Author: Opalim Lifted

Nigerian Legendary artist, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has issued a public appeal, urging the public and his own family to immediately cease the dramatic controversy surrounding his marriage to Edo State lawmaker, Natasha Osawaru Idibia. In a recent viral video, the music icon sent a clear and direct message, urging fans and the public to stop spreading the drama and stressing that the situation had become dangerous for his partner, Natasha, following family interference that have escalated the matter to another level. 2Baba said, “This whole thing has gotten dangerously out of hand. I’m not just going to…

Justice D. E. Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has fixed 3 March 2026 for judgment in the high-profile N3.6 billion fraud case involving former Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Executive Director of Projects, Tuoyo Omatsuli. Omatsuli is on trial alongside Don Parker Properties Ltd, Francis Momoh and Building Associates Ltd on a 46-count amended charge covering conspiracy, gratification and money laundering. All defendants pleaded not guilty, opening the way for a full trial. During proceedings, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) called 16 witnesses and tendered 34 exhibits, including bank statements, property documents, corporate records…

President Bola Tinubu has approved the constitution of the boards of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). At UBEC, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, appointed in July, remains chairman of the board. The new appointments include Uchendu Ikechi Mbaegbulem to represent the South-East and Gift Ngo for the South-South. Other regional representatives are Mrs. Ibiwunmi Akinnola (South-West), Dr. Meiro Mandara (North-East), Dr. Abdu Imam Saulawa (North-West), and Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro (North-Central). The chairman and members will serve a four-year term in the first instance. Tinubu also confirmed earlier announcements…

United States President Donald Trump received the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize before the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The award has been introduced this year by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, designated for a person who has “taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace” and “united people across the world”. It was widely expected that Trump, who arrived at the ceremony with Infantino and has made several public appearances with him in recent months, would be the winner. That was confirmed at the ceremony in Washington DC on Friday. As well as receiving a large golden trophy, Trump was…

The draw for the 2026 World Cup takes place in Washington on Friday, with Donald Trump set to play a prominent role in a star-studded ceremony that will map out the path to glory for contenders at the first-ever 48-team finals. The most logistically complex World Cup in history will be held across North America from June 11 to July 19, with 16 additional teams added to the global showpiece, up from the 32 nations that competed in Qatar in 2022. Friday’s ceremony, which takes place at the Kennedy Center on the banks of the Potomac River from 1700 GMT,…

Sixteen members of the Rivers state house of assembly have announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Martin Awaewhule, speaker of the assembly, announced the defection during plenary on Friday. Amaewhule also disclosed that he would be joining his colleagues out of the PDP. “Distinguished colleagues, very happily, let me announce that your speaker has decided and has indeed written to my ward chairman of my decision to leave the PDP. APC is my new party,” Amaewhule said. “I will do all that is needed to be done towards ensuring that the…

The family of Innocent ‘2Baba’ Idibia has petitioned the inspector general of police, accusing his wife Natasha Osawuru of assault, bigamy and financial misappropriation. In a letter dated November 12, the Idibia family urged the police authorities to investigate a number of incidents they claim have caused the singer emotional distress, financial loss and reputational damage. The petition stated that the family received reports from 2Baba and witnesses alleging physical assault in the UK and Abuja, alongside claims that Natasha accessed and transferred funds from the singer’s phone and bank accounts without authorisation. The family also accused her of withholding…

President Bola Tinubu has forwarded a list of 68 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for approval, signalling a major reshuffle of Nigeria’s diplomatic corps. The list, read during Thursday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, comprises 34 career diplomats, 31 non-career appointees, and three candidates previously cleared by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. The President is seeking swift confirmation to enable Nigeria to fill several key foreign missions. According to the letter, the appointments aim to strengthen Nigeria’s international representation and reposition its diplomatic engagements. The Senate has referred the list to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, directing it…

Despite the consensus across the country on the establishment of state police, some voices are still attempting to reverse the hope-filled efforts toward the most sensible steps to tackle the seemingly intractable insecurity scourge threatening the nation. Those pushing back are relying on the same profitless arguments—what I have repeatedly called the same shibboleth, the same beaten track, the same old hat: that all Nigeria needs is increased funding, more training, and a larger numerical strength of the federal police under the current system. I sincerely hope President Bola Tinubu will not feel intimidated or back down. He is on…

President Bola Tinubu has nominated Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, immediate past sole administrator of Rivers state and former naval chief, as a non-career ambassador. Tinubu also named Ita Enang, the former senator; Chioma Ohakim, former Imo state first lady; and Abdulrahman Dambazau, former minister of interior and former chief of army staff, as non-career ambassadors Their names were absent from the earlier batch of ambassadorial nominees released by the presidency. Tinubu’s latest nominations were conveyed in a letter read on the floor of the senate by Godswill Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary. In the correspondence, the president urged lawmakers to give the…