Author: Opalim Lifted

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…

The Falconets moved into the next round of the FIFA U20 World Cup qualifiers with a dominant 4-0 win over Rwanda at the Lekan Salami stadium, Ibadan, on Saturday. The win sealed a 5-0 aggregate result for the junior Falcons who flexed their superiority against the She-Amavubi youngsters in a stadium filled with fans still celebrating the coronation of a Rashidi Ladoja, the new Olubadan. The celebrations continued with the first goal on 13 minutes when Precious Oscar converted a cutback for 1-0, before Tumininu Adesina raised the noise a notch with her brilliant goal scored directly from a corner…

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has resumed the sale of petrol in naira, just a day after suspending the policy, following swift intervention from the federal government. In an email to clients, the refinery confirmed the move, crediting the decision to the intervention of the Naira-for-Crude Technical Committee chairman. “Following the intervention of the Naira for Crude Technical Committee chairman, we are pleased to inform you of the resumption of PMS sales in naira commencing immediately,” the statement read. Customers were advised to begin placing orders in naira, with the option of self-collection or free delivery to designated locations nationwide. The brief…

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to put aside their differences and work together to achieve peace, prosperity and development. Speaking through Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, during a special Jumaat prayer at the National Mosque, Abuja, Tinubu said the country could only fulfil the dreams of its founding fathers if citizens embraced unity and peaceful coexistence. “Differences will always exist. But the president’s message is one of hope, unity, and togetherness,” Idris told worshippers. He added that Nigerians must embody these values to realise the progress and prosperity promised by the Tinubu administration. The president…

The Nigerian naira has been ranked as the ninth weakest currency in Africa, according to a September 2025 report by the Forbes currency calculator. Despite a rare slowdown in inflation this year, the ranking underlines the ongoing pressure on Nigeria’s exchange rate. The Forbes tool, which tracks real-time foreign exchange market data via the Open Exchange Rates API, listed the ten weakest African currencies against the US dollar. Africa’s Weakest Currencies – September 2025 São Tomé & Príncipe Dobra – 22,282 per $1 Sierra Leonean Leone – 20,970 per $1 Guinean Franc – 8,680 per $1 CBN warns against naira…

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has approved new rules allowing Nigerians abroad and foreign workers in Nigeria to contribute to pension funds in foreign currency. The new regulations apply to Nigerians living and working abroad and employees of foreign companies and international organisations in Nigeria not covered by the Pension Reform Act 2014. According to the regulation, foreign currency pension contributors will receive their retirement benefits in dollars, either through en bloc payment or programmed withdrawal. The commission said Nigerians and foreigners working in Nigeria for foreign companies and international organisations can access their pensions upon reaching the age of…

Gabriel Magalhães scored a 96th-minute winner as Arsenal came from behind to beat Newcastle United in the Premier League at St James’ Park. The defender got his head on the end of Declan Rice’s corner to send manager Mikel Arteta and his staff wild on the touchline. Mikel Merino’s late glancing header off the post cancelled out Nick Woltemade’s opener in a tempestuous game. And the Gunners took all three points to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool to two points and leave Newcastle floored. Newcastle were on course for victory after the towering Woltemade easily rose above Gabriel…

Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), a renowned legal scholar and administrator, has emerged as the likely successor to Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to SaharaReporters, President Bola Tinubu directed Yakubu to proceed on terminal leave months before the expiration of his second tenure in December 2025. Insider sources described the move as fallout from what the presidency allegedly viewed as Yakubu’s “last-minute betrayal” of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The directive followed a closed-door meeting between Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and the president. Uzodimma reportedly accused Yakubu of covertly backing…