Author: Friday Omosola

Pope Leo XIV said on Tuesday that his next international trip may be to Africa, expressing a particular desire to visit Algeria in 2026. The US-born pontiff, who was wrapping up his first international trip with a return flight from a six-day visit to Turkey and Lebanon, made the announcement during a press conference aboard the papal plane. READ ALSO: Pope Leo XIV appoints Nigerian priest Edward Daleng as vice-regent of papal household “I hope to make a trip to Africa, which could be my next trip”, he stated. The Pope’s interest in Algeria is deeply personal and theological. He specifically…

The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, on allegations of a $4.5 billion fraud, resumed on Tuesday. The trial resumed with a prosecution witness stating that Omoile’s statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was made voluntarily. Emefiele faces a 19-count charge bordering on receiving gratification and making corrupt demands, while Omoile faces a three-count charge of unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent. READ ALSO: Court fixes December dates for continuation of Emefiele’s $4.5bn fraud trial Both men have pleaded not guilty. At the resumed sitting, an EFCC…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has described Nigerian journalists as the nation’s primary defence against authoritarian rule. He assured that press freedom remains a non-negotiable pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking on Tuesday at the 2025 Conference and Annual General Meeting of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, he affirmed the Federal Government’s (FG) unwavering commitment to protecting media practitioners from harassment and intimidation. READ ALSO: Shettima endorses Indian firm’s ‘smart class’ solution for Nigerian schools The conference was themed: “Addressing Media Repression and Safeguarding Democratic Accountability in Nigeria.” Shettima praised the media community for its historical resilience against authoritarian tendencies,…

President Bola Tinubu has nominated General Christopher Musa as the new Minister of Defence. He’ll succeed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned on Monday,  on health-related issues. Tinubu conveyed Musa’s nomination in a letter to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, according to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. READ ALSO: PDP urges Tinubu to extend democratic protection to Nigeria’s opposition after Guinea-Bissau gesture In his letter to the Senate, Tinubu expressed confidence in Musa’s ability to lead the Ministry of Defence and further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture. Musa, who will turn 58 on December 25, is…

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Kwara State Government for its outstanding achievements in digital and blended learning. UNICEF described the state’s progress as a “model of visionary leadership and effective policy direction.” This was disclosed in a letter addressed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq through the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Lawal Olohungbebe. UNICEF praised the state for surpassing its digital learning goals under the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), an innovation launched in 2024. READ ALSO: Kwara, UNICEF strengthens partnership to promote adolescent health UNICEF disclosed that the state has reached more than 55,900 learners on…

The Nigerian Army executed a decisive nationwide offensive between November 29 and December 1, 2025, delivering major blows to criminal and terrorist networks across multiple regions. The operations resulted in the neutralisation of eight terrorists and violent extremists, the arrest of 51 suspects, and the rescue of 27 victims. A substantial cache of weapons and illicit items was also recovered. READ ALSO: Israeli Army stages largest west bank raid since ceasefire In the North East, troops from the 151, 152, and 192 Task Force Battalions in Borno State were highly effective, neutralising four ISWAP/JAS terrorists during ambush and clearance operations. Although…

The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka has unveiled the 2025 “Light Up Lagos” Festive Illumination. The initiative, sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc, aims to enhance the state’s beauty and stimulate tourism during the Yuletide season. The unveiling ceremony took place at the Chief Obafemi Awolowo Monument on Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja. READ ALSO: Lagos not for ‘political apprentices’, APC tells ADC The commissioner, represented by Olajumoke James, a Deputy Director in the Ministry, commended Nigerian Breweries for championing a project that combines “aesthetics, culture, community bonding, and economic value.” In her address, the commissioner described the…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has welcomed an offer from India’s Schoolnet India Ltd & Learnet Skills Ltd to partner with Nigerian public and private entities to introduce its KYAN smart class solutions in the nation’s schools. Shettima, who received the delegation led by Managing Director/CEO RCM Reddy on Monday, described the project as potentially very beneficial for primary and secondary schools, provided it is “domesticated with local content.” The KYAN smart class solution aims to digitally transform education by introducing interactive smart boards and digital content to improve learning outcomes. READ ALSO: Shettima says Tinubu administration increases education budget to ₦3.5trn…

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has commissioned the new Command and Control Centre and a Training Auditorium at the headquarters of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, in Alagbaka, Akure. Aiyedatiwa on Monday, declared that security governance is a shared responsibility, describing it as a continuous journey that requires both public engagement and unwavering government support. He affirmed that safeguarding lives and property remains the cornerstone of his administration, guided by the “OUR EASE” policy thrust. READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa swears in new advisers, DG PPIMU, inaugurates law commission The governor described the newly commissioned facilities as crucial for…

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called on women across Nigeria to embrace responsibility and confidently step into leadership roles to shape policy, institutions, and national development. The governor’s charge was delivered via a goodwill message read by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, at the 2025 Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR) Annual Leadership and Mentoring Conference, held over the weekend at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. Speaking on the conference theme, “Claiming Our Future: Women in Leadership and Policy Transformation,” Sanwo-Olu stated that the future belongs to women who are willing to take responsibility, lead…