Author: GANUX

 

The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria has said that its members can only buy Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, as the refineries owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited cannot optimally produce premium motor spirit but naphtha.

 

DAPPMAN’s Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, confirmed this in a chat with our correspondent on Sunday. According to him, DAPPMAN members are ready to lift petroleum products from the Dangote refinery as the only viable petrol-producing facility in the country.

 

Consequently, he stressed that the marketers will only resort to importation if they cannot get the product locally. He highlighted that the Dangote refinery was not ready to sell premium motor spirit to its members who wanted to buy in bulk.

 

Adewole clarified that his members will not go to the Port Harcourt or Warri refineries for petrol because the facilities are producing naphtha, not optimally producing the much-needed petrol.

 

“The NNPC refineries, both the revamped Port Harcourt and Warri, are not yet optimally producing PMS; they are producing naphtha.

 

Our members will not go to them for now.

 

“But where we can get the product is Dangote refinery and we are willing to work with Dangote refinery, we are willing to buy from Dangote refinery, but if we don’t get the product from Dangote refinery, the PIA allows us to import which is what we’ll go for,” Adewole said.

 

He maintained that the in-country production of PMS should be ramped up to give marketers more sources of getting the product.

 

He clarified that it was not the primary will of the depot owners to import, saying they would rather buy locally and sell to Nigerians, but the opportunities are limited.

 

“In-country production should be ramped up because we need to have more sources of getting the product. It is not the primary will of the depot owners to import; we would rather buy locally and sell to Nigerians, but the opportunities are limited,” he stated.

 

However, he argued that the Dangote refinery prefers a selective approach that chooses a few marketers and deals with them, stressing that it prefers the gantry supply.

 

As depot owners, Adewole said the association loves to buy in bulk, up to 25 metric tonnes. He stressed that if the portal is open and members are allowed to load their vessels, it will be easier for them to patronise the Dangote refinery.

 

“Dangote refinery, in this context, prefers a selective approach that chooses a few marketers and deals through them, and it prefers the gantry supply. But we are depot owners. We pick in bulk. We are picking 15 – 25 metric tonnes. So, if the portal is open and we are allowed to load our vessels, then it’s a lot easier for us,” he posited.

 

Adewole noted that his members have depots all over Nigeria, and they are ready to pick PMS and diesel from the Dangote refinery, expressing doubts about whether or not the refinery is ready to sell to them.

According to him, talks are still ongoing with Dangote, but members want the best price without being shortchanged.

 

“We have depots all over the country, spread all over the coastal areas. So, all these depots are ready and willing to pick from Dangote. But is Dangote ready and willing? We’ve had several meetings with Dangote Refinery at the highest level of their management. We’re still talking with them. So, it’s not yet closed, but we want a situation in which we can pick from the refinery at the best possible price without being shortchanged,” he explained.

 

He spoke further that the aim of DAPPMAN is to ensure it gives customers in all parts of the country quality products at the best price, no matter where the product legitimately comes from.

“Wherever we can source the product, we will get it for them. The PIA allows us to import, and when people ask, ’Why are you importing? Why are you not patronising the local refinery?’ The reality is that we want to patronise the local refinery, but is the local refinery willing to give us the product? If we import cargos at a cheaper rate, we will sell to Nigerians at a cheaper rate,” he stated.

 

Adewole added that it is DAPPMAN’s pride that the Dangote refinery is up and running, saying the association wants to work with the refinery without losing money.

 

“It’s our pride that the Dangote refinery is up and running. We want to work with Dangote, but we are also not going to keep losing money because the bottom line is that we are in business,” he submitted.

 

In November 2024, the NNPC said the 60,000 bpd capacity Port Harcourt refinery resumed operations after years of inactivity.

 

The NNPC said the newly rehabilitated complex of the old Port Harcourt refinery, which had been revamped and upgraded with modern equipment, was operating at a refining capacity of 70 per cent of its installed capacity.

 

The company added that diesel and Pour Fuel Oil would be the highest output from the refinery, with a daily capacity of 1.5 million litres and 2.1 million litres, respectively.

 

This is followed by a daily output of Straight-Run Gasoline (Naphtha) blended into 1.4 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 900,000 litres of kerosene, and low-pour fuel oil of 2.1 million litres.

 

It was stated then that about 200 trucks of petrol would be released into the Nigerian market daily.

 

The NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, made these claims while replying to claims from some quarters that the Port Harcourt refinery was not producing fuel, but blending through Indorama Petrochemicals.

 

“We are, however, aware of unfounded claims by certain individuals suggesting that the refinery is not producing products. For clarity, the Old Port Harcourt Refinery is currently operating at 70 per cent of its installed capacity, with plans to ramp up to 90 per cent.

 

“The refinery is producing the following daily outputs: Straight-Run Gasoline (Naphtha): Blended into 1.4 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS or petrol); Kerosene: 900,000 litres; Automotive Gas Oil (AGO or Diesel): 1.5 million litres; Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO): 2.1 million litres; Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): Additional volumes

“It is worth noting that the refinery incorporates crack C5, a blending component from our sister company, Indorama Petrochemicals (formerly Eleme Petrochemicals), to produce gasoline that meets required specifications. Blending is a standard practice in refineries globally, as no single unit can produce gasoline that fully complies with any country’s standards without such processes,” Soneye disclosed in November.

 

He added that the NNPC had made substantial progress on the new Port Harcourt Refinery, which he said would begin operations “soon” without prior announcements.

 

In April, a report by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority showed that the Port Harcourt refinery has been operating below 40 per cent capacity.

 

It also said the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company has remained shut since January 25, 2025, due to safety issues in its Crude Distillation Unit Main Heater.

 

It was reported that the three Managing Directors of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries have been fired by the new board of the NNPC.

 

Meanwhile, Soneye has yet to reply to messages sent to him by our correspondent on the development.

 

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has harped on the imperative of enhanced collaboration between China and Nigeria in unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals sector through the establishment of electric vehicle factories in Nigeria.

 

Dunhai disclosed this while paying a courtesy visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, in his office, where he emphasised the importance of closer ties between both nations in advancing Nigeria’s industrial growth.

 

A statement by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Sunday, disclosed plans by China to establish electric vehicle factories in Nigeria.

 

The ambassador said Nigeria is a great country blessed with tremendous natural resources, noting that China has always placed Nigeria in a very pivotal position in its foreign policy.

 

Recalling the recent high-level engagement between Presidents Bola Tinubu and Xi Jinping during Tinubu’s state visit to China, Ambassador Dunhai noted that both leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, creating new opportunities for cooperation.

 

In his address, the solid minerals development minister reiterated that Nigeria is open for business to serious investors, stressing that investments in the nation’s mining industry are now focused on local value addition.

 

He urged the ambassador to encourage Chinese investors to commit to full-cycle investments, from extraction to processing, within Nigeria.

 

He pointed out Nigeria’s large market and the potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels through electric vehicle production.

 

“For years, our minerals have been exported raw to fuel foreign industrialisation. That must change.”

 

We now prioritise local processing to drive Nigeria’s development. For instance, with the abundance of lithium, we want to see local manufacturing of electric vehicles and batteries,” he said.

 

Responding, Ambassador Dunhai expressed support for Nigeria’s local value-addition policy, pointing out that one of President Xi Jinping’s key priorities is promoting African industrialisation.

 

“Plans are underway to establish electric vehicle factories and other manufacturing ventures in Nigeria.

 

“Chinese companies are already deeply involved in Nigeria’s mining sector, from exploration to processing.

 

“We aim to deepen this collaboration, especially in line with President Tinubu’s eight priority areas, notably economic diversification through solid minerals,” he added.

The Ambassador noted that the embassy and the Chinese government have always admonished Chinese companies operating in Nigeria to abide by rules and regulations, implement Corporate Social Responsibility and adhere to environmental and safety standards, stressing that the Chinese authorities have zero tolerance for illegal mining, signifying their readiness to work with the Nigerian government to bring suspected culprits to justice.

 

In his response, Alake stated that Nigeria appreciates its long-standing relations with China, acknowledging that most Chinese firms operate within legal and regulatory frameworks.

 

However, he expressed concern over the actions of a few operators tarnishing China’s image, referencing a recent viral video involving a Chinese national allegedly bribing local security agents.

 

“We have taken action against illegal operators, including some Chinese nationals. While isolated, such incidents undermine the good work of many compliant Chinese firms. We need your cooperation in ensuring that such culprits are brought to justice,” the minister asserted.

 

The minister also highlighted the impact of the Mining Marshals established to combat illegal mining, affirming that the outfit has sent the right signal in the sector, raised awareness about the menace, and has consequently improved compliance with regulations by both local and foreign operators.

 

The Federal Government has said that 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory, have reduced their debt profiles, having repaid about N1.85trn in domestic debt between June 2023 and December 2024.

 

This was contained in The Explainer magazine, a weekly publication of the National Orientation Agency, dated May 16th, 2025.

 

“Today, at least 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have reduced their domestic debt portfolios at an unprecedented rate. Thus, within a period of 18 months, spanning June, 2023 to December, 2024, these states have repaid a whooping total sum of N1.85 trillion to their creditors,” the publication read.

 

The NOA further disclosed that the 36 state governments and the FCT had accumulated a domestic debt stock of N1.66trn as of December 2014. By the end of 2015, their domestic debt profiles had risen to N2.5trn.

 

However, by June 30, 2023, the total domestic debt of the 36 states and the FCT had reached over N5trn,

 

“Thus, states such as Osun moved from a debt profile of N37.82 billion in 2014 to a whooping N145.71 billion in June, 2023 when President Tinubu assumed office. Delta, one of the highest receivers of FAAC allocations also moved from N211.95 billion debt in 2014 to N465.41 billion by 30 June, 2023.

 

“In the same vein, Jigawa sank from N1.57 billion debt in 2014 to N43.13 billion in June, 2023, while Imo went from N28.95 billion in 2014 to N220.84 billion in June, 2023. Anambra’s domestic debt surged from N2.88 billion in 2014 to N76.4 billion in June, 2023 and Sokoto moved from N7.65 billion only in 2014 to N91.68 billion in June 2023,” the publication further read.

 

The NOA explained that the Tinubu administration’s twin policies of ending petrol subsidy and floating the naira were “tremendous blessings to the states”, leading to a free up of revenues, with states witnessing a leap in federal allocations.

They added that while the states and Local Governments shared a total of N6.16 trillion in FAAC allocations in 2023, which was a 28.6 per cent increase from the N4.792 trillion they received in 2022, the allocations increased in 2024 to N9.58 trillion, N3.42 trillion higher than what they received in 2023, leading to the high debt repayment among the subnationals

 

The Agency also disclosed that of the 33 states, Delta, Lagos, Imo, Cross River and Ogun states top the list, with Delta repaying N265.83 billion, Lagos N96.23 billion, Imo N94.70 billion, Cross River N85.91 billion, and Ogun State N81.35 billion.

 

“However, there are only three states which failed to reduce their debt profiles. They are Niger, Enugu and Rivers States. Instead of following the footsteps of their colleagues, these states borrowed more. Thus, between June, 2023 and December, 2024, Niger State increased its debt burden by N18.79 billion. In the same vein, Enugu State borrowed additional N26.09 billion while Rivers State increased its debt by N138.89 billion within 18 months,” the NOA stated.

 

The Agency further stated that the Federal Government had expended more than $7 trillion (N11.2trn) in servicing its external debt within the first 18 months of the Tinubu administration, with the International Monetary Fund as the highest beneficiary of the FG’s debt repayment drive.

 

“As at June 30, 2023, a month after the president assumed office, Nigeria’s indebtedness to IMF stood at $3.264 billion. Six months after, specifically in December, 2023, Nigeria’s IMF debt had shrunk to $2.469 billion. One more year later (December, 2024), Nigeria has further reduced its indebtedness to IMF to only $800.23million. This $800.23 million balance at the end of 2024, has now been totally cleared in the second quarter of 2025 as confirmed by IMF. So, essentially in less than two years of Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria has paid off its entire $3.264 billion indebtedness to IMF.”

 

Among other debts repaid by the FG are the N22 trillion securitized Ways and Means arrears, the first N100 billion Sukuk bond offering issued in 2018, and N5.87 trillion in domestic debt paid off in 2024.

The Publication also noted that domestic debts had gulped the sum of N8.81 trillion in 18 months, while Nigeria’s total public debt stock “has dropped drastically from $113.42 billion as at June, 2023 to $94.22 billion as at December 31, 2024.”

 

Some residents have lamented the rapidly expanding gully erosion threatening to engulf a primary health centre under renovation in Bayan Dutse, a riverine community in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

 

Its current state has raised fear among residents who depend on the facility for essential medical services, as the deteriorating riverbank health centre reportedly serves over 4,000 residents.

 

When our correspondent visited the site on Sunday, it was observed that without immediate erosion control measures, the facility could become structurally unsafe and unusable in a few months.

 

PUNCH Online gathered from locals that more than 10 meters of land have been lost to erosion in the past six months, due to persistent rainfall and the absence of proper drainage infrastructure.

 

It was said that cracks have reportedly appeared on the facility’s exterior walls, while parts of the perimeter fence have collapsed. According to them, the back gate got eroded following a recent heavy downpour.

 

They also appealed to the Kaduna State Government and federal agencies such as the Ecological Fund Office to urgently intervene before the erosion claims yet another critical public asset.

 

A resident, Royal Daniel, expressed his concern over the health facility that is eroding and may collapse soon if proper attention is not paid to its current state.

 

He said, “We are worried that this health centre, which is our only access to basic healthcare, especially for pregnant women and children, may soon collapse into the river.

“We had hope when the renovation began under Governor Uba Sani’s administration, but that hope is fading fast.”

 

A trader in the area, Sarah Thomas, was of the opinion that it is likely the problem originated from the building construction and planning, as she also pleaded for the state government’s intervention.

 

“We believe the contractor did a shabby job without a proper assessment of the terrain. There was no meaningful erosion control component in the project.

 

“We are calling on the Kaduna State Government to urgently review this project and ensure it is executed properly. Our lives depend on this facility,” Thomas said.

 

“This is a disaster waiting to happen. The government must prioritise erosion control, particularly for health infrastructure sited near riverbanks,” said Aaron Daniel, a Kaduna-based building engineer.

 

Some community leaders in the area also faulted the siting of the health centre close to the riverbank, describing it as a poor decision without considering environmental risk. They also criticised the quality of work done by the contractor handling the renovation.

Efforts to get an official response from the Chikun Local Government Council were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

 

Ahead of the 2027 elections, elders of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the Northern Senatorial District of Nasarawa State, have appealed to a former Deputy Governor of the state, Silas Agara, to join the governorship race.

 

The elders, under the aegis of APC Elders Forum, made the call on Sunday in the Akwanga Local Government Area of the state when they held a meeting with Agara who currently serves the country as Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment.

 

Speaking with Journalists shortly after the meeting, spokesperson of the group, Monday Nanza, said they decided to visit the home of the NDE Boss to urge him to join the race for governorship in 2027 because the forum believes that he is the ideal candidate to succeed Governor Abdullahi Sule, considering his wealth of experience in politics and governance.

 

Nanza described Silas Agara as a grass roots politician who had served in various political capacities since 1999, noting that among the about 20 persons from the APC who have so far declared interest to succeed the incumbent governor, Agara is the most qualified going by his track records.

 

“Agara has paid his dues since he first entered into the political arena. He possesses the necessary skills to govern Nasarawa State effectively if given the opportunity.

“We have consulted with all aspirants expressing interest in the governorship, but none has the political credentials of Silas Agara. This is why we are here today, urging him to present himself for this crucial position,” Nanza added.

 

Meanwhile, our correspondent reports that Agara hails from the same Local Government Area with Governor Abdullahi Sule, who is currently serving his second term in office.

 

The Akwanga born political icon’s rise to prominence began in 2003 when he was appointed as Commissioner for Youth and Sports by Nasarawa State’s first civilian Governor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, at a remarkable young age.

 

Since then, Agara’s exceptional leadership and charisma have consistently reflected in the various offices he had held, including his appointment as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning by late former Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma in 2007.

 

After which, he served as Special Adviser on Special Duties and Sports from 2011 to 2015. He was later elected as Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State from 2015 to 2019 during the tenure of former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, who served the state for eight years.

 

Some social media users across the country have advocated for the establishment of an indigenous social networking platforms following the exit threat by Meta.

 

Meta is the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

 

The users made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday,

 

They said that establishing an indigenous social media platform would ensure easy regulation and implementation of data protection policies in the country.

 

Mr Moses Atuegwu, a WhatsApp user, said that the exit threat by Meta was uncalled for given the huge number of users and patronage they had received in the country.

 

Atuegwu said it was worrisome, as citizens were at the mercy of foreign-dominated social media platforms, hence the need for homegrown platforms.

 

”We cannot continue to be controlled by these foreign platforms.

 

”We should have an alternative that is indigenous based.

 

Ms Pearl Adekunle, another user of WhatsApp and Instagram, said that setting up homegrown social media platforms would help the country to scrutinise the content consumed by users.

 

Adekunle said the establishment of homegrown platforms would help promote indigenous technology and the country’s economy.

 

”China and Russia have their own indigenous social media platforms, and this enhances the data protection policy of their government.

 

”Nothing stops Nigeria from adopting the same to promote and advance indigenous technologies,” she said.

 

Miss Esther Indiana-Obong, a Facebook subscriber, said that establishing an indigenous social media platform would help encourage competition and promote innovation in the country’s Information Technology (IT) sector.

Indiana-Obong said it would also help to reduce dependence on foreign social media brands.

Alhaji Aminu Zakari, also a social media user, said the homegrown platform would help the government to effectively regulate what goes out on social media.

 

NAN reports that Meta had warned that it may shut down operations in Nigeria following the tribunal ruling that upheld a $220 million fine imposed on them in July 2024.

 

Meta said that it may be forced to effectively shut down the Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria in order to mitigate the risk of enforcement measures.

 

Responding to the threat, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, had said that the threat would not exonerate the company from the fines.

 

FCCPC described the threat as a calculated move aimed at inducing a negative public reaction and potentially pressuring the FCCPC to reconsider its decision.

 

NAN recalls that the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal had awarded 220 million dollars against Meta Platforms Incorporated and WhatsApp LLC as an administrative penalty for the violations.

 

The tribunal further awarded $35,000 dollars to the FCCPC as cost of investigation.

 

”The FCCPC investigated Meta Platforms and WhatsApp (jointly referred to as “Meta Parties”) for allegedly violating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

 

”The Commission found that Meta Parties engaged in multiple and repeated infringements of the FCCPA (2018) and the NDPR.

 

”These infringements include denying Nigerians the right to control their personal data, transferring and sharing Nigerian user data without authorisation.

 

”Others are discriminating against Nigerian users compared to users in other jurisdictions and abusing their dominant market position by forcing unfair privacy policies,” the Commission said.

 

(NAN)

 

The Enugu State Government, in collaboration with Population Services International, has organized a three-day rally to mark the 2025 World Hypertension Day.

 

The event aims to create awareness and reduce the impact of high blood pressure, a silent killer disease that affects millions of people worldwide.

 

Speaking at the conclusion of the rally on Sunday, the state Commissioner for Health, Prof Ikechukwu Obi explained, “The theme of this year’s World Hypertension Day is ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.’

 

“This theme underscores the critical importance of proactive blood pressure monitoring and control in maintaining long-term health and well-being.”

 

The commissioner emphasized the importance of regular blood pressure checks in recognized healthcare facilities.

 

“If it were not clinically determined in a healthcare facility, do not accept the diagnosis of hypertension or high blood pressure because one measurement of blood pressure is not enough for you to diagnose high blood pressure,” he said.

 

Ikechukwu noted that hypertension affects an estimated 1.28 billion people globally, and about 46% of those affected are unaware of their condition, putting them at risk of avoidable medical complications and death.

“The lack of awareness of high blood pressure or hypertension may lead to a condition of uncontrolled hypertension and can lead to complications such as heart attacks, stroke, heart failure, kidney problems, and vision loss,” he warned.

 

The commissioner stressed that accurate diagnosis of hypertension requires multiple measurements of blood pressure at calculated intervals, followed by tests to confirm the condition.

 

“We want to make it clear that the diagnosis of hypertension is a clinical diagnosis, and as much as possible, our citizens and the general public should ensure that they obtain a clinical diagnosis of hypertension before they accept that they are suffering from high blood pressure,” he said.

 

Ikechukwu commended stakeholders, including PSI Nigeria, for their support in controlling and managing hypertension in the state.

 

“One case in point for Enugu State is the organization PSI Nigeria, who have been supporting us on the issue of blood pressure checks and measurements in our healthcare facilities,” he said.

 

The commissioner urged the public to take note of the importance of accurate diagnosis and regular blood pressure checks.

 

“Please, members of the general public should take note of this: one measurement of your blood pressure is not a diagnosis of hypertension. Receive a diagnosis of hypertension from a qualified healthcare practitioner,” he advised.

 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has attributed the club’s failure to win the 2024/2025 Premier League title to a spate of injuries and costly red cards.

 

According to a post on Fabrizio Romano’s X handle on Sunday, Arteta, when asked why Arsenal failed to clinch the title, replied, “Red cards and injuries – for sure.”

 

“Would we be much closer? For me, the answer is, without question, yes,” he told Sky Sports.

Arsenal will host Newcastle at the Emirates in a must-win encounter to secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

 

The Gunners, currently second in the table with 68 points, have suffered defeat to Newcastle three times this season.

 

Afrobeats star Davido has penned an emotional tribute to his long-time manager, Asa Asika, following Asika’s traditional wedding in Lagos.

 

PUNCH Online previously reported that the award-winning singer served as a groomsman during the ceremony, visibly supporting his manager throughout the celebrations.

 

On Saturday, Davido took to X to share a heartfelt message, describing how the day moved him profoundly.

 

He reflected on their enduring friendship, recalling the trials they have weathered together and the bond that has remained unbroken through success and hardship.

 

He wrote, “Seeing you stand beside Leona, with peace in your eyes and love in your heart… I couldn’t hold it in. Not just because of the man you’ve become, but because of how you became him.

 

“Nothing was handed to us. We built this through fire, through faith, through a bond that never broke.

 

“We didn’t chase the spotlight. We stayed rooted. Loyal to our story, loyal to our people. We didn’t sell out. We carried the culture, even when it felt heavy. That’s why the blessings never left because we never left ourselves behind.

 

“You’ve been more than my manager. You’ve been my shield. My sanity. My brother in every battle.”

 

Davido also praised the transformative impact Asa’s wife, Leona, has had on him, noting the visible change in his friend’s spirit since her arrival.

“But Asa… since Leona came into your life, you’ve changed. You softened. You smiled more. You became a man at peace. And watching her see the real you not the workhorse, not the machine, but you that healed something deep in me too.”

 

He thanked Leona for loving Asa in a way they had all hoped for, adding, “You didn’t just join the journey, you became its purpose.”

 

Davido promised to protect what the couple had built together, declaring: “As long as I breathe, I’ll protect what you two have built.”

 

In a poignant conclusion, the DMW boss reflected on the legacy they have created together, celebrating their shared values and brotherhood.

 

“This wedding… it’s not just love. It’s legacy. It’s proof that we can rise without losing our souls. That brotherhood can survive success. That culture can be kept not just worn.

“We didn’t just make it, Asa. We made it our way. And standing next to you today, I feel something no award can give me.

 

“I feel home.

 

“Forever beside you,

David.”

 

Pope Leo XIV set the tone for his papacy Sunday with a call to stop exploiting nature and marginalising the poor before an audience, including JD Vance and tens of thousands of pilgrims.

 

Ten days after Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost became the first US head of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, he celebrated his inaugural mass in St Peter’s Square.

 

The 69-year-old began the day by making his debut tour in a popemobile, standing up in the custom-made white vehicle and smiling, waving, and blessing the cheering crowds at the Vatican.

 

In front of dignitaries, including US Vice President Vance and Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky, he then gave a homily calling for the Church to be a transformational force in a world of division and hatred.

“In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalises the poorest,” he said.

 

The new pontiff, who spent many years as a missionary in Peru, also warned against “closing ourselves off in our small groups”.

 

“We are called to offer God’s love to everyone, to achieve that unity which does not cancel out differences but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people,” he said.

 

Prevost, who was made a cardinal only in 2023 and is unknown to many Catholics, has repeatedly emphasised the importance of peace and social justice in his first few days as pope.

 

Inacia Lisboa, 71, a pilgrim from Cape Verde who lives in Rome, told AFP at the Vatican on Sunday that Leo had already “entered my heart”.

 

She said she wanted him to “pray for us all, for peace in the world — we need it so much”.

 

* First US pope –

 

Leo has made history as the first pontiff from the United States, and his home country was represented on Sunday by Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also a Catholic.

 

Before becoming pope, Leo reposted on his personal X account criticism of President Donald Trump’s administration over its approach to migration and also pilloried Vance, but the account is no longer accessible.

 

Vance was the last world leader to meet with Pope Francis, the day before the Argentine died on April 21 after 12 years as pontiff.

Leo’s elevation has sparked huge enthusiasm in the United States, but also some consternation elsewhere that a country with an already outsize political and military role in the world now boasts one of its foremost spiritual leaders.

 

“There is going to be extra weight because he is American, I think there’s going to be a lot of extra eyes, and maybe criticisms,” said Sophia Tripp, a 20-year-old student visiting from Leo’s hometown of Chicago.

 

But she said she hoped he would “bring people together”, adding: “We are all human, and we should just all be loving to one another.”

 

Other guests on Sunday included German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

 

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Colombia’s Gustavo Petro, and a host of European royals also attended.

 

Italian authorities deployed thousands of security officers for the event, alongside snipers on rooftops and anti-drone operations.

 

* ‘Fear and trembling’ –

 

Leo XIV was elected the 267th pope on May 8 after a conclave vote of cardinals that lasted less than 24 hours.

 

Succeeding the charismatic but impulsive Francis, he takes over a Church still battling the fallout of the clerical child abuse scandal and trying to adapt to the modern world.

 

Leo acknowledged on Sunday some trepidation in his new role.

 

“I was chosen, without any merit of my own, and now, with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy,” he said.

 

Ahead of the mass, Leo visited the tomb of Saint Peter — who in the Christian tradition was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, and the first pope — located under the altar of the basilica that bears his name.

 

He then received the pontifical emblems — the pallium, a strip of cloth worn over the chasuble, his robe, and the fisherman’s ring, which is forged anew for each pope and which he will wear on his finger until he dies, when it will be destroyed.

 

AFP