All 133 Catholic cardinals eligible to vote for a new pope have arrived in Rome, the Vatican confirmed on Monday, ahead of the conclave beginning this week.

They will enter into seclusion in the Sistine Chapel at 4:30 pm (1430 GMT) on Wednesday, voting in secret until one of them secures the required two-thirds majority to become the next head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Summoned following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, the group — representing 70 countries across five continents — is the largest and most diverse conclave in the Church’s history.

At stake is the direction of the Catholic Church, a 2,000-year-old institution with huge global influence but which is battling to adapt to the modern world and recover its reputation after the scandal of widespread child sex abuse by priests.

The 133 so-called “Princes of the Church” who will vote — all those aged under 80, minus two who are absent for health reasons — will gather on Wednesday afternoon under the frescoed splendour of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican.

Voting once that day and four times a day thereafter until a pope is chosen, they will stay at the nearby Santa Marta guesthouse but are forbidden from contacting the outside world until they have made their choice.

They will inform the waiting world of their progress by burning their ballots and sending up smoke — black if no candidate has reached the two-thirds majority of votes, or white if they have a winner.

On Monday morning, technicians installed red curtains on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, where the new pontiff will make his first appearance.

At issue is whether the new pontiff will follow the popular Argentine pontiff’s progressive line or whether the Holy See will pivot towards a more conservative traditionalist leader.

Francis, an energetic reformer from Buenos Aires, ran the Church for 12 years and appointed 80 percent of the current cardinal electors.

But experts caution they may not choose someone in his model, with many warning there could be surprises.

Vatican affairs specialist Marco Politi told AFP that, given the unknowns, the conclave could be “the most spectacular in 50 years”.

‘Calm The Waters’ 

Cardinals met on Monday morning for the latest in a series of preparatory meetings, so-called general congregations, and will gather again in the afternoon.

All cardinals are invited to these, not just those eligible to vote in the conclave, taking the opportunity to discuss the issues that will face Francis’s successor.

“Nobody campaigns, for crying out loud. That would be extraordinarily stupid and indiscreet, and improper and counterproductive,” said Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York.

“But you just want to get to know folks, and it works well,” he said on his own podcast.

Among the pilgrims and sightseers who gathered in the square on Monday, opinions varied widely about who could or should take over.

“Maybe more of Pope Francis than Pope Benedict,” said German visitor Aurelius Lie, 36.

“As long as he’s not too conservative (and) influenced by modern political leaders — (Giorgia) Meloni, (Donald) Trump,” he said, referring to the Italian prime minister and the US president.

“Maybe the Church will be thinking: ‘We need a tough pope now to deal with these people.’ But their terms will end in a couple of years.”

But Canadian priest Justin Pulikunnel did not hide his frustration at the direction Francis tried to take the Church, saying he personally sought a return to a more traditional leadership.

“Well, I hope and I pray that the new pope will kind of be a source of unity in the Church and kind of calm the waters down after almost a dozen years of destabilisation and ambiguity,” he said on Sunday.

‘Changing World’

The conclave begins on Wednesday afternoon and could continue for days, weeks or even months — although both Francis and Benedict XVI — who was pope from 2005 until his resignation in 2013 — were elected within two days.

Italy’s Pietro Parolin, who was secretary of state under Francis, is one of the favourites, as is Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.

Among the so-called “papabili” are also Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines and Hungarian conservative Peter Erdo.

But many more names have been discussed, and just like when Francis — then an Argentinian known as Jorge Bergoglio — was picked in 2013, a surprise candidate could emerge.

Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako of Iraq told reporters before Monday’s meetings that he wanted “a pastor, a father who preserves the unity of the Church and the integrity of the faith but who also knows the challenges of today”.

“The world is always changing. Every day there is news. The pope must read the signs of the times to have the right answer and not be closeted in his palace.”

The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation is set to host a two-day interactive session scheduled for May 20th and 21st, 2025, in Kaduna.

The organizers said the event aims to evaluate the progress made on electoral promises by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, deepen government-citizen engagement, and promote transparency ahead of the 2027 elections across the country.

In a statement released in Kaduna on Monday, the Foundation’s Director-General, Abubakar Umar, said the event is designed to bridge the gap between policy implementation and public perception, dispel misinformation, and address misconceptions about the administration’s initiatives.

He added that the session will feature high-level presentations and interactive sessions with key Federal Government representatives, focusing on critical sectors such as national security, agriculture and food security, infrastructure and social services, and governance and economy.

“This landmark event builds on the Foundation’s successful engagement on 17th October 2022, where frontline presidential candidates, including then-candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, presented their manifestos and made commitments towards the development of Northern Nigeria,” Umar said.

He noted that the event will examine the progress made in various sectors by President Bola Tinubu’s administration including, “assessing efforts to enhance safety and stability across the nation, evaluating initiatives to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food sufficiency, reviewing advancements in physical infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other essential services as well as examining policies aimed at fostering economic growth,transparency, and effective governance.”

The Foundation believes that such interactions are vital for sustaining trust between the government and its citizens, fostering unity, and promoting informed public discourse.

“We believe that such interactions are vital for sustaining trust between the government and its citizens, fostering unity, and promoting informed public discourse,” Umar added.

He continued that the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation remains committed to advancing the legacy of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto, by promoting good governance, socio-economic development, and unity in Northern Nigeria and beyond.

“This event underscores our dedication to creating platforms that empower citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and hold leaders accountable,” Umar said.

He added that the two-day interactive session promises to be a significant event in Nigeria’s democratic calendar, providing a platform for citizens to engage with government representatives and hold them accountable for their actions.

“As the country continues to navigate its development challenges, such events are crucial in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance,” Umar added.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has released a comprehensive statistical breakdown of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, results.

The breakdown offers a full picture of the performances by Nigerian candidates in the examination conducted across the country.

According to JAMB, out of 1,955,069 candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, over 1.5 million of them scored less than 200 in the exam.

It, however, announced that 4756 candidates scored above 320, 7658 candidates scored between 300 and 319.

In the statement accompanying the data, the Board said that 40,247 underage candidates were permitted to demonstrate their exceptional abilities.

JAMB further stated that only 467 of these candidates (1.16%) achieved scores that meet the threshold for exceptional ability as defined for the UTME, with their performance in the subsequent three stages still pending.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said the tenure of former President Musa Yar’Adua was short and impactful.

Jonathan made the remark while remembering Yar’Adua 15 years after his death.

He said 15 years after his passing, Yar’Adua remains a reference for good leadership and a legacy of impact, peace, and accountability.

Posting on his X page, the former president wrote:

“Fifteen years ago, our nation lost a patriot. A servant leader, with whom I shared a common vision for a united, inclusive, and a just nation.

“President Yar’Adua’s life was defined by service and selflessness. His account of stewardship, whether as a teacher, governor, or president, was guided by hard work, patriotism, accountability, commitment to justice, and adherence to the rule of law.

“As President, Yar’Adua carried with him the burden of reconciling our people, fostering unity, and mobilising citizens across the land towards building a nation of justice, peace, and progress.

“His tenure, although short, was impactful and progressive, a moment we remember for selfless service and deep commitment to the public good.

“Fifteen years after his passing, he continues to stand as a reference for good leadership and a legacy of impact, peace, and accountability.

“Today, I celebrate my friend, brother, and boss for his exemplary and sacrificial life of service, his genuine efforts in nation-building, and his dedication to fostering an inclusive democracy anchored on justice, equity, and national unity.

– GEJ”

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a stern directive to all personnel, warning them against uploading photographs of themselves in uniform to social media platforms.

Naija News reports that the directive, which also prohibits sharing official police documents online, aims to tighten control over police officers’ online presence and maintain the integrity of the force.

In addition to the social media restrictions, the directive specifically forbids officers from carrying luggage or umbrellas for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

This part of the instruction is seen as an attempt to curb what has been viewed as inappropriate conduct by officers in service to politicians and other high-profile individuals.

The internal wireless message, dated May 3, 2025, was obtained by SaharaReporters and directed to all personnel of the Police Mobile Force, No. 13PMF Squadron in Makurdi, Benue State.

The memo, signed by the Commanding Officer, ACP Hassan S. Aliyu, outlines the specifics of the directive: “The Inspector General of Police has reiterated his warning on NPF Social Media Policy, and further directs that, on no account, should any police personnel use his or her uniform picture on any social media. He further warns that any official documents are also prohibited to be published on social media, while those attached to V.I.P’s are warned not to carry any V.I.P’s luggage (bags) or umbrellas. Any disobedience to these directives will be viewed with severe sanction.”

This directive comes in response to increasing public scrutiny of police conduct on social media. Recent incidents have sparked outrage, with numerous videos and pictures circulating that show officers in compromising or servile positions, especially those assigned to politicians and high-profile individuals.

One such incident involved a viral video showing Mobile Police (MOPOL) officers attached to a Chinese mining company receiving cash from foreign nationals.

In the viral video, a Chinese national was seen handing ₦5,000 each to a group of MOPOL officers. The video also featured a woman and a young girl, believed to be family members of the Chinese national, offering similar amounts to the officers.

The incident attracted widespread condemnation, with many questioning the integrity of the officers involved.

However, the police force later defended the officers, stating that the money was a form of appreciation from the mining company’s owner and not a bribe.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Entertainment and Tourism, Idileoye Aletile, known as Seyi Law, has emphasized the need for youths to utilize their voices for change.

Seyi Law, however, stated that some Nigerian youths decided to sell their voices for ₦20,000, noting that voice is a value that should not be transacted..

Speaking at the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, New Media Engagement with some selected youths, last Monday, the celebrity comedian called for review of laws that could stiffle the voice of citizens.

“When it comes to political engagement, I do not stand on the sidelines. I step forward. The future of Nigeria is being shaped in real time, and we must not only be part of the conversation but lead it with conviction.

“The divide between legislators and citizens must be bridged, not as an afterthought, but as a core principle of governance. A stronger Nigeria demands transparency, accessibility, and a system rooted in respect for the constitutional rights of every citizen.

“Yet, we must confront a troubling reality: values are being exchanged for money, and the voices of the people I know are priceless and the allegations of some being sold for as little as N20k are appalling. This erosion of integrity is a threat to our progress, and we must reclaim our national ethos.

“A new Nigeria can not thrive in a digital landscape rife with misinformation and reckless narratives. Our cyber laws must be reinforced not to stifle dialogue but to ensure accountability, factual discourse, and responsible digital citizenship.

“The Nigeria we envision is not just a dream but a blueprint for action: smart, youth-driven, technologically advanced, community-focused, and prepared to meet the future head-on.

“Our voices matter. Our choices matter. The time to shape the new Nigeria is already in progress through President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” he said.

Popular Nigerian actress, Lizzy Gold has called out her father over what she described as entitlement mentality.

The actress made the call after a mild confrontation with her father.

While addressing family members with an entitlement mentality, Lizzy, in a now deleted video on Instagram, narrated how she got an unexpected response from her father after sending him a “huge” monetary gift for Easter celebration. 

Expressing her grievance, she stated that the experience made her feel unappreciated.

“Normally, I always send money to my father. I do send money at night so that he will see the amount I have sent when he wakes up in the morning, because I love surprises.

“Whenever my father wakes up in the morning and sees the amount I have given to him, he will pray for me. And trust me, I enjoy the prayers, because it gingers me to want to do more.

“So, on Easter day, my father sent a message in the morning; ‘Baby how far na? Do Easter for you papa na’. I pretended like I didn’t see it. At 2 am, I dropped a huge amount of money 10 times the ones I usually sent. You know that kind of feeling of giving your father big money and you are expecting to wake up and see some kind of prayers that will bubble you.

“I woke up only to check my phone and see ‘thanks’. No prayers. Nothing”.

She further revealed what her father told her when she called to confront him; “He said I prayed for you in my heart”.

To which she replied to him, “Daddy, I don’t pluck money from the trees. I work tirelessly for money. I enjoy the prayers. It gingers me to want to do more”.

The federal government has launched the creative economy development fund (CEDF), an initiative to support creatives, entrepreneurs, and cultural organisations in Nigeria.

The ministry of arts, culture, tourism, and creative economy announced the scheme in a statement on Sunday, according to NAN.

The ministry said the fund aims to scale projects with strong financial documentation and clear expansion plans, noting that the first phase of applications, which opened on April 28 and is expected to close on May 30, targets mature businesses needing over $100,000. 

The statement said fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians, artists, tour operators, gaming developers, and other professionals in Nigeria’s creative and cultural sectors are eligible to apply.

According to the ministry, the fund aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘renewed hope agenda’ by supporting job creation, cultural promotion, and economic diversification.

Speaking on the initiative, Hannatu Musa Musawa, minister of arts, culture, tourism, and creative economy, described the fund as a “strategic national investment” to unlock Nigeria’s creative potential. 

“This is not just a financial intervention. It is a call to action for creatives, entrepreneurs, and industry enablers to scale their dreams and contribute to a thriving, inclusive creative economy,” Musawa was quoted as saying.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE LOAN

According to the ministry, the CEDF supports businesses in the creative sector by providing capital to scale production, expand market access, and build resilience.

The initiative is also expected to allow creators to leverage intellectual property as a financial asset, unlocking the value of film rights, music catalogues, digital content, and other creative works.

“CEDF offers various funding options for creative businesses, including affordable loans and credit facilities for businesses across sectors such as film, music, fashion, art, publishing, gaming, and cultural tourism,” the ministry said.

“Equity and quasi-equity investments in high-growth creative enterprises, Grant funding for socially impactful and innovative cultural projects and focus on leveraging intellectual property (IP) as a bankable asset class for securing financing.”

To apply, the ministry said interested applicants must visit CEDFnigeria.com, complete the official application form, submit project proposals, and provide the required financial documents.

“Applicants must then wait for the evaluation process and, if selected, receive support beginning January 2026 (phase one) or April 2026 (phase two). Application review, project onboarding, incubation, and acceleration for phase one will take place from June to December 2025, with the disbursement of funds starting on January 1, 2026,” it added.

“For phase two, disbursements will start on April 1, 2026.

“The second phase will open on August 4, focusing on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) requesting under $100,000.”

The ministry also said the CEDF evaluation process will be conducted by independent experts under the oversight of a private sector-led investment committee.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reportedly withdrawn from a presidential panel investigating sexual harassment allegations made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.

Oby Ndukwe, president of Citizens Quest for Truth, revealed this on Saturday, May 3, 2025, during Politics Today on Channels Television.

Sources say President Bola Tinubu formed the panel on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, with members including National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Attorney General of the Federation, and one representative each from Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The panel was tasked with probing allegations that sparked national controversy.

Akpabio’s withdrawal, without an official explanation, has fuelled speculation. Sources claim he cited executive interference and doubts about the panel’s neutrality.

Tensions between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan escalated after her February 2025 accusations of sexual harassment.

The Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan on Thursday, March 6, 2025, pending the investigation’s outcome, a move critics called a silencing tactic.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to present evidence in court.

- several wounded, hospitalized

Residents of Akure, the Ondo State capital, scampered for safety yesterday as personnel of the state security outfit codenamed Amotekun clashed with police officers over the custody of a suspect linked to a stolen motorcycle.

Eyewitnesses said that personnel from both security agencies exchanged gunfire during the clash, causing widespread tension and anxiety across the state capital.

According to reports, a complainant had visited the Amotekun office to report a missing motorcycle. Acting swiftly, Amotekun operatives recovered the stolen motorcycle and arrested the suspect.

However, shortly after the arrest, a team of police officers arrived at the Amotekun office and reportedly demanded custody of the suspect.

One of the officers told newsmen that Amotekun personnel declined the request and directed them to the state commander of the corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye.

Sources said a heated argument ensued between the two agencies, which escalated into exchange of gunfire.

Several officers were reportedly injured during the confrontation, which occurred as the police attempted to forcefully take custody of the suspect and the exhibit.

In an official statement issued by the Ondo State Police Command, spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka accused some officers of acting unprofessionally, saying At about 0800hours, a report was received at the Ijoka Divisional Police Headquarters regarding the arrest of a suspect allegedly involved in the theft of property from a church located around Sunday Bus Stop.

“Acting promptly on the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) detailed two police officers, along with the incident duty officer, to proceed to the scene, recover the suspect, and secure exhibits linked to the crime.

“It is important to note that the police officers were the first to arrive at the scene.

“However, while they were executing their lawful duties, operatives of the Amotekun Corps arrived with a large group of commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders).

“In a disorderly and commando-like manner, the Amotekun personnel and their companions forcefully took custody of the suspect and the exhibits, injuring a police officer in the process.Following this, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, immediately directed tactical commanders to recover both the suspect and the exhibits.”

“Subsequently, after intervention and dialogue led by the commanders of agencies, the suspect and exhibits were returned to the police in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation.

“However, while the matter was being amicably resolved, a few aggrieved members of the Amotekun Corps, unhappy with the release of the suspect, began firing sporadically into the air.

“To prevent a breakdown of law and order and to disperse the agitated crowd without harm, the police officers at the scene responded with the professional use of tear gas. No exchange of gunfire occurred between the two agencies.”

The spokesperson reiterated that the Ondo State Police Command remains committed to collaboration with other security outfits in the state, while emphasizing the importance of adhering to the law and established protocols.

“The Command assures members of the public that it remains dedicated to the maintenance of peace, public safety, and the rule of law across the state,” Olayinka concluded.

Efforts to reach the Amotekun State Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.