Category: Uncategorized

The media team of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media post alleging that

United States President, Donald Trump, has shared an AI-generated image portraying himself as a Christ-like figure on Truth Social, escalating his ongoing feud with Pope Leo XIV, whom he criticised as “weak” on crime and foreign policy. 

The US military said it would begin a blockade of all Iranian ports Monday, after talks between the warring sides in Pakistan collapsed, and despite the Iranian military warning that it would treat any such action as an act of piracy.

Trump had announced on social media he would blockade the strategic Strait of Hormuz trade route that he has been demanding Tehran fully re-open, after Vice President JD Vance left negotiations with an Iranian delegation in Islamabad.

The US military said the blockade would begin at 1400 GMT, and apply to all ships leaving or seeking to dock at Iranian ports on either side of the key waterway.

It was unclear, however, how the military would enforce such a blockade.

Despite the threats, there was no indication that there would be an immediate resumption of the war that came to a screeching halt with a ceasefire that took effect last week, and which had engulfed the region in violence.

Oil prices, which had tumbled with the truce, jumped around eight percent Monday, with both key WTI and Brent contracts topping $100 a barrel.

The weekend’s failed talks dashed hopes of a swift deal to permanently end the war that has killed thousands and thrown the global economy into turmoil since it began in late February.

Traffic through the strait, a key route for global oil and gas shipments, has been heavily restricted since the start of the war, with Iran only allowing through some vessels serving friendly countries such as China.

A sense of dread spread across the Middle East as fears of renewed fighting rattled an already tense region.

“Things could change at any moment,” said Aishah, a 32-year-old economic consultant based in Doha.

“It’s more about taking each day as it comes.”

– Uncertainty –

“The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman,” US Central Command said, adding it would begin at 1400 GMT on Monday.

US forces would not impede vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports, it added.

In a lengthy social media post on Sunday, Trump said his goal was to clear the strait of mines and reopen it to all shipping, but that Iran must not be allowed to profit from controlling the waterway.

Nicole Grajewski, an assistant professor at Sciences Po’s Center for International Research, said a US blockade was “not a minor coercive signal” but could rather be considered an effective resumption of the war.

Iran’s military command issued a statement branding the upcoming blockade a criminal act of piracy and warned: “If the security of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s ports in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea is threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea will be safe.”

China, Washington’s great power rival and a big importer of Iranian oil, also criticised the plan.

“The Strait of Hormuz is an important international trade route for goods and energy, and maintaining its security, stability, and unimpeded flow is in the common interest of the international community,” foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said, urging Iran and the US not to reignite the war.

Russia, Iran’s main international ally, said Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov would visit his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

Among Washington’s NATO allies, much criticised by Trump for their reluctance to follow him to war, Spain’s Defence Minister Margarita Robles said the planned naval blockade “makes no sense”.

“It’s one more episode in this whole downward spiral into which we’ve been dragged,” she said.

And in a BBC radio interview, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain will not join the US blockade, adding adding the UK “is not getting dragged in” to the war with Iran.

– ‘We’ll see’ –

Pakistan, which hosted the weekend’s failed talks, has said it hopes to continue facilitating a dialogue and has called on both sides to honour the fragile two-week ceasefire.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led Tehran’s delegation in Pakistan, said Tehran would “not bow to any threats” from Washington, while navy chief Shahram Irani called Trump’s blockade threat “ridiculous”.

The strait was far from the only friction point jettisoning global efforts led by Pakistan to end the war, which began on when Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran, which retaliated by attacking Gulf and Israeli cities.

The US delegation in Islamabad — led by Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner — was frustrated by Iran’s refusal to give up what its right to what it insists is a civilian nuclear programme.

“I have always said, right from the beginning, and many years ago, IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!” Trump later posted.

Vance told reporters in Islamabad that Washington had made Tehran its “final and best offer,” adding: “We’ll see if the Iranians accept it.”

The post US says to begin blockade of Iranian ports appeared first on Vanguard News.

Rivers United technical adviser, Finidi George has expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance against Plateau United, DAILY POST reports.

The Port Harcourt club returned to the summit after a 1-0 victory over Gbenga Ogunbote’s side in a matchday 34 encounter at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Sunday.

Wisdom Samuel netted the winning goal in the 10th minute after he was set up by Taofeek Otaniyi.

Finidi admitted that it was a comfortable victory for his team.

“We didn’t suffer much, it was a game that we controlled properly, no too much stress at the back. We didn’t create much too,” Finidi told the club’s media after the game.

“If you look at the overall performance of the team,it was a good one. We are quite happy with the performance, and the victory.”

Rivers United will face Kano Pillars in their next game this weekend.

NPFL: Finidi thumbs up Rivers United’s win over Plateau United

In a swift response to President Donald Trump’s criticism, Pope Leo XIV has pushed back against the U.S. leader’s remarks.

The first American-born pontiff, who has repeatedly voiced concern over global conflicts, came under criticism from Trump on Sunday night.

Posting on Truth Social and speaking to reporters, Trump said he was “not a big fan” of Pope Leo, describing him as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.” He also accused the pontiff of “catering to the Radical Left” and suggested the Vatican was soft on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

In response, Pope Leo XIV told Reuters he did not want to engage in a direct debate with the U.S. president, stressing that the message of the Gospel should not be misused for political arguments.

“I don’t think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing,” he said.

He added that he would continue speaking out against war and remain committed to promoting peace, dialogue, and cooperation between nations in the search for just solutions to global conflicts.

“I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems,” he said.

The comments from both sides follow growing tensions over international conflict and foreign policy direction, with the Pope maintaining a consistent call for peace and restraint in global affairs.

The Vatican has not issued an additional official statement on the matter.

Pope Leo Pushes Back Against Trump Criticism is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Lagos State Government has stressed the need for the responsible use of technology in schools following the completion of a three-day training programme on digital pedagogy and Artificial Intelligence, AI, for selected secondary school teachers across the six education districts and the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB).

The workshop, themed “Digital Pedagogy And Artificial Intelligence (AI) For Teachers On GLs 15–17”, was held from Wednesday, April 8 to Friday, April 10, 2026, and ended with the issuance of a communiqué.

In a statement, the state government said the training, organised by the State Teaching Service Commission, was flagged off at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Hall as part of efforts to improve teaching and learning outcomes in public schools.

Speaking at the opening, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Tolani Ali-Balogun, described the introduction of AI-focused training as timely, noting that the education sector is rapidly evolving due to technological advancement.

He urged teachers to incorporate digital teaching methods, artificial intelligence and problem-solving skills into their classroom practice, stressing the need to stay updated with emerging techniques to remain effective.

Ali-Balogun noted that modern teaching strategies should promote creativity, productivity and mutual respect in the learning environment, adding that the initiative aligns with the education and technology pillar of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda.

He also commended the governor for his commitment to improving the education sector through continuous capacity development programmes for teachers.

In her welcome address, the Chairman of the State Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM, Victoria Mopelola Peregrino, said the training goes beyond the use of digital tools, describing it as a shift in mindset from teacher-centred to learner-centred teaching.

She said the programme is designed to boost teachers’ creativity and encourage the use of innovative teaching methods to support the state’s education and technology goals.

Peregrino urged participants to maximise the opportunity to improve their skills and enhance students’ performance, while remaining mindful of ethical considerations, including responsible use of technology and data privacy.

“To all the participants here today, remember that you are agents of change. I challenge you therefore not to allow the knowledge and skills you will acquire here to end in this room; cascade it to your colleagues and downlines. Let it have a ripple effect through your classrooms, your schools and your communities. You have the power to shape a generation that is not only digitally literate but also adaptable, ethical, and forward-thinking.”

“With this training, you will have the opportunity to critically examine and explore different types of digital pedagogy and Artificial Intelligence that can be used in the classroom and address practical concerns about its usage. But let me emphasise that AI is not a replacement for teachers, but a support system to strengthen your effectiveness in the classroom. Your role as educators remains central and irreplaceable,” she added.

Lagos trains teachers on artificial intelligence, digital learning

The Catholic Church has appointed Ernest Anaezichukwu Obodo as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Abakaliki following the death of Peter Nworie Chukwu.

The appointment was announced in a decree issued by the Dicastery for Evangelization, acting on the authority of Pope Leo XIV.

The decree, dated April 12, 2026, stated that the episcopal see of Abakaliki became vacant upon the death of Bishop Chukwu.

According to the decree, Bishop Obodo, who currently serves as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Enugu, will administer the affairs of the Abakaliki Diocese during the period of vacancy and at the disposition of the Holy See.

The Vatican said the appointment was made after careful consideration and in accordance with the special faculties granted by the Pope.

As Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Obodo has been granted all the powers and responsibilities accorded by canon law to oversee the diocese pending the appointment of a substantive bishop.

The announcement was conveyed to members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference through a communication signed by Fr. Michael Banjo, Secretary General.

Bishop Chukwu’s death was described as “pious” in the decree, marking the end of his episcopal leadership in the Abakaliki Diocese.

With this development, Bishop Obodo is expected to steer the spiritual and administrative affairs of the diocese, ensuring continuity in pastoral activities until a new bishop is appointed by the Holy See.

Obodo takes charge of Abakaliki Diocese after Bishop Chukwu’s death

Collection of mineral royalties from mining sector operators across the country will henceforth be the responsibility of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), while the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development will continue its technical and regulatory oversight on the sector.

This was the outcome of a meeting between the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake and the NRS chairman, Zacch Adedeji, held at the former’s office in Abuja on Thursday, to define collaborative ways of working together.

The decision was based on the new tax laws, which empower NRS to administer all federally collectable revenue and account for the same.

A statement made available to journalists on Friday by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser to the NRS chairman, said the decision, effective January 1, 2026, was contained in a joint statement endorsed by both Alake and Adedeji.

“The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Nigeria Revenue Service wish to inform mining operators and the general public of the outcome of their meeting held on April 2, 2026, on the collaborative implementation of mineral royalty administration under the Nigeria Tax Laws 2025.

“Following the enactment of the laws by President Bola Tinubu on 26 June 2025, the administration of mineral royalties, effective January 1, 2026, has transitioned to NRS.

“The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development continues to serve as a vital technical partner, providing mineral pricing data, geological information, and industry coordination in support of the royalty process.

“Both institutions have agreed to work closely together to ensure that operators are well-informed, and that the new royalty framework is implemented in a way that supports the growth and development of the solid minerals sector,” the statement said.

According to the statement, there will be a joint nationwide sensitisation programme for operators in the sector, particularly to guide royalty filing and payment as spelt out under the new tax laws.

The new royalty regime will also see the development of a modern, end-to-end digital royalty administration system. At the same time, joint technical sessions shall be held regularly to coordinate and resolve issues that may arise.

“The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and NRS wish to assure mining operators and the public that both institutions are fully aligned and committed to working together to implement the new royalty framework in a manner that is orderly, transparent, and supportive of the mining sector.

“Operators are encouraged to continue meeting their filing and payment obligations as required under the new tax laws, and to participate actively in the forthcoming sensitisation programme,” the statement added.

New tax laws: NRS takes over collection of mineral royalties

Nigerian singer Lekan Osifeso Junior, popularly known as Lojay, has revealed that his initial thought about being a pop star was an opportunity to womanise.

Speaking in an episode of the I Said What I Said podcast, the Monalisa crooner explained that his perspective changed after he realised that, to have a long and successful career, he needed a certain level of sexual discipline.

“There is a lot of temptation in the music industry. You will see a lot of things, but you are not meant to touch. I used to think I would frolic with a lot of ladies because there are babes everywhere. But when you have about 100 girls talking to you, that is when you need to cultivate discipline.

“I realised if you want a long career like the Big 3, you have to stay away from too many girls,” he said.

Lojay also revealed that one of his cultural shocks in the music industry was that the lifestyles of other artists that used to entice him when he was an underground artist were not as appealing when he got into the mainstream.

He claimed that there is a lot more discipline in the music industry than many assume, stressing that musicians are mindful of their words and actions because they have reputations to protect.

He, however, admitted that his personality also helped him to be more disciplined than most of his colleagues in terms of womanising and extravagant lifestyle.

Why I changed my mind not to womanise – Singer Lojay

China on Monday called reports it had supplied or intended to supply weapons to Iran “baseless smears”, after several outlets quoted US intelligence sources to that effect.

On Sunday, US President Donald Trump threatened Beijing with a “staggering” new tariff of 50 percent if it were to provide military assistance to Tehran.

His comments came the same day US outlet CNN reported that US intelligence indicated China was preparing to deliver new air defence systems to Iran within the next few weeks, citing three people familiar with the assessments.

Over the weekend, The New York Times quoted US officials as saying US intelligence suggested Beijing might have already sent a shipment of shoulder-fired missiles.

China denied the reports, saying Monday it had “always adopted a cautious and responsible attitude towards the export of military items, implementing strict controls in accordance with its own export control laws and regulations and its international obligations”.

“We oppose baseless smears or malicious association,” foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a regular news briefing.

China is a key economic partner of Iran — it buys most of the Middle Eastern country’s oil.

The countries have no formal military pact, though, and many analysts say Beijing largely sees the relationship between the two as transactional.

China also has strong economic ties to the Gulf countries and has criticised Iran’s attacks on them over the course of the war.

AFP

The post China rejects claims of supplying weapons to Iran appeared first on Vanguard News.