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…

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…

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,…

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…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to intensify collaboration to create a more robust and investor-friendly business environment in Nigeria. Shettima spoke in Abuja yesterday at the close of the PEBEC Retreat for heads of MDAs and MDA Reform Champions. He stressed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains steadfast in its commitment to the Renewed Hope…

A federal judge has ordered Bank of America to pay $540.3 million in a long-running Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation lawsuit accusing the second-largest U.S. bank of underpaying what it owed for deposit insurance. In a decision made public on Monday, U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan in Washington, D.C., said the payment covers assessments from the second quarter of 2013 through the end of 2014, plus interest. Recall that the FDIC…

Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has voiced deep disappointment after being barred from visiting internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and healthcare institutions in Benue State. In a statement released via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, April 14, Obi alleged that the Benue State Government deliberately obstructed his visit, which was part of a broader outreach initiative targeting vulnerable communities…

As political tussle continues to escalate in Rivers State, stakeholders and residents knock the continuous development regarding the matter. This followed the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and 27 lawmakers, the state has witnessed rising tensions. These tensions stem from the removal of Local Government Chairmen, the appointment of a Sole Administrator, and protests by women and various non-partisan organisations. On March 18, the governor,…

In a dramatic twist ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Lyon, ex-Red Devils midfielder Nemanja Matic launched a scathing verbal attack on United goalkeeper André Onana — a move that some now believe may have influenced the Cameroonian’s error-strewn performance. Matic, now at Lyon, didn’t mince words in Wednesday’s pre-match press conference, branding Onana “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history” following the keeper’s confident claims…

A legal challenge seeking the removal of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, currently being heard at the Federal High Court in Abuja, appears to have been abandoned by President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and other key respondents. At the resumption of proceedings, neither the President nor the AGF was represented in court. However, attorneys…

U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order that aims to block the enforcement of state laws passed to reduce the use of fossil fuels and combat climate change. The move is the latest in a string of efforts by Trump’s administration to pump up domestic energy output and push back against largely Democratic-led policies to curb carbon emissions. It came just hours after Trump, a Republican, issued orders to…

Declan Rice scored two excellent second-half free-kicks as Arsenal stunned Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals at Emirates Stadium, taking a three-goal advantage into the second leg. Mikel Arteta had asked the Arsenal fans to arrive early to create an impressive atmosphere inside the stadium, and the team responded by starting the game quickly with a number of dangerous crosses into the Madrid penalty area. Match Highlights The Gunners…