Author: Opalim Lifted

Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the late Ali Khamenei, has been named Iran’s new supreme leader, according to Iranian state media. The 56-year-old cleric was announced as his father’s successor on Sunday following a vote by the Assembly of Experts, the group of senior clerics responsible for appointing the Islamic Republic’s highest authority. His appointment comes just days after his father was reportedly killed in joint strikes carried out by the United States and Israel last Saturday. In recent years, Mojtaba Khamenei had increasingly been mentioned within Iranian political circles as a potential successor to his father, although he…

President Donald Trump has mocked Iran after its leadership apologised to neighbouring countries affected by retaliatory missile and drone strikes on United States military bases across the Gulf. The strikes targeted bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. Tehran said the attacks were retaliation for earlier “pre-emptive” strikes carried out by the United States and Israel. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian later attempted to calm tensions in the region, saying Iran had no intention of invading neighbouring states and calling for cooperation to restore stability. “I deem it necessary to apologise to neighbouring countries that were attacked,” Pezeshkian…

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has responded to criticism following his recent interview with Mehdi Hasan on Al Jazeera, insisting he is ready to face any interviewer anywhere in the world to defend the administration of Bola Tinubu. Speaking on Saturday, Bwala said defending the President and his government is not an easy task but one he is fully committed to. According to him, he accepted the role knowing the responsibilities it carries and never expected universal praise. He said: “In the last 24 hours, social media has exploded over my interview…

At least 50 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have been killed following air strikes by Nigerian military aircraft after a failed assault on Ngoshe community in Borno State. The air component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out precision strikes on fleeing insurgents after they attacked Nigerian Army artillery positions in the border community located in Gwoza Local Government Area. The development came as President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack and expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in the violence. In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the president extended condolences to families…

Prominent Nigerians across politics, media and faith circles have continued to celebrate Former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as he marks his 69th birthday, with glowing tributes highlighting his leadership, humility, scholarship and service to the nation. The former vice president, a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, turned 69 on Saturday, March 8, drawing widespread goodwill messages from leaders, former colleagues and admirers nationwide. Among those who paid tribute is Umaru Bago, governor of Niger State, who described Osinbajo as a patriotic leader whose contributions have significantly shaped Nigeria’s development. He said Osinbajo remains “a national asset”…

Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has shared a reflective message linking his birthday with the global celebration of International Women’s Day. In an Instagram post, Osinbajo noted that March 8 holds personal and global significance, as it marks both his birth date and the annual celebration of women worldwide. Referencing the 2026 theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” he described the moment as especially meaningful, highlighting a symbolic performance alongside his “birthday mate,” Simisola Omoayan, who played the talking drum. According to him, the traditional instrument represents far more than music, serving as a cultural tool…

The Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued 19 kidnapped victims during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation around Gidan Dogo in the Bwari area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In a statement on Saturday, Olawuyi Itunuoluwa, acting assistant director of army public relations at the headquarters guards brigade, said the operation was carried out with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes. According to the army, the operation followed credible intelligence on the whereabouts of armed criminals responsible for the recent abduction of residents in the Byazhin area of Bwari. “During the operation, troops made contact with…

Several international airlines have begun restoring operations after days of disruption caused by escalating tensions between Iran and the United States in the Middle East. Flight services are gradually returning on key routes linking the Middle East, Africa and other global destinations, although most carriers say schedules remain limited while security assessments continue. The disruption began on February 28 when Iran launched reprisal attacks on United States military bases in the region. Explosions were reported in cities including Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha, Kuwait City, and Riyadh. The attacks followed a joint missile strike by the US and Israel on Iranian…

Police operatives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have rescued 20 kidnapped victims after a fierce gun battle with suspected kidnappers in forest areas of Kaduna State. The rescue operation was carried out by personnel of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the FCT Police Command between March 6 and 7. The team worked alongside soldiers from the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, operatives of the Department of State Services and local vigilantes. The operation followed intelligence that suspected kidnappers fleeing ongoing security operations in Gauraka Forest in Niger State had moved into Gidan Dogo and Kweri forests in Kaduna State with abducted…

Daniel Bwala, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on policy communication, has said there is no evidence that Abubakar Bagudu, minister of budget and economic planning, misappropriated public funds. Bwala made the remarks during an appearance on Head to Head, a programme on Al Jazeera hosted by Mehdi Hasan. The interview examined Tinubu’s administration on issues including corruption, insecurity and political appointments. During the discussion, Hasan challenged the government’s anti-corruption stance by citing Bagudu’s appointment to the cabinet. He referenced allegations by the United States Department of Justice that Bagudu played a role in helping to move billions of dollars…