President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made his return to Nigeria following a 19-day trip to Europe, which included private visits to France and the United Kingdom. His arrival marks the end of a journey that has drawn attention both domestically and internationally.

The presidential aircraft touched down at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday evening. The president was welcomed at the airport’s presidential wing by an array of dignitaries and members of his cabinet. Among those present were Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA); and Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff (CoS). Their presence underscored the significance of the president’s return and the unity within his administration.

While the details of President Tinubu’s engagements during his European visit remain private, the trip is believed to have included discussions on matters of national interest and international diplomacy. The president’s return comes at a time when Nigeria faces pressing challenges, including economic reforms and security concerns, which are expected to dominate his agenda in the coming weeks.

The reception at the airport was marked by a sense of anticipation, as members of the cabinet and other officials expressed their readiness to resume work under the president’s leadership. The atmosphere reflected the administration’s commitment to addressing the nation’s priorities and fostering progress.

President Tinubu’s European visit has sparked speculation about potential developments in Nigeria’s foreign relations and economic strategies. As the nation awaits further updates, the president’s return signals a renewed focus on governance and the implementation of his administration’s policies.

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.