Author: Opalim Lifted

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has opened an inquiry into Uber’s decision to exit Nigeria, with the regulator examining whether the ride-hailing company left any obligations to riders and drivers unfulfilled. FCCPC Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, confirmed the inquiry in a text message to Bloomberg, saying the commission was reviewing the circumstances surrounding Uber’s departure. According to Bello, the investigation includes services that may not have been completed before the company shut down its Nigerian operations. Uber announced on September 2 that it was winding down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, bringing its 12-year presence in…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order an urgent investigation into more than ₦78.8 billion in public funds allegedly diverted, unaccounted for or irregularly spent under Nigeria’s social protection programmes. SERAP made the demand in a letter dated 5 September 2026 and signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare. The organisation based its concerns on findings contained in the 2024 Annual Report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on 7 August 2026. The report examined various periods between January and December 2023, with some findings extending to 31 December 2024. SERAP…

British-Nigerian businessman and social media influencer Igho “Tiny” Ubiribo, popularly known as Denisi or Ego, has died after a penis enlargement procedure in Thailand was linked to a fatal pulmonary embolism. The 43-year-old underwent the cosmetic treatment at an unnamed clinic in Bangkok in March, where about 40 millilitres of hyaluronic acid and lidocaine were injected into his penis, according to evidence presented at an inquest at Inner West London Coroners’ Court. Ubiribo was on a luxury holiday in Thailand with his wife, Danielle Simba Allen, when the procedure was carried out. Afterwards, the couple reportedly went for a massage.…

The Iruekpen–Ozalla–Sabo Road in the Owan axis of Edo State has reportedly deteriorated badly, leaving motorists stranded and heavy-duty trucks stuck in deep mud. The situation was highlighted by MONITNG in a post on X, which called for urgent intervention from the Edo State Government and the Federal Ministry of Works. The post, accompanied by images of the affected road, was addressed to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and described the route as a “nightmare”. “Dear Governor @m_akpakomiza This is the Iruekpen–Ozalla–Sabo Road in the Owan axis of Edo State, now a nightmare. The picture taken today tells a painful…

President Bola Tinubu has approved N515 million in relief funds for 18 business owners affected by the fire outbreak at the SPAR shopping mall in Calabar, Cross River State. The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, announced the intervention on Friday during her visit to Cross River, where she also commissioned the South-South phase of the National Community Foodbank Programme. According to the First Lady, President Tinubu approved N25 million each for 18 affected business owners, amounting to N450 million. An additional N50 million was presented to Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, wife of Cross River Governor Bassey Edet Otu, to support women’s…

The United Nations General Assembly has backed a new world map designed to give a more accurate picture of the size of Africa and other continents. The resolution, spearheaded by Togo and backed by African countries, was adopted on Friday with 164 countries voting in favour. The United States was the only country to vote against it, while six countries abstained. The move promotes the Equal Earth projection, which more accurately represents the relative sizes of the world’s landmasses than the traditional Mercator projection. The Mercator map, created by Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator in 1569, was designed primarily for maritime…

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo did not shield him from corruption allegations during his time in office. Atiku, who served as Obasanjo’s vice-president, said the allegations were investigated by several state institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Assembly and the courts, but that he was never convicted. His comments followed a fresh petition by Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, a former member of the House of Representatives, asking the EFCC to reopen allegations of financial crimes against him. Agbonayinma, through his lawyer, Hannibal Uwaifo of Sagitarian Law Firm, gave the…

Newcastle fought back from 2-0 down to earn a hard-fought Premier League point at home to Bournemouth thanks to Jacob Ramsey’s late equaliser. The Cherries had taken an early lead when Alex Scott’s deflected shot looped into the box and Marcus Tavernier stole a couple of yards on Amar Dedic at the back post and poked the ball under Lukas Hornicek. Newcastle fans booed the officials after the goal – aggrieved by what they thought was a foul in an earlier phase of play after some grappling between Adrien Truffert and Anthony Elanga. Bournemouth added a second when Justin Kluivert’s…

US President Donald Trump’s administration has moved to weaken endangered species protections for wolves, prompting an angry response from conservationists who warn that the predators’ recovery could be put at risk. In an executive order issued on Friday, Trump directed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to determine within 90 days whether gray wolves and Mexican wolves have met the recovery criteria required for removal or reduction of their protections under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). If Burgum determines that the recovery criteria have been met, the administration is expected to begin the process of delisting the wolves. The order also directs…

Former New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has warned political leaders against assuming that control of several states will guarantee victory in the 2027 presidential election. Kwankwaso made the remark at a political gathering in Port Harcourt on Thursday, citing former President Goodluck Jonathan’s defeat in the 2015 presidential election as a reminder that incumbency and political structures do not automatically translate into electoral victory. “Let me call on the people, especially those who are bragging that they have governors. They have over 30 governors. Many of these people have no experience, or they won’t forget history,”…