Author: Opalim Lifted

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo did not shield him from corruption allegations during his time in office. Atiku, who served as Obasanjo’s vice-president, said the allegations were investigated by several state institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Assembly and the courts, but that he was never convicted. His comments followed a fresh petition by Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, a former member of the House of Representatives, asking the EFCC to reopen allegations of financial crimes against him. Agbonayinma, through his lawyer, Hannibal Uwaifo of Sagitarian Law Firm, gave the…

Newcastle fought back from 2-0 down to earn a hard-fought Premier League point at home to Bournemouth thanks to Jacob Ramsey’s late equaliser. The Cherries had taken an early lead when Alex Scott’s deflected shot looped into the box and Marcus Tavernier stole a couple of yards on Amar Dedic at the back post and poked the ball under Lukas Hornicek. Newcastle fans booed the officials after the goal – aggrieved by what they thought was a foul in an earlier phase of play after some grappling between Adrien Truffert and Anthony Elanga. Bournemouth added a second when Justin Kluivert’s…

US President Donald Trump’s administration has moved to weaken endangered species protections for wolves, prompting an angry response from conservationists who warn that the predators’ recovery could be put at risk. In an executive order issued on Friday, Trump directed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to determine within 90 days whether gray wolves and Mexican wolves have met the recovery criteria required for removal or reduction of their protections under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). If Burgum determines that the recovery criteria have been met, the administration is expected to begin the process of delisting the wolves. The order also directs…

Former New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has warned political leaders against assuming that control of several states will guarantee victory in the 2027 presidential election. Kwankwaso made the remark at a political gathering in Port Harcourt on Thursday, citing former President Goodluck Jonathan’s defeat in the 2015 presidential election as a reminder that incumbency and political structures do not automatically translate into electoral victory. “Let me call on the people, especially those who are bragging that they have governors. They have over 30 governors. Many of these people have no experience, or they won’t forget history,”…

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has recounted how his wife allegedly developed frequent headaches after switching from Coca-Cola to fresh orange juice. In a video circulating online, Osinbajo said the headaches started a few months after his wife stopped drinking Coca-Cola and began consuming fresh orange juice. According to the former Vice President, his wife later sent a fresh batch of the orange juice for laboratory testing. He said the results allegedly showed that the oranges were unfit for human consumption because of chemicals purportedly used by farmers to ripen and preserve them. The claim has triggered online reactions, with…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) are facing renewed scrutiny as Nigerians flood social media with reports of suspected counterfeit, fake and substandard products. The online campaign has highlighted alleged fake food, drugs, toothpaste, beverages, cosmetics and other consumer goods, raising fresh questions about how such products continue to reach Nigerian markets despite the statutory responsibilities of regulatory agencies. Some of the claims circulating online have not been independently verified. However, the growing volume of reports has heightened consumer fears and renewed calls for stronger surveillance, enforcement and…

The Ghanaian Ministry of Gender has launched the Marrify app, a digital platform designed to help prospective couples verify their partner’s marital status before getting married. The official launch ceremony was held recently in Ghana, with Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the country’s Minister of Gender, in attendance. The Marrify app was launched in collaboration with MarryRight, an agency specialising in family law and marriage. Speaking at the event, Lartey said the application was an important step towards ensuring relationships are built on respect, integrity and accountability while helping to prevent gender-based violence. She said the launch gives couples an opportunity…

Volkswagen, the German carmaker, has approved plans to cut another 50,000 jobs by 2030 as it seeks to reduce costs and improve competitiveness. According to the BBC, the group, which includes Audi, Porsche, Skoda and the Volkswagen brand, is also considering the future of four of its plants in Germany. In a statement, Oliver Blume, Volkswagen’s chief executive officer (CEO), described the latest plan as a “strong signal” for the company’s future, saying the group is “taking responsibility for our entire workforce”. Blume said Volkswagen needs to fundamentally adjust its global workforce to safeguard its competitiveness amid shifting demand and…

Liverpool made light work of newly promoted Ipswich Town as Alexander Isak scored his first double for the club at Portman Road to secure their first Premier League win this season. The Sweden striker produced his most devastating performance since joining from Newcastle United for a British record £125m transfer fee 12 months ago, securing victory for his side by firing past Kjell Scherpen twice inside the opening nine minutes. The win in Suffolk was also the first of Andoni Iraola’s tenure, ensuring he avoided becoming the club’s first manager since Brendan Rodgers to fail to win any of his…

Uber’s sudden exit from Nigeria has opened a new battle for market share, with rivals Bolt and inDrive moving to strengthen their positions in the country’s ride-hailing industry. After about 12 years of operations in Nigeria, Uber announced its departure on September 2, citing “evolving business priorities and investment focus across the continent”. The exit leaves rivals competing for drivers, riders and investors in a market with more than 200 million potential customers. inDrive said Nigeria remains a key African market, noting that its active user base has continued to grow year-on-year. The company said it has made significant investments…