Author: Opalim Lifted

United States President Donald Trump has dismissed critics of his agreement with Iran, describing them as “fools” following the signing of a landmark Iran peace deal. The remarks came as Trump and Iranian officials separately signed the accord aimed at ending the Middle East conflict and restoring stability in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. Oil prices fell after news of the agreement, with markets reacting to expectations that shipping routes would reopen following months of disruption linked to the conflict. The deal was signed in Paris at a ceremony hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron,…

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a nationwide ban on social media use for children under the age of 15, tightening rules on digital access for minors in a move that aligns it with other countries including Australia, Britain, and Canada. According to the official WAM news agency, citing a cabinet resolution, platforms will be required to actively monitor and disable accounts belonging to under-15s or face sanctions, including possible blocking. “The resolution sets the minimum age for social media use at 15 years,” WAM reported. “Children below this age are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal accounts…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into a self-acclaimed prophet, Sunday Ajuluchukwucheya, popularly known as Prophet Sunday Koboko, over allegations that he defrauded members of his ministry of more than N70.3 million. In a statement issued by the EFCC on Wednesday, operatives of its Enugu Zonal Directorate are probing claims that the suspect collected large sums of money from worshippers through promises of spiritual solutions, investment opportunities and prosperity schemes. One of the petitioners, Okey Uwakwe, alleged that the prophet convinced him to pay N6.23 million for spiritual works aimed at persuading his brother, who…

Teddie Beverley, the last surviving member of the famous singing trio, the Beverley Sisters, has died at the age of 99. Her death was announced by British composer TY Jeffries in an Instagram post on Wednesday. Jeffries described her as “beautiful, talented and kind” and said the trio would be fondly remembered for their successful careers and lasting impact on British entertainment. “Goodbye to my very cherished friend, beautiful, talented, kind Teddie Beverley. The Beverley Sisters are now all together again,” he wrote. “Great women! Such fabulous careers! They were a huge part of my life and the lives of…

Bloody Civilian has revealed that marriage is not currently part of her plans, despite ongoing pressure from her family to settle down. Speaking in a recent interview, the 26-year-old Abuja-born artist said she is often questioned by relatives who struggle to understand her decision to prioritise a creative career over traditional expectations. She explained that cultural norms within her family remain strongly rooted in conventional views of womanhood, particularly regarding marriage. “One thing my family still does not understand about being an artiste is the fact that certain conventional things that they expect of a woman from the north are…

Nigerian actress Nkechi Blessing has said she feels no envy towards married people, adding that societal pressure around marriage is often exaggerated. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, the film star shared reflections centred on self-growth and emotional independence, encouraging followers to release anything that no longer supports their personal development. “Growth sometimes looks like walking away. Walking away from people, places, habits, and situations that no longer align with the person you’re becoming,” she said. “Not out of anger, bitterness, or pride but out of self-respect. Some chapters are meant to end so new ones can begin. I’ve learned that…

Colombia made a winning return to the World Cup by defeating debutants Uzbekistan, with former Liverpool forward Luis Diaz and Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz among the goalscorers. After failing to qualify for the 2022 competition, Colombia secured a victory at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to move top of Group K. Munoz scored the first goal with a superb volley at full stretch when he connected with a fine pass forwards from Diaz, who had earlier hit the post. Uzbekistan, coached by Italian World Cup-winning defender Fabio Cannavaro, equalised in the 60th minute through Abbosbek Fayzullaev’s close-range header…

Ghana’s Caleb Yirenkyi scored a 95th-minute winner to deny Panama their first-ever World Cup point in Toronto, Canada. With six minutes added on at the end of match of few chances, Brandon Thomas-Asante raced down the left, beat his marker, and squared the ball for Yirenkyi, who tapped in. The result was harsh on Panama, who had matched the four-time African champions in only their fourth World Cup appearance since their debut in 2018. Ghana’s next game is against Group L leaders England in Boston on Tuesday (21:00 BST), while Panama will hope to end their losing World Cup record…

Harry Kane scored twice while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford added second-half goals as England survived a thrilling contest to defeat Croatia 4-2 on Wednesday and begin their World Cup campaign with a statement victory. The Group L clash carried significant expectations due to the history between the two sides, particularly Croatia’s extra-time victory over England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final. The match at Dallas Stadium lived up to the hype, with Croatia twice drawing level before Bellingham restored England’s lead in the 47th minute and Rashford sealed the win with an 85th-minute strike. Bellingham put England ahead when…

Telegram CEO, Pavel Durov, has explained why a social media ban for teenagers under 16 is dangerous. Chronicle NG reported that the UK government is considering measures that would prevent children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms. The proposal is part of a wider effort to improve online safety and could affect services including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube and X. The plans would also introduce stronger age-verification requirements, meaning users may have to prove their age using identification documents, facial scans or bank card checks. The proposed UK social media restrictions have drawn criticism…