Author: Opalim Lifted

Israel launched a series of airstrikes against Iran early on Saturday, claiming the assaults were directed at military targets in revenge for the Islamic Republic’s volley of ballistic missiles against Israel earlier this month. Although there was no immediate word on damage or injuries, explosions could be heard in Tehran, the capital of Iran. At a time of escalating violence throughout the Middle East, where Iranian-backed militant groups, such as Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, are already at war with the Hebrew nation, the attack runs the risk of bringing the archenemies closer to full-scale conflict. The Hebrew…

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has arrested one Adewunmi Taiwo for allegedly impersonating its officer on Oshodi bridge. LASTMA director of public affairs, Adebayo Taofiq, said in a statement on Friday that the suspect confessed to making N15,000 to N25,000 daily from his illegal activities. “Adewunmi Taiwo, age 45, operating a white Hiace Coaster Bus with the license plate KJA 724 YJ, utilized this guise to harass drivers in the area,” the statement reads. “Upon a meticulous search of his vehicle, LASTMA Officers uncovered an official LASTMA uniform, including a branded raincoat, among his possessions, confirming his intentions…

Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido made a grand appearance on the runway at Lagos Fashion Week 2024, showcasing an exquisite all-brown regalia fabric for acclaimed designer Ugo Monye. The annual fashion event, a five-day celebration of African style and entrepreneurship, kicked off on October 23 and includes panel discussions on global economics, marketing, and opportunities for African fashion entrepreneurs. Davido wore a majestic outfit adorned with beads and a chocolate-coloured cap, and he carried a traditional staff, channelling a kingly aesthetic that captivated the audience. Davido walked the runway twice, receiving enthusiastic applause, and on his second walk, Monye revealed himself.…

Two public commentators, Baba Yusuf and Femi Odeere, have asked President Bola Tinubu to surrender his office as substantive minister of petroleum to a competent Nigerian. Yusuf and Odeere argued that retaining the office of petroleum minister for himself since he composed his cabinet in August 2023 has not boosted the country’s daily oil production in any way. They maintained that top oil-producing countries like the United States, Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and others don’t have their presidents as petroleum ministers. Yusuf and Odeere spoke on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme that aired on…

Starlink, a satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, has temporarily suspended the increase in the monthly subscription for its Nigerian subscribers. The development comes nearly one month after the internet provider increased its standard package (residential) monthly subscription to N75,000, from N38,000 per month — an increase of 97.37 percent. Also, the cost of the hardware was increased from N440,000 to N590,000. Following the increase, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said the company did not receive its approval before reviewing its subscription. According to NCC, it had commenced a pre-enforcement action on Starlink.…

First Bank has refuted reports suggesting that it is undergoing a system upgrade, clarifying that the notice about transitioning to a new cloud-based platform was specifically intended for vendors, not customers. First Bank, in a statement on Friday, explained that a message sent to vendors was misinterpreted and incorrectly reported. It said the message concerned transitioning from the current I-Supplier Platform to a new Cloud-based Supplier Platform to enhance vendor capabilities and benefits. “The message which was incorrectly interpreted and reported was sent to, and intended for our vendors only and focused on transitioning from our current I-Supplier Platform (our…

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s trip to Samoa to represent Nigeria at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads Of Government Summit has been cancelled after a foreign object hit his plane during a stopover at JFK Airport in New York. A statement by Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, said the foreign object damaged the cockpit windscreen of the plane. Tinubu, acting promptly, has approved a ministerial delegation to represent Nigeria at the summit in the Samoa capital of Apia, while the plane’s repair has commenced. The delegation, which will now represent Nigeria at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (CHOGM)…

Japan wants to host the Women’s World Cup in 2031 to ignite the domestic game and cut the gap on Europe and North America, the country’s football chief. In 2011 Japan won the competition but they have since been overtaken, with women’s football booming in Europe in recent years. “We would like to raise the value of women’s football here,” Japan Football Association president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto said in an interview at JFA headquarters in Tokyo, in front of a giant photo of Japan’s World Cup-winning team. Miyamoto was captain of the Japan men’s team when they co-hosted the World Cup…

Polish radio station has triggered controversy after dismissing its journalists and relaunching this week with AI-generated “presenters.” Weeks after letting its journalists go, OFF Radio Krakow relaunched this week, with what it said was “the first experiment in Poland in which journalists … are virtual characters created by AI.” The station in the southern city of Krakow said its three avatars are designed to reach younger listeners by speaking about cultural, art and social issues including the concerns of LGBTQ+ people. “Is artificial intelligence more of an opportunity or a threat to media, radio and journalism? We will seek answers…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has urged Nigerians to disregard claims that the old naira notes will cease to be legal tender on December 31, 2024. This was contained in a statement signed by Sidi Ali, acting director, corporate communications, CBN. She said the old series of N200, N500, and N1,000 banknotes will remain legal tender as ordered by the supreme court on November 29, 2023. On Thursday, the house of representatives said December 31, 2024, was the deadline for old naira notes to cease being legal tender. However, CBN said its directive to all its branches to continue…