Confident Flying Eagles Target Win in Under 20 AFCON Opener

Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu is excited that his boys are riding on an immense psychological wavelength ahead of Nigeria's Under 20 AFCON opener on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

Buoyed by a 2-1 friendly win over hosts Egypt recently, the Nigerian team will play their Tunisian opponents in the opening Group C tie at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.

“That result has provided a good impetus for us as we prepare to face the Tunisians – another North African opposition. You need a result like that when preparing for a competition like this. It does not mean that we will rest on our oars; it only serves to give us much-needed confidence and ginger us to face our challenges better," Zubairu pointed out.

“We will go for the maximum points against the Tunisians and then take it one step at a time as we forge ahead.”

After Thursday’s battle with Tunisia's Junior Carthage Eagles, the seven-time African champions Nigeria will be up against 1997 hosts and winners Morocco, also at the 30 June Stadium, before wrapping up their group campaign against Kenya.

Forty years ago, the boys from Carthage were the victims as the Flying Eagles won the second of their seven African titles, in the era when the winner was decided over two legs. 

Two years ago, the Carthage Eagles again bowed to the Eagles 0-4 in the third-place match of the U20 AFCON, also hosted by Egypt. 

Kparobo Arierhi, who scored three goals at the WAFU B U20 Qualifying Championship and netted the first goal in the Egyptian friendly on Tuesday, Germany-based Precious Benjamin and home-boys Clinton Jephta and Divine Oliseh are the key foremen that Zubairu will be hoping to deliver against each and every opposition.  

However the West Africans understand that they must take it one match at a time as they aspire for glory, with Cup holders Senegal (who head Group C), hosts Egypt (who head Group A), and four-time winners Ghana (in Group C) also in the hunt for honors.

Four-time champions Egypt (winners in 1981, 1991, 2003, and 2013) already pocketed three points from their opening match against South Africa on Sunday, while Zambia and Sierra Leone fought themselves to a scoreless draw.

Ghana have their work cut out in Group C, where they must negotiate survival with title-holders Senegal, a Central African Republic side that eliminated Cameroon, and the nifty Democratic Republic of Congo.

All four semi-finalists at the tournament will qualify to fly Africa’s flag at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, 27th September – 19th October.

24 FLYING EAGLES AT EGYPT 2025:

Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC); Soliu Ajia Yakub (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia)

Defenders: Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Emmanuel Chukwu (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Chigozie Michael Ihejiofor (Katsina United)

Midfielders: Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Uljanik Pula, Croatia); Israel Isaac Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia); Simon Cletus (Mavlon FC); Sulaiman Alabi Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors); Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United); Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists)

Forwards: Precious Benjamin (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Ezekiel Anthony Kpangu (Inspire FC); Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy); Clinton Jephta (Enyimba FC); Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC); Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC); Theophilus Mendos Rickson (Niger Tornadoes); Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway); Matthew Kingsley (Kings FC); Yushau Armiyau (Katsina United)

GROUP A: Egypt, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Tanzania

GROUP B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya

GROUP C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana

Story by Kelechi Bernard @woramangra

News: My "apology" to Distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio - Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan

 

The embattled Senator Natasha  Akpoti Uduaghan has tendered an apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio having accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.

The letter reads:

From the Desk of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan

Dear Distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

It is with the deepest sarcasm and utmost theatrical regret that I tender this apology for the grievous crime of possessing dignity and self-respect in your most exalted presence.

Natasha said, "I have reflected extensively on my unforgivable failure to recognize that legislative success in certain quarters is not earned through merit, but through the ancient art of compliance — of the very personal kind.

How remiss of me not to understand that my refusal to indulge your… “requests” was not merely a personal choice, but a constitutional violation of the unwritten laws of certain men’s entitlement. 

Truly, I must apologize for prioritizing competence over capitulation, vision over vanity, and the people’s mandate over private dinners behind closed doors.

She says, "I now realize the catastrophic consequences of my actions: legislation delayed, tempers flared, and the tragic bruising of egos so large they require their postcodes. 

For this disruption to the natural order of “quid pro quo,” I bow my head in fictional shame.

Natasha continued, "Please find it in your magnanimous heart - somewhere buried deep beneath layers of entitlement - to forgive this stubborn woman who mistakenly believed that her seat in the Senate was earned through elections, not erections".

I remain

Yours in eternal resistance,

Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan

Unafraid, Unbought, and Unbroken

LSG, SCI begins a 4-year immunization program to check Zero Doze in Lagos and Kano.

To ensure no child is left behind in Immunization exercises in Nigeria, Lagos State Accountability Mechanism (LASAM) for Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent, Health, and Nutrition, in collaboration with Save the Children International, SCI started a 4-year program that will check the number of zero-dose and under-immunized children in parts of Kano and Lagos States.

The program allows those with Zero Dose and Under-Immunised Children (BOOST Project) to participate because of its duration, which will run from  2024 to 2027.

Explaining in detail at a one-day engagement workshop organized by SCI in Lagos on Wednesday, Lagos State Project Manager and Advocacy Coordinator for BOOST, Dr. Itunu Dave-Agboola, noted that the project specifically targets zero-dose children who have never received any vaccine dose and under-immunized children who have not completed their immunization schedule.

She stated that the project would be engaging critical stakeholders during the years the project would be implemented in Lagos, assuring that the project will ensure that all children get immunized including those that have missed receiving a vaccine at a stage.

“ What zero-dose children, means is that, children who have never been vaccinated, they have never received one dose of any vaccine. Under-immunized children are children who did not complete the immunization schedule”. Itunu

She says, “Our focus is on reaching these vulnerable groups through targeted advocacy and collaboration,” Dave-Agboola said.

Dr. Dave-Agboola emphasized that the BOOST project in Lagos is not just about vaccines, but about sustainability. Key to this, she noted, is engaging advocacy partners like LASAM to help create an enabling environment through improved policies, funding, and human resources for immunization services.

For Nigeria, “Nigeria accounts for over 2.2 million zero-dose children in 2021, the second-highest globally, these experts say,  is a bad figure.

She promised to work with other relevant bodies and the media on the project. 

She urged media practitioners to always put on the front burner not just the activities around the project but educate the population about immunization as well as get government and private commit to immunization projects and programs.

Ketu Ejirin, Ojo General Hospitals commences Operations Soon.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has stated that ketu Ejinrin and Ojo  General Hospitals are part of some ongoing infrastructure projects to be inaugurated in the next six months.

Professor Akin Abayomi made this known while speaking on the stewardship of Lagos State Ministry of Health in the past one year during the 2025 Lagos State Ministerial Press Briefing at Alausa, Ikeja, area of Lagos.

The Commissioner who noted that Ojo General Hospital was conceived to reduce the burden on Igando and Iba general hospitals, said they understand the importance of ensuring it is ready on time.

According to him, In six months, this facility and others will be ready for public use. We recognise that the good people of Lagos State deserve only the best".

He disclosed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is committed to providing the best healthcare facilities for Lagosians. 

The Commissioner said that the government was enhancing its public health sector by building self-sufficient and energy-sustainable medical facilities and incorporating climate resilience into health infrastructure.

While stressing that the government was working on new, fit-for-purpose designs for comprehensive primary healthcare centres and general medical facilities across the state, he said that these include the 150-bed New Massey Children’s Hospital.

The commissioner added that the state was developing its Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP) to implement digital strategies aimed at enabling real-time data access to deliver quality healthcare services to citizens.

“We are building a synchronised system that will allow patients to access their medical records in all our general hospitals.

“The state is working according to a development plan that includes a mandatory health insurance policy and provision of universal health coverage,” he said.

Abayomi said that the state government had entered significant public-private partnerships and was set to perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the Lagos State Comprehensive Cancer Diagnostic Centre in May.

The commissioner emphasised that the government was addressing brain drain and promoting “brain gain” by upskilling its healthcare workers.

According to him, Lagos State currently has 7,000 doctors.

He, however, said that more medical professionals were needed in the state’s health sector.

“Currently, we have 7,000 doctors, but we need 34,000 more. One way we are addressing this is by increasing admissions into our colleges and the university of medicine.

“As we speak, the ministry, with a workforce of 18,000, has the largest workforce in the state. We will continue to invest in training to ensure residents have access to highly-qualified healthcare providers,” Abayomi said.

Dr Olukemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Health, affirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring that residents would continue to receive quality healthcare services.

 Akin Abayomi.

Turn Commitments to Action, WHO urges world leaders...as African Vaccination Week 2025 begins tomorrow

This African Vaccination Week celebrated from 24 to 30 April annually as part of World Immunization Week, we renew our collective commitment to achieving equitable access to lifesaving vaccines for every child, every community, and every country in the WHO African Region.

Acting World Health Organization, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, has said that Immunization is not only one of the most effective public health tools; it is a fundamental right, a shared responsibility, and a vital investment in the future.

He said that Vaccines have saved an estimated 154 million lives over the past 50 years, reducing infant mortality by 40% and protecting people from more than 30 deadly diseases.

According to him, In 2024, the global community celebrated 50 years of the Expanded Programme on Immunization and this milestone he noted is a reminder of the extraordinary progress made – and the work that remains. 

Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu said, Despite the advances, far too many people in our region still lack access to essential vaccines. One in five children in Africa remains under-vaccinated. In 2023 alone, 6.7 million children received no vaccines – so-called “zero-dose” children. Measles outbreaks persist, while vaccine-derived poliovirus continues to pose a threat". he stated 

"The theme for 2025, Immunization for all is humanly possible, is a powerful call to action. It affirms that, together, we can reach every last child, strengthen health systems, and restore and expand routine immunization services disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic". WHO explained 

This year, the message says, also marks the midway point of the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030), a global commitment to achieving equitable vaccine access by 2030. Now is the time to accelerate progress, expand coverage, and close immunity gaps.

According to the release, WHO and partners are working closely with countries to identify and reach zero-dose children, integrate immunization into primary health care, and build stronger, more resilient health systems. Initiatives like the Big Catch-Up are helping to restore essential services, while the introduction of new vaccines, such as those for malaria and human papillomavirus (HPV), is expanding our disease prevention arsenal.

It says that notable progress has also been made in the fight against vaccine-derived polio. Between 2023 and 2024, the African region recorded a 93% decline in circulating variant poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) cases, and a 65% reduction in cVDPV2. This shows that eradication is within reach – if we maintain momentum, especially in high-risk areas like the Lake Chad Basin and the Horn of Africa". - Ihekweazu

In February 2025, a high-level side event co-hosted by WHO, the African Union Commission, the Government of Sierra Leone, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF, reviewed progress since the 2017 Addis Declaration on Immunization. 

The meeting celebrated growing political commitment and system improvements, but also acknowledged challenges such as financing gaps, inequities, and weak data systems. It concluded with a strong call to action: to make immunization a top priority across Africa’s health and development agendas.

To sustain and build on this progress, I call on:

• Governments to increase domestic investment and secure sustainable immunization financing.

• Health systems to integrate vaccines into essential services and expand access.

• Communities to stand against misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.

• Global partners to continue supporting equitable vaccine access across Africa.

The WHO Regional Office for Africa remains steadfast in its support to countries and partners, working together to ensure that immunization for all is not just a goal, but a reality. Let us turn commitments into action. 

Vaccinated communities are healthy communities, and no one should be left behind.

UPDATE: Cardinals are set to meet on Tuesday to plan Pope Francis' funeral, which leaders from around the world will attend ahead of a conclave next month to elect a new head of the Roman Catholic Church.

 

Cardinals are set to meet on Tuesday to plan Pope Francis' funeral, which leaders from around the world will attend ahead of a conclave next month to elect a new head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Francis, 88, died unexpectedly on Monday after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest, the Vatican said, ending an often turbulent reign in which he repeatedly clashed with traditionalists and championed the poor and marginalised.

The Pontiff spent five weeks in hospital earlier this year for double pneumonia. But he returned to his Vatican home almost a month ago and seemed to be recovering, appearing in St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday.

His sudden death set in motion ancient rituals, as the 1.4-billion-member Church started the transition from one pope to another, including the breaking of the pope's "Fisherman's Ring" and lead seal so they cannot be used by anyone else.

We want to thank the Lord for the gifts he has given to the whole Church with the apostolic ministry of Pope Francis, a pilgrim of hope," said Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, who led prayers in St. Peter's Square on Monday evening.

All Cardinals currently in Rome have been invited to gather in the Vatican at 9 a.m (0700 GMT), where they were expected to make funeral plans.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who clashed repeatedly with the Pope about immigration, said he and his wife would fly to Rome for the event. Among other heads of state set to attend were Javier Milei, President of Francis' native Argentina, taking place sometime between Friday and Sunday.

 In a break from tradition, Francis confirmed in his final testament released on Monday that he wished to be buried in Rome's Basilica of Saint Mary Major and not St. Peter's Basilica.

The gathering of Cardinals will also review the day-to-day running of the Church in the period before a new pope is elected.

Reuters

As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, tributes have begun to pour in appreciation of his life and times.

First to pay tribute was the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, who said she was deeply saddened by his death.

She wrote: "I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering."

The UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was "deeply saddened" to learn of the pope's death, writing on X:

 "His tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy, he said, On behalf of the people of the United Kingdom, I share my sincerest condolences to the whole Catholic Church." 

In his post, he said he joined millions around the world grieving Pope Francis's death, going on to praise his leadership in "complex and challenging" times, saying it was "courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility".

Sir Keir wrote: "Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten. He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost the faith-fuelled hope of a better world.

"That hope was as the heart of his papacy. His determination to visibly live out his faith inspired people across the world to see afresh the church's teachings of mercy and charity.

"With his death, we are reminded once more of his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs."

A Former UK leader also paid tribute, including Tony Blair, who converted to Catholicism in 2007 after stepping down as prime minister.

Mr Blair wrote on X: "Pope Francis was an extraordinary and devoted servant of the Catholic Church, admired both within and beyond it for his humility, compassion and unwavering commitment to the Christian faith and the service of all humanity - Christian and non-Christian alike. Cherie and I are deeply saddened by his passing. May he rest in peace."

US vice president JD Vance, who briefly met with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, wrote on X: "I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him."

Sharing the text of the prayer Pope Francis delivered in March 2020, Mr Vance went on: "I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was very ill. But I'll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was quite beautiful."

Mr Vance concluded: "May God rest his soul."

And  Argentina's President Javier Milei wrote " Pope Francis was born and brought up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the son of Italian immigrants. "It is with profound sorrow that I learned this sad morning that Pope Francis, Jorge Bergoglio, passed away today and is now resting in peace."

"Despite differences that seem minor today, having been able to know him in his goodness and wisdom was a true honour for me."

And from the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy comes the message,  "He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians.

"We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support. Eternal memory!"

For the Russian President Mr Vladimir Putin: "Pope Francis enjoyed great international authority as a faithful servant of Christian teaching, a wise religious and statesman, and a consistent defender of the high values of humanism and justice.

"Throughout his pontificate, he actively promoted the development of dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as constructive interaction between Russia and the Holy See.

"I had the opportunity to communicate with this outstanding person on many occasions, and I will forever preserve the brightest memories of him."

Mr Putin also sent a message to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell offering his condolences.

 Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said of Pope Francis: "I love this pope. He is the best pope in my lifetime as far as I'm concerned."

Separately, he said: "A man of profound faith and humility, Pope Francis led not only with wisdom but with a heart open to all, especially the poor and the forgotten."

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared pictures of him embracing Pope Francis on X. He said he was "deeply pained" by his loss and offered his "heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community".

Mr Modi wrote: "Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world.

"From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope.

"I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development.

"His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God's embrace."

French President, Emmanuel Macron said,  "Throughout, his pontificate Pope Francis had always sided with the most vulnerable and the most fragile, and he did this with a lot of humility. In this time of war and brutality, he had a sense for the other, for the most fragile".

Also, Germany's Chancellor-in-Waiting Friedrich Merz noted, that Pope Francis would be remembered for his tireless commitment to society's weakest members.

He posted on X: "He was guided by humility and faith in God's mercy."

Israel's President Isaac Herzog wrote on his part described him as, "A man of deep faith and boundless compassion, he dedicated his life to uplifting the poor and calling for peace in a troubled world."

Referring to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, he added: "I truly hope that his prayers for peace in the Middle East and for the safe return of the hostages [in Gaza] will soon be answered."

Head of the Italian Bishops Conference (CEI) Cardinal Matteo Zuppi

Head of the Italian Bishops Conference (CEI) Cardinal Matteo Zuppi called the pope's death "a painful moment of great suffering for the entire Church".

In a statement, he asked all churches in Italy to ring their bells in a sign of mourning and for the moment of personal and communal prayer.

President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, was taken aback by news of Pope Francis's death, saying, "Oh my God. I am so shocked by this."

Speaking early on Monday morning, he went on: "Let us please ring the bells of our churches and call our people to prayer for the eternal repose of the Holy Father Pope Francis who passed on just about ten minutes ago."

And from King Charles in a statement from Buckingham Palace, the King hailed Pope Francis for touching "the lives of so many".

The King and Queen met the pontiff earlier this month, during a visit to Italy.

He said in the statement: "My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis."Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.

"His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others