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Plumes of black smoke emanated from the roof of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican earlier today as the voting by the conclave of Cardinals to elect a successor to the late Pope Francis ended without electing a new pope. A muted roar went up from the faithful gathered at Rome's St. Peter's Square as soon as the black plume of smoke went up, with many consequently streaming out of the place to wait for the next voting round about 5.30pm Nigeria time. White smoke from the chimney signals a new Pope has been elected. The last conclave, which elected…

By John Ekah, Gusau It was a day of hot exchange of words as loyalists of Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State and his bitter political rival and predecessor, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, feuded,on behalf of their principals, over who takes responsibility for the spiralling bloodshed in the North-West state. While the governor's camp is firmly convinced that Matawalle's strategic position in the Federal Government (FG) should be the no-brainer game changer against insecurity in the state, the Minister's camp see things differently: they said Gov. Lawal is the state's Chief Security Officer (CSO) and should duly…

By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu Authorities of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, have debunked the interpretation to a viral video of 14 Brigade, Ohafia issuing residential permits to certain persons, saying it is untrue and deceptive. This was contained in a statement issued by the acting Deputy Director, Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, on Wednesday, May 7, in Enugu, South-East Nigeria. According to him, the attention of the Division has been drawn to what he described as a misleading video "currently circulating on social media that alleges that 14 Brigade is issuing residential permits to individuals of a specific ethnic…

By Sam Tyav, Makurdi Piqued by the recent attacks and killings in some communities in Benue State, the National President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh has donated relief materials to victims of the recent attacks. The relief materials included bags of rice, beans, cartons of Maggi food seasoning, salt and others. The items were to soften the harsh blows of their current situation on the victims. Performing the ceremony at the CAN Secretariat in Makurdi, the State capital, the CAN President expressed dismay over the incessant attacks on people of the state, noting that the national leadership…

By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu Enugu State Governor, Barrister Peter Mbah, has commissioned the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)'s Southeast Regional Office in Enugu. Commissioning the new office on Wednesday, May 7, Gov. Mbah hailed the initiative as a crucial step towards economic diversification. According to him, "the need to diversify the economy has never been more urgent, and the Information Technology sector holds immense opportunities for growth". He pointed that merely having opportunities is not enough; concrete steps must be taken to make them a reality. The Governor emphasized that the NITDA office represents an opportunity for young persons…

By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu Enugu State Governor, Barrister Peter Mbah, has commissioned the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)'s South-East Regional Office in Enugu. Commissioning the new office on Wednesday, May 7, Gov. Mbah hailed the initiative as a crucial step towards economic diversification. According to him, "the need to diversify the economy has never been more urgent, and the Information Technology sector holds immense opportunities for growth". He pointed that merely having opportunities is not enough; concrete steps must be taken to make them a reality. The Governor emphasized that the NITDA office represents an opportunity for young persons…

By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan Oyo State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, has received accolades from residents as she leaves the state directorate for Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as National Director of Civic, Values and Democracy Education, at NOA headquarters. Encomiums poured in for Afolayan at a send-forth event graced by stakeholders, government functionaries and members of the public. Among the dignitaries were a representative of Governor Seyi Makinde, his Executive Assistant on Finance, Budget and Planning, Alhaji Kolawole Gafar Bello; the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade; former State Directors and…