The Nation Newspaper

Category: Foreign

  • Trump lands in Saudi Arabia for first multi-day trip of second term

    Trump lands in Saudi Arabia for first multi-day trip of second term

    U.S. President Donald Trump had arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday for his first multi-day foreign trip since he returned to the White House earlier this year.

    Trump was received at King Khalid International Airport by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, seen as Saudi Arabia’s de-facto ruler.

    Riyadh is the first leg of Trump’s Gulf tour, ahead of visits to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

    The trip s expected to focus on economic deals, the war in Gaza and Iran’s nuclear programme.

    Trump is scheduled to attend a Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum on Tuesday before a summit with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain on Wednesday.

    His talks in Riyadh could lead to an anticipated agreement on civilian nuclear technology with Saudi Arabia.

    The kingdom has already announced it will invest 600 billion dollars in the United States in the coming years.

    Trump said he will be asking the crown prince to increase that to around one trillion dollars.

    Saudi Arabia was the destination for Trump’s first trip abroad as president in 2017 during his first term in office, after the oil-rich country announced 450 billion dollars in investments in the U.S.

    Read Also: Trump congratulates first U.S. Pope

    The stop in Riyadh marked Trump’s first official trip abroad since taking office again in January, although he did made a short visit to Rome last month for Pope Francis’ funeral.

    Trump’s visit to Doha this week could be overshadowed by reports that he is set to accept a luxury Boeing aircraft as a gift from Qatar’s royal family.

    The president has also suggested he could fly to Turkey on Thursday to join a possible meeting between Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky.

    (dpa/NAN)

  • UK ends social care recruitment

    UK ends social care recruitment

    The United Kingdom has made a widespread immigration changes across various sectors.

    A white paper released yesterday by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration, the extensive 82-page document marks a sharp policy shift aimed at reducing immigration and reshaping the UK’s border control strategy.

    In a news briefing, Starmer emphasised that the plan is designed to “regain control of our borders,” blaming the previous Conservative government for a surge in immigration levels.

    “This plan will reduce migration — that’s a promise,” he stated. “If additional action is needed to ease pressure on housing and public services, we’ll take it. But this isn’t just about numbers.”

    The White Paper said the UK will halt international recruitment for social care roles, a route that previously enabled doctors, nurses, and adult care professionals to work with approved employers, such as the NHS.

    “In line with our wider reforms to skills thresholds, we will close social care visas to new applications from abroad,” the UK Home Office said on its website yesterday.

    “For a transition period until 2028, while the workforce strategy is being developed and rolled out, we will permit visa extensions and in-country switching for those already here. This will be kept under review,” it added.

    READ ALSO: Utomi’s search for vision of good society

    It said the measures would reshape Britain’s immigration system towards “those who contribute most to economic growth, with higher skills standards for graduates and workers”.

    It explained that new requirements on employers to boost domestic training would end the reliance on international recruitment, restoring order to a “failed system” that saw net migration quadruple between 2019 and 2023.

    Key policies in the 82-page blueprint, titled ‘Restoring Control over the Immigration System,’ include reversing the long-term trend of increasing international recruitment at the expense of skills and training.

    It also includes the establishment of the labour market evidence group to make informed decisions about the state of the labour market and the role that different policies should play, rather than always relying on migration, and the engagement of sector bodies by departments across government.

    This change aligns with broader reforms to raise the skill threshold for migrants.

    Those already in the UK on social care visas may extend or switch their status until 2028, during a transitional period as a domestic workforce strategy is developed.

    Migrants will now need to live in the UK for 10 years — double the previous five — before becoming eligible for permanent residency.

    This change is intended to ensure only individuals making significant economic contributions remain.

    Also, the post-graduation stay period for international students will be cut from five years to just 18 months.

    In a final statement, Starmer warned that without robust immigration controls, the UK could become “an island of strangers” rather than a united nation.

  • Dean Kim celebrates two decades of business adventure

    Dean Kim celebrates two decades of business adventure

    Dean Jung Min Kim, a Korean-American entrepreneur and technology executive has celebrated two decades of being in business.

    Kim who is the founder of FacilPay has also contributed to Web3 infrastructure initiatives such as Chain Imperium, and previously led Artemis Vision, a digital marketplace for musicians and creators. Kim’s work focuses on expanding global access to blockchain-based financial services through simplified, people-first user interfaces.

    He began his professional career in the telecommunications industry, where he was involved in the wholesale distribution of products from brands such as Apple and Samsung. He held consulting and leadership positions at major mobile carriers, including Sprint, T-Mobile, and Boost Mobile. During this period, he managed wireless deployment programs, national retail operations, and strategic partnerships—contributing to the widespread adoption of consumer technology across North America.

    In the early 2020s, Kim entered the Web3 sector as the founder of Artemis Vision, a platform that enabled artists to mint and sell digital assets as NFTs. Though the project is no longer active, it marked his early involvement in decentralized creator economies. The project would also serve as the platform which practically introduced Kim to many peers across the web3 industry, many of whom he works with till this day.

    He later launched Chain Imperium, a venture studio and strategic advisory group focused on blockchain infrastructure, NFT utilities, and guiding traditional enterprises in their transition to decentralized systems. The firm emphasized cross-functional consulting in areas such as DeFi, DAO governance frameworks, and tokenized ecosystems.

    Early in 2024, Kim founded FacilPay, a crypto-native messaging and payments platform designed around intent-centric architecture.

    While chasing his entrepreneurial dreams, Kim bagged a fintech certification from The George Washington University, where he focused on financial technology applications, blockchain strategy, and digital asset compliance frameworks. He currently resides in the United States from where he oversees business operations in Miami, Florida, and Mexico. He is an advocate for open financial systems, decentralized applications, and the creation of user-centric crypto solutions that prioritize accessibility and real-world impact.

  • Nigerians in UK protest, petition UK Home Office, High Commission to deport Kyari

    Nigerians in UK protest, petition UK Home Office, High Commission to deport Kyari

    Some Nigerians in the United Kingdom on Monday, May 12, 2025, staged a protest at the Nigerian High Commission and the UK Home Office, demanding the deportation of former NNPCL boss Mele Kyari to face a corruption investigation.

    The demonstrators, operating under the banner of Rescue Nigeria Now, submitted formal petitions to both institutions, accusing Kyari of fleeing Nigeria to evade accountability for alleged financial misconduct during his tenure at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited from 2019 to 2025.

    Carrying placards with messages such as “Withdraw Mele Kyari’s residency now!”, “Mele Kyari go home and face EFCC now!”, and “London is not for public officials who abused public trust,” the protesters urged British authorities to take immediate action.

    In the letter addressed to the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, the group said: 

    “Your Excellency, this letter is not merely a petition—it is a demand— A moral, civic, and nationalistic demand. We, therefore, demand in the strongest terms that the Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom refrains from according him any form of official reception, recognition, or diplomatic courtesy until he returns to Nigeria to submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant investigative bodies for the myriad allegations that trail his tenure.”

    Read Also: UK announces end to overseas social care recruitment 

    “We are aware that Mr. Kyari is currently residing in the United Kingdom, a development he carefully orchestrated to evade facing justice in Nigeria for numerous acts of corruption and shady dealings that took place during his tenure,” they alleged.

    The coalition called upon the UK authorities to act in accordance with international anti-corruption agreements.

    “The United Kingdom and Nigeria have established reciprocal treaties and agreements to curtail their citizens from willfully engaging in corruption and other criminal activities. This relationship is intended to ensure that justice is served and that fugitive criminals do not find safe havens in foreign countries”, it added.

  • New pope: How white smoke created confusion before final announcement

    New pope: How white smoke created confusion before final announcement

    White smoke appeared to billow from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel yesterday afternoon – despite cardinals failing twice to reach a verdict on the new pontiff.

    It was a sign that drew faithful into St. Peter’s Square with people leaving their offices and places of business.

    Shortly before, however, black smoke was seen, confirming that no cardinal has won a two-thirds majority of their colleagues so far.

    Hailing from 70 different countries, the 133-strong group of cardinals had gathered in the Vatican for the centuries-old ritual to elect the 267th pontiff following the death of Pope Francis last month.

    Wednesday night’s first round of voting prompted groans around the square after black smoke was seen rising from the chimney, indicating no result had been reached.

    Black smoke was also seen at 10.52am UK time yesterday morning, showing the second round had, equally, not yielded a result.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Nigeria, others not indebted to IMF

    But white smoke was seen shortly before the noon bells rung, prompting confusion among the crowds.

    There was a similar incident during the 1958 conclave, when white smoke initially emerged but then turned black. It would be a further two days before cardinals settled Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, who served as Pope John XXIII.

    With little to do while cardinals are voting, the attention of spectators yesterday evening turned to a seagull who perched itself on the chimney stack above the Sistine Chapel just before sunset.

    Silhouetted against the brilliant blue sky, and visible on several screens around sat Peter’s Square, the bird raised cheers and applause as it stayed there for several minutes surveying the scene before flying off.

    It echoed similar scenes at the previous Conclave in 2013, when a seagull also stole the show. Previous papal elections brought much more drama than birds being birds.

    As well as the attention the seagull attracted in 2013, that year’s proceedings also threatened to be disrupted by an impostor who was only rumbled when guards noticed his robes were too short and his fascia (sash) was pink rather than red.  He turned out to be child abuse protester Ralph Napierski, who was calling himself ‘Basilius’. He was swiftly detained and expelled.

    In 1655, a group of young cardinals bored by weeks of deadlock decided to lower themselves to the level of childish pranks. One dressed up as the Holy Ghost and surprised older colleagues with their costume in the dead of night.

    In 1623, a swarm of bees disrupted voting by heading towards Cardinal Maffeo Barberini. Fittingly, his family’s coat of arms included bees. Some of the voting cardinals saw this strange coincidence as a sign, and so Barberini was elected Pope Urban VIII.

    Eighteen years earlier, in 1605, the conclave descended into a fist fight which saw cardinals rip the lacy bits off their rochets.

    And whilst most modern conclaves have lasted just a matter of days, that was not the case for the process when it kicked off in 1268.

    Instead, cardinals choosing a successor to Clement IV spent nearly three years deciding. It marked the longest conclave in history.

    Locals in Viterbo, 50 miles north of Rome, grew so irritated by the epic proceedings that they restricted cardinals to a diet of bread and water and even removed the roof of the church.

    However, the crowds in St Peter’s Square eased considerably on Wednesday night, with many leaving after waiting hours in vain for the new pontiff to be declared.

    In recent history, the next leader of the Catholic Church has usually been elected within two or three days.

    The first two or three rounds of voting are generally seen as a ‘jockeying’ for position, and it is usually not until later rounds that a winner comes forward.

    Of the 252 living cardinals, 138 are under 80 and therefore eligible to vote in the conclave.

    Sixteen are based in North America, 54 in Europe, 24 in Asia, 4 in Central America, 18 in South America and 4 in Oceania.

    Chemicals are used colour the smoke and there is a stove with a fan that makes the smoke more visible.

    The stove is activated electronically but the Vatican says it has been tested and it is prepared for last-minute technical difficulties.

    ‘One of our expert technicians, locked in the conclave, will remain for the entire duration of the voting in a small technical room near the Sistine Chapel with the stove’s remote control,’ Silvio Screpanti, Vatican City’s deputy director of infrastructure, said in an interview ahead of the conclave.

    He or she will be “ready to intervene promptly if necessary, so that no unforeseen event hinders the famous and long-awaited white smoke”, he told the Vatican City State website. The ritual of the smoke is ancient. In 1274, at the Second Council of Lyons, Pope Gregory X, determined the procedure for holding a conclave and it continued from then on.

    There, he specified that the election would be done in isolation and with strict secrecy. For this reason, and to avoid any communication with the outside, the smoke signal was eventually adopted as part of the ritual.

    In ancient times, the method to give the smoke these colors was to burn the ballots used in the voting with a bit of wet straw so that it would come out black, or dry so as to obtain white smoke.

    In addition, a bell is rung, part of the ritual introduced when Pope Benedict XVI was elected, which confirms the smoke is white and a new pope has been elected.

    The announcement that a new pontiff has been elected was formulated in Latin, with the best known words being ‘habemus papam’.

    Despite the Vatican’s longstanding opposition to the idea of a pope from the U.S. because of the country’s superpower status and secular global influence, the moderate, Chicago-born Prevost is still one to watch.

    Created a cardinal by Francis in 2023, the former leader of the Augustinian order was also appointed by the late pope to the powerful Dicastery for Bishops, which oversees the selection of new bishops from around the world.

    Those senior roles, combined with the fact that he has significant missionary experience in Peru, having served as bishop of the northern city of Chiclayo, may go some way to redeeming him in the eyes of those who would not usually countenance the idea of an American pope.

  • Pope Leo XIV’s message of building global bridges

    Pope Leo XIV’s message of building global bridges

    “We walk together to build bridges,” declared Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, in his first address as the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, moments after white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney yesterday. His words, delivered fromzthe balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, signaled a papacy rooted in dialogue and reconciliation, a revolutionary choice that shattered centuries of precedent by electing the first American pope, writes NTAKOBONG OTONGARAN.

    The decision to elect Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Catholic leader, now Pope Leo XIV, made by the 133 cardinal electors in the 2025 conclave, defied longstanding geopolitical taboos against an American pontiff, given the United States’ status as a global superpower.

    Prevost’s election as a Chicago-born prelate with deep ties to Peru and a reputation for pastoral humility marks a bold new chapter for the Church’s 1.4 billion faithful.

    A revolutionary choice

    For centuries, the notion of an American pope was deemed unthinkable. The Vatican’s electors, wary of consolidating spiritual and geopolitical power in a single nation, consistently favored candidates from Europe, Latin America, or, in rare instances, other regions. “You couldn’t have a ‘superpower pope,’” wrote Vatican analyst Marco Politi, citing fears that an American pontiff might be perceived as beholden to U.S. interests.

    Yet, in Prevost, the College of Cardinals saw a figure who “transcends borders,” as The New York Times noted, a polyglot with dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship whose career has been defined by service in Latin America and Rome rather than American politics.

    His election, announced after just two days of voting, reflects a seismic shift in the church’s global outlook. Prevost’s alignment with Pope Francis’s progressive reforms, particularly his emphasis on synodality—making the Church more inclusive and participatory—resonated with a conclave where non-European cardinals, including 20 from Asia and 18 from Africa, outnumbered their European counterparts for the first time.

    His supporters, including high-profile cardinals like Oscar Maradiaga, pitched him as a “dignified middle of the road,” capable of uniting a polarised church while continuing Francis’s legacy of outreach to the marginalised.

    The first speech: A call for dialogue

    Standing before a cheering crowd in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV’s first words set the tone for his papacy. “I thank my predecessor, Pope Francis, whose heart for the poor and vision for a synodal Church have guided us,” he said, his voice steady yet humble. “I thank the College of Cardinals for their trust in choosing me, a simple servant, as the successor to Peter.”

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    Pausing as the crowd roared, he continued, “In a world divided, we are called to dialogue. We walk together to build bridges—bridges of mercy, justice, and understanding.”

    Though the full text of his speech was brief, its core message echoed his lifelong commitment to pastoral closeness. “The Church is not a fortress but a field hospital,” he declared, invoking Francis’s metaphor. “We must meet people where they are, not as princes but as companions in suffering and hope.”

    His emphasis on dialogue addressed both global challenges—migration, climate change, and interreligious tensions—and internal Church divisions over issues like women’s roles and blessings for same-sex couples.

    A rich biography: From Chicago to the Vatican

    Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago’s south suburbs, Robert Francis Prevost grew up in a devout Catholic family at St. Mary of the Assumption parish, straddling the Chicago-Dolton line.

    His mother, Mildred Martínez, of Spanish descent, was a librarian known for her culinary hospitality, while his father, Louis, a French-Italian educator, served as a catechist.

    Young Robert, an altar boy and parish school student, felt an early call to the priesthood, inspired by the steady stream of clergy who visited his home.

    Prevost’s academic journey was rigorous. He earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Villanova University in 1977, a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago in 1982, and a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome in 1987, with a thesis on Augustinian leadership. Joining the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977, he took solemn vows in 1981 and was ordained a priest in 1982 by Archbishop Jean Jadot in Rome.

    His early career took him to Peru, where he served as a missionary, parish pastor, seminary teacher, and diocesan official from 1985 to 1986 and 1988 to 1998.

    In Trujillo, he headed an Augustinian seminary, taught canon law, and led a congregation on the city’s outskirts. His fluency in Spanish and immersion in Peruvian culture earned him citizenship, softening perceptions of his American identity.

    In 1998, he returned to the U.S. as provincial of the Augustinian Province of Chicago, and from 2001 to 2013, he served as prior general of the worldwide Augustinian order, a role that honed his global leadership.

    Pope Francis appointed Prevost apostolic administrator of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2014, and bishop in 2015. His work with the poor and marginalized mirrored Francis’s priorities, though allegations of mishandling clergy abuse cases in Chiclayo in 2022 and Chicago in 2000 have drawn criticism from survivors’ advocates.

    The Diocese of Chiclayo maintained that Prevost followed canonical norms, and some cardinals dismissed the accusations as weaponized by ideological foes. In 2020, he joined the Congregation for Bishops, and in 2023, Francis named him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a powerful role overseeing global bishop appointments.

    Elevated to cardinal in 2023 and cardinal-bishop in 2025, Prevost’s Vatican prominence made him a natural papabile.

    Pope Leo’s views

    Many have said he is similar to Pope Francis in his views.

    He has criticised both Donald Trump and JD Vance, and according to CBS News, he is “seen overall as a centrist, on some key social issues he’s viewed as progressive”.

    They added: “He has long embraced marginalised groups, a lot like Francis, who championed migrants and the poor.”

    The New York Times said he was praised for his efforts to support Venezuelan immigrants during his time in Peru.

    A papacy of bridges

    Prevost’s election as Pope Leo XIV—named for the 13th-century Augustinian pope or perhaps Leo XIII, author of Rerum Novarum—signals a Church poised to balance tradition and reform.

    His moderate stance, blending doctrinal fidelity with pastoral openness, positions him to address contentious issues like women’s ordination, which he opposes, and inclusivity for LGBTQ+ Catholics, where he has shown cautious support for non-liturgical blessings. His Augustinian spirituality, rooted in community and humility, and his Peruvian experience ground his vision of a Church that “proclaims Jesus Christ” while engaging the world’s complexities. “We walk together to build bridges,” he reiterated, closing his address. “Let us be a Church that listens, that heals, that loves.”

    As the first American pope, Leo XIV carries the weight of history and the hope of a fractured world. His papacy, born in a moment of audacious change, promises to redefine the Vatican’s role on the global stage.

  • World leaders hail Pope Leo XIV

    World leaders hail Pope Leo XIV

    World leaders yesterday greeted Pope Leo XIV on his election as the 267th Pontiff.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, United States President Donald Trump and others expressed hope that the Pope’s tenure will usher in peace in the world.

    On Day 2 inside the Sistine Chapel and during the second round of voting the 133 cardinal electors settled for the 69-year-old American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who picked the tittle Leo XIV.

    President Tinubu described his ascension as a beacon of reassurance drawn from scripture, he expressed confidence that the new Pope would inspire a more peaceful and united world.

    The President also reflected on the long-standing and fruitful relationship between Nigeria and the Holy See, highlighting the Catholic Church’s vital role in peace building, education, healthcare delivery, infrastructure development, and, in recent times, the promotion of technology as a tool for human advancement.

    President Tinubu noted that the election of Pope Leo XIV “opens a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church and the values of love, humanity and charity, particularly to the underprivileged, that it has consistently projected.”

    United States President Donald Trump saying he “look forward to meeting” Pope Leo in a post on his Truth Social platform.

    Read Also: Why I will not step down over Natasha’s sexual allegations, by Akpabio

    Trump wrote: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honour to realise that he is the first American Pope.

    “What excitement, and what a Great Honour for our country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”

    Also, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Pope Leo’s appointment with a plea for continued support from the Vatican.

    In a post on X Zelensky wrote: ‘Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election to the See of Saint Peter and the beginning of his pontificate.

    “Ukraine deeply values the Holy See’s consistent position in upholding international law, condemning the Russian Federation’s military aggression against Ukraine, and protecting the rights of innocent civilians.”

    Colombian President Gustavo Petro said: “I hope he becomes a great leader for migrant peoples around the world, and I hope he encourages our Latin American migrant brothers and sisters, humiliated today in the United States. It’s time for them to organize.”

    Also, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, whose country had a frosty relationship with late pope Francis, noted:  “We look forward to enhancing the relationship between Israel and the Holy See, and strengthening the friendship between Jews and Christians in the Holy Land and around the world. May your papacy be one of building bridges and understanding between all faiths and peoples.”

    Russian President Vladimir Putin said: “I am confident that the constructive dialogue and cooperation established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of the Christian values that unite us.”

    “Through your role, you provide hope and guidance to millions of believers around the world in these challenging times,” said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

    Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: “May his pontificate contributes to strengthening dialogue and the defence of human rights in a world that needs hope and unity.”

    Poland gave assurance of the readiness of the Republic of Poland to further strengthen the unique bonds between the Vatican and the country – “in the name of shared values, responsibility for the common good and the strengthening of peace in the world, said Polish President Andrzej Duda, a conservative Catholic.

    European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen asserted: “We wish that his pontificate be guided by wisdom and strength, as he leads the Catholic community and inspires the world through his commitment to peace and dialogue.”

    How he was elected

    Pope Leo’s appointment was revealed just after 5pm yesterday when white smoke was seen rising from the Sistine Chapel, confirming the news to the world.

    Pope Leo XIV succeeds Francis, who died on Easter Monday.

    The conclave that elected him was one of the shortest in recent history, ending after just two days and requiring a two-thirds majority from 133 cardinal electors.

    The announcement was made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where Cardinal Dominique Mamberti declared “Habemus Papam” to the cheering crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

    Chants of ‘Leon, Leon’ ran through the crowds who had gathered in St Peter’s Square, with some appearing to be shocked, mouthing “An American?”

    The new leader

    Born in 1955, Cardinal Prevost has lived in Peru for a number of years and was made an archbishop in the South American country.

    He has extensive experience in Peru, first as a missionary and then as an archbishop.

    He speaks a number of languages and is considered similar to Pope Francis in viewpoints, and was chosen by Pope Francis to replace Marc Ouellet as prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops two years ago.

    Pope Francis sent him to run the diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2014, a position he held until 2023, when Francis brought him to Rome for his current role.

    Cardinal Prevost is also president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, a job that keeps him in regular contact with the Catholic hierarchy in the part of the world that still counts the most Catholics.

    The previous Pope Leo XIII was pope from 1878 to his death in 1903.

    The new papal name Pope Leo “unsurprisingly shows a Pope who is going to be strong during a time of crisis, historically, Catholic priest and blogger Ed Tomlinson told The Independent.

    Pope’s first statement

    In his first words, Pope Leo said ‘Peace be with you’, offering a message of peace and dialogue “without fear” The pontiff recalled he was an Augustinian priest, but that he was above all, a Christian above all and a bishop, ‘So we can all walk together.’

    He spoke in Italian and then switched to Spanish, recalling his many years spent as a missionary and then archbishop of Chiclayo, Peru.

    From a contender to an elected leader

    Cardinal Prevost’s emerged in recent days as a contender, which was a surprise as normally cardinals steer away from those that come from a “superpower”.

    The tennis loving cardinal – who is also known as Father Bob – is seen as the “least American of the Americans” and is seen as a silent reformer who would carry on the work of Pope Francis.

    He was a popular choice with the Latin American and North American cardinals, although he has kept his views on topics such as women clergy and same sex unions noticeably quiet.

    Chants of ‘Abbiamo Papa, ole, ole, ole’ and ‘Viva il Papa’ could be heard from the thousands that had rushed towards the square and the flags of dozens of countries were being waved in front of stunningly sunlit St Peter’s Basilica.

    Older cardinals who didn’t participate in the conclave rushed out to the square and lined up as military bands played the Italian and Holy See national anthems.

    A marching brass band in blue uniforms led a contingent of Swiss guards through the crowd to a central spot below the balcony, generating another huge roar from the crowd.

    The Pontifical Swiss Guard is the official security force of the Vatican, and holds a ceremonial and a protective function.

    Hailing from 70 different countries, the 133-strong group of cardinals gathered in the Vatican for the centuries-old ritual to elect the 267th pontiff following the death of Pope Francis last month.

  • UK to support de-escalation as India-Pakistan exchange fire

    UK to support de-escalation as India-Pakistan exchange fire

    The UK is ready to support India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions following an exchange of fire over Kashmir, a Cabinet minister has said.

    Officials said at least 19 people have been killed and 38 wounded after India fired missiles across the border into Pakistani-controlled territory in at least six locations overnight.

    Pakistani forces were reported to have shelled Indian-controlled Kashmir.

    The escalation in the conflict between the two nuclear-armed powers follows last month’s massacre of tourists in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir.

    New Delhi has blamed Pakistan for the attack, which killed 22 people, but Islamabad has denied responsibility.

    On Wednesday, Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said his Cabinet colleague David Lammy had reached out to both nations in an effort to avoid further escalation, as U.S. and European figures.

    Reynolds told the BBC the situation in Kashmir was “hugely worrying, our message will be that we are a friend, a partner to both countries.

    “We stand ready to support both countries.

    “Both have a huge interest in regional stability, in dialogue, in de-escalation and anything we can do to support that, we are here and willing to do.”

    Meanwhile, the Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for the region, warning against all travel within 10 kilometres of the India-Pakistan border, 10 miles of the Line of Control.

    The de facto border divided disputed Kashmir between the two countries and the Balochistan province of Pakistan.

    Pakistan had also closed its airspace, with the Foreign Office advising affected Britons to contact their airline for further information.

    Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney and Labour MP Stella Creasy said they were deeply concerned by the escalation in violence while former Conservative minister Tariq Ahmad warned the “potential for war tonight is real.”

    Pakistani officials said the strikes hit at least two sites previously tied to banned militant groups.

    One hit the Subhan Mosque in the city of Bahawalpur in Punjab, killing 13 people including a child, according to Zohaib Ahmed, a doctor at a nearby hospital.

    The missiles hit six locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and in the country’s eastern Punjab province, said Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif.

    The Indian army said seven civilians were killed and 30 wounded in Poonch district when Pakistani troops “resorted to arbitrary firing,” including gunfire and artillery shelling, across the Line of Control and their international border.

    “It said it was responding in a proportionate manner.”

    Shortly after India’s strikes, aircraft fell in two villages in India-controlled Kashmir.

    State-run Pakistan Television, quoting security officials, said the country’s air force shot down five Indian jets in retaliation but provided no additional detail.

    There was no immediate comment from India about Pakistan’s claim.

    Pakistan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said Indian forces had launched the strikes from inside Indian airspace.

    UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement late on Tuesday that secretary-general Antonio Guterres called for maximum military restraint from both countries.

    “The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan,” the statement read.

    (dpa/NAN)

  • ‘Why emotional intelligence matters at sites’

    ‘Why emotional intelligence matters at sites’

    A construction project management professional, who is also a graduate researcher at The Catholic University of America Washington DC, Adepeju Sanusi, has revealed the reason emotional intelligence (EI) is important at construction sites.

    She said today’s fast-paced and multicultural construction industry was not just about steel, concrete and blueprints that made projects successful, adding that the role EI played at construction sites could not be overemphasised.

    Sanusi lamented that although EI was powerful to construction, some site engineers and project managers often overlooked it.

    She said: “Emotional Intelligence is the ability to understand, manage and respond to emotions. EI isn’t just a buzzword from business books. It comprises real, measurable competencies like self-awareness, empathy, self-regulation and social skills.

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    “When construction professionals master these skills, they become better communicators, leaders and collaborators. Take communication for example, a project team that practises emotional awareness is better at recognising nonverbal cues, listening actively and adjusting their approach across cultural lines.

    “It’s not about being soft, it’s about being smart. Teams with high El are better equipped to manage conflict, build trust and meet project deadlines under pressure. Research shows emotionally-intelligent managers are more likely to foster inclusive environments, resolve disputes and unite teams in stress environments.”

    “These soft skills lead to hard results on job site where delay and budget overruns can cost millions. Still, El is not often emphasised in task-driven industries such as construction. Many believe efficiency, not empathy, drives outcomes. However, ignoring team dynamics’ emotional and cultural dimensions is a mistake.’’  

  • Michelle Jay Consulting hosts landmark workshop to help Nigerians migrate to U.S. via EB green card route

    Michelle Jay Consulting hosts landmark workshop to help Nigerians migrate to U.S. via EB green card route

    Michelle Jay Consulting (MJC), a leading name in migration and visa advisory in Nigeria, is organising a pioneering workshop aimed at equipping Nigerian professionals with the tools and knowledge to legally migrate to the United States through the prestigious Employment-Based (EB) Green Card program.

    The exclusive event will take place at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja on May 20, 2025, and at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, on June 4, 2025.

    It will unveil a lesser-known legal migration route to the U.S. that has been widely utilised in countries like India and China but remains largely untapped in Africa.

    Since its establishment in 2010, MJC has built a solid reputation with operational offices in Lagos and Abuja and a track record of helping thousands of Nigerians successfully migrate to destinations like the U.S., U.K., Ireland, and Canada.

    In partnership with U.S.-based JMDL Consulting, MJC is introducing Nigeria’s skilled workforce to the EB1 and EB2 Green Card categories.

    Unlike lottery-based visa programs, the EB Green Card does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship.

    It targets professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree in a specialised field, placing strong emphasis on work experience and professional impact.

    The visa is a direct path to U.S. permanent residency and is processed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It has an application fee of $1,050 and an estimated processing time of 3 to 18 months.

    MJC boasts an impressive 98% success rate in EB visa processing, a testament to its strict eligibility screening and in-depth guidance.

    “This is an opportunity to take control of your professional future,” said an MJC event coordinator. “The U.S. is actively welcoming skilled professionals who can make long-term contributions, and this workshop is designed to position Nigerians for that opportunity.”

    MJC’s lead visa advisor, Precious Nowamagbe, highlighted the firm’s end-to-end service model and commitment to client success.

    She noted that visa consultants will assess participants and answer questions on-site.

    Though primarily in-person, some expert presenters will join live from the U.S. to provide real-time insights.

    Read Also: UK opens new visa application centres in Enugu, Port Harcourt

    Participants will receive expert advice from U.S. immigration lawyers and visa professionals on eligibility assessment, document preparation, and application processes.

    The event will also demystify a key USCIS policy: only 7% of the 224,000 EB visas issued annually are reserved per country.

    With Nigeria often underrepresented, unused slots are redirected to more informed countries like India and China. This workshop aims to change that dynamic.

    Attendees will review real application cases, timelines, and success stories. Importantly, the workshop is open to everyone, whether or not they choose to use MJC’s services, with resources provided for independent filing.

    As the U.S. tightens its stance on illegal migration while prioritising skilled, legal entrants, MJC’s initiative offers Nigerian professionals a timely and practical pathway to permanent residency in the world’s largest economy.

    Reservations are mandatory. For more information, visit www.mjcservice.com or search for the event on Eventbrite.

    This offers a rare chance to access expert-led, proven guidance on a pathway to permanent life and work in the United States.