Year: 2025

A poorly built three-storey building housing the popular Equal Right Restaurant and Bar on Oremeta Street, Ojodu-Berger, Lagos, collapsed around 8 a.m., leaving one person dead and 13 others rescued. The incident, which occurred in a bustling area, sparked panic as restaurant workers, customers, and a family were trapped under the rubble. Details of the Incident The building, described as old and partially occupied, had its ground floor in use as a restaurant, bar, and parking lot, while the upper floors remained unoccupied. Reports indicate the structure was undergoing unapproved construction work, which may have contributed to its collapse. Eyewitnesses described the building as a “ticking time bomb,” with concerns about its structural integrity raised long before the tragedy. The collapse occurred shortly after some restaurant workers arrived, catching occupants and passersby by surprise. Emergency response teams, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Nigeria Police, and others, were swiftly mobilized following a distress call at 8:32 a.m. By Saturday evening, 13 victims, including restaurant staff, customers, and a family, were rescued, with one adult confirmed dead. Rescue Efforts and Response Rescue operations continued into the night, with responders using both light and heavy-duty equipment to carefully clear debris and reach “ground zero” to ensure no one remained trapped. The rescued victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and were attended to by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) before being transported to hospitals for further treatment. LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, emphasized the need for property owners to seek proper approvals before altering ageing structures, noting that unapproved modifications likely contributed to the collapse. The Lagos State Government has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause and hold the building’s owner accountable. Community Impact and Reactions Residents expressed grief and frustration, with some recounting narrow escapes. One local, Chike, shared that he avoided eating at the restaurant the previous night, a decision that likely saved his life. Posts on X reflected community concern, with users urging people to check on loved ones in the Ojodu-Berger area. This incident marks the second building collapse in Lagos within weeks, highlighting ongoing concerns about structural safety in the state. Authorities have cordoned off the site, and rescue efforts are ongoing to ensure no further victims remain trapped. Moving Forward As the investigation continues, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter building regulations and regular inspections to prevent such disasters. The Ojodu-Berger community mourns the loss of life and prays for the recovery of the injured, while emergency responders work tirelessly to provide closure to affected families.

On April 21, 2025, the Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, at the age of 88. The news has sent ripples of sorrow across the globe, as millions mourn the loss of a pontiff known for his humility, compassion, and progressive vision for the Church. A Life of Service Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential spiritual leaders of the modern era. Elected pope in 2013, he was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years. His papacy was marked by a deep commitment to social justice, environmental stewardship, and interfaith dialogue. Francis was celebrated for his approachable demeanor, often shunning the grandeur of the papacy for simpler gestures—like living in a modest Vatican guesthouse instead of the Apostolic Palace and embracing the marginalized, from refugees to the poor. His encyclicals, such as Laudato Si’ (2015), which called for urgent action on climate change, and Fratelli Tutti (2020), which emphasized global solidarity, reshaped the Church’s role in addressing contemporary challenges. A Papacy of Reform Throughout his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis sought to bridge divides within the Church and beyond. He championed inclusivity, advocating for greater roles for women in the Church, though stopping short of ordaining them as priests. His outreach to the LGBTQ+ community, including his 2013 remark, “Who am I to judge?” signaled a shift toward a more pastoral tone, even as it sparked debate among traditionalists. His efforts to reform the Vatican’s finances and address the clergy abuse crisis, while not without criticism, reflected his determination to modernize an ancient institution. Global Reactions Tributes have poured in from world leaders, religious figures, and ordinary faithful. U.S. President [Name] called Francis “a moral beacon in a divided world,” while UN Secretary-General [Name] praised his “tireless advocacy for peace and the planet.” On X, posts from users worldwide reflect the profound impact of his leadership, with hashtags like #PopeFrancis and #Vatican trending as people share memories of his warmth and wisdom. The Path Forward The Vatican has not yet released details on the cause of Pope Francis’ death, though his health had been a concern in recent years, with visible frailty and multiple hospitalizations. The College of Cardinals will now convene to elect a new pope in a conclave, a process expected to begin within weeks. Speculation is already swirling about whether the next pontiff will continue Francis’ progressive legacy or steer the Church in a more conservative direction. A Lasting Legacy Pope Francis leaves behind a Church transformed by his emphasis on mercy over judgment, dialogue over division, and action over complacency. His death marks the end of an era, but his teachings will continue to inspire billions. As the Vatican prepares for a period of mourning and transition, the world pauses to honor a man who reminded us all to “build bridges, not walls.” Rest in peace, Holy Father.