Author: Opalim Lifted

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been sworn in for a record seventh consecutive term, extending his tenure as one of Africa’s longest-serving rulers. Museveni took the oath of office on Tuesday at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala amid loud cheers from thousands of attendees. The 81-year-old leader, who has been in power since 1986, was re-elected in January after a landslide victory in a disputed election. Bobi Wine, a pop star and Museveni’s main challenger, alleged “massive” ballot stuffing. However, the country’s electoral commission denied the allegations. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, later fled Uganda, saying he…

A tragic incident at the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC) has sparked grief and outrage following the death of 14-year-old student, Kaosisochukwu Ambrose Nnamani Jnr, who reportedly drowned while attempting to retrieve a bucket from a reservoir within the school premises. According to accounts circulating online, the incident occurred after students were reportedly asked to leave the hostel for May devotion. Kaosisochukwu and some of his friends allegedly sneaked to a reservoir where his bucket had fallen. Fearing punishment from his mother over the missing bucket, the teenager was said to have repeatedly told his friends, “My mummy will beat…

Saudi Arabia launched multiple covert strikes on Iran in retaliation for attacks carried out in the kingdom during the Middle East war, Reuters reports. Citing two Western officials and two Iranian officials, Reuters said the attacks were launched by the Saudi air force and were believed to have been carried out in late March. The attacks had not previously been reported, as Saudi Arabia, a United States ally, had publicly distanced itself from the conflict. This marks the first time the kingdom is known to have directly carried out military action on Iranian soil. It remains unclear what the targets…

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has described nurses and midwives as the “true backbone” of Nigeria’s healthcare system, praising their resilience and sacrifices in keeping the sector functional despite mounting challenges. In a statement issued to mark World Nurses Day, Obi said nurses are not just participants in healthcare delivery but the “very foundation upon which patient care rests.” According to him, hospitals would struggle to function, communities would find it harder to heal, and countless lives could be lost without the dedication of nurses and midwives. Obi reiterated his longstanding position that no country can build a…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Tinubu of diverting Federation Allocation Accounts Committee (FAAC) funds to finance his 2027 re-election campaign, describing the alleged action as “shameless, cruel, and criminal.” Reacting to reports alleging that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress diverted funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee to support Tinubu’s second-term ambition, the opposition party said millions of Nigerians were sinking deeper into poverty and hopelessness due to the policies of the ruling party. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said allegations that more…

A Federal High Court in Abuja has commenced a trial-within-trial in the case involving six persons accused of plotting to overthrow the Nigerian government, with prosecutors seeking to prove that statements obtained from the defendants were made voluntarily. The special proceeding, which began on Tuesday, is aimed at determining whether the extra-judicial statements allegedly obtained by military investigators were freely given or extracted through coercion, torture or inducement, as claimed by defence lawyers. At the start of proceedings, the trial judge directed both parties to limit their arguments strictly to the issue of voluntariness and avoid discussing substantive matters already…

The United States has warned that parts of Africa are facing renewed extremist threats as remnants of the Islamic State (ISIS) regroup across the continent following their defeat in Iraq and Syria. ISIS was declared defeated in 2017 by the governments of Iraq and Syria after years of military campaigns backed by US-led coalition forces. However, by late 2014, militant factions claiming allegiance to ISIS had already emerged in several conflict zones across Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. In a newly released counterterrorism strategy, the US said the jihadist group splintered and relocated to Africa and Central Asia,…

Troops of Sector 2 under Operation HADIN KAI have intercepted and recovered more than 400 Starlink communication devices allegedly used by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters across Nigeria’s North-East. The Sector Commander, Brigadier General Beyidi Martins, disclosed this while briefing defence correspondents on ongoing intelligence-led “strangulation operations” targeting terrorist logistics and communication systems. According to Martins, the devices linked to Starlink were recovered during military operations in Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle and other insurgent hideouts across the theatre of operations. He said the recoveries are part of broader efforts to cut off terrorists from operational support systems, including communication…

Popular Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has died at the age of 40 after a private battle with cancer, throwing Nigeria’s entertainment industry into mourning. News of his death emerged on Tuesday evening, with colleagues and close associates confirming the tragic development. The actor had reportedly been battling cancer away from the public eye for months. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief across social media, with fans and celebrities paying tribute to one of Nollywood’s most recognisable stars. Concerns about Ekubo’s health had intensified in recent months after his prolonged absence from public life and social media. His last…

France has announced a $27 billion (€23 billion) investment initiative focused on clean energy, artificial intelligence, digital technology, agriculture and the maritime economy across Africa. The announcement was made by French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi. The summit, organised to strengthen economic and political ties between France and African nations, brought together dozens of African heads of state and top business leaders, including Bola Tinubu and Aliko Dangote. Macron said €14 billion of the investment package would come from French public and private institutions, while €9 billion would be contributed by African investors.…