The world bid an emotional farewell to Pope Francis on Saturday, as hundreds of thousands gathered in Rome to honour the beloved Argentine pontiff who led the Catholic Church with humility and heart for over a decade.

An estimated 400,000 mourners packed St. Peter’s Square and the surrounding streets, paying tribute to the man often hailed as “the pope among the people.” World leaders, including US President Donald Trump, joined the crowds to honour the first Latin American pope who served from 2013 until his death on Monday at the age of 88.

Following a moving funeral service at the Vatican, Francis’s simple wooden coffin — a final testament to his life of humility — was carried through the streets of Rome to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of his favourite churches. There, he was quietly laid to rest in a private ceremony.

Among the emotional scenes, 52-year-old Guatemalan pilgrim Maria Vicente clutched her rosary and wept as the coffin entered the basilica. “It made me very sad. It’s touching, that he left us like that,” she said.

ALSO READ: Why Popes are buried in 3 coffins with a bag of coins—and why Pope Francis ended it

14 white-gloved pallbearers bore the coffin, while a children’s choir filled the church with solemn hymns and placed baskets of flowers at the altar. His marble tomb carries just a simple inscription: “Franciscus” — his name in Latin.

Over 50 heads of state were in attendance, with notable moments including President Trump’s brief but significant meetings with several world leaders, among them Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky — their first encounter since their much-publicised Oval Office clash in February.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, delivering the homily, described Francis as “a pope among the people, with an open heart,” celebrating his vision of a Catholic Church that welcomes everyone with open doors. His words were met with spontaneous applause from the crowds gathered under Rome’s brilliant blue sky.

Throughout his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis championed the causes of the poor, pushed for a more inclusive Church, and remained connected to everyday people — a legacy that has sparked a wave of emotion around the world since his passing.

ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Akpabio-led Nigerian delegation arrives Vatican for Pope Francis’ burial

A video showing the moment PHCN welcomed Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, to Lagos has made the rounds on social media.  In the video, prominent filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan is seen having a discussion with Mark when PHCN struck”. In the moment, both Kunle and Mark chuckled and said this is Nigeria. Watch the video below     View this post on Instagram           A post shared by Lindaikejiblog (@lindaikejiblogofficial) The post Moment PHCN welcomed Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, to Lagos appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.

Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, a leading name in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector, proudly joins the global community in commemorating World Malaria Day 2025.

The company reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting both national and international efforts aimed at combating the high prevalence of malaria in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa.

This year’s theme, “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” closely aligns with Emzor’s vision of making a tangible impact in the global fight against malaria.

“For years, Emzor has been at the forefront of malaria prevention and treatment—producing high-quality antimalarial medications that are both accessible and affordable for millions across Africa,” said Mr. Kunle Faloye, the Head of Marketing and Strategy at Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited.

“Our dedication is reflected in our investment in research, development, and wide-reaching distribution networks, which have played a crucial role in reducing the malaria burden,” continued Faloye.

To mark World Malaria Day 2025, Emzor organised a series of impactful community outreach activities, including a health walk, free medical screenings, and the distribution of antimalarial drugs to vulnerable populations.

Malaria continues to be a leading cause of death among pregnant women and children under five in Africa. Emzor’s long-standing initiatives in malaria control include the production of essential antimalarial drugs aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.

Emzor currently produces over 20 antimalarial SKUs which include Maldox Sulfadoxine/Pyrimethamine), Lokmal (Artemether/Lumefantrine), Piramal TS (Dihydroartemisinin/Piperaquine), Diasunate (Artesunate/Amodiaquine), and Chloroquine, in different dosage forms including tablets, suspensions and dispersible tablets.

Further underscoring this commitment is Emzor’s multimillion-dollar investment in the manufacture of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), in our modern manufacturing Pharmaceutical Campus located in Sagamu, Ogun State.

The plant will initially focus on the production of antimalarial APIs (namely Artemether, Lumefantrine, Sulfadoxine and Pyrimethamine). The selected APIs provide the WHO-recommended treatment of malaria for adults and children, as well as the chemo-preventive combination therapies for malaria in both pregnant women and children under five.

This strategic investment boosts Nigeria’s capacity to locally produce a broad range of antimalarial drugs, thereby improving access to high-quality treatments across sub-Saharan Africa. The project further underscores Emzor’s long-standing commitment to strengthening the pharmaceutical sector in the region.

The project’s positive impact will reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports from Asia, support GDP growth and reduce the demand of foreign exchange, and reduce the cost of production and access to these life-saving medicines by the people who need them most.

“With approximately 95% of all malaria cases and 96% of the deaths occurring on the continent, this is predominantly an African problem, and hence, the solutions should also largely come from the continent.

“At Emzor, we are playing our part and pioneering the API project on the continent definitely fits into this,” said Mr. Emeka Okoli, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited.

Emzor also works in partnership with local governments, NGOs, and communities to implement grassroots outreach programmes focused on education, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The company continues to provide subsidized and free medications to pregnant women and children, the groups most vulnerable to malaria.

“As we mark this important day, Emzor remains steadfast in our resolve to contribute to global efforts toward malaria eradication. We will continue to innovate, collaborate, and invest in sustainable healthcare solutions that enhance lives across Nigeria and the continent,” added Mr. Faloye.

About Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited

Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited is a leading Nigerian pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, development, manufacturing, and distribution of high-quality and affordable healthcare products and services. With a focus on antimalarial drugs as a priority area in line with the United Nations-Sustainable Development Goals, Emzor has established itself as a key player in the fight against malaria in Nigeria and Africa.

With a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility, we support initiatives that promote education and economic empowerment for women and vulnerable populations.

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