Author: Opalim Lifted

Funke Akindele has criticised the management of Air Peace for allegedly leaving passengers stranded at London Gatwick Airport in the United Kingdom after a prolonged delay with little to no communication. In a post on X on Friday, Akindele said the airline initially informed passengers of a delay caused by a “bird strike” but failed to provide further updates or adequate support afterwards. The 48-year-old filmmaker described how passengers, including elderly individuals, had been waiting since 6:30 a.m., growing increasingly fatigued and exhausted without clear information. “Air Peace, this is unacceptable. Passengers (including elderly people) have been stranded since 6:30…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed June 20 for the conduct of by-elections in six states. Joash Amupitan, INEC chairman, relayed this at a ceremony held at the INEC headquarters in Abuja to receive Jamila Malafa, the new national commissioner who was sworn in on Thursday. He said the by-elections will be conducted alongside the Ekiti governorship election scheduled for the same date. He said the elections will cover senatorial vacancies in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Ondo states, as well as a State House of Assembly seat in Kebbi and a House of Representatives seat in Kano. “We…

The United States is considering a major shift in its relationship with Nigeria, with lawmakers proposing to withhold half of the country’s aid unless clear progress is made on security and accountability. The move, backed by the US House Appropriations Committee, forms part of the Fiscal Year 2027 foreign assistance budget and reflects mounting concern in Washington over persistent violence across Africa’s most populous nation. Aid tied to performance At the heart of the proposal is a strict condition: Nigeria must demonstrate “effective steps” in tackling insecurity, protecting civilians, and prosecuting those responsible for attacks before 50 per cent of…

The City Boy Movement has suspended Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, the South-West zonal coordinator of the women’s wing of the movement, following a wanted notice published by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). On Monday, the EFCC declared Tejuosho wanted over an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence. The anti-graft agency said Tejuosho, 41, is wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation into fraud-related offences. Tejuosho had previously been on the EFCC’s radar over an alleged appointment and contract scam. In June 2025, the commission interrogated her following complaints that she obtained money from victims under the guise…

China has thrown open its vast market to Africa, launching a sweeping zero-tariff policy that could reshape trade flows across the continent. From Friday, imports from 53 African countries including Nigeria will enter China duty-free, provided they maintain diplomatic ties with Beijing. The policy, which runs until April 30, 2028, is designed to deepen economic cooperation and give African exports a stronger foothold in one of the world’s largest consumer markets. The initiative traces back to commitments made under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Changsha declaration, where China pledged to expand access for African goods while tightening broader…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, the south-west zonal coordinator of the women’s wing of the City Boy Movement (CBM), wanted over an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence. In a recent notice issued, the anti-graft agency said Tejuosho, 41, is wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation into fraud-related offences. According to the EFCC, Tejuosho is an indigene of Lagos State, with her last known address listed as House A26, Aso Grove Estate, Maitama Extension, Abuja. The commission called on anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact its offices across…

The United Kingdom has increased its national terrorism threat level from “substantial” to “severe” following an antisemitic stabbing in north London. The move, announced by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC), means an attack is now considered highly likely. The decision follows a violent incident in Golders Green, where two Jewish men were stabbed. Police have since declared the attack a terrorist incident and say it forms part of a wider pattern of threats against the Jewish community. Security minister Dan Jarvis said the upgrade was not based on a single event alone, but also reflected a broader rise in…

For millions of Nigerian bank customers, a simple change of phone number may soon become a lifelong decision. Under a new Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) policy taking effect from May 1, 2026, the phone number linked to a Bank Verification Number (BVN) can only be updated once in a lifetime—a move regulators say is designed to strengthen security but which critics warn could create new barriers for everyday banking. The policy has sparked concern among account holders who fear it could trap them with outdated contact details, especially in cases of phone theft, SIM loss, or when changing service…

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on his birthday, commending his performance and reform-driven leadership in public service. In a statement issued by the State House on Friday, the President described Tunji-Ojo as a focused and disciplined public servant whose tenure has been marked by a strong sense of responsibility to Nigerians. Tinubu noted that the minister has played a key role in advancing reforms within the Interior Ministry, particularly in improving institutional efficiency and strengthening coordination among agencies. He said these efforts are critical to delivering more transparent and accountable government services. The President…

President Bola Tinubu has warned that rising insecurity and deepening poverty now pose a direct threat to Nigeria’s economy, jobs, and national stability, describing both crises as urgent national emergencies. Speaking through George Akume at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Eagle Square, Abuja, the president said his administration is responding with speed under its Renewed Hope agenda. “There cannot be decent work where workers fear for their lives, where wages cannot feed a family, or where insecurity disrupts farms, factories and markets,” Tinubu said. ‘Hydra-headed challenges’ hitting workers, economy The president described insecurity and poverty as “hydra-headed challenges” that…