The Masses Advocate

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​In a landmark move for Nigeria’s diplomatic future, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as the nation's new Minister of Foreign Affairs . This elevation follows the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to focus on his 2027 political ambitions. ​ The Rise of a Diplomatic Powerhouse ​This is not just a political appointment; it is a strategic promotion. Having recently served as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ojukwu has now been handed the full steering wheel of Nigeria's international relations. ​Her resume reads like a masterclass in public service: ​ Spanish Success: Former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, where she also served as the Permanent Representative to the UN World Tourism Organization. ​ Seasoned Advisor: A former Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Matters, ensuring she understands the pulse of Nigerians living abroad. ...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​As Catholic Television of Nigeria (CTV) prepares to celebrate its 15th anniversary, the station has announced an ambitious roadmap to transition from a faith-based niche broadcaster into a major player within Nigeria’s mainstream media landscape.  During a press briefing held in Abuja on Monday, Barr. Dr. Princess Frank-Chukwuani, Chairperson of the National Planning Committee, outlined a future where CTV becomes a staple in national discourse, with plans to expand coverage to the State House, the National Assembly, and high-level interviews with top government officials.  This vision for national prominence follows a year of explosive growth; since migrating to GOtv Channel 115 on March 13, 2025, the station has seen its viewership surge by over 300 percent, reaching an estimated eight million people across the African continent. Founded in 2010 by Emeritus Archbishop John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the station has evolved from its religio...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick ​ The Edo State Police Command has officially moved to clear the air following a viral social media video featuring the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, and a popular comedian, Emmanuel Eghogho (also known as SSA Egogo). ​In a formal disclaimer, the Command clarified that while the Commissioner was captured on camera while performing his official duties, the remarks made by the comedian are strictly personal and do not represent the official stance of the Police Force. The Command emphasized that at no point did CP Agbonika endorse, adopt, or align himself with the views expressed in the video, maintaining that his presence in the clip should not be mistaken for political affiliation. ​Reiterating the Commissioner's reputation as a thorough professional, the statement, signed by PPRO ASP Eno Ikoedem, stressed that the CP remains a non-partisan officer committed to the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force. This clarifi...

​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  BENIN CITY – In a high-profile meeting at the Edo State Government House, the City Boy Movement received a formal endorsement today as they paid a courtesy visit to discuss the future of urban development and national leadership. ​The visit served as a platform for a major political declaration: Edo State has officially thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, citing a belief in the "Renewed Hope" agenda. ​ A Vision of Structure and Purpose ​During the reception, the leadership of the movement was praised for its organizational discipline. The discussion centered on the idea that transforming Nigeria’s urban centers requires a specific pedigree of leadership—one that understands the heartbeat of the city. ​“Only a city boy can truly build and brand a city. What I see here is a movement that is coordinated, organized, and driven by leadership. That alone gives me confidence that Nigeria’s...

​ -By Ruben Mario Brodrick  Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has offered a stirring tribute to the Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, identifying the cleric’s spiritual mentorship as the cornerstone of his administration’s success.  Speaking on Wednesday during a vibrant Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul Catholic Church to mark the Archbishop’s 20th Episcopal Anniversary , the Governor shared personal reflections on how a single encounter with the clergyman redefined his political trajectory and personal resolve. ​Governor Okpebholo recounted his first meeting with Archbishop Akubeze as a defining moment of spiritual clarity, noting that he recognized the "glory of God" upon the cleric immediately. He revealed that he had specifically knelt before the Archbishop at a critical juncture in his journey to seek strength for the challenges ahead.  According to the Governor, he made a solemn request for prayers to help ...

​ -By Ruben Mario Brodrick  WASHINGTON D.C. — In a stunning breakdown of diplomatic and religious protocol, President Donald Trump has launched a scorched-earth rhetorical campaign against Pope Leo XIV. The escalating war of words comes as the administration faces mounting pressure over the conduct of the Iran War and recent allegations regarding civilian casualties in the region. ​The "Puppet" Allegation ​In a series of scathing statements, the President characterized the Pontiff’s election as a strategic political maneuver by the College of Cardinals designed specifically to "counteract" the MAGA movement. Trump dismissed the Pope’s authority on foreign policy, suggesting Leo XIV—the first American Pope in this timeline—owes his position to the political climate created by the Trump presidency. ​"If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican," the President asserted, further complicating the rift by praising the Pope’s ...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​ ABAKALIKI – The Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki and the global community of the faithful are in deep mourning following the transition of their revered Shepherd, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Nworie Chukwu , who returned to his Maker on Friday, April 10, 2026 . He was 60 years old. ​The announcement, released with a spirit of "total surrender to God and firm faith in the Resurrection," marks the end of an impactful era for the Church in Ebonyi State. Bishop Chukwu was known not only as a spiritual leader but as a scholar and a voice of conscience for his people. ​ A Legacy of Faith and Intellect ​Born on November 5, 1965, Bishop Chukwu dedicated over three decades to the priesthood. Before his appointment as the third Bishop of Abakaliki by Pope Francis in 2021, he distinguished himself as a brilliant academic and a compassionate pastor. ​ Scholarly Service: He held a Doctorate in Philosophy from Marquette University and served as a lecture...