Author: Opalim Lifted

The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Monday, September 16, 2024, as a public holiday to mark the celebration of the Eid-ul-Mawlid. Eid-ul-Mawlid is the commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the federal government in a statement by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on Friday. While congratulating the Muslim Ummah on the occasion, he implored them to use the opportunity of the period to pray for enduring peace and a more prosperous egalitarian nation. The minister urged the Muslims and all…

Morocco has recorded a case of mpox in the tourist city of Marrakesh, the first in North Africa since the WHO declared an international emergency last month, the Africa CDC said Friday. “Africa CDC confirms the first mpox case in North Africa for 2024, reported by Morocco’s Ministry of Health” on September 12, a statement on the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention website said. With Morocco, 15 African Union member states have reported cases — now across every region of the continent, according to Africa CDC. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is caused by a virus transmitted to humans…

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Raheem Sterling has a point to prove following his loan arrival from Chelsea. The 29-year-old forward completed a shock deadline-day switch after being deemed surplus to requirements by Blues boss Enzo Maresca. Sterling could now make his debut for Arsenal in Sunday’s north London derby at Tottenham, having been reunited with Arteta who coached him during his time at Manchester City. “He looks great,” said the Gunners boss of Sterling. “First of all because he has a big smile on his face, a lot of energy. He’s at it and he wants to prove a…

Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell is set to start training with the first team again after failing to get a move away from the club before the transfer deadline. The England international, 27, was one of several Blues players frozen out and training seperately but unlike many of the others – including Raheem Sterling, Romelu Lukaku and Trevoh Chalobah – remains at Stamford Bridge. Clubs must name a Premier League squad containing up to 25 players over the age of 21 by Saturday. Boss Enzo Maresca has not said whether Chilwell could be included in that. He has already been left…

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo crossed one billion followers across his social media accounts, aided by his newly-launched YouTube channel that has attracted more than 60 million subscribers in just over three weeks. Ronaldo, who scored his 901th career goal last week to help Portugal beat Scotland 2-1 in the Nations League, is the first human being to reach a billion followers on social media, global media reports said. “We’ve made history, one billion followers! This is more than just a number, it’s a testament to our shared passion, drive, and love for the game and beyond,” Ronaldo posted on X.…

Manager Pep Guardiola says he is glad the hearing into Manchester City’s (Man City)115 charges for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules will begin on Monday. Man City were charged and referred to an independent commission in February 2023 following a four-year investigation. It is alleged Man City breached the Premier League’s financial rules between 2009 and 2018. City strongly deny all charges and have said their case is supported by a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence”. “Start soon, and hopefully finish soon,” Guardiola said of the hearing. “An independent panel will decide and I am looking forward…

The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has suspended former Senator from the state, Dino Melaye from the party over anti-party activities. Melaye was suspended by the PDP exco in Ayetoro Gbede, Ward 1 following his refusal to honour a summon. The Ward exco explained that Melaye was suspended for anti-party activities and alleged misconduct. The resolution to suspend the former Kogi West senator was taken by the Ward party executive committee during a meeting in Aiyetoro/Luagba Ward 1 on Friday to review the report of the disciplinary committee set up to investigate alleged anti-party activities against…

Following the local marketers boycott of Dangote Refinery Products, Nigerians on social media advised Aliko Dangote to establish petrol stations across the country to service consumers directly. The Vice President of Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, revealed in an X-space forum that despite the refinery’s efforts to offer affordable petroleum products, many Nigerian traders continue to import refined products rather than sourcing from the local refinery. Chronicle NG reported that Edwin voiced frustration over the boycott of Dangote Refinery’s products by local marketers. Edwin noted that despite the Dangote Refinery’s substantial production capacity, local marketers are purchasing only about 3%…

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has dismissed Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest criticism and says the outside noise around the club does not bother him. Speaking to former United team-mate Rio Ferdinand on a podcast, Ronaldo said Ten Hag had been wrong to say in a pre-season interview in the manager’s home country of the Netherlands that the club were “a long way away” from winning the Premier League for the first time since 2013. Although Ronaldo went on to say he also thought his old club could not win the championship, he felt, as manager, Ten Hag was sending out…

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the transition of Oba Aromolaran II, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland. Oba Aromolaran, the highly revered first-class monarch, died at the age of 86. While on the throne, he also served as chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers. As a traditional ruler, Oba Aromolaran kept his palace above the fray of partisan politics. He was open to all political tendencies. Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Osun State, the good people of Ijesaland, and the family of the late traditional ruler, Presidency spokesman, Bayo Onanuga…