Author: Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi

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…

7 May 2025 – The Nigerian Naira gained marginally against the US Dollar today, appreciating by 0.18% compared to the previous trading day. According to official data, the selling rate for the Dollar to Naira is now ₦1,606.46 per $1, down from ₦1,606.64 on 6 May 2025. This slight gain reflects ongoing shifts in forex demand, supply constraints, and current monetary policies implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Today Market Rates – 7 May 2025 Dollar to Naira: ₦1,606.46 per $1 Euro to Naira: ₦1,819.80 per €1 Pound Sterling to Naira: ₦2,145.41 per £1 Chinese Yuan to Naira:…

Vatican City — One of the most important and mysterious events in the modern world is now unfolding behind closed doors in the Vatican. Today, 130 cardinals from across the globe will enter the Sistine Chapel  to begin the sacred task of selecting a new pope, a spiritual leader who will shape the future of more than 1.3 billion Catholics around the world. This sacred process, known as the conclave, follows the death of Pope Francis, whose decade-long papacy was marked by his humble leadership style, outreach to marginalized communities, and strong calls for Church reform. His passing has left…

Donald J. Trump’s return to the White House has been nothing short of a political earthquake. While his critics label the first 100 days of his second term chaotic and divisive, a closer look reveals a presidency that has hit the ground running, aggressively implementing its agenda, reshaping federal policy, and redefining America’s place on the world stage. Media War and the Narrative Divide From day one, President Trump has been locked in a fierce battle with what he calls the “liberal-dominated media establishment.” Outlets such as The Washington Post and The New York Times, still reeling from Kamala Harris’s…

In a surprising twist in transatlantic trade relations, new data reveals that British exports are now subject to higher effective tariffs in the United States than those from the European Union—a development that casts fresh doubt on the strength of the so-called “special relationship” between Washington and London. According to analysis by Capital Economics, reported by The Telegraph, the average effective U.S. tariff on UK goods stands at 11.6%, compared to just 9.5% for the EU. That leaves the UK behind not only the bloc it once exited, but also behind trade partners like Mexico, Canada, India, Thailand, and Vietnam,…

A 28-year-old Nigerian man has been arrested and charged in Brampton for allegedly orchestrating a romance scam that defrauded two victims of over $600,000. Chimezie Nwabueze, a resident of Toronto, was taken into custody on April 28 following a lengthy investigation by the Peel Regional Police. According to a statement released by the police, the suspect convinced his victims, through an online dating platform, that he was the owner of an oil rig based in the Middle East and urgently needed financial support. Police allege that between June 2021 and July 2023, Nwabueze maintained an entirely online relationship with the…

As questions grow over whether continued U.S. support for Ukraine will survive a potential Donald Trump presidency, Kyiv is laying the groundwork for strategic independence. While American aid remains vital, Ukraine’s leadership is betting on self-reliance—transforming the country into what some officials now call the “arsenal of the free world.” With the last U.S. aid package approved under President Joe Biden expected to expire by summer, Ukraine has ramped up local production of ammunition and military systems. Ukrainian forces, once heavily dependent on Western weapons, are now deploying locally manufactured 152mm shells for Soviet-calibre D-30 howitzers—evidence that the country is…

In today’s foreign exchange market, the Nigerian naira recorded a slight depreciation against both the US dollar and the British pound, reflecting continued volatility in the currency landscape. According to market data, the naira slipped by approximately 0.21% against the US dollar. As of 04 May 2025, the dollar exchanged for ₦1603.83. However, by today, the rate had edged up to ₦1607.30, signalling a minor but notable decline in the naira’s value. Similarly, the naira weakened against the British pound by 0.30%, moving from ₦2127.56 per pound yesterday to ₦2133.97 today. This marginal drop highlights ongoing pressure on Nigeria’s local…

Manchester Ekiti Fest was more than just a musical celebration—it was a vibrant showcase of African fashion and pride. Guests fully embraced the theme, ‘Unapologetically African,’ arriving in stunning ensembles that highlighted the richness and uniqueness of their culture and diverse styles. The recently held Ekiti Manchester Fest was far more than a conventional gathering of speeches and performances—it evolved into a stunning celebration of African identity, culture, and fashion. With the empowering theme “Unapologetically African”, the atmosphere was set from the very first step onto the red carpet. The event was held at  Jubilee Hall in Dukinfield, Manchester. Scroll…