Author: Opalim Lifted

FIFA has reaffirmed that Iran will compete at the 2026 World Cup, shutting down suggestions that Italy could take their place. The tournament, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has faced political tension over Iran’s participation due to the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel. Speculation intensified after Paolo Zampolli proposed to Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino that Italy should replace Iran. Zampolli argued that Italy’s football pedigree, including four World Cup titles, justified inclusion. However, FIFA made its stance clear by referencing Infantino’s recent remarks: “Iran is coming, for sure.” Iran’s embassy strongly…

The 72-hour ultimatum issued by Boko Haram to the Nigerian government over 416 abducted residents in Borno State has expired without any official response, as uncertainty deepens over the fate of hundreds still in captivity. Twelve victims abducted from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area have managed to escape, offering a rare glimmer of hope. However, 404 others remain unaccounted for, with fears growing over their safety. The insurgents had demanded a N5 billion ransom, warning that failure to comply would result in the captives being permanently lost. They also threatened to scatter the victims across multiple locations if…

Nigeria has begun decentralising its electricity sector following the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, with a growing number of states assuming control of their local power markets and regulatory processes. The shift means electricity consumers in participating states will no longer direct complaints to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), but instead to state-level regulators established to oversee electricity generation, distribution, and consumer protection within their jurisdictions. In a public notice outlining the transition, NERC said states that have completed the required legal and regulatory steps would assume responsibility for electricity regulation within their territories, including handling customer complaints…

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court on Thursday adjourned proceedings in the alleged money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to April 24, 2026, to rule on a contentious application by the prosecution seeking to re-present a witness’s prior statement. The adjournment followed arguments between counsel over whether the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) could confront its 12th prosecution witness with an earlier statement already admitted as Exhibit 46. Counsel to the defendant, Joseph Daudu, SAN, objected to the move by prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, insisting that the prosecution must first obtain leave…

President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has commended Uganda’s decision to halt the export of unprocessed minerals, as African governments intensify efforts to promote value addition and industrialisation. Uganda’s policy, driven by President Yoweri Museveni, is part of a broader continental shift toward processing raw materials locally to increase economic returns, create jobs, and strengthen domestic industries. Dangote said the move aligns with efforts to ensure Africa benefits more from its natural resources, rather than exporting raw materials with limited value. “I applaud President Museveni for his bold decision to ban the export of unprocessed minerals,” he said, adding…

US President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States now holds “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. The narrow waterway, which links the Gulf to the open ocean, has been at the centre of escalating tensions since conflict involving Iran and US/Israel forces broke out earlier in the year. In recent months, access through the strait has been repeatedly disrupted, with Iran previously imposing restrictions that significantly slowed global oil shipments. The move contributed to rising crude prices and forced several countries to introduce energy-saving measures. Although a ceasefire…

Both chambers of UK Parliament have approved a landmark bill that will ban anyone currently aged 17 or younger from ever legally buying cigarettes. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill targets individuals born after January 1, 2009, effectively phasing out smoking for future generations. Once granted royal assent, the legislation will become law and mark a major shift in the country’s public health strategy. Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the move as a “historic moment” that will pave the way for the UK’s first smoke-free generation, shielding young people from long-term addiction and health risks. Beyond restricting cigarette sales, the bill…

Tensions in the Gulf have surged after Iran’s elite military force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), seized two container ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The incident comes despite Donald Trump announcing an extension of a fragile ceasefire to allow more time for diplomatic talks with Tehran. According to the IRGC, its naval forces intercepted the vessels for “violations” and escorted them to Iranian waters. The ships were identified as the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and the Liberia-flagged Epaminodas. Maritime security monitors reported multiple confrontations in the strait — a vital global energy corridor that handles about…

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has rejected calls to resign, insisting allegations he misled MPs over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK envoy to Washington have been “put to bed”. The embattled premier made the statement in parliament amid intensifying political pressure following his admission of an “error of judgement” in backing Mandelson for the high-profile diplomatic role. Pressure mounts after security clearance row The controversy centres on concerns raised during Mandelson’s vetting process, which reportedly recommended denying him security clearance. Starmer has maintained he was unaware of that recommendation at the time of the appointment. He shifted blame…

Kenya is witnessing a fresh wave of unrest as Kenya fuel protests spread across several cities, driven by soaring petrol prices and a worsening cost-of-living crisis. The demonstrations began on Tuesday, with hundreds of young people flooding major streets and disrupting traffic. In Nairobi, protesters gathered at the Kenya National Archives, where the atmosphere was initially calm. Demonstrators sang the national anthem and played football before police intervened, deploying water cannons and arresting at least 11 individuals in the central business district. By Wednesday, those arrested had been arraigned in court. Although no deaths were recorded unlike the deadly unrest…