Author: Opalim Lifted

Valentine’s Day is globally celebrated today, February 14. While couples plan romantic dinners and exchange gifts, the real Valentine’s Day history tells a far more complex story. Behind the roses and chocolate lies a mix of religion, Roman rituals and clever marketing. Here are seven facts many people miss about February 14. 1. Saint Valentine was not one clear person Most people speak about Saint Valentine as if he were a single historical figure. In reality, early church records point to more than one Christian martyr named Valentine. One account describes a priest in third-century Rome who secretly married couples…

Two police inspectors and four civilians have been killed after heavily armed bandits stormed Tse-Kaseve village in Anyagba Ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. The attack unfolded at about 4:00pm when scores of gunmen, reportedly riding nearly 100 motorcycles, descended on the community market in a brazen show of force. Residents fled as the assailants attempted to overrun the area. A joint security team comprising officers of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle. According to local sources, 11 PMF personnel on special…

The Executive Council of the African Union (AU) has agreed to grant Nigeria a permanent seat on the board of the African Central Bank (ACB), according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The feat reflects Nigeria’s role in shaping the continent’s financial architecture, Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement on Friday. The development is said to be one of the achievements of the West African nation at the just-concluded 39th session of the African Union. Tuggar said Nigeria recorded significant diplomatic and institutional achievements, consolidating its leadership role in advancing Africa’s economic integration, peace, security, and…

The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has issued a stern warning to troops deployed in the Niger Delta, cautioning them against involvement in oil theft or any form of compromise while protecting critical national assets. Oluyede delivered the warning at the commissioning of a newly built Non-Commissioned Officers’ (NCOs) accommodation complex and a remodelled conference hall at the headquarters of Operation Delta Safe in Igbogene, Bayelsa State. According to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Samaila Uba, the CDS charged personnel to uphold professionalism, integrity and discipline in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities. Oluyede…

The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has strongly rejected allegations linking Chinese mining companies in Nigeria to illegal mining and the funding of terrorism, describing the claims as “false, baseless and damaging” to bilateral ties. In a statement issued on Thursday, the embassy said a bill introduced by certain members of the United States House of Representatives “groundlessly accused China” of engaging in unlawful mining activities in Nigeria and paying protection money to militia groups. The diplomatic mission also criticised sections of the media for amplifying the allegations, claiming some reports went further by fabricating narratives that portrayed Chinese mining companies…

Atletico Madrid produced an outstanding first-half display of attacking football as they thrashed La Liga leaders Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final. A bad night for the visitors also saw them denied a goal back in the second half when, after a record-equalling eight-minute check by the video assistant referee (VAR), Pau Cubarsi’s strike was ruled out for offside. This was the second time in as many years these two sides had met at this stage of the competition, with Barcelona winning last year on their way to lifting the trophy for a 32nd time.…

Arsenal missed the chance to restore their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League in a frustrating draw at Brentford. The Gunners’ lead at the top was halved when Manchester City beat Fulham on Wednesday and Mikel Arteta’s side faced a tough assignment against a Brentford side who had lost just twice at home this season. It was a subdued performance in the first half as Arsenal struggled to break down a well organised Brentford side, but they took the lead in the 61st minute when Noni Madueke headed Piero Hincapie’s cross back across goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. It…

Afrobeats star, Oladipupo Halley, has revealed that life lessons are a major source of inspiration behind his hit songs. The ‘Colos Timo Mogbe’ crooner, whose versatility has earned him a solid reputation in the music industry, noted that music is the tool he uses to express himself and address societal challenges. Speaking in an interview, Halley reiterated that his creative voice is inspired by real-life experiences, street stories, and deep reflections on success, struggle, and faith. “My music blends African rhythms, soulful melodies, and street wisdom, creating sounds that connect with everyday people and real emotions. “Through my songs, I…

A fresh bill in the United States House of Representatives has proposed that the country’s Secretary of State work with the Nigerian government to thwart the “hostile foreign exploitation of Chinese illegal mining operations.” The proposed legislation, titled Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was introduced by five Republican lawmakers on Tuesday. The congressmen who sponsored the bill are Chris Smith, Riley Moore (the bill’s author), Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga. The bill’s sponsors alleged that illegal Chinese mining operations in Nigeria engage in the “destabilizing practice of paying protection money to Fulani militias.” The legislation…

Heineken will cut up to 6,000 jobs globally as the brewing giant battles weak demand, rising costs and slowing profit growth. The world’s second-largest brewer by market value confirmed the move on Wednesday, saying it will reduce its workforce by roughly seven per cent over the next two years. The cuts form part of a major productivity drive aimed at delivering “higher growth with fewer resources”. The announcement comes just weeks after the surprise resignation of Chief Executive Officer Dolf van den Brink in January, leaving the Dutch brewer searching for new leadership at a critical time. Slower Profit Outlook…