Author: Opalim Lifted

The Briton accused of inciting insurrection against President Bola Tinubu’s government, Drew Povey, has blasted the Nigerian government for treating protests as treason.  Povey, whom the Nigerian government said also bears the name Andrew Wynne, said this in a statement in reaction to the government’s allegation of building “a network of sleeper cells to topple” the Bola Tinubu administration “and plunge the nation into chaos.” Povey’s bookshop located at the Abuja headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had earlier been raided and sealed. Part of the charges against him was enabling some #EndBadGovernance protesters “with intent to destabilize Nigeria.”…

Municipal services in several Israeli districts were disrupted on Monday after the country’s biggest labour union launched a general strike to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into agreeing to a deal to bring Israeli hostages in Gaza home. The head of the Histadrut union, which represents hundreds of thousands of workers across the economy, called for the strike on Sunday after the bodies of six hostages were recovered in a tunnel in southern Gaza. The return of the hostages, who were shot dead between 48-72 hours before being found by Israeli forces, according to health ministry estimates, triggered deep shock…

China on Monday rolled out the red carpet for leaders from across Africa, including President Bola Tinubu, seeking to deepen ties with the resource-rich continent it has furnished with billions in loans for infrastructure and development. Beijing has said this week’s China-Africa forum will be its largest diplomatic event since the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than a dozen leaders and delegations expected. China has sent hundreds of thousands of workers to Africa to build its megaprojects while tapping the continent’s vast natural resources including copper, gold, lithium and rare earth minerals. Its vast loans to the continent have funded infrastructure…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has set stringent financial requirements for companies vying to operate and maintain the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company. In the Expression of Interest document released by NNPC on Saturday, only firms with a minimum average annual turnover of $2bn will qualify for the bidding process, as the national oil company stressed that the bidders must be debt-free. NNPC said the successful bidders must possess the technical expertise and financial strength to effectively manage the refineries and secure a steady supply of petroleum products to meet national energy…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) finally admitted that its debt to fuel suppliers poses a threat to fuel supply sustainability nationwide. There have been reports that a $6.8 billion debt the NNPCL owes fuel suppliers has worsened fuel scarcity in Nigeria, a perennial feature since the beginning of 2024. At different times, the NNPCL blamed logistics challenges, and flooding, amongst others for the supply shortages of the essential commodity. However, in a statement on Sunday, NNPCL spokesman Olufemi Soneye said “this financial strain has placed considerable pressure on the company and poses a threat to the sustainability of…

Liverpool maintained their flawless start under new manager Arne Slot as they outclassed woeful Manchester United at Old Trafford. The visitors were on a different level to United in a win so comprehensive that it will bring renewed scrutiny on Slot’s fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag, who survived a summer review to win a new contract following last season’s FA Cup win. Liverpool have barely missed a beat since Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp, recording three straight Premier League wins now without conceding a goal, and this was the most impressive display so far. Trent Alexander-Arnold had already had a goal…

Chelsea have extended the contract of striker Nicolas Jackson by two years until 2033. The Blues now have the Senegal forward tied to the club for nine years to reflect their confidence in the £32m signing from Villarreal last summer. Jackson scored 14 goals in the Premier League last season and has eight goals in his past eight matches, after scoring in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. When asked about Jackson’s deal, manager Enzo Maresca said after the match: “The only thing I know is he’s signing a new contract – I don’t know how many…

African leaders descend on China’s capital this week, seeking funds for big-ticket infrastructure projects as they eye mounting great power competition over resources and influence on the continent. China has expanded ties with African nations in the past decade, furnishing them with billions in loans that have helped build infrastructure but also sometimes stoked controversy by saddling countries with huge debts. Xi Jinping-led government has sent hundreds of thousands of workers to Africa to build its mega projects, while tapping the continent’s vast natural resources including copper, gold, lithium and rare earth minerals. Beijing has said this week’s China-Africa forum…

Alexander Isak’s first goal of the season handed Newcastle a priceless 2-1 victory to maintain their unbeaten start to the season as they defeated Tottenham in a thrilling match at a packed and atmospheric St James’ Park. The hosts took a 37th-minute lead when Harvey Barnes superbly controlled a tricky side-footed finish after Lloyd Kelly had done well down the left and pulled the ball back. But Tottenham levelled in the 56th minute. After Pedro Porro’s shot had been deflected on to the crossbar moments earlier, half-time substitute Brennan Johnson had his shot sliced into his own goal by Newcastle…

Eberechi Eze scored a superb equaliser as Crystal Palace drew with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Blues, who thrashed Wolves 6-2 last week, were the better side in the first half, with Cole Palmer firing just wide and Dean Henderson saving superbly from Noni Madueke before Nicolas Jackson broke the deadlock. The forward finished off a fast counter by Chelsea, tapping in Palmer’s cross at the near post. Palace were fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men when Will Hughes, on a booking, escaped punishment for a foul on Palmer. And the Eagles were celebrating soon after when Eze…