Author: Opalim Lifted

US President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States now holds “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. The narrow waterway, which links the Gulf to the open ocean, has been at the centre of escalating tensions since conflict involving Iran and US/Israel forces broke out earlier in the year. In recent months, access through the strait has been repeatedly disrupted, with Iran previously imposing restrictions that significantly slowed global oil shipments. The move contributed to rising crude prices and forced several countries to introduce energy-saving measures. Although a ceasefire…

Both chambers of UK Parliament have approved a landmark bill that will ban anyone currently aged 17 or younger from ever legally buying cigarettes. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill targets individuals born after January 1, 2009, effectively phasing out smoking for future generations. Once granted royal assent, the legislation will become law and mark a major shift in the country’s public health strategy. Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the move as a “historic moment” that will pave the way for the UK’s first smoke-free generation, shielding young people from long-term addiction and health risks. Beyond restricting cigarette sales, the bill…

Tensions in the Gulf have surged after Iran’s elite military force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), seized two container ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The incident comes despite Donald Trump announcing an extension of a fragile ceasefire to allow more time for diplomatic talks with Tehran. According to the IRGC, its naval forces intercepted the vessels for “violations” and escorted them to Iranian waters. The ships were identified as the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and the Liberia-flagged Epaminodas. Maritime security monitors reported multiple confrontations in the strait — a vital global energy corridor that handles about…

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has rejected calls to resign, insisting allegations he misled MPs over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK envoy to Washington have been “put to bed”. The embattled premier made the statement in parliament amid intensifying political pressure following his admission of an “error of judgement” in backing Mandelson for the high-profile diplomatic role. Pressure mounts after security clearance row The controversy centres on concerns raised during Mandelson’s vetting process, which reportedly recommended denying him security clearance. Starmer has maintained he was unaware of that recommendation at the time of the appointment. He shifted blame…

Kenya is witnessing a fresh wave of unrest as Kenya fuel protests spread across several cities, driven by soaring petrol prices and a worsening cost-of-living crisis. The demonstrations began on Tuesday, with hundreds of young people flooding major streets and disrupting traffic. In Nairobi, protesters gathered at the Kenya National Archives, where the atmosphere was initially calm. Demonstrators sang the national anthem and played football before police intervened, deploying water cannons and arresting at least 11 individuals in the central business district. By Wednesday, those arrested had been arraigned in court. Although no deaths were recorded unlike the deadly unrest…

Pro-democracy activist Omoyele Sowore has called for a “total occupation” of MTN Nigeria, accusing the telecom giant of failing millions of subscribers. In a series of posts on Facebook, Sowore criticised MTN Nigeria’s dominance in the telecommunications sector, arguing that its market power has not translated into improved service delivery for customers. He said the company, which controls the largest share of subscribers in Nigeria, has shown “disregard” for users who rely on its network daily. Service complaints and accountability concerns Sowore listed persistent challenges faced by subscribers, including unexplained data depletion, frequent call failures and poor overall service quality.…

More than 30 fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly been killed in coordinated air strikes by Nigerian troops in the Lake Chad region of Borno state. According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the operation was launched after credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) reports indicated increased terrorist movements around the Kaniram Island area. The report said an ISR platform confirmed the presence of about 31 boats along a riverbank, with activity consistent with ISWAP logistics and fighter movement. Following positive identification, the air component of the Nigerian military carried out precision strikes in line…

Wale Edun has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve in various capacities since the beginning of the administration in May 2023. In a statement on Wednesday, Edun said it was an honour to contribute to the implementation of the administration’s economic agenda during a critical period in Nigeria’s development. “I wish to thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the opportunity to serve our country from the outset of his administration in May 2023; first as head of the Presidential Transition Committee, then as Special Adviser on Monetary Policy, before my appointment as…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned the public about cyber hack attempts aimed at gaining access to Nigerians’ personal accounts. The CBN said hackers are circulating fraudulent messages and emails falsely claiming to originate from the bank. The apex bank gave the warning in a statement signed by Hakama Sidi Ali, its Acting Director of Corporate Communications, on Tuesday. According to the financial regulator, misleading messages are circulating that have been designed to deceive Nigerians and compromise their personal information. The regulator said the fake communications, which include emails and online messages, often prompt recipients to click suspicious…

President Bola Tinubu’s decision to sack Wale Edun appears less sudden than it looks, insiders say the move had been brewing for months. The president had publicly celebrated several prominent Nigerians’ birthdays this week, but Edun who turned 70 on April 20 was notably absent. Within 24 hours, he was out of the cabinet. According to sources familiar with developments in Aso Rock, Tinubu had privately asked Edun to step down as far back as October 2025. Although the finance minister managed to retain his position at the time, his influence reportedly waned significantly. Key responsibilities — including revenue generation,…