Author: Tech & Tools Desk

Pope Leo XIV on Saturday appointed a new ambassador to the United States amid diplomatic tensions linked to the administration of Donald Trump, particularly over the conflict involving Iran and strict migration policies. The Vatican announced that Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, 68, who previously served as the Holy See’s envoy to the United Nations in New York, has been appointed as apostolic nuncio to Washington. Caccia replaces Cardinal Christophe Pierre, who is retiring at the age of 80 after nearly a decade in the role. Leo, the Catholic Church’s first American pope, is navigating a deeply polarised political environment in the United States. While maintaining diplomatic channels with Washington, he has often voiced indirect criticism of certain policies by the Trump administration. Since his election in May, the Chicago-born pontiff has condemned what he described as the “inhuman” treatment of migrants, called for dialogue with Venezuela and criticised what he termed a “diplomacy of force.” He has also urged all sides involved in the Middle East conflict triggered by joint Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on Iran to take moral responsibility and halt the escalation of violence before it deepens further.

A fresh barrage of Iranian missiles triggered multiple explosions across Tel Aviv on Friday, as firefighters battled a fire at a residential building near Israel’s commercial centre. The developments followed Israel’s expansion of its campaign against Hezbollah, with the Israeli government pledging retaliation against the Tehran-backed group after it joined the conflict in the wake of the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, on Saturday. Iran’s state broadcaster reported that Tehran had launched missiles at targets in central Tel Aviv, while Israel’s military said it was working to intercept incoming projectiles late Thursday. Journalists in Tel Aviv reported hearing two almost simultaneous waves of explosions across the city. Streaks from rockets were also visible in the skies over Netanya, located north of Tel Aviv along the Mediterranean coast. Following the incident, Israel’s emergency service, Magen David Adom, said its teams inspected several reported impact sites but recorded no casualties. The Israeli police also confirmed they were responding to incidents involving fallen projectiles in central Israel, noting that while some property damage was reported, there were no injuries. One projectile struck a building on the outskirts of Tel Aviv, prompting residents to evacuate. At another residential location near the city’s economic district, firefighters worked to extinguish a fire caused by debris after an Iranian rocket was intercepted. Meanwhile, Israel’s Home Front Command issued several rocket alerts early Friday for communities near the Lebanon border.

The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced the temporary closure of the U.S. Embassy Abuja for routine services, citing concerns about possible protests in the nation’s capital. In a notice posted on its official account on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, the mission said the embassy would remain closed for routine business until Monday, March 9, 2026. The statement explained that visa appointments scheduled for March 4 and 5, along with American Citizen Services appointments set for March 5, had been moved to new dates next week. Applicants seeking visas were advised to check their email or their AVITS account for updated appointment details, while those with American Citizen Services appointments were also urged to review their email notifications for rescheduling information. The mission added that visa applicants who do not receive a new appointment date should request assistance through the Visa Navigator platform and encouraged the public to monitor its official website and social media channels for further updates. The development follows earlier reports that visa appointments scheduled for March 4 had been cancelled due to security concerns linked to planned demonstrations in Abuja amid tensions related to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Security agencies were reportedly heavily deployed across Abuja on Wednesday over the possibility of protests by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria. Similar demonstrations had previously taken place in states including Niger State, Sokoto State, Kaduna State, Yobe State, Bauchi State, Gombe State, and Lagos State. The group was reported to have described the demonstrations as a peaceful show of solidarity with Iran following reports about the death of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in airstrikes allegedly carried out by the United States and Israel.

At least eight people have been killed in Russian attacks across Ukraine, including in a strike on a civilian passenger train, Ukrainian officials said on Monday. Russia has continued targeting Ukrainian cities and critical energy facilities, even as the United States presses Kyiv to consider a potential peace agreement with Moscow. In the eastern city of Kramatorsk, a key Ukrainian-held area that Russian forces are steadily approaching, three people lost their lives, according to the head of the city’s military administration. The governor of the broader Donetsk region one of four Ukrainian territories Moscow claimed to annex in 2022 reported that two people were killed and 13 others injured in the nearby town of Druzhkivka. In the central Dnipropetrovsk region, emergency responders recovered the body of a 55-year-old man from the debris of a destroyed home. Later the same day, a drone strike on a moving train in the region claimed the life of a 75-year-old man and left nine others wounded, Ukrainian and local authorities said in separate statements. Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said the train’s locomotive crew brought it to an immediate halt following the attack, after which passengers were safely evacuated and provided with first aid. Last month, Ukrainian Railways CEO Oleksandr Pertsovskyi noted an increase in Russian strikes targeting rail infrastructure, describing it as an effort to isolate certain regions of the country. In the northern Chernigiv region, which borders Russia, officials confirmed that a woman born in 1937 was also killed. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, triggering the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II and resulting in hundreds of thousands of military and civilian casualties.

Loud explosions shook Tehran on Tuesday as Iran targeted industrial and diplomatic sites across the Middle East, vowing to unleash “the gates of hell” on the United States and Israel amid intensifying hostilities. The conflict erupted following joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend, reportedly killing Iran’s supreme leader. Fighting has continued unabated into its fourth day. Here are the latest developments: Fresh Blasts in TehranPowerful explosions were heard in central Tehran on Tuesday, according to AFP journalists. The exact targets were not immediately confirmed. Iran Appeals to UN Security CouncilIran called on the United Nations Security Council to intervene and halt the conflict.“The Security Council has a duty… if it wishes, it can certainly act,” foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, adding that only political will stood in the way of action. Oil Surges Above $85 per BarrelOil prices spiked as the war disrupted supplies, with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed and energy infrastructure affected.The Brent North Sea crude contract climbed more than eight percent to $85.12 a barrel — its highest level since July 2024. Meanwhile, precious metals declined sharply. Gold fell more than four percent to about $5,075 per ounce, while silver dropped over 12 percent to just under $78 per ounce. Iran Threatens US, IsraelIran’s Revolutionary Guards warned of intensified attacks on US forces and Israel.“The enemy must await continuous punitive attacks; the gates of hell will open more and more… upon the United States and Israel,” spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini said on state television. Israel Advances in South LebanonIsraeli forces reportedly entered areas near the Lebanon-Israel border, including Kfar Kila and the Khiam plains, according to a Lebanese army source.Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin said the move aimed to establish a buffer zone between Israeli communities and potential threats. Natanz Nuclear Site DamagedThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed “recent damage” to entrance buildings at Iran’s underground Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant.The agency said no radiological consequences were expected. Explosions in Gulf CapitalsAFP journalists reported blasts in Manama and Doha, marking a fourth day of Iranian strikes across Gulf states. 30,000 Displaced in LebanonThe UN refugee agency said at least 30,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon due to escalating hostilities. Blasts Heard in JerusalemExplosions were reported over Jerusalem after the Israeli military detected new missiles launched from Iran and said it was intercepting the threat. Over 780 Reported Dead in IranThe Iranian Red Crescent stated that 787 people have been killed nationwide since the conflict began, though AFP could not independently verify the figure. Drones Strike UAE and Bahrain FacilitiesAmazon confirmed that two of its data centres in the United Arab Emirates were directly hit by drones, disrupting cloud services. A facility in Bahrain also sustained damage from a nearby drone strike. US-UK Relations StrainedUS President Donald Trump said ties with the UK had deteriorated after Prime Minister Keir Starmer declined initial requests to allow US forces to use British bases.“It’s very sad to see that the relationship is obviously not what it was,” Trump said in an interview with The Sun. France Deploys Jets Over UAEFrance has deployed Rafale fighter jets over the UAE to protect its military bases from potential Iranian attacks, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said. China Calls for Hormuz SafetyChina urged all parties to safeguard navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and immediately halt military operations. Drones Target UAE, Oman, IraqDrone debris sparked a fire in Fujairah, UAE, while drones struck an Omani port fuel tank. Authorities said damage was contained without casualties. US Embassy in Riyadh HitTwo drones struck the US embassy in Saudi Arabia’s capital, causing a fire. Saudi authorities condemned the attack as “cowardly and unjustified.” AFP

The Federal Government has approved N4 billion each for 12 selected universities of engineering and technology to rehabilitate workshops and acquire modern equipment aimed at strengthening practical training. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the approval on Monday during the inauguration of the Implementation Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Special High-Impact Intervention Projects in Abuja. Institutions to Benefit The intervention targets engineering and technology faculties in Federal Universities of Technology and other conventional universities nationwide. Beneficiary institutions include: Federal University of Technology Minna Federal University of Technology Akure Federal University of Technology Babura Federal University of Technology Ikot-Abasi Federal University of Technology Owerri Nigerian Army University Biu African Aviation and Aerospace University Shehu Shagari University of Education Sokoto Enugu State University of Science and Technology University of Ilesha The funding will be used to upgrade existing facilities or construct new engineering workshops where necessary. Strengthening Practical Skills Alausa said the initiative, to be implemented through TETFund, is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and industry demands by providing modern workshops, advanced laboratories, and industry-relevant equipment. He noted that the intervention aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises skills development and economic diversification. The minister stressed that beyond funding, strict monitoring, transparency, and accountability would be key to the success of the programme. The implementation committee has been mandated to supervise project execution, ensure compliance with approved standards, and provide periodic performance reports. Additional N20bn Allocation Alausa further disclosed that an additional N20 billion has been earmarked in the 2026 TETFund guidelines to upgrade engineering facilities in other selected institutions. The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, commended the President for approving reforms aimed at repositioning tertiary education institutions. Also speaking, Ali Rabiu, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and chairman of the implementation committee, pledged the committee’s commitment to ensuring the successful delivery of the projects. The government expressed confidence that the intervention will significantly improve engineering education, boost innovation, and enhance graduate employability nationwide.

An Iranian drone struck the runway of a UK military base in Cyprus early Monday, as tensions linked to the widening U.S.–Israeli confrontation with Iran continued to spread across the region. The incident prompted the European Union to reaffirm its support for member states. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said the incident occurred shortly after midnight, when a Shahed unmanned aerial vehicle crashed within the British military facilities at Akrotiri, resulting in minor material damage. The UK’s foreign secretary confirmed that the drone impacted a runway at the base. “This was an unmanned drone strike on the airport runway,” Yvette Cooper told Sky News. “At this stage, we are unable to provide further operational details, but all necessary precautionary measures are being taken around the base.” The European Union responded swiftly to the development. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after discussions with Christodoulides that the bloc stood firmly with its member states in the face of any threat. Although Cyprus was not directly targeted, Christodoulides stressed that the country remains outside any military engagement. He described the region as facing an unprecedented geopolitical crisis while reaffirming that Cyprus does not intend to participate in military operations. On Sunday, the United Kingdom agreed to allow the United States to use British military bases to conduct defensive actions aimed at countering Iranian missile capabilities. The Royal Air Force Akrotiri base is located near the southern coastal city of Limassol and is a British overseas territory. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain was not involved in the initial actions against Iran and would not take part in offensive operations. However, he noted that the UK was supporting collective self-defence efforts to protect allies and regional stability.

Hypo Bleach has cautioned Nigerians against consuming bleach for social media trends, following a viral controversy involving content creators King Mitchy and VeryDarkMan. In a statement issued on Sunday by its Marketing Manager, Adebayo Adeyemo, the company emphasized that its product is strictly meant for cleaning and must never be ingested under any circumstance. According to the statement, Hypo Bleach is formulated to remove stains, whiten fabrics, deodorize, and eliminate 99.9% of germs and is not a beverage. Company Condemns Viral Content The company expressed concern over videos and AI-generated images circulating online that falsely depict Hypo as a drink. It described such content as fabricated, misleading, and potentially life-threatening. Hypo stated that any individual encouraging the consumption of bleach whether as a joke or for online engagement is putting lives at serious risk. The brand also called on influencers, bloggers, and digital creators to exercise responsibility, noting that social media reach comes with accountability. Appeal to Young People Addressing young Nigerians directly, the company urged them not to succumb to peer pressure or online dares, stressing that no trend is worth risking one’s health or life. It encouraged anyone experiencing emotional distress to seek support from trusted adults, counsellors, or healthcare professionals. The statement concluded with a call to keep social media spaces both entertaining and safe, using the hashtag #HypoForASaferTomorrow. Background to the Controversy The warning follows an escalating online dispute between King Mitchy and VeryDarkMan. The disagreement reportedly began after Mitchy criticized VeryDarkMan over school renovation projects and challenged him publicly regarding funding claims. The situation intensified during a TikTok livestream in which Mitchy appeared to drink a substance alleged to be bleach, sparking widespread panic and unverified reports about her wellbeing. Her management later clarified the situation after initial claims circulated online. In a separate development, VeryDarkMan was also seen in a video holding a Hypo sachet in what many interpreted as a reaction to the unfolding drama. Since then, some content creators have reportedly replicated similar acts in skits and videos, simulating dangerous behavior. The trend has drawn strong criticism from parents, activists, and concerned citizens, who warn about its potential influence on younger audiences and are calling for stricter oversight of harmful online content.

The death toll from Lassa fever in Benue State has increased to 10, as health authorities raise concerns over the scale of the outbreak. The State Epidemiologist, Msuega Asema, disclosed the update on Friday during a visit by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Paul Ejeh-Ogwuche, to isolation centres at Benue State University Teaching Hospital and Federal Medical Centre, where affected patients are receiving treatment. Confirmed Cases and Health Worker Impact According to Asema, the state has recorded 45 confirmed cases out of 250 suspected infections, with 10 deaths so far. He noted that several healthcare workers were among those affected, including five doctors, four nurses, two community health extension workers, and one hospital porter. The outbreak was officially declared earlier this month following a steady increase in suspected cases. Previously, authorities had reported that four health workers had died and more than 60 suspected cases had been identified. Government Intensifies Containment Measures Health Commissioner Ogwuche assured residents that the state government is taking urgent steps to contain the outbreak. He explained that surveillance officers have been deployed across all 23 local government areas to strengthen monitoring, contact tracing, and community awareness. He emphasized that early reporting of symptoms and prompt medical care are critical to reducing fatalities and preventing further spread. The commissioner also visited affected patients to show support and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing necessary resources and ensuring their recovery. He expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones and praised healthcare workers for their dedication. Hospitals Raise Concerns Over Resources and Power Supply Medical officials reported that the outbreak has been more severe than in previous years. At the Benue State University Teaching Hospital alone, 28 patients were admitted between January and February 2026, with 17 confirmed cases and three deaths. Meanwhile, the Federal Medical Centre in Apir highlighted challenges caused by unreliable electricity, which has affected laboratory testing and service delivery. Hospital officials appealed to the state government for improved power supply, medical consumables, and additional protective equipment. Authorities continue to urge residents to remain vigilant, maintain proper hygiene, and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear.

A former official of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC), Paulinus Iheanacho Okoronkwo, has been sentenced to 87 months in prison in the United States after being found guilty of receiving a $2.1 million bribe from a Swiss oil firm while serving at Nigeria’s state-owned oil company. Okoronkwo, 58, also known as “Pollie,” was ordered to pay $923,824 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and to forfeit $1,039,997, representing proceeds from the sale of a property linked to laundering the illicit funds. The sentence was imposed by US District Judge John F. Walter after a four-day trial in August 2025, according to a statement released on Thursday by the United States Department of Justice. According to court filings, a jury convicted Okoronkwo on three counts of transactional money laundering, one count of tax evasion, and one count of obstruction of justice. His legal troubles began in January 2024, when prosecutors in the Central District of California charged him with multiple offences, including conducting financial transactions involving proceeds of unlawful activity, evading taxes, and obstructing a federal investigation. A dual US–Nigerian citizen, Okoronkwo practised law in Los Angeles in the areas of immigration, family, and personal injury while simultaneously serving as General Manager of NNPC’s Upstream Division a position that made him a foreign public official with fiduciary obligations to the Nigerian government. Prosecutors said that in October 2015, Addax Petroleum, a subsidiary of Sinopec, transferred $2,105,263 to an Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Account belonging to Okoronkwo’s law firm. Although the payment was described as consultancy fees for negotiating drilling rights in Nigeria, authorities alleged it was intended to secure favourable terms for Addax’s oil operations. Investigators further found that documents associated with the transaction contained a fictitious Lagos address to obscure its true purpose. Portions of the funds were later routed through IPO Capital LLC and used for personal expenses, including the purchase of a vehicle and a residential property in Valencia, California. Okoronkwo was also found to have failed to declare the $2.1 million on his 2015 federal tax return. In June 2022, prosecutors said he obstructed justice by falsely telling investigators that the funds were client monies rather than income used for property purchases. Following the case, Okoronkwo was dismissed from NNPC now operating as NNPCL and his law licence was suspended by the State Bar of California in January 2026.