Author: Opalim Lifted

The Senate has tentatively fixed March 17, 2026, for the final consideration and passage of the ₦58.47 trillion federal budget, setting the stage for the conclusion of weeks of legislative scrutiny. The decision was taken on Friday during a special session of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, which also unveiled a detailed timetable for the budget review process. According to the schedule, February 2 to 13 has been earmarked for the consideration of budget estimates by standing committees, while a public hearing will hold on February 9 to allow stakeholders contribute to the process. Chairman of the committee, Solomon Adeola,…

Former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello is standing trial before Justice Emeka Nwite on a 19-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The charges border on money laundering amounting to ₦80.24 billion. The EFCC alleges that funds belonging to Kogi State local governments were channelled through private companies and individuals using several bank accounts. The seventh prosecution witness, Olomotane Egoro, an Access Bank compliance officer, told the court that multiple cash deposits were made into private accounts in Lokoja. He said all deposits were below ₦10 million, the threshold that requires banks to file Currency Transaction Reports…

Moniepoint Microfinance Bank Limited has filed a major debt recovery suit against Alerzo Limited over an alleged N4.38 billion loan default. The Federal High Court in Lagos has already granted interim orders freezing the defendants’ bank accounts pending the determination of the case. KEY DETAILS OF THE LAWSUIT The suit was instituted by Moniepoint Microfinance Bank Limited against Alerzo Limited, its Managing Director, three loan guarantors and an affiliated foreign company. The defendants include Opaleye Adewale Adesina, Opaleye Bukola Modinat, Dauda Hakeem Omotayo Taiwo and Alerzo Pte Limited. The bank is seeking to recover a total sum of N4,381,662,054.47. LOAN…

Real Madrid, who lost to Benfica on Wednesday, will play the Portuguese club again in next month’s Champions League knockout playoffs, while holders Paris St Germain will face fellow Ligue 1 side Monaco after the draw took place on Friday. Teams ranked ninth to 24th in the league phase of the Champions League were drawn against each other in two-legged ties to be played between February 17-25. The winners join the top-eight teams from the league phase in the round of 16. Benfica keeper Anatoliy Trubin scored in the 98th minute to wrap up a 4-2 win over Real in…

Across Nigeria, a familiar sight lines major roads: cassava, rice, maize and beans spread under the open sun. What looks like a harmless tradition is now raising serious concerns among health experts. As vehicles speed past, thick dust settles on food meant for dinner tables. Goats and chickens walk freely across drying produce. Beneath it all, bare earth introduces bacteria and fungi invisible to the eye. Environmental health specialists warn that roadside dust carries exhaust fumes, oil residues and heavy metals. Once absorbed into food, these pollutants accumulate in the body over time, silently damaging organs. Nutritionists say animal contact…

As the 2027 elections approach, Nigeria’s political landscape is seeing a familiar shift. Children of influential politicians are stepping into the spotlight, fuelling renewed debate about political dynasties, access to power, and opportunities for outsiders. From youth mobilisation to quiet constituency groundwork, these moves suggest early positioning ahead of the next general elections. Tinubu’s Son: Seyi Tinubu Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, is redefining political influence without contesting office. Rather than seek an elective role, he is focusing on youth mobilisation and grassroots engagement. He has emerged as a key link between government and young Nigerians. His work…

In the end, it was Benfica keeper Anatoliy Trubin scoring in the 98th minute against Real Madrid that finally decided the make up of the Champions League knockouts on a night that delivered high-drama, roller-coaster action and vindication for UEFA. At the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City fans were glued to their phones, knowing a late Madrid goal would have shoved City out of the top eight places and into the playoff mire. By the same token, Benfica were heading out of the competition altogether until that final goal in a 4-2 win saw them sneak into the playoffs and ended…

The Europa League league phase concluded on Thursday, confirming the 24 clubs that will continue their European journey and setting the stage for a decisive knockout run-in. Eight teams finished at the top of the table to secure automatic qualification to the round of 16, avoiding the extra hurdle of the play-offs. French side Olympique Lyonnais topped the standings, edging out Aston Villa, who impressed to finish second. Denmark’s Midtjylland and Spain’s Real Betis also claimed direct passage, alongside Portuguese duo Porto and Braga. Germany’s Freiburg and Italy’s AS Roma completed the elite top eight. Clubs ranked ninth to 16th…

Aston Villa fought back from 2-0 down to beat Red Bull Salzburg and finish second in the Europa League league phase, but Ollie Watkins was forced off to compound their injury issues. Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba’s first senior goal earned a late victory for the hosts, who had already qualified for the last 16, at Villa Park. Karim Konate and Moussa Yeo had put the visitors in charge, before Morgan Rogers cut the deficit and Tyrone Mings levelled with 15 minutes remaining, then 19-year-old Jimoh-Aloba struck late on. However, striker Watkins came off with a hamstring problem and could now join the…

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, will deliver the inaugural Igbobi College Old Boys’ Association (ICOBA) Public Lecture as part of the activities commemorating the school’s 94th Founders’ Day celebration. The event is scheduled for February 2, 2026, at the Rev. Angus Memorial Hall, Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos. The day’s proceedings will feature a Founders’ Day communion service at 8:00 a.m. in the school chapel. Osinbajo, a distinguished alumnus of Igbobi College, will deliver an address on the theme: “Endowment as Legacy: Building Generational Strength for Educational Institutions in Nigeria.” The lecture will mark the official launch…