Author: Opalim Lifted

Paris St-Germain, PSG took control of their all-France Champions League knockout phase play-off with Brest as Ousmane Dembele continued his phenomenal scoring form with another two goals. Former Wolves loan signing Vitinha opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 21st minute after Pierre Lees-Melou had handled an attempt by Dembele. France forward Dembele added the second in the 45th minute with a clinical finish after Brest failed to close the 2018 World Cup winner down. The former Barcelona player then made it 3-0, pouncing inside the penalty area in the 66th minute. Dembele has scored 18 goals in…

Mexico, Canada and the European Union on Tuesday condemned US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports next month, a move that has fanned fears of a trade war. Trump signed proclamations late on Monday raising the US tariff rate on aluminium to 25% from his previous 10% rate and eliminating country exceptions and quota deals as well as hundreds of thousands of product-specific tariff exclusions for both metals. The measures, which will take effect on March 12, will apply to millions of tons of steel and aluminium imports from Canada, Brazil, Mexico, South…

The headlines last week gave a kaleidoscopic picture of the Nigerian tragedy: Lagos State allocates N3.5 billion to improve power supply; Kano votes N2.5 billion for mass wedding. It captures the inherent absurdities in our nation and the different the mindsets of its leaders. While a section of the federation is investing in key infrastructure and human capital development, the other half is wasting away resources on things that induce poverty and hasten underdevelopment. In its 2025 budget, Kano State government is allocating N2.5 billion for sponsorship of mass weddings in the 44 LGAs. Total fiscal proposal is N719. 7…

Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum ramping up his controversial attempt to boost the US economy by hiking taxes on imports from overseas. The modified US duties will be enforced “without exceptions or exemptions”, the president declared, dashing the hopes of countries that hoped to avoid them. Trump first imposed steep tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum during his first presidency. The action announced on Monday night ends exemptions granted to certain countries, and increases the duty rate on aluminum. The changes are not due to come into effect until early March, however, according to a…

MTN Nigeria has increased the price of its data subscriptions as telecommunications operators in Nigeria implement the 50% price increment recently approved by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The company increased the cost of its 15GB weekly data plan from N2,000 to N6,000. It also confirmed this in a response shared on its official X account. MTN wrote, “Y’ello! Thanks for stopping by. We apologise for any inconvenience and delayed response. A price increase has been implemented to enhance our services and serve you better, which is why you are seeing the updated amount.” This is coming after the Nigerian Communications…

Plymouth will travel to Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round as the Championship strugglers landed a dream draw to follow their stunning win against Liverpool. The Pilgrims, Plymouth shocked Premier League leaders Liverpool as Ryan Hardie’s second half penalty sealed a memorable 1-0 win at Home Park on Sunday. Miron Muslic’s side are bottom of the second tier, with only one league win in three months. But they have eliminated Liverpool and Brentford to earn a shot at Pep Guardiola’s spluttering Premier League champions. FA Cup holders Manchester United will face Fulham at Old Trafford after beating Leicester…

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that 800 former Boko Haram fighters who surrendered to the military are currently undergoing deradicalisation for further reintegration into society. The Chief of Defence, Operations, Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, made this known on Channels TV on Monday According to him, one year is enough time to re-orient and reintegrate the ex-terrorists into the larger society. He said though about 129,000 Boko Haram fighters have been arrested so far, only 800 former fighters were carefully selected to participate in the rehabilitation and reintegration project tagged Operation Safe Corridor. Maj-Gen Onumajuru said, “To get the numbers right,…

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery could begin operating at full capacity in 30 days. Edwin Devakumar, vice-president of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) spoke to Reuters on Monday. At full capacity, the plant will be processing about 650,000 barrels of crude per day — an amount experts have said is more than sufficient to handle local demand of petroleum products. “The refinery is currently operating at 85 percent capacity and we can go 100 percent in 30 days,” Devakumar said. The vice president also said the refinery is exploring new markets for its refined products.  Dangote cuts petrol ex-depot price “We are…

Inibehe Effiong, the lead counsel for TikToker Olumide Ogunsanwo, popularly known as Seaking, has threatened to sue the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, just hours after the church released a statement supporting the TikToker’s arrest for allegedly insulting the cleric. In a TikTok post shared in December 2024, Seaking criticised Adeboye for urging Nigerians to fast for 100 days, describing the directive as “stupid.” Outraged by the post, the Concerned Christian Youth Forum, a religious youth group, petitioned the Lagos State Police Command, leading to Seaking’s arrest in December—a move that sparked widespread…

MRS Oil Nigeria Plc has announced the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, at a new rate of N925 per litre at all its stations across Lagos. This price slash comes days after the Dangote Refinery, MRS partner, reduced the ex-depot price to N890 per litre. The company also stated that petrol pump prices will be sold for N935 per litre in the southwest, N945 in the north, and N955 in the east. MRS Petrol on Monday revealed this on its official X account; it is now selling at new regional prices. “The prices may vary,…