Author: Opalim Lifted

The body of former President Muhammadu Buhari has departed London, United Kingdom, for Katsina state ahead of his burial. He served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. He died on Sunday in a clinic in London, United Kingdom (UK), after a prolonged illness. The former president will be buried today at his hometown in Daura, Katsina. According to the footage aired by Channels TV, Buhari’s body was airlifted by the Nigerian presidential aircraft in London on Tuesday morning. The body of the former president was initially…

President Bola Tinubu will personally receive the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari when they arrive in Katsina on Tuesday. Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, announced the arrangement during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday. Idris said Buhari’s remains are expected to arrive by noon and would be received at the airport with a brief military ceremony. The minister added that after the reception in Katsina, the body would be transported to Daura, Buhari’s hometown, for the funeral prayer and interment at the late president’s residence. He also disclosed that Tinubu has approved a state burial…

Segun Odegbami, a former Nigerian international, says Kadiri Ikhana, an ex-teammate, is “critically ill”. The former Green Eagles winger revealed Ikhana’s health situation in a Facebook post on Monday. Odegbami and Ikhana were members of the Eagles squad that won Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1980. Odegbami said his former teammate has been “transferred to Irrua Specialist Teaching hospital, Auchi, Edo State, for more intensive investigation and immediate blood transfusion in order to save his life”. He added that Austin Braimoh, a former chairman of the South-South Police Service Commission, has been the one footing the…

The special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari has been postponed. The emergency session, summoned by President Bola Tinubu, was initially scheduled for Tuesday. The postponement is due to a clash with the state funeral for Buhari, which will be held in Daura, Katsina state, on the same day. Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on media and strategy, said the remains of the former president will arrive in Nigeria tomorrow afternoon. “In addition, the federal government has declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday in honour of the departed Nigerian leader,” he…

Kadiri Ikhana, a revered former Super Eagles defender and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion, is battling for his life at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Auchi, Edo State. The 68-year-old legend, affectionately known as “Kawawa”, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and is currently undergoing emergency blood transfusions and intensive care. His health reportedly deteriorated rapidly, prompting his transfer from a previous facility. News of his worsening condition was shared by ex-international and former captain, Segun Odegbami, on Monday morning. Austin Braimoh, former Chairman of the South-South Police Service Commission, is currently footing Ikhana’s escalating…

Cole Palmer inspired a stunning Chelsea performance as they downed European champions Paris St-Germain (PSG) to win the first edition of the newly expanded Club World Cup. The England attacking midfielder scored twice and set up a brilliant third goal for new signing Joao Pedro in a comprehensive 3-0 win over in-form PSG at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Palmer, 23, placed a low shot past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 22nd minute after Malo Gusto ran in behind Nuno Mendes, adding a second with an identical shot from the edge of the box just eight minutes later. Palmer’s…

Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, has died at the age of 91. The monarch passed away on Sunday, just hours after the announcement of the death of Muhammadu Buhari, his longtime friend and former president. A statement by Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun state, described the monarch’s passing as a monumental loss not only to Ijebuland but to Nigeria as a whole. Abiodun described the coincidence as “double sadness”, noting the deep friendship between the two elder statesmen. “Oba Adetona joined his ancestors today at the age of 91, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that has significantly shaped…

President Bola Tinubu has announced the death of his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari. According to a statement released by the Presidency on Friday, Buhari passed away in London at approximately 4:30 p.m. after a prolonged illness. Tinubu has since spoken with the former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, to express his condolences. In swift and solemn response to the development, Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria. The President also ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the late leader. Buhari served as…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Vice-President Kashim Shettima to travel to London and accompany the body of late president Muhammadu Buhari back to Nigeria. He also directed that national flags be flown at half-staff “as a mark of respect for the departed leader”. In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, Tinubu confirmed that Buhari died in London around 4.30pm on Sunday. “President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep condolences,” Onanuga said. “President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany…

President Bola Tinubu has described Wole Soyinka, nobel laureate, as an “uncommon patriot” on the occasion of the playwright’s 91st birthday. In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to the president, Tinubu lauded the playwright as a well-decorated “literary giant, activist, and public intellectual”. The president described the literary giant’s influence in education, human rights movements, cultural diplomacy, and nation-building as source of inspiration to Nigerians. Tinubu said he values his relationship with the professor in advancing the progress and development of Nigeria. He also wished the Nobel Laureate good health and sound mind as…