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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• Governor Alex Otti Raises NYSC Allowance by 1,150%, Implements CONHESS for Health Workers in Abia
• 2027: “I See Governor Otti Lose if He Recontests Under His Current Party” — Prophet Joshua Arogun
• FEC: Tinubu Vows to Strengthen Global Partnerships, Defeat Terrorism
• PDP Members Protest at US Embassy, Seek International Support for Nigeria’s Democracy
• US Military Submits Contingency Plan for Action in Nigeria

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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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.

“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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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).

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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The United States military has reportedly submitted contingency plans for potential military action in Nigeria, according to a report by The New York Times.

The development follows President Donald Trump’s directive to the U.S. Department of War to prepare options for possible intervention over allegations of widespread persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

According to the report, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has drawn up and forwarded a set of contingency options to the Department of War at the request of Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The plans reportedly outline three levels of military response “heavy,” “medium,” and “light” each designed to allow for controlled escalation depending on the situation.

Officials cited in the report said the “heavy option” represents the most forceful response, involving the deployment of an aircraft carrier group to the Gulf of Guinea and potential airstrikes using fighter jets or long-range bombers on targets inside northern Nigeria.

The “medium option” focuses on the use of drone strikes against militant camps, convoys, and vehicles, while the “light option” would center on intelligence operations and limited advisory support.

Retired U.S. Army Major General Paul D. Eaton, a veteran of the Iraq War, warned that such an operation would be “a fiasco,” noting that the American public has little appetite for another large-scale military campaign reminiscent of Iraq or Afghanistan.

The report added that Trump has shown particular interest in airstrike-based strategies, though officials cautioned that such an approach would likely deliver “shock and awe” without resolving underlying conflicts.

President Trump recently designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”, citing what he described as ongoing violence against Christians and the alleged failure of the Nigerian government to protect religious minorities.

The Nigerian government, however, has strongly denied allegations of religious persecution, insisting that the country remains committed to protecting all faith communities.

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Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has made history as the newly elected Mayor of New York City, winning by a landslide and setting the stage for a political showdown with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly attacked him as a “little Communist.”

Mamdani, 34, will take office on January 1, becoming one of the most left-leaning figures ever to lead America’s largest city. Here are five things to know about his victory and what lies ahead for his administration.

1. Landslide Victory

Mamdani secured over one million votes, winning 50 percent of ballots cast compared to his closest rival, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who earned just under 42 percent. The election saw the highest voter turnout since 1969.

His campaign’s vast grassroots network of 100,000 volunteers reached every borough and community, running on a message of economic equality, affordable housing, and public welfare.

“We have toppled a political dynasty,” Mamdani said, referencing the end of the Cuomo family’s decades-long influence in New York politics.

2. Trump on the Horizon

Mamdani’s outspoken criticism of President Trump’s policies has already drawn sharp rebukes from the White House. The president has threatened to cut off federal funding to New York and labeled Mamdani “a little Communist.”

Mamdani previously urged Americans to “reject Trump’s fascism”, signaling that his tenure could bring renewed political tension between City Hall and Washington.

3. Time to Prepare

With less than two months before taking office, Mamdani must assemble a capable team to deliver on his ambitious progressive agenda including city-run supermarkets, free daycare, and fare-free bus routes.

He has already appointed five women to co-chair his transition team, including Maria Torres-Springer, who resigned as deputy mayor under outgoing Mayor Eric Adams due to his engagement with Trump.

Political analysts say he will need a savvy cabinet capable of navigating both City Hall and Albany, especially as the city faces threats of federal funding cuts and a possible loss of food assistance for 1.8 million residents amid a government shutdown.

“His vision for New York is not crazy,” said Lincoln Mitchell, a Columbia University politics professor. “It’s filling in the gaps in our tattered social safety net.”

4. Jewish Outreach

New York, home to the largest Jewish community outside Israel, has seen a surge in antisemitic incidents, with 57 percent of hate crimes in the city targeting Jewish people, according to outgoing Mayor Adams.

Mamdani faced criticism from pro-Israel groups over his support for Palestinian rights and his condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which he described as “a genocide.” The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has announced plans to monitor his policies closely.

In his victory speech, Mamdani pledged to stand “steadfast alongside Jewish New Yorkers” and confront antisemitism head-on, while insisting the ADL’s scrutiny must be “honest and fair.”

5. End of an Era

Mamdani’s triumph marks the end of an era in New York politics, sidelining both Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams, and signaling a leftward shift for the Democratic Party.

Backed by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mamdani’s insurgent campaign energized young voters and working-class communities, promising a fresh, inclusive approach to governance.

“This is not just a political win,” he said. “It’s a mandate for a fairer, freer New York.”

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