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At 34, Burkina’s New Junta Chief Is World’s Youngest Leader

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Just a week ago, 34-year-old Ibrahim Traore was an unknown, even in his native Burkina Faso.

But in the space of a weekend, he catapulted himself from army captain to the world’s youngest leader — an ascent that has stoked hopes but also fears for a poor and chronically troubled country.

Traore, at the head of a core of disgruntled junior officers, ousted Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who had seized power just in January.

The motive for the latest coup — as in January — was anger at failures to stem a seven-year jihadist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives and driven nearly two million people from their homes.

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On Wednesday, Traore was declared president and “guarantor of national independence, territorial integrity… and continuity of the State.”

At that lofty moment, Traore became the world’s youngest leader, wresting the title from Chilean President Gabriel Boric, a whole two years older.

Traore’s previously unknown face is now plastered on portraits around the capital Ouagadougou.

His photo is even on sale in the main market, alongside portraits of Burkina’s revered assassinated radical leader, Thomas Sankara, and of Jesus.

Military career

Traore was born in Bondokuy, in western Burkina Faso, and studied geology in Ouagadougou before joining the army in 2010.

He graduated as an officer from the Georges Namonao Military School — a second-tier institution compared to the prestigious Kadiogo Military Academy (PMK) of which Damiba and others in the elite are alumni.

Traore emerged second in his class, a contemporary told AFP, describing him as “disciplined and brave.”

After graduation, he gained years of experience in the fight against the jihadists.

He served in the badly-hit north and centre of the country before heading to a posting in neighbouring Mali in 2018 in the UN’s MINUSMA peacekeeping mission.

He was appointed captain in 2020.

A former superior officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, recounted an incident that occurred in 2020 when the town of Barsalogho in central Burkina was on the verge of falling to the jihadists.

The highway into Barsalogho was believed to have been mined, so Traore led his men on a “commando trek” across the countryside, arriving in time to free the town, he said.

When Damiba took power in January, ousting elected president Roch Marc Christian Kabore, Traore became a member of the Patriotic Movement for Preservation and Restoration (MPSR), as the junta chose to call itself.

Discontent

In March, Damiba promoted Traore to head of artillery in the Kaya regiment in the centre of the country.

But it was a move that ironically would sow the seeds of Damiba’s own downfall.

The regiment became a cradle of discontent, and Traore, tasked by his colleagues with channelling their frustrations, made several trips to Ouagadougou to plead their case with Damiba.

Disillusionment at the response turned into anger, which appears to have crystallised into resolve to seize power after an attack on a convoy in northern Burkina last month that left 27 soldiers and 10 civilians dead.

“Captain Traore symbolises the exasperation of junior officers and the rank and file,” said security consultant Mahamoudou Savadogo.

The new president faces a daunting task in regaining the upper hand over jihadist groups, some affiliated with Al-Qaeda and others with the Islamic State. They have steadily gained ground since they launched their attacks from Mali in 2015.

Yet Traore has promised to do “within three months” what “should have been done in the past eight months,” making a direct criticism of his predecessor.

Savadogo warned that one soldier overthrowing another illustrates “the deteriorating state of the army, which hardly exists any more and which has just torn itself apart with this umpteenth coup d’etat”.

Traore’s takeover comes during a struggle for influence between France and Russia in French-speaking Africa, where former French colonies are increasingly turning to Moscow.

Demonstrators who rallied for him in Ouagadougou during last weekend’s standoff with Damiba waved Russian flags and chanted anti-France slogans.

Traore seems — for now — to bring hope to many in a country sinking steadily in the quagmire.

On Monday, L’Observateur Paalga newspaper, went with a decidedly biblical headline: “Ibrahim, the intimate friend of God, will he be able to save us?

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Full List: FEC Approves Major Road Projects Across Nigeria

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FEC Approves Major Road Projects Across Nigeria, Including Lagos–Ibadan and East–West Highways
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FEC Approves Major Road Projects Across Nigeria, Including Lagos–Ibadan and East–West Highways

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Thursday, November 6, 2025, approved several major road projects across the country aimed at improving connectivity, easing traffic congestion, and enhancing economic activity.

According to a list shared by the Special Assistant to Presiden Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Social Media.

Below are the key road projects approved during the meeting:

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  1. Lagos–Ibadan Expressway (Phase II, Section II – Lagos to Ibadan):
    Approval granted for repairs of failed sections, completion of underpasses, ramps, and adjoining roads.
  2. Mushin–NNPC Junction–Apapa–Oshodi Expressway (Lagos):
    Dualisation of the expressway approved, with cost revisions to reflect inflation and updated design specifications.
  3. Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway (Section III: Badagry–Ogun–Oyo border):
    New contract approved for the 162.97-kilometre stretch, linking the Southwest and Northwest corridors.
  4. Ilorin–Omu Aran–Egba Road (Kwara/Egba region):
    A 216-kilometre road project divided into phases; Phase I received approval under the current budget.
  5. East–West Road (Federal corridor):
    Redesign approved to improve traffic flow and pavement strength, with dual carriageways and additional bridges included.
  6. Ota–Idi-Iroko Road (Ogun State):
    Approval for review and redesign; the road will now use rigid concrete pavement and include a new bridge to address challenging terrain and high water-table conditions.
  7. Jos–Turunku–Maraban–Jama’a Road (Kaduna State):
    Rehabilitation works approved to enhance inter-state connectivity in the North-Central region.
  8. Ijebu–Ibu Ete–Egba–Owena Road (Ogun & Ondo States):
    Reconstruction approved for this inter-state route linking Ogun and Ondo, with upgraded design standards.

The approved projects reflect the federal government’s ongoing commitment to upgrading Nigeria’s road infrastructure to boost trade, logistics, and regional integration.

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Biafra

Court Forecloses Defence, Fixes November 20 for Nnamdi Kanu Judgment

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Nnamdi Kanu Refuses to Enter Defence, Says “No Case” Exists Against Him
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The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed November 20, 2025, for judgment in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is facing charges bordering on alleged terrorism.

Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, set the date on Friday after foreclosing Kanu’s right to present his defence, following his repeated refusal to proceed under a law he claimed had been repealed.

“This court has given the defendant every opportunity required under Section 36 of the Constitution, and I will not allow this to continue. It is on this basis, without hesitation, that I hold that the defendant has waived his right,” the judge ruled.

Kanu had consistently declined to open his defence, insisting there was no valid charge against him and that his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) was illegal.

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The court had, on October 24, adjourned the matter to October 27 to allow Kanu commence his defence after he disengaged his legal team and opted to represent himself. On November 4, Justice Omotosho gave the defendant a final opportunity to open his defence or risk forfeiting his right to do so.

Despite the judge’s persuasion for him to engage legal counsel, Kanu maintained that the terrorism charges were unconstitutional, citing Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution to argue that there was “no written law establishing terrorism as an offence in Nigeria.”

At Friday’s proceedings, Kanu complained that he had been prevented from filing an important process. The judge subsequently directed that the court’s registry be temporarily relocated to the courtroom to enable the defendant file the document. Proceedings were stood down for one hour to complete the process.

Upon reconvening, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), counsel to the Federal Government, informed the court that he would rely on the exhibits already attached to the defendant’s motions rather than file a new response.

In one of his motions, Kanu asked the court to expunge his “not guilty” plea from the record, alleging that he was “deceptively arraigned” in violation of his constitutional rights. He also sought an order nullifying all proceedings in the case and demanding his immediate release.

Justice Omotosho, however, held that the defendant’s refusal to present his case amounted to a waiver of his right to fair hearing, having been given several opportunities to do so.

The court then adjourned the matter to November 20 for judgment.

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Abia State

Governor Alex Otti Raises NYSC Allowance by 1,150%, Implements CONHESS for Health Workers in Abia

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Governor Alex Otti has signed into effect the Abia State Mini-Grid Regulation Framework, a first-of-its-kind policy at the sub-national level in Nigeria.
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Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has approved a massive increase in monthly allowances for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state from a long-standing ₦4,000 to as high as ₦50,000.

This landmark decision represents a 1,150% increment, marking the first major review in nearly 27 years and further cementing Governor Otti’s reputation as a leader committed to youth empowerment and human capital development.

According to the new structure, all Corps Members serving in Abia State will now receive a base monthly allowance of ₦20,000, in addition to the Federal Government’s ₦77,000 monthly stipend. Those serving in State Government establishments and Teaching/Medical roles will earn an additional ₦10,000 and ₦30,000, respectively.

Governor Otti explained that the differential allowances were introduced to attract Corps Members to critical sectors like health and education, addressing the human resource gaps created by years of neglect and attrition.

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Transforming the NYSC Experience in Abia

The “New Abia” is rapidly becoming a model for inclusive governance and practical reforms. Beyond financial incentives, Governor Otti’s administration has continued to upgrade the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende Local Government Area, breathing new life into facilities that had been abandoned for decades.

The improvements include renovation of internal roads, provision of reliable electricity, installation of power equipment, and rehabilitation of dilapidated hostels and administrative buildings. Despite the camp being a Federal Government facility, the Governor maintains that every institution within Abia whether state or federal deserves attention because “it is Abians who benefit the most.”

A New Deal for Health Workers

In a related development, Governor Otti has also approved the full implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers across Abia State. The long-awaited wage adjustment aligns the state’s healthcare workforce with national standards, ensuring fair compensation, improved morale, and enhanced service delivery.

This decision underscores the administration’s resolve to rebuild the state’s healthcare sector, retain skilled professionals, and restore public confidence in government institutions.

Building a Future That Works

Governor Otti’s reforms reflect his core philosophy: taxation is the government’s share of the prosperity it has created, and investing in people is the surest path to sustainable development.

For years, Corps Members have played pivotal roles in Abia’s progress from education and healthcare to law, engineering, and public administration. The Governor’s gesture, therefore, is both a reward and an investment in the future.

With his signature blend of vision and action, Governor Otti continues to inspire a new era of hope, opportunity, and excellence for Abia State and its people.

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2027: “I See Governor Otti Lose if He Recontests Under His Current Party” — Prophet Joshua Arogun

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Alex Otti 2027 prophecy - Prophet Joshua Arogun prediction
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The General Overseer of Light of the World International Church, Prophet Joshua Arogun, has issued a spiritual warning about the political future of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR.

According to the cleric, the Governor risks becoming a one-term leader if he decides to seek re-election in 2027 under his current political platform.

“The incumbent Governor is popular, but his current party will disappoint him,” Prophet Arogun declared. “If he must win, he must change his party and avoid running against Mascot Kalu. Otherwise, he will face the biggest embarrassment of his political career.”

Prophet Arogun, known for his bold prophecies on national issues, emphasized that his revelation was not driven by personal opinion or political sentiment but by divine insight.

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“This is not about emotion or bias,” he said. “It is what I saw in the spirit, and it will come to pass unless there is a change.”

Has political predictions like this ever worked in Nigerian politics? Only time shall tell.

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FEC: Tinubu Vows to Strengthen Global Partnerships, Defeat Terrorism

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We’re Engaging the World Diplomatically, President Tinubu Tells FEC
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We’re Engaging the World Diplomatically, President Tinubu Tells Federal Executive Council

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that Nigeria remains on a steady path of growth, stability, and prosperity as his administration’s economic reforms continue to yield tangible results both domestically and internationally.

Speaking during Thursday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja, the President said the Federal Government is deepening its diplomatic and economic engagements with global partners to sustain investor confidence and strengthen national security.

The meeting followed the swearing-in of two new ministers — Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction) and Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN) (Innovation, Science and Technology).

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President Tinubu noted that the successful $2.3 billion Eurobond issuance, which was oversubscribed by 400%, underscored global confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction.

“The most important thing is that despite the political headwinds and the fears of our people, we will continue to engage with partners,” the President said.
“The success of the Eurobond is most assuring. We are engaging the world diplomatically, and we assure all Nigerians that we will defeat terrorism and build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient country.”

On security, Tinubu urged Nigerians not to succumb to despair, emphasizing his administration’s determination to end terrorism and insecurity nationwide.

“Do we have problems? Yes. Are we challenged by terrorism? Yes. But we will defeat terrorism. We will overcome the CPC designation. Nigeria is one happy family, and we shall spare no effort until we eliminate all criminals from our society,” he stated.

The President also directed ministers and top government officials to maintain consistent communication and avoid contradictory public statements that could undermine government messaging.

During the briefing, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, presented an encouraging overview of the economy, noting that Nigeria recorded its highest GDP growth in a decade outside the COVID-19 rebound.

According to Edun, the nation’s GDP grew by 4.23% in Q2 2025, while inflation dropped to 18.02% in September 2025. He added that foreign reserves have risen above $43 billion, and the trade surplus now stands at ₦7.4 trillion.

He also announced that Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List marked a major milestone for financial integrity and investor confidence.

Edun reiterated that the administration’s goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030 was realistic, provided Nigeria sustains 7% annual growth and intensifies reforms to attract investment, create jobs, and reduce poverty.

“Despite the political headwinds, the market has focused on Nigeria’s economic fundamentals,” he said, citing the oversubscription of the Eurobond as proof of global trust in the nation’s economic reforms.

The finance minister urged inter-ministerial collaboration, particularly in infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, and innovation sectors, to consolidate reforms and sustain investor confidence.

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