongoing Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road project is found to be substandard, declaring his readiness to subject the work to independent testing. Umahi made this statement while defending his budget before a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday. During the session, questions were raised over the award of a section of the project to a company some legislators described as unknown and previously associated with generator sales. Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) demanded to know why the contract was withdrawn from an established construction firm and awarded to another…

Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra State, says the state is one of the safest in Nigeria following sustained collaboration between security agencies and local vigilante groups. NAN reports that Soludo spoke in Abuja on Wednesday shortly after meeting President Bola Tinubu at the State House. The governor noted that Tinubu’s message on tackling insecurity nationwide at the just-concluded National Economic Council (NEC) conference was emphatic and reassuring. “The president’s message was emphatic, and we’re quite excited to listen to the president and his determination to stamp out insecurity nationwide,” he said. Soludo said the protection of lives and property is…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dismissed reports claiming it was ordered by the Federal Government to halt enforcement against sachet alcohol. NAFDAC recently announced that it had begun enforcing the ban on the production and sale of alcohol packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles across the country. However, on Wednesday, reports circulating on social media claimed that the Federal Government had directed NAFDAC to suspend all enforcement actions relating to the ban. In a statement signed by its Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency described the publication as “false” and “misleading,” adding…

Gunmen have abducted five persons from Makeke Health Centre in Umakeke community, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State. The National Coordinator of the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People, Mr. Omowumi Bode Ekundayo, disclosed this to journalists on Wednesday in Benin City. He identified the victims as a nurse at the health centre, Mrs. Gladys Okomayin; a female secondary school student, Miss Tope Oriloye; and Mr. Samuel Ilesanmi, who had reportedly taken his son to the facility for treatment. The identities of the two other victims were not immediately disclosed. It was gathered that the kidnappers later…

Roberto De Zerbi has left his role as manager of Marseille by mutual consent. The Italian’s departure from the French club follows a 5-0 thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain and their recent exit from the Champions League after a 3-0 defeat to Club Brugge. De Zerbi took over at Marseille in the summer of 2024 after leaving Brighton, where he spent just under two years in charge. He led Marseille to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 last season and leaves with the club currently fourth in the French top flight — 12 points behind leaders PSG. “Olympique de Marseille and…

Nottingham Forest have sacked Sean Dyche as head coach after just 114 days in charge and are looking for their fourth boss of the season. Forest were held to a goalless draw at home by bottom club Wolves on Wednesday and are just three points above the Premier League relegation zone with 12 games remaining. Dyche, 54, succeeded Ange Postecoglou in October and had signed a contract until the summer of 2027. “Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that Sean Dyche has been relieved of his duties as head coach,” a statement read. “We would like to thank Sean and…