Vatican To Inaugurate Pope Leo XIV May 18

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May 9, 2025

The Vatican has announced Friday, May 18 as the day for the inauguration of the new Pope Leo XIV. The announcement followed his election, on Thursday, by the Concave, the Catholic body responsible for electing a new leader of the over 1.4 billion faithful worldwide.

Pope Leo XIV was elected as the 267 leader of the Church following the demise of Pope Francis who died last month.

According to the Papacy, as the Catholic Headquarters in Rome is widely known, the new Pope will be officially inaugurated with a mass in St. Peter’s Square on May 18.

The ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. (0800 GMT) at the Vatican, the Vatican said today.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was announced as the first U.S. pontiff on Thursday after white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel following four rounds of voting in the papal conclave.

The Holy See said the new pope is set to keep Mr Francis’s top employees in the Vatican in place for the time being.

The first of his weekly general audiences is planned for May 21.

What To Know About Pope Leo XIV

The new pope was born in Chicago in 1955, according to Vatican News. His father is of French and Italian descent, while his mother is of Spanish descent.

Leo studied at the Minor Seminary of the Augustinian Fathers. He went on to attend Villanova University in Pennsylvania, where he received a degree in mathematics. He later pursued his theological education at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

Pope Leo XIV appears on the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica after being chosen the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Although the new pontiff is American, one of the most significant chapters of his ministry took place in Peru. Prevost served there for roughly two decades. He was appointed as Bishop of Chiclayo in 2014, promoted to archbishop in 2023, and then cardinal in the following year. Over the course of his career, he has also taught canon law, patristics and moral law.

Terrorism: Nigerian Pleads Guilty Of Working With Hezbollah Sponsor

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James Orji

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May 9, 2025

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Nigerian-British art dealer, Oghenochuko Ojiri, 53, has pleaded guilty to eight counts under the United Kingdom, UK, Terrorism Act 2000 of failing to disclose his business dealing with a known terrorist supporter, Nazem Ahmad.

Following his guilty plea, the court is not set to sentence him on June6, 2025 according to checks made by the magazine.

The court heard on Friday that Ojiri sold artwork worth £140,000 to Ahmad, who is accused of supporting the Lebanon-based group , Hezbollah and was sanctioned by the united states, US in 2019.

Lyndon Harris, prosecuting, said Ojiri had read news reports showing Ahmad had been sanctioned and discussed this with other people.

The offences took place between October 2020 and December 2021.

Ojiri founded Ramp Gallery, now known as the Ojiri Gallery, based in east London.

Mr Harris said: “There is one discussion where Ojiri is party to a conversation where it is apparent a lot of people have known for years about [Ahmad’s] terrorism links.”

He added that “Ramp Gallery engaged a third party to advise on compliance matters” but that the advice given was “not properly acted on”.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard that Ojiri “dealt with Mr Ahmad directly, negotiated the sales of artwork and congratulated him on purchases”.

Ahmad was also sanctioned by the UK government in 2023, which froze his assets and banned UK nationals from doing business with him or his companies. That restriction was imposed after the offences involving Ojiri.

At the time, the UK government said Ahmad had “an extensive art collection in the UK” and conducted business “with multiple UK-based artists, art galleries and auction houses”.

Hezbollah is a Shia Muslim political and military group in Lebanon and is backed by Iran. It is proscribed as a terrorist organisation by countries including the UK and the US.

Ojiri, also known as Ochuko Ojiri, was charged following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s specialist arts and antiques unit, alongside the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) and HMRC.

Under the legislation, it is an offence if people do not notify police if they know or suspect a business associate to have been involved in financing a proscribed group.

Ojiri is listed on Bargain Hunt’s website as one of the show’s experts.

He is not a member of BBC staff, works as a freelance presenter and has also appeared on Antiques Road Trip and Channel 5’s Storage: Flog the Lot! He has not worked on BBC programmes since 2023.

A BBC spokesperson said: “It would not be appropriate to comment on ongoing legal proceedings.”

District Judge Briony Clarke granted Ojiri bail but ordered him to surrender his passport. Gavin Irwin, mitigating, told the court Ojiri was not a flight risk.

BBC

Oyo: Olubadan Suspends Family Heads Ove Land Grabbing

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Ayodele Oni

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May 9, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

For, allegedly, leading some land grabbing syndicate in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Akinloye Olakulehin, has approved the suspension of two family chiefs known as Mogaji.

The Ibadan Monarch also ordered the removal of their traditional beads while the suspension lasts.

Those on suspension are Kukula, Kamorudeen Kolawole of Kukula family, Oke – Ofa Baba Isale in Ibadan North East Local Government, and Samsudeen Bello of Ekerin Ajengbe family, Isale Osi in Ibadan South West Local Government of Oyo State.

The suspension order, which takes immediate effect, was given on Thursday, during the Olubadan Land Matters Committee meeting at the Old Olubadan Palace, Oja Oba, Ibadan.

The suspension order was contained in a release on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to Olubadan of Ibadanland, Solomon Olugbemiga Ayoade.

Speaking through the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan said that the suspension order remained in force until the suspended Mogajis do the needful.

“Your suspension order is indefinite until you retrace your steps and do the needful.

”You have been told severally to desist from any act that can tarnish the reputation and image of the Olubadan and Ibadanland, such as land grabbing, trespassing, forceful land taking, oppression of your family members and other residents in your domain.”

The suspended Mogajis were told to, henceforth, stop parading themselves as Olubadan traditional title holders until their cases are revisited.

Additionally, law enforcement operatives were instructed to apprehend any suspended traditional ruler parading themselves as authentic Chiefs contrary to the sanctions imposed on them by the king.

The paramount ruler also expressed his disapproval at the nonchalant attitude of some Mogajis and Baales, who ignored the invitation of the Olubadan Land Matters Committee.

The Olubadan, therefore, warned that such absentee traditional title holders risk losing their traditional titles as their absence would be viewed as insubordination to the constituted authority.

Dangote To Cooperate With NNPLC; We’re Not Competitors, Says Africa’s Richest Man

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James Orji

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May 9, 2025

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Africa’s Richest Man and President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has assured the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL is not a competitor but a partner in the oild and gas business.

Dangote, the owner of the $20 billion Dangote Refinery said he seeks more cooperation with the government -owned company in the future.

He spoke when he paid a visit to the NNPCL New Group Managing Director, GMD, Bayo Ojulari, according to statement released by the Group’s spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye on Friday.

The magazine reported that a frosty relation exist between the NNPCL and Dangote, who once alleged that the state-owned oil corporation was trying to destroy his multi-billion dollar Refinery.

President Tinubu had recently appointed Ojulari as the GMD after sacking the frmer GMD, Mele Kyari as the Chief executive of the NNPCL.

Dangote said he’s looking forward to a strong partnership with the new NNPCL management, saying the two companies have something to mutually benefit through cooperation, saying NNPCL and Dangote Refinery are business partners.

He said, “There is no competition between us; we are not here to compete with NNPC Ltd. NNPC is part and parcel of our business, and we are also part of NNPC. This is an era of cooperation between the two organisations.”

The business mogul had earlier in the week pointed out that some oil marketers rather than NNPCL were trying to frustrate his business, saying he has confidence in the NNPCL new management to do the right thing, adding that some steps taken so far by the Ojulari team indicate that they are professionals who are prepared to do the best for the nation’s oil and gas sector.

“The calibre of individuals at the helm, and their deliberate, reform-driven agenda, demonstrate a commitment to fostering a culture of performance and professionalism,” Dangote said.

FCTA Set To Demolish Ten Illegally Constructed Duplexes

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Ayodele Oni

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May 9, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Ten duplexes allegedly constructed without due approval of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, (FCTA) are to be demolished within the next 48 hours.

Already, the Metropolitan Management Council has given its Development Control Department 48 hours to demolish more than 10 duplexes built on a green area.

The Coordinator, Mr Felix Obuah, gave the order in Abuja during a joint inspection of illegal construction sites across the city.

Obuah explained that the duplexes were built on a green area in Wumba District, close to Apo in Abuja, with no authorisation.

He said that officials of development control had earlier asked the developer to stop work, including marking the structures, but said that the developer ignored the order and even covered the stopped order written on the building and continued the construction project.

The coordinator pointed out that the developer had given the council no option but to demolish all the illegal buildings.

“When we invited the developer to provide legal documents for the activities he’s carrying out, we all discovered that there is no paper, no approval, no allocation. I asked him to stop working, but you can see that the work is still going on.

“So, all these properties that you are seeing here are all going down.”

He maintained that the FCT Administration would not tolerate any development that contravene the provision of the Abuja Master Plan.

The Director of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, also said that the developer has no approval from any authority.

“We didn’t give the developer any approval, and when you look around, you would see the evidence that we had marked these structures at different stages of development.

“Unfortunately, people don’t like to respect constituted authority and as I told my colleagues, the only language Nigerians understand is the language of bulldozers that will bring the structures down.

“We are looking at more than 10 structures, some are roofed, and some are not yet roofed.

“So, the development control will come with its bulldozers and in less than 48 hours everything here will go down.”

Also, the Director Parks and Recreation, FCTA, Mr Chidemelu Echee, explained that Abuja city was designed in neighbourhoods to ensure unison between nature and construction of structures.

“It is very unfortunate that people will come into a place like this and start a random destruction of the natural ecosystem without any authorisation.

“This is a disaster waiting to happen because when we talk about global warming of the entire system, this is part of it.”

On his part, the Director, Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Mr Osilama Braimah, maintained that the illegal structures, if allowed to stand, the people would suffer the consequences living without trees and vegetation.

Speaking on the impact on the environment, Braimah explained that the proliferation of concrete buildings retains and radiates heat, making the environment hotter.

According to him, it is essential to have designated green spaces to maintain a conducive ambient temperature.

“When concrete covers everything, it prevents percolation, leading to increased flooding downstream.

“To mitigate this, we must preserve green areas to facilitate percolation, groundwater recharge, and maintain healthy boreholes and wells.”

Imo Airport To Record First International Flight As Sultan Commissions Alaba International Market Road

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The Source

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May 9, 2025

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His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, will Friday, May 9, commission the newly reconstructed Alaba International Road by the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma.

The commissioning will herald the historic inaugural international flight from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, the first since more than three decades the airport became operational.

Coincidentally, the airlift of the 2025 Hajj members to the Holy Land will also take place same day just as the airport will henceforth host both local and international travellers.

The choice of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport for the ceremonial airlift of the Hajj members to the Holy Land was based on the comprehensive infrastructural renewal that Governor Uzodimma brought to the airport, including the installation of night landing facilities, the first since the airport was birthed.

The 2.8 kilometres newly reconstructed Alaba International Market Road on the ever busy Owerri- Ana road, was one of the impassable roads inherited by Governor Uzodimma on assumption of duty, but which the Governor had assured the traders of his willingness to fix the road because of the critical role the traders play in the economic development of Imo State.

Following the reconstruction of the very important road, trading activities have suddenly intensified within and outside the market environment, with the traders praising Governor Uzodimma for his foresight leadership prowess.

“Our Governor is actually the infrastructure of Nigeria,” one of the traders who identifies himself as Ebuka said.

Imo Govt Partners Global Health Firms For Comprehensive Service Delivery

By

The Source

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May 9, 2025

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A new dawn beckoned Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in the Imo State health sector as the government entered into a historic partnership with two key global health solution providers under the Public Private Partnership ( PPP) arrangement, with Heartland Hospital Management Corporation to play supervisory role for the State as regards implementation.

The Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU) was between JNC International Limited and Sepat Medical Investment and Management Company, both of which have committed in the agreement/Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to the provision of comprehensive solution for equipping and management of the State’s medical facilities.

They are to provide the medical equipment, technical knowhow (manpower) and funding, as well as work with the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme to increase access to quality healthcare.

Sepat Medical Investment and Management Company has relationships globally with over 20 years of experience in the health sector under examination, just as JNC’s global acclaim includes but not limited to: Canon Medical System (Japan), Olympus (Japan), Metronic ( USA), Abbott ( USA), Paxeramd (USA), Elekta Radiotherapy (Sweden), Getinge (Sweden), Arjo (Sweden), B.Brown (Germany ) and Aesculap (Germany).

In his remarks before all the partners put hand to paper, Governor Hope Uzodimma said the agreement was “part of our overall effort to provide a comprehensive solution for quality medicare in Imo State.”

He regretted that the Imo State Hospital Management Board law done by military decree in 1978 has negatively impacted the contemporary health situation of the citizenry.

Governor Uzodimma said: “From 1978 till now, government after government did not remember to amend that law to be in tune with current day realities. And our people were languishing and dying in numbers, over avoidable deaths because of lack of access to quality medicare, lack of access to technical manpower.

“As a result, we decided to go into a collaboration agreement with Sepat Medical Investment and Management Company who has been into hospital and medical services for over 20 years with relationships across the globe.

“JNC International Limited, is working with companies like Canon, Toshiba, Oncology Radiotherapy Systems of Sweden, Medtronic of America, Airport of USA, Aesculap of Germany, and B. Brown of Germany among other world class manufacturers of medical equipment.

“The whole idea is to come with Sepat, with all the kind of medical equipment we require in Imo State for a quality medical service and all the funding to put all the medical facilities in Imo State of world class standard.

“And we are going to partner with our former hospital management board that will now be Heartland Hospital Management Corporation in partnership with Imo State government for a comprehensive solution for equipping, spreading and capacitating the system with sufficient technical manpower to make medical services not only of better quality but affordable to Imo State.

“They will work with Imo State Health Insurance Company for all indigenes of Imo State who are enrolled to have quality medical without paying too much for it. As today it is N15,000 for one year. N15,000 will serve you with all your medical needs and these people will make sure that the facilities and quality of service required will be available. The funding, the operation, the equipment procurement will be done by our core investors.

“So we decided to go into this because we want to one, remove the insanity in the system, strengthen our medicals, take care of our people, save our people from avoidable deaths and make our environment enviable. So this is why we have decided in our wisdom to go into this partnership and this partnership, it is my hope, will bring all the ugly experiences of the past to a halt.So today we will sign two agreements.

“The first agreement is with Sepat Medical Investment and Management Company and the second agreement, a Memorandum of understanding will be by JNC International Limited to put equipment supply and operations of all our medical facilities in Imo State under the umbrella of Heartland Hospital Management Corporation.

“So it is the reason why we are here and I am happy that we are able to attract the kind of confidence that will make this kind of globally acclaimed companies express interest to work with Imo State Government.”

The Governor congratulated the government and people of Imo State for yet another bold step, noting that Imo is becoming investment friendly and that “investors are showing, every day, greater confidence in doing businesses with the State.”

“So I want to congratulate all of us and to congratulate our partners and encourage them to be able to deliver according to this understanding.”

The Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mrs. Vivian Egu, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief COC Akaolisa and the Chairman of Imo State Health Management Board ( Heartland Hospital Management Corporation), Dr. Emmanuel Ogueri signed for the State government while the partners – Dr. Patrick Orama and Mrs. Clarke Omatseye signed for Sepat Medical Investment and Management Company and JNC International Limited respectively.

Pope Leo XIV’s Election “A Profound Blessing” – Peter Obi

By

The Source

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May 9, 2025

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Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, describing his emergence as “a profound blessing at a critical time in the life of the Church and the world.”

In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi praised the election of the new Pope as a reaffirmation of “the enduring presence of divine guidance in our shared human journey.”

He commended the College of Cardinals for what he described as a display of the Church’s “timeless wisdom through prayerful discernment, unity, and fidelity to her sacred traditions.” According to him, their decision reflected “spiritual depth, attentive listening, and an unwavering openness to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.”

Obi also expressed gratitude to the faithful across the world, who prayed fervently during the papal conclave, noting that “our collective petitions have not been in vain. We now celebrate the gift of a new shepherd to lead the flock with courage, love, and truth.”

Commenting on Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural address, Obi said it was “both reassuring and inspiring,” as it “radiated humility, moral clarity, and a renewed call to justice, peace, and solidarity with the most vulnerable.” In his words, “In a world overwhelmed by division and despair, his words have rekindled hope in the hearts of millions.”

Highlighting the new Pope’s background, Obi described Pope Leo XIV—born Robert Francis Prevost—as “a member of the Order of Saint Augustine, a seasoned missionary, a respected canon lawyer, and the former Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.” He added that the Pope’s decades of pastoral service, especially in Peru, and his global ecclesial experience are “invaluable gifts to the Universal Church and the whole world.”

“As a firm believer in moral leadership,” Obi concluded, “I pray that his pontificate will be marked by deep spiritual renewal, courageous dialogue, unwavering service to humanity, and fidelity to the Gospel message. May God bless and guide Pope Leo XIV as he assumes the sacred responsibility of leading the Church through the complexities of our ever-changing world.”

No Duly Elected LGA Chairman Defected To The APC In Edo State, PDP Insists

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 9, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Edo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP has insisted that it is not in anyway worried or surprised at the decision the House of Assembly Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, to join the All Progressive Congress, APC .

This is just as it debunked claims that 17 out of the State’s 18 elected Council chairmen defected ,along side the Speaker to the APC

It would be recalled that the Speaker who was elected on the platform of the PDP on Tuesday May 6, formally, defected to the APC, alongside 17 out of the State’s 18 Local Council Chairmen and some lawmakers according to the APC.

But reacting to the development on Thursday, the Edo State PDP Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, noted that Agbebaku, long before his final departure had been working for the APC.

He expressed shock that the APC will be celebrating the defection of person who worked tirelessly for them before now.

According to the PDP Chairman, the defected Speaker worked closely with Governor Monday Okpebholo to suspend duly elected council chairmen from his own party the PDP.

“Tuesday’s stage-managed fanfare in Benin City was not news .It was merely the official coronation of what had become a public secret.

“For months, Speaker Agbebaku, served the interests of the APC in both conduct and alliance .What played out was nothing more than a desperate spectacle designed to impress the President and APC national leadership –an illusion worthy of a David Copperfield performance.

“Let it be remembered that under Agbebaku’s leadership ,and in collaboration with Governor Monday Okpebholo ,and Edo APC ,duly elected Local Government Chairmen ,were illegally suspended.

“Despite the expiry of that unconstitutional suspension, Agbebaku refused to reinstate them, acting with clear partisan bias.

“If ever there was evidence of his political affiliation ,this was it.

“Speaker Agbebaku’s formal alignment with the APC is a text book case of political opportunism, motivated not by ideology, or conviction but by personal ambition ,and self preservation.

“While the APC cerebrate this, we in the PDP remain unperturbed . Men who stand for nothing will always fall for anything.

“Even more laughable is the APC’s claim that 17 council chairmen have defected to their party .This is pure fiction .We challenge the APC to name a single duly elected PDP Chairman ,who has defected.

“The truth is that what they parade are political appointees and stooges illegally imposed on the councils – Governor Okpebholo’s hirelings ,not the peoples elected representatives.

“We dare Governor Okpebholo to release the names of the Council Chairmen that defected”, the PDP Chairman stated .

Chief Aziegbemi described the entire defection story as part of a wider strategy by the APC to create a false lnarrative of political dominance in Edo state .

He, however, noted that ,Edo people are not persuaded by such public spectacle and theatrics .

He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the PDP to the pursuit of justice, with a view to reclaiming its stolen mandate.

Hail To Pope Leo XIV, The First American To Be So Elected

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Ayodele Oni

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May 8, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

History was made at the Vatican in the evening of Thursday May 7, 2025.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, has been elected the very first Catholic Pope of American extraction. He is the 267th Pope to seat on the “throne” of St Peter.

Until him, no American has attained the highest revered position in the Catholic Church.

He succeeds Pope Francis who passed on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

Pope Leo’s election marks the beginning of a new era. The emergence Thursday evening of the white smoke whuch billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, alerted the sea of heads which gathered at the Vatican that a new Pope has emerged.

The moment, the joy, the celebration was infectious. Vatican City was electrified. Cheers and celebrations reigned. Flags of different countries, held by many people, including Nigeria’s flag were waved continously. Tears of joy were shed. People embraced one another.

people embraced one another.

As the new Pope emerged at the balcony to greet the people, the crowd went crazy. He waved at them a number of times, with smiles. At a point, he became emotional.

133 voting Cardinals had been sequestered inside the Vatican during the conclave.

A new Pope needed two-thirds of the vote.

The Pope is a Chicago-native Prevost is still one to watch. He was

Created a Cardinal by the late Pope Francis in 2023. He was, also, the former leader of the Augustinian Order and was appointed by the late Pope to the Dicastery for Bishops which oversees the selection of new bishops from around the world.

He was in Peru, having served as Bishop of the Northern Chiclayo.