TheNewsGuru

Tag: Anniversary

  • Oborevwori hails Delta APC Chairman, Omeni Sobotie, on Birth Anniversary

    Oborevwori hails Delta APC Chairman, Omeni Sobotie, on Birth Anniversary

    Governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Elder Omeni Sobotie, on the occasion of his birthday anniversary.

    Governor Oborevwori in a goodwill message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba on Saturday, described Elder Sobotie as a seasoned politician, grassroots mobiliser, and a political leader whose contributions to the state’s political landscape remain remarkable.

    Oborevwori praised the APC chairman for his dedication to public service, his commitment to democratic ideals, and his role in fostering peaceful political engagements in Delta State.

    The Governor said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I warmly congratulate Elder Omeni Sobotie as he marks his birth anniversary. Your steadfastness in politics, bridge-building efforts, and devotion to the welfare of the people are commendable.

    “I pray God grants you good health, wisdom, and many more years of fruitful service to our dear state and nation.

    He urged Elder Sobotie to continue to use his wealth of experience to promote unity, peace, and development in Delta, noting that the state thrives best when leaders work together despite political differences.

  • Two years in office: Tinubu reels out achievements

    Two years in office: Tinubu reels out achievements

    President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said his administration had made progress in returning the country to the path of socio-economic development.

    The President said this in a statement in Abuja to mark the second anniversary of his administration.

    “When we embarked on this journey, propelled by a burst of hope and abiding faith in Nigeria’s unity and progress, I made a pledge before God and fellow countrymen and women to confront Nigeria’s challenges head-on.

    “We have breathed new life into the Solid Minerals sector as part of our efforts to diversify the economy.

    “Revenue has increased phenomenally, and investors are setting up processing plants as the sector dumps the old pit-to-port policy and embraces a new value-added policy,” said Tinubu.

    He stated that his administration had also repositioned the health sector in spite of all odds.

    “Over 1,000 Primary Health Centres are being revitalised nationwide. An additional 5,500 PHCs are being upgraded under our Renewed Hope Health Agenda.

    “We are establishing six new cancer treatment centres. Three are ready. We offer free dialysis services in pilot tertiary hospitals and subsidise the service in others.

    “Under the Presidential Maternal Health Initiative, over 4,000 women have undergone free caesarean sections. Lastly, we have expanded Health Insurance Coverage from 16 million to 20 million within two years,” he said.

    The President said his government had also prioritised human capital development as a central pillar of national development strategy.

    “To this end, we have significantly expanded access to quality education through infrastructure investments and the student loan scheme to support indigent students in tertiary institutions.

    “Through the Renewed Hope Health initiative, our administration has begun equipping health facilities and deploying skilled personnel to unserved areas. We are also strengthening our response to public health threats and implementing targeted social investment schemes,” he said.

    According to the President, his administration’s youth empowerment initiatives include access to funds, skill development, and creating employment opportunities.

    “Through our MSME support, we empower the next generation and bridge inequality.

    “In our mission to empower the next generation, we have taken bold steps to place young Nigerians at the heart of national development.

    “Nowhere is this more evident than at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), where the current management is making giant strides,” Tinubu said.

    According to him, NASENI has embraced a digital-first approach, introduced real-time dashboards, and implemented end-to-end e-procurement through its Unified ERP System – setting a new governance benchmark for public institutions.

    “Through bold, high-impact programmes like Innovate Naija, Irrigate Nigeria, the Asset Restoration Programme, and the Renewable Energy and Innovation Park in Gora, NASENI drives inclusive industrialisation at scale.

    “From assembling electric vehicles and reviving idle assets to launching Africa’s most advanced Rapid Diagnostic Kit Factory and training female drone engineers through the NASCAV programme, these initiatives are creating jobs, restoring dignity to work, and opening up a future of possibilities for our youth.

    “This is the movement we promised – a government of action powered by the energy and innovation of young Nigerians,” he said.

    Tinubu said that agriculture and food security were top priorities of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “We have launched aggressive initiatives to boost local food production, support farmers, and stabilise food prices.

    “We have also invested in mechanised farming by procuring thousands of tractors, other farming tools, and fertilisers,” he said

    The President also said that Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the federal government had continued with major road construction and rehabilitation projects across all geopolitical zones.

    He cited some of the road projects as the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, the 9th Mile-Otukpo-Makurdi Road, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Abuja-Lokoja-Benin Road.

    Others are: the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Oyo-Ogbomosho Road, Sokoto-Badagry Road, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Second Niger Bridge Access Road to Bodo-Bonny Road among hundreds of ongoing road projects across the country.

    He said his administration had also launched initiatives to improve electricity generation by upgrading generation and transmission infrastructure and investing in off-grid solar energy to power homes, business premises, industries, schools and hospitals.

    Tinubu said in the spirit of democracy and national renewal, his administration was preparing to welcome the world to Nigeria soon for the Motherland Festival.

    “This landmark gathering will spotlight our rich heritage, dynamic creative industries, and the vibrant energy of our people. It will showcase Nigeria’s beauty through tourism, culture, and innovation, inviting the world to rediscover our nation.

    “The Nigerian diaspora plays a vital role in our national transformation. Their expertise, investment, and global perspective are key to shaping the future we seek.

    “In recognition, the government has introduced policies like the diaspora bond and the non-resident Bank Verification Number to make it easier for Nigerians abroad to invest, engage, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s progress,” he explained.

    He said the Motherland Festival would bring together voices from across the continent and the diaspora in a decisive moment of unity and purpose, affirming that Nigeria is not only a leader in Africa but a committed global partner ready to engage, inspire and lead.

    The President acknowledged the sacrifices many Nigerians had made and continued to make as his administration repositioned the country, not just for today but for generations yet unborn.

    “Our journey is not over, but our direction is clear. So, is our resolve to tackle emerging challenges. By the Grace of God, we are confident that the worst is behind us.

    “The real impact of our governance objectives is beginning to take hold. The future is bright, and together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria that we can all be proud of.

  • VP Shettima to attend NACC 65th anniversary gala

    VP Shettima to attend NACC 65th anniversary gala

    The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) is set to celebrate its 65th anniversary with a grand gala dinner, featuring His Excellency, Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, as the Special Guest of Honour.

    The prestigious event will take place on April 12, 2025, at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, with the red carpet reception commencing at 5:00 PM.

    The highlight of the evening will be the inauguration of Alhaji Sheriff Balogun as the 20th President of NACC.

    Alhaji Balogun will also unveil his leadership team, while outlining strategic initiatives to strengthen bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and the United States.

    As part of the evening’s programme, 40 new members will be inducted into the chamber, and the NACC multi-storey building project will be officially launched.

    The gala will also honour outstanding Nigerian and American companies and distinguished individuals, including past presidents of the chamber, for their contributions to economic growth and trade relations.

    The President of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Mr. Samaila Zubairu, will chair the event.

    Dignitaries confirmed to attend include Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Founder and Chairman of Elizade Group, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo and Chairman of Odu’a Group, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru.

    Others are Founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, Chairperson of Brittania-U Nigeria Limited, Catherine Uju Ifejika, Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and Chairman of Zinox Technologies Limited, Leo Stan Ekeh.

    His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, will serve as the Chief Host of the occasion.

    For 65 years, the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce has been at the forefront of fostering bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and the United States, serving as the premier platform for business growth, networking, and investment opportunities.

    The Chair of the Planning Committee, Dr.Ikenna Nwosu, says all the guests will be treated to one of the grandest anniversary galas ever experienced in the country.

  • Mohbad: Family kicks against celebrating late artiste’s anniversary

    Mohbad: Family kicks against celebrating late artiste’s anniversary

     

     

    The family of the late Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has appealed to organizations and individuals planning to mark the first anniversary of his death to suspend their plans.

     

    In a statement signed by a member of the family’s legal team, Monisola Odumosu, the family emphasized their preference for a quiet period of mourning rather than reopening old wounds.

     

    “It has come to the attention of the Aloba family that some organizations have been planning to celebrate the first anniversary of the death of our late son and singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba (Mohbad). The Aloba family wishes to appeal to such interest groups to suspend such ideas.

     

    “The late singer is yet to be buried. As such, the family would wish the public to join them in prayers at his anniversary rather than organize any elaborate event that will affect their emotions,” the statement said.

     

    The statement was issued in response to reports that certain individuals and organizations might be planning to use Mohbad’s memory for commercial purposes during the anniversary.

     

    The family urged the groups to reconsider their plans and seek proper approval before proceeding.

     

    “It is no longer news that some individuals and organizations have been planning to carry out events to commemorate the late singer’s death. We will appeal to such persons and organizations to seek proper approval from the family before going on with such plans. The Aloba family would not wish the goodwill of their illustrious son to be employed for commercial purposes,” the statement added.

     

    The family has urged individuals and organizations to respect their wishes and join them in prayers during this difficult time.

     

    Mohbad passed away on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27 under mysterious circumstances, which has continued to spark public concerns.

  • 40 years of punditry – By Etim Etim

    40 years of punditry – By Etim Etim

    By Etim Etim

    The month of August is typically filled with celebrations in my household – a wedding anniversary and two birthdays; but this year, there’s additional reason for a drink. It is the 40th anniversary of my debut as an opinion writer. It was in August 1984 that my first opinion piece appeared on the op-ed page of The Guardian newspaper – beginning what has turned out to be a lifelong passion.

    Titled ‘’The way we are’’, the piece was a piercing review of the insincerity within the Buhari military government. The Nigerian Prisons Service had taken out several pages in newspapers to advertise for tender for the supply of firewood to prisons across the country, essentially undermining a national campaign against deforestation, launched earlier in the year by the same government, to check desertification in the North and erosion in the South. In my young mind (I was only 23, going to my final undergrad year), I could sense internal conflict within the government that had prided itself as a no-nonsense disciplinarian out to correct the ills of the society.

    How could a government launch and fund such a massive campaign, asking citizens to plant trees and protect environment, and at the same time, a department in the same government is seeking contractors to supply firewood to be used for cooking food for millions of prisoners. From where would the firewood come?  The article, I understood, caused some dismay within the Buhari/Idiagbon government and triggered a search for alternative cooking fuels in the prisons.

    Since that first outing, I have been writing regularly, virtually on every subject under the sun – apart from religion – asking questions, criticizing, analyzing, proffering solutions and taking leaders to task. I have found no other art more innervating than writing. It is, indeed, one of God’s noblest gifts to humanity and it has given me a voice to refine my ideas and reach out to the world.

    A lot has happened since then. The ownership, composition and structure of the media have changed considerably, just as the character of the newsroom and the production processes of news have also been transformed.  But the most fundamental change was wrought by  the Internet and subsequent births of the social media and online publications. The media now includes a wide range of electronic platforms, while journalism has a new variant known as ‘’citizen journalism’’, which is practiced by anybody with a handheld device. As a citizen-journalist, you don’t have to possess a formal or on-the-job training on the rudiments of journalism before you create a sensation. This variant has done a great disservice to the profession because it has little or no regard to ethics and standards.

    Social media has also diminished kingdoms and dethroned emperors. When I wrote my first piece, the publisher was worshipped as an emperor and the editor venerated as a king. That era is long gone. The influential person is no longer a publisher or the editor with a daily print run of 400,000 copies. We now have young social media ‘influencers’ with over five million followers on Instagram or Tiktok.  Brands flock to them for endorsements, while newspapers scrounge for obituaries to survive.

    Writers and readers now have bigger access to national platforms. When I debuted, it was hard for the editorial page editor to accept your work for publication. The copy had to be typed double-spaced and posted (or hand delivered) to the newspaper, addressed to the Editor. I posted mine at Uyo post office. Hundreds of such mails were received daily and you would be both lucky and outstandingly good to be chosen for publication. Today, there are many online publications to write for and any piece, whether good, sensational or simply fake, could go ‘viral’, reaching millions of readers. The tyranny of the publisher and his editor has been broken!

    With the growth of social media, a new ‘industry’ has emerged within the media:  the production and distribution of unsubstantiated information. Whether it is disinformation, misinformation, malinformation or fake news, these materials are created and deliberately spread by competitors, divorced spouses, jilted lovers, aggrieved former employees or other persons to damage reputation of certain persons, brands or destroy businesses. Even the dead are not spared! Fake news makes truth hard to find and could also be one of the leading sources of danger to personal security and health. The ongoing violent riots in the UK were caused by the spread of fake news! Thankfully, the traditional media and some reputable online publications have remained impenetrable to fake news; and so, they are important source of news and information to the few that controls the most.

    Forty years ago, columnists, opinion writers and pundits were fewer in number, but more influential than they are today. The military generals in power then, ever so eager to gain legitimacy, were attentive to what the pundits wrote. They read everything, and sometimes, responded harshly. But these days, I wonder whether our ‘democrats’ even read newspapers. While the military administrators were scared of negative public perception that could trigger a revolt within and outside the barracks, today’s ‘democrats’ are not bothered by our opinions because they do not owe their legitimacy to public acceptance. Many of them did not even get into office through a legitimate electoral process, and so the peoples’ voice doesn’t matter.

    Reflecting on the essence of my maiden article, I marvel at how unchanged the character of the Nigerian government has been these past 40 years. It is still full of duplicity, hypocrisy and deceit. Officials inflict hardship on the people; ask them to tighten their belt and make sacrifices, while they revel in opulence and luxury, living large on the treasury. The way we are!

  • Delta to celebrate 32nd anniversary with thanksgiving

    Delta to celebrate 32nd anniversary with thanksgiving

    As part of activities to mark the 32nd anniversary of its creation, the Delta State Government has invited the general public and people of the State to an inter-denominational thanksgiving service at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter’s (Anglican Communion), Asaba.

    A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu said the Thanksgiving service would commence at 10 am prompt on Sunday, August 27, 2023.

    It would be recalled that the General Ibrahim Babangida’s administration on August 27, 1991, created Delta State, alongside others.

    Thirty-two years after, Deltans look back with gratitude to God for granting their wish of having a state of their own.

  • PHOTOS: Bread Worth celebrates 10th anniversary, rewards customers, staff

    PHOTOS: Bread Worth celebrates 10th anniversary, rewards customers, staff

    Following its decade-long journey of doing business in Nigeria, Elevensixteen Limited, makers of premium bread brand, BreadWorth, held a grand event in Lagos to commemorate the day while rewarding customers who have remained part of the journey from inception, as well as express gratitude to the loyal customers and dedicated staff members who have been instrumental in the company’s journey to success.

    Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Elevensixteen Limited, Dr. Olaniyi Maruph Olopade (SAN), extended a warm welcome to the esteemed guests, valued customers, and hardworking staff. He emphasized the significance of the celebration, attributing the success of the past decade to the unwavering commitment of the staff, the continued patronage of loyal customers, and the enduring love for the BreadWorth brand. Dr. Olopade remarked, “Without the dedication and hard work of our staff; without the patronage of you, our dear esteemed customers, and without the love for the BreadWorth brand, we would not have reason to celebrate this remarkable milestone today.”

    Taking a nostalgic journey back to the company’s inception, Adijat Olaniyi-Olopade, the Managing Director of Elevensixteen Limited, shared the inspiring story of how BreadWorth came to be. She recalled, “Our journey began on a small scale with just one oven and one product – the Family loaf priced at N155,” she continued. “We started baking on 30th June 2013, making our actual anniversary 30th June 2023. For over 15 months, we had just a single product until we introduced wheat bread in 2014 and later acquired another oven.”

    However, she revealed that in August 2015, she was posted out of Nigeria to serve as the Managing Director of First Bank Of Nigeria, Guinea, a position she held for four years. During her absence, the business faced numerous challenges, including fraud, betrayal, and disappointment from staff and customers. But through the robust structure she had put in place and the dedication of her team, they successfully navigated those turbulent times. She especially acknowledged her General Manager, Mrs. Abiola Aiyetan, for her unwavering commitment to the bakery during those trying times.

    Upon her return to Nigeria from Guinea in December 2018, Olaniyi-Olopade decided to fulfill her dream entirely. She retired from First Bank voluntarily in April 2019 and assumed the position of Managing Director at BreadWorth, leading the bakery to further growth and expansion, including the establishment of a second location.

    As part of the anniversary celebrations, BreadWorth rewarded deserving staff members, including fifteen individuals who have been with the company for over five years, for their outstanding dedication and service. Additionally, customers and distributors of the brand were acknowledged and presented with various exciting prizes. The grand prize, a deep freezer, was awarded to Mrs. Oluwayemisi Emmanuel (IyaTimi), while other prizes included a big-sized generator, a flat-screen television, gas cookers, gas cylinders, among others, presented to the top twenty distributors.

    In tandem with the anniversary festivities, BreadWorth also revealed its new brand identity, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and growth. The refreshed identity reflects the bakery’s mission to continue providing premium bread products while embodying trust and excellence in the hearts of its valued customers.

    In her vote of thanks, General Manager of the company, Abiola Aiyetan expressed heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed customers, partners, and dedicated staff for their unwavering support over the past decade. She thanked all who took time to grace the occasion and assured of BreadWorth’s unwavering commitment to delivering the finest bread quality and expressed excitement for the promising journey ahead, with even more remarkable accomplishments on the horizon.

    See photos below:

  • Michael Jackson: Remembering a legend 14 years after

    Michael Jackson: Remembering a legend 14 years after

    June 25 marks the 14th anniversary of the passing of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, and also one of the most iconic pop star in the world.

    Michael Jackson is the best-selling music artist in history with over 1 billion records sold worldwide.

    According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), he sold 89 million certified albums in the United States, making him the sixth top-selling album artist in that country.

    He died at the age of 50 on June 25, 2009.

    Although his lifestyle and court cases affected his talent towards the end of his life, Michael Jackson was no doubt the biggest star in the world at the height of his career.

    Born on August 29, 1958, MJ became famous at the age of 11 when he led the boy band of child stars, the Jackson 5, which was started by his father, Joseph.

    Michael was the youngest member of the Jackson 5, which had his brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon.

    Michael Jackson took the frontman role in the band as he was a natural singer and dancer.

    Berry Gordy, Motown founder, who signed Jackson 5 in 1969, told CNN once that as a boy Michael “always wanted to be the best, and he was willing to work as hard as it took to be that”.

    He lost his childhood to fame and success and as an adult, he tried to recreate the lost childhood with his fortune that was once estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

    Michael Jackson converted his 2,700-acre California ranch Neverland into a Peter-Pan-inspired fantasyland with an amusement park, exotic animals and a Disney-themed train station, according to a Guardian report.

    The ranch was later featured in the 2019 documentary ‘Leaving Neverland’, which levelled multiple accusations of child sexual abuse against Michael.

    Between 1969 and 1975, Jackson 5 released 13 albums with Motown Records, including hits like ‘ABC and ‘I Want You Back.’

    Soon, Michael Jackson started recording outside the band.

    His first solo effort for Epic, “Off the Wall’’ (1979), became the best-selling album of the year, selling over 20 million copies. The album featured hit singles like Don’t Stop til You Get Enough and Rock with You’.

    In 1980, he won his first Grammy Award for Best R&B Male Vocal Performance. Three years later, he released the album Thriller, which stayed on top of the charts for 37 weeks. Seven singles featured in the top 10 list, including “Beat It, “Billie Jean,’ and ‘Thriller’. It was in this album that Michael unveiled his signature dance move, the moonwalk.

    Thriller won eight Grammys and sold over 40 million copies.

    In 1985, Michael collaborated with Lionel Richie to write the song ‘We Are The World’. The single, which featured the top artists of the time, including Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Cyndi Lauper, sold seven million copies. The proceeds from sales were used for hunger relief in Africa.

    This was followed by the release of the album ‘Bad’ in 1987.

    From 1993 onwards, Michael was mired in controversies over child molestation cases, marriage and divorce.

    In 2003, the pop star was accused by a boy Gavin Arvizo of child sexual abuse when he was under 14.

    The court acquitted Michael in 2005.

  • Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde celebrates husband’s birthday, 27th wedding anniversary

    Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde celebrates husband’s birthday, 27th wedding anniversary

    Screen diva, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has taken to Instagram to celebrate her husband, Mathew Ekeinde, on his birthday.

    The actress who noted that it’s their 27th anniversary, wrote;

    “Happy birthday my Forever HoneyBoy… And… Happy Anniversary to us. 27 years and we only just about to get into phase 2 ! Last kiddo now 21… no more PG .… Ready Love? U Endlessly. #Peaceful #Happy #27”

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Jalade married Captain Matthew Ekeinde in 1996. Together, they have four children.

    Recall that sometime 2021, the Screen diva pointed out that she got married at 18 because she was a millionaire.

    She noted that no lady who is financially unstable should consider marriage.

    The actress said this in an interview with BBC Yoruba revealing that any woman who is considering marriage without being financially stable is automatically preparing herself to be imprisoned in the union.

    The actress said: “One should not marry a man when one is not financially stable. If one does that, one would be going into slavery or better still, prison.

    “One must apply wisdom or common sense in everything one does. People cannot say that because I married at 18, therefore they can also do the same. The question is, ‘are you ready for marriage’? When I was 18, I was ready.

    “I had been working since I was 15-year-old and I became a millionaire at the age of 18. That is a fact that a lot of people do not know.

    “I had my own money. I was not dependent on any man. Moreover, I lost my father at an early age, so I was already responsible for my younger siblings. I was like their mother at that time, so I was very mature and financially prepared.”

  • Catholic Church: Pope Francis calls for peace as 10-year anniversary gift

    Catholic Church: Pope Francis calls for peace as 10-year anniversary gift

    Pope Francis asked for peace as a gift for his 10-year anniversary as head of the Catholic Church, on Monday, with a podcast, a private mass and a series of interviews, one of which triggered a diplomatic spat with Nicaragua.

    “It seems like yesterday,” the 86-year-old recalled of his election during a podcast for the official Vatican News outlet — after first having to be told what a podcast was.

    Asked what he would like as a gift for his 10-year anniversary, for which he had no public plans beyond a mass with cardinals, Francis added: “Peace. We need peace.”

    Jorge Bergoglio was elected pope on March 13, 2013, after his predecessor Benedict XVI stunned the world by becoming the first pope to resign since the Middle Ages.

    He has said he never expected to be elected, only packing a small suitcase to travel from Argentina to Rome for the conclave on the assumption he would soon be back in Buenos Aires, where he was archbishop.

    But he had a vision, and over the next decade he would overhaul the governance of the Church, including cleaning up the Vatican books and taking action against clerical child abuse.

    He also shifted many people’s perception of the papacy by engaging less in theology and more with social issues from migration to the environment.

    And even while maintaining traditional doctrine on issues such as abortion and gay marriage, he has sought to forge an image of a more open, compassionate Church.

    He is sowing good for the future,- Nicaragua says
    “He is a Pope for this time,” said Italian priest Father Roberto, who travelled to Saint Peter’s Square to hear the pope deliver his weekly Angelus prayer on Sunday.

    “He managed to grasp today’s needs and to propose them to the whole universal Church… And now he’s giving the Church a push forward for the years to come. He is sowing good for the future.”

    However, not everyone is enamoured of Francis’ approach, notably the conservative wing of the Catholic Church. One critic, German Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, recently criticised the pope’s “doctrinal confusion”.

    Francis has never shied away from controversy, regularly using his pulpit to rail against everything from the mafia to consumerism and the arms industry.

    In one of his anniversary interviews, with Argentine news outlet Infobae, he described the government of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega as a “crude dictatorship”.

    Ortega’s government — which has long had tensions with the Catholic Church — responded on Sunday by saying it was considering suspending diplomatic ties with the Vatican.

    In another interview, with Swiss broadcaster RTS last week, the pope denounced the involvement of all the “great powers” in the Ukraine war.

    He prays regularly for the victims of the war, although he has been criticised for failing to squarely put the blame on Russia as the aggressor.

    – ‘It’s not easy’ –
    Pope Francis has sought to improve ties with Islam during his papacy, and Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the grand imam of Cairo’s prestigious Al-Azhar mosque, was one of those who sent their congratulations on his 10-year milestone.

    In a letter published by Vatican News, al-Tayeb hailed the pope’s efforts to “build bridges of love and fraternity among all human beings”.

    Messages of congratulations also came in from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, and Anglican leader Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

    Welby joined Francis on a recent peace mission to conflict-ridden South Sudan, where huge crowds flocked to see the pontiff, as they do everywhere he goes.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the pope continues to travel widely, despite his age and health issues.

    Francis was hospitalised in 2021 for colon surgery and now uses a wheelchair due to knee trouble — something he admitted in one interview he was “a little ashamed” about.

    The pope has said he would follow Benedict in resigning if he ever became too infirm for the job but insists that is not on his agenda.

    Asked by Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano what his hopes for the future were, he replied: “That the Lord be merciful with me. Being the pope is not an easy job.”