Author: Opalim Lifted

American rapper and songwriter Nicki Minaj has revealed she has received US President Donald Trump’s $1 million “gold card”, a controversial programme offering wealthy foreigners US residency and a pathway to citizenship. Minaj, whose real name is Onika Marag-Petty, shared an image of the card on X (formerly Twitter) after attending an event promoting Trump-backed investment accounts for newborn babies. The gold-coloured card, which features President Trump’s face, was posted with a brief caption: “Welp.” In a follow-up post, the rapper appeared to confirm her intention to proceed with US citizenship paperwork, writing: “Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak…

Nollywood actor and director Stanley Amandi has been taken into custody alongside several military officers accused of plotting a forceful overthrow of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Amandi, a former chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Enugu State chapter, was arrested in September 2025, according to a senior source within the AGN. Investigators allege that the filmmaker was recruited as a media propagandist by the suspected coup planners, who were said to be coordinating a violent takeover of government and planning the assassination of top political figures. Government officials familiar with the probe disclosed that those allegedly targeted included…

Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian Catherine O’Hara, widely celebrated for her roles in Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek and Beetlejuice, has died at the age of 71. Her death was confirmed by a representative from the office of her longtime manager, Marc Gurvitz. No cause of death has been disclosed, and further details surrounding when or where she died were not immediately made public. O’Hara rose to international fame as a core member of The Second City, the legendary improvisational comedy troupe. Her work there paved the way for her breakthrough on the Canadian sketch comedy series S.C.T.V., a show that…

The Senate has tentatively fixed March 17, 2026, for the final consideration and passage of the ₦58.47 trillion federal budget, setting the stage for the conclusion of weeks of legislative scrutiny. The decision was taken on Friday during a special session of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, which also unveiled a detailed timetable for the budget review process. According to the schedule, February 2 to 13 has been earmarked for the consideration of budget estimates by standing committees, while a public hearing will hold on February 9 to allow stakeholders contribute to the process. Chairman of the committee, Solomon Adeola,…

Former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello is standing trial before Justice Emeka Nwite on a 19-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The charges border on money laundering amounting to ₦80.24 billion. The EFCC alleges that funds belonging to Kogi State local governments were channelled through private companies and individuals using several bank accounts. The seventh prosecution witness, Olomotane Egoro, an Access Bank compliance officer, told the court that multiple cash deposits were made into private accounts in Lokoja. He said all deposits were below ₦10 million, the threshold that requires banks to file Currency Transaction Reports…

Moniepoint Microfinance Bank Limited has filed a major debt recovery suit against Alerzo Limited over an alleged N4.38 billion loan default. The Federal High Court in Lagos has already granted interim orders freezing the defendants’ bank accounts pending the determination of the case. KEY DETAILS OF THE LAWSUIT The suit was instituted by Moniepoint Microfinance Bank Limited against Alerzo Limited, its Managing Director, three loan guarantors and an affiliated foreign company. The defendants include Opaleye Adewale Adesina, Opaleye Bukola Modinat, Dauda Hakeem Omotayo Taiwo and Alerzo Pte Limited. The bank is seeking to recover a total sum of N4,381,662,054.47. LOAN…

Real Madrid, who lost to Benfica on Wednesday, will play the Portuguese club again in next month’s Champions League knockout playoffs, while holders Paris St Germain will face fellow Ligue 1 side Monaco after the draw took place on Friday. Teams ranked ninth to 24th in the league phase of the Champions League were drawn against each other in two-legged ties to be played between February 17-25. The winners join the top-eight teams from the league phase in the round of 16. Benfica keeper Anatoliy Trubin scored in the 98th minute to wrap up a 4-2 win over Real in…

Across Nigeria, a familiar sight lines major roads: cassava, rice, maize and beans spread under the open sun. What looks like a harmless tradition is now raising serious concerns among health experts. As vehicles speed past, thick dust settles on food meant for dinner tables. Goats and chickens walk freely across drying produce. Beneath it all, bare earth introduces bacteria and fungi invisible to the eye. Environmental health specialists warn that roadside dust carries exhaust fumes, oil residues and heavy metals. Once absorbed into food, these pollutants accumulate in the body over time, silently damaging organs. Nutritionists say animal contact…

As the 2027 elections approach, Nigeria’s political landscape is seeing a familiar shift. Children of influential politicians are stepping into the spotlight, fuelling renewed debate about political dynasties, access to power, and opportunities for outsiders. From youth mobilisation to quiet constituency groundwork, these moves suggest early positioning ahead of the next general elections. Tinubu’s Son: Seyi Tinubu Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, is redefining political influence without contesting office. Rather than seek an elective role, he is focusing on youth mobilisation and grassroots engagement. He has emerged as a key link between government and young Nigerians. His work…

In the end, it was Benfica keeper Anatoliy Trubin scoring in the 98th minute against Real Madrid that finally decided the make up of the Champions League knockouts on a night that delivered high-drama, roller-coaster action and vindication for UEFA. At the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City fans were glued to their phones, knowing a late Madrid goal would have shoved City out of the top eight places and into the playoff mire. By the same token, Benfica were heading out of the competition altogether until that final goal in a 4-2 win saw them sneak into the playoffs and ended…