“Pope Francis Makes a Hopeful Return: Signs of Resilience Emerge Amid Recovery”

Pope Francis is steadily regaining his strength, voice, and mobility following a serious bout of pneumonia, the Vatican confirmed on Tuesday. Th Francis is steadily regaining his strength, voice, and mobility following a serious bout of pneumonia, the Vatican confirmed on Tuesday. The 88-year-old pontiff, who was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on March 23 after a five-week stay, is currently convalescing at the Vatican under close medical supervision. Despite doctors advising rest, the Argentine pope made a surprise appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, where he was seen in a wheelchair, assisted by a nasal cannula providing oxygen. Speaking…

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Pope Francis Makes Surprise Appearance Weeks After Near-Death Hospitalization

In a stirring show of resilience and spiritual commitment, Pope Francis made a surprise public appearance at the Vatican on Sunday—just two weeks after being discharged from the hospital with a severe case of pneumonia. Wheeled through a sunlit Saint Peter’s Square, the 88-year-old pontiff greeted thousands following a mass dedicated to the sick. Though attached to nasal breathing tubes and speaking in a fragile voice, the Pope’s presence marked a significant—and unexpected—moment in his recovery. “A good Sunday to all. Thank you very much,” he told the cheering crowd, his voice stronger than during his hospital release on March…

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Kano Boosts Security Ahead of Eid Prayers, Bans Sallah Durbar

As the Eid prayers draw near, the Kano State government has intensified security measures across strategic locations and Eid grounds within the metropolitan area. A correspondent from Radio Nigeria reports that despite the security agencies’ ban on the traditional Sallah Durbar, residents are making early preparations for the prayers, maintaining their festive spirit. Joint security forces, including the police and paramilitary agencies, were observed patrolling major streets to ensure public safety and maintain order. Officials emphasize that these proactive measures aim to prevent any potential security breaches, allowing for a peaceful celebration. The Kano State government has reassured residents of…

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NAHCON Secures 1,000 Bed Spaces for Nigerian Pilgrims in Muna Ahead of 2025 Hajj

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has secured 1,000 bed spaces in Tent A at Muna for Nigerian pilgrims ahead of the 2025 Hajj, with further allocations expected from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, made this known during a meeting with private tour operators at the Nigeria Hajj Affairs Office in Makkah. He called on the operators to express interest in the available spaces and collaborate with the commission to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience. Prince Anofiu Elegusi, the Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate, Compliance, and Licensing, described the meeting as timely,…

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Speaker Abbas Urges Nigerian Muslims to Sustain Ramadan Virtues Beyond Eid

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, has congratulated Nigerian Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan, urging them to sustain the spirit of prayer, sacrifice, and unity beyond the holy month. In a statement released through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker emphasized the importance of maintaining the virtues of piety, charity, and discipline observed during Ramadan. He called on Muslims to remain their brothers’ keepers and to foster peace and harmony within their communities. Dr. Abbas highlighted the rare coincidence of Ramadan and Lent, noting that both Muslim and…

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Nigeria Foreign Minister Urges Unity, Peace, Compassion in Eid Message

As Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has called on citizens to uphold the values of peace, compassion, and unity. In a heartfelt message, the minister extended warm greetings to Nigerians at home and abroad, emphasizing that Eid is a time for gratitude, reflection, and national solidarity. He urged citizens to reinforce their commitment to love, kindness, and generosity, fostering harmony within the country. Acknowledging the contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora, he praised their role in shaping the nation’s image globally and encouraged them to remain connected to…

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Kidnapped Imo Catholic Priest Regains Freedom After Three Days in Captivity

The Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, Imo State, has confirmed the release of Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, who was abducted on Sunday, March 23, 2025. Fr. Ubaechu, the parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Izombe, Oguta Local Government Area, was kidnapped along Ejemekwuru Road while en route to the annual retreat for priests. In a statement issued by the Archdiocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah, the church announced that the priest regained his freedom on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. “The Archdiocese is grateful to the general public for their prayers, which played a significant role in securing his safe…

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Emir of Kano Cancels Eid-el-Fitr Durbar Over Security Concerns

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, has announced the cancellation of this year’s Eid-el-Fitr Durbar celebration, citing security concerns as the primary reason for the decision. Addressing journalists at the Nasarawa Mini Palace on Wednesday night, Emir Bayero emphasized that maintaining peace and stability in Kano State takes precedence over the historic Durbar festivities. The decision follows consultations with Islamic scholars, community elders, key stakeholders, and the emirate council, all of whom advised against holding the event due to prevailing security risks. This year’s Durbar would have marked Emir Bayero’s fifth anniversary on the throne, making the cancellation…

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Tragedy in Gwagwalada: Man Found Dead Inside Mosque After Morning Players

A 32-year-old man, identified as Rayyanu, was discovered dead inside a mosque in Paso community, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), shortly after attending the early morning Subhi prayer. Residents confirmed that Rayyanu arrived at the mosque on a motorcycle to observe prayers on Tuesday morning. According to Ibrahim Musa, a local resident, the deceased decided to take a nap after the prayers but never woke up. “It was around 7:28 am when some individuals responsible for cleaning the mosque noticed him lying motionless. When they attempted to wake him, he was unresponsive,” Musa recounted. Concerned by…

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Gunmen Abduct Catholic Priest Flee as Security Forces Engage in Gun Battle

A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Echezona, has been rescued by a joint security team after being abducted by gunmen at a petrol station in Ichida, Anaocha Local Government Area. Rev. Echezona, who serves as the Parish Priest of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Ichida, and the Chaplain of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Awka Diocese, was kidnapped on Saturday evening, March 22, 2025, while refueling his vehicle. According to a statement from the Anambra State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the assailants, who operated in a white Lexus SUV without a plate number, abducted the priest in his own…

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