The Federal Ministry of Information recently designed a programme in collaboration with other agencies to tour projects in states across the country. It is said to be “a non-partisan tour involving the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ); the Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU); leaders of women and youth organisations; National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS); National Council of Women Societies (NCWS); leaders of non-governmental organisations; operatives of security agencies; representative(s) of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat; and reporters from the nation’s print and electronic media”.

It is good news that the popular Ladipo auto spare parts market in the Mushin area of Lagos, which was shut about two weeks ago by the Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, has been reopened. The market was reopened on Monday after the traders signed an agreement to abide by the state environmental laws and raise sanitary standard in the market.

Religious sentiments and politics aside, Nigeria is caught between ‘blood oil’ (stolen oil) in the Niger Delta and a deserted North. Political wrangling, ahead of 2015, is persuading politicians to adjust their positions in the hunt for compromise.

It was on February 11, 2013 that the world woke up to the news of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation. The move was unexpected as in the modern era popes have held the position from election until death.