Author: Opalim Lifted

Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State Governor, announced on Saturday a N100 million bounty on Gift David Okpara Okpolowu, a.k.a. 2-Baba, and members of his gang over the gruesome murder of a Divisional Police Officer, Bako Angbashim. The DPO was killed on Friday night while in an operation with his men in the Odiemudie Community, Ahoada East local government area of the state, reports said. Governor Fubara, who announced the bounty in a statement he personally signed, said anyone who gives useful information that would lead to the arrest and prosecution of the suspect would be rewarded with the N100 million. Fubara…

The Socio-Economic Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the 36 state governors in the country to “disclose details on spending of the N2 billion palliative recently disbursed to each state by the Federal Government, including the names of beneficiaries and details of the reliefs so far provided with the money.” Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP spokesperson, said this on Sunday in a statement. According to reports, the Federal Government recently disbursed N2 billion out of the N5 billion palliative package for each state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to address the impact of the removal of fuel subsidies. In…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it is ready to hit the airwaves with its radio station, 97.3 FM, to promote the commission’s efforts against economic and financial crimes in Nigeria. Chronicle NG reports that the commission’s core mission is to eradicate economic and financial crimes through prevention, enforcement, and coordination. The commission posted on its official Facebook page, “97+3 equals 100”. “Yes, it’s 100 percent ready to hit the airwaves”. “It’s the EFCC 97.3 FM station, voices against economic and financial crimes, set to give you a minute-by-minute update on efforts the Commission is making to rid…

American Sean Strickland stunned Nigerian-born New Zealander Israel Adesanya to take the middleweight title by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 293, the first UFC event in Australia’s largest city in six years. The 32-year-old Strickland (28-5), who caused a stir in the lead-up to the fight with sexist and misogynistic comments at a press conference promoting the bout, won a five-round decision with all three judges scoring it 49-46. “Am I dreaming? Am I going to wake up? Someone hit me. I don’t cry much, but I’m trying to keep it together right now,” an emotional Strickland…

Villarreal announced on Saturday that Jose Rojo Martin “Pacheta” has been selected as their new coach for the remainder of the 2023–34 season. The 55-year-old took over after Villarreal fired manager Quique Setien on Tuesday, less than a year into the job. After nearly two years at Real Valladolid, which Ronaldo, a former star of Brazil, owns, Pacheta joins Villarreal. After achieving promotion the year before, Valladolid were demoted to the second tier on the final day of last season. Villarreal, who placed fifth in the 2022–23 season to qualify for the Europa League, is 15th in the Laliga standings…

England’s winning run in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign came to a halt as they were held to a draw by Ukraine in Wroclaw. 40,000 of Ukraine’s own supporters were present at the Tarczynski Arena to support them, giving the match the fervor of a home match since they are unable to play in their own nation due to the war with Russia. And their magnificently noisy backing turned to a deafening roar when Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko put them ahead after 26 minutes when he turned in a cross from Yukhym Konoplya. England had plenty of possession but lacked creativity,…

President Bola Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s commitment to play a major role within the G-20 and contribute to shaping a more equitable world on Saturday. Addressing world leaders at the 18th G-20 Leaders’ Summit, the Nigerian leader called for global unity and cooperation in tackling pressing challenges, fostering inclusiveness, and establishing a fairer world order. While acknowledging the vital role of the G-20 in shaping a rules-based world order that promotes shared prosperity and security, President Tinubu emphasized that most of today’s pressing issues are “international in character and cannot be addressed without multilateral cooperation.” “Therefore, stronger collaboration, cooperation, and partnerships…

A rare and powerful earthquake hit Morocco late Friday night, killing over 600 people and destroying buildings from the Atlas Mountains to the old city of Marrakech. The death toll was anticipated to grow as rescuers dug through the rubble and sought to reach distant places on Saturday. People were gathered on the streets of Marrakech late at night, scared to return inside structures that might still be unstable, according to state television. A man stated that he was visiting a nearby apartment when plates and wall hangings began to pour down, knocking everyone off their feet and chairs. A…

Neymar has surpassed Pele as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with two goals in a 5-1 win over Bolivia. The 31-year-old attacker, who was tied with Pele for the most goals in World Cup qualifying, missed a penalty before scoring twice in the second half on his 125th appearance. “I never imagined I’d break this record. “I’m no better than Pele or any other national team player,” he remarked. Marta has a Brazilian women’s team record of 122 goals in 189 matches. Pele, who died in December at the age of 82, scored 77 goals in 92 matches from 1957 to…

The African Union has been made a permanent member of the G20, a grouping of the world’s wealthiest and most powerful nations, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Saturday during the bloc’s meeting in New Delhi. The African Union, a continental organization with 55 member nations, now enjoys the same status as the European Union, the only regional group with full membership. It was previously known as an “invited international organization.” In his opening remarks at the summit, Modi requested the AU, represented by Chairperson Azali Assoumani, to join the G20 leaders at the table as a permanent member.…