Author: Opalim Lifted

The Presidency has announced that Nigeria has seen an 81 per cent decline in terror-related deaths since 2015, crediting the achievement to intensified counter-insurgency operations and stronger collaboration among security agencies and local communities. In a statement shared via its official X handle on Sunday, the Presidency revealed that more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised in the past year, while over 124,000 fighters and their dependents surrendered to authorities. The government also reported that 2.1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned to their communities, aided by ongoing reconstruction under the Federal Government’s Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict.…

Nigerian street-pop sensation Habeeb Okikiola, famously known as Portable, has revealed plans to return to school to boost his understanding of music management and business operations. The Zazoo Zehh crooner disclosed this in a video posted on his Instagram page on Saturday, stressing that education is key to balancing fame with professionalism. Portable, who already holds a National Diploma from Kwara State Polytechnic, said he is determined to further his studies to strengthen his record label, Zeh Nation. “Even though I already have an OND, I still want to go back to school. I sponsor people and my children too,…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Professor Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “to urgently refer the allegations of vote buying and undue influence during the just concluded governorship elections in Anambra state to appropriate anti-corruption agencies and the police for investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators and their sponsors.” SERAP urged him to “work closely with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the police to identify, name and shame the suspected perpetrators and their sponsors and ensure their effective…

The leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has advised President Bola Tinubu to seek divine intervention rather than rely on technology in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges. In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, the cleric said the current crisis facing the Tinubu administration is the fulfilment of a prophecy he gave in 2023, warning that “nemesis” would fight his government if he emerged victorious. Primate Ayodele linked the recent diplomatic tension between Nigeria and the United States, following alleged comments by US President Donald Trump, to what he described as “spiritual retribution” against…

Hundreds of Muslim groups and their supporters took to the streets of Kano on Saturday to protest against US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks accusing Nigeria of permitting a “Christian genocide” and hinting at possible military intervention. Videos circulating online showed demonstrators waving placards bearing Trump’s image while chanting anti-US slogans. Many of the placards read, “There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria.” The peaceful march, which started from the Kano Central Mosque and moved through Sabon Gari, was monitored by security personnel. Protesters described Trump’s comments as “false and dangerous,” warning they could deepen Nigeria’s fragile religious divides. Trump…

Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has secured a decisive second term as Anambra State governor after sweeping all 21 local government areas in Saturday’s election. Announcing the results at the collation centre in Awka on Sunday, the returning officer, Edoma Omoregie, declared Soludo winner with 422,664 votes. His closest rival, Nicholas Ukachukwu, polled 99,445 votes, while Labour Party’s George Moghalu finished third with 10,576 votes. Jude Ezenwafor of the PDP came fourth with 1,401 votes. The off-cycle election was marred by logistical delays, low voter turnout, and widespread vote buying, according to journalists and observers.…

Matthijs de Ligt scored an equaliser deep into stoppage time to earn Manchester United a point in a Premier League thriller at Tottenham. In an astonishing climax to a game the visitors seemed to have control of, Brazilian striker Richarlison appeared to have won the game for Tottenham when he flicked Wilson Odobert’s long-range shot past Senne Lammens. But in the last of six minutes of injury time, with keeper Lammens up for a Manchester United corner, De Ligt found the net from an acute angle to give his side a point. There were disbelieving looks from both sides at…

As voting preparations got underway in Awka, Anambra State, a group of energetic youths were seen playing football near the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) polling units at Awka 2, Ward 6, on Saturday morning. While INEC officials busied themselves arranging election materials and setting up polling booths, the impromptu football match caught the attention of early voters waiting for the process to commence. The relaxed atmosphere stood in stark contrast to the high-stakes nature of the election. Today’s poll is a crucial moment for Anambra. The outcome will determine whether Governor Charles Soludo consolidates his reformist agenda or faces…

Residents of Anambra State have expressed mixed reactions as voters head to the polls today under tight security. While some praised the organisation of the exercise, others voiced concern over the overwhelming presence of security personnel across the state. The Nigeria Police Force initially deployed 45,000 officers to monitor the election but increased the figure to 55,000 on the eve of the poll. This number excludes operatives from other security agencies drafted to ensure peace in the state. On Friday, long convoys of buses carrying police officers were seen in Awka, the state capital, heading to their respective duty posts.…

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the 2025 CAF Awards will be held in Rabat, Morocco, on Tuesday, 19 November. In a statement published on its website on Friday, the continental football body said the ceremony, scheduled for 7 p.m. local time (same as Nigerian time), will recognise Africa’s most outstanding footballers, coaches, clubs, and national teams over the past year. Nigeria will feature prominently at the event, with several players shortlisted in key categories. Reigning African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, will look to retain his title, having been named among the nominees for the…