Author: Opalim Lifted

In August 2025, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor and producer with Arise Television, put up a post on social media platform X, in which she prayed that Nigeria should never happen to her or her loved ones. One month and 15 days later, Somtochukwu, popularly known as Sommie, was killed in an armed robbery incident at her residence in Abuja. The ‘Nigeria should never happen to me’ expression has become a popular social media parlance that refers to the socio-economic factors daily confronting the average citizen. I pray from the depth of my heart that Nigeria never happens to…

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a strong warning to Nigerian investors as fraudsters turn to artificial intelligence to run new financial scams. The regulator revealed that criminals are now using deep fakes, AI-generated content, and fake celebrity endorsements to push unregistered “investment” platforms. Platforms such as CBEX, Silverkuun, and TOFRO were flagged for exploiting AI tools to promise “guaranteed” profits and “zero-risk” trading—claims the SEC described as both false and dangerous. “These platforms are not licensed or regulated, yet they continue to mislead the public with deceptive claims,” the SEC cautioned. Fraudsters increasingly…

The former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, Dame Patience Jonathan, and the wife of former Vice President, Dolapo Osinbajo, among other dignitaries, graced the wedding ceremony of the son of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi. Other dignitaries who attended the church wedding of Dr. Chikamkpa Amaechi and Anita Nwabueze include the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, National Chairman of the African Democratic Party, Senator David Mark, and former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Solomon Lalong. The former Chaplain of Rivers State House Parish, Reverend Father Steve Dedua, joined…

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has demanded the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of workers allegedly sacked by the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The workers were allegedly sacked for joining the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). TUC’s Secretary General, Mr Nuhu Toro, made the call in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. Toro described the refinery’s action as anti-worker and unconstitutional. “The dismissal of workers simply for exercising their constitutional right to freedom of association is a gross violation of Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and Nigeria’s obligations under ILO conventions,” he…

Nigerian businessman, Femi Otedola, has instructed his lawyers to file a N1 billion lawsuit against Umar Sani, a former spokesperson to former Vice President Namadi Sambo. “Because of these deliberate lies and unfounded allegations, I have instructed my lawyers to file a ₦1 billion libel suit against Umar Sani,” Otedola said in a statement. “People must learn that reputations are not to be toyed with for cheap propaganda and also to serve as a deterrent for other mischief makers in the future. I will go to every extent that this is achieved.” Sani accused Otedola, a Nigerian business mogul and…

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles will play two international friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia in the United States during the FIFA window for friendly matches in November 2025. According to NFF’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachón of Eurodata Sport, Nigeria will face Venezuela on Friday, November 14, at the Shell Stadium in Houston, Texas, with kick-off scheduled for 8 p.m. local time. Four days later, on Tuesday, November 18, the Super Eagles will take on Colombia at Citi Field Stadium in Queens, New York, also at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (1 a.m. Wednesday in…

From 6 October, no Nigerian graduate will be allowed to join or secure exemption from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) without first complying with the National Policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD). The federal government, through a circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, confirmed the policy’s enforcement, citing sections of the NYSC Act. The NERD databank, introduced earlier by the Ministry of Education, is designed to curb academic fraud and certificate racketeering by mandating all students and institutions to upload verifiable academic outputs including final-year projects, dissertations, and theses.…

Britain is set for a major shake-up as Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a mandatory digital identity scheme for anyone wishing to work in the UK. Speaking at the Global Progressive Action Conference in London, Starmer declared: “Let me spell it out: you will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID.” The prime minister argued the move will clamp down on illegal working and streamline access to essential services, making it easier for citizens to prove who they are without relying on passports, driving licences, or old utility bills. “Digital ID…

The World Bank will on Tuesday, 30 September 2025 approve two loans totalling $750 million for Nigeria, targeting health security and a massive digital infrastructure rollout. The package includes $500m for the Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth in Nigeria (BRIDGE) project and $250m for Phase II of the Health Security Programme in Western and Central Africa, Nigeria. Broadband for Underserved Communities The BRIDGE initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, is designed to connect millions in underserved areas. With a price tag of $1.6bn, it will be financed through concessional credit and private investment. Minister…

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that the Abuja–Kaduna passenger train service will resume operations next week following the completion of repairs and safety checks on the affected track section. The service had been suspended after a train derailed on August 26, 2025. Confirming the development, NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, said the corporation had “worked tirelessly to ensure both the infrastructure and rolling stock are restored to the highest safety standards in line with global best practices.” He noted that 512 of the 583 passengers on board the affected train had been refunded, with efforts ongoing…