Author: Opalim Lifted

Usman Dakingari, former Kebbi governor, was likely excited when the presidency announced his name on Thursday as the ambassador-designate to Turkey — one week before President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled visit to the foreign country. But less than one hours after announcing Dakingari’s ambassadorial posting, presidency made a U-turn. In a statement released Friday by the State House, Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, said no ambassador has been appointed to Turkey. The presidency did not give a reason for the sudden change. Other ambassadorial postings on the list — Kayode Are (US), Ayodele Oke (France), and Amin Dalhatu (UK) — were ratified.…

The presidency, on Thursday, listed Usman Dakingari, former governor of Kebbi, as an ambassador-designate to Turkey despite his name not appearing on the list of nominees confirmed by the senate. The presidency had on Thursday evening announced the posting of four ambassador-designates, among whom was Dakingari, saying the appointments were made “out of the 68 confirmed by the Senate last December”. ”. Kayode Are, former director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS), was appointed Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to the United States. Ayodele Oke, former director-general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), was posted to France; Amin Dalhatu, former ambassador to…

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has attributed Friday’s national grid collapse to a system-wide disturbance triggered by the tripping of multiple 330kV transmission lines and the disconnection of some generating units. According to NISO data, load allocation to the 11 electricity distribution companies dropped to zero megawatts (MW) at about 1:00 pm, marking the first grid collapse of 2026. In a statement issued after the incident, the operator said power generation fell to zero MW at approximately 12:40 pm, leading to a total outage across the interconnected power network. “Preliminary operational reports indicate that the disturbance was associated with…

The police special fraud unit (PSFU) in Lagos has invited the management of Secret Reporters, an online news publication. In an invitation letter dated January 19, 2026, and signed by Matthew Obiuwevbi, a deputy commissioner of police, on behalf of the commissioner of police, the PSFU said it is investigating a matter that requires clarification from the news organisation. “This Unit is investigating a case in which the need to obtain certain clarifications from you has become imperative,” the letter reads. “This i s a fact-finding investigation which is pursuant to the investigative powers conferred on the Nigeria Police Force…

Nigeria has emerged as the single largest driver of West Africa’s booming diesel imports from India, accounting for 63 per cent of the country’s daily diesel needs despite repeated policy pledges to boost local refining. Diesel shipments from India into West Africa have surged to record levels, underlining the region’s deepening dependence on overseas refined fuel. Data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) show that Nigeria’s local refineries supply only about 6.1 million litres of diesel per day, far below estimated daily demand of roughly 17 million litres. According to the regulator, the Dangote Refinery contributes…

Diesel imports from India into West Africa have surged to record levels, underlining the region’s deepening dependence on foreign refined fuel despite years of policy pledges to boost local refining capacity. Latest data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) show that Nigeria still imports about 63 per cent of its diesel needs, even with new refineries coming on stream. Dangote, Waltersmith, Edo and Aradel refineries together supply just 6.1 million litres per day, far below estimated daily demand of around 17 million litres. Shipping data from S&P Global Commodity at Sea reveal that Indian diesel exports…

Gospel singer Alayo Melody has opened up about the circumstances surrounding the death of popular singer Bunmi Akinnanu, popularly known as Omije Ojumi. In a video on Instagram, Melody said that plans to fly her to India for medical treatment were halted because she was too weak to fly. Alayo explained it took over three attempts to get visa approval but by then doctors had already declared her unfit to travel. He expressed gratitude to those who supported Omije Ojumi during the illness, mentioning Prophet Sam Ojo and Prophet Taiwo Ojo, who covered the costs of her visa processing and…

The recent online clash between Afrobeats star Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, and Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has reopened old conversations among music fans. The debate centres on influence, legacy and how much of Fela’s spirit can still be heard in today’s sound. As the exchange played out across social media, many listeners returned to Wizkid’s catalogue. They began placing it side by side with the works of the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti. Beyond the online argument, fans have pointed out that several of Wizkid’s records carry musical elements that feel familiar. Not copying, but similarities in rhythm,…

Tigran Gambaryan, the former Binance executive detained in Nigeria for almost eight months in 2024, has taken a swipe at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), questioning its ability to uncover large-scale financial fraud. Gambaryan was reacting to the EFCC’s claim that Nigerian banks, fintech firms and microfinance institutions enabled widespread fraud amounting to N18.7 billion by failing to conduct basic customer due diligence. In a blunt post on Friday, the former head of financial crime compliance at Binance said the anti-graft agency would struggle to spot fraud even if it was obvious. “EFCC couldn’t detect widespread fraud if…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has accused banks, fintech firms and microfinance institutions of fuelling large-scale fraud by failing to carry out basic customer due diligence. The allegation was recently made in Abuja by Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC director of public affairs, during a media briefing on investigations into two major fraud schemes that affected more than 900,000 Nigerians. Uwujaren said EFCC findings revealed that a “new generation bank”, six fintech companies and several microfinance banks compromised standard banking procedures, allowing fraud proceeds to be converted into digital assets and moved to “safe destinations” without triggering red flags. According…