Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Italian PM Meloni Urges End To Africa’s Exploitation, Champions €5.5bn Mattei Plan. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has issued a bold call to halt the exploitation of Africa by foreign powers, advocating for the continent’s economic independence and self-sufficiency. Speaking passionately about Africa’s untapped potential, Meloni argued that Africans should not need to migrate to Europe or the United States to thrive, provided their continent is liberated from external control. Meloni singled out the CFA franc, a currency used by 14 West and Central African nations and managed by France, as a symbol of colonial dominance. She described it…

Pat Utomi Unveils Shadow Government With Dele Farotimi In Key Role. Renowned economist and political advocate Professor Pat Utomi has announced the formation of a shadow government, appointing human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi to head the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio. The initiative, launched under the Big Tent Coalition during a virtual event on Monday, aims to serve as a policy think tank and watchdog for Nigeria’s current administration. The shadow cabinet comprises a diverse group of professionals and opposition figures, including Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga in the policy delivery…

Flying Eagles Set For Thrilling U-20 AFCON Quarterfinal Clash Against Senegal. Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are gearing up for a blockbuster quarterfinal showdown against defending champions Senegal at the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ismailia, Egypt. The highly anticipated match is slated for Monday, 12 May, at 1:00 PM Nigerian time. The fixture was confirmed late Thursday after Senegal secured top spot in Group A with a gritty 2-0 win over DR Congo in their final group match in Suez. Nigeria, who finished second in Group B with an unbeaten record and five points, now face a…

 CPC Bloc Reaffirms Loyalty To Tinubu, Distances Itself From El-Rufai And Malami Ahead Of 2027 Election. Leaders of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) have publicly reaffirmed their unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The group, a key faction within the ruling party, explicitly distanced itself from former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, who are reportedly aligned with an opposition coalition. The announcement was made during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, led by Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, former Governor of Nasarawa…

Manchester United And Tottenham Set For All-English Europa League Final In Bilbao. In a thrilling climax to the Europa League semi-finals, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have secured their places in the 2025 final, setting the stage for an all-English showdown at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao on Wednesday, 21 May. The two Premier League sides, both enduring challenging domestic campaigns, will vie for European glory and a coveted spot in next season’s Champions League. Manchester United, under the guidance of head coach Ruben Amorim, sealed their place in the final with a commanding 7-1 aggregate victory over…

New Pope Elected: Robert Francis Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV. The Roman Catholic Church has a new leader, Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. He was elected on the second day of the conclave, becoming the 267th pope and the first from the United States. The 69-year-old Chicago-born cardinal took the papal name Leo XIV and greeted his new followers with the words, “Peace be with you.” Historic Appointment Pope Leo XIV’s appointment marks a significant moment in the church’s history, defying expectations that an American would be a long shot to become pontiff. As…

Nigerian Senate Passes All Four Tax Reform Bills In Historic Overhaul. In a landmark decision, the Nigerian Senate has unanimously passed all four tax reform bills, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to modernise its tax administration framework. The bills, which cleared their final hurdle on Thursday, are now set for harmonisation in a Senate and House conference committee before being sent to President Bola Tinubu for assent. The legislation, first transmitted to the National Assembly by President Tinubu on 3 October 2024, comprises the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service…

New Pope Elected As White Smoke Rises Over Vatican. VATICAN CITY –Jubilation filled St Peter’s Square on Thursday as white smoke poured from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, heralding the successful election of a new pope. The 133 cardinals, gathered in a secretive conclave, chose a successor to Pope Francis on the second day of voting, marking a pivotal moment for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. The telltale plumes of white smoke, a centuries-old signal of a papal election, prompted cheers and applause from the crowds amassed in Vatican City. The identity of the new pontiff remains…

President Tinubu Approves Appointment Of Usoro Akpabio As SSDC Managing Director. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Miss Usoro Akpabio as the Managing Director of the South South Development Commission (SSDC). This appointment is expected to further drive regional development in the South-South region, aligning with President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria’s growth and progress. Akpabio’s appointment comes as part of the President’s efforts to fill key positions in various government agencies and commissions. Her experience and expertise are expected to contribute significantly to the development of the South-South region. Key Details of the Appointment -…

President Tinubu Seeks Senate Confirmation For Development Commission Appointees. President Bola Tinubu has submitted a request to the Senate for the confirmation of appointees to the South West, North Central, and South South Development Commissions. This move is part of President Tinubu’s efforts to fill key positions in various government agencies and commissions, following his signing into law of the South-West Development Commission and South-South Development Commission bills. Appointees by Commission – North Central Development Commission – Chairman: Cosmas Akiyir – Managing Director: Cyril Yeltsin – 17 other appointees – South West Development Commission – Chairman: Senator…

Nigeria Partners With Google To Empower Youth Through Digital Transformation. The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has announced a strategic partnership with Google to empower Nigerian youth and expand their access to global and local opportunities through digital transformation. This collaboration aims to create meaningful impact for the country’s youth population. Key Partnership Pillars The partnership is built on five key pillars: – Building Digital Infrastructure: Creating technology infrastructure to support government, businesses, and individuals in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation, with a focus on strong AI and tech infrastructure. – Human Capacity…

Three Katsina Lawmakers Defect From PDP To APC. Three members of the House of Representatives from Katsina State have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The defectors are: – Hon. Salisu Yusuf Majigiri, representing Mashi and Dutsi federal constituency – Hon. Aliyu Iliyasu Ruma, representing Batsari, Safana, and Danmusa federal constituency – Hon. Abdullahi Balarabe Dabai, representing Bakori and Danja federal constituency The announcement was made during a plenary session of the House of Representatives, where Speaker Abbas Tajudeen read out their letters of defection. The lawmakers cited lingering internal crisis…