Pope Francis has died, the Vatican has announced in a video statement.

The first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church died at the age of 88 at 7:35am (05:35 GMT) on Monday, said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.

Francis had suffered various ailments in his 12-year papacy, with severe complications in recent weeks after a bout of double pneumonia for which he spent five weeks in hospital.

His death comes one day after a brief appearance before thousands of Catholic pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square for the Vatican’s open-air Easter Sunday mass.

The Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has inaugurated the distribution of 10,000 free JAMB forms to Kano secondary school students.

During the flag-off of the distribution, the Governor, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner of Education, Ali Haruna Makoda, also used the opportunity to inaugurate the training of the 10,000 beneficiaries on the use of computer-based tests at various designated centers across Kano State.

On his part, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Education, Alhaji Tajuddin Gambo, said the Governor has promised to provide transport for the beneficiaries throughout the training session and urged them to ensure they pass the examination.

He said the government is willing to select the best schools for the beneficiaries if they pass the examinations.

One of the beneficiaries of the 10,000 free JAMB forms, Fatima Mukhtar Umar, expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for issuing the free JAMB forms and promised not to disappoint.

In a statement by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Special Adviser on Information, Ibrahim Adam, it was noted that the Governor used the opportunity to elaborate on the feats achieved by his government in developing the education sector in the last 22 months. These include the re-introduction of foreign and domestic scholarships, re-opening of 21 skills acquisition institutes, general renovation of primary and secondary schools, construction of new classrooms, provision of classroom furniture and writing materials, and the distribution of free uniforms to primary school pupils.

Other achievements, according to the Governor’s Special Adviser on Information, Ibrahim Adam, include the reduction of 50% of registration fees in state-owned tertiary institutions, cash conditional transfers to support girl-child education, and the settlement of registration fees for NECO, NABTEB, and NBAIS, to mention but a few.

Ibrahim Adam said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf urged all the beneficiary students to make the best use of the opportunity and strive for excellence in their academic pursuits, saying that the future belongs to those who work tirelessly to turn dreams into realities.

Pastor Tunde Bakare, a prominent cleric and former vice-presidential candidate, has openly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handling of the Nigerian economy.

Speaking during his Easter sermon in Lagos, Bakare accused the President of undermining the independence of the National Assembly, claiming it has become “the 48th member of his cabinet.”* He also condemned Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a misstep in governance.

Bakare, who was the vice-presidential candidate for the Congress for Progressive Change in the 2011 elections, did not hold back in his critique of other political figures. He took aim at Senate President Godswill Akpabio, referencing allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti. According to Bakare, the Senate’s handling of the matter reflects poorly on its leadership and ethical standards.

The cleric also addressed the controversy surrounding Senator Nwebonyi, who was involved in a heated altercation with former Minister Oby Ezekwesili during a Senate Ethics Committee hearing. Bakare expressed disappointment in the conduct of the Senator, emphasizing the need for decorum and accountability in public office.

Turning his attention to Rivers State, Bakare criticized former Governor Nyesom Wike, accusing him of effectively serving a third term through his influence over the state’s current administration. He described Wike’s continued dominance in Rivers politics as detrimental to democratic principles.

Bakare’s sermon, delivered to a congregation in Lagos, highlighted his concerns about the state of governance in Nigeria. His remarks have sparked discussions across political and social circles, with many debating the implications of his pointed criticisms.

The Easter sermon served as a platform for Bakare to voice his discontent with the current political climate, urging leaders to prioritize transparency, accountability, and the welfare of the Nigerian people. His statements have added to the growing discourse on the challenges facing the nation under the current administration.