Author: Opalim Lifted

A group of youths have stormed the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Maitama, Abuja over the removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Oluwatoyin Babalola in Ondo state. The governorship election is slated to be held on November 16, 2024, across the state. A viral video on X showed the youths carrying drums and placards, singing and dancing while demanding the reinstatement of the REC. This is as the Independent National Electoral Commission announced that 55,859 Permanent Voter Cards were collected in the state ahead of the Ondo governorship election. INEC, in a statement on Tuesday…

Hezbollah announced that Sheikh Naim Qassem has been elected as the movement’s new secretary-general, succeeding Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah who was killed in an Israeli raid on Beirut’s southern suburbs last month. In a statement, Hezbollah said: “In accordance with the approved mechanism for electing the secretary-general, Hezbollah’s Shura Council agreed to elect His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem as secretary-general, carrying the blessed banner in this journey, asking God Almighty to guide him in this noble mission.” The party pledged to “keep the flame of resistance burning and its banner raised until victory is achieved.” Qassem, who has served as deputy…

The Nigerian Senate has postponed the screening of seven ministerial nominees “to allow all nominees to conclude all aspects of documentation and pre-screening exercises”. The screening exercise was initially scheduled to hold on Tuesday but the upper legislative chamber said the exercise has now been shifted to Wednesday. Chronicle NG reported that President Bola Tinubu sacked five ministers and nominated seven new ones for Senate confirmation. The President also re-assigned 10 ministers to new ministerial portfolios and appointed seven new ministers for Senate confirmation. Tinubu nominated Bianca Odumegu-Ojukwu as the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, while Nentawe Yilwatda as the…

Republican and Democratic leaders alike and Puerto Rican celebrities bashed comments made at a major Donald Trump event in New York by  comedian Tony Hinchcliffe who called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.” Hinchcliffe set off a firestorm of protest after his remarks were peppered with racist and anti-immigrant “jokes”. A day after the event, the internet was lit up on Monday with outraged comments from politicians and Latino celebrities, denouncing the Trump campaign for hosting the speaker, comedian and podcaster Tony Hinchcliffe. The rally, held at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, featured nearly 30 speakers, including some who…

Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the  House of Representatives, has expressed regret for assaulting a Bolt driver who came to deliver a package to him. In a public statement on Tuesday, Ikwechegh apologized for his actions, which were captured in a viral video, and acknowledged the behavior as “unacceptable” for a public official. He has committed to cooperating with the ongoing police investigation and to addressing the situation through professional counseling. Ikwechegh said, “As a public servant, I recognize the trust placed in me by my constituents and the Nigerian people. My behavior fell short of the standards expected of…

Indian billionaire businessman Ratan Tata, who passed away recently at the age of 86, reportedly bequeathed £91 million to his dog, Tito, in his will. Ratan Tata, known for transforming the Tata Group into a global powerhouse, included provisions for “unlimited care” for his German shepherd, highlighting his deep affection for his pet. While it was anticipated that he would leave his estate to his siblings, Jimmy Tata and half-sisters Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy, he instead prioritized Tito. Tata allocated significant portions of his fortune not only to Tito but also to his butler, Konar Subbiah, and his cook, Rajan…

Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri has won the men’s Ballon d’Or – awarded to the best footballer of the year – for the first time. The 28-year-old, who lost just one game last season for club and country, was awarded the prize in Paris after helping Spain win Euro 2024 in July. He also won the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup with City. Rodri, the first player in the club’s history to win the Ballon d’Or, claimed the award ahead of Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr. Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham was third…

Barcelona’s 17-year-old forward Lamine Yamal has been crowned the winner of the prestigious 2024 Kopa Trophy, establishing himself as the world’s top young footballer. “LAMINE YAMAL IS THE 2024 KOPA TROPHY! The 17-year-old Spanish wonder boy can’t be stopped!” Ballon d’Or organisers announced via X, celebrating the Spanish international’s achievement. The teenage sensation topped an impressive list of young talents, finishing ahead of Real Madrid’s Arda Güler, who placed second. Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo secured third place, while Savinho and Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsi rounded out the top five positions. Yamal’s victory is particularly remarkable given his age—at just 17,…

Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman has been ranked number 14 in the 2023 Ballon d’Or award which is holding in Paris, France.  The Atalanta forward narrowly missed out in joining Victor Osimhen to become the only Nigerians to have made the top 10 in the Ballon d’Or award. Osimhen was ranked in the 8th position last year. Lookman is however the only African player that made the award nomination list this year. Ranked at the 14th place for the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or! @Alookman_ @Atalanta_BC @thenff #ballondor pic.twitter.com/G1cXMd1jT8 — Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024 Lookman was in scintillating form as Atalanta…

Zambian football is in mourning after seven players from Chavuma Town Council FC were killed in a bus crash. Zambian football association (Faz) expressed its “deep shock” at the accident, which occurred on Saturday while the squad was travelling to a third-tier league game in the north west of the country. “We are in touch with the football, civil and law enforcement authorities in the province to furnish us with full details,” Faz president Andrew Kamanga said. Twelve other people were injured in the accident, and five of those have been evacuated to the capital Lusaka for treatment. The names…