Author: Opalim Lifted

President Bola Tinubu’s decision to skip the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York for the second year running has raised serious diplomatic concerns, with critics warning that Nigeria risks losing ground on the global stage. Speaking from the UN headquarters, former presidential aide and seasoned journalist Laolu Akande stressed that Nigeria’s absence is already being noticed by world leaders. “Presence is power and absence is noticed,” Akande warned during the My Take segment of INSIDE SOURCES WITH LAOLU AKANDE on Channels TV. “With no permanent representative at the UN since 2024 and ambassadors missing from over 100…

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, has formally resumed duties at the national assembly following the unsealing of her office after a six-month suspension. Natasha arrived at the assembly complex on Tuesday, September 23, accompanied by supporters, just hours after the sergeant-at-arms unlocked her office at suite 2.05 in the senate wing. “While we were in court, I read in the news that our office had been opened. I even saw a video of the clerk himself unlocking the door,” Natasha Akpoti told journalists before stepping inside. She noted that no formal communication had been issued to her about her…

The senate’s sergeant-at-arms has unsealed the office of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central. The office, located in suite 2.05 of the senate wing, has been under lock and key since the senator was suspended from the red chamber on March 6, 2025. In a video shared on Tuesday, Alabi Adedeji, deputy director, sergeant-at-arms, could be seen removing the red seal from the office door. “I, Alabi Adedeji, deputy director, sergeant-at-arms, hereby unseal the office. The office is hereby unsealed. Thank you,” Adedeji said in the 25-second clip. It is, however, unclear if the development grants the lawmaker access to…

Canal+ Group, a French TV channel, has completed the takeover of MultiChoice, the South African pay-TV operator, with the transaction now unconditional. The transaction, announced in a joint statement on Monday, makes Canal+ the direct owner of 46 percent of MultiChoice shares, with an additional 2.2 percent secured through shareholder acceptances. The firms said the deal, valued at 125 rand per share, secured a 48.2 percent stake in what was described as the largest transaction ever. With the acquisition, the companies are expected to serve over 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia, supported by…

Jeffrey Daniel, a legendary dancer and member of Shalamar, revealed how he introduced Michael Jackson to the iconic moonwalk in an interview on Channels TV. Daniel is widely recognised as a pioneer of dance in pop music, credited with introducing the backslide, a move that would later become Michael Jackson’s signature moonwalk to mainstream audiences. Before joining Shalamar, he formed the dance group Eclipse, which showcased his innovative choreography on popular shows such as Soul Train. Daniel explained that Michael Jackson first noticed him performing the move in 1979 on Soul Train, when Daniel performed with the group Eclipse. “Well,…

Barcelona and Spain sensation Lamine Yamal has cemented his status as one of football’s brightest stars after winning the Kopa Trophy for the second year running. The 18-year-old winger, already a mainstay for club and country, edged out fierce competition to scoop the award, which recognises the world’s best player under 21. Yamal’s dazzling performances were central to Barcelona’s LaLiga triumph last season, while his pace, flair and goals helped Spain surge to the Nations League final. His consistency at such a young age has sparked comparisons with football’s greatest prodigies. Retaining the award places Yamal among an elite group…

Paris St-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele has won the Ballon d’Or, the award for the best player in the world, for the first time. The 28-year-old France forward scored 35 goals and made 14 assists in 53 matches for PSG last season as they won the treble, including their first Champions League. He was the joint top scorer in Ligue 1, with 21 goals, and named the French top flight and Champions League player of the year. And he also helped PSG to the Club World Cup final where they lost to Chelsea in New Jersey. Dembele, who beat Barcelona teenager Lamine…

US President Donald Trump has sid a proclamation imposing an annual $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications. The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa classification in the United States that allows employers to hire foreign workers in specialised fields like medicine, tech, and engineering. H-1B visas, which currently costs employers around $1,500 in administrative fees, are valid for three to six years. The new policy is expected to significantly affect Nigerian professionals, particularly doctors, who often rely on the programme to secure employment in the US. Howard Lutnick, US commerce secretary, said at a briefing on Friday that “all the big…

India has voiced concern over the United States’ decision to impose a hefty $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications, warning the move could disrupt skilled talent mobility, stifle innovation, and cause humanitarian strain for families. US President Donald Trump signed the proclamation on Friday, dramatically raising costs from the current $1,500 administrative fee. The H-1B visa allows American firms to employ foreign professionals in specialised roles, with Indians making up 71% of beneficiaries in 2024. Responding to the move, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said New Delhi is “studying the implications” of the measure. He…

Nigeria’s Falconets defeated Rwanda 1-0 in the first leg of their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup second round, first leg qualifying tie in Kigali on Sunday. Alaba Olabiyi netted the decisive goal for Nigeria 20 minutes from time. Olabiyi nodded home Miracle Usani’s corner-kick after she was left unmarked inside the box. Moses Aduku’s side failed to add to their advantage despite created more chances in the game. The second leg will hold at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasinga, Ibadan next week Sunday. A draw will be enough for the Falconets to secure their passage into the next round.