Pope Francis’ condition worsened after he went through a bronchospasm that led to an episode of vomiting and inhalation, the Vatican said. Following the episode, the pope began non-invasive ventilation and was responding well. According to Vatican sources, the pope is now breathing with the help of a mask that covers his nose and mouth, and is not intubated.

The Vatican says that throughout the day the pope remained alert and oriented the entire time. However, Vatican sources noted that Pope Francis is not out of danger and the doctors still need to assess the impact of today’s episode.

Before the episode, Pope Francis spent his morning alternating between praying and respiratory physiotherapy. He also received the Eucharist.

This is not the 88-year-old pontiff’s first episode since being hospitalized nearly three weeks ago. On Saturday, he had trouble breathing and, according to Vatican sources, an “isolated” incident in which he coughed and vomited. He is now reportedly using a different type of mask and is breathing normally.

Earlier today, Vice President JD Vance spoke about the pope at the annual National Prayer Breakfast, and said a prayer for the 88-year-old pontiff. The vice president acknowledged their political differences, but said that he has been praying for the pope daily.

Vice President Vance invited the attendees to join him in praying for Pope Francis’ health. The vice president said he hopes the pope will make it through his health struggles, and shared something the pontiff did when COVID hit that touched him.

“I think all of us can remember that moment of the Holy Father standing in an empty Saint Peter’s Square, holding the Eucharist above his head and giving a sermon that I return to consistently because it was incredibly meaningful to me at the time. It remains meaningful today,” Vance said before going on to read part of the homily the pope gave in March 2020.

The pope has been critical of the Trump administration, which Vice President Vance acknowledged in his address. Earlier this month, Pope Francis slammed the administration’s planned mass deportations of migrants, saying it “will end badly.”

The Nigerian Army has renamed the popular Ikeja Cantonment T.A. Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja in honour of the late Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The renaming ceremony on Friday followed impressive facility upgrades including an engraved picture of Lagbaja made with over 4,000 nails in front of the refurbished main gate to the cantonment; digital boards; remodelled accommodation for Commander 9 Brigade; newly built residence of Commander 70 Supply and Transport Command; renovated seven by Corporal Below and three by Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) quarters.

The event coincided with the posthumous 57th birthday of the late COAS and attracted military top shots including all serving members of Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Course 39, Lagbaja’s coursemates.

Delivering a goodwill message at the ceremony, Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said naming the cantonment after Lagbaja was a testament of gratitude and recognition of his courage, service and patriotism.

He said: “This cantonment has not been a symbol of courage. It has been a symbol of discipline and fidelity. It has been home to thousands of brave men and women who have defended the sovereignty of our nation with their lives in the greatest moment of triumph, resilience, and sacrifice.

“Therefore, renaming it after Lieutenant General Lagbaja is a fitting tribute to a leader, a gentleman, and an officer whose life embodies all of his values. A distinguished infantry officer who served in the Nigerian Army with dedication for over three decades; who played key roles in counter-insurgent operations, internal security, and peace-keeping missions.

“By renaming this cantonment after him, we are sending a strong message to our Armed Forces and to future generations that Nigeria will always honour and celebrate our brave men and women in uniform, not just in times of conflict but in moments of peace. We must remind them that their sacrifice will not go unrecognised.”

He commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the renaming of the cantonment, noting that his administration has by the gesture, demonstrated its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces.”

COAS, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said Lagbaja’s legal IRS had continued to positively impact the lives of soldiers and their families.

Oluyede said the army considered Ikeja Cantonment most benefitting to immortalise Lagbaja because of the modest infrastructural developments he spearheaded as Commander 9Brigade, as well as major developmental projects he initiated in the cantonment as COAS.

“Some of these include the extensive renovation of officers and soldiers accommodations, upgrade of the schools and medical centre facilities as well as restoration of the cantonment water treatment plant.

“He was also key to resolving the intractable challenge of poor electricity supply to the Cantonment. Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s impactful intervention undoubtedly brought comfort and joy to the cantonment community.

“It was therefore no surprise that the proposal to rename this cantonment after him was received with widespread jubilation and warm acceptance by the residents…” he said.

The Katsina State government has ordered the closure of all private schools in the state for the duration of Ramadan.

In a circular issued by the Katsina State Hisbah Board, the government warned that failure to comply would have consequences.

The circular, dated February 27, 2025, was signed by the Commandant General, Aminu Usman.

“In accordance with the Katsina State Government’s directive, all private schools are required to close during the Ramadan period to allow pupils to fully observe the holy month,” the statement read.

“The directive also includes extra lessons. The Hisbah Board urges all school proprietors to strictly comply, as non-compliance will not be tolerated.”

“May Allah accept our fast and grant us His blessings,” the statement concluded.

SaharaReporters previously reported that Bauchi State had issued a similar directive, ordering all schools, including private ones to shut down for five weeks.

According to the directive, schools in Bauchi will remain closed from February 26, 2025, until the end of Ramadan and the Salah celebration, with classes resuming on April 5.

The official academic calendar obtained by SaharaReporters indicates that the second term of the 2024/2025 session began on January 5, 2025.

However, the Bauchi State government divided the term into two phases: the first from January 5 to February 28, followed by a five-week break from March 1 to April 5.

Classes are set to resume from April 6 to April 29. The directive has sparked outrage online following SaharaReporters’ report, though the government remains firm on its decision.

Credit: SaharaReporters