Author: Opalim Lifted

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…

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have commenced a nationwide indefinite strike, escalating tensions in Nigeria’s university system. The industrial action, which began at midnight on May 1, 2026, follows what the unions describe as the Federal Government’s failure to conclude the renegotiation of the long-standing 2009 agreements and address welfare concerns of non-teaching staff. In a joint circular issued to branch chairmen across universities and inter-university centres, SSANU and NASU leaders expressed frustration over delays and what they called an unsatisfactory wage offer. The circular was…

The trial of former Taraba State governor, Darius Ishaku, has been adjourned to June 15, 2026, following the withdrawal of legal counsel representing the second defendant in the case. Justice S. C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Abuja granted the adjournment on Thursday after Samuel Fagade, counsel to second defendant Bello Yero, announced his immediate withdrawal from the case. Yero, a former permanent secretary in Taraba State’s Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, is standing trial alongside Ishaku on a 15-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, alleging criminal breach of…

The European Parliament has called for a unified, consent-based definition of rape across the 27-member bloc, marking a renewed push to strengthen protections against sexual violence. Lawmakers recently voted overwhelmingly in favour of the motion in Strasbourg, drawing loud applause inside the chamber. The move places pressure on the European Commission to propose legislation that clearly defines rape as sex without free and informed consent. The demand follows a gap in earlier reforms. In 2024, the European Union adopted its first bloc-wide law targeting violence against women, criminalising offences such as female genital mutilation, forced marriage, cyberbullying, and the non-consensual…

The United States Department of State is preparing to issue a limited-edition passport featuring President Donald Trump, according to reports from Fox News. The redesigned document is said to be part of the country’s 250th independence anniversary celebrations, branded “America250”. Mock-ups shared on the White House’s official X account reportedly show Trump’s portrait on the inside cover, alongside excerpts from the Declaration of Independence, the US flag, and his signature in gold. Other pages are expected to include historical artwork depicting the signing of the Declaration of Independence, as well as enhanced design features reflecting the anniversary theme. According to…

President Bola Tinubu has sacked Saidu Mohammed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) while he was on official duty in Germany. According to a post by the oil industry regulator on X on Wednesday at 4:05 p.m., Mohammed had led delegates from the NMDPRA to the Pipeline Technology Conference taking place in Berlin. “The Authority Chief Executive, Engr. Saidu Mohammed, leads NMDPRA delegates to the Pipeline Technology Conference taking place in Berlin, Germany, from April 27 to 30, 2026,” the NMDPRA said. Two hours after the post was made, Bayo…

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu over comments suggesting that worsening insecurity will not stop his bid for a second term. Speaking on Wednesday, Tinubu insisted he would seek re-election “against all odds”, warning that those hoping insecurity would force him out of office would be disappointed. “I’m a very stubborn politician. I just refuse to go. And I will campaign for my second term,” the president said. ‘Remarks are troubling’ — Atiku Reacting through his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the president’s comments as “deeply troubling”, arguing that leadership should be measured by action, not…

The United States’ military campaign against Iran has cost an estimated $25 billion so far, marking the first official figure disclosed by the Pentagon. Jules Hurst, a senior defence official serving as comptroller, told the House Armed Services Committee that the bulk of the spending went on munitions, according to Reuters. However, he did not clarify whether the estimate includes long-term costs such as rebuilding damaged bases across the Middle East. The revelation prompted a sharp response from Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the committee, who said lawmakers had been pressing for clarity on the war’s cost for months.…

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has approved the recall of engineers previously redeployed across its business units. According to a statement issued on Thursday, the decision followed a “conditional pardon” after internal disciplinary actions linked to operational disruptions. In an internal memo to staff referenced in the statement, the company said the decision also followed an extensive review process and appeals from respected individuals, stakeholders, and the affected engineers. According to the memo, signed by Devakumar Edwin, Group Vice-President, Oil and Gas, the engineers will be invited for a meeting before being reassigned to resume duties at the refinery. The refinery…