Author: Nigeriabrief

Updated March 21, 2026, 8:41 a.m. ET Bishops Waive Sunday Mass Requirement for Fearful Parishioners In an extraordinary move, several Catholic bishops in the United States have decided to waive the obligation for parishioners to attend Sunday Mass, specifically for those who fear immigration detention if they leave their homes. This decision has emerged amidst growing concerns about the treatment of immigrants under current U.S. immigration policies. Bishops Condemn Administration’s Immigration Tactics The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has publicly condemned the Trump administration’s methods in handling illegal immigration. By expressing moral and legal critiques, the bishops are hoping that…

Support for Expecting Mothers Grows in the U.S. Natalia Marin Torres, a first-time mother from Colombia, experienced a mix of excitement and anxiety upon discovering her pregnancy last August. At 33, she found herself in a challenging position after a disagreement with her obstetrician-gynecologist, which left her seeking additional support to navigate the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system. The Importance of Doula Support Living far from her family and cultural roots, Torres felt overwhelmed. It was then she connected with Alexia Franco Pettersen, a Mexican-American doula based in Minneapolis. Pettersen has been instrumental in assisting Torres with prenatal visits,…

Across Africa, thousands of young individuals are breaking into the technology sector, thanks to TechCrush. Since its inception, the platform has empowered over 17,000 young Africans across 42 countries, helping them acquire essential skills in software development, artificial intelligence, Web3, cybersecurity, and product design. Through experiential learning, guidance, and practical projects, participants build the confidence and expertise required to thrive in an ever-evolving tech landscape. TechCrush’s Mission and Offerings TechCrush is dedicated to providing African youth with hands-on technical training that equips them with vital skills for the digital economy. Offering courses that range from beginner to advanced levels, learners…

University of Lagos Advocates for Enhanced UK-Nigeria Collaboration Professor Folasade Ogunsola, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, has urged for increased cooperation between Nigeria and the UK to tackle shared socio-economic and educational challenges. Her remarks came during an event entitled “Presidential Keynote Address and Global Goals Roundtable: Co-Creating Africa’s Sustainable Future,” held at the university’s School of Social Sciences. Common Challenges in Public Services and Infrastructure Ogunsola highlighted that both Nigeria and the UK, despite their distinct contexts, share similar pressures, particularly concerning public services, education, and infrastructure. She emphasized the UK grappling with issues such as housing…

U.S. Eases Sanctions on Iranian Oil Amid Rising Energy Prices In a surprising wartime development, the United States has initiated steps to relax sanctions on Iranian oil in a bid to address skyrocketing energy prices. This move could provide a financial boost to Iran as the U.S. seeks to mitigate the economic repercussions of ongoing military operations. Temporary Measures Aimed at Increasing Global Supply Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Friday that the sanctions, originally put in place following Iran’s 1979 revolution, will be temporarily adjusted. These changes are designed to permit the sale of Iranian crude oil that is…

Strong Performance Among JSE-Listed Tech Firms in 2025 In 2025, several technology companies listed on South Africa’s Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) experienced significant share price increases. Notable performers included Weaver Fintech, Blue Label Unlimited, MTN Group, iOCO, and Telkom, each posting gains of over 70% throughout the year. Underperforming Giants in South Africa’s Tech Sector Conversely, some of South Africa’s prominent technology firms faced challenges, with Mustek, Altron, Reunert, Lesaka Technologies, and Bytes Technology Group seeing declines in their share values, excluding dividends. This disparity highlights the varied performance landscape within the sector. Insights from TechCentral’s Analysis of JSE Technology…

Women Leading in High-Paying Careers Despite the slow overall progress toward gender equality, women are increasingly carving out leadership roles in lucrative sectors such as finance, healthcare, and business management. A recent report by Resume Genius reveals that females now represent at least half of the workforce in ten high-paying careers, signaling a significant shift driven by better access to education and heightened professional engagement. Key Occupations with Female Representation The findings, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, emphasize the continuing evolution of the workforce. Eva Chan, a career expert at Resume Genius, noted that these…

Jehovah’s Witnesses Update Stance on Blood Transfusions Jehovah’s Witnesses have recently made significant clarifications regarding blood transfusions, empowering members with the autonomy to decide whether their own blood can be used during surgical procedures and medical interventions. This important shift maintains a prohibition against receiving blood from others but allows for individual discretion in life-saving scenarios. Religious Perspectives and Biblical Interpretation In a video statement released this past Friday, Gerrit Resch, a member of the Governing Body, outlined the intention behind this clarification. He emphasized the importance of allowing Christians the freedom to make personal choices regarding the use of…

Representative Julie Johnson, D-Texas, speaks at a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on oversight of the Department of Homeland Security in February 2026. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images The ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown is intensifying challenges for families seeking to communicate with loved ones in immigration detention. Representative Julie Johnson, a Democrat from Texas, emphasized the growing difficulties her constituents face in locating their family members and obtaining necessary medical care during this unprecedented funding crisis. As the shutdown progresses into its sixth week, Democratic lawmakers and immigration attorneys have raised alarms…

Desperate Calls from Detained Children The boy on the grainy video screen appeared distressed. “I don’t want to be here anymore,” he said. “Nothing good happens here.” Since early March, 9-year-old Dever Henao Jimenez has been held with his parents at the Dilley Immigration Detention Center in South Texas, where children have reported inadequate education, incessant lights, and subpar food. He was on a video call with Rachel, a well-known children’s entertainer eager to help. Rachel’s Support for Detained Youth Wearing her signature pink headband, Rachel leaned closer to the screen, attempting to provide comfort. “Oh, I’m so sorry,” she…