Author: Atoyebi Adenike
By Atoyebi Nike Pope Leo XIV received U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican on Monday, following his inaugural mass as the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church. The meeting marked a significant early diplomatic engagement for the Chicago-born pope, who was elected on May 8 to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. The meetings reaffirmed strong bilateral ties between the United States and the Holy See. “Collaboration between Church and State was discussed, as well as some matters of special relevance to ecclesial life and religious freedom,” the statement noted.…
By Atoyebi Nike Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading building solutions company, has extended its commitment to community health by organizing free medical outreaches across its host communities to commemorate the 2025 World Malaria Day. The initiative, themed “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite”, covered communities in Lagos, Ewekoro, Sagamu, Mfamosing, and Ashaka. The large-scale outreach included free malaria testing, distribution of insecticide-treated nets, and free medication, aiming to raise awareness and provide direct support in the fight against one of Nigeria’s most persistent public health challenges. In Lagos, the event was held in partnership with Leadway Health at the…
By Atoyebi Nike Telegram founder Pavel Durov has alleged that France’s intelligence chief attempted to interfere in Romania’s democratic process by requesting the censorship of conservative voices on the messaging platform ahead of national elections. Durov made the explosive claim Sunday night on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Nicolas Lerner, director of France’s intelligence agency, approached him in the spring with a request to block Romanian conservatives during a private meeting in Paris. “This spring at the Salon des Batailles in the Hôtel de Crillon, Nicolas Lerner, head of French intelligence, asked me to ban conservative voices in Romania ahead…
By Atoyebi Nike President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially revived the long-dormant National Sports Commission (NSC), marking a major policy shift aimed at eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks and shielding Nigerian sports administration from vested interests. The announcement was made during the formal opening of the 22nd National Sports Festival, themed Gateway Games Ogun 2024, held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu described the revival of the NSC as a strategic move to restructure Nigeria’s sports governance framework and reaffirm its place as a catalyst for national unity, youth empowerment, and global recognition. “For…
By Atoyebi Nike The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reduced its net loans and receivables by over N4tn in 2024. The drop reflects a clear move away from heavy deficit financing. At the bank level, loans fell from N16.12tn in 2023 to N11.98tn in 2024. Group-level figures dropped from N15.09tn to N10.96tn. The largest cut came from the Ways and Means facility. It fell from N7.95tn in 2023 to N3.27tn in 2024—a drop of N4.68tn, or 58.89%. This reduction follows the National Assembly’s 2023 approval to securitize N22.7tn in overdrafts. The Federal Government has repaid N7.3tn so far. Earnings from…
By Atoyebi Nike The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of Shaudo Alku, a top aide of terrorist leader Bello Turji. He was killed in a targeted airstrike in Sokoto State. The airstrike hit a terrorist camp near Tunfa Primary School in Isa Local Government Area on Sunday. It was carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fagge Yama. Military intelligence said Alku had crossed into Nigeria from Niger Republic. He was attending a secret meeting of Turji’s group. Several fighters and senior commanders were also killed in the attack. A military source said the strike was based on…
By Moses Amos The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have secured the bronze medal at the ongoing CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after defeating Egypt’s Young Pharaohs 4-1 on penalties. The thrilling third-place match took place on Sunday at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo, Egypt. After a goalless draw during regular time, the Nigerian team showcased remarkable composure during the penalty shootout to claim victory. This win marks a triumphant end to Nigeria’s campaign in the tournament, as they outclassed the host nation in a tense and competitive match. Meanwhile, the tournament’s final between South Africa and Morocco…
By Dr. Edgar Amos Sunday 18th May, 2025 Throughout history, leaders have emerged that shaped destinies of their societies, nations and the world. On the positive side, the likes of Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jnr, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Ghandi, Kwame Nkrumah and Nelson Mandela all exuded the kind of aura that enabled them to influence the world around them and altered the course of history. In Nigeria, one contemporary leader that has emerged with his compelling presence and transformative energy is His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the Governor of Adamawa State. Being an aide…
By Atoyebi Nike 18th May, 2025 Barrister Khalid Bala Gano has officially declared his intention to contest for the position of Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council in the February 2026 Area Council elections under the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Speaking to supporters, elders, and residents, Gano described his declaration as a solemn vow and a call to duty, guided by a commitment to service, accountability, and people-oriented leadership. He promised to pursue policies that will improve the quality of life for residents across the council. “I come with a clear vision rooted in compassion, service, and development. I am not…
By Atoyebi Nike 17th May, 2025 Princess Opeyemi Bright has been inaugurated as the youngest Mayor in the United Kingdom, becoming the First Citizen of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. Her inauguration on May 16, 2025, marks a significant milestone for youth leadership and the Nigerian diaspora. Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Bright began her political journey at age 22 and has championed youth empowerment, social inclusion, and economic opportunity. She is the daughter of Dr. Councillor Afolasade Bright, former Mayor of Hackney, and Pastor Gbolahan Bright MBE of RCCG. “This is nothing short of God’s…