Author: Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi

Of Nigeria’s four cardinals, only one is eligible to vote in the upcoming papal conclave: Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke, Bishop of Ekwulobia. At 61, he serves as Nigeria’s lone voice among the global body of papal electors—an appointment that highlights his vital role in both national and international Church affairs. With a Catholic population exceeding 30 million, Nigeria stands as a spiritual powerhouse in Africa. Notably, around 70% of Nigerian Catholics live in the southeastern region, reinforcing the area’s importance as a key stronghold of the faith. Early Life and Education Born on 1 March 1963 in Amesi, Aguata Local…

More than 72 hours after the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church has entered the Novemdiales—a traditional nine-day period of mourning. The Pope’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, giving the faithful an opportunity to pay their final respects and start the process of electing a new pope. The pope Francis funeral, expected between the fourth and sixth day after his passing, will draw dignitaries, religious leaders, and pilgrims from across the globe. Meanwhile, unofficial ceremonies are being planned in his homeland of Argentina. In a few days, following the funeral rites, the College of Cardinals—those…

Early Life and Education Nasir El-Rufai was born on 16 February 1960 in Daudawa, then part of the Northern Region of British Nigeria (now Katsina State). His early years were shaped by personal tragedy and resilience. At the age of eight, El-Rufai lost his father, a public servant in the defunct Northern Nigeria government. Following this loss, he was raised and supported by an uncle, who played a critical role in ensuring his continued education. El-Rufai’s academic journey began at Barewa College, Zaria, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious secondary schools, known for producing many Northern political elites. While at Barewa,…

The Vatican has confirmed the death of Pope Francis, spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. The beloved pontiff passed away peacefully at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City on the morning of Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, following several days of deteriorating health. In a statement delivered from the chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae, where Pope Francis lived, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican Camerlengo, announced: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the…

In the midst of the political crisis in Rivers State, fingers have pointed at former Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of influencing the instability. In this exclusive interview, the Publicity Secretary to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, speaks with Dr. Vincent Ajayi of The New Daily Prime to address these accusations and clarify the Minister’s role in recent developments. Q1: Many believe Wike’s influence in Rivers State is a major factor in the ongoing political crisis. Would you say Wike is guilty as accused, or is Governor Fubara to blame? Wike is not the Governor of…

U.K. Supreme Court Rules Trans Women Not Legally Women Under Equality Act: A Landmark Decision Reverberates Across Gender Rights Debate. In a landmark decision that’s already rippling across both sides of the gender rights debate, the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the term “woman” under the country’s Equality Act of 2010 refers exclusively to biological sex, not gender identity. The ruling delivers a substantial blow to transgender rights activists and rekindles long-standing tensions between advocates for cisgender women and the trans community. At the heart of the ruling is a legal challenge brought by For Women Scotland, a…

The Nigeria-UK Golfing Association (NUGA) hosted its highly anticipated 2025 tournament over the weekend of April 12, 2025, at the scenic Worsley Park Golf Club in Manchester. The event brought together members from both the North and South of the UK and was well attended by friends and supporters — all united by a shared love for golf and a commitment to the association’s core values of Friendship, Integrity, and Charity. The tournament was chaired by Captain Fred Adegeye, who warmly welcomed both long-standing and newly inducted members to the event. “It is my great pleasure to extend a warm…

Tensions between the United Kingdom and Israel have escalated after Israeli authorities detained and deported two British Members of Parliament who sought to visit the occupied West Bank. The incident has prompted sharp criticism from UK officials and renewed scrutiny of British Israeli relations under the Labour government. The MPs, Abtisam Mohamed and Yuan Yang, were stopped upon arrival at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport. They were questioned and subsequently denied entry, before being deported. The visit had been organized in part by the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians, and the MPs said their objective was to assess humanitarian conditions…

By Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi A deepening divide is emerging between Wall Street economists and the White House, as stark recession warnings clash with confident reassurances from top Trump officials. John P. Hussman, the economist renowned for anticipating the 2008 financial crisis, has forecast that the U.S. may slide into recession as soon as mid-2025. His concerns are echoed by analysts at JPMorgan, who this week raised the probability of a global recession to 60%, citing aggressive new tariffs and deteriorating trade relationships under President Trump’s latest economic offensive. At the center of the storm is a $6 trillion stock market…

In a dramatic move that has reignited debate over public accountability in Iran, President Masoud Pezeshkian has dismissed Vice President Shahram Dabiri following a controversial private trip to Antarctica—one he called “indefensible” as the nation battles a prolonged and painful economic crisis. Dabiri, 64, a physician and political ally of the president, embarked on an extravagant holiday during the Iranian New Year (Nowruz), visiting Argentina before boarding the Plancius, a Dutch-flagged cruise ship offering Antarctic expeditions priced at approximately £3,300 per person. Photos shared on Instagram, believed to be posted by his wife, documented the couple’s stops in Buenos Aires,…