Author: Opalim Lifted

Each time the name Ochanya Elizabeth Ogbanje resurfaces online, it rips open an old wound—a reminder of how Nigeria continues to fail its most vulnerable children. Ochanya was just 13 when she died in October 2018 after enduring five years of sexual abuse at the hands of her guardian, Andrew Ogbuja, and his son, Victor, in Benue State. The assaults left her with Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), a severe medical condition that caused her untold pain and humiliation before her death. Her heartbreaking video testimony, recorded shortly before she died, sparked the #JusticeForOchanya movement, a national outcry demanding justice and reform.…

The senate has confirmed the nomination of Bernard Doro as humanitarian minister. Tinubu nominated Doro in a letter forwarded to the senate for confirmation on October 21. Doro’s nomination follows the election of Nentawe Yilwatda as the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in July. Yilwatda and his wife were present in the senate chamber on Thursday to witness Doro’s screening. Doro responded to questions from Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi central, and Tahir Monhuno, senator representing Borno north. Doro said he would prioritise transparency and efficiency in humanitarian service delivery. Tinubu nominates Bernard Doro as humanitarian affairs minister “I will…

President Bola Tinubu decorated the service chiefs with new ranks at a symbolic ceremony held inside the council chambers of the State House on Thursday. Those decorated were Olufemi Oluyede, chief of defence staff; Waidi Shaibu, chief of army staff; Idi Abass, chief of naval staff; Kevin Aneke, chief of air ataff; and Emmanuel Undiendeye, chief of defence intelligence. The president performed the ceremony in the presence of top government officials and security chiefs, assisted by the spouses of the newly promoted officers. Vice President Kashim Shettima, Godswill Akpabio, the senate president; and Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of…

President Bola Tinubu’s decision to withdraw pardons granted to convicted drug traffickers, arms dealers and other serious offenders has ignited a wider debate about what critics call his government’s growing pattern of “governance by reversal.” The backlash erupted after Tinubu rescinded clemency previously approved under the presidential prerogative of mercy, following public outrage over names included in the initial list. The move, which came days after Nigerians condemned the blanket pardon as reckless, has prompted questions about decision-making at the highest levels of government. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the President acted…

Premier League leaders Arsenal will take on FA Cup holders Crystal Palace in one of the standout ties of the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. The clash at the Emirates promises fireworks, with both sides chasing silverware before Christmas. Elsewhere, League One side Cardiff City – the only non-Premier League club left in the competition – will host Chelsea in what could be a fairytale night for the Welsh side. Defending champions Newcastle United will welcome Fulham to St James’ Park, while Manchester City, eight-time winners of the competition, will face Brentford at the Etihad. The quarter-final fixtures are scheduled for the…

Arne Slot’s line-up gamble backfired as a much-changed Liverpool lost at home to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup last 16 – the Reds’ sixth defeat in seven games. Slot named three teenagers in his starting line-up and a further five among his substitutes as he made 10 changes from the team that was beaten 3-2 at Brentford on Saturday. But poor defending allowed Palace’s Ismaila Sarr to score twice in a four-minute spell at the end of the first half to take the game away from the hosts, before Yeremy Pino added a late third with a low curled…

Chelsea survived a late scare in a Carabao Cup last-16 victory at Wolves, where a mutinous atmosphere against manager Vitor Pereira and the club’s ownership morphed into hopes of a dream fightback. First-half goals from Andrey Santos, Tyrique George and Estevao Willian helped the Blues into the quarter-finals, despite a chaotic second half in which Tolu Arokodare scored once and David Moller Wolfe scored twice for Wolves, with Chelsea’s Jamie Gittens settling the tie. Returning striker Liam Delap, who came on to the pitch in the 60th minute after 10 weeks out, was sent off late on for two yellow…

Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka scored second-half goals as a youthful Arsenal side beat Brighton to reach the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. Mikel Arteta named 15-year-old Max Dowman, who became the youngest Arsenal player to start a match, and 17-year-old Andre Harriman-Annous in a side that had 10 changes from the team that beat Crystal Palace on Sunday. And it was two of Arsenal’s other young players who combined to give the Gunners the lead in the 57th minute. Mikel Merino played Myles Lewis-Skelly into the area with a clever backheel and the defender pulled the ball back for…

A pair of headers from Fabian Schar and Nick Woltemade sent holders Newcastle United into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at the expense of Tottenham Hotspur. Tottenham have hurt a number of sides with their aerial ability this season, particularly at set-plays, but the much-changed hosts gave Thomas Frank’s team a taste of their own medicine at St James’ Park. Newcastle took the lead midway through the first half when Schar easily rose above Lucas Bergvall to head them in front from Sandro Tonali’s corner. Spurs players protested to referee Chris Kavanagh as Tonali took the corner just as defender Djed…

Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki scored late goals as Manchester City came from behind to win at Swansea City and book a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. Goncalo Franco’s memorable strike had given the Championship side an early lead but Jeremy Doku’s deflected effort brought Pep Guardiola’s team level before the break. Manchester City, eight-time winners of this competition, dominated after the break and eventually broke Swansea’s resistance when Marmoush lashed home after Cherki’s through-ball 13 minutes from time. France international Cherki, who like Marmoush was back afer injury, sealed victory in added time as his low shot rolled…