Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died. The Vatican confirmed that he died today, April 21, which is Easter Monday, at the age of 88. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement released by the Vatican during the early hours of Monday. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and the marginalised,” he added. Francis’ body will be put on display in an open coffin in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, one of Christianity’s holiest sites, where pontiffs have been buried for more than 100 years. But following Francis’ wishes, he is expected to be buried at the ancient Basilica of St. Mary Major, which lies outside the Vatican walls. Pope Francis’s papacy heralded many firsts and while he never stopped introducing reforms to the Catholic Church, he remained popular among traditionalists. Not since Syrian-born Gregory III died in 741 had there been a non-European Bishop of Rome. He was also the first Jesuit to be elected to the throne of St Peter – Jesuits were historically looked on with suspicion by Rome. Francis’s predecessor, Benedict XVI, was the first Pope to retire voluntarily in almost 600 years and for almost a decade the Vatican Gardens hosted two popes. As Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina, Francis was already in his seventies when he became Pope in 2013. He had suffered various ailments in his 12-year papacy, with severe complications in recent weeks.
Chieftain of the main opposition political party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Nyeson Wike, has threatened to withdraw his support for the party’s candidates in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election if the leadership do not put their house in order. “If the PDP does not keep their house in order, I will not support them for the Area Council election.” Wike, who is the minister of the FCT under the umbrella of the presidency, led by Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), concluded in a media chat that his party, the PDP, “is fundamentally unprepared for the 2027 general elections.” Citing internal strife, impunity, and a lack of genuine commitment to opposition politics as key factors contributing to the party’s current state, Wike said that the Governors Forum, while influential, is merely a pressure group and not an organ of the party. He stressed that the Forum had no authority to make proclamations on zoning or alter the functions of the National Working Committee (NWC). He lamented the lack of effective opposition from PDP governors, questioning their commitment to holding the ruling party accountable. The Minister stressed the necessity of genuine sacrifice and strong leadership for any party aspiring to lead the opposition, a quality he believes is currently absent within the PDP. “For you to say I want to lead the opposition party is not by mouth. You have to sacrifice a lot of things.” On the political situation in Rivers State, the Minister defended President Tinubu’s emergency declaration, saying that it saved Rivers State from descending into anarchy and facilitated the restoration of funding for Local Governments. He lauded the President’s intervention as being in the best interest of the state. The Minister used the occasion to call on the leaders and elders of Rivers State to move beyond public pronouncements and take genuine steps towards resolving the political crisis in the state, emphasizing the importance of allowing democratic structures, particularly the State House of Assembly, to function constitutionally.
“The difference is clear. FCT residents are amazed at the accelerated development that is going on all over the territory. You can see what is happening; people are talking, saying, ‘You mean this is possible within a short time of less than two years?’ We were here for eight years, and comparatively, little happened. “We have not even reached two years, and look at what has already been achieved. Imagine what will happen in four years’ time.” The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike, made the comparison today, April 19, when fielded questions on the performance of his ministry, from selected journalists in Abuja. Wike narrated: “When I go out, I see that people are happy. I recently visited Kwali, on the road to Lokoja – A2 to Pai. The enthusiastic reception I received was remarkable. “Similarly, the progress from Pai to Gomani is evident for all to see. In Bwari, the Gaba/Tokulo road is another testament to our commitment to reaching rural areas. “People are genuinely amazed that the government is focusing on these communities; it has never happened before. So, yes, people are happy.” Minister Wike said that the the ongoing International Conference Centre (ICC) renovation reflects the enhanced quality of work being delivered. “The cost is a direct result of the improved quality we are insisting upon.” He made it clear that Julius Berger Plc that is handling the project is not cheap, stressing that its standards are exceptional. “By this May, I invite you to visit the International Conference Centre and witness the transformation firsthand. As Nigerians, you will be proud of what has been accomplished.” On the on-going hospital projects, including those in Utako, Gwagwalada, and Kubwa, the Minister acknowledged the challenges posed by existing litigation. He also highlighted the complexities of hospital construction, emphasizing the need for integrated planning and execution, stating that the FCT administration was committed to ensuring the facilities are completed and operational to enhance healthcare delivery in the FCT. On the recent land reforms, including the regularization of Area Council land titles, the Minister reiterated the Supreme Court’s ruling that all land within the FCT falls under the FCT Administration. He emphasized government’s commitment to regularizing existing allocations to provide landowners with Certificates of Occupancy (C of O). “The Supreme Court has come to say every land belongs to the FCT, therefore, there is nothing like Area Council land and we don’t want to go back in saying that we have cancelled all the allocations. We said let’s regularize so that you can have your C of O.” Wike called for prompt payment of fees and development of allocated lands to prevent land speculation and ensure efficient land utilization. He said that the Administration will proceed with the development of the Maitama II District, and called on all land allotees in the FCT who are yet to pay the required fees to do so, reiterating that Abuja land is not free. On the issue of reviewing the Abuja masterplan, the Minister called for patience, saying: “The Abuja masterplan is to keep Abuja the way it was designed.” He stressed his commitment to adhering to the masterplan and addressing illegal developments. The Minister said that he will bring down any illegal structure that is against the Abuja masterplan. On city sanitation, the Minister called for greater public responsibility and tax compliance. He highlighted the high cost of waste management and urged residents to pay their sanitation fees. He also called on the media to help educate the public on the need to pay their taxes. On public transportation in the FCT, and the menace of illegal motor parks, the Minister disclosed that the three bus terminal projects embarked upon by the administration would soon be completed. Once operational, the Minister said, the administration will enforce regulations to reduce illegal parking and improve traffic flow. “By the grace of God, we are almost done with the three bus terminals. We will be able to say this is where you will load, and this is the dropping point. Then we will now be able to reduce these illegal car parks.”
Edo State government has placed death by hanging on kidnappers in the state. The state Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who confirmed the new dispensation today, April 18, said that he is ready to sign the death warrants on kidnappers that are convicted. He spoke at a stakeholders session at the Uromi Townhall interaction with leaders and members of the Arewa community in Esan land. The Edo State House of Assembly had earlier passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law (and Related Matters 2013). The bill prescribes the death penalty for kidnappers and mandates the confiscation and demolition of properties used in the commission of their crimes. Governor Okpebholo said that his administration will not tolerate insecurity, killing, and kidnapping anymore in the State as he will deal ruthlessly with all criminal elements in the State. “I take the issue of insecurity seriously and will not bend the rules but apply them strictly. The new law in the State permits us to demolish their properties and confiscate their lands. We will build vigilante team offices on those lands. “We will bring kidnappers to the public and execute them to show our seriousness according to the laws already passed by the EDHA. I will not be afraid to sign it.” The Governor called on all to collaborate with his administration to secure the State, “saying security is the business of all and not for security agencies alone. “The kind of security we want to have in the State is one where security remnants women are paid salaries, unlike before where the people will just put on uniforms without being paid. We are going to employ vigilante teams and pay them salaries and stop people from just putting on their uniforms. “These people will work with security agencies and they will be trained on how to fight crimes and handle criminals. I will not wait until campaign time to solve your problems. I will start to address the problems facing our people in the market, and everywhere. “It is time to start profiling people from other States who claim to be from the North and ensure they don’t spoil your name. We will fence the market, put streetlights, build abattoirs for those killing cows. We want to secure the people of Edo State.”
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully engaged in Nigeria’s governance even though he is away in Europe.” A statement today, April 17, by the Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, stressed that President Bola Tinubu “has maintained constant communication with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country. “His absence remains temporary and in line with the communicated timeframe of approximately two weeks.” The statement said that the President left Paris for London at the weekend and that his return to Abuja and the resumption of duties at Aso Villa will follow the conclusion of the Easter holiday. “The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership. “We appreciate the public’s concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption.”
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Olufemi Soneye has emerged the Best Spokesman of the Year 2025, beating many equally experienced spokespersons across the country. The award was organised in Abuja, the nation’s capital city, by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). Femi Soneye is a journalist, a brand strategist and a Public Relations specialist, and was appointed as NNPCL’s spokesman on October 18, 2023. A seasoned professional, Soneye brought with him decades of international media experience across Nigeria, Australia, and the United States, where he previously served as Editor of the prestigious US Air Force One Magazine at Joint Base Andrews, Washington, D.C. At the awards on Wednesday, Soneye beat an experienced field, which included Shell Petroleum’s Igo Weli, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Akande of Sifax Group, and Osagie Edward of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), to win the most coveted award of Spokesperson of the Year. In addition to winning the top prize, Soneye also emerged winner in the “Distinguished Spokesperson (Oil and Gas)” category, beating Shell’s Igo Weli and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) spokesman, Chief Chinedu Ukadike to the prize, a feat he had performed previously in the 2024 edition of the award. In his remarks, Chairman of the Adjudication Committee, Dr. Shaibu Hussein, represented by committee member, Lami Tuiaka, emphasized that the selection process was intense and thorough. He described Soneye as a diligent and strategic communicator whose ability to influence public opinion, handle crises effectively, and create impactful messaging set him apart from others. “Our team of communication experts, PR professionals, and media figures worked extensively to assess the nominees based on communication skills, crisis management abilities, and overall public impact,” he stated. Presenting the award to Soneye, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Joshua Audu Ghana, lauded the NNPCL spokesman on his achievement, saying that NIPR will celebrate him throughout 2025 as the award’s title holder. “On behalf of NIPR Award Night 2025, I proudly present this plaque to our Spokesperson of the Year, Mr. Olufemi Soneye.” Soneye dedicated the award to the entire NNPCL corporate communications team. “I am truly honoured to be named Spokesperson of the Year by NIPR. This award is not mine alone. It belongs to the exceptional team I work with every day. “From the beginning, I made a vow to be a transparent and professional spokesperson committed to timely, impactful and accurate communication. “This award reinforces our shared dedication to raising the bar in public communication and serving the Nigerian public with integrity. “As I always say, NNPC is our collective asset and belongs to all Nigerians. We remain committed to keeping the public informed and involved in our activities as we continue to ensure energy security for our nation.” A consummate professional, has as NNPCL’s spokesman revolutionized the company’s public communications’ process. From being viewed as an opaque organization reluctant to open its doors to public scrutiny, Soneye, with the support of the company’s management has repositioned NNPCL as a public-friendly and transparent organization always willing to engage its external public in a professional and creative manner. Under his management of the public communications process, the NNPC brand has witnessed remarkable elevation and with a 360-degree approach to branding, has repositioned the company as a trusted and proudly Nigerian energy brand. In addition, Soneye institutionalization of a proactive crisis management mechanism has ensured that NNPCL is never caught off guard. His foresight and swift interventions have consistently protected the corporate image of the company.
Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners (GIMP), has called on Faith Leaders across the country to reflect on spiritual message of Good Friday, and Easter by promoting love among the diverse people of the world. The group stressed the need for Christians in particular, to take advantage of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion to reflect on the imperative of sacrifice and religious tolerance in serving God. The chairman of the group, Abdulkarim Abdulmalik, in a goodwill message to Christians as they observe Easter, said that Good Friday is a day of remembrance, and also an occasion that calls for peace, understanding and shared human values amidst the nation’s diversity. He observed that the diversity in the polity calls for the universal recognition of interfaith harmony as the common denominator of the quest for world peace. Making reference to the World Council of Churches (WCC) which believed that Good Friday is a time for Christians to reflect on their own faith and to show respect for the beliefs and practices of other religious communities, Abdulmalik advised other faiths leaders to compliment the Council in spreading the message of glad tidings. He observed that WCC’s call for peace and tolerance among the Christians, Jews, Muslims and a spirit of unity and respect in Jerusalem, places a burden on faith leaders in Nigeria to replicate the message in such call, adding that they should advise adherents of their respective faiths to eschew religious hostility and bigotry. He said that GIMP was formed to promote interfaith peace and harmony through the mass media, and appealed to media professionals in Nigeria to join hands with the Guild in advancing this onerous ethical social responsibility. Abdulmalik urged journalists and religious leaders to join hands with the government in fighting insurgency, banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria. According to him, the attack on hapless victims is a pointer to the need for a strong jnterfaith collaboration with the government for a precision fight against criminality in the country.
“Nigeria is in a full-blown state of emergency. Not a contrived political emergency like what Tinubu declared in Rivers for partisan gain — this is a national collapse. “So when, exactly, will Tinubu declare a state of emergency on his own disastrous presidency?” These were contained in a statement today, April 16, by the former Nigeria’s Vice President and leader of the main opposition political party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atku Abubakar. In the statement, issued on his behalf by his spokesman, Paul Ibe, Atiku recalled that President Bola Tinubu flew out to France on April 2, 2025. “Had this absurd announcement (of his journey to France) come just a day earlier, Nigerians would have dismissed it as an April Fool’s joke. But sadly, it’s no prank — just another insult to a nation pushed to the brink by a presidency that treats its citizens like fools. “The official excuse? A so-called “working visit.” But Nigerians aren’t buying the spin. ‘The presidency scrambled to clarify that it wasn’t a medical trip — how noble. But even if it’s not medical tourism, what justification is there for gallivanting across Europe while Nigeria bleeds? What kind of leader borrows billions only to blow scarce funds on vanity trips abroad? It’s not just irresponsible— it’s contemptuous. “Let the facts speak for themselves. By the time Tinubu struts back from this latest escapade, he will have racked up a staggering 59 days in France since assuming office. “See Paris and die?” No — see Paris and abandon your country. “While Tinubu dines under chandeliers in the land of good governance, the country he governs is spiraling into chaos. Plateau has turned into a killing field — over 100 lives lost in relentless attacks. Benue is bleeding. Boko Haram is seizing territory. And every single day, Nigerians sink deeper into poverty, insecurity, and despair. “This isn’t just negligence. It’s dereliction of duty on a catastrophic scale. “If Tinubu had even a shred of empathy, he would cut his trip short and return immediately. “A leader with an ounce of patriotism wouldn’t need to be begged to show up in times of crisis. “The constitution says the security and welfare of the people is the primary purpose of government. But under Tinubu, that sacred duty has been trashed. “Let’s be honest: there is absolutely nothing Tinubu is doing in France that he couldn’t do in Lagos, or even in Iragbiji. This so-called “working visit” is nothing more than a vacation cloaked in official jargon.”
The sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared social media as a terrorist organisation. “Security agencies must deal with this terrorist organisation called social media.” The sultan, who spoke at the seventh executive committee meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council in Maiduguri, explained: “What they do… somebody will sit in his comfort zone and formulate stories, and you will think that it is true. So, social media is a terrorist organisation that we must deal with.” He said that Nigerians must not allow misinformation and fabricated stories on social media to worsen the country’s fragile security situation. “What happened has happened. It can’t come and be through social media. “That’s one terrorist organisation…social media. Social media is a terrorist organisation.” Sultan Abubakar said that the attacks on Plateau and other parts of the country were “worrisome” and require urgent attention. “So, we are not happy with what is happening either on the Plateau or other places.” In a statement on Monday, Amnesty International said the death toll from the recent attack on the Plateau had risen to 54. According to the rights group, hundreds of people have been displaced since the incident and residents are living in fear of another possible attack.
The three arms of government: Federal, States and the Local Governments have shared a total of N1.578 trillion, being March 2025 Federation Account Revenue. The revenue was shared at the April 2025 Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting held in Abuja today, April 15. The total distributable revenue of N1.578 trillion comprised distributable statutory revenue of N931.325 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N 593.750 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N24.971 billion and Exchange Difference revenue of N28.711 billion. A communiqué issued by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) indicated that total gross revenue of N2.411 trillion was available in the month of March 2025. Total deduction for cost of collection was N85.376 billion while total transfers, interventions and refunds was N747.180 billion. The communiqué said that gross statutory revenue of N1.718 trillion was received for the month of March 2025. This was higher than the sum of N1.653 trillion received in the month of February 2025 by N65.422 billion. Gross revenue of N637.618 billion was available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) in March 2025. This was lower than the N654.456 billion available in the month of February 2025 by N16.838 billion. The communiqué said that from the total distributable revenue of N1.578 trillion, the Federal Government received total sum of N528.696 billion and the State Governments received total sum of N530.448 billion. The Local Government Councils received total sum of N387.002 billion and a total sum of N132.611 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue. On the N931.325 billion distributable statutory revenue, the communiqué said that the Federal Government received N422.485 billion and the State Governments received N214.290 billion. The Local Government Councils received N165.209 billion and the sum of N129.341 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue. From the N593.750 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, the Federal Government received N89.063 billion, the State Governments received N296.875 billion and the Local Government Councils received N207.813 billion. A total sum of N3.746 billion was received by the Federal Government from the N24.971 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL). The State Governments received N12.485 billion and the Local Government Councils received N8.740 billion. From the N28.711 billion Exchange Difference revenue, the Federal Government received N13.402 billion and the State Governments received N6.798 billion. The Local Government Councils received N5.241 billion and a total sum of N3.270 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue. In March 2025, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and Companies Income Tax (CIT) increased considerably while Oil and Gas Royalty, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), Value Added Tax (VAT), Excise Duty, Import Duty and CET Levies recorded decreases.
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