Author: Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi

 What does it take to live to 117? For Maria Branyas Morera, the answer may lie in a diet rich in yogurt, daily walks, and an intentional life free of alcohol, cigarettes—and toxic people. Until her peaceful passing in August 2024, Morera held the title of the world’s oldest living person. Born in San Francisco in 1907 to Catalan parents and a resident of Spain since childhood, her remarkable longevity has intrigued scientists, nutritionists, and medical experts globally. Now, new research may have unlocked some of her secrets. A recent study—currently awaiting peer review—revealed that Morera’s biological cells were functioning…

LAGOS, Nigeria — May 12, 2025 — The naira depreciated slightly against the world’s major currencies (U.S. dollar, British pound, euro, and Chinese yuan) on Sunday. Although the movements were marginal, they have drawn considerable attention from economic analysts, traders, and international observers, reflecting the continued volatility of Nigeria’s foreign exchange regime. Data from Google Finance indicates that the naira declined by 0.21% against the U.S. dollar and 0.16% against the British pound sterling. Analysts attribute this depreciation to short-term shifts in foreign currency demand, improved liquidity conditions, and recent interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). As of…

Lagos, May 11, 2025 — The Nigerian naira remained largely stable against the U.S. dollar today, holding firm at ₦1607.11/$1, the same rate recorded in the previous trading session on May 10. However, the naira recorded a modest gain against the British pound, appreciating by 0.30%, as the exchange rate moved from ₦2138.10/£1 to ₦2137.22/£1. While small, this shift reflects continued volatility in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market, driven by shifting demand, constrained supply, and ongoing monetary interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Daily Naira Market Rates (May 11, 2025) US Dollar: ₦1607.11/$1 Euro: ₦1810.90/€1 Pound Sterling: ₦2137.22/£1 Chinese…

Lagos, May 10, 2025 — The Nigerian naira appreciated by 0.23% against the U.S. dollar today, reflecting subtle shifts in forex demand and the effects of recent monetary policies. According to official data, the exchange rate improved from ₦1610.76/$1 on May 9 to ₦1607.11/$1 on May 10. The modest gain, though small, highlights the continued volatility and pressure in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market. Analysts attribute the movement to fluctuating demand, constrained dollar supply, and ongoing interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Daily Naira Market Rates (May 10, 2025) US Dollar: ₦1607.11/$1 Euro: ₦1810.90/€1 Pound Sterling: ₦2138.10/£1 Chinese Yuan:…

The Nigerian naira recorded a marginal depreciation of 0.19% against the US dollar today, May 9, 2025, compared to the previous trading session. According to official data, the exchange rate moved from ₦1607.72 on May 8 to ₦1610.76 per $1. This slight loss reflects shifting dynamics in forex demand, ongoing supply constraints, and current monetary policies enacted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).  Daily Naira Market Rates (May 9, 2025) Dollar to Naira: ₦1610.76 per $1 Euro to Naira: ₦1818.90 per €1 Pound Sterling to Naira: ₦2135.65 per £1 Chinese Yuan to Naira: ₦222.80 per ¥1 The exchange rate…

No Pope yet as Conclave continues after two rounds of  ballots . Thousands of Catholic faithful watched in quiet anticipation at St. Peter’s Square today, only to be met with the familiar sight of black smoke rising from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel—a signal that the cardinal-electors have yet again failed to reach a decision on who will become the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Shortly before noon (10:00 GMT), the dark plume emerged, following two rounds of morning voting during the second day of the papal conclave. The 133 cardinals under the age of 80, locked…

Labour Party surveys show that voters in the United Kingdom believe rising immigration levels are negatively affecting their standard of living, according to a new poll, adding pressure on party leader Sir Keir Starmer following disappointing local election results. The poll, conducted by Merlin Strategy on April 22 and 23, surveyed 3,000 British adults. Among respondents who voted for Labour in the last general election, only 24 percent said immigration had a positive impact on their economic situation. Forty percent said it had a negative effect, while 33 percent said it had neither. The survey results come just days after…

Just under four hours after 133 cardinals entered the conclave under solemn oath and total secrecy, the first round of voting has ended without a result. The unmistakable symbol—dark smoke—rose slowly into the Roman twilight sky, signaling that no candidate received the required two-thirds majority. As tradition dictates, the cardinals are now sealed off from all outside communication and will retire overnight before resuming deliberations tomorrow. Inside the Sistine Chapel, beneath Michelangelo’s fresco of The Last Judgment, they will continue their sacred task: discerning who among them is called to lead the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics as the 267th pope.…

With the Catholic world awaiting the election of a new pope following the death of Pope Francis, a quiet but pressing question lingers beneath the surface: what happens if the conclave fails to elect a new pontiff promptly? Who leads the Church in the absence of a spiritual head? The period between pontificates is known by the Latin phrase sede vacante, meaning “the seat is vacant.” During this time, the papal office is unoccupied, and while the Church continues its spiritual mission, governance is deliberately restrained. There is no pope, no supreme authority to speak on behalf of the global…

10 things to know today about  electing a new Pope, As the eyes of the world once again turn toward the Vatican, the question of who will become the next spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics looms large. The process of electing a new pope is steeped in tradition, secrecy, and sacred ritual. Whether you’re a devout Catholic or a curious observer, here are 10 essential facts to help you understand how a new pope is chosen. The Pope Must Die or Resign First Before a new pope can be elected, the seat must be vacant. This occurs either…