Author: Opalim Lifted

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its exit from OPEC and the wider OPEC+ coalition, sending shockwaves through global energy markets already rattled by the ongoing Iran war. The decision marks a major rupture within the oil-producing bloc and delivers a significant setback to its de facto leader, Saudi Arabia. Analysts warn the move could weaken OPEC’s cohesion and undermine its ability to control oil supply and stabilise prices. The exit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, with disruptions along the Strait of Hormuz threatening global energy flows. The narrow passage typically carries about a fifth of…

Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has shared a light-hearted account of an unusual encounter that led him to stop consuming alcohol. In a video circulating on social media on Tuesday, Osinbajo recounted the incident that influenced his decision to quit drinking entirely. The former vice president explained that, despite being a pastor, he occasionally enjoyed red wine and beer. “I like my red wine once in a while, and then I like my beer,” he said. Osinbajo revealed that the turning point came during his time with the United Nations Mission in Mogadishu, Somalia, where he worked in the…

Tensions are rising within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the race towards the 2027 general election exposes a growing internal struggle over access to nomination forms. Several aspirants have accused state governors of tightening their grip on the process, alleging that expression of interest and nomination forms are being controlled and selectively distributed to preferred candidates. The claims have sparked fears of a widening internal rift that could destabilise the party ahead of crucial primaries. One of the loudest voices, presidential hopeful Osifo Stanley, said he was unable to obtain a form despite repeated attempts. “I made several calls,…

The immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has asked a High Court in Abuja to halt his ongoing trial if the prosecution fails to produce its remaining witnesses. Emefiele made the request on Monday before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, where he is facing a 20-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The charges include alleged criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining $6.23 million by false pretence. Defence alleges delay tactics At the hearing, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) told the…

A witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has told a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja how $6.23 million was allegedly withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for a questionable election monitoring exercise during the 2023 polls. Testifying before Justice Hamza Muazu, EFCC investigator Chinedu Eneanya said the funds were removed from the CBN vault under the pretext of paying foreign election observers. “The investigation revealed that $6.23 million was removed from the coffers of the CBN for purported funding of foreign observers,” he told the court. The EFCC is prosecuting former CBN governor…

At least 29 people have been killed after suspected terrorists attacked Guyaku community in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, sparking fresh concerns over security in Nigeria’s northeast. According to a report by Reuters, the attackers struck late on Sunday, unleashing hours of sporadic gunfire that left dozens dead and properties destroyed. Governor Ahmadu Fintiri confirmed the casualty figure during a visit to the affected community, describing the killings as “tragic and unacceptable.” In a statement shared on X, the governor expressed grief over the incident and vowed justice for the victims. “My heart breaks for the people of…

The United States Mission in Nigeria has cautioned that visa overstays by some Nigerian travellers undermine opportunities for law-abiding students, businesspeople, and families seeking legitimate entry into the United States. In a post on X on Monday, the mission stated: “Visa overstays by Nigerian travelers can affect opportunities for their fellow citizens. Strengthening compliance helps protect access for students, business travelers, and families who travel responsibly.” It urged anyone with information on visa fraud to report it confidentially to AbujaFPU@state.gov or LagosFPU@state.gov, using the hashtag #VisaWiseTravelSmart. The reminder follows heightened U.S. measures prompted by Nigeria’s documented overstay rates. According to…

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled plans to make smartphones more affordable in Nigeria, as soaring prices continue to strain consumers. Speaking in Abuja, the Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, admitted that the rising cost of mobile devices has become a major barrier for many Nigerians. He said the regulator is actively exploring ways to introduce cheaper smartphone options into the market. Smartphone prices in 2026 have climbed sharply, driven by naira depreciation, inflation, and high import costs. Entry-level devices now start at over ₦100,000, while mid-range phones such as the Infinix Hot 60 Pro and Tecno Spark…

Authorities at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) have declined to release Oduduwa Hall for a planned lecture by Peter Obi, citing inadequate notice and security concerns. In a statement issued on Monday, the university said a student group invited Obi but failed to properly notify management of the high-profile nature of the event until just a day before it was scheduled. According to the institution, events involving prominent public figures require advance communication to allow coordination with security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services. The university stressed that without sufficient time to put logistics…

Nigerian gospel artist Salau Olayiwola, better known as Testimony Jaga, has challenged former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo over his recent remarks on the concept of prosperity gospel. The debate began after Osinbajo declared that there is no such doctrine as “prosperity gospel,” insisting that Christianity centres solely on one message, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Speaking during a live session at Rock of Ages Christian Assembly International, the former vice president warned that attempts to separate prosperity from the gospel distort its true meaning. “The New Testament makes it clear, there is no such thing as prosperity gospel. There…