Twin priests from Co Kildare to celebrate 95th birthday

Twin brothers Fr Joe and Fr Matt Kelly from County Kildare have reached a remarkable milestone, celebrating their 95th birthdays in March 2026, alongside the platinum jubilee of their priestly ordination. Their lives reflect over seven decades of dedicated service to the Catholic Church in Ireland.

Twin Priests from Co Kildare Celebrate 95th Birthday

Fr Joe and Fr Matt Kelly were born on 31 March 1931 in Coolcarrigan, County Kildare. Their upbringing was deeply rooted in community and faith: their mother worked as a teacher at the local primary school in Timahoe, while their father ran a grocery shop in the area.

The twins attended St Mary’s, Knockbeg College in County Carlow for their secondary education, a formative period that nurtured their vocation.

The Kelly brothers were ordained in the 1950s, marking the beginning of their lifelong commitment to the priesthood. This year, they celebrate their platinum jubilee (70 years) of ordination.

Smartphones, Discipline, and the Future of Nigerian Campuses

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Smartphones, Discipline, and the Future of Nigerian Campuses

The decision by Margaret Lawrence University to ban smartphones on campus has reignited a national debate about the role of technology in education.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ernest Izevbigie’s rationale was clear: smartphones, while powerful tools, have become distractions that erode students’ focus and academic discipline.

By restricting students to basic phones, the university hopes to foster an environment where learning is prioritized over endless scrolling.

Why we banned use of smartphone on campus – VC

Margaret Lawrence University has banned the use of smartphones on campus to improve students’ academic focus, allowing only basic phones for calls and text messages. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie, announced this policy during the institution’s third matriculation ceremony in Abuja, where 272 students were admitted.

Why Smartphones Were Banned on Campus - Statement by the Vice-Chancellor

Background

At the third matriculation ceremony of Margaret Lawrence University, held in Abuja on March 16, 2026, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ernest Izevbigie addressed the newly admitted students and outlined a significant policy shift. The university, which matriculated 272 students, announced a ban on smartphones within the campus environment. This decision has sparked discussions across Nigeria’s academic community, given the increasing reliance on digital technology in education.

Rationale for the Ban

Prof. Izevbigie explained that the primary motivation behind the ban was to enhance students’ academic concentration and discipline. According to him, smartphones, while useful, often serve as a major source of distraction. Social media, gaming, and constant notifications can divert students’ attention from their studies, leading to reduced productivity and weaker academic performance.

Anambra Is Safest State, We’ve Cleared Over 60 Criminal Camps - Gov Soludo

Governor Soludo of Anambra State

Anambra Declared Safest State by Governor Soludo

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has declared the state the safest in Nigeria, citing significant strides in dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace across troubled regions.

Speaking during a live media chat in Awka, the state capital, Soludo emphasized that Anambra has not recorded any major security incident in the past four months, a feat he attributes to coordinated reforms and decisive action against criminal elements.

2027 Elections: Alia Gives Benue Political Appointees March 30 Deadline to Resign

Governor Alia of Benue State

2027 Elections - Governor Alia’s Directive to Benue Political Appointees

Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia of Benue State has issued a decisive directive requiring all political appointees in his administration who intend to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign from office on or before March 30, 2026.

The announcement was made through a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, underscoring the governor’s determination to maintain stability and continuity in governance.

The directive is framed as a safeguard against political distractions that could derail ongoing development projects across the state. Governor Alia emphasized that early resignation would create room for a smooth transition, ensuring that governance remains focused on delivering results rather than being consumed by political ambitions.

March 21: A Day of Faith, Struggle, and Remembrance

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March 21: A Day of Faith, Struggle, and Remembrance

Across centuries, March 21 has carried a weight of historical significance, weaving together moments of triumph, tragedy, and transformation. It is a date that speaks to humanity’s enduring quest for justice, resilience, and meaning.

In 630 CE, Byzantine Emperor Heraclius restored the True Cross to Jerusalem, a powerful symbol of Christian faith reclaimed after years of conflict. Centuries later, in 717 CE, Charles Martel’s victory at the Battle of Vincy strengthened his hold on power, laying the foundation for the Carolingian dynasty that would reshape Europe. Yet, not all events of this day inspire pride.

Tinubu’s Historic UK State Visit: A Brief Editorial

Symbolic Photo, Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla

Tinubu’s Historic UK State Visit: A Brief Editorial

President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom marked a turning point in Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic relations with one of its oldest partners.

For two days, London and Windsor Castle became the stage for a rare ceremonial welcome, the first of its kind for a Nigerian leader in nearly four decades. The symbolism was powerful: Nigeria stepping forward to reaffirm its place on the global stage, while the UK extended a hand of renewed partnership.

The visit was not merely ceremonial. At its heart lay a significant economic achievement, the signing of a £746 million financing agreement with Citibank and UK Export Finance.

EID AL-FITR: FCT MINISTER URGES RESIDENTS TO EMBODY THE VIRTUES OF UNITY AND COMPASSION

Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, Hon. Minister, Federal Capital Territory

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

EID AL-FITR: FCT MINISTER URGES RESIDENTS TO EMBODY THE VIRTUES OF UNITY AND COMPASSION

...REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has extended his warm felicitations to the residents of the FCT, particularly the Muslim Ummah, on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

In an official message marking the end of the holy month, the Minister described Ramadan as a vital period of spiritual rejuvenation, self-reflection, and renewal. He called on all residents to integrate the core values of the season - compassion, forgiveness, and unity - into their daily lives to strengthen the social fabric of the nation’s capital, urging them to pray for the nation and its leaders for peace and progress.

Goodwill Message on Eid-El-Fitr Celebration

Special Report: Goodwill Message on Eid-El-Fitr Celebration

Issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)  

Date: 19 March 2026.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim faithful across the nation on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. 

In a message signed by Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, President of the CBCN, the bishops commended the discipline of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving observed during the sacred month of Ramadan, describing it as a “compelling witness to faith, self-restraint, and devotion to God.”  

This year’s celebration carries a unique significance, as Christians and Muslims in Nigeria began their respective fasting seasons on the same day. The bishops noted that this providential convergence underscores the shared commitment of both faiths to sacrifice, prayer, and reliance on God.

Faith Leaders and the Quest for Nigerian Unity

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Editorial: Faith Leaders and the Quest for Nigerian Unity

Religious festivals in Nigeria often transcend their spiritual boundaries, becoming moments of national reflection.

Eid al-Fitr, celebrated by Muslims worldwide, has increasingly become a platform for interfaith dialogue in Nigeria.

This year, Catholic bishops seized the occasion to call for a joint effort in building a just and peaceful nation. Their message was not simply a gesture of goodwill but a deliberate attempt to underscore the shared responsibility of Christians and Muslims in confronting Nigeria’s challenges.

ID-EL-FITR: NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Grace Ike, felicitates with Muslim faithful, calls for unity, compassion

Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council

Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, urging unity, compassion, and ethical conduct in both personal and professional life. Her message emphasized the values of sacrifice, patience, and generosity learned during Ramadan as guiding principles for society. 

Special Report: ID-EL-FITR: NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Grace Ike, Felicitates with Muslim Faithful, Calls for Unity, Compassion

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, under the leadership of Comrade Grace Ike, joined millions of Muslims across Nigeria in celebrating Eid-el-Fitr.

This festival, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is a time of thanksgiving, reflection, and renewal of faith. In her goodwill message, Ike highlighted the importance of unity, compassion, and integrity as values that should transcend the season and shape the conduct of individuals and communities.

Grace Ike congratulated Muslim faithful for their discipline and devotion throughout Ramadan. She acknowledged the sacrifices made during fasting and prayers, noting that the lessons of patience, generosity, and spiritual commitment should not end with the festival but continue to guide everyday life.

NIPR Inducts NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike, As She Pledges Ethical Leadership in Public Communication

Grace Ike, Chair of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, has been formally inducted into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), pledging to uphold ethical leadership and professionalism in public communication. Her induction marks a significant career milestone, bridging her journalism roots with a new chapter in strategic public relations.

NIPR Inducts NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike, As She Pledges Ethical Leadership in Public Communication

On March 20, 2026, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) inducted Grace Ike, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, into its fold.

The ceremony, held in Abuja, was part of the institute’s first quarter induction of new members, where Ike joined 421 professionals admitted into the body. 

lNigeria, UK sign deal on deportation of criminals, failed asylum seekers

Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed a landmark migration agreement that enables Britain to deport failed asylum seekers, foreign criminals, and visa overstayers directly to Nigeria. The deal was finalized during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to London on March 19, 2026, and is intended to streamline deportation processes by removing bureaucratic hurdles.

Nigeria–UK Deportation Agreement

Background of the Agreement

During President Bola Tinubu’s two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, the governments of both countries formalized a new migration deal. The agreement was signed by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Nigeria’s Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The UK government emphasized that the deal is part of its broader immigration control measures, while Nigeria agreed to cooperate in receiving deported nationals.

Key Provisions

- Scope of Deportations: The deal covers failed asylum seekers, foreign criminals, and visa overstayers who have no legal right to remain in the UK.  

Tinubu, Starmer seal £70m Steel deal for Lagos Ports upgrade

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have sealed a landmark £70 million steel supply deal to upgrade Lagos’ two major ports, forming part of a broader £746 million redevelopment programme. The agreement, finalized during Tinubu’s historic state visit to London, will see British Steel deliver 120,000 tonnes of steel for the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.

Special Report: Tinubu, Starmer Seal £70m Steel Deal for Lagos Ports Upgrade

On March 19, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street in London.

This marked the first official state visit by a West African leader to the UK in 37 years, underscoring the diplomatic significance of the occasion.

The visit was framed around strengthening bilateral trade, infrastructure investment, and security cooperation. 

Editorial: Eid Messages and the Continuity of Presidential Appeals

Symbolic Photo of Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Editorial: Eid Messages and the Continuity of Presidential Appeals

Eid-el-Fitr has long been a moment when Nigerian presidents reach out to the nation, blending religious felicitation with political exhortation.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent message, delivered through his adviser Bayo Onanuga, fits squarely within this tradition. His emphasis on renewed patriotism, unity, and compassion reflects both the spiritual lessons of Ramadan and the pressing challenges of governance.

Historically, Nigerian leaders have used Eid greetings as opportunities to reinforce national cohesion.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo often highlighted the need for tolerance and interfaith harmony, framing Eid as a reminder of Nigeria’s plural identity.

PRESIDENT TINUBU FELICITATE MUSLIMS ON ELD- EL-FITR, URGES RENEWED PATRIOTISM..BAYO ONANUGA

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, urging them to embrace renewed patriotism, unity, and compassion. His message, conveyed through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized the spiritual lessons of Ramadan and the need for national cohesion.

Special Report: President Tinubu Felicitates Muslims on Eid-el-Fitr, Urges Renewed Patriotism

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm greetings to Muslims across Nigeria and the world as they celebrated Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. His message was delivered in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

Key Highlights of Tinubu’s Message

- Congratulatory Note: Tinubu congratulated Muslims for successfully completing the Ramadan fast, describing it as a period of spiritual renewal and sacrifice.  

- Call for Patriotism: He urged Muslims to renew their commitment to Nigeria, stressing the importance of unity, peaceful coexistence, and service to humanity.  

- Lessons of Ramadan: Tinubu highlighted the virtues of piety, empathy, perseverance, kindness, and selflessness, noting that these values should guide citizens beyond the fasting period.  

- Prayers for the Nation: He encouraged Muslims to use the occasion to pray for peace, prosperity, and stability in Nigeria.  

Eid al-Fitr: Catholic bishops demand joint effort to build a just Nigeria

Catholic bishops in Nigeria, during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, called for a united national effort to build a just and peaceful society, urging Muslims and Christians alike to embrace values of compassion, unity, and collective responsibility in tackling insecurity and social vices. Their message highlights the importance of interfaith solidarity in shaping Nigeria’s future.

Special Report: Eid al-Fitr - Catholic Bishops Demand Joint Effort to Build a Just Nigeria

Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is traditionally a time of joy, reflection, and renewal.

In Nigeria, the celebration has taken on added significance as Catholic bishops joined Muslim leaders in emphasizing the need for unity, justice, and peace.

Their intervention underscores the role of religious institutions in addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

Catholic bishops, led by figures such as Bishop Emmanuel Badejo of the Diocese of Oyo, urged Nigerians to live peacefully and to confront social vices collectively. They emphasized that justice, fairness, and mutual respect are essential for national stability.

“Ẹ káàbọ̀, ṣé dáadáa ni?” - King Charles greets Tinubu, others in Yoruba

King Charles III Greets President Tinubu in Yoruba

In a rare and symbolic gesture, King Charles III departed from traditional royal protocol during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom, choosing to greet the Nigerian leader in Yoruba. The phrase, “Ẹ káàbọ̀, ṣé dáadáa ni?”,  meaning “Welcome, how are you doing?”, was delivered at a state banquet inside St George’s Hall, Windsor Castle, before an audience of about 160 guests. This moment underscored the monarch’s effort to blend diplomacy with cultural recognition, setting the tone for an evening steeped in symbolism and shared heritage.

Cultural Diplomacy in Action

The greeting drew laughter and warm appreciation from President Tinubu, who appeared visibly amused by the King’s attempt at Yoruba. Beyond its lightheartedness, the gesture carried deeper significance: it reflected an acknowledgment of Nigeria’s cultural identity and the importance of the diaspora community in Britain. The banquet itself was tailored to Nigerian traditions, with Zobo,  a hibiscus-based drink popular in Nigeria,  featured alongside traditional wines and spirits.

PROVISION OF RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE WILL STIMULATE LOCAL ECONOMIES – SAYS FCT MINISTER

(R-L) FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike, Prof Emmanuel Adibe, AMAC Chairman Christopher Maikalangu, Director Engineering Services, STDD, Engr Bayo Boderinwa and the Coordinator STDD, Hon Abdulkadir Zulkifli during the Minister's inspection of ongoing reconstruction of roads in Karu satellite town on Wednesday

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

PROVISION OF RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE WILL STIMULATE LOCAL ECONOMIES – SAYS FCT MINISTER

…AS HE INSPECTS CRITICAL ROAD PROJECTS ACROSS SATELLITE TOWNS

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has reiterated that the administration’s focus on rural and satellite town infrastructure was a direct mandate from the Presidency to ensure the rapid development of suburban communities and reduce the pressure on the city centre.

Barr. Wike stated this on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, while addressing newsmen, shortly after he embarked on an extensive inspection tour of critical infrastructure projects across several satellite towns in the FCT.

Editorial Perspective: Tinubu’s Delegation as a Statement of Reform and Power

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President Tinubu’s 2026 UK entourage featured a strategic blend of political heavyweights, economic reformers, and security chiefs, reflecting a deliberate push to project Nigeria’s reformist image and global ambition. The lineup was not just ceremonial, it was a calculated diplomatic statement.

Editorial Perspective: Tinubu’s Delegation as a Statement of Reform and Power

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s entourage to the United Kingdom for his historic state visit from March 18 to 19, 2026, was more than a diplomatic formality, it was a showcase of Nigeria’s evolving leadership architecture.

The delegation, composed of 12 senior officials, was carefully curated to reflect the administration’s priorities: economic reform, security modernization, and global rebranding.

The Power Behind the Presidency: Tinubu’s UK Delegation

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s entourage to the United Kingdom for his historic state visit included a powerful mix of political, economic, and diplomatic figures, reflecting the strategic importance of the trip. The delegation featured top ministers, security chiefs, and business leaders, all tasked with deepening Nigeria–UK ties across trade, security, and investment.  

The Power Behind the Presidency: Tinubu’s UK Delegation

When President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, for his landmark state visit to the United Kingdom, he was accompanied by a 12-member high-level entourage that underscored the significance of the mission.

At the heart of the delegation was First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose presence added diplomatic grace and cultural depth to the engagements at Windsor Castle.

Tinubu’s UK State Visit: Scaling Nigeria–UK Investment Frontiers

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Tinubu’s UK State Visit: Scaling Nigeria-UK Investment Frontiers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom marks a historic milestone in Nigeria–UK relations, with bilateral trade surging to an all-time high of £8.1 billion annually and major investment expansions announced across banking, fintech, and manufacturing sectors.

The visit underscores Nigeria’s growing role as a hub of innovation and investment while reinforcing the UK’s position as a global business center. 

Nigeria’s $1 Trillion Economy Ambition Gains Renewed Momentum

Nigeria’s $1 Trillion Economy Ambition Gains Renewed Momentum

The federal government has once again underscored its determination to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030, with Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to this ambitious target.

Speaking during the assumption of duty of the new Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Bagudu emphasized that strong policy coordination and strategic planning would be central to realizing this vision. 

He explained that the Bola Tinubu administration intends to drive economic growth at an annual rate of seven per cent, guided by the forthcoming National Development Plan (2026–2030).

Maiduguri’s Ordeal and Nigeria’s Enduring Struggle

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Maiduguri’s Ordeal and Nigeria’s Enduring Struggle

The explosions that tore through Maiduguri on Monday evening were not just another tragic entry in the long list of insurgent attacks; they were a brutal reminder of the fragility of daily life in north-eastern Nigeria.

Twenty-three lives were lost, 146 others wounded, and countless more traumatized as improvised explosive devices detonated in crowded spaces, markets, hospitals, and public areas, at the very hour families were breaking their fast during Ramadan.  

This was not random violence. It was a calculated strike by suspected ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists, designed to sow fear, disrupt community rhythms, and challenge the state’s authority. Yet, amid the horror, the swift response of emergency services and the deployment of security forces underscored a determination to resist being cowed.

Terror Strikes Maiduguri: A City Shaken but Defiant

Terror Strikes Maiduguri: A City Shaken but Defiant

Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, was plunged into chaos on Monday evening as multiple explosions ripped through crowded areas, leaving 23 people dead and 146 others injured.

The attacks, carried out with improvised explosive devices allegedly planted by suspected ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists, struck at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Post Office area, and the bustling Monday Market around 7:00pm.  

The timing of the blasts, during the Ramadan fast-breaking period, magnified the tragedy.