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A political support group, Tinubu Progressive Advocates, is set to be formally inaugurated alongside the unveiling of a new book titled “APC at 13” in Abuja.

The event is scheduled to hold on May 4, 2026, at the Musa Yar'Adua Centre.

According to Amb. Moses Ebahor the organiser, National Coordinators Tinubu Progressive Advocates and Emperor Jarrett Tenebe APC Edo State Chairman National Facilitator APC at 13 Book launch, the programme will bring together key stakeholders, party loyalists, and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to reflect on the party’s 13-year journey, achievements, and future prospects.

Amb. Moses said the book, “APC at 13,” is expected to document the evolution of the ruling party since its formation, highlighting major milestones, electoral successes, and policy contributions to national development.

The inauguration of the Tinubu Progressive Advocates is also aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation and consolidating support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC-led administration.

Organisers say the dual event will serve as a platform for political engagement, strategic discussions, and renewed commitment to the ideals of the party.

Dignitaries from across the political landscape are expected to attend the ceremony.
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Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has distanced itself from viral social media reports alleging that it directed Muslims to embark on prayers for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).


Despite its denial of the alleged directive, the Council reiterated its previously stated position regarding the INEC chairman, maintaining that he must either resign or be relieved of his duties


In a statement yesterday by its Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the Council described the reports as misleading and unsubstantiated, accusing unnamed individuals of fabricating claims to misinform the public and stir unnecessary tension.


The Council stressed that at no time did it issue any directive calling on the Muslim community to organise prayers targeting the electoral body or its leadership.


It urged the public, particularly members of the Muslim Ummah and the media to disregard such narratives and rely only on official communication channels.


“The fabrications are clearly intended to drag the Council into partisan political contestation and undermine national stability,” the statement read.


According to the SCSN, this stance is based on serious concerns about actions and dispositions it claims demonstrate prejudice against Islam and Muslims, citing a widely circulated legal brief.


The Council argued that such sentiments are inconsistent with the neutrality, integrity and patriotism expected of someone occupying a sensitive national office.


Reaffirming its core mandate, the SCSN emphasised that it remains a non-partisan religious organisation committed to promoting justice, equity and peaceful coexistence among all citizens.


It also warned against attempts to use the Council as a tool for political manipulation.


“The Council will not allow itself to be drawn into the murky waters of partisan politics,” the statement added.


The SCSN reiterated its dedication to fostering a just and harmonious society, where citizens could freely practice their religion without fear or discrimination.


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Payment of long-awaited arrears arising from the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review has commenced for members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors.


The NARD’s Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Ibrahim, confirmed this in a letter to all members, sighted by our correspondent, adding that the arrears, covering between one and six months for some members, were already being disbursed.


Many doctors were also said to confirm receipt of the arrears.


“The leadership of NARD… is pleased to inform all members that payment of the outstanding 25/35 CONMESS review arrears… has commenced,” the statement said.


Ibrahim reassured members yet to be credited that payments would be completed in due course, urging patience.


He disclosed that the August component of the arrears was encountering minor administrative challenges, which could delay payments by up to two weeks.


“Payments for August are currently facing a few challenges that are being addressed… the August arrears may be delayed by about a week or two,” he added.


The CONMESS review, which adjusts salary scales for medical and dental officers in Nigeria’s public sector, has been a recurring source of tension between doctors and the government. Delays in implementing salary adjustments and settling arrears have, in the past, triggered industrial actions by NARD, disrupting healthcare services across federal and state hospitals.


READ ALSO :JUST IN: Resident Doctors suspends nationwide strike


Resident doctors, who form the backbone of Nigeria’s tertiary healthcare system, have repeatedly raised concerns over welfare issues, including unpaid salaries, hazardous working conditions, and brain drain driven by better remuneration abroad.


According to industry estimates, Nigeria has lost thousands of doctors to migration in recent years, worsening doctor-to-patient ratios and straining an already fragile health system.


The latest development signals progress in ongoing efforts by the government to address welfare concerns and avert potential labour unrest.


Ibrahim said members with unresolved payment issues after the disbursement period should channel complaints through their respective centre leadership for prompt resolution.


“We sincerely appreciate your patience, resilience, and continued trust… Be assured that we remain steadfast and committed to the welfare and well-being of all NARD members,” he said.


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Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, has said Nigeria’s lingering insecurity could be decisively tackled within six months if the Federal Government demonstrates sufficient commitment.


Ndume stated this on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, where he expressed concern over the recent escalation of violence, particularly in the North-East.


The lawmaker stressed that beyond complaints, what is required is decisive action and political will.


“It is not about complaining. It is not about asking somebody like me, as a senator, to say why these things. I always believe that if the President and the Federal Government of Nigeria are serious about this, we can end this thing (insecurity) in six months.


“All we need is to train our soldiers, equip them, arm them very well, and then motivate them,” Ndume said.


The senator lamented the continued loss of military personnel, including senior officers, noting that such incidents highlight deeper operational challenges.


“After killing their commanders, they now come back to kill our commanders, and they are still taking about five, six, or even seven. Even today, around Northern Borno, we lost a colonel, I understand, with some soldiers. This should not continue. This is now the problem,” he said.


Ndume also attributed the worsening security situation to the inconsistent and incomplete implementation of security strategies.


“The escalating security situation has really been enhanced by the challenge and the threat, and the actions that have been taken that have never been completely done. We have to be very serious about this matter; we have to walk the talk.”


Speaking on the issue of foreign support, the lawmaker emphasised the need for intelligence, technology, and specialised expertise rather than relying on external forces.


“What we need is intelligence. What we need is air support. We also need the expertise of those who are specialists. We even have some that were trained outside, special forces. We have capable hands already on the ground; all they need is equipment, ammunition, and motivation.


“We do not have enough drones. Look at what Burkina Faso is doing; it is technology. We can use technology to finish or minimise these things within the shortest possible time. If you deploy drones and have trained people to operate them, with proper command centres, we can achieve results,” he said.


The Borno South senator further noted that Borno State would have suffered greater devastation without the efforts of Governor Babagana Zulum and commended his interventions in stabilising parts of the state.


Renewed Security Concerns


Ndume’s comments come amid renewed security concerns in the North-East and across Nigeria.


A recent airstrike at Jilli Market along the Yobe–Borno border on Saturday has come under scrutiny over reported civilian casualties.


The Nigerian Air Force said the strike targeted suspected Boko Haram insurgents and that it is investigating reported civilian casualties.


While casualty figures remain unclear, several deaths and injuries were reported, with victims receiving treatment in nearby facilities.


The incident also followed a deadly attack on Thursday on a military formation in Benisheikh, where troops repelled insurgents but suffered casualties.


Security challenges, including banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes, persist nationwide.


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A former member of the House of Representatives, Nassir Ali Ahmed, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), bringing an end to his longstanding affiliation with the ruling party.


In a resignation letter dated April 10, 2026, and addressed to the APC Chairman of Giginyu Ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, Ahmed, who represented Nassarawa Federal Constituency between 2011 and 2023, said his decision followed “a deep sense of responsibility and reflection.”


He explained that the move was informed by his “personal convictions, political aspirations, and the current political climate,” adding that it had become necessary for him to seek a platform that aligns more closely with his vision and values.


PlatinumPost reports that the former lawmaker noted that the decision was not an easy one, as he had always valued the ideals and objectives of the APC.


He stated, “This decision has not been an easy one, as I have always valued the ideals and objectives of the party and the collective progress we sought to achieve for the betterment of Nigeria and its citizens.”


Ahmed, however, reassured his constituents of his continued dedication to public service, saying, “I remain committed to serving the people of Nassarawa Federal Constituency and will continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that will benefit my constituents and the wider Nigerian society.”


He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve under the party, noting that he had worked alongside “many dedicated individuals” during his time in office.


He requested that the party leadership update its records to reflect his resignation, while wishing the APC “peace and God’s guidance” going forward.


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A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State has announced the suspension of its national leader, Atiku Abubakar.


The faction’s chairman, Mohammed Raji Zumo, disclosed this at a news conference in Yola on Monday evening.


He also confirmed the suspension of the party’s national vice chairman for the North-East, Babachir David Lawal.


Zumo stated that the party’s disciplinary committee had recommended the expulsion of Atiku, Lawal, and a recently elected state chairman, Sadiq Dasin.


Dasin was reportedly elected during a controversial round of congresses conducted by an ADC committee in defiance of a court order halting the exercise.


Prior to the disputed congresses, the former state chairman, Yohanna Shehu, had approached the court, alleging that he and his executive members were sidelined in the planning process.


A High Court sitting in Yola subsequently issued an order suspending the congresses and directing all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit.


Explaining the rationale behind the suspensions, Zumo accused Atiku and Lawal—both influential figures from the state—of either contributing to the lingering crisis within the party or failing to resolve it.


He particularly faulted Lawal for leading the ADC congresses committee that conducted the contentious exercise over the weekend in violation of the court injunction.


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Peter Obi, 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has declared that no other 2027 presidential contender can offer the North what he plans to deliver.


He said the region holds Nigeria’s greatest economic potential and that he intends to transform it through agriculture, security and grassroots investment.


The former Anambra governor spoke on Arise TV on Monday, pitching himself to northern voters and pushing back against the view that his presidential prospects in the region depend on endorsements from a handful of political heavyweights.


Obi said the North, far from being a burden on the national economy, was an underutilised asset that a committed government could develop into a bigger revenue source than oil.


“Nobody can do what I intend to do in the North. We will change the North. Our greatest asset as a country is in the North. We can make more money from agriculture than we make from oil,” he said.


He went further, arguing that winning the North was not about securing the backing of prominent figures but about directly addressing the poverty, insecurity and poor access to education and healthcare that have held the region back.


“If we want to secure the North, we must invest in agriculture, reduce poverty, and improve education and healthcare,” Obi said.


Asked specifically whether he would need the support of politicians such as Nasir El-Rufai and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to make inroads in the region, he said he welcomed collaboration but rejected the idea that a few individuals could determine the outcome.


“I will work with them so they can support the process, but Nigeria is bigger than individuals,” he said.


Obi also argued that the country’s deeper problem was not a lack of resources but a failure of leadership to rise above ethnic and religious divisions.


“We need leaders who will unite us as a country. Religion and tribe should not define our future,” he said.


He added that the development of any kind remained impossible without first restoring security, particularly across the North.


“You cannot achieve development without first ensuring security,” Obi said.


He said he had drawn lessons from development models in other countries that he believed could be adapted for Nigeria.


“I have visited several countries and seen what works. We can replicate those successes here,” he said.


Obi also called on the government to stop treating the opposition as a threat and instead create conditions for it to function effectively, saying a strong opposition was essential for accountability.


“The government should protect the opposition. In fact, they should make opposition stronger and make it work,” he said.


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The Federal Government has announced the commencement of applications for the second cohort of its Technical and Vocational Education and Training TVET programme aimed at boosting skills acquisition and employment.


The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Monday, describing the initiative as a key component of the administration’s human capital development drive.


“Today marks the opening of applications for the second cohort of our National TVET Programme, a key step in advancing human capital development,” he said.


The minister noted that the programme recorded significant interest during its first phase, with over 1.3 million applications received nationwide.


“Last year, over 1.3 million Nigerians applied, a powerful reminder of the growing demand for practical skills and the impact they can have on people’s lives and our economy,” he added.


Alausa said the application portal would open at 4:00 pm (WAT), urging Nigerians across age groups to take advantage of the opportunity.


“We are calling on every Nigerian, young or old, who has a dream, a vision for a better life, and a hardworking spirit to sign up. With TVET, you can build your own future,” he said.


According to details on the programme portal, applications reopened on April 13, 2026, offering fully funded training across multiple vocational and technical fields.


The initiative features two training tracks, a six-month Short-Term Certificate programme designed for beginners, and a one-year Vocational Education and Innovation track for individuals with prior learning or informal experience.


Entry requirements include a valid National Identification Number and Bank Verification Number, while the advanced track also accepts proof of prior learning or basic educational certificates.


Participants will receive free tuition funded by the Federal Government, monthly stipends, hands-on training, and nationally recognised certification upon completion.


The programme also offers start-up support and access to business loans to enable graduates to establish enterprises in their chosen fields.


Training areas include electrical installation, welding and fabrication, digital media, automobile repairs, fashion design, agriculture, and renewable energy, among others.


Training centres are located across the six geopolitical zones, including federal and state technical colleges, as well as accredited private institutions.


The TVET programme forms part of broader efforts by the administration of Bola Tinubu to strengthen Nigeria’s skills development ecosystem and reduce unemployment.


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Gunmen on Thursday night launched an attack on Mbwelle village in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing no fewer than eight people.


Findings revealed that the majority of the victims belonged to the same family.


The deceased have been identified as Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, Mr Luck Titus Dakus, Mr Habila Istifanu Dakus, Mr Hassan Istifanus Dakus, Mrs Hassan Moses Dakus, Biggie Lucky Dakus, Sunday Gideon Dakus and Mr Innocent Barnabas Makwin.


Confirming the incident in Jos on Friday, the Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, Kefas Mallai, said the attackers struck at about 11pm, shooting indiscriminately at residents.


According to him, aside from those killed, about three people sustained injuries, while several others were yet to be accounted for.


Mallai said: “There was an attack last night at Mbwelle village. The village is very close to Bokkos town. So far eight persons have been confirmed dead this morning.


“The people are saying they want to protest because the security men have not protected them and the attack lasted for hours and yet, no presence of security to repel the assailants until those people finished and left. No trace.”


He added: “The attack lasted for several hours with no visible security presence to repel the attackers.”


Mallai further alleged that despite the closeness of security formations, there was no response, claiming that operatives were instead deployed to guard a community suspected by Bokkos natives to be linked to the attackers.


Also speaking, the Youth Leader of Bokkos, Christopher Luka, described the incident as tragic and devastating.


“The gunmen came around 11pm and started shooting sporadically. They targeted one family mostly. We have eight confirmed dead, some seriously injured, and others still unaccounted for,” Luka said.


As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the spokesman of the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful.


Similarly, the Media Officer of the Joint Military Taskforce, Chinonso Oteh, could not immediately provide details on the development.


“I will get back to you,” he said.


Bokkos and neighbouring local government areas in Plateau State have continued to grapple with persistent security challenges in recent years.


Tensions escalated last week when the Berom Youth Moulders Association raised concerns over recurring attacks and killings in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South LGAs, despite the presence of security personnel.


In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, the association, under the leadership of National President Dalyop Mwantiri, alleged that the violence was part of a deliberate campaign aimed at taking over ancestral lands.


The group disclosed that on Wednesday, gunmen ambushed travellers returning from mining activities near the Great Commission area along Bokkos Road en route to Nding in Fan District of Barkin Ladi LGA at about 4:15pm.


During the attack, Mr Ayuba Pam of Nding Sesut was killed, while Mr Alfred Dung and Mr Nathaniel Bitrus sustained serious injuries and were hospitalised.


Later that same day, at about 6:30pm, another attack occurred along the Gwolhoss–Byei road in Riyom LGA, where Mr Christopher Joshua, a father of three from Byei community, was shot dead while returning home.


The association condemned the incidents, describing them as part of sustained attacks on Berom communities, and expressed concern that such violence persisted along major rural routes frequently used by farmers, miners and commuters.


It called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and patrols across key routes, including the Great Commission–Bokkos road, Great Commission–Gashish axis, Rahoss–Rim road, Kwi–Farin Lamba road, Gwolhoss–Jol–Sho road and Rim–Bachi road.


 


(PUNCH)

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Residents of Omugo community in Oro Ago District, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have raised concern over the continued detention of eight worshippers abducted during a church service, revealing that their captors are demanding ₦150 million for their release.


The community appealed to government and security agencies for immediate intervention, citing growing fears over the victims’ safety.


The alarm was raised on Thursday during a press briefing addressed by the community’s spokesperson, Olaitan Tajudeen Jimoh, who lamented the deteriorating security situation in the area.


The victims were reportedly kidnapped on March 22, 2026, during a service at the Evangelical Church Winning All in Omugo. The incident marks the third attack recorded in the community within a six-month period.


Jimoh said the latest abduction has heightened fear among residents, forcing many to flee their homes.


“This is not merely a security breach; it is a brutal assault on our faith, our dignity, and our very right to exist. Many people had and continue to flee their home even as we speak,” he said.


He noted that most of the abductees are elderly and remain in captivity under harsh conditions, describing the development as a humanitarian crisis.


According to him, “initial contact with the abductors indicated a ransom demand of ₦1 billion, which was later reduced to ₦150 million”.


He stressed that the amount is beyond what the affected families can afford.


The community also warned of “persistent security gaps”, cautioning that failure to act promptly could embolden attackers and extend violence to neighbouring communities.


Among their demands is an immediate, intelligence-driven rescue operation involving both federal and state authorities alongside security agencies.


They further called for the deployment of personnel to a police station reportedly built by the community but yet to be operational, noting that the absence of security presence has exposed the area to attacks.


In addition, the residents advocated for the establishment of a Joint Task Force base made up of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to ensure swift response and sustained security coverage.


They also urged the formal inclusion of local vigilante groups and hunters in the security framework, citing their familiarity with the terrain as vital in combating armed groups.


While acknowledging previous efforts by the state government in 2025, the community insisted that the current situation demands urgent and sustained action.


Speaking separately, Revd Sunday Omole, who officiated during the incident, said “several communities have remained deserted”.


He added that residents have continued to live in fear since the attack, noting that the “trauma of those in captivity for 18 days now has been deeply distressing for families and the entire community”.


(DAILY TRUST)

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A 42-year-old woman who was earlier declared missing in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, has reportedly been located in a hotel in Ugbe-Akoko, sparking concern and varied reactions over the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.


The woman was said to have left her matrimonial home in Ilara-Mokin without informing her family, prompting fears that she might have been abducted.


Sources familiar with the incident disclosed that her husband raised the alarm after she could not be found, leading to anxiety among relatives and residents of the community.


According to a source, the sudden disappearance triggered concern within the neighbourhood as family members and locals feared that something unpleasant might have happened to her.


Investigations later traced the woman to a hotel in Ugbe-Akoko, located in Akoko North-East Local Government Area, about 124 kilometres from Ilara-Mokin in Ifedore Local Government Area.


The journey between the two locations typically takes between two hours and 40 minutes and two hours and 45 minutes under normal traffic conditions.


She was reportedly discovered in the company of a 55-year-old man.


Sources indicated that preliminary findings suggest the woman was not abducted as initially feared but had left home voluntarily without notifying her family.


The development has since generated mixed reactions among residents, with many expressing surprise over the circumstances surrounding the incident.


(NEWS DIRECT)


 

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A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced a Boko Haram member, Auwalu Samaila, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of terrorism-related offences.


The trial judge, James Omotosho, delivered the verdict following Samaila’s guilty plea to a six-count charge brought against him by the federal government.


While delivering judgment on Thursday, the judge noted that the defendant showed no sign of remorse despite the seriousness of his crimes.


“It is when somebody is remorseful and seek forgiveness with God that he can have mercy from him,” the judge said.


“The convict before me is not remorseful despite a lot of atrocities and lives that had gone from his hand.


“May God have mercy on his soul.”


Samaila, a native of Gulak in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, was linked to a series of attacks carried out between 2012 and 2017.


The charges against him included belonging to a banned terrorist organisation, undergoing training in terrorism and weapons handling, and participating in violent attacks across communities in Borno and Adamawa states.


The court heard that he was involved in assaults in Damboa, Borno, as well as Gombi and Hong in Adamawa, where both civilians and military personnel lost their lives.


These offences are punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.


During the trial, the prosecution, led by Jemila Ade, deputy director of public prosecutions, presented the defendant’s confessional statement, which was admitted as evidence.


In the statement, Samaila said he transported female suicide bombers to target locations.


“I took her to Muna Garage in Maiduguri,” he said, referring to one of the bombers.


He also admitted participating in attacks in Mubi, Chibok, Damaturu, Michika, and Gulak.


According to him, he lost his left leg during a confrontation with the military in Konduga.


In sentencing, Omotosho ordered that Samaila be executed by hanging on counts four, five and six.


The court further sentenced him to 25 years’ imprisonment on counts one and two, and 30 years on count three.


In separate rulings, two other Boko Haram members — Shura Abdullahi and Abdulrahman Ari — were sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism charges.


Additionally, three others — Aisami Kadi, Umaru Usman, and Abdulrahman Hassan — received prison terms ranging from 20 to 21 years.


Earlier in the week, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, disclosed that 500 suspects are currently being prosecuted in phase nine of the ongoing mass trial of alleged terrorists in Abuja.


The cases are being heard before judges of the Federal High Court.


(The CABLE)


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A former Iranian foreign minister, Kamal Kharazi, has died from injuries sustained during US-Israel strikes carried out on April 1, Iranian media reported on Thursday.


Kharazi, who was 81, was serving as the head of the Strategic Council for International Relations, a body under the foreign ministry, at the time of his death.


According to the Mehr and Isna news agencies, “who was injured in a terrorist attack carried out by the American-Zionist enemy a few days ago, died a martyr tonight,” as reported on their Telegram channels.


Reports also indicated that his wife was killed when their residence in Tehran was hit during the strike.


Kharazi previously represented Iran as its envoy to the United Nations in New York before serving as foreign minister from 1997 to 2005 under reformist president Mohammad Khatami.


His death comes amid ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, where spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior military and political figures have been killed in strikes since the conflict escalated following US-Israeli attacks on February 28.


AFP


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Pope Leo XIV will on Monday begin his first major international journey since ascending to the papacy, embarking on an 11-day tour across Africa that will take him to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea.


The US-born pontiff is expected to address a wide range of global and regional concerns, including interfaith dialogue with Islam, peacebuilding efforts, inequality and human rights, during the trip which will cover more than 18,000 kilometres (11,000 miles).


Since assuming leadership of the Catholic Church’s 1.4 billion faithful in May, Leo will, during the tour, deliver 11 speeches, celebrate seven masses and visit about a dozen locations before returning on April 23.


At 70, the pope’s engagements are likely to draw significant global attention, particularly amid ongoing geopolitical tensions triggered by the Middle East war and its accompanying energy crisis.


This will mark Leo’s third trip outside Italy, following earlier visits to Turkey and Lebanon last year, as well as Monaco in March.


READ ALSO:Pope warns of regional spillover from Israel-Iran war


Algeria (April 13–15)

The visit to Algeria will be historic, as Leo becomes the first pope to travel to the North African nation where Islam is the state religion.


During his stay, he is scheduled to visit the Great Mosque of Algiers and hold talks with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. He will also meet members of the Augustinian order in Annaba, a city closely associated with Saint Augustine.


The pope is “a brother who comes to visit his brothers”, Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, the archbishop of Algiers, told AFP ahead of the visit.


He is also expected to pray privately at a chapel dedicated to 19 priests and nuns killed during Algeria’s 1992–2002 civil war.


Ahead of the trip, three international NGOs urged the pontiff to raise issues relating to the treatment of religious minorities with Algerian authorities.


Cameroon (April 15–18): Focus on peace

In Cameroon, where Christians form the majority, the pope’s message is anticipated to centre on peace and reconciliation, particularly in the conflict-ridden English-speaking northwest region.


The highlight of his visit will be a mass and address in Bamenda, regarded as the epicentre of the crisis, with tight security expected.


Leo will also tour Catholic-run hospitals, schools and charities in the country, where about 37 per cent of the population is Catholic.


He is also expected to meet President Paul Biya, 93, one of the world’s longest-serving leaders, who has faced periodic criticism from senior Catholic figures over his continued rule.


Angola (April 18–21)

The pope’s stop in Angola is expected to highlight social and economic concerns.


Despite its wealth in oil and minerals, the country continues to grapple with widespread poverty and the legacy of a civil war that ended in 2002.


Leo is likely to stress the importance of fair distribution of natural resource wealth and the need to combat corruption.


While many Angolan Catholics—who make up about 44 per cent of the population—are enthusiastic about the visit, some citizens have expressed reservations.


“At the societal level, it represents nothing, because millions of dollars will be taken from the state treasury to prepare, without bringing any benefits to our country,” teacher Rosa Kanga, 42, told AFP.


The pope will visit Luanda, where stark contrasts exist between affluent districts and sprawling slums, and will also travel to Muxima, home to a historic church along a former slave-trading route and one of the region’s most revered religious sites.


Equatorial Guinea (April 21–23): A delicate mission

Leo’s final stop will be Equatorial Guinea, where President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has ruled since 1979.


With around 80 per cent of the population identifying as Catholic, the visit carries both religious and political significance. Pope John Paul II remains the only pontiff to have previously visited the country, nearly 50 years ago.


Observers believe Leo will need to carefully balance support for local Catholics with the risk of appearing to legitimise the government, while also addressing issues of human rights and social justice.


In Malabo, recently stripped of its capital status by presidential decree, large images of the pope have been displayed ahead of his arrival, with state media continuously airing promotional material about the visit.

AFP

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Hip-hop pioneer, Afrika Bambaataa,  has died at the age of 68, the Hip Hop Alliance has confirmed.


In a statement, the organisation said Bambaataa helped shape a “global movement rooted in peace, unity, love, and having fun”, paying tribute to his role in the emergence of hip-hop as both a musical genre and a cultural force.


Born Lance Taylor in the Bronx, Bambaataa came of age during the black liberation movement. In 1973, he co-founded the Universal Zulu Nation, an international collective promoting hip-hop culture.


In later years, his reputation was overshadowed by allegations of child sexual abuse and trafficking, which he denied.


According to TMZ, which first reported the news, the artist died in Pennsylvania on Thursday due to complications from cancer.


Bambaataa was born to parents who had immigrated from Jamaica and Barbados.


As a teenager, he joined the Black Spades gang, later using his leadership experience to establish the Universal Zulu Nation, which aimed to steer young people away from violence and toward creative expression.


His 1982 track Planet Rock brought him international recognition and is widely credited with influencing the sound and direction of hip-hop in the 1980s.


His vision for the genre helped turn the Bronx into “the birthplace of a culture that now reaches every corner of the world”, said Reverend Dr Kurtis Blow Walker, the executive director of Hip Hop Alliance.


Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Bambaataa collaborated with a wide range of artists, including James Brown and John Lydon. He also contributed to politically conscious efforts such as the 1985 anti-apartheid song Sun City.


Bambaataa led the Universal Zulu Nation until 2016, when he stepped down following allegations of sexual abuse dating back to the 1980s and 1990s.


He denied the accusations in a statement, saying they “are baseless and are a cowardly attempt to tarnish my reputation and legacy in hip-hop at this time”.


In 2025, he lost a civil case in which he was accused of child sexual abuse and trafficking after failing to appear in court, according to The Guardian.


Hip Hop Alliance acknowledged that the allegations complicated his musical legacy, which “has been the subject of serious conversations within our community”.


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The Naira recorded further appreciation on Thursday at the official foreign exchange market, closing at N1,359.31 to the US dollar.


Data published on the official website of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that the local currency improved by N12.50.


This reflects a 0.9 per cent increase compared to Wednesday’s rate of N1,371.82 per dollar.


The Naira has remained relatively stable, supported by ongoing reforms implemented by the CBN.


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Tension has gripped Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, after 12-year-old JSS 2 student, Ufokobong Edwin Godwin died following alleged bullying by a senior student over his refusal to share provisions.


Vanguard gathered that the incident, which began before the Easter break, led to the deceased being hospitalised on Easter Sunday for a neck sprain sustained during the alleged torture.


Narrating the incident in Uyo, yesterday, a student who lived in the same hostel with the deceased, said the senior student approached him for provisions during terminal examinations, but the deceased refused, insisting he didn’t have enough to share.


“A fellow student (a senior student in SS3) asked the boy for provisions, but he refused.The student reportedly hit him on the neck, after which he went into a coma.


“He later regained consciousness in the hospital   and was taken back to school. When the holiday came, the parents picked him up without being informed of any incident involving their son. (Perhaps the school did not think the injury was that serious.”


The student, who pleaded not to be mentioned, said the senior descended on the deceased hitting his neck until he fainted three times before other students raised the alarm for his rescue.


He continued:  “At home, the boy developed severe pains on his neck and was shouting my neck, my neck. The parents bought pain relief drugs unknown to them that  the incident was more than ordinary pains.


“When the pains was more severe, the father rushed the deceased to hospital where he died on Easter Sunday


“Earlier at home, the parents said the boy started complaining of throat pain on Wednesday, and they got medication for him.


“On Saturday night, the father called some of his friends (one of whom shared this story), asking them to pray for his son, who had been taken to the hospital.


“By Sunday morning, the boy passed on. The hospital later confirmed that he died from complications associated with blood clots around his throat (neck area).”


Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, promised to confirm the incident but had yet to respond at press time.


However, the principal of the school, Mr. Jude Ezeogu, who confirmed the incident described it as unfortunate.


He said:  “It’s an unfortunate incident, the entire school is in a mourning mood. He is our child, he is a Nigerian child. So, we are deeply touched by his demise. The school management committee will meet to discuss the matter and the circumstances of his death will be communicated.”


Meanwhile, the family of the deceased student have called on the Federal Government to investigate the circumstances leading to death of their son.


The father of the deceased who spoke to our correspondent said:  “I cannot talk now. I am calling on the Federal Government to intervene for justice. I will talk at the appropriate time.”


(Vangaurd)

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Dino Melaye, a former Kogi West Senator and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, has slammed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), claiming that it is now a department of the All Progressives Congress (APC).


Melaye accused the INEC of bias and misinterpreting a court judgement.


In a video shared on his X page, the ADC chieftain stated that the electoral body’s actions had destroyed public trust.


According to Melaye, those responsible should either be removed or made to step down.


“We expect that the president will either sack or these people will sack themselves because INEC has misinterpreted the order of the court, they have shown partiality.


“They have shown that they are a department of APC, and we have lost confidence in them,” he said.


This comes as chieftains of the ADC led by factional Interim National Chairman, David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and others held a protest at INEC headquarters over the delisting of the party.


(TheSun)


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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected reports suggesting it is in talks with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to form an alliance, describing the claims as false and misleading.


The position was made known by a faction of the party aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and backed by a recent Court of Appeal judgment.


In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party insisted it did not hold any meeting—formal or informal—with the ADC or its representatives.


It clarified that any individuals alleged to have participated in such engagements did so in their personal capacities and do not represent the PDP.


The party urged its members, supporters, and the public to disregard the reports, stressing that they do not reflect its official stance.


It further disclosed that preparations for its party primaries are at an advanced stage, with timelines and guidelines to be announced soon.


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The Independent National Electoral Commission has recorded over 3.4 million new voters in the ongoing second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise nationwide.


According to the commission’s week 13 update released on Wednesday in Abuja, a total of 3,441,121 registrations have been completed as of April 3, covering both online pre-registrations and physical walk-ins.


INEC disclosed that 2,068,384 citizens completed their registration online, while 1,372,737 others registered physically at designated centres across the country.


State-by-state data showed that Jigawa recorded the highest number of registrants with 201,047, representing 5.84 per cent of the total.


Lagos followed with 181,095, while Kano ranked third with 177,681 registrations.


Youth participation remained dominant, with citizens aged between 18 and 34 accounting for 2,354,768 registrants, representing 68.43 per cent of the total figure.


Gender distribution indicated a higher turnout among women, with females accounting for 1,922,143 registrations (55.86 per cent), compared to 1,518,978 males (44.14 per cent).


On occupational breakdown, students formed the largest group of new voters at 1,235,931, representing 35.92 per cent.


This was followed by those in business at 701,912 (20.40 per cent) and individuals in farming and fishing at 615,967 (18.28 per cent).


INEC also reported that 48,330 Persons with Disabilities registered during the period.


The commission noted that the figure remains provisional, explaining that it is “a preliminary figure pending data clean-up during the period for citizens’ claims and objections, followed by the deployment of the Automated Biometric Identification System.”


It further stated that voter registration remains suspended in the Federal Capital Territory in line with Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022, following the Area Council Election held on February 21.


INEC urged eligible Nigerians who have yet to register to visit its official portals to complete their registration before the deadline.


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