Author: Opalim Lifted

Ardo Risku, chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, and his son, Ibrahim, have been killed while returning from a peace meeting in Otukpo LGA of the state. According to Zagazola Makama, a security publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the victims were attacked near Ahimeni in the Okodu area after attending a meeting aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence among communities. Sources alleged that the attack was carried out by suspected militia members. The incident has heightened concerns over the persistent insecurity in parts of Benue, where recurring attacks have claimed lives…

United States President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled a rendering of a limited-edition commemorative US passport to mark the country’s 250th anniversary of independence, featuring his portrait on the cover. Trump shared the design in a post on his Truth Social platform, describing it as the nation’s “New Passport” with the inscription: “Welcome, but be good!” The mock-up shows a stern-faced Trump leaning on his desk alongside his signature, with the text of the Declaration of Independence forming the background. The image appears to be based on an official portrait taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok. The opposite page…

A 23-year-old man from Louisiana in the United States has become the first patient in the state to receive a curative gene therapy for sickle cell disease, marking a major milestone in the treatment of the inherited blood disorder. Daniel Cressy, from Metairie, Louisiana, achieved the breakthrough on June 22 at Manning Family Children’s Hospital after completing a treatment process that spanned more than two years. Diagnosed with sickle cell disease as an infant, Cressy endured repeated episodes of severe pain despite ongoing treatment and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The condition also threatened his lifelong ambition of becoming a commercial…

Iran had a goal ruled out for offside and hit the crossbar in the final seconds of a 1-1 draw against Egypt in Seattle, leaving their hopes of reaching the World Cup last 32 in the balance. Shoja Khalilzadeh turned home after a goalmouth scramble but his effort was disallowed following a lengthy video assistant referee check, while Saeid Ezatolahi headed against the woodwork in the seventh minute of added time. Wild celebrations had followed Khalilzadeh putting the ball in the net, with the defender removing his shirt – for which he was later booked – and posing for a…

Senegal boosted their chances of reaching the knockout stage of the World Cup with a 5-0 victory against 10-man Iraq. The Lions of Teranga finished third in Group I with three points to climb to fifth among third-placed teams, but they will still need results elsewhere to go their way to secure a place in the last 32. Senegal played a near-perfect game in Toronto as they looked to bounce back from defeats by France and Norway, and the result pushed Scotland down to ninth in the table of third-placed sides – with eight to advance to the next round.…

President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law, replacing the NIMC Act of 2007 in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity framework. The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. According to the ministry, the new legislation marks a major step towards building a secure, inclusive and digitally enabled nation by improving identity management, data protection and digital trust. What’s new in the NIMC Act 2026? The new law introduces stronger safeguards for personal data, aligning Nigeria’s identity management system with the Nigeria Data Protection Act and international…

Nigeria has accessed the first tranche of its $5 billion derivatives financing arrangement with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), drawing about $1.5 billion under the deal approved by the National Assembly in March. According to Bloomberg on Friday, the Federal Government received the funds within the past two weeks through a structured total return swap (TRS) transaction with the United Arab Emirates’ largest lender, citing people familiar with the matter. On March 31, the National Assembly approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to secure up to $6 billion in external borrowing. The borrowing plan comprised two facilities from the United Arab…

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has directed capital market operators to stop promoting a purported initial public offering (IPO) by Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE. Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, had said the refinery’s IPO would be conducted in September as investor demand continues to rise. However, the SEC, in a public notice issued on Tuesday, said it had become aware of advertisements, flyers, digital banners, and emails circulating on social media and investment platforms regarding a proposed public offering by the refinery. The commission said some registered capital market operators (CMOs) are actively soliciting advance…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern over the delay in receiving funds for the 2027 general elections, warning that the situation could affect preparations as the legal deadline draws closer. According to The Guardian Nigeria, the electoral commission has yet to receive the funds earmarked for the elections, despite only 21 days remaining before the statutory deadline of July 16, 2026. Under the Electoral Act 2026, election funds must be released at least six months before a general election. INEC is seeking about N873 billion to organise the 2027 polls, covering election operations, technology, logistics, capital projects…

Niger Republic has officially submitted a request to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Hague-based tribunal told AFP on Tuesday that it received an “instrument of withdrawal” on June 18 from Niger, led by Abdourahamane Tiani. The formal request comes nine months after Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso announced their intention to leave the ICC. The junta-led countries accused the court of becoming “a global example of selective justice”, saying they would establish “indigenous mechanisms for the consolidation of peace and justice”. A country’s withdrawal from the court takes effect one year after the official submission of…