Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Cardinals Prepare For Historic Conclave To Elect New Pope. Cardinals from across the globe will begin settling into their Vatican accommodation on Tuesday, as they prepare for the secretive and historic conclave to elect the next pope, set to commence on Wednesday in the Sistine Chapel. Following the passing of Pope Francis on 21 April, 133 cardinal electors, representing 70 countries across five continents, will gather to choose the new leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. This conclave, the largest and most international in history, underscores the global reach of the Catholic Church, which continues to wield significant…

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr Earns First Portugal Call-Up, Dad ‘Proud’. A new chapter in the Ronaldo legacy has begun, as Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, aged just 14, has received his first call-up to Portugal’s under-15 national team. The milestone has left his father, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, beaming with pride. A Rising Star Following in his father’s illustrious footsteps, Cristiano Jr has already made waves in youth football, turning out for academies at Juventus, Manchester United, and currently Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. His latest achievement sees him selected for Portugal’s under-15 squad, set to compete at the Vlatko…

Inter Milan Shatter Barcelona’s Treble Hopes With Dramatic 4-3 Victory. Inter Milan have booked their place in the UEFA Champions League final, edging out Barcelona in a thrilling 4-3 encounter at the Giuseppe Meazza to end the Blaugrana’s dreams of a historic treble. The Nerazzurri secured their spot with a solitary goal in extra time, mirroring the 3-3 draw from the first leg at the Camp Nou. The semi-final second leg was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Inter racing to a two-goal lead in front of a raucous home crowd. Barcelona, however, showcased their trademark resilience, overturning the deficit…

Oil Spill In Ikata Community Raises Alarm In Rivers State. A fresh oil spill has struck the Ikata community in Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State, igniting fears among residents and environmental groups about the escalating ecological damage in the region. The incident, reported in the early hours of Monday, 5 May 2025, has once again highlighted the persistent environmental challenges plaguing Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta. The spill is believed to have originated from a 14-inch pipeline along the Okordia-Rumuekpe right of way, operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd (RAEC). RAEC, a consortium of Nigerian oil and…

National Art Renaissance Programme Launched To Revive Nigeria’s Artistic Heritage. The National Gallery of Art (NGA), under the leadership of Director-General Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, has partnered with Julius Berger Nigeria, Goethe-Institute Nigeria, and the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) to launch the National Art Renaissance Programme. This ambitious initiative aims to revive, safeguard, and celebrate Nigeria’s rich artistic legacy, uniting institutions, artists, and the private sector to shape the future of the nation’s cultural landscape. Announced at a press briefing at the NGA’s Lagos outstation, the programme is set to breathe new life into Nigeria’s artistic heritage through…

Senate Finance Committee Presents Tax Reforms Bill For Thorough Review. In a significant step towards modernising Nigeria’s fiscal framework, the Senate Finance Committee tabled the highly anticipated Tax Reforms Bill during today’s plenary session. The presentation, held on 6 May 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the legislative process, with the bill now set for rigorous scrutiny by senators. The Senate President, addressing the chamber, called on all senators to dedicate the next two days to a meticulous, clause-by-clause review of the proposed legislation. Emphasising the importance of careful deliberation, the Senate President urged lawmakers to ensure the bill…

Arsene Wenger Questions Automatic Champions League Qualification For Europa League Winners. Former Arsenal manager and football icon Arsene Wenger has sparked debate with his comments on the qualification rules for UEFA competitions. Speaking to beIN Sports, Wenger argued that Europa League winners should not automatically secure a spot in the prestigious Champions League, particularly in leagues where five teams already qualify. Wenger, renowned for his tactical acumen and thoughtful insights, suggested that Europa League champions should instead be guaranteed a return to the same competition. “They should qualify automatically for the Europa League again, not necessarily for the Champions…

UK Tightens Visa Rules For Nigeria, Pakistan, And Sri Lanka Amid Asylum Concerns. The British government has announced stricter visa regulations targeting nationals from Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, citing concerns over high rates of visa overstays and subsequent asylum claims. The move, part of a broader effort to reform the UK’s immigration system, aims to curb what officials describe as abuse of work and study visas. According to internal Home Office assessments, applicants from these three Commonwealth nations are statistically more likely to remain in the UK beyond their visa expiry and apply for asylum. In 2024, the…

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde Announces Cabinet Reshuffle To Boost Efficiency. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has undertaken a strategic cabinet reshuffle to enhance governance and streamline service delivery across key sectors. The announcement, detailed in a letter signed by the Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, was made public on Monday, with the changes taking effect immediately. In a move aimed at optimising the state’s administrative framework, several commissioners have been reassigned to new portfolios. The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Seun Ashamu, will now oversee the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. Meanwhile, Mr.…

Federal Government Bans MDAs From Procuring Foreign Goods And Services Nigeria Can Produce. In a landmark move to bolster local industry and promote self-reliance, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a comprehensive ban on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) procuring foreign goods and services that can be produced domestically. The directive, effective immediately, aims to strengthen Nigeria’s economy, create jobs, and reduce dependency on imports. The announcement, made earlier today by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Aisha Mohammed, underscores the government’s commitment to fostering indigenous manufacturing and service sectors. “This is a bold step towards economic…

U.S. Announces Revised Non-Immigrant Visa Fees Effective May 2025. The United States has unveiled updated visa application fees for non-immigrant categories, set to take effect from May 2025. The revised fees, which must be paid at the time of application, apply to individuals travelling for purposes such as tourism, education, business, temporary employment, and cultural exchange. The announcement is particularly significant for Nigerian applicants and other global travellers, who are urged to verify payment procedures to avoid delays. The new fee structure covers a range of non-immigrant visa types, with most categories set at $185, while others, such as…

New NIN Authentication Service Launched To Streamline Identity Verification In Nigeria. In a significant step towards enhancing digital security and accessibility, the Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the launch of a groundbreaking service by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). The new NIN Authentication service, designed to simplify and secure identity verification using the National Identification Number (NIN), promises to revolutionise how Nigerians access government services. The NIN Authentication platform, officially rolled out on Tuesday, allows users to verify their identities seamlessly through multiple channels, including web portals, mobile applications, and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). This versatile approach…