Author: Opalim Lifted

Passengers aboard an Air Peace flight had a moment of concern on Sunday morning after the aircraft veered off the runway shortly after landing at Port Harcourt International Airport. Flight P47190, which departed Lagos for Port Harcourt, experienced what the airline described as a “runway excursion” following a safe touchdown. In a statement signed by spokesperson Osifo-Whiskey Efe, the airline confirmed that the aircraft “veered slightly off the runway without any damage,” adding that all passengers disembarked safely and without injury. Air Peace reassured the public of its strict adherence to safety protocols, emphasising that no harm was done and…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) over its failure to account for N825 billion and $2.5 billion allegedly allocated for refinery rehabilitation and other oil-related expenditures. The legal action, marked FHC/L/MISC/722/25, was filed on Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos. SERAP said it was acting on the basis of the 2021 audited report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, which was released to the public on 27 November 2024. The report raised concerns that large sums of public funds earmarked for critical oil sector operations…

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued a directive barring the use of its pulpits and platforms for political rhetoric. In a memo shared on social media and signed by Korede Akintunde, its director of communication, the church said it had released new guidelines for all parishes on how to receive politicians and public figures. The directive, dated July 11, followed an “episcopal” consultation held in the diocese of Nike, Enugu state, and was signed by Henry Ndukuba, primate of the Anglican Church. “In light of the recent developments that have raised concerns about the use of church services…

Sunday Musa, a Catholic priest, has been abducted by suspected armed bandits in Samunaka, a rural community near Babanna in Borgu LGA of Niger state. According to Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication, the incident occurred around 4:00 am on Friday when gunmen attacked the village. Eyewitnesses cited by the publication said the attackers, estimated to be about 20 in number, arrived Samunaka and began shooting before whisking the cleric away to an unknown location. The Niger state police command confirmed the abduction, saying it received a distress alert from the officer-in-charge of the Babanna police outstation. In response, tactical police…

Iga Swiatek of Poland has delivered a masterclass performance to defeat Amanda Anisimova, her American opponent, in straight sets (6-0, 6-0) and secure her first Wimbledon women’s singles title. The one-sided final, played Saturday evening on centre court at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, marked Swiatek sixth Grand Slam victory and her maiden triumph at the prestigious grass-court tournament. The eighth-seeded Pole’s flawless display earned her the Venus Rosewater Dish, making her the first Polish player in the Open Era (since 1968) to win the Wimbledon singles title. Agnieszka Radwańska (2012) had previously been the only Polish…

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has assured voters of a smooth, transparent, and credible local government election today, with all systems go across the state’s 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs. Addressing the public ahead of the exercise, LASIEC Chairman, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (Rtd), reaffirmed the commission’s readiness and commitment to a peaceful, inclusive and law-abiding election process. “This is to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to delivering a free, fair, credible, inclusive, and peaceful Local Government election,” she declared. A total of 57 Chairmanship, 57 Vice Chairmanship, and 376 Councillorship positions are up for grabs, with elections taking place…

Lagos state has commenced its long-awaited LGA election as officials of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) began arriving at polling units early Saturday morning. At PU 008, Ward F, Iyalla, Ikeja, LASIEC officials were sighted setting up materials as of 7:59 a.m., marking the official start of the polls scheduled to hold across the 20 local government areas (LGAs) and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs) in the state. The voters already hanging around some polling units getting ready to cast their votes, according to TheCables. The exercise, however, is unfolding amid a cloud of uncertainty and criticism,…

Liverpool are to retire the number 20 shirt in honour of forward Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash along with his brother Andre Silva. The Reds took the decision after consulting with Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso and his family which means the Portugal international “will forever be Liverpool’s number 20”. A Liverpool statement, external said the number “will be retired in honour and memory of Diogo across all levels”, including the women’s team and throughout the academy. They added: “The move is recognition of not only the immeasurable contribution our lad from Portugal made to the Reds’…

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish says the decision to remove Crystal Palace from the Europa League next season is “the biggest injustice in the history of football”. The Eagles were ordered on Friday to compete in the Conference League by UEFA for breaching multi-club ownership rules. American businessman John Textor owns a stake in Palace and is also the majority owner of French club Lyon, who have also qualified for the Europa League. “We’re devastated,” Parish told Sky Sports. “It’s a bad day for football. It’s a terrible injustice. I do believe nobody want to see this. I don’t think…

Russia has offered to increase its annual scholarship quota for Nigerian students beyond the current 220, pending collaboration with the ministry of education. The offer was made in Abuja during a recession meeting between the Russian embassy and the ministry of art, culture, tourism and the creative economy. A statement issued by Nneka Anibeze, special adviser on media and publicity to the minister of art, culture and the creative economy, the proposal was made by A.L. Podelyshev, the Russian ambassador to Nigeria. “Discussions centered on various areas, including youth development through creative industries, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation,” the statement…