Author: Opalim Lifted

Canada has closed the pathway for international students to convert their study permits into permanent residency under its latest immigration policies. This new regulation mandates that international students return to their home countries upon the expiration of their study visas in Canada, signaling an end to policies that allowed non-citizens with study permits to transition into permanent residency. The North American country is also terminating the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program and halting asylum claims tied to such immigration pathways. Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, confirmed this development during an interview on Tuesday, where he discussed the nation’s immigration policies…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a set of recommendations on how to make the reforms acceptable and supported by the populace in light of the frustrations that the general public in Nigeria and several other Sub-Saharan African nations going through economic reforms are experiencing. The IMF, in its latest Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa report, noted that the countries involved in deep reforms including Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia and Kenya, may now be experiencing what it called ‘adjustment fatigue’ while some are facing civil resistance. Nigeria, for instance, has recorded multiple civil unrests and labour shutdowns following disenchantment…

President Bola Tinubu has restructured the State House media and communications team in a bid to improve the effectiveness of the federal government’s communication apparatus. The shake-up involves the re-designation of key officials. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, explained that the changes align with the administration’s goal of streamlining how policies and decisions are disseminated to the public. “These appointments underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the Presidency,” Onanuga stated. In the realignment, Sunday Dare, who was previously designated as Special Adviser on Public Communication and National Orientation, will now…

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 governorship election in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has been arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), his party has disclosed. The PDP Publicity Secretary in Ogun State, Kayode Adebayo, confirmed the arrest and detention of Adebutu in a statement he released in Abeokuta on Monday. According to him, Adebutu was reportedly invited for questioning allegedly in connection with disturbance during the local government elections held last Saturday, November 16, 2024. “This is to inform the members of our great party, The Peoples Democratic Party that the leader of…

Ademola Lookman has made the final five-man shortlist for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year. CAF released the final shortlist for the prestigious award on Monday. The other nominees are Simon Adingra, Achraf Hakimi, Rowen Williams and Serhou Guirassy. Lookman’s international teammate, Stanley Nwabali, is also in the final shortlist for the Goalkeeper of the Year. The Super Eagles are in contention for the National Team of the Year award. The award ceremony will hold in Morocco next month.

England captain Harry Kane says the 2026 FIFA World Cup may not be his last international tournament. The 31-year-old’s future remains uncertain, despite extending his all-time scoring record to 69 goals in 103 appearances for his country when he scored the opener in the 5-0 win against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday. England interim manager Lee Carsley benched Kane for the 3-0 victory in Greece on Thursday, while he was criticised for his performances at Euro 2024. But when asked if the next World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, would be his last…

Nigeria’s Super Eagles ended their campaign in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers with a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Rwanda. The Super Eagles, having already qualified for the tournament in Morocco, went ahead through Samuel Chukwueze in the 59th minute. The AC Milan attacker who replaced the misfiring Kelechi Iheanacho gave Nigeria the lead after a brilliant solo run into the visitor’s box before firing the ball into the net. The Amavubi of Rwanda, however, shocked everyone and even themselves as they came from one goal down to defeat the Super Eagles 2-1 at the Godswill…

A former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo has faulted the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, saying the country is becoming a “failing state”. Obasanjo spoke in his keynote address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum held at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. “The more the immorality and corruption of a nation, the more the nation sinks into chaos, insecurity, conflict, and disunity,” Obasanjo said during the event on Friday. “The failing state status of Nigeria is confirmed and glaringly indicated for all to see.” “As we can see and understand, Nigeria’s situation is bad. The more the immorality and corruption…

Nigerian singer Davido has pledged a sum of N300 million to be distributed to orphanages in Nigeria through his foundation. Davido announced his intentions via his official X account on Monday, saying, “Once again my birthday this year we donating to orphanages and a charity that helps young people stay away from drug abuse & addiction. This year is N300m. Details to follow soon ”. Davido founded the Davido Adeleke Foundation in 2022 with the help of other charitable organisations, in a bid to help vulnerable children. In July 2023, the singer announced the foundation donated over N200 million to…

The draw for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will hold on Friday, November 22 in Morocco. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced this on its official website on Sunday. The Mohammed VI Technical Centre in Sale, Morocco, will host the draw ceremony. Morocco will host the competition from July 5 to July 26, 2025. Nine-time champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, are among the 12 teams that have qualified for the competition. WAFCON 2024: FG hails Super Falcons qualification after Cape Verde victory Banyana Banyana of South Africa won the last edition of the competition in…