Author: Opalim Lifted

Brazilian forward Endrick shed tears of pride after signing a six-year contract with Real Madrid, days after celebrating his 18th birthday. The LaLiga club had agreed to sign Endrick from Sao Paulo-based Palmeiras in 2022, with a view to him joining Madrid in July 2024 after turning 18. Spanish media reported that the Brazilian forward, who will wear Real’s number 16 jersey, was signed for an initial fee of 35 million euros ($38 million) with a further 25 million euros in possible add-ons. “This is crazy! I’m so happy, since I was a kid I have always been a Madrid…

Italian high jumper Gianmarco Tamberi has issued a grovelling apology to his wife after losing his wedding ring during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. The 32-year-old world champion was flag-waving for Italy, as the boat carrying its athletes sailed down the River Seine, when the ring slipped off his finger. “I’m sorry my love, I’m so sorry,” he wrote on Instagram in a post dedicated to his wife, Chiara Bontempi Tamberi. The athlete blamed “losing too many kilos” and “irrepressible enthusiasm” for the mishap. “If it had to happen, if I had to lose this ring, I couldn’t…

President Bola Tinubu has described the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Ifeanyi Ubah, as a renowned businessman and politician. Ubah, who was the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil, died in London, the United Kingdom, on Saturday. The late lawmaker, who was a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, died at the age of 52. In a statement issued by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, on Saturday, Tinubu extended his condolences to the family and friends of the late Senator. The President also commiserated with the National Assembly and the government and people of Anambra…

A popular oil mogul and politician, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, is dead. The federal lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District was said to have passed on in London. The lawmaker, who flew to the United Kingdom (UK) after becoming seriously ill a few weeks ago, died Saturday morning in a London hospital. His condition reportedly became critical in the past 48 hours. The cause of death was not clear as of Saturday morning. This comes just a few days after Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s President-General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, passed away. Ifeanyi Ubah joins APC in pursuit of Igbo nation agenda Ifeanyi Ubah was…

The right to freedom of speech, protest alongside the right to life, is the most important right for every citizen in a democracy. Section 39(1) of the Constitution of Nigeria supports freedom of speech and expression. It states that “every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.” Interestingly, Section 83 of the Police Act 2020 mandates the government to uphold a sacred duty, not only to permit protests but also to ensure the security and protection of the protesters. The Cambridge Dictionary defines protest…

Dangote Refinery is reselling crude oil cargoes from both the United States and Nigeria. Reuters sources indicated that the move, unusual for refineries, stemmed from technical challenges at the refinery. A Dangote executive, asked about the offers and talk in the market that the refinery was having operational issues affecting the crude distillation unit, said the CDU was in operation. The refinery, which began production in January 2024, aims to be the largest in Africa and Europe once fully operational. It’s designed to shift Nigeria from a fuel importer to a fuel exporter. However, recent events suggest the refinery is…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday praised athletes from his war-battered country for their preparations to compete at the Paris Olympics despite the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Kyiv says it is fielding its smallest-ever Olympic team at any summer Games this year as a result of Russia’s invasion, now in its third year. “We are proud of our team — the men and women who, despite this war of aggression, managed to prepare for the Olympics and show the spirit of all Ukrainians,” Zelensky wrote on social media. “They have our will to win and Ukrainian character,” he added. Mykhailo…

President Bola Tinubu urged Nigerian athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics to remain worthy ambassadors of the country, wishing them well in the competition.  Tinubu’s goodwill message came in a Friday statement by his spokesman Ajuri Ngelale. Eighty-eight Nigerian athletes, made up of 63 women and 25 men, will represent Nigeria in 12 sports at the Paris Olympics. “The President assures these bold and courageous ambassadors representing the country of his full support and that of over 200 million Nigerians back home, praying and cheering for their success,” Ajuri said. “On behalf of all Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu sends his…

Celine Dion made her return to the stage at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris in truly grand fashion. The superstar singer closed the ceremony on Friday immediately after the lighting of the Olympic cauldron, with a performance from the first stage of the Eiffel Tower, singing a timeless classic: Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à l’amour.” Celine Dion was in excellent form as she belted out the soaring, clean notes, dressed in a stunning beaded white gown with tassels. Immediately following the performance, Kelly Clarkson – who was serving as a commentator on the proceedings, was at first speechless and then…

The Nigeria women’s basketball team, DTigress, was not allowed to board the delegation’s boat for the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. A witness spoke to the Associated Press on Friday on the condition of anonymity because the Nigerian delegation has not publicly commented. Once the DTigress made it to the area where it was supposed to board the boat for the ceremony, the group was denied entry by a Nigerian official who told the players and coaches there were too many people on board. After facing rejection, the team proceeded to the athlete’s village. Messages were left seeking comment…