International
Pope Leo Tells World Leaders Trump, Putin, Other To Lay Down Weapons
Pope Leo Tells World Leaders Trump, Putin, Other To Lay Down Weapons
World leaders. For centuries, the Church has joyfully sung of the event that is the origin and foundation of her faith: “Yes, Christ my hope is arisen / Christ indeed from death is risen / Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning” (Easter Sequence).
Easter is the victory of life over death, of light over darkness, of love over hatred. It is a victory that came at a very high price: Christ, the Son of the living God (cf. Mt 16:16), had to die — and die on a cross — after suffering an unjust condemnation, being mocked and tortured, and shedding all his blood. As the true immolated Lamb, he took upon himself the sin of the world (cf. Jn 1:29; 1 Pet 1:18–19) and thus freed us all — and with us, all creation — from the dominion of evil.
But how was Jesus able to be victorious? What is the strength with which he defeated once and for all the ancient adversary, the prince of this world (cf. Jn 12:31)? What is the power with which he rose from the dead, not returning to his former life, but entering into eternal life and thus opening in his own flesh the passage from this world to the Father?
This strength, this power, is God himself for he is Love who creates and generates, Love who is faithful to the end and Love who forgives and redeems.
Christ, our “victorious King,” fought and won his battle through trusting abandonment to the Father’s will, to his plan of salvation (cf. Mt 26:42). Thus he walked the path of dialogue to the very end, not in words but in deeds: to find us who were lost, he became flesh; to free us who were slaves, he became a slave; to give life to us mortals, he allowed himself to be killed on the cross.
The power with which Christ rose is entirely nonviolent. It is like that of a grain of wheat which, having rotted in the earth, grows, breaks through the clods, sprouts, and becomes a golden ear of wheat. It is even more like that of a human heart which, wounded by an offense, rejects the instinct for revenge and, filled with compassion, prays for the one who has committed the offense.
Brothers and sisters, this is the true strength that brings peace to humanity, because it fosters respectful relationships at every level: among individuals, families, social groups, and nations. It does not seek private interests, but the common good; it does not seek to impose its own plan, but to help design and carry out a plan together with others.
Yes, Christ’s resurrection is the beginning of a new humanity; it is the entrance into the true promised land, where justice, freedom, and peace reign, where all recognize one another as brothers and sisters, children of the same Father who is Love, Life, and Light.
Brothers and sisters, through his resurrection, the Lord confronts us even more powerfully with the dramatic reality of our freedom. Before the empty tomb, we can be filled with hope and wonder, like the disciples, or with fear like the guards and the Pharisees, forced to resort to lies and subterfuge rather than acknowledge that the one who had been condemned is truly risen (cf. Mt 28:11–15)!
In the light of Easter, let us allow ourselves to be amazed by Christ! Let us allow our hearts to be transformed by his immense love for us! Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them!
We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent. Indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people. Indifferent to the repercussions of hatred and division that conflicts sow. Indifferent to the economic and social consequences they produce, which we all feel. There is an ever-increasing “globalisation of indifference,” to borrow an expression dear to Pope Francis, who one year ago from this loggia addressed his final words to the world, reminding us: “What a great thirst for death, for killing, we witness each day in the many conflicts raging in different parts of the world!” (Urbi et Orbi Message, 20 April 2025).
The cross of Christ always reminds us of the suffering and pain that surround death and the agony it entails. We are all afraid of death, and out of fear we turn away, preferring not to look. We cannot continue to be indifferent! And we cannot resign ourselves to evil! Saint Augustine teaches: “If you fear death, love the resurrection!” (Sermon 124, 4). Let us too love the resurrection, which reminds us that evil is not the last word, because it has been defeated by the Risen One.
Pope Leo
He passed through death to give us life and peace: “I leave you peace; I give you my peace. Not as the world gives it, I give it to you” (Jn 14:27). The peace that Jesus gives us is not merely the silence of weapons, but the peace that touches and transforms the heart of each one of us! Let us allow ourselves to be transformed by the peace of Christ! Let us make heard the cry for peace that springs from our hearts! For this reason, I invite everyone to join me in a prayer vigil for peace that we will celebrate here in Saint Peter’s Basilica next Saturday, April 11.
On this day of celebration, let us abandon every desire for conflict, domination, and power, and implore the Lord to grant his peace to a world ravaged by wars and marked by a hatred and indifference that make us feel powerless in the face of evil.
To the Lord we entrust all hearts that suffer and await the true peace that only he can give. Let us entrust ourselves to him and open our hearts to him! He is the only one who makes all things new (cf. Rev 21:5).
Happy Easter!
Goronyo Receives Egypt Defence Attaches, Assures Stronger Nigeria-Egypt Cooperation
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammed Goronyo, Esq., has received the outgoing Egypt Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim, and his successor, Colonel Mohamad Mosaad, in his office, pledging continued support for stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and Egypt.
Eereporter.com
Goronyo, who received the Egyptian military delegation during a courtesy visit today 8th September, 2026 in his office in Abuja, described the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Egypt as cordial and mutually beneficial, noting that both countries share historical and cultural. The Minister of State recalled his previous encounter with the outgoing Defence Attaché while serving at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, noting that it was a pleasant coincidence to receive him again in his current capacity at the Ministry of Works as he prepares to conclude his diplomatic assignment in Nigeria.
He commended Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim for his service and contribution to strengthening Nigeria-Egypt relations during his tenure, particularly his demonstration of patriotism, discipline, professionalism and commitment to duty. According to him, the visit was significant as it not only provided an opportunity to bid farewell to the outgoing Defence Attaché, but also to formally welcome his successor and assure him of Nigeria’s readiness to sustain the existing relationship.
Goronyo said the relationship between Nigeria and Egypt had continued to gain momentum under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, with both countries exploring areas of mutual interest including trade, agriculture, tourism, security, education and economic development.
He said the growing partnership between the two countries demonstrated the importance of African nations working together to harness the continent’s enormous human and natural resources. He stressed that Africa had the population, resources and potential required to compete favourably with other continents, urging African countries to deepen cooperation and leverage their shared strengths for sustainable development.
He expressed optimism that the Memoranda of Understanding and other agreements reached between Nigeria and Egypt would continue to translate into tangible benefits for the citizens of both countries.
“On behalf of the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, and the entire management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Works, I sincerely welcome you and thank you for this visit.
“We wish the outgoing Defence Attaché the very best in his future assignments and welcome the incoming Defence Attaché.
On our part, we will continue to provide the necessary support to enable you to discharge your responsibilities effectively.
“Our doors remain open, and we will continue to support one another for the progress of our two countries and for the benefit of humanity,” Goronyo said.
Earlier, the outgoing Egypt Defence Attaché, Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to the Minister of State for receiving him and his delegation, describing the meeting as particularly significant as he prepares to conclude his assignment in Nigeria. Colonel Ibrahim introduced the incoming Defence Attaché, Colonel Mohamad Mosaad, and said he was confident that the existing strong relationship between Egypt and Nigeria would be further strengthened under his successor.
He also disclosed that the Egyptian side had secured approval for the establishment of a Deputy Defence Attaché position, describing the development as another indication of the importance Egypt attaches to its bilateral and military relationship with Nigeria.
In his remarks, the incoming Egypt Defence Attaché, Colonel Mohamad Mosaad, expressed gratitude to the Minister of State for the warm reception and pledged to work towards deepening cooperation between Nigeria and Egypt. He said he was optimistic about his new assignment and looked forward to identifying more opportunities for collaboration, investment and exchange of capabilities between the two countries.
Goronyo
Colonel Mosaad noted that Nigeria and Egypt, as two major African countries, had a shared responsibility to contribute to the development and advancement of the continent through stronger partnerships. He expressed confidence that his tenure would further consolidate the longstanding friendship, cultural ties and cooperation between the two nations.
The meeting ended with renewed assurances of continued cooperation, mutual support and stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and Egypt.
Abdullahi Mohammed
SA Media to the Honourable Minister of State for Works
Eereporter.com
NNPC Ltd, Indonesia Strengthen Collaboration, Advance Energy Partnership
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, today received an Indonesian delegation led by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Arif Havas Oegroseno, in Abuja.
Eereporter.com
The engagement focused on deepening Nigeria-Indonesia energy relations, with both parties expressing their commitment to build a comprehensive and mutually beneficial energy partnership.
The GCEO, who was represented by the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, highlighted investment opportunities across Nigeria’s integrated energy value chain, including upstream, gas, refining, downstream, power and renewable energy.
The Indonesian delegation expressed interest in securing long-term crude supply arrangements and investing in Nigerian oil and gas assets, including new blocks and existing producing and near-producing projects. Opportunities in shipping, logistics, technical training and capacity development were also discussed.
Eereporter.com
NiDCOM: Campaign of Calumny Against Dabiri-Erewa Leadership Will not Work
Our attention has been drawn to reports circulating on-line claiming there is no evidence of events organised by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) in 2023 to the tune of about ₦200m cannot be proven. This is totally false and a campaign of calumny ahead of 2027 general elections.
Eereporter.com
A UK based group known as Global Integrity Watch , owned by one Comrade Abraham Taiwo Adewole, fronting for the group, had contacted NIDCOM on the allegation.
NIDCOM will revert to the National Assembly and the Auditor- General’s office for any information they require.
NIDCOM will unequivocally answer any questions it officially receives from the Auditor- General or NASS when invited.
For the records, NIDCOM events in 2023, for which support even had to be sought from sponsors, had five major events among which were Global African Diaspora Summit, (which attracted participation from 16 countries and subsequently named NIDCOM Chair as the OACPS champion) National Diaspora Day, National Diaspora Merit Award, Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, Badagry Door of Return within Nigeria alone and several others in the diaspora.
For the avoidance of doubts, all the documents relating to the expenses incurred by the Commission are intact and will be made available to the necessary National Assembly Committees oversighting the Commission when called upon.
It should be pointed out here that the Global Integrity Watch (GIW), who is raising this false alarm was registered and launched in London on August 17, 2026 targeting and witch-hunting MDAs or certain personalities for political reasons. The company registered less than a month ago to carry out the following: Information technology consultancy activities, Management of real estate on a fee or contract basis, Travel agency activities, and specialised cleaning services, is apparently focused on blackmail and witch hunting.
NiDCOM
When NIDCOM, an agency that has carried out its responsibilities diligently despite limited resources is invited by the appropriate authorities, it will provide all necessary documentation, but will certainly not succumb to social media blackmail.
E- Signed
Abdur-Rahman Balogun
Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols (NIDCOM) Abuja.
Eereporter.com
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