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Futbol

Paris St-Germain battled from two goals down to beat second-tier Dunkerque 4-2 and book their place in the French Cup final. Ousmane Dembele pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time before Marquinhos and Desiree Doue added goals in the second half to complete the turnaround. Dembele then added his second of the match in stoppage time. The holders had fallen two goals behind inside just 27 minutes as Vincent Sasso and Muhannad Al Saad struck to build a commanding lead for the side currently fifth in Ligue 2. But as the hosts tired, the Parisians used their firepower to reach the final on 24 May, where they will face either Cannes or Reims. The victory ensures that Luis Enrique's side retain hopes of winning a quadruple this season. With the French Super Cup secured in January, they stand on the cusp of winning the French title, needing just a point from their match with 14th placed Angers on Saturday. They also hold aspirations of reaching the last four of the Champions League, although they will need to overcome Premier League side Aston Villa, led by former PSG boss Unai Emery.

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News_Naija

Tinubus Blueprint For Youth Empowerment And Economic Prosperity

Nigeria, a nation pulsating with youthful energy, stands at a pivotal juncture. With a median age of 17, our demographic reality underscores a fundamental truth: the future of Nigeria is inextricably linked to the well-being and empowerment of its young people. President Bola Tinubu’s administration, recognising this imperative, has embarked on a series of ambitious youth empowerment initiatives and transformative economic reforms, laying the groundwork for a prosperous future led by a well-equipped next generation. Central to this vision is the launch of the Nigerian Youth Academy. This groundbreaking initiative aims to address the nation’s low human capital index and persistent unemployment by providing world-class training in digital literacy, technical skills, entrepreneurship, and creative industries. NiYA’s mission is clear: to equip millions of young Nigerians with the skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace, transforming them from job seekers to job creators. By fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance, NiYA is poised to unlock the immense potential of our youth, driving economic growth and social development. Complementing NiYA are other critical initiatives designed to provide young entrepreneurs with the necessary financial support and resources. The Youth Investment Fund and the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters are vital instruments in this endeavour, offering access to capital, mentorship, and business development services. Furthermore, the proposed National Youth Development Bank holds the promise of revolutionising access to finance for young entrepreneurs, allowing them to turn their innovative ideas into thriving businesses. Recognising that education and skills development are the bedrock of youth empowerment, the Tinubu administration has prioritised initiatives aimed at enhancing access to quality education and vocational training. The Nigeria Education Loan Fund is a game-changer, expanding access to higher education for countless young Nigerians who might otherwise be unable to afford it. The Three Million Technical Talent Initiative is another crucial step, focusing on providing globally relevant digital and vocational skills to equip our youth for the demands of the modern economy. The iDICE Programme and the refocused Nigeria Youth Investment Fund also provide critical funding opportunities specifically aimed at tech and creative entrepreneurs, stimulating innovation in key growth sectors. These youth empowerment initiatives are not isolated efforts; they are intrinsically linked to the broader economic reforms undertaken by the Tinubu administration. The removal of fuel subsidies, while initially challenging, has freed up significant resources that are now being strategically invested in infrastructure and human capital development. This bold move, along with the floating of the naira and other structural reforms, is aimed at stabilising the economy, improving investor confidence, and creating a more sustainable economic environment for future generations. The establishment of CreditCorp, designed to enable affordable consumer credit, holds the potential to unlock purchasing power for young Nigerians, stimulating economic activity and creating new opportunities. President Tinubu’s focus on developing the digital economy is particularly noteworthy. Recognising the transformative power of technology, the administration is committed to creating an enabling environment for digital innovation and entrepreneurship. The call for the enactment of the Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill 2024 is a testament to this commitment, paving the way for a digitally driven economy that creates jobs and opportunities for young Nigerians. By embracing the digital revolution, we can position our youth at the forefront of global innovation. Beyond economic empowerment, the Tinubu administration is also committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders through initiatives that promote youth engagement in governance and development. The National Youth Conference provides a platform for young Nigerians to voice their concerns, share their ideas, and contribute to national development. President Tinubu’s direct appeals to the youth for their input and his acknowledgement of their crucial role in the nation’s future underscore his commitment to building a more inclusive and participatory democracy. While the challenges facing Nigeria’s youth are significant, President Tinubu’s bold and forward-thinking policies demonstrate a clear commitment to empowering them and securing a prosperous future. The initiatives outlined above, from NiYA to NELFUND, from 3MTT to CreditCorp, are not merely programs; they are investments in the future of our nation. They are a testament to the belief that by equipping our youth with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed, we can build a stronger, more prosperous, and more equitable Nigeria. It is crucial to acknowledge that the success of these initiatives hinges on consistent implementation, transparency, and accountability. It also requires the active participation and collaboration of all stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, and, most importantly, the youth themselves. As we move forward, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to investing in our young people, ensuring that they have the tools and opportunities they need to realise their full potential and lead Nigeria into a brighter future. President Tinubu’s vision is clear: to build a Nigeria where every young person can thrive. By empowering our youth, we are not just investing in their future; we are investing in the future of our nation. Let us embrace this vision and work together to create a Nigeria where the dreams of our youth become a reality, ensuring that the generations to come inherit a nation that is prosperous, equitable, and filled with boundless opportunities. •Alex Oware is the Regional Director of YP4T

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News_Naija

Is It Time For A Black Pope?

As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to lead the Roman Catholic Church, a conversation that has long simmered within the global Catholic community comes into sharper focus: Is it time for a Black pope? The death of Pope Francis, who was lauded for his progressive views on poverty, immigration, climate change, and interfaith dialogue, invites a moment of deep reflection on the direction of the Church, particularly in a world where Africa, home to a rapidly growing Catholic population, plays an increasingly prominent role. The African Catholic Church: A Rising Power The Catholic Church has been undergoing significant demographic shifts over the past century. While Europe and the Americas once held the majority of the world’s Catholic population, Africa has experienced explosive growth in both the number of Catholics and the number of seminaries and clergy emerging from the continent. In fact, Sub-Saharan Africa now accounts for over 20% of the global Catholic population, with numbers steadily increasing. According to the Vatican’s 2022 Statistical Yearbook, the number of Catholics in Africa has more than doubled in the past fifty years, a trend that continues to accelerate. Yet, despite the rise of Africa’s Catholic presence, the Vatican remains overwhelmingly European, with only a handful of African cardinals, the electors of the next pope, making their mark on the highest echelons of Church leadership. This has led many to question whether the Church’s leadership is truly representative of the global body it seeks to guide. A Black pope would send a powerful message of inclusivity, acknowledging the growth and importance of Africa within the Catholic Church, and representing the millions of Black Catholics around the world whose voices are still often marginalized in the highest halls of power. The Legacy of Pope Francis Pope Francis’ papacy was a watershed moment for the Church in many ways. His focus on social justice, his calls for mercy and compassion, and his commitment to highlighting the struggles of the marginalized—whether migrants, the poor, or indigenous peoples—resonated deeply with millions of Catholics across the globe. His leadership also demonstrated a shift towards a more decentralized and inclusive Church, even as his papacy faced significant challenges, including conservative pushback from within the Vatican itself. His emphasis on synodality, the idea of a more participatory and inclusive decision-making process, hinted at a desire for change that could one day pave the way for the Church to embrace greater diversity at its core. The question of whether it is time for a Black pope thus becomes more than just a theoretical query, it is an invitation to examine the Church’s future. The need for reform, inclusivity, and representation in the highest levels of ecclesial authority is clear. Pope Francis himself understood that his papacy was not just about leading the Church as it was but about guiding it toward the future. As we mourn his passing, we must consider how the next pope can build on his legacy of reform and inclusivity, while also taking into account the profound demographic shifts in the Church. Africa’s Potential for Leadership Could the next pope come from Africa? It is a possibility that has grown less improbable with each passing year. Figures like Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, who has long been considered a frontrunner for the papacy, represent the potential for the Church to embrace an African pope. Cardinal Turkson’s long-standing leadership in the Vatican, including his role in shaping the Church’s response to issues like climate change and global inequality, suggests that a Black pope would bring not only symbolic weight but also substantive leadership in areas crucial for the Church’s future. The notion of a Black pope also underscores the role that race and ethnicity play in shaping not only the global Catholic community but also its vision for the future. Africa, with its youthful population, its dynamic faith communities, and its growing influence in world affairs, presents an opportunity for the Church to engage with the world in new and relevant ways. A pope from Africa could more effectively address the challenges and aspirations of a continent that is poised to become even more central to the Catholic Church’s mission in the coming decades. Theological and Cultural Implications A Black pope would also bring a new theological and cultural perspective to the Church, which has historically been shaped by European and Latin American sensibilities. African Catholicism is deeply rooted in a rich tradition of spirituality, communalism, and respect for the sacred, which could breathe new life into the Church’s global mission. This perspective could also provide new avenues for dialogue between the Catholic Church and other faiths, particularly within Africa’s religiously diverse context. Moreover, Africa’s history of colonization, conflict, and resilience has created a unique lens through which to understand issues of justice, peace, and reconciliation. The African experience with colonialism, civil strife, and economic exploitation could inform a pope’s approach to global issues such as human rights, economic inequality, and international relations. In this way, an African pope would not only represent the continent’s rapidly growing Catholic population but could also embody a more inclusive and globally relevant approach to the Church’s mission. Conclusion: A New Era for the Church? As we mourn the death of Pope Francis, we are reminded that the papacy is not simply a position of leadership but a symbol of the direction in which the Church is headed. The question of whether it is time for a Black pope is not just about ethnicity or race, it is about the future of a Church that must reckon with its increasingly diverse global community. The papacy of Pope Francis demonstrated that the Church can embrace reform and adapt to the changing world while staying true to its mission. The election of a Black pope, particularly from Africa, would mark the next step in that journey, reflecting a Church that is inclusive, diverse, and engaged with the challenges of the 21st century. Whether or not the next pope will be African or Black remains to be seen, but the possibility stands as an invitation to rethink the global Church’s priorities and the legacy of Pope Francis. In this time of mourning, it is important to ask not just what the Church has been but what it will become and what it can be for future generations. The election of a Black pope could be a significant step in that ongoing transformation. Dr. Jude Dike, Ph.D. Dike is a college professor and the host of a popular weekly podcast in Calgary, Canada.

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Futbol

Third-tier Arminia Bielefeld stunned defending champions Bayer Leverkusen to reach the final of the German Cup. Bielefeld fought back from a goal down to triumph 2-1 and become the first team outside the top two divisions to knock four Bundesliga sides out of the German Cup in one season. The club, who are fourth in Germany's third division, had already beaten Union Berlin, Freiburg and Werder Bremen before their victory over the reigning Bundesliga champions. Leverkusen opened the scoring in the 17th minute through Jonathan Tah, but their lead lasted for just three minutes as Marius Worl beat keeper Lukas Hradecky with a low strike. A close-range volley from Maximilian Grosser before the break completed Bielefeld's comeback and condemned Leverkusen to their first German Cup defeat under manager Xabi Alonso. "We didn't need luck at all because we were on the front foot the whole time," Bielefeld boss Michel Kniat said. Kniat said he "normally wouldn't have a drink with the players, but tonight I'll make an exception", adding that "nobody will go to sleep in this city tonight". Bielefeld returned to the Bundesliga in 2020 after an 11-year absence, but they were relegated two seasons later and, in 2023, they dropped down to the third tier after losing a relegation play-off. They are the fourth team from the third division to reach the German Cup final, following Union Berlin in 2001, Energie Cottbus in 1997 and Hertha Berlin's reserve team in 1993. Bielefeld will take on another Bundesliga side in the final, with Stuttgart or RB Leipzig facing each other in Wednesday's semi-final.