Author: Opalim Lifted

The Lagos state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has threatened to join the Medical Guild in an indefinite strike if the withheld salaries of doctors are not paid by August 25, 2025. In a communiqué released after an emergency general meeting (EGM) held over the weekend, the NMA expressed full support for the Medical Guild’s 21-day ultimatum to the state government. The guild is demanding the immediate refund of unauthorised deductions from doctors’ July salaries and complete payment of their August wages. The association also raised fresh concerns over the welfare of doctors at the Lagos University Teaching…

Bayo Ojulari, group chief executive officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company(NNPC), says international syndicates are involved in crude oil theft. The NNPC chief spoke on Monday at the 2025 African chiefs of defence staff summit. Ojulari said security forms a key pillar of the energy business and therefore, plays a very important and strategic role in achieving national, regional, continental, energy and security. “We have seen the benefits of the collaboration within the security space with significant improvements in our operating environment,” he said. “The dilapidating impact of crude theft, low pipeline availability, and attacks are issues that…

Nigeria is to witness a historic moment in healthcare on September 2, 2025, as former Heads of State, prominent leaders, top government officials and global experts would gather at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, for the grand unveiling of the Care365 Health Hub. The facility is a transformative healthcare innovation conceived in the United States and now set for launch in Nigeria.The event will be led by former Head of State cum Chief Host and Chairman of Care365 Health Hub, General Abdulsalami Abubakar. Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo is the chairman of the occasion, while the Coordinating Minister of…

Israeli airstrikes on a hospital in southern Gaza have killed at least 15 people, including four journalists working with international media outlets. The attack hit the Nasser Medical Complex on Monday morning, with officials confirming 14 fatalities before the BBC later reported the toll had risen to 15. Among the dead were Mohammad Salama, an Al Jazeera cameraman; Hussam Al-Masri, a Reuters contractor; Mariam Abu Dagga, who contributed to the Associated Press (AP) and other global outlets; and Moath Abu Taha, a freelance journalist. A Reuters live video feed, operated by Masri, cut off mid-broadcast during the strike. Another Reuters…

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has announced plans to review the pay of political, public, and judicial office holders—a move that has triggered fierce criticism across Nigeria. Speaking at a retreat in Kano, Chairman of the Remuneration and Monetisation Committee, Mohammed Usman, defended the exercise as necessary for the sustainability of Nigeria’s governance structure. He revealed that President Bola Tinubu currently earns ₦1.5 million monthly, while ministers receive less than ₦1 million—figures unchanged since 2008. Usman argued that the review, backed by the 1999 Constitution, was not just about raising figures but about ensuring affordability and long-term…

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed concern over the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission(RMAFC)’s proposed salary increase for political office holders, calling it insensitive and inequitable. Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja. Ajaero described the move as “insensitive, unjust, inequitable” and will only succeed in deepening the growing inequality between civil servants and political officeholders. “It will equally deepen poverty among the generality of Nigerians, majority of whom have not only been adjudged to be multi-dimensionally poor, live miserably poor,” he said. He, however, described the justification…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to immediately suspend the proposed pay increase for political and public office holders in Nigeria, calling it “patently unlawful and unconstitutional.” In a letter dated August 23, 2025, signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation asked the president to reject the imminent salary hike for the president, vice-president, governors, their deputies, and members of the National Assembly. SERAP also called on Vice President, governors, and lawmakers to refrain from endorsing the increase. “The RMAFC’s constitutional and…

Everton kicked off the Hill Dickinson Stadium era with an emphatic 2-0 Premier League win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday as Iliman Ndiaye netted the first goal at their new home. James Garner also scored and Jack Grealish contributed two assists in his first start for Everton. Fans were in buoyant mood at their new stadium on the River Mersey before Ndiaye, who also scored their last goal at Goodison Park, Everton’s home for 133 years, sparked bedlam when he tapped in Grealish’s cross in the 23rd minute. “It was very special. We are coming here to try…

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its recent successful operation against a cybercrime syndicate. In a statement signed by Bala Musa, its director of communication and media, the NOA described the feat as a clear signal that Nigeria would not condone criminal activities, regardless of the nationality of those involved. Earlier in the week, the EFCC announced that it repatriated 51 foreign nationals who were convicted and sentenced for cyberterrorism and internet fraud. The repatriated foreign nationals include 50 Chinese and one Tunisian, bringing the number of deported foreigners to 102…

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has officially declared Monday, August 25, 2025, as the first day of Rabi’ul Awwal 1447AH. The announcement, issued on Saturday, was conveyed through the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Junaidu. He explained that the decision followed consultations with the National Moon Sighting Committee and reports from moon sighting groups across the country, which confirmed that the new crescent moon was not observed on Saturday, August 23, 2025, corresponding to 29th Safar…