Author: Opalim Lifted

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba is set to join a host of global celebrities in Istanbul for the official unveiling of Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen as a new Galatasaray signing. Osimhen, 26, will be presented as a full Galatasaray player just hours from now, following a high-profile switch from Napoli that brings his time in Serie A to a dramatic close. The Super Eagles striker was on fire last season while on loan at Gala, smashing home 37 goals in 41 appearances—form that made it impossible for the Turkish champions to let him go. Galatasaray secured the forward’s permanent signature in a…

Yemi Adaramodu, chairman of the senate committee on media and public affairs, says the upper chamber will not be dragged into what he described as “skit making” following the attempted return of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to plenary. Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, was suspended for six months in May after accusing Godswill Akpabio, senate president, of sexual harassment. On Tuesday, she attempted to resume legislative duties, citing a federal high court judgement in Abuja as the basis for her return. She was, however, denied entry into the national assembly complex. Appearing on Channels TV Politics Today later on Tuesday evening, Adaramodu…

The Federal High Court in Lagos has struck out a 13-count charge filed against Oba Otudeko, former chairman of First Bank of Nigeria (FBN). Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke struck out the charges on Wednesday following the withdrawal of the suit by Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In January, the EFCC had filed charges against Otudeko and three others over an alleged N30 billion loan fraud. The other defendants are Stephen Olabisi Onasanya, former Group Managing Director of FBN; Soji Akintayo, an ex-board member of Honeywell Flour Mills Plc; and Anchorage Limited, a company linked to…

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for the final of the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. The team defeated the Bayana Bayana of South Africa 2-1 in the semifinal on Tuesday at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco. ‎Michelle Alozie’s last-minute shot-cross was enough to see a tired Falcons over the spirited South Africans after both sides had exchanged penalty kicks converted by Rasheedat Ajibade and Lucy Matlhalo, respectively. South Africa, defending WAFCON champions, have been a formidable opposition for Nigeria, perennial WAFCON champions, and victory served as revenge for a group stage loss…

Electricity consumers in Enugu State classified under Band A are in for major relief as the state electricity regulator slashes power tariffs by nearly 24%, effective 1 August 2025. Under the new pricing, MainPower Electricity Distribution Ltd will charge Band A customers ₦160 per kilowatt-hour, down from the previous ₦209. The change follows a directive by the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) after a full review of operational costs using its 2024 Tariff Methodology Regulations. “This tariff reflects the actual cost of delivering power at the state level, thanks to ongoing federal subsidies for electricity generation,” said EERC Chairman,…

Telecommunications operators have resumed Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)-related services after two weeks of disruption. MTN Nigeria and Airtel announced the update recently on their social media platforms. The telcos attributed the initial service delays to issues related to access to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)’s verification platform. “We acknowledge the recent service disruptions affecting all SIM-related services and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience,” MTN said. “SIM swaps have now resumed. “We can confirm that NIMC services are fully operational and appreciate their support in the migration to a new platform for NIN verification services for the telecommunications industry. “If…

The United States embassy in Nigeria has warned that visa applicants who present fake documents will face a permanent entry ban from the US. In a statement issued via X on Monday, the embassy assured that “US government interagency efforts combat fraud and will end illegal immigration”. “Those who commit visa fraud will be banned from the United States for life,” the statement reads. “A nation without borders is not a nation.” Documents needed for a US visa application typically depend on the type of visa and personal circumstances. However, most applicants—especially for non-immigrant visas such as tourists, business travellers,…

Air Peace has announced plans to commence direct flights from Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to both Heathrow and Gatwick airports in London, United Kingdom, starting October 26, 2025. In a recent statement on its Facebook page, the airline said the new routes will provide Nigerian travelers with more convenient options. “The journey just got bigger and even better. We’re not just flying to London — we’re giving you more of London,” the statement read.  “Air Peace is now connecting Abuja to both Heathrow and Gatwick, expanding your options, your comfort, and your access to world-class travel.” On April 25,…

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, has claimed that she cannot pass her right of Nigerian citizenship to her children because of her gender. Badenoch spoke on Sunday in an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, attempting to contrast the immigration policies of Nigeria and Britain. In stressing her point, she claimed that Nigerians find it easier to secure a British citizenship than for foreigners to become Nigerian. “It’s virtually impossible, for example, to get Nigerian citizenship. 
I have that citizenship by virtue of my parents, I can’t give it to my children because I’m a woman,” she…

Muhammed Babangida, son of former military head of states Ibrahim Babangida (IBB), has officially accepted his appointment as chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA). On July 18, President Bola Tinubu appointed Babangida as chairman of BOA. According to a statement by Dada Olusegun, special assistant to the president on social media, Babangida confirmed his acceptance in a press release issued on Monday. The newly appointed chairman expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust reposed in him. Babangida also dismissed reports suggesting he had rejected the appointment, describing them as false and malicious. He said the claim was a…