Author: Opalim Lifted

President Bola Tinubu has approved sweeping changes in Nigeria’s military leadership, signalling a renewed drive to strengthen the country’s security apparatus. In a statement on Friday, Sunday Dare, the president’s special adviser on media and public communication, announced that General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. Major General W. Shaibu becomes the Chief of Army Staff, while Air Marshal S.K. Aneke takes over as Chief of Air Staff. Vice Admiral I. Abbas assumes duty as Chief of Naval Staff, with E.A.P. Undiendeye retaining his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.…

Political observers and stakeholders have criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to control Nigeria’s political parties, accusing the body of weakness and poor enforcement of electoral laws. During a recent roundtable in Abuja, INEC admitted that loopholes in the Electoral Act limit its power to punish early campaigns, which are already dominating billboards and social media across the country. Outgone INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu said Section 94 of the 2022 Act only sanctions campaigns held less than 24 hours before an election, leaving no penalties for premature campaigns. The situation, he said, emboldens politicians, especially the ruling…

Nigeria’s currency, the naira, may face another devaluation shortly after the 2027 general elections, according to Chidi Ajaegbu, President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). Ajaegbu expressed concern over the Federal Government’s rising appetite for loans, warning that reckless borrowing could plunge the nation into deeper economic distress. Speaking at a public lecture organised by the Department of Accounting and Finance, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, he said, “Excessive borrowing scares away investors. The government must be cautious. Buhari was reckless with loans, and this could devalue the naira after 2027.” Nigeria’s public debt reached ₦152.4 trillion in…

US President Donald Trump has pardoned Binance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, marking a dramatic shift in Washington’s stance towards the cryptocurrency industry. The White House announced on Thursday that Zhao’s conviction had been wiped, accusing former president Joe Biden of waging an unnecessary “war on crypto” that hurt America’s global tech reputation. Zhao, who turned Binance into the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, pleaded guilty in 2023 to breaching US anti-money-laundering laws. He served four months in prison in 2024. The pardon clears Zhao’s criminal record and could reopen Binance’s path to returning to the US market, two years after suspending…

The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved a comprehensive roadmap to achieve a $1 trillion Nigerian economy by 2030. The 153rd NEC meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, was attended by President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume and several state governors. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, presented the roadmap, outlining strategies to deepen collaboration among federal, state and local governments. He said ongoing macroeconomic reforms, improved security, and grassroots infrastructure programmes have laid the foundation for growth. Six key resolutions were…

Lasisi Elenu, the Nigerian skit maker, and Nonso Adika, his wife, have welcomed their second child together. The content creator took to his Instagram page on Thursday to announce the arrival of their son. Sharing a picture of the baby’s feet, he described him as a “gift from God”. Elenu also revealed that the name of the child is River while appreciating God for the blessing of a newborn. “Whoever believes in me, rivers of living water will flow from within them. — John 7:38 (NLT). Meet our son River Elroi Adédámínì Adewunmi Nosagie Anyalewechi Afolabi @river_elroi,” he wrote. “Our…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has fixed uniform prices for its Renewed Hope Estate housing units across all 36 states, in a move aimed at promoting fairness and affordability for aspiring homeowners. Under the new rates, the one-bedroom semi-detached bungalow will sell for ₦8.5 million, the two-bedroom for ₦11.5 million, and the three-bedroom for ₦12.5 million. Announcing the decision in Abuja, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Ahmed Dangiwa said the equal pricing structure would ensure transparency and give all Nigerians, regardless of location, an equal chance to own a home. He noted that priority will be given to low-…

Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has warned that President Bola Tinubu’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy will remain a fantasy unless Nigeria adopts a new constitution and devolves power from the centre. Speaking in Lagos at a forum titled “Devolution is the Solution: Foundational Reform Agenda for Nigeria’s Transformation,” Agbakoba said constitutional reform has been debated for 25 years without any concrete progress. He faulted the presidency for leaving the task to the National Assembly, calling it “a dereliction of duty.” The senior lawyer stressed that true devolution and fiscal federalism are vital to…

Crystal Palace’s first home match in a major European competition ended in disappointment as they slumped to a surprise 1–0 defeat against AEK Larnaca at Selhurst Park. The Cypriot Cup holders snatched victory in the 51st minute after Eagles defender Jaydee Canvot gifted possession to Marcus Rohden, who set up Riad Bajic for a composed, powerful finish. Before the goal, Palace had dominated proceedings. Jean-Philippe Mateta struck the crossbar with an acrobatic volley and went close twice more, including a glancing header just before half-time. The French striker was also denied by a stunning reflex save from Larnaca keeper Zlatan…

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Amupitan, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), arrived at the Presidential Villa on Thursday morning dressed in a white agbada and gold cap. The swearing-in took place at 1:50 pm inside the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja. In his remarks, Tinubu charged the new INEC boss to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system and strengthen the commission’s institutional capacity. He urged Amupitan to prioritise transparency, fairness and professionalism in future elections. Amupitan’s appointment was confirmed by…