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DAY 2: Cardinal-electors vote in historic conclave to choose next Pope
The Director of Public Communications, Lagos Catholic Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godono, on Thursday confirmed that the 133 Cardinal-electors for the new Pope would return to the Sistine Chapel to elect a new Pope after their first ballot on Wednesday failed to produce a new Pope.
Godono, spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria described the process as flawless as the cardinals decisions were being directed by the Holy Spirit.
The Lagos archdiocesan communications director, spoke on the process, said that after the first ballot, no Pope elected that the trend has been for centuries.
“Today, May 8, the Cardinal-electors will return this morning to continue with voting until a Pope is elected.
The Cardinals are expected to have two rounds of votes this morning and two more in the evening if we do not have a Pope elected in this morning’s session.
“Black smoke emanated from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel yesterday evening, indicating no new pope was elected during the first round of voting.
“One hundred and thirty-three red-robed cardinals from around the world have filed into the Sistine Chapel to the strains of a choir backed by organ music, and the doors were sealed behind them.
“The papal conclave — a centuries-old tradition to elect a new head of the Catholic Church,” he said.
He said that the announcement of a new pope will be made with white smoke billowing from the Apostolic Palace. Soon after, the new pope will emerge onto the balcony to greet his flock.
The cardinal electors faced a stark choice to select a pope who would follow in the footsteps of late Pope Francis, an Argentine reformer who advocated for migrants and the environment, or one who would guide the Catholic Church down a more traditional path.
NAN reports that the meticulous selection process has kept the world in suspense for weeks after the demise of Pope Francis
(NAN)
News
Sanwo-Olu prepares the way for Tinubu’s official visit to Lagos state
President Tinubu is expected to inaugurate several key projects executed by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, including the Ojota–Opebi Link Bridge, designed to ease traffic congestion across the metropolis.
President Bola Tinubu will officially visit Lagos state on April 8 and 9, during which he will commission several completed projects by the administration of governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said during a press briefing outlining activities for the President’s visit.
Omotoso said that Lagos remains Nigeria’s commercial hub and that the projects slated for commissioning reflect the administration’s investments in transportation, infrastructure, education, and public sector development.
According to him, President Tinubu is expected to inaugurate several key projects executed by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, including the Ojota–Opebi Link Bridge, designed to ease traffic congestion across the metropolis.
Other projects include the Lagos State Geographic Information Service building, a multi-agency complex named after the President, a newly completed school complex, and the Mid-Level Agro Produce Hub in Abijo, Ibeju-Lekki.
He added that the Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle comprises 36 public schools—31 secondary and five primary schools—situated on 11.73 hectares of land in the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Omotoso said the redevelopment of the complex demonstrates the government’s people-oriented approach, noting that it serves about 20,000 pupils.
” These projects have been carefully conceived and executed to address the needs of our growing population, ease mobility, stimulate economic activity, and enhance social welfare,” he said.
News
Jega loses wife, Hajiya Hadiza
Hajia Hadiza passed on yesterday and was buried according to Islamic rites.
The Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has lost his wife, Hajiya Hadiza Jega.
Hajia Hadiza passed on yesterday and was buried according to Islamic rites.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President at the janazah (Islamic funeral rites) yesterday at the National Mosque in Abuja, conveyed the President’s heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.
President Tinubu described the late Hajiya Hadiza as a woman of uncommon grace and strength, noting that she played a pivotal role as a steady support system to her husband throughout his years of public service, including his tenure as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
A statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said that the President also applauded her contributions to education and community development, highlighting her quiet but impactful influence in advancing social causes.
News
Atiku hires US lobbying firm for $1.2m to boost image – Report
One of the objectives of the engagement is to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narratives” in the United States, while also working to “advance understanding” of Atiku’s “leadership posture and policy vision” among policymakers.
Ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has hired a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., to strengthen his reputational standing in the United States.
The PUNCH reported that the details of the deal are contained in documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice, which show that the agreement was signed on March 9 and 10, 2026, by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji on behalf of the former vice president.
According to the filing sighted on the Department of Justice ’s website on Sunday, the contract is aimed at shaping perceptions of Atiku within U.S. policy circles and countering narratives linked to the Nigerian government.
One of the objectives of the engagement is to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narratives” in the United States, while also working to “advance understanding” of Atiku’s “leadership posture and policy vision” among policymakers.
Under the arrangement, the firm is expected to facilitate meetings between the former vice-president and U.S. government officials, including members of Congress, as well as provide advisory services on policy positioning and engagement strategy.
“These activities include lobbying and government affairs engagement with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and executive branch officials concerning issues related to democratic governance, regional stability, economic development, and U.S. engagement with Nigeria and the broader West African region,” part of the contract reads.
The firm will also undertake “promotion, perception management, and public relations activities designed to enhance understanding among U.S. policymakers and relevant stakeholders” of Atiku’s positions.
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