Pope Francis has addressed the controversy over his stance on same-sex couples.
The Pope explained that he allowed the blessings of individuals but not on same-sex unions.
Fox News reports that the Pope was asked about a seeming change to Vatican policy when he approved the blessings of Catholics in same-sex unions in a conversation with CBS ’60 Minutes’.
“Last year you decided to allow Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples,” CBS ’60 Minutes’ anchor Norah O’Donnell said. “That’s a big change. Why?”
“No, what I allowed was not to bless the union. That cannot be done because that is not the sacrament. I cannot. The Lord made it that way,” the Pope said, in remarks translated into English.
“But to bless each person, yes. The blessing is for everyone. For everyone. To bless a homosexual-type union, however, goes against the given right, against the law of the Church. But to bless each person, why not? The blessing is for all. Some people were scandalized by this. But why? Everyone! Everyone!”
Recall that the Pope allowed blessings for same-sex couples in a document called Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust).
The news made waves around the world, with some gay Catholics viewing it as a welcome alteration after previously feeling alienated by Church teachings.
The development then caused widespread debate in the Catholic Church, with particularly strong resistance coming from African bishops.
Nollywood star Angela Okorie has lambasted her colleague, Zubby Michael, for publicising his donation to the family of their late colleague, Junior Pope.
DAILY POST reports that a video capturing the moment Michael made a donation to Junior Pope’s widow, Jennifer Awele, and their children, has gone viral on social media.
Reacting, Okorie berated Michael for making the donation “on camera.”
She noted that the burial of a young person is not the right place to flaunt cash.
On her Instagram story, she wrote: “Zubby na young person die, that showcase of money wasn’t necessary. But as a local boy that you are, you don’t have sense. You don’t know where to do show and where to behave well.
“Abi you get money pass all the dignitaries wey come there? Mugu.”
DAILY POST recalls that Junior Pope died on April 10, 2024, alongside three others after their boat capsized on the Anam River in Anambra State while returning from a film location.
He was laid to rest at his hometown, Ukehe in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, last Friday.
Grammy-winning singer, Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, has ventured into the movie industry.
The ‘African Giant’ crooner is set to make his debut as an executive producer in Black Mic Mac’s upcoming movie ‘3 Cold Dishes.’
Burna Boy would executively produce the movie through Spaceship Films, a company he co-founded alongside Bose Ogulu, his mother.
The movie will be co-produced by Black Mic Mac, Ifind, Alma Prods, Asurf Films, and Martian Network.
Directed by Asurf Oluseyi and written by Tomi Adesina, ‘3 Cold Dishes’ is a story set across Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire.
“This film is a testament to the strength and resilience of its characters, and it took us blood and sweat to get it to this stage,” the director, Asurf Oluseyi stated in an interview with Variety.
The film boasts of star-studded casts such as Osas Ighodaro, Femi Jacobs, Wale Ojo, Ruby Akubueze, Brutus Richards as well as some Ivorian and Senegalese actors.
‘You told filmmakers not to hire me’ - actress Motilola Akinlami calls out colleague, Kunle Afod
AFOLABI
Actress Motilola Akinlami has accused her senior colleague, Kunle Afod, of obstructing her career in Nollywood by claiming he blocks her from getting roles.
In an Instagram post on Monday, she claimed that Kunle has consistently undermined her career by preventing producers from reaching out to her for roles in the industry. She also accused the actor’s wife of defaming her.
Her words: “I am boiling inside of me right now. I have kept this thing for over five years. This is the fifth year running. I beg you in the name of God. All the powers that be in this industry already know about this matter. Mr. Kunle Afod please leave me alone. Please leave me and my career. What have I done to you? They will call me for jobs you will say they should remove me if they want to use you.
“Yomi Olorunlaye called me for a job this evening and they said Afod will direct. And I said okay. Only for him to call me back that Afod said he cannot work with me. Afod what have I done? I have told you I no longer want to work with you. For all these years you said they should not call me for jobs any longer.
“When I was working with you, I knew how your wife was running from pillar to post defaming me on Instagram. Go and hold your wife. Leave me alone. You said Femi Adebayo should not come to my set, and he is no longer coming. This is like the tenth time I will be rejected for jobs.
“So many people have been asking me why they have not been seeing me in movies. It is because of Afod. If they call me, he will say they should not call me. The reason is that I no longer want to be friends with him. This was how they did to Junior Pope. They will first blacklist you. He has been waiting to see my RIP for the past five years, but God was with me. You are not God. You have been obstructing me on so many big jobs I ought to have been on,” she said.
Joseph Aloba, father of late singer, Illerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad, has again accused his daughter-in-law, Wunmi, of paternity fraud.
In a fresh audio interview making the rounds on social media, Mr Aloba insisted that his grandson, Liam, is not his late son’s child.
According to him, Liam has “bow legs” and his family doesn’t have “bow legs.”
He said he believed that Wunmi’s concubine killed Mohbad and urged her to take her son to the rightful father.
He said, “All the names Mohbad mentioned in the petition he wrote, were involved in his death. I still insist that his wife’s concubine killed him. This is why DNA is a must.
“Wunmi said my son deflowered her so why is she running away from DNA? Liam has bow legs. We don’t have bow legs in the Aloba family. She should take the boy to his father. It is so sad that these wicked people k!Iled my son in his prime. Nigerians should please support me as I fight for justice for my son.”
A man, Shafiu Abubakar Gadan who was accused of setting a mosque ablaze, leading to the death of 14 worshippers was on Monday, May 20, remanded in a correctional centre by an Upper Shariah Court in Kano State.
The incident occurred during the Subhi (early morning) prayer in Gezawa Local Government Area of the state on May 15, 2024.
Many other worshippers sustained varying degrees of injuries from the ensuing fire.
The accused is also charged with setting several residents on fire, resulting in grievous harm and the death of some individuals.
During the court session, the prosecution, led by Kano State’s Attorney General, Barrister Haruna Isah Dederi, presented three counts of causing grievous harm and culpable homicide against the accused.
Dederi alleged that on May 15, 2024, at about 5:15 a.m., the defendant used petrol and set a mosque at Gadan village on fire during subhi.
“The defendant poured the petrol on the carpet where Sani Suleiman and 24 others were praying, and closed the door," Dederi said.
“In the process, several people sustained various degrees of injuries and were rushed to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano for treatment, while Suleiman and 13 others died while receiving treatment."
Shafiu Abubakar Gadan pleaded guilty to the charges.
The prosecution said the case is a capital offence and urged the court to allow the defendant to get a lawyer to give him his constitutional right.
In response, the presiding judge, Malam Halhalatul Huza’i Zakariyya, ordered the accused to be remanded in a correctional facility.
The case has been adjourned to May 31, 2024.
Over 40 people have been killed by bandits after invading Zurak village Bashar District of Wase local government area of Plateau State.
Those killed included vigilantes.
According to residents of the community, the incident occurred around 5: pm, on Monday, when people were going about their normal activities.
The residents said but they could not immediately report the incident due to the poor communication network in the area.
According to Sahpi’i Sambo, a youth leader in the area, who also confirmed the incident to Daily Trust, the bandits arrived at the community on motorcycles – two on a bike – with sophisticated weapons and started shooting sporadically.
He said “More than 40 people were killed while many injured. Residents of the village have fled to neighbouring communities for cover. As of yesterday, security personnel had not yet arrived at the community. It was deadly,” Sambo said.
Spokesperson of the state police command, DSP Alabo Alfred, had not responded to inquiry by our correspondent as of the time of filing this report.
Two wanted notorious kidnappers, Usman Gide Ali and Abdulrahman Amadu, have been arrested by Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sub Sector 3 OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) in Taraba State.
The military rejected a N2m bribe fromthe wanted suspects.
The Army in a statement on Monday night, May 20, 2024, said the two kidnappers have been on a wanted list of the security agencies for their involvement in multiple kidnappings in Wukari and its surroundings.
According to the statement, the suspects attempted to bribe the troops with N2m for their release but the soldiers staunchly refused the bribe.
In a similar operation in Ibi Local Government Area of the state, troops apprehended four more suspected kidnappers linked to numerous high-profile abductions in the region targeting both locals and foreigners for ransom.
“In a significant operation on 19 May 2024, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sub Sector 3 OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have successfully captured 6 suspected kidnappers in separate operations carried out within Taraba State,” the statement read.
Acting on a tip-off, troops from the 93 Battalion Sub-Sector 3B OPWS, stationed at Forward Operating Base Wukari, carried out a well-planned raid in Chinkai Village of Wukari Local Government Area.
"This raid led to the apprehension of two individuals identified as Usman Gide Ali, aged 25 and Abdulrahaman Amadu, aged 28. The suspects have been on wanted list of the security agencies for their involvement in multiple kidnappings in Wukari and its surroundings.
"Upon their arrest, the suspects attempted to bribe the troops with 2 million Naira for their release. However, the soldiers staunchly refused the bribe, underscoring their dedication to justice and integrity.
“The suspects were also overheard stating that if money failed to secure their freedom, their associates would resort to armed means to rescue them from custody.”
In a parallel operation in Ibi Local Government Area, troops stationed at Sarikin Kudu acting on credible intelligence apprehended four more suspected kidnappers: Jafaru Banyi, aged 28, Mohammad Ardo, aged 25, Amadu Lawal Shatta, aged 20 and Biyu Ardu, aged 25.
"These captured suspects have been linked to numerous high-profile abductions in the region, targeting both locals and foreigners for ransom and have long been under the surveillance of security agencies.
"The Commander 6 Brigade/ Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidebere Uwa, has since commended the troops for their courage and unwavering commitment to ethical standards.
"He emphasized that the successful apprehension of these suspects is a testament to the diligent efforts and dedication of the soldiers, highlighting their refusal to accept bribes as a clear demonstration of their professionalism and integrity.'
Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, is mourning the demise of his father.
Pa Suleimon Atanda Obasa, a businessman, passed on in the early hours of Tuesday at the age of 83.
Pa Suleimon Atanda Obasa
This was made known in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Eromosele Ebhomele.
Baba Obasa, a loving family man and community leader in his lifetime, was a successful businessman in the oil and gas and in the transportation sectors owning filling stations.
He was also reputed for his success in farming, through which many citizens have always been empowered.
A devoted Muslim, Pa Obasa dedicated his life to the service of Allah and mankind taking care of the needy and the less privileged.
He is survived by his wives, children and grandchildren among whom is the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
His remains would be interred at 4pm in the Agege (Old Abeokuta Motor Road) area of Lagos State, according to Islamic rites.
Oba of Benin, Ewuare II has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is aiding crimes in the country.
The monarch made the allegations when he received the new Benin Zonal Director of EFCC, Effa Okim in his Palace in Benin on Monday.
He cited a case involving unnamed former palace officials who were left off the hook after they were arrested for fraud and handed over to EFCC in Benin for investigation and prosecution.
The Oba alleged that some EFCC operatives allegedly handled the case with kid gloves, which led to the release of the culprits a few years ago.
The monarch, who did not name the palace officials, expressed shock that the EFCC investigators allegedly swept glaring evidence of fraud against them (the palace officials) under the carpet.
While tasking the commission to fight crime without fear or favour, the Oba added,” We want to draw your attention to one or two grey areas in your operations”.
“No matter how much you try to support the EFFC from the palace, It is very difficult because they seem to listen to other parties. What I have been told is that they take instructions from the highest bidder.
“You know that I have been known for speaking the truth. I was not happy about certain things that happened with your predecessor.
“We get news from everywhere. We try to assist the EFCC. I even wrote a letter to the then-chairman who was removed from office.
“I even sent an emissary to talk to him regarding certain elements in Edo State, particularly the palace.
“How can EFCC operatives, especially, the lady who handled the case I cited earlier behave like that? If I was asked to comment on her performance, I would score her zero. I do not know if she was doing an EFCC job or just dancing to the tunes of people who were giving her money.
“At the time we were trying to assist EFCC, the report we kept getting was negative and I was not happy about it,” Oba Ewuare II added.
The monarch, however, said the newly appointed Chairman of EFCC, Olanipekun Olukayode is on the path to greatness if he continues to demonstrate fidelity in his duties.
He also pledged the palace’s support to the state government in addressing social inequality and reducing social vices.
Earlier in his address, Okim appealed to the Oba to support advocacy against financial crimes with Edo State ranking second behind Lagos State in the financial crime index in the country.
Recalling the historical ties between his state of origin, Cross River and Edo State, he solicited prayers and royal blessings to enable him to discharge his duties diligently.
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The 210,000-barrel-per-day Port-Harcourt refinery may finally commence operations by the end of July after several postponements.
The new date was disclosed on Monday by the National Public Relations Officer, Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chief Ukadike Chinedu.
He stated that the development would stimulate economic activities, reduce the price of petroleum products and ensure adequate supply.
Last year in December, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, announced the mechanical completion and flare start-off of the biggest crude refinery in Port Harcourt.
The refineries comprise two units, with the old plant having a refined capacity of 60,000 barrels per day and the new plant has 150,000 BPD.
The refinery shut down in March 2019 for the first phase of repair works after the government secured the service of a technical adviser of Itay’s Maire Tecnimont to handle the reviews of the refinery complex, with oil major Eni appointed technical adviser.
On March 15, 2024, it was reported that the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari, stated that the Port Harcourt refinery would commence operations in about two weeks.
Some residents of Dawaki, a community near Kubwa in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have been kidnapped.
According to a source, 20 persons were kidnapped in the incident which sparked tension in the area.
The attackers were said to have raided houses on Frank Opara street before security operatives responded to distress calls.
Chairman of Dawaki Rock Heaven Community, Tunde Abdulrahim, said the incident happened at about 7:30 pm. on Sunday.
Abdulrahim said the heavily armed bandits, numbering about 50 and consisting of men and women, invaded the community and broke into about six houses.
Commenting on the attack, FCT police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth Igweh, led policemen to the scene and engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle.
“In an immediate and strategic response to a distress call on the attack by unknown gunmen in Dawaki on May 19, 2024, at about 11:30pm, the operatives of the FCT police Command led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Igweh, himself, swiftly mobilised to the scene.”
“Displaying remarkable bravery and coordination, the police, in synergy with local hunters, advanced on the assailants, tactically ambushing them at Ushafa Hill via Bwari and Shishipe Hills via Mpape. This led to a fierce gun duel as the hoodlums were overwhelmed by the firepower of the operatives, forcing them to scamper to safety with various degrees of bullets injuries, and the victims were rescued.
“While one of the rescued victims is still in the hospital receiving medical attention, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, reaffirms the Command’s steadfast dedication to maintaining peace and security in the Territory, as search operations are ongoing to rescue other hostages who fled the scene during the shootout,” Adeh said.
Daily Trust had reported how the bandits in the early hours of Sunday abducted five people from Shagari Quarters, Dei-Dei in the FCT.
Vigilante sources in the community told our correspondent that the attackers arrived in the area around noon and went straight to the compound of a senior customs officer, where they picked his wife, three of his children and a younger brother.
“They spent more than two hours before proceeding to the neighbouring Dakwa community. The man used to work in Abuja, with the police Rapid Response Squad (RRS) always parking around his house. But they are no longer around following his deployment to Lagos, though his family is still living in the compound,” the source added.
An attempt by the bandits to attack some houses in Dakwa town was said to have been unsuccessful, following a fierce fire exchange with security men there, which forced them to withdraw, according to the Chief of Dakwa Dr Alhassan Musa Babachukuri.
The traditional ruler lamented that the bandits have created a base behind the Zuma Rock in Chachi community near Dakawa in neighbouring Niger State, which leads to some forests around Bwari.
He called on the government to take serious action against the bandits before they escalate their activities.
Police in Anambra state have detained a 30-year-old teacher for allegedly causing an 8-year-old student to fall into a coma due to physical assault.
Naija News gathered that the Anambra state government has permanently shut down Landmark School Mgbakwu in the Awka North Local Government Area.
The disclosure was made by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, during a press briefing in her office on Monday.
The school’s proprietor and the teacher implicated in the incident, Faith Nwonye, were summoned to provide clarification on the events resulting in the assault of the primary two pupils.
Following the meeting, Chuma-Udeh clarified that the decision to shut down the school was not solely due to the disturbing incident but also stemmed from its unlawful operation.
She conveyed her sorrow regarding the situation, expressing concern that the victim’s likelihood of survival, currently hospitalized, stood at 20 percent, as indicated by the medical professional.
The Commissioner said: “We received this unfortunate incident from an illegal school in Mgbakwu that a child was beaten to a coma over the weekend.
“On behalf of the State Government, we invited the proprietress of the illegal school as well as the teacher who purportedly beat the child.
“We’ve handed the matter to the police for further investigations, as we await Mr Governor’s directives.
“Meanwhile, the school is closed down indefinitely because it’s not supposed to exist in the first instance.
“Any parent who is enrolling his/her child in an illegal school is doing so at his/her own peril.
“To the proprietors of private schools, anyone running an unapproved school in Anambra is a criminal. It’s a criminal offence to run an illegal school in the state.
“Whether the school is legal or not, it’s criminal to beat a child. According to the doctor, the chances of survival of the child is 20%.
“As soon as the police are done, the teacher will face other institutions against child rights. She’s going to have the full wrath of the law brought upon her over her actions.
“Anambra state abhors violence to children, women, and any other person. It’s not part of this administration and Mr. Governor is against such.”
Super Eagles of Nigeria midfielder, Alex Iwobi has stressed that he has no regrets for choosing his ancestral home over England in international football.
Alex Iwobi was born in Lagos, Nigeria but was raised in London and had his basic football education at Arsenal Football Academy. He graduated from the academy and started his professional football career at the club.
Due to his skills and enormous potential, Alex Iwobi represented England at Under-16, Under-17, and Under-18 levels. Despite that, he opted to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Iwobi made his international debut for Nigeria on March 25, 2016, against Egypt in an African Cup of Nations qualifier.
Since then, the former Everton versatile midfielder who now plays for Fulham has gone on to become one of the most prominent members of the national team.
“I wouldn’t say I have any regrets. I’d like to say I respected England, they gave me a lot of opportunities and I was able to do them proud,” Alex Iwobi told Hotsports Nigeria.
“But I feel more at home with Nigeria. I feel this is where I’m at home and where I represent, like my family, everyone. I’ve grown up in a Nigerian culture so I’d say that I have no regrets about picking Nigeria over England
“I’ve been here for a while now and I’m familiar with the team. Even from the first time I came here they always made me feel welcome.
“I’m always enjoying myself not just when we are playing matches but in training. In the camp, it’s like one big family so it makes it easier for me to express myself and join in.
“I’m enjoying my time and hopefully there’s more years to come as well.”