Author: Opalim Lifted

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has issued a strongly worded statement to President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s political leadership, urging them not to release Children’s Day messages while millions of children remain exposed to insecurity, poverty, and poor access to education. In a statement released on May 27, 2026, Ezekwesili accused the government and political class of failing Nigerian children and lacking the moral authority to celebrate them. “Do not dare open your mouths on May 27 to wish Nigerian children a ‘Happy Children’s Day,’” she said. “Do not dare stand in front of cameras… to perform a tenderness…

As Nigeria marked Children’s Day on Wednesday, grief and outrage swept across social media, with many citizens demanding urgent government action over the growing wave of child abductions across the country. The latest outrage followed the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, less than two weeks before the Children’s Day celebration. Across social media platforms, Nigerians said there was little cause for celebration while children remained in captivity, with many using the occasion to renew calls for the rescue of kidnapped pupils. Leading the criticism…

The military said its troops killed more than 317 terrorists and criminal elements, arrested 314 suspects, and rescued 221 kidnapped victims across various theatres of operation in May, as the Borno State Government temporarily shut and relocated Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area following the abduction of 42 students by suspected insurgents. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed the military’s operational achievements at a news conference yesterday, saying troops also recovered 93 arms during the period. He added that 18 terrorists surrendered in the North-East, while troops in the South-South destroyed three…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has distanced itself from political party membership figures released by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, saying the data did not originate from the commission. INEC’s Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Dayo Oketola, clarified the commission’s position on Tuesday following widespread circulation of the figures on social media. “Dear esteemed media colleagues, please note that this is certainly not from INEC. Thanks,” Oketola said in a message to journalists. Yilwatda had, during an interview on ARISE News, claimed that the APC had 12.9 million verified registered members. He…

Popular Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has denied supporting banditry in Nigeria, describing himself as a loyal citizen and dismissing circulating claims linking him to criminal activities as false and manipulated. In a recent statement, the Kaduna-based cleric said he had been repeatedly misquoted in media interviews, public lectures and discussions on how to address insecurity and banditry in the country. Gumi accused some ethnic-interest groups, prejudiced individuals and sectional internet content creators of spreading misleading narratives and using sensational headlines to attract attention despite the human suffering caused by insecurity. He maintained that any video clip, written statement or message…

Ugandan dance troupe the Ghetto Kids have expressed excitement after global music star Shakira invited them to perform at the World Cup final in the United States this summer. The Colombian singer announced on Instagram last week that the group would join her during the tournament’s half-time show, making them the first act selected for the performance. The Ghetto Kids, a dance troupe made up of street children, rose to fame through energetic dance videos filmed on the streets of Kampala. Their performances gained international attention online and later earned them a place on the TV show America’s Got Talent.…

A buffet restaurant in Spain has introduced a controversial “vomit fee” after dealing with a rising number of customers throwing up from overeating. Sushi Toro, located in the Sevilla region, said it decided to impose the extra charge following repeated incidents linked to patrons consuming excessive amounts of food at its all-you-can-eat buffet. According to a notice displayed at the restaurant, customers who vomit after eating too much may be required to pay an additional fee. “If a customer throws up as a result of having eaten too much, the restaurant reserves the right to charge them an extra fee…

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned the trial of Ali Bello and Dauda Sulaiman until June 2, 2026. Ali Bello, a nephew of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Dauda Sulaiman over an amended 16-count charge bordering on alleged misappropriation and money laundering amounting to ₦10.27 billion. At Monday’s proceedings, the 17th prosecution witness, Ahmed Audu Abubakar, testified during cross-examination by defence counsel A.M. Aliyu (SAN). The witness gave evidence on transactions linked to the purchase of several Abuja properties allegedly…

The Federal Government has warned Nigerians against leaving the country without valid travel documents, describing the practice as illegal and dangerous. In a public alert shared on X on Monday, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) said all international travel must be undertaken with valid passports, visas where necessary, and other approved immigration documents. DCI AS Akinlabi, Public Relations Officer of the agency, cautioned that attempts to evade official immigration procedures or use unauthorised border routes amount to a violation of Nigerian law. The immigration agency also expressed concern over the increasing spread of fraudulent migration schemes targeting unsuspecting Nigerians, especially…

Iran has begun partially restoring internet access after enforcing what monitoring groups described as one of the longest nationwide internet shutdowns in modern history. The restrictions, which lasted nearly three months, left millions of Iranians disconnected from global online services, with only limited access to a domestic intranet for basic activities such as shopping, education and transport services. Internet monitoring organisation NetBlocks confirmed signs of renewed connectivity on Tuesday, saying live metrics showed a “partial restoration” on day 88 of the blackout. However, the group noted it remained unclear whether the move would be permanent. Iranian First Vice-President Mohammad Reza…