International

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

In his first Sunday message as Pope, Leo XIV made a powerful plea for peace, urging an immediate end to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. 

Addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff called for “an authentic and lasting peace” in Ukraine, emphasising the devastating human cost of the ongoing war. 

He further implored for a ceasefire in Gaza, demanding the release of all Israeli hostages held captive.

“The world yearns for peace,” Pope Leo XIV stated, his voice resonating across the square. “We must strive for dialogue and understanding, putting an end to the violence that inflicts immeasurable suffering. In Ukraine, let the weapons fall silent, and in Gaza, let the hostages be released.”

His message underscored the Vatican’s continued commitment to promoting peace and reconciliation in conflict-plagued regions. 

The Pope’s appeal resonated with many, who hope his words may inspire concrete action toward achieving a lasting resolution.

By Muhammad Abubakar

In a historic development, the Catholic Church has elected Robert Francis Prevost as the new pope, marking the first time an American has ascended to the papacy. The decision was announced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica following the traditional white smoke signal from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday.

Pope Robert I, as he will now be known, hails from Chicago, Illinois, and previously served as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. Known for his pastoral sensitivity and administrative skill, the 69-year-old cleric has long been regarded as a bridge between tradition and reform within the Church.

Thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square to witness the historic moment, many expressing surprise and hope over the unprecedented choice.

The new pontiff addressed the faithful in multiple languages, asking for prayers and unity in a world “deeply in need of peace, compassion, and truth.”

Analysts see his election as a signal of the Church’s growing global inclusivity and a recognition of the American Church’s rising influence.

More details about his vision and forthcoming priorities are expected in the coming days as he officially begins his pontificate.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Nigeria has officially cleared its outstanding debt to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), marking a significant milestone in the country’s economic recovery efforts. This development follows a series of substantial repayments totalling $1.22 billion between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the second quarter of 2024, reducing Nigeria’s IMF debt from $3.26 billion in June 2023 to $1.16 billion by June 2024.

The IMF has acknowledged Nigeria’s commitment to meeting its financial obligations, noting that the country has no overdue payments as of April 30, 2024. This achievement reflects the government’s dedication to fiscal responsibility and economic reform.

In a statement, IMF First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath commended Nigeria’s efforts, stating that the country’s debt level is “moderate and not high risk,” provided that sound economic policies are maintained. She emphasised the importance of continued domestic revenue mobilisation and targeted social interventions to sustain this progress.

Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Wale Edun, highlighted the government’s initiatives to enhance social investment programmes and strengthen domestic resource mobilisation through tax reforms and digitalisation. He also noted increased crude oil production, significantly boosting national revenue.

This financial turnaround positions Nigeria to engage more robustly with international financial institutions and investors, potentially attracting increased foreign investment and fostering economic growth.

The successful clearance of IMF debt underscores Nigeria’s commitment to economic stability and sets a positive precedent for other nations facing similar challenges.

By Muhammad Abubakar

India has launched missile strikes on nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, targeting what it described as “terrorist infrastructure.” The strikes come amid heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last month that claimed 26 lives.

Pakistan reported that at least eight people were killed and 35 injured in the strikes. Authorities in Islamabad condemned the assault as an “unprovoked, blatant act of war,” accusing India of deliberately targeting civilian areas.

In response, Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets, though Indian officials have yet to confirm any such losses.

The incident marks a dangerous escalation in a region with a long and volatile history, raising fresh concerns about stability and the risk of broader conflict.

By Muhammad Abubakar

In a controversial move, the Trump administration has announced a new policy offering $1,000 to undocumented migrants who voluntarily leave the United States. The initiative, branded as a “self-deportation incentive,” is part of broader efforts by the administration to reduce the number of migrants residing illegally in the country.

According to Department of Homeland Security officials, the program aims to ease pressure on immigration detention centres and reduce deportation costs. Eligible migrants must meet certain criteria, including passing background checks and agreeing to leave the country within a set timeframe.

Critics have called the policy coercive and dehumanising, arguing that it targets vulnerable populations who may feel forced to leave under economic pressure. Supporters, however, defend the measure as a cost-effective and voluntary alternative to formal deportation proceedings.

The offer has sparked fresh debate on immigration policy as the administration continues to advocate for tighter border controls and enforcement.

It remains unclear how many migrants will take up the offer or how the program will be monitored in practice.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

An Illinois man has been sentenced to 53 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of a six-year-old Palestinian-American boy in what prosecutors described as a hate-motivated attack.

Joseph Czuba, 71, was convicted earlier this year of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and aggravated battery after he attacked Wadea Al-Fayoume and the boy’s mother, Hanaan Shahin, at their home in Plainfield Township in October 2023. Authorities said Czuba targeted the victims because of their Muslim faith and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

During sentencing on Friday, the judge described the act as “brutal and senseless,” emphasising the need for justice and deterrence in cases driven by hate.

Wadea, who had recently celebrated his sixth birthday, was stabbed 26 times. His mother, who survived the attack, suffered multiple stab wounds and continues to recover.

The case drew national attention and widespread condemnation, with civil rights groups calling for greater protection of Muslim and Arab-American communities amid rising tensions.

Czuba showed no remorse during the hearing. His attorneys said they plan to appeal the conviction.

By Saifullahi Attahir

Although not an expert in global health, the future for Nigeria’s healthcare intervention looks bleak.

Over the decades, we have become overly dependent on foreign aid in managing HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Maternal mortality, and malnutrition. Looking at it critically, it seems only a few medical conditions are not supported by foreign aid. 

Of course, it’s true that these medications would cost a huge chunk of our budget if left to be funded domestically.

As someone who works and mingles in the lower ranks, I have witnessed many sorrowful occurrences;Nigerians and even healthcare professionals do not contribute to improving the situation every day. 

The gross mismanagement, working solely for the sake of remuneration, and how locals can manipulate thingsto ensure that funding for the Polio and measles vaccine campaign keeps coming is abominable. 

Local community health workers eagerly take what little support is available for the poor victims. I have witnessed dozens of people only interested in switching to public health positions to work with NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations). Everyone rushes toward the available funding for nurses, doctors, anatomists,  scientists, etc.. 

This is apart from an article I read in 2016 by the legendary Sonala Olumhense about the 2010 report by the Global Fund about crude mismanagement of the fund by several Nigerian agencies regarding the money allocated to fight HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria.

Ideally, foreign funding should not be eternal; the country must find a way to sustain the programs.

 Public health is well-versed in public-private partnerships (PPPS) and the design of each primary healthcare program so that locals can sustain it. Since day one, this has raised the issue of affordability, which the US should have taught Nigerians how to develop drugs locally at a cheaper rate, so as not to depend on their markets and pharmaceutical companies.

President Trump has already come, and we should expect and prepare for more shocks rather than continual crying out. This should serve as a wake-up call for our policymakers and the President to find a way out.

It’s unlikely the USAID funding would be reversed. We should have prepared for the rainy days ahead.

Saifullahi Attahir, a 400l Medical student of  Federal University Dutse, wrote via saifullahiattahir93@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Abubakar 

President Donald Trump has stirred controversy once again after publishing a digitally altered portrait of himself dressed as the Pope on his social media platform, Truth Social. The image, which depicts Trump in papal robes and regalia, quickly drew widespread attention and sparked debate online.

This unusual post follows Trump’s previous tongue-in-cheek remark in which he joked about becoming the next head of the Roman Catholic Church after Pope Francis. While many of his supporters saw the post as humorous and bold, critics accused the former president of disrespecting religious traditions.

The Vatican has not officially commented on the image or Trump’s earlier remarks.

Trump, known for his provocative and unconventional use of social media, continues to dominate headlines since his return to the White House for the second time.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Acclaimed British documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux returns to the screen with his latest project, The Settlers, an in-depth look at the controversial and deeply divisive issue of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Premiering this week on BBC Two, The Settlers offers viewers unprecedented access to life inside some of the most ideologically driven and politically sensitive Israeli settlements.

Known for his immersive style, Theroux embeds himself in communities where religious conviction and nationalist sentiment run high, engaging with settlers, Palestinians, and human rights activists alike.

The documentary explores the motivations behind the settlers’ presence in the region, the tensions it creates with Palestinian residents, and the broader implications for peace in the Middle East.

Theroux approaches the subject with his signature calm and probing demeanour, seeking to understand rather than judge, even as he confronts conflicting worldviews and stark realities on the ground.

Critics have praised the documentary for its nuanced storytelling and bold exploration of one of the most intractable issues in modern geopolitics.

As Theroux notes in the film, “What’s striking is not just the conflict, but the normalization of it — the way people live their daily lives in a place most of the world sees as a flashpoint.”

The Settlers is currently available on BBC iPlayer and will be broadcast internationally in the coming months.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has called on Hamas to release all remaining hostages and relinquish control of the Gaza Strip, in a rare and direct rebuke of the group.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Abbas said that Hamas’s actions had not only deepened the suffering of Palestinians but also provided Israel with “excuses to commit its crimes.”

“Hamas must take responsibility for its decisions and the consequences they have brought upon our people,” Abbas said. “They must release all hostages and step aside to allow for national unity and reconstruction.”

The statement comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza and heightened international pressure to reach a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis. Abbas’s remarks reflect growing tensions between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007.

There was no immediate response from Hamas to the comments.