The Masses Advocate

​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ABUJA, NIGERIA – Cardinal Francis Arinze, a distinguished voice in the global Catholic hierarchy, has provided a profound explanation for a question that has long puzzled the faithful: Why has Nigeria—a nation with one of the world’s most vibrant and devout Catholic populations—not yet produced a formally canonized saint? ​In a candid breakdown of Vatican proceedings, the Cardinal clarified that the "sainthood gap" is not due to a lack of holiness among Nigerians or any reluctance from Rome. Instead, he pointed to a combination of rigorous procedural requirements and the specific pastoral focus of the Nigerian Church. ​ The Grassroots Journey to Sainthood ​Cardinal Arinze debunked the common misconception that the Vatican independently "selects" saints. He emphasized that the journey to the altar is a bottom-up process . For a Nigerian to be canonized, the initiative must start within the local diocese where the candidate ...

​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has officially entered a new era, shattering its previous enrollment records by welcoming a staggering 15,077 new students for the 2025/2026 academic session. This historic intake represents the largest single-session admission in the institution’s long-standing history, signaling a major expansion in the university's capacity and academic reach. ​Speaking during the matriculation ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie , revealed that this surge in numbers is closely tied to the university's strategic growth. A significant portion of the new intake consists of pioneer students for approximately 20 newly introduced academic programs , which have been designed to align the institution with modern global demands and professional trends. ​Despite the unprecedented volume of admissions, Prof. Omoregie was firm in his assertion that quality was not sacrificed for quantity. He emphasized that ever...

​ -By Ruben Mario Brodrick  BENIN CITY – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, on Friday, hosted a high-profile reception in honor of the newly appointed Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Edo State Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele . ​The event, held at the NUJ Press Centre in Benin City, served as both a celebration of professional excellence and a strategic forum for strengthening the relationship between the state government and the media. ​ A Call for Synergy and Professionalism ​In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Edo State Council of NUJ, Dr. Festus Alenkhe , emphasized that the gathering was a testament to the solidarity of Edo journalists. He noted that the union decided to celebrate "one of its own" to demonstrate that the entire media fraternity stands behind the CPS. ​However, Dr. Alenkhe used the platform to advocate for better media relations. He urged the CPS to: ​ Revive Ministerial Bri...

​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ONITSHA, ANAMBRA — In a landmark move to restore the economic heartbeat of the South-East, traders at the iconic Onitsha Main Market have officially pledged to end their compliance with the mandatory Monday "sit-at-home" order. ​The breakthrough came during an intense interactive session on Thursday between Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and market leaders. This meeting follows a period of heightened tension, including the recent temporary closure of the market by the state government as a disciplinary measure against continued shutdowns. ​ The "One Anambra" Mandate ​Speaking on behalf of the merchant community, the Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Mr. Chijioke Okpalugo , declared that traders are ready to align with the Governor’s "One Anambra" vision. However, the pledge came with a crucial condition: security. ​"We are ready to resume full business activities on Mondays," Okpalugo stated, "b...

​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  BENIN CITY – The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Edo State Chapter, has launched a high-stakes advocacy campaign aimed at safeguarding the health of the state’s youngest residents. ​Under the leadership of Chairperson Comrade Habiba Sam , the association is mobilizing a state-wide effort to combat preventable diseases. The campaign specifically targets children between the ages of 0 and 14 , urging parents and guardians to visit local health centers for critical Measles and Rubella vaccinations . ​The Mission at a Glance: ​ The Target: 2.2 million children across all 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs). ​ The Price: Completely free of charge at all government facilities and mobile health posts. ​ The Goal: To eliminate the risk of permanent disability and death caused by vaccine-preventable illnesses. ​Recognizing the power of community influence, NAWOJ is issuing a direct plea to "gatekeepers"—specifically religious lead...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​ NNEWI, NIGERIA — In a powerful fusion of corporate philanthropy and national pride, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) has donated high-end, Nigerian-made vehicles to the top leadership of the Catholic Church. The gesture serves as both a practical boost to the Church’s evangelical work and a loud endorsement of African industrial ingenuity. ​A Gift for the Mission ​The "Pride of African Roads" has extended its reach to the highest levels of the clergy. Chief Innocent Chukwuma Nwala, the founder and CEO of Innoson Motors, recently gifted two Ikenga model SUVs to support the Church's pastoral logistics. ​The recipients of these indigenous machines are: ​ The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) ​ The Apostolic Nunciature in Nigeria (The diplomatic mission of the Holy See/Vatican) ​Local Innovation for Global Faith ​The donation was facilitated by Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye , Bishop of the Nnewi Diocese, who ...

​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ANKARA, TURKEY — The Nigerian Presidency has moved to clear the air following a viral video showing President Bola Tinubu losing his footing during an official state welcome in Turkey. Officials have attributed the brief mishap to a technical flaw in the ceremonial setup—specifically a "poorly laid blue carpet" and a metal object on the floor. ​ The Incident ​The moment occurred on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, during a high-profile ceremonial reception at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. While performing a march-past alongside his host, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President Tinubu appeared to miss his step, resulting in a brief stumble. ​Security personnel and aides were quick to assist the President, who regained his balance within seconds. Despite the brief interruption, the ceremonial proceedings continued without further delay. ​ The Official Response ​Aides were swift to reassure the public that the President is ...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​ IBADAN – In an era where headlines are often dominated by economic hardship and moral decline, a recent visit by former presidential candidate Peter Obi to Dominican University has provided a rare, refreshing glimpse of the "New Nigeria" he frequently advocates for. ​What began as a routine educational support visit on January 26, 2026, transformed into a powerful testament to Nigerian youth’s integrity when students recovered and returned the politician’s missing mobile phone. ​ A Commitment to Human Capital ​Demonstrating his trademark punctuality, Obi departed Lagos at 5:30 a.m. to arrive in Ibadan by 8:00 a.m. His primary mission was to engage with the student body on the intersection of academic excellence and moral character. ​During the visit, Obi announced a ₦30 million donation to the university. He emphasized that education remains the most potent weapon against Nigeria’s systemic challenges, stating: ​ "No nat...

​ -By Ruben Mario Brodrick  IKOYI, LAGOS – In a massive victory for the Nigerian creative industry, the Federal High Court has ordered telecommunications giant, Airtel Nigeria , to pay a staggering N210 million to veteran singer Veno Marioghae Mbanefo for the unauthorized use of her legendary anthem, "Nigeria Go Survive." ​ The Verdict: A "David vs. Goliath" Victory ​The ruling, delivered by Honourable Justice Ibrahim Kala, marks a turning point for intellectual property (IP) enforcement in Nigeria. The court found that Airtel "brazenly" hijacked Mbanefo’s 1980s hit to promote its Airtel TV app and the reality show The Voice Nigeria without securing a license or paying royalties. ​ From Threats to Triumph ​The legal battle, which began in September 2022, was sparked when Mbanefo discovered her work being used in Airtel’s telemarketing and advertisements. According to the singer: ​ The Initial Approach: Her legal team reached out to Airtel for an...

​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  AKPA–EDEM, NIGERIA – In a vibrant symphony of incense, ancient ritual, and communal joy, the Catholic community of St. Michael’s Parish, Akpa–Edem, reached a historic milestone on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The Most Rev. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, Bishop of Nsukka, solemnly dedicated and consecrated the newly completed church, calling on the faithful to return to the "centrality of God’s Word" as the only foundation for a lasting life. ​ A Symbolic Handover ​The ceremony commenced with a poignant exchange of stewardship. The Parish Vice Chairman recounted the arduous journey of the church’s construction before formally presenting the keys to Bishop Onah. This gesture marked the transition of the building from a mere construction project to a sacred edifice surrendered entirely to the glory of God. ​As the Book of Readings was presented, the Bishop’s voice echoed through the nave: “May the Word of God keep resound...

​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ABUJA — The Nigerian military high command has officially confirmed the discovery of a subversive plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a move to preserve constitutional order, several high-ranking officers—ranging from Captains to Brigadier-Generals—are set to face trial before a military court-martial. ​ The Investigation & Findings ​The decision follows an intensive probe by a special investigative panel tasked with looking into the conduct of personnel detained over the alleged conspiracy. ​On Monday, Major-General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, confirmed that the investigation is now complete. The panel’s report concludes that a group of officers engaged in activities "inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards" of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). ​ Key Highlights of the Military Statement: ​ Scope of the Plot: The probe specifically identified all...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political corridors, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf , has officially dumped the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) . ​The transition, announced on Monday at the Coronation Hall in Government House, Kano, was not a solitary move. In a high-stakes display of political realignment, Governor Yusuf was accompanied by a "tsunami" of lawmakers, including 22 out of 24 members of the State House of Assembly and nine members of the Federal House of Representatives. ​ A Strategy of "Partnership Over Polarization" ​Addressing a packed hall of party stalwarts and supporters, Governor Yusuf framed the defection as a calculated move for the benefit of Kano’s citizens rather than mere political maneuvering. ​"We are choosing partnership rather than polarization," the Governor declared. "Political parties ar...

​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ABUJA – The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a stinging rebuttal to circulating rumors suggesting that Vice President Kashim Shettima may be dropped as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 general elections. ​In a decisive move to maintain party unity, the ruling party labeled the speculations as "misleading and divisive," urging the public and the media to shift their focus back to the administration's "Renewed Hope Agenda." ​The Party’s Stand: "Utterly Baseless" ​In a statement released on Monday from the party’s national headquarters, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, CON , expressed deep concern over the recent media frenzy. He attributed the rumors to "mischievous sources" intent on sowing discord within the presidency. ​"These stories are purely speculative and untrue," Morka stated. "We call on media organizations to exercise caution ...

​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  The economic landscape of Anambra State faced a seismic shift on Monday as Governor Chukwuma Soludo delivered on his promise to enforce commercial discipline, ordering the immediate and total closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week. This drastic measure was triggered during an unscheduled, on-the-spot assessment by the Governor, who arrived at the sprawling commercial hub only to find a vast majority of shops firmly under lock and key. The scene underscored a persistent defiance of the state’s directive to ignore the "sit-at-home" order—a controversial ritual originally introduced by non-state actors but officially abolished by the Anambra government to rescue the regional economy from stagnation. ​Governor Soludo, visibly disappointed by the desertion of the market, characterized the traders' actions as "plain economic sabotage" and a direct challenge to the authority of the state. He emphasized that the governme...

​ -By Ruben Mario Brodrick  In a landmark assembly marked by spiritual reflection and democratic transition, the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) of the Archdiocese of Benin City elected a new executive council to pilot its affairs for the next four years. Held on Sunday, 25th January 2026, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Ukhegie Street, the election saw Sir Victor N. Nkwuka-Ekwemalor (KSP) emerge as the Archdiocesan President, succeeding the dynamic administration of Sir Barrister Austin Odigie (KSP). ​The atmosphere was set during the Special Thanksgiving Mass, where the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Solomon Uju (OSA), delivered a stirring homily centered on Christian unity. Drawing from the scriptures, Fr. Uju warned against the "darkness" of division and tribal sentiments, urging the lay faithful—including groups like the Legion of Mary and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal—to prioritize collaboration over competition. He emphasized that for the ...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  internal investigation, the Knights of St. John International, Assumption Commandery Nnewi, has formally expelled Sir James Louis Okoye, widely known as Akacham, from the prestigious Catholic order.  This significant disciplinary action, communicated in an official letter dated January 21st, comes as a direct consequence of a controversial incident that occurred on January 14th. According to the President of the Assumption Commandery, Sir Noble Cyprian Egbosi, the expulsion was finalized after a comprehensive probe confirmed that Okoye had explicitly denounced the Roman Catholic Church and subsequently resorted to apostasy. ​The leadership of the Commandery outlined three fundamental reasons for this severe sanction: Okoye’s public renunciation of the Catholic faith, his transition into apostasy, and a general pattern of behavior and attitude deemed completely unbecoming of a member of the Knighthood.  As a result of this expulsion, ...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​The political landscape in Edo State has been ignited by a sharp divide over Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent move to establish a state-owned airline, aptly named "Edo Air." This controversy took center stage following the Governor’s high-level engagement in Abuja with the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, where he articulated a vision to transform the state’s aviation ecosystem.  While the Governor’s administration, through Chief Press Secretary Dr. Patrick Ebojele, defends the initiative as a strategic masterstroke designed to boost connectivity, stimulate trade, and unlock fresh investment opportunities, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hit back with a scathing assessment.  Led by State Publicity Secretary Dan Osa-Ogbegie, the PDP has dismissed the project as a "textbook example of misplaced priority," arguing that the proposal is a glaring sign of a government disconnected from the harsh realities fac...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​ BENIN CITY – The Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, has announced an ambitious roadmap to decentralize sports excellence and return Nigeria to its rightful place as the "Giant of Africa." ​Speaking at the conclusion of a three-day working visit to Edo State, Shaibu outlined a transformative four-year plan centered on grassroots development, infrastructure revival, and elite coach training. ​A Nationwide Expansion ​In a strategic move to unearth hidden talents across the country, Shaibu revealed plans to establish NIS offices in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. This decentralization policy aims to take professional sports development directly to the grassroots, ensuring that talent in every corner of Nigeria has access to world-class coaching and training. ​“We are in a hurry to restore the NIS to its core mandate,” Shaibu stated, noting that the initiative al...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​In a significant show of federal responsiveness, thousands of residents across the Delta Central Senatorial District have expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Ede Dafinone following the strategic distribution of vital relief materials. The intervention, aimed at victims of the 2025 flood and windstorm disasters, has brought much-needed succor to families who lost homes, farmlands, and livelihoods to the elements. ​A Lifeline for Devastated Communities ​The relief operation, a post-disaster intervention by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) , was personally facilitated by Senator Dafinone (APC, Delta Central). The distribution exercise kicked off in the Sapele axis before expanding into the heart of the district, reaching communities that bore the brunt of the 2025 calamities. ​Key areas targeted for the rollout included: ​ Udu Local Government: Ogbe-Udu and surrounding enclaves. ​ Ughe...

​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ASABA – In a significant move toward political consolidation, stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State converged at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Asaba, on Friday. The high-level meeting focused on internal unity, the ongoing E-Registration exercise, and strategic grassroots mobilization ahead of the party’s forthcoming congresses. ​ Leadership Driven by Unity ​Addressing the gathering of party leaders and members, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori emphasized that the legitimacy of leadership is rooted in humility, empathy, and service to the people. He issued a strong call for members to prioritize collective interests over personal ambitions to shield the party from unnecessary friction. ​“Unity remains the party’s greatest strength,” the Governor noted, adding that the strength of the party’s structure today will determine its electoral success in the 2027 general elections. ​The Governor further st...

​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  The high-stakes legal battle between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has reached its final frontier as the dispute moves to the apex court of the land. Despite recent indications that Akpabio intended to withdraw pending litigations against his political adversaries, he has formally approached the Supreme Court to sustain an appeal challenging the decisions of lower courts that previously favored the Kogi Senator. Filed under motion SC NO: SC/CV/1111/2025, the Senate President is seeking to regularize his appeal and obtain a stay against the rulings that branded the Senate's disciplinary actions as a violation of constitutional rights. ​The roots of this intense friction trace back to a volatile plenary session in February 2025. During that sitting, Senator Natasha raised concerns regarding procedural breaches and issues of privilege, which eventually escalated into a protest ...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​ NSUKKA — On a day where the weight of grief met the triumph of faith, the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka gathered on Thursday, January 22, 2026, to commit the remains of Monsignor Bernard Ikembuchukwu Ngwoke to the earth. The Cathedral was filled to capacity, not just with mourners, but with the living evidence of a legacy that spanned decades of academic brilliance and priestly fatherhood. ​A Symphony of Tributes ​The atmosphere was set by Most Rev. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah , the Bishop of Nsukka, who presided over the liturgy. He welcomed a diverse congregation that included the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai , and a massive contingent of "Bigardians"—the priests and formators from Bigard Memorial Seminary where Msgr. Ngwoke once stood as a guiding light. ​From Village School to Global Scholarship ​The homilist, Rev. Msgr. Emmanuel Ugwu , took the congregation back to the roots of a vocatio...