Author: Opalim Lifted

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed his successor, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, rejected a $750 million offer from Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group, to manage the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries in 2007. Obasanjo spoke in an interview with Channels TV on Thursday, where he highlighted the challenges faced with Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries during his presidency. The former president said the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited was aware of its limitations in managing the nation’s refineries but still informed Yar’Adua that the oil company can operate the refineries — leading to his successor rejecting Dangote’s offer.…

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol remained defiantly inside his residence resisting arrest for a third day on Thursday, after vowing to “fight” authorities seeking to question him over his failed martial law bid. The embattled leader issued the bungled declaration on December 3 that led to his impeachment and has left him facing arrest, imprisonment or, at worst, the death penalty. Members of his security team have blocked attempted police raids of his presidential residence in a dramatic stand-off, and tensions rose outside the compound on Thursday as rival protest camps clashed. “We had to withdraw. Most participants…

More tributes are still pouring in for former United States President, Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29, 2024. The latest is coming from Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo who was military Head of State in 1978 when Carter first visited Nigeria. Obasanjo said this at his home in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Obasanjo said Carter contributed to the reason he is alive to date. While reflecting on his friendship and fond memories shared with the late US president, Obasanjo said Nigeria and the African continent have lost a friend while the international community has lost an advocate for…

Police are investigating after a Tesla cybertruck filled with fuel canisters and firework mortars exploded outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The driver was killed and seven people were injured, police said without naming any of the individuals involved. Officials said all injuries were minor. The Tesla cybertruck was rented in Colorado and arrived in the city on Wednesday morning, less than two hours before the detonation, police said. Parked in front of the hotel near a glass entrance, the vehicle started to smoke, then exploded. In an evening address, President Joe Biden said the White House was…

As the New Year settles in, many Nigerians are eagerly anticipating their annual leave. But what if you could turn those 30 days off into a luxurious 60-day break? Sounds too good to be true? Think again! According to experts, with some strategic planning, employees can maximize their holiday time and enjoy an extended break without using up all their leave days. “The key is to plan your leave around public holidays, weekends, and flexi-time,” says HR consultant Mrs. Funke Akindele. “By doing so, you can enjoy a longer break without using up all your leave days.” Here’s how it…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says President Bola Tinubu’s New Year message “offers no hope in sight” for Nigerians. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesperson, described the president’s New Year speech as “self-satisfying”, The opposition party’s spokesperson said Tinubu’s administration is “completely disconnected and unconcerned” with the economic hardship in the country. “Nigerians were appalled that despite the prodding by the PDP and well-meaning citizens, President Tinubu’s New Year speech did not articulate any specific direction for the nation or proffer solutions to the myriad of problems caused by APC’s misrule,” the statement reads. “President Tinubu’s…

Burna Boy has finally addressed the controversy surrounding his abrupt exit from the stage at the 2025 Greater Lagos Countdown concert.  In a post via his Instagram story, the Afrofusion singer explained that he has PTSD and is triggered by being startled on stage, which is why he walked off on Tuesday night after an overzealous fan attempted to grab him. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder characterised by failure to recover after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Burna Boy further urged fans to respect his boundaries while expressing gratitude for their support. “It was a free show.…

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has described 2025 as a “landmark year” filled with significant events that will leave a lasting impression. Speaking at the church’s crossover service in Ogun State, Adeboye shared prophetic insights about the year. In his message, he stated, “The Lord revealed that 2025 will be a year no one will forget. For some, it will be a year of long-awaited breakthroughs, while for others, it may not end in survival.” Adeboye also noted that the challenges of the previous year will persist but intensify, adding, “The wind…

President Bola Tinubu has praised Nigerians for their sacrifices since he took over the reins on May 29, 2023.  In his New Year message, Tinubu said there is light at the end of the tunnel. “Dear Compatriots, I urge you to continue believing in yourselves and keeping faith in our blessed country,” he said. “Let me use this New Year’s message to urge our governors and local council chairpersons to work closely with the central government to seize emerging opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and tax reforms and move our nation forward. “I commend governors who have embraced our Compressed Natural…

Arsenal came from behind to beat Brentford in the first Premier League fixture of 2025 and boost their title hopes. Bryan Mbeumo put the hosts ahead, but Gabriel Jesus equalised with his sixth goal in four games. Quickfire strikes from Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli then ensured Arsenal left west London with all three points. It was vindication for manager Mikel Arteta, who named a changed side with Kai Havertz left out while 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri made his first Premier League start. Arsenal are back up to second, six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, while Brentford stay 12th. Jesus…