Author: Opalim Lifted

Man City’s UEFA Champions League hopes took a hit in surprise fashion as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Southampton, who secured the point they needed to surpass Derby’s all-time Premier League-low tally of 11 points in a season. As one might expect of a game between UEFA Champions League-chasing Man City and already-relegated Southampton, this game had the feel of a training ground match. Pep Guardiola’s men were camped firmly in the Saints’ half for most of the opening stages, but a distinct lack of scoring opportunities hinted they may have to be patient despite their territorial…

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo delivered a powerful keynote at the Rotary District 9141 Conference in Port Harcourt, emphasising the transformative power of service and community connections. Speaking on the theme “The Magic of Our Connections: The Imperative and Privilege of Service”, Osinbajo praised Rotary’s enduring impact and the dedication of its members. “Service isn’t just a duty—it’s a privilege,” he said, drawing applause from a packed hall of Rotarians and guests. Hosted by District Governor Mr Chinedu Ikegwuani and his wife Ebele, the event also welcomed the Rotary International President’s Representative, Asiwaju Dr Michael Olawale-Cole and his wife Adebola,…

In a striking political statement, Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said there is “nothing wrong” with Nigeria becoming a one-party state—if that reflects the will of the people. Ganduje made the remark on Friday after leading three senators from Kebbi State—Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki—to meet with President Bola Tinubu. The trio, formerly of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), formally announced their defection to the APC during the visit. When asked whether the growing wave of defections could undermine Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, Ganduje responded with a bold comparison. “China is one…

The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV will be inaugurated on May 18, 2025. In a statement released Friday, the Holy See said Leo’s inauguration mass will be held in St. Peter’s Square. Detailing a week-long schedule heralding the inauguration ceremony, the statement noted that the pope would meet with cardinals, journalists, and diplomats. Citing Leo’s wishes, the Vatican asked that leaders in the state continue their duties until otherwise instructed. However, the Vatican added that the pope maintains the right to “a certain amount of time for reflection, prayer, and dialogue” before making any “definitive appointments or confirmations”.…

A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned the arraignment of Oba Otudeko, chairman of Honeywell Group, to June 11, over an alleged fraud. The leading judge, Chukwujekwu Aneke, postponed the case on Thursday to allow room for a possible out-of-court settlement between parties or, alternatively, for arraignment proceedings to commence. The Honey Well group chairman is expected to face trial alongside Olabisi Onasanya, former managing director of First Bank; Soji Akintayo, a former Honeywell board member; and Anchorage Leisure Limited, a company linked to the matter. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count charge against…

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 26 for ruling on the application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to “cross-examine” its own witness, Nicholas Ojehomon, in the alleged money laundering case instituted against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the date after listening to arguments from EFCC and Yahaya Bello on the propriety or otherwise of the prosecution cross-examining its own witness after the cross-examination by Bello’s lawyer, Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN. Disagreement arose when Daudu vehemently objected to the procedural mode of cross-examining the witness after cross-examination…

Former Nigerian Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo delivered a compelling call for equitable access to justice during a high-level dialogue at the Peace Palace in The Hague. Speaking at the event titled “Why Justice Matters”, hosted by The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL), Osinbajo addressed the often-overlooked economic and social toll of inaccessible legal systems. In conversation with HiiL’s former CEO, Sam Muller, and current CEO, Jude Ilo, he underscored the critical need to “de-risk” the hidden costs individuals bear when justice is out of reach. He advocated for a shift toward people-centred justice—an approach that prioritises the…

Desmond Elliot, the actor-turned-politician, has revealed how he narrowly escaped an attack by assailants during the 2020 EndSARS protests. In an interview on Nollywood On Radio, the Lagos lawmaker recounted being trapped in his Surulere constituency office due to the curfew, only to face a life-threatening ambush. Desmond Elliot explained that after being unable to return home to Lekki because of the curfew, he decided to spend the night in his office. The 51-year-old politician said while relaxing and watching TV, chaos erupted when he heard his landlady’s daughter screaming and attempting to shield him by shouting, “he doesn’t stay…

Abde Ezzalzouli smashed home Antony’s driven cross in extra time to send Real Betis into a first major European final at the expense of Fiorentina. Having claimed a narrow 2-1 win in the first leg in Seville, Manuel Pellegrini’s side fought back from a goal down on the night to make it 2-2 and eliminate two-time finalists Fiorentina 4-3 on aggregate in Italy. The winning moment came via a swift counter attack as Antony dashed down the right wing before laying a perfect assist into the path of Ezzalzouli to power a shot past a helpless David de Gea. For…

Tottenham will face Manchester United in the Europa League final as they cruised past Bodo/Glimt to stay in the hunt for a first European title in 41 years. Ange Postecoglou’s men navigated a tricky semi-final second leg in Norway to reach their sixth European final – and first since the 2019 Champions League final. Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro struck in the second half to seal a 5-1 aggregate success and confirm an all-English showdown with United in Bilbao on 21 May. Tottenham trophy drought stretches to a League Cup triumph in 2008, but further back to 1984 in Europe…