Author: Opalim Lifted

The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark the Easter celebration. The announcement was made by Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government. In a Wednesday statement by Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the interior minister congratulated Christians in Nigeria and across the diaspora on the occasion of Easter, describing it as a period of reflection and renewal. Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to embrace the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance and love, as exemplified by Jesus Christ. He also called on citizens to remain committed…

At least 30 students of Our Lady Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, have been hospitalised following a suspected gas leak that occurred at the school on Wednesday. It was gathered that several students and teachers struggled to breathe when fumes suspected to have emanated from nearby carbide cylinders spread across the premises, sparking panic within the school community. Ola Oresanya, the state commissioner for environment, confirmed the incident to reporters on Wednesday. Oresanya noted that the affected students were immediately rushed to the General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode for medical attention. He said most of the students are now…

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has defended his engagement with members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), despite corruption allegations surrounding some figures in the party. Speaking during an interview on Magic FM in Aba, Abia State, Obi said working closely with individuals facing allegations provides an opportunity to positively influence and reform them. Drawing a biblical analogy, Obi referenced Jesus Christ, noting that his association with tax collectors and sinners was part of a broader mission to inspire change. According to Obi, “When Jesus came, his friends were tax collectors and prostitutes because it…

Nigerian singers, Simi and her husband, Adekunle Gold, have welcomed their second child. The couple shared the news on Instagram, where Simi posted heartwarming photos from their maternity shoot. In the images, the pair are seen wearing matching denim outfits. She revealed that the baby was born on March 10, 2026. With the announcement, the singer subtly dismissed earlier viral rumours that she had given birth to twins, simply describing herself as a “mommy of two.” However, she did not disclose the baby’s gender or name. “+1. 3.10.26. God bless my little family #mommyof2,” she wrote. Police probe Simi over…

No fewer than three ministers in the administration of Bola Tinubu have resigned ahead of the March 31 deadline for political appointees seeking elective office in the 2027 general elections. The directive, issued through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by George Akume, requires all affected officials to step down before participating in party primaries. The order aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to a circular signed by Akume and issued by Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Kana, the directive applies to…

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has underwritten $2.5 billion in a $4 billion syndicated term loan for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, marking a major boost for Africa’s largest refining project. The five-year financing deal, arranged alongside Access Bank, is designed to strengthen the refinery’s financial structure and support its long-term growth plans. A syndicated term loan involves multiple lenders funding a single borrower under one agreement, typically coordinated by lead arrangers. Afreximbank said the facility will improve DPRP’s balance sheet flexibility, reinforce financial strength, and position the refinery as a key supplier of refined petroleum products across Africa…

Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi State, is poised to formally defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside his supporters on Thursday, in what could deepen the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The governor signalled the move on Tuesday while hosting key ADC figures, including Babachir Lawal, at the Government House in Bauchi. His planned exit follows months of turmoil within the PDP, triggered by a disputed convention held in Ibadan in November 2025 by a faction led by Kabiru Turaki. Mohammed said efforts to stabilise the party had failed despite multiple reconciliation attempts. “We have found ourselves…

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of a London property linked to the late Jeremiah Useni to the federal government. Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Binta Nyako ruled that the case brought by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) was credible and supported by evidence. The property, located at 79 Randall Avenue in the UK, was said to be reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. The court had earlier granted an interim forfeiture order on November 28, directing the CCB to publish the notice and invite any interested party to…

US President Donald Trump has said his preferred option in the ongoing conflict with Iran would be to “take the oil”, signalling a potential escalation beyond previously stated war aims. Speaking in an interview with the Financial Times, Trump openly suggested targeting Iran’s energy assets, including the possibility of seizing Kharg Island, the country’s main oil export hub. “To be honest with you, my favourite thing is to take the oil in Iran,” Trump said, dismissing critics of the idea. The remarks come amid intensifying hostilities involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, with global energy markets already under pressure.…

The United States (US) national average retail petrol price has crossed the $4 per gallon ($1 per litre) mark for the first time in over three years, highlighting growing pressure on consumers as global tensions escalate. According to a Reuters report, data from GasBuddy showed that prices reached the milestone on Tuesday the first time since August 2022. The surge comes amid heightened instability in global energy markets triggered by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Analysts describe the $4-per-gallon level as a key psychological threshold for consumers, last seen after the Russian invasion of Ukraine…