NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Creative sector, second largest employer in the country -Speaker
Culture & Tourism

Creative sector, second largest employer in the country -Speaker

280 total views today

By Ikenna Osuoha
The Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, says the creative sector in Nigeria is the second largest employer of labour for citizens.

Abbas stated this in Abuja while declaring open public hearing on the bill for an Act to provide for Establishment of National Institute for Film and Media Technology, Ukawu, Ebonyi.

The Speaker, represented by Rep. Amos Magaji, representing Zangon Kataf/Jaba federal constituency, said the sector had the potential to create additional 2.7 million jobs.

“This indicates that the creative economy worldwide contributes over 6.1 per cent to global gross domestic product (GDP), averaging between 2 per cent and 7 per cent of national GDPs,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Bill was presented by Rep. Osi Nkemkamma, representing Ohanivo Federal Constituency, Ebonyi.

Abbas said the Bill was in line with their Legislative Agenda, re-affirming their commitment to reforming and modernising the technical education system to equip students with relevant skills to thrive in today’s economy.

He said that the skills would enable the students to contribute effectively to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Abbas reiterated the determination of the House to ensuring that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and renewable energy was mainstreamed into the curriculum of technical and vocational education in Nigeria.

He stressed the need for them not to fail the younger generation with required skills as he called for incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the training process.

“We must not be found wanting in the fulfillment of our commitments.

“We would have failed if we did not provide our children with the opportunities that they need to achieve their purposes and become fulfilled as human beings.

“The world is already running away with Artificial Intelligence.

“We cannot be left behind. Education is the bedrock of development, and the need for educational institutions that will develop the skills of our people ought to have been addressed yesterday.”

Also speaking, Rep. Fatoba Olusola, Chairman, House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values, reiterated the imperatives of investing on film and media sector.

Olusola said that the film and media sector had the capacity to take the youths out of the streets and boost the economy.

Different stakeholders from the information and Media industry were present at the public hearing including the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali M. Ali, who was represented by Deputy Editor in Chief Ismail Abdulaziz.

NAN reports that the bill provides for job-specific and practical training, utilising modern methods of skill development, align with industry best practices.

It also proposes the functions and powers, staff structure, and financial provisions that demonstrated a comprehensive approach to establishing a world-class institution.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Runsewe commends Ogun governor for honouring Odegbami
Sports

Runsewe commends Ogun governor for honouring Odegbami

203 total views today

By Victor Okoye

The President, Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Olusegun Runsewe, has commended Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, for honouring Segun Odegbami, as the Grand Ambassador of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Odegbami, a Nigerian football legend, was on Tuesday appointed by Abiodun, as the first-ever ‘Grand Sports Ambassador’ in the history of the state.

The role comes with a simple but challenging mandate – to supervise the evolution of a Sports Eco-system in Ogun, plus a Night-Economy during and beyond the upcoming 2025 Gateway Games.

“This is to actualise the vision of the government to put up (for the second time) the best and biggest multi-sports event in Africa (after the All-African Games).

“This will set new standards in harvesting the social, cultural and economic benefits that come with doing so,’’ he said.

Runsewe emphasised the significance of acknowledging and celebrating Nigerian sports heroes, both past and present.

He told NAN on Wednesday in Abuja that by appointing Odegbami as the Grand Ambassador, the governor had set a precedent for recognising national heroes while they were alive.

“I want to sincerely commend the governor for this initiative, which has indeed opened a new chapter in celebrating Nigeria’s sporting heroes, while they are still alive.

“Honouring sports heroes while they’re still alive allows them to appreciate the recognition and enables future generations to learn from their experiences.

“Celebrating sports achievements can foster a culture of excellence, driving sports development, inspiring young athletes, highlights the importance of sports in Nigerian culture, promoting national pride and identity,” he said.

The NGF boss noted that the governor was an administrator, who was very much concerned about the growth and development of sports at the grassroots.

He added that by honouring Odegbami, Gov. Abiodun had demonstrated a commitment to promoting sports development and celebrating Nigeria’s sporting heritage.

NAN reports that Odegbami is a renowned Nigerian footballer, who played for Shooting Stars and the Super Eagles, earning the nickname: “Mathematical” for his calculated shots and speed on the right wing.

He won the Nigerian Premier League with Shooting Stars in 1976, 1980, and 1983, and was part of the 1980 AFCON-winning team, scoring crucial goals in the tournament.

After retiring, Odegbami became a successful writer, publisher, television and radio producer, and sports administrator, founding Nigeria’s first wholly private sports show on television.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joe Idika

Airmen gets 30-room transit accommodation in Imo
Defence/Security

Airmen gets 30-room transit accommodation in Imo

229 total views today

By Peter Okolie

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, on Thursday inaugurated a block of 30-room transit accommodation for airmen of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) at Owerri, the Imo capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the facility is located at the 211 Quick Response Group (QRG), NAF Base, Owerri.

In a speech at the event, Abubakar said the occasion marked a significant milestone in the base’s development and demonstrates commitment to enhancing personnel’s operational efficiency.

He said the project would assist to maintain highly motivated force in the fight against myriads of security challenges in the state and South East region.

“This achievements is commendable in curbing the prevailing security situation in Owerri and its environment.

“We are not oblivious of the threats posed by the activities of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), whose activities have continued to undermine peace and security in this region,” he noted.

Abubakar reaffirmed the readiness, commitment and resolve of the NAF to its constitutional mandate to defend the territorial integrity of the country as well as property and lives of citizens.

He said NAF would continue to collaborate with other security agencies to restore normalcy and stability in affected communities.

He charged those who would reside in the facility to uphold highest standards of discipline, professionalism and loyalty.

“The facility was not just in appreciation of your sacrifices but a reminder of your huge responsibility of crime fighting.

“Let this infrastructure inspire you to promote excellence and uphold commitment to duty,” he stated.

He said NAF had experienced remarkable transformation under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

“This is evident in the significant upgrade of our aircraft inventory and enhanced operational readiness.

“In recent years, we have bolstered our fleets with 15 cutting-edge aircrafts and we are set to receive more.

“Looking ahead, we are slated to acquire 49 additional aircrafts by 2026, bringing the total aircrafts to 64 new aircrafts in just three years,” he noted.

He said the new accommodation would expand operational capabilities, enhance quick response initiatives and empower the unit to execute its duties with increased precision, speed and effectiveness.

In a remark, the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command NAF, AVM Usman Abdullahi, said the facility would foster optimal performance, boost morale and wellbeing of personnel.

Abdullahi further noted that it would reduce operational cost for personnel who traveled to and fro the city center.

He assured Abubakar that the facility would be utilised to enhance personnel performance and boost its relentless efforts in combating crime in the South East.

“Through our sustained operations, collaborations and community engagements, we have made significant strides in maintaining relative peace and stability in the South East region,” he stressed.

Abdullahi expressed the command’s resolve to protect lives and property as well as combat any security threat within their jurisdiction.

Also speaking, the Commander 211 Quick Response Group, Air Commodore David Bello, said the presence of Abubakar was a testament to his commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the unit.

“The new accommodation facility will boost our infrastructure and enhance our operational capabilities.

“Its accomplishment reflects the Chief of the Air Staff’s leadership philosophy which emphasises personnel welfare and infrastructure as a key to a motivated force,” he said.

Bello added that the facility would build on the unit’s recent successes, particularly in disrupting IPOB’s activities. (NAN)(www nannews.ng)
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Justice Ministry improves in crime prosecution– Fagbemi
Judiciary

Justice Ministry improves in crime prosecution– Fagbemi

253 total views today

By Ebere Agozie

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, says the ministry has recorded considerable improvement in the prosecution of crimes under its purview.

Fagbemi disclosed this at the Quarterly Stakeholders Engagement with the theme `Access to Criminal Justice’ on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the engagement was to update the citizens on measures and achievements of the ministry and its agencies in the area of advancing the administration of criminal justice, from October 2024 to date

“These achievements came about as a result of extant policies and actions targeted at improving the capacity of our prosecutors, increasing synergy amongst prosecuting agencies, developing appropriate policy framework.

“This is in collaboration with office of the National Security Adviser and other law enforcement or security agencies.

“The ministry’s capacity development efforts were conducted in key areas of general investigation and prosecution strategy, cyber security, forensic analysis and electronic evidence, financial investigation and prosecution, energy related offences, piracy and other maritime offences, including sexual and gender based violence.’’

He added that in order to enhance response to cyber-crime, the ministry engaged in effective collaboration with relevant stakeholders to establish a Joint Case Team (JCT) on cyber-crime.

“This initiative was conceived in response to the need for a coordinated and robust approach to combating cybercrimes as outlined in the Cyber-crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.

“However, we are currently reviewing the Cyber Crime Legal Framework to strengthen our national framework, aligning with emerging trends and global best practices.”

He said that the ministry has the mandate to foster collaboration and cooperation with the international community, in order to ensure that there is no safe haven for criminals.

“In terms of extradition, the ministry successful completed the extradition of two fugitives: Hassan Bun Hussein Abolore Lawal in January 2025 and Okechukwu Josiah Odunna in March, 2025; to the United States of America.

“Successful cooperation with the Qatari authorities for the extradition of one Benjamin Nnanyereugo a.k.a Killaboi from Qatar back to Nigeria in April, 2025, to face murder charges for the unlawful killing of his girlfriend, Augusta’’.

The minister gave reasons why it has not extradited a self-styled Prime Minister of Biafra, Mr Simon Ekpa, who was arrested and detained in Finland, back to Nigeria for prosecution.

“Ekpa committed cross-border offences that also required his trial in Finland.

“The detained Biafra agitator would be returned to Nigeria upon the conclusion of a legal action the Finnish government has already instituted against him.

“He violated laws in both Finland and Nigeria, the Finnish authorities wants to deal with the situation first and afterwards, release him to us.

“So, we will allow them to finish with the engagement there and then hand him over to us,” he added.

He also said that the review period witnessed effective conduct of 237 terrorism cases from Dec. 9 to Dec. 13, 2024, out of which 226 terrorism suspects were successfully prosecuted and convicted.

“On assets recovery efforts, Nigeria executed an Asset Sharing Agreement with the United States of America on January 10, 2025 which led to the repatriation of the Galactica Assets in the sum of Fifty-Two Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Two Thousand, Eighteen United States Dollars and Ninety-Five Cents from the USA.

“Out of the recovered sum, US$50 million would be deployed to funding the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) Project which is an initiative of the Federal Government to provide electricity access to 17.5 million Nigerians.

“While the remaining sum of US$2.88 million will be deployed to counter-terrorism capacity building for Criminal Justice Sector practitioners.’’

He reiterated the unwavering commitment of the current administration towards fostering transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in the administration of justice in Nigeria.

“While we are taking steps to improve the administration of justice, we look forward to receiving feedbacks from all relevant stakeholders.

“This will aid the ministry and relevant agencies in improving service delivery in this critical area.

“Today’s engagement offers a unique opportunity for open dialogue, enabling us to collectively identify gaps, propose solutions, and prioritize actions for the next phase of justice sector reforms’’. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Grassroots football: 10 teams battle in maiden Kuje football league
Sports

Grassroots football: 10 teams battle in maiden Kuje football league

232 total views today

By Muhyideen Jimoh

No fewer than 10 teams are set to compete in the maiden edition of the Kuje Football League scheduled to kick-off on Sunday at the Kuje Township stadium.

Muhammed Momoh, Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), Kuje Football League, said during a news conference in Kuje on Thursday that the aim was to develop football in that part of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Momoh said that over 180 matches will be played within the five-month duration of the league.

“This league is professionally packaged to set a new benchmark for grassroots football development in the FCT,” he said.

Momoh said that league was also designed to engage youths and stimulate socio-economic activities in Kuje, with strong support from the local community and key football stakeholders.

“Organising a football league of this magnitude in Kuje is long overdue; since I arrived here, I kept asking — why isn’t there a football league in Kuje?

“Football is one of the best ways to engage our youths and energise the community,” he said.

Momoh added that the initiative aligned with the FCT administration’s broader sports development agenda.

“This league is a timely addition to the ongoing efforts by the FCT administration.

“We reached out to sponsors, and thankfully, Pepsi came on board to support the vision; the league promises not just excitement and competition, but also tangible rewards.

“The winner will take home a cash prize of N1.6 million, while the second and third-place teams will receive N600,000 and N400,000 respectively.

“In addition, Pepsi, our main sponsor, will provide jerseys for the participating teams to ensure uniformity and to add value to the tournament,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Holy Ghost FC, Royal Eni FC, Crown Tee FC, Homeboys FC, Cargo FC, Rondo FC, Amazing Grace FC, are some of the participating teams. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

COREN, ICRC partner to enforce engineering regulations in PPP projects
Metro

COREN, ICRC partner to enforce engineering regulations in PPP projects

196 total views today

By Angela Atabo

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) are partnering to enforce engineering regulations in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects in Nigeria.

The Director-General of the ICRC, Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, said this when a delegation of the Council led by its President, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Thursday.

Ewalefoh said that the ICRC was established to superintend and regulate PPP endeavours of the Federal Government.

He said the ICRC’s mandate aimed to address the country’s physical infrastructure deficit, which had hampered economic development.

He added that henceforth, the commission would make it mandatory for all engineers in the PPP projects to conform to COREN’s regulations.

The director-general, who described engineering as an integral part of infrastructure development, said he would ensure that ICRC’s mandate build strong collaborations with agencies like COREN.

“In the overall aspect, the development of Nigeria will be based on quality and resilient engineering, which is a key focus of ICRC.

“ICRC has a strong belief in quality and resilient engineering, to make sure that whatever shocks we have, that infrastructure will remain strong and resilient to whatever shocks that we may have.

“We need COREN to always be there for us. We need COREN to regulate the building industry in Nigeria and look at various sectors of our economy, because engineering is the art of development in every aspect.

“So, we will take it as part of our criteria to ensure that we have engineers involved in infrastructure projects to have a valid yearly licence,” the ICRC boss said.

According to him, the commission will not hesitate to collaborate with COREN and support it in all its mandates, because they are partners in the area of infrastructure development.

He frowned at child labour at construction sites and urged COREN to look into such acts and address them.

The director-general also urged COREN to revamp and implement the building codes to meet global best practice.

He also assured COREN of ICRC’s support in ensuring that it acquired its head office through public-private partnership.

COREN, according to the D-G, deserves a befitting and world class engineering head office.

Earlier, the President of COREN, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, described COREN as a statutory body, set up by the Federal Government with the mandate to regulate the practice of engineering in all aspects and ramifications.

Abubakar attributed the inability of the council in carrying out its mandate to lack of funding by the government, adding that this undermines the enforcement of engineering regulations.

“We are defunded. That is another subject for debate. How government wants us to regulate engineering without funding or investigate infractions, investigate the failures of infrastructure without funding.

“How does government expect us to police the expatriates who are taking the fortune of our citizens all over the country, when we are not funded,’’ he queried.

Abubakar explained that COREN was working in 11 major sectors and had also activated its inspectors in the area of mining.

“Some sectors like the NIMASA, FCDA and NCC were yet to key in, and COREN is unhappy with the happenings in the energy and power sectors, in terms of the incessant failure of national grid, as engineers are not carried along.

“COREN has discovered that the TCN is in charge of all the processes, as it designs, install, maintain and repair, when gird falls. That is completely wrong. Nobody investigates independently.

According to him, all these are sectorial regulations that are supposed to work under COREN’s supervision.

“ICRC is also one of the key stakeholders we have identified because in any of those sectors, if we have an infrastructural problem, definitely it would be involved.

“So, we want to see how we can work closely with you in that respect, to establish better synergy and regulations,” he stated.

Abubakar also sought the ICRC’s support in building COREN’s headquarters through PPP approach. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Deji Abdulwahab

CSOs seek UN action over U.S. migrant deportations
Foreign

CSOs seek UN action over U.S. migrant deportations

242 total views today

By Diana Omueza

The Human Rights Monitors, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), is calling for the United Nations’ intervention in response to mass deportations of migrants by the United States.

Mr Armsfree Ajanaku, Convener of the coalition, made the appeal during a news conference, on Thursday in Abuja.

The event was themed “Violation of Immigrants’ Rights and the Quest for Justice Through African Reparations.”

Ajanaku said the coalition had monitored various human rights violations related to the arbitrary deportations of immigrants from the U.S. since January 20.

Many of those affected, he said, were Africans and people of African descent.

“While we are not saying a country cannot run its affairs as it deems fit, our concern is with actions that undermine rights, dignity, and civilised norms,” he said.

He described scenes of migrant homes being raided, mass arrests, and families torn apart, with parents detained and children left traumatised.

“These actions, from a country that prides itself on democracy and human rights, clearly violate the rights of asylum seekers and migrants,” Ajanaku said.

He alleged that the United States was denying refuge to those fleeing war zones and political persecution, in contravention of multiple international human rights agreements.

The coalition raised these concerns at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Switzerland in April.

Ajanaku cited breaches of international laws, including: Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: protection against arbitrary arrest and exile.

“Article 14: the right to seek asylum; Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: protection from inhumane treatment.

“As well as violations of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Their Families, and the 1951 Refugee Convention.

“Refugees and immigrants seeking asylum are lawful under both U.S. and international law. Under no circumstance should they be criminalised for entering without visas,” he said.

Ajanaku urged the UN to take legal steps to address the plight of migrants facing forced and arbitrary deportation and to engage with affected persons through CSOs and refugee-focused agencies.

He also called on African leaders to strengthen institutions and infrastructure that could improve the welfare and safety of their citizens, both at home and abroad.

He said with effective systems in place, the people would be more likely to remain in their countries, eliminate barriers to progress, and benefit from good governance.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Abiemwense Moru

Bi-Courtney donates to school for Blind
General News

Bi-Courtney donates to school for Blind

221 total views today

 

 

 

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

 

As part of its corporate social responsibility, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd. on Thursday visited the Bethesda Home/School for the Blind in Lagos, praising the students’ skill and talent.

 

 

Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd operates the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) in Lagos.

 

 

 

Mr Kola Bamigboye, Acting Chief Operating Officer and Head of Premises, said the visit marked part of the firm’s 18th anniversary celebrations.

 

 

 

He said Bethesda had visited MMA2 in 2024, leaving a lasting impression on the staff and management of the terminal.

 

 

 

Bamigboye praised the company’s Founder and Chairman, Dr Wale Babalakin, SAN, for recognising talent and sending the team with gifts.

 

 

 

Presenting a cheque for N2 million, he said: “We were touched by the brilliance, confidence and talent shown during your visit to our terminal.

 

 

 

“The children’s performance and conduct deeply impressed us, planting the seed to support your vital work in any way we can.

 

 

 

“Bethesda Home for the Blind offers hope and education to visually impaired children. Your work is making an immeasurable impact,” he added.

 

 

 

Bamigboye commended the staff for nurturing the children’s potential and giving them a future of dignity and opportunity.

 

 

 

“This cheque, though modest, reflects our heartfelt support and desire to walk alongside you in your important mission,” he said.

 

 

 

He described the gesture as a symbol of respect and commitment to a more inclusive, compassionate society.

 

 

 

Mr Remi Jibodu, Acting Chief Operating Officer and Head of Aeronautical and Cargo, also praised the school’s innovation.

 

 

 

Jibodu said: “The children’s use of their skills, despite visual impairment, inspired us to encourage their excellence and spirit.

 

 

 

“We bring greetings from our chairman, who was moved by their visit to MMA2 and urged us to support them.”

 

 

 

Dr Chioma Ohakwe, Founder of the school, urged parents of physically challenged children to enrol them, not hide them.

 

 

 

She stressed that disability is not the end, citing the academic success of some students in tertiary institutions.

 

 

 

Ohakwe acknowledged ongoing challenges but said the school remains determined to stay relevant and impactful.

 

 

 

She revealed the school has over 200 children across nursery, primary, and secondary levels.

 

 

 

Displaying students’ talents in art, music, and dance, Ohakwe thanked Babalakin for his generous support.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bi-Courtney marked its 18th anniversary on May 7 with the unveiling of a 3D Exterior Signage.

 

 

 

Mrs Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, Head of Corporate Communications, said the new signage enhances the terminal’s identity and user orientation.

 

 

 

“MMA2 remains a symbol of innovation and private sector excellence in Nigeria’s aviation sector,” she said.

 

 

 

NAN also reports that the company pledged to train staff and studentship on security, to boost safety at the school premises.

 

 

 

Other anniversary activities included music, gifts, and a funfair at the terminal to entertain passengers and mark the milestone. (NAN)

 

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu / Kamal Tayo Oropo

House committee tasks MDAs, others on FOI
Politics

House committee tasks MDAs, others on FOI

256 total views today

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The House Committee on Freedom of Information (FOI) has urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and corporate organisations to leverage the FOI Act to advance the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and good governance.

This is contained in a statement signed on Thursday in Abuja by the clerk of the committee, Mrs Felicia Idowu.

She said it was important to engage public institutions on their roles in achieving the objectives behind the FOI Act.

According to her, the law aims at improving the lives of Nigerians by ensuring inclusivity, open government, transparency and accountability.

“It is on this note that the Committee on FOI plans to hold a National strategic stakeholders workshop on June 24 and June 25.

“It is targeted at Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Federal, States and Local Governments; other public institutions and corporations.

“It will attract authorities whether executive, legislative or judicial agencies, ministries, and extra-ministerial departments of the government.

“It will also involve all corporations established by law and all companies in which government has a controlling interest, and private companies utilizing public funds, providing public services or performing public functions,” she said.

Idowu said that the event would be facilitated by TIMDAVE Global limited to promote, enhance and advance the implementation of the FOI law in Nigeria.

She said the programme would also involve Civil Society Organisations as well as all corporate organisations that utilise government resources, as custodians of information.

The FOI Act was enacted on May 28, 2011.

However, 14 years after establishment its implementation by government institutions and corporate organisations has remained poor. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Trump congratulates first U.S. Pope
Foreign

Trump congratulates first U.S. Pope

193 total views today

By Cecilia Odey

U.S. President Donald Trump has congratulated Robert Prevost, a Cardinal from Chicago for being selected as the pope.

Pope Leo XIV was selected on Thursday as the 267th Pope in the history ọf the Catholic Church.

“Prevost will be known as Pope Leo XIV.

“It is such an honour to realise that he is the first American Pope.

“What excitement, and what a great honour for our country,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social Platform.

He said he is looking forward to meeting the pope.

The U.S. President was often at odds with Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, over his hardline policy toward migrants.

Francis died on Easter Monday. (dpa/NAN)

Edited by Cecilia Odey/Magdalene Ukuedojor

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