Author: Opalim Lifted

Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, in a strongly worded statement has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, citing his absence and silence following the recent massacre of over 200 people in Benue State. In a post titled “What cannot be hidden in leadership”, Obi tore into what he described as the dangerous consequences of leadership without competence, compassion, character, or capacity. “Leadership of a nation is such that it’s either succeeding or failing—none can be hidden,” he wrote on X. The former Anambra state governor’s remarks come amid national outrage over the brutal killings in Benue and devastating floods…

Pope Leo XIV has said a prayer for the people of Benue over the recent killings in the state. On June 14, over 100 people were reportedly killed in attacks by suspected herdsmen in Yelewata and Daudu communities, in Guma LGA. The attack comes less than 48 hours after the killing of 25 people in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities in Makurdi LGA. Reports indicate that many internally displaced persons (IDPs) and farmers were killed, with some reportedly burned alive in makeshift shelters. Speaking just before delivering the Sunday Angelus prayer, the pope prayed for Nigeria, adding that he was…

President Bola Tinubu has issued a renewed and urgent directive to security chiefs, demanding swift and decisive action to end the spiralling violence in Benue State. In response to fresh reprisal attacks that have left scores dead, the president has mobilised top intelligence officials, military personnel, and police forces to take control of security operations across the crisis-hit region. The presidency spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. “Enough is enough,” Tinubu declared, describing the persistent bloodshed as “inhuman and anti-progress.” He stressed that those behind the killings, regardless of their affiliations must be arrested and prosecuted…

Dangote Refinery says it will begin the nationwide distribution of diesel and premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, on August 15. In a statement on Sunday, Dangote said it has acquired 4,000 new compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered tankers to enhance its fuel distribution capacity across the country. The refinery said the rollout will be phased and supported by investments in CNG stations and over 100 mobile CNG tankers to guarantee efficient last-mile delivery. The company said it will supply petroleum products directly to marketers, petrol dealers, manufacturers, telecom firms, aviation players, and other large-scale users, at no additional…

The Nigerian Senate is currently reviewing a bill that proposes increasing the number of Supreme Court justices from 21 to 30, as pressure mounts over the court’s growing backlog. Senator Osita Izunaso, representing Imo West, disclosed the proposal during a media briefing in Abuja to mark his second anniversary in the 10th National Assembly. He said that although the Supreme Court recently met its constitutional limit of 21 justices after 11 appointments in 2023, the volume of pending cases has made the current figure “grossly inadequate.” Izunaso stressed that even with the court operating at full capacity, it remains “overwhelmed,”…

Bright Chimezie, the renowned Nigerian highlife musician, has entered into a promotional agreement with Sony Music Publishing (SMP). The global music company announced the partnership in an Instagram post, expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration. According to the post, the deal aims to bring Chimezie’s music to new audiences while preserving and celebrating his artistic legacy. “SMP is honored to announce the introduction of the Legendary and extraordinary Bright Chimezie into the family,” the post reads. “Known for his vibrant style, infectious rhythms, and the creation of the “Zigima Sound.” Bright Chimezie is a towering figure in African music. “With a…

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were held to a 0-0 draw by Egyptian side Al Ahly on Saturday as FIFA’s new 32-team tournament got off to a smooth start in front of 60,927 fans in Florida. Messi was denied a storybook stoppage-time winner when he saw his curling shot from 20 yards out tipped on to the bar by Mohamed El Shenawy as Miami piled on the pressure in the final minutes of the game. Al Ahly, who were cheered on by over 10,000 of their supporters, were left to rue a first-half penalty from Egypt international Trezeguet which was…

Kamaru Usman secured a unanimous decision victory over Joaquin Buckley in their UFC main event fight at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Sunday morning. The 38-year-old former UFC welterweight champion scored 49-46, 49-46, 48-47 on all three judges’ scorecards to secure a surprise victory over the on-form challenger. The victory ended a run of three consecutive defeats for the former five-time defending champion. It also ended a run of defeat that started in 2021, tasting victory for the first time in almost four years. Usman, who had been off the arena for 20 months, showed the packed venue why…

A helicopter carrying Hindu pilgrims has crashed in India, killing seven people on board. The accident happened within minutes of the helicopter taking off, officials said, on what should have been a 10-minute flight. The helicopter was flying to Guptkashi, a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site in the Himalayas, from Kedarnath temple town in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. It comes three days after an Air India flight crashed less than a minute after taking off from Ahmedabad airport in northwestern India, killing at least 270 people. The helicopter, which was operated by private helicopter service Aryan Aviation, went down…

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has clarified that its recently announced three-day fasting and prayer programme is not a substitute for tangible policies on food security, following widespread criticism from the public. An internal memo dated 11 June, issued by Adedayo Modupe, Director of Human Resource Management, invited ministry staff to a spiritual exercise aimed at seeking divine guidance in support of Nigeria’s food security efforts. “All staff of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security are invited to a solemn prayer session for God’s guidance and success in supporting the government’s efforts to achieve food…