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By Ebunoluwa Sessou with agency reports

Pope Leo XIV has embarked on a 10-day tour of four countries in Africa, in a bid to urge global leaders to address the needs of the continent where more than a fifth of the world’s Catholics live.

Leo’s visit commenced yesterday, with a historic trip to Muslim-majority Algeria.

Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump, has criticised Pope Leo XIV, calling him “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy”, drawing a sharp rebuke from the head of the Catholic Church.
Trump delivered the unusual criticism of Leo in a Sunday night post on social media, saying he didn’t “want a Pope who criticises the President of the United States”.

Trump’s outburst appeared to have been triggered by recent remarks from Pope Leo who criticised the US-Israel war on Iran.

It was gathered that Leo is undertaking a whirlwind tour to 11 cities and towns, traversing nearly 18,000 km (11,185 miles) over 18 flights, with visits also to Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea.

The pope is making the visit with a mission “to help turn the world’s attention to Africa”, Cardinal Michael Czerny, a senior Vatican official and close adviser to Leo, revealed.

The pope, who has emerged as an outspoken critic of the Iran war and decried the “madness of war” on Saturday, had made only one major overseas trip since being elected last May, visiting Turkey and Lebanon in November and December. He also visited Monaco in March.

Leo, aged 70, relatively young and in good health for a pope, is undertaking one of the most complex tours arranged for a pontiff in decades.

He and his entourage departed Rome’s Fiumicino Airport shortly after 9 a.m. (0700 GMT), heading for the Algerian capital, Algiers, where he will meet President Abdelmadjid Tebboune before addressing the country’s political leaders.

More than 20 per cent of the world’s Catholics live in Africa, according to Vatican statistics. The three sub-Saharan nations the pope is visiting have populations where more than half identify as Catholic.

Algeria, however, is an overwhelmingly Muslim country, with fewer than 10,000 Catholics among its population of about 48 million people. This is the first time it will host a Catholic pope.

He is expected to touch on many topics in 25 planned speeches over 10 days, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni told journalists weekend, noting that the four nations faced diverse issues.

‘’Likely topics include exploitation of natural resources, Catholic-Muslim dialogue, and the dangers of political corruption,’’ Bruni said.

Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea have presidents who have been in power for decades and have been accused of human rights abuses, which they deny.

The biggest event of the itinerary will likely take place in Cameroon on Friday, when the Vatican said about 600,000 people were expected for a Mass in the coastal city of Douala.

Comfortable in several languages, Leo is expected to speak Italian, English, French, Portuguese and Spanish during the trip.

After addressing Algeria’s political leaders on Monday, Leo will visit the Great Mosque of Algiers—only his second visit to a mosque as pope.

He will travel today to Annaba, on Algeria’s northeast coast, for a visit to the ruins of the ancient town of Hippo.

The site has special meaning to Leo, who is a member of the Augustinian religious order, inspired by the teachings of fourth-century St. Augustine of Hippo, a major figure in the early Church.

As Pope Leo XIV pushes for peace

Pope Leo XIV said the Vatican’s appeals for peace and reconciliation were rooted in the Gospel, adding that he didn’t fear the Trump administration.

“I do not want to get into a debate with him,” Leo said on Monday aboard the papal flight to Algiers, where the first US-born pope is beginning a 10-day tour of four African countries.

“I will continue to speak out loudly against war, promoting peace, dialogue and multilateral relationships among states to find just solutions to problems.”

“Too many people are suffering in the world today. Too many innocent people are being killed. I think someone has to stand up and say there’s a better way, said the Pontiff.

Last week, Leo issued a rare direct rebuke of Trump’s threat to destroy Iranian civilisation, calling it “truly unacceptable”.

On Sunday, the 70-year-old pontiff also implored leaders to end ongoing bloodshed, condemning what he described as a “delusion of omnipotence” fuelling war, comments that appeared directed at Trump.

The pope has also previously questioned the Trump administration’s hardline immigration policies, saying “I don’t know if that’s pro-life.”

Taking to Truth Social, Trump wrote: “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon. I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela.

“Leo should get his act together as Pope, use common sense, stop catering to the radical left, and focus on being a great Pope, not a politician.’’

Trump also claimed credit for Leo’s leadership in the Catholic Church, suggesting the Vatican picked the first US-born pontiff, elected last year, to curry favour with the White House.

“If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” Trump said.

Asked about the comments later on Sunday, Trump reiterated that he was “not a big fan” of Leo, who he said “is not doing a very good job”.

“He likes crime, I guess,” Trump said. “He’s a very liberal person.”

Trump also had a rocky relationship with Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, who criticised Trump’s immigration policy proposals when he first ran for president and suggested Trump was “not a Christian”. Trump had called Francis “disgraceful” in early 2016.

The post Pope Leo XIV begins 10-day Africa tour as Trump attacks Pontiff appeared first on Vanguard News.

Nigeria’s minister of defense, Christopher Musa, has issued a stern warning to individuals accused of supporting criminal elements, declaring that anyone found aiding bandits or terrorists will be treated as a combatant.

Musa made the remarks following his visit to Uba Sani at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna, ahead of the Kaduna State Expanded Security Council meeting.

Reacting to the recent airstrikes on Jilli Market, the defense minister emphasized that security forces would not spare those providing any form of assistance to criminal groups.

“A friend of a thief is a thief. Anybody who is doing any trading or providing any support to them, we will find you together and we will deal with you like bandits, like terrorists,” he said.

The statement underscores the federal government’s hard-line stance on tackling insecurity, particularly against networks suspected of aiding armed groups operating in parts of the country.

Musa reiterated the military’s commitment to intensifying operations against banditry and terrorism, warning that both perpetrators and their collaborators would face decisive action.

His comments come after at least 50 civilians were reportedly killed in Jilli Market, located between Gubio in Borno State and Geidam in Yobe State, during an anti-insurgent operation.

The killing had stirred controversy, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemning the airstrike.

However, the presidency tackled Atiku for politicizing the operation targeted at dislodged insurgents.

Jilli market airstrike: We’ll deal with anyone supporting terrorists – Nigeria’s Defense Minister

By Bayo Wahab

Peter Obi, a key opposition figure and presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has indicated he may leave the party if its internal processes are compromised.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday, Obi defended his history of moving between political parties, insisting that his decisions have always been guided by principle rather than convenience.

Responding to criticism that he often exits parties instead of fixing internal issues, Obi said his past departures were driven by a refusal to participate in flawed or unethical systems.

“I moved from APGA to the PDP because I had issues with my successor, the governor, who came after me. I will not allow it to become toxic and become destructive to his governance of the state. I moved out,” he said.

He added that his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party was due to irregularities in its internal processes.

“In PDP, I said it before, people were not playing by the rules, it was transactional, I cannot be part of transactional primary, I cannot be paying people to serve them, so I moved to Labour,” Obi stated.

The former Anambra State governor also accused the ruling party and the Federal Government of masterminding the crisis that led to his decision to leave the Labour Party, citing delays in recognition of a Supreme Court ruling.

“In Labour Party, Supreme Court decided against it in April, INEC did not recognise it until 7th of January, eight months after,” he said, adding that attempts were made to trap him in a dysfunctional system.

“They thought I would be there for the fire to burn me. When I now escape they will now say Peter Obi cannot stay to put out the fire which they put and then I left,” he added.

On his current position in the ADC, Obi said he remains committed but warned that he would not hesitate to act if similar issues arise.

“I am in ADC with the same people, some of whom I left in PDP and other parties but we are going through the same process, if that process is again compromised, I will speak out.” he said.

Obi stressed that integrity in political processes is non-negotiable for him, noting, “If I have to move twenty times, I will do it. You cannot use the process of yesterday to build tomorrow. 

He also maintained that he has never engaged in electoral malpractice or influenced judicial outcomes.

“I’ve never been involved in any form of rigging. I’ve never been part of paying people in judiciary or anywhere to give me judgment I do not deserve,” he said.

The post Obi defends defections, hints about dumping ADC if ‘process is compromised’ appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Lebanese militant organization, Hezbollah, has declared that it will not adhere to any agreements that may emerge from the direct discussions between Lebanon and Israel taking place in the United States.

A senior Hezbollah official, Wafiq Safa, stated that the group has categorically opposed the negotiations.

Safa, who is a prominent member of Hezbollah’s political council, made his remarks on the eve of anticipated discussions in Washington involving the ambassadors of Lebanon and Israel.

This meeting will mark the first occasion in decades that representatives from Lebanon and Israel, who lack diplomatic relations, will engage in face-to-face direct negotiations.

“Regarding the results of this negotiation between Lebanon and the Israeli adversary, we have no interest or concern whatsoever,” Safa conveyed to the Associated Press.

In a separate statement, Hezbollah’s leader urged Lebanon to withdraw from the discussions with Israel. Naim Kassem made this appeal during a televised address prior to the scheduled meeting.

The most recent escalation of violence was triggered by Hezbollah launching rockets into northern Israel on March 2, following attacks by the US and Israel on Iran.

According to the health ministry, at least 2,055 individuals have lost their lives due to Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, including 252 women, 165 children, and 87 medical personnel, while 6,588 others have sustained injuries. Over 1 million people have been displaced.

Lebanon’s government, which asserts its commitment to disarming Hezbollah, had initially called for direct negotiations early in the conflict. Last week, Israel confirmed its agreement to engage in talks.

War: We’ll not abide by agreements from Lebanon-Israel talks – Hezbollah

Vigilant personnel of the Ilorin Custodial Centre, Kwara State capital, on Monday, successfully intercepted a visitor attempting to smuggle substances suspected to be hard drugs into the facility, DAILY POST reports.

Preliminary findings indicated that the suspect allegedly sought to bypass standard search procedures through unauthorized staff facilitation.

The individual whose identity was not revealed has been apprehended and handed over to NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.

Additionally, internal administrative actions and measures have also been reinforced to tighten security at all entry points of the facility.

The development, according to a source, underscores the importance of strict adherence to operational protocols and zero tolerance for compromise.

The management has also charged all staff members to remain vigilant and uphold the highest standards of professionalism at all times.

Kwara: Drug smuggling foiled at Ilorin custodial centre

Petroleum marketers and experts have rejected the Washington-based World Bank’s recommendations to Nigeria to open the country’s borders for premium motor spirit imports to edge Dangote Refinery.

Recall that the World Bank, in its Nigeria Development Update released on April 7, recommended that Africa’s most popular country should prioritize imports.

The bank had claimed that imported fuel was cheaper than domestically produced petrol.

The World Bank’s recommendations had stirred controversy.

Days later, the World Bank had deleted from its website the NDU report and clarified that its recommendation is not a blanket stamp on fuel importation but a broader strategy linked to reforms and consumer protection in Nigeria.

The bank thereafter reversed its earlier stance on downstream oil sector liberalization in Nigeria.
“In the case of Nigeria, the focus should be to provide targeted support to the most vulnerable people through their well-functioning social safety net system, and the World Bank Group stands ready to step up its existing support,” the World Bank stated on Thursday last week.

Energy experts have faulted the World Bank’s stance, especially with the current global supply shock as a result of the Iran-United States-Israel war, which entered its seventh week on Tuesday.

DAILY POST reports that the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, in a statement by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muda Yusuf, at the weekend, said the World Bank’s fuel import proposal for Nigeria would be counterproductive.

Similarly, the spokesperson of the Crude Oil Refinery-Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN), Eche Idoko, faulted the recommendations, noting that imported fuel was of lower quality.

However, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), in a statement by its national president, Billy Gillis-Harry, backed the World Bank on the ground of competitiveness in the petroleum downstream sector.

However, the Association’s move is against ‘Nigeria first’ policy advanced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Monday, the managing partner of TENO Energy Resources Limited, Dr. Tim Okon, and the president of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Abubakar Maigandi, threw their weights behind Dangote Refinery.

Let Nigeria be—Engr Okon faults World Bank’s fuel import advice

Okon has questioned the relevance of the World Bank’s recommendation, arguing that the country must focus on building a flexible and competitive domestic supply system.

Speaking on the issue, he said the influence of the World Bank on Nigeria’s economic decisions stems largely from the country’s heavy borrowing from international financial institutions.

“Why should the view of the World Bank be this important? It has become important because we have borrowed too much from them,” he said, adding that dependence on external funding often gives such institutions leverage to shape domestic policies.

He described the recommendation as “an unnecessary theory,” noting that it reflects the extent of Nigeria’s financial obligations rather than the country’s long-term economic interests.

According to him, the key to a stable fuel market lies in offering multiple blends of petrol at different price points to meet varying consumer needs.

“There are different blends of these products. If I have a 30-year-old Camry, do I really need super premium petrol? No,” he said, emphasizing that regulatory authorities should ensure a range of fuel options is available.

Okon further argued that recent shifts in the global fuel market, including reduced Nigerian imports, had disrupted established supply chains in Europe.

“Whatever the World Bank may think is simply because Nigeria was a major importer. Now that has changed, and the market has been disrupted,” he told DAILY POST.

Ignore World Bank, patronize Dangote Refinery – IPMAN tells marketers, Nigerian Govt

The President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Abubakar Maigandi, also rejected calls for increased fuel importation into Nigeria, insisting that the country should focus on strengthening local refining capacity.

IPMAN President emphasized that Nigeria now has viable domestic refining capacity, particularly with the operations of the Dangote Refinery, which he said should be fully supported.
“Well, in fact, you know Dangote has a refinery. And we rely on that particular refinery because that’s what we are looking for over the years. So, we are not telling anybody to go for importation,” he said.

Maigandi stressed that marketers and stakeholders should prioritize patronizing locally refined petroleum products to encourage further investment in the sector.

“We are saying people should be patronizing Dangote. Yes, so that other refineries that are coming can start doing business.

“Fuel import will not be good at all for the Nigerian economy,” he added.
He argued that continued reliance on imports would undermine economic growth, noting that domestic refining remains the most sustainable solution given Nigeria’s crude oil resources.

“Any importation is not good for the country. The best solution, since we have the raw material, is that we should start refining our raw material in our country,” Maigandi said.

Providing insight into current pricing, he disclosed that petrol from Dangote Refinery is sold at about N1,200 per litre, with depot owners purchasing at slightly higher rates ranging between N1,220 and N1,240 per litre.

“Dangote’s product is always cheaper than any product that you know, and it has a very good quality,” he stated.

Maigandi reiterated that strengthening local refining capacity would not only stabilize fuel supply but also support Nigeria’s broader economic development.

Petrol marketers, experts reject World Bank’s fuel import proposal for Nigeria

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has warned on the state of global social protection systems, declaring that millions of workers remain exposed due to inadequate coverage, weak benefits, and unsustainable financing structures. In its latest report: “Universal Social Protection in Changing Labour Markets: Protecting Workers in All Types of Employment,” the ILO called for sweeping […]

Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has advised Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta to find new ways to motivate his team in the Premier League title race.

The Gunners saw their quest suffer a setback, after they lost 2-1 to Bournemouth on Saturday.

The result means Arteta’s men have recorded just one win from their last four games across all competitions.

On Sunday, Manchester City cut Arsenal’s lead to six points, thanks to a 3-0 demolition of Chelsea.

This weekend, City host Arsenal at the Etihad.

”Arteta has to find a way to motivate this team,” Mikel Obi said on Obi One Podcast.

“For me, they look like a team that has run out of ideas. They have no clue. When you watch this Arsenal side, there’s nobody willing to take responsibility on the pitch.

“There’s nobody willing to be ‘that guy’ who says, ‘I’m going to create the chances; I’m going to make us play well.”

EPL: What Arteta must do for Arsenal to win title – Mikel Obi

The immediate past publicity secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kano State, Comrade Saidu Bello Said, has said Nigerians will ensure the All Progressives Congress (APC) loses the next general election early on election day.

Speaking in an interview with DAILY POST, Said claimed that growing dissatisfaction with governance would shape voters’ decisions, adding that Nigerians are increasingly aware of the country’s situation and would express their views at the ballot box.

He said, “Nigerians will never vote for Tinubu in the coming election. They are tired. Democracy is not being respected.”

Said further predicted an early defeat for the ruling party, stating, “Tinubu will lose the election before 10:00 am. Whoever votes for Tinubu, especially in the North, will be found at the bottom of hell.”

Commenting on internal developments within the ADC in Kano following recent political realignments, including the defection of former NNPP leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, he said the party was working to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, “The party will get its house in order before 2027.”

He also criticised current economic policies, particularly the increase in fuel prices, questioning the justification for the hike.

“For example, fuel price has increased when there’s no reason for that,” he said. “Nigeria’s budget was pegged at $70, but with the recent war, it has increased. What is being done for Nigerians?”

Said urged citizens to view the 2027 elections as an opportunity for change, calling on them to “see 2027 as a time to save themselves from the clutches of APC”.

Tinubu will lose before 10 a.m. on election day – Ex-ADC spokesman predicts

THE ongoing tensions in the Middle East may seem geographically distant from Nigeria, but the economic effects are already being felt in very real and personal ways across many countries including Nigeria, even though light at the moment. For ordinary Nigerians, the impact shows up in rising fuel prices which is already happening. So, we […]