Author: Opalim Lifted

The United States (US) has presented a set of pre-conditions to Venezuela’s interim government. Citing sources familiar with the matter, ABC News reported that the President Donald Trump administration demanded that Venezuela sever ties with China, Cuba, Russia, and Iran — with the last two countries among the world’s top 10 largest oil reserves. Second, Venezuela must agree to partner the US exclusively on crude production and favour America when selling heavy crude oil. Estimated at 303 billion barrels as of 2024, Venezuela is home to the largest known oil reserves. The US used to be the main buyer of…

The Niger police command says it has recovered an unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the Zugurma community, Mashegu LGA of the state. In a recent statement, Wasiu Abiodun, police spokesperson in Niger state, said the recovery followed a report received on Monday from the divisional police officer (DPO) of the Ibbi division. Abiodun said police operatives moved to the scene and cordoned off the area after residents spotted an object suspected to be a missile in a forest within the community. According to him, Adamu Elleman, commissioner of police in the state, ordered the deployment of personnel to the location, while…

The Federal government has attributed the industrial dispute with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to structural and policy issues rather than neglect. The doctors had announced that they would embark on a strike from January 12 in response to the government’s failure to fully address long-standing welfare and professional demands of resident doctors. Speaking recently at an AIT programme, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social welfare, said the ministry places high priority on maintaining industrial peace and ensuring uninterrupted healthcare delivery. “The ongoing standoff is driven by structural and policy issues rather than neglect,”…

Newcastle United forward Harvey Barnes scored an incredible 102nd-minute winner as his side ended Leeds United’s unbeaten run in an all-time Premier League classic. It looked like the teams were going to share the spoils after Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes scored a penalty to make it 3-3 in the first minute of stoppage time at St James’ Park. But there was still time for one final twist in a topsy-turvy game as Barnes fired home through a crowd of bodies to send the stadium into raptures. It was an emotional night as Newcastle supporters repeatedly sang the name of club…

Manchester United were denied victory in their first game since the sacking of head coach Ruben Amorim as relegation-threatened Burnley fought back to claim only their third point in 12 games. The visitors were on track to claim a comeback victory when striker Benjamin Sesko doubled his tally for the season with two goals in a 10-minute spell at the start of the second half – both thanks to precise first-time finishes. Ayden Heaven’s own goal had put Burnley in front at the break, and just as it looked as though they were heading for yet another defeat after Sesko’s…

Title challengers Aston Villa missed a chance to close the gap on Arsenal to three points as Crystal Palace’s injury-hit side earned a goalless draw at Selhurst Park. Palace have not won a league match in front of their home supporters since beating Brentford on 1 November, and their overall winless run extended to six Premier League games with this result. But after a dull start to the game, they looked the side more likely to find a winner. Brennan Johnson spurned chances either side of the break on his home debut, while Yeremy Pino forced Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot…

Erling Haaland returned to scoring form with his 150th Manchester City goal – but his side’s Premier League title challenge is falling apart, with Brighton holding them to a third consecutive draw. Pep Guardiola’s men have endured an underwhelming start to the year, with poor results and injuries to key players handing the initiative to Arsenal, who could go eight points clear at the top if they beat Liverpool on Thursday. Brighton were looking to capitalise on City’s makeshift backline and Pascal Gross found room to thump a header at goal which was clawed out by Gianluigi Donnarumma, with the…

New Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior watched from the stands as Harry Wilson’s fine finish condemned his team to defeat against west London rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage. Rosenior was not appointed in time to take charge but took a watching brief and may have feared the worst when Marc Cucurella was sent off early on. Chelsea fell behind to Raul Jimenez’s header after 55 minutes, but Liam Delap levelled from four yards when the ball bounced back to him off the left post from a corner, after Antonee Robinson almost headed into his own net. With nine minutes remaining,…

The United States (US) on Tuesday introduced a fresh round of travel restrictions targeting Nigerian travellers, including the requirement to post visa bonds of up to $15,000. The measures are part of a broader tightening of US entry rules and are intended to ensure compliance with visa conditions. The action comes a week after partial US travel restrictions on Nigeria took effect. What are visa bonds and how will they work against Nigerian travellers? Here is everything you need to know. WHAT ARE VISA BONDS? Visa bonds are financial guarantees required by some countries from certain foreign nationals applying for…

Popular Nigerian singers Simi and her husband, Adekunle Gold, have reportedly welcomed a set of twins. Adekunle Gold confirmed the development through his Snapchat page, where he hinted at the arrival of the babies. “Asked God for another child and He blessed me double,” he wrote, later adding a picture of two baby clothes with the inscription “Double Trouble,” on it to confirm the birth of the twins. Recall that in December 2025, the couple had announced they were expecting another child, a disclosure that attracted congratulatory messages online. Around the same period, Simi appeared with a visible baby bump…