Author: Opalim Lifted

Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold has announced that he will finally be releasing a song with his former record label boss Olamide, years after leaving YBNL Nation. The singer shared a post on his Instagram on Monday, revealing what appears to be their first official track together. The post announced the title of the project as ‘Formation’ and is scheduled to be released on April 9. “First time, me and @olamide… Formation. April 9,” Gold wrote. The music star first gained recognition with his hit track ‘Sade’, a highlife cover of One Direction’s ‘Story of My Life’ in 2015. He was…

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has warned that Nigeria is “on the brink of collapse”, citing rising insecurity, deepening poverty and a widening governance crisis. In a joint statement signed by more than 50 groups, including ActionAid Nigeria, Amnesty International Nigeria, BudgIT Foundation, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Media Rights Agenda (MRA), the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), and Yiaga Africa — the coalition called for urgent reforms to address what it described as a worsening national emergency. The organisations said millions of Nigerians are facing severe hardship while political leaders remain focused on rhetoric…

Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, said his country has agreed to “suspend defensive operations” on the condition that attacks by the United States and Israel are halted. “For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible through coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations,” Araghchi said on Tuesday night. “If attacks against Iran are halted, our powerful armed forces will cease their defensive operations.” Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said the end of the war depends on the US accepting the demands outlined in its 10-point plan. “It…

US President Donald Trump has announced a two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran, temporarily halting planned US military action amid rising tensions in the region. Trump said the truce is conditional on Tehran’s immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. In a post on Truth Social, Trump disclosed that the decision followed discussions with Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir, who urged restraint. He stated that the United States would suspend bombing operations for two weeks, describing the move as a “double-sided ceasefire” dependent on Iran’s compliance. Trump added that Washington had already achieved its key…

Zenith Bank Plc has officially completed its acquisition of Paramount Bank Kenya Limited, following regulatory approvals in both Nigeria and Kenya. The transaction, confirmed in a statement by company secretary Michael Osilama Otu, marks a major milestone in Zenith Bank’s expansion into the East African market. “Further to our publication on November 18, 2025, Zenith Bank Plc is pleased to announce the completion of its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Paramount Bank Kenya Limited following all requisite regulatory approvals,” the statement said. The bank said the move strengthens its footprint across sub-Saharan Africa and supports its long-term…

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Ishaq Oloyede, has called on candidates and parents to challenge suspected admission bias if they are confident in their UTME scores. Speaking during an interview with Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Oloyede said qualified candidates who are denied admission into their preferred institutions should formally protest through the board’s system. He emphasised that the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) ensures transparency and fairness, making it easier to track and question irregularities. According to him, candidates who believe they meet the admission requirements should not remain silent. He stressed that CAPS has…

American rapper Offset has been hospitalised after being injured in a shooting outside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Florida on Monday evening. The 34-year-old artiste, born Kiari Kendrell Cephus, was reportedly shot in a valet area before being rushed to Memorial Regional Hospital for treatment. A representative confirmed that the rapper is in stable condition and receiving medical care. “We can confirm Offset was shot and is currently at the hospital receiving medical care. He is stable and being closely monitored,” the spokesperson said. Police authorities said the incident occurred shortly after 7pm and involved non-life-threatening injuries.…

US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, saying its “whole civilisation will die tonight” unless its leadership makes a dramatic concession. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump gave Tehran a deadline of Tuesday 8pm ET (1am WAT) to strike what he described as a “revolutionary” deal. The US leader is demanding that Iran fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping, warning of severe consequences if it fails to comply. “A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will,”…

US President Donald Trump has dramatically escalated tensions with Iran, warning the country could be “taken out” in a single night if it fails to comply with US demands. The warning comes as a deadline set by Washington for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping fast approaches. Trump had earlier issued a 48-hour ultimatum on Saturday, threatening severe military consequences if Tehran refused to cooperate. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the US leader doubled down on his stance, outlining what he described as a devastating military plan. “The entire country could be taken out…

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied issuing any threat against Seun Okinbaloye, insisting his controversial remark during a recent media chat was purely figurative. The former Rivers State governor came under scrutiny after reacting to comments made by Okinbaloye on Politics Today, where he criticised the trajectory of Nigeria’s democracy. During the media session, Wike had said: “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.” The statement quickly sparked backlash, with some interpreting it as a direct threat. However, speaking on Tuesday, Wike clarified that his words were misinterpreted…