Author: Opalim Lifted

Foreign investment in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector plunged by 91 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, raising fresh concerns about investor confidence despite recent efforts to improve the industry’s profitability. According to the latest capital importation report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the sector attracted just $7.24 million in foreign capital during Q1 2026, compared with $80.78 million recorded in the same period of 2025. The sharp decline means telecommunications accounted for only 0.07 per cent of the total $10.37 billion capital imported into Nigeria during the quarter. The figures also reveal a steeper 96.2 per…

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu and Oluremi Tinubu over the federal government’s response to the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State. On May 15, suspected bandits attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting about 39 students and seven teachers. The crisis escalated days later when Michael Oyedokun, one of the abducted teachers, was killed by the kidnappers. In a statement issued on Friday by Phrank Shaibu, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Atiku said the federal government under…

Nigerian Afrobeats singer Tiwatope Savage, widely known as Tiwa Savage, said she was “crucified” for contributing to national issues. She made this known in an Instagram post following growing public pressure for celebrities to use their platforms to vocalize concerns regarding the country’s escalating insecurity. The star revealed that her decision to maintain a lower profile on these national issues is not born out of indifference but rather a direct response to the hostility she has faced in the past. Responding to a fan on social media who urged her to speak up, the singer explained that previous attempts to…

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has announced plans for a FIFA-standard stadium in Aba with a seating capacity of around 35,000, marking a major sports infrastructure push in Abia State. The proposed facility is designed to meet international football requirements, positioning it for top domestic league matches, continental competitions, and global sporting events. It is expected to include modern pitch systems, upgraded spectator stands, advanced floodlighting for night games, VIP lounges, media centres, dressing rooms, and enhanced safety and security installations aligned with FIFA specifications. Beyond the main arena, the project will also feature supporting infrastructure such as training pitches,…

Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1, has called on prominent Yoruba leaders to take a more active role in tackling the growing insecurity in the South-West. The singer made the appeal in a video shared on his Instagram page on Friday, amid rising concerns over kidnappings and violent attacks in different parts of the country. Kwam 1 specifically urged Igboho and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, not to leave the fight against insecurity solely in the hands of President Bola Tinubu. He said the rising cases of kidnapping and killings required a…

Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy national chairman, Bode George has criticised comments linked to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, over his suggestion that Nigeria’s security chiefs should be given a 90-day ultimatum to end terrorism or resign. George said the concerns about insecurity reflect the current challenges facing the country, but argued that such directives should not be directed at service chiefs in isolation. He maintained that responsibility for national security decisions lies with the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu. He explained that Nigeria’s security structure follows a defined chain of…

The Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has sparked renewed debate on Africa’s development trajectory after addressing members of the European Parliament. In the seven-minute address, Obi argued that Africa’s central challenge is not a shortage of natural resources but a deficit in leadership and governance. He described the continent as richly endowed with mineral wealth, strategic economic value, and a young population, yet still struggling to convert these advantages into widespread prosperity. Focusing on Nigeria, he referenced its estimated population of around 240 million people, positioning it as one of the world’s largest labour markets…

The United Kingdom (UK) has introduced tougher immigration measures that could prevent universities from recruiting international students if they fail to meet stricter compliance standards. The new rules, announced by the UK Home Office on Thursday, are part of efforts to curb rising asylum claims linked to work, study and tourist visas. Foreign students currently account for the largest share of such claims. Under the revised framework, universities risk losing their licence to recruit overseas students if more than five per cent of visa applications linked to their institution are refused. The previous threshold was 10 per cent. The Home…

Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, says deliberations on the proposed establishment of state police have advanced to the stage of considering necessary constitutional amendments. Gbajabiamila spoke on Thursday while addressing State House correspondents after a consultative meeting on state police, convened by the Presidency. The consultative meeting, which took place at the State House in Abuja, was attended by Jibrin Barau, Deputy Senate President; Benjamin Kanu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; Tunji Disu, Inspector-General of Police (IGP); and other government officials. Gbajabiamila said the establishment of state police cannot be done with the “snap…

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed concern over the increasing use of stringent bail conditions by courts and law enforcement agencies, warning that the practice is effectively denying many defendants their freedom despite being granted bail. In a statement issued on Thursday, Afam Osigwe, president of the NBA, said bail conditions imposed on accused persons have become so demanding that many remain behind bars even after securing court approval for their release. According to Osigwe, courts frequently require sureties who are senior civil servants on specific grade levels and demand ownership of high-value landed properties, making compliance difficult for…