Burkina Faso President Traoré Demands Answers After World Cup Playoff Spot Goes to Nigeria

Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traoré has called on the nation’s Football Federation and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to explain why his country was denied a World Cup playoff spot, which instead went to Nigeria. The controversy followed Burkina Faso’s 3–1 win over Ethiopia, a result they believed would secure their qualification. However, CAF applied a rule that discounted points earned against the lowest-ranked team in each group — a measure triggered by Eritrea’s withdrawal — which ultimately benefited Nigeria, who had only drawn twice with Zimbabwe, the bottom-ranked team in their group. The decision reportedly left Traoré angered and seeking answers. Reports say Traoré has requested a full breakdown of the qualification process, particularly after Burkina Faso’s strong finish. The Stallions had played early qualifiers away from home while their Stade du 4 Août was being renovated to meet CAF standards. Upon returning to their home stadium, they recorded crucial victories, only to later learn that Nigeria had advanced instead.

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Alex Otti Says Politicians Should Write Their Will if They Attempt to Rig 2027 Elections

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has emphasized that the “will” of God and the people will determine the outcome of the 2027 governorship election, warning politicians against trying to manipulate the results. Speaking on Thursday during the October edition of Alex Otti Speaks to Abians at the Government House, Umuahia, the governor stressed that while he welcomes anyone who wishes to contest, those planning to rig the election should be prepared to face consequences. “I have heard that some people around him say they must take over this state, they must write results, but the only advice I have for them is that if they truly want to write results, they should write something else before that time. You know what it is? Their will,” Otti said, highlighting that no human action can override divine and popular will. His remarks came in response to statements reportedly made by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who claimed the All Progressives Congress (APC) intends to take over Abia in 2027. Otti’s warning comes amid early political maneuvering ahead of the next governorship election, following his 2023 victory under the Labour Party that ended over two decades of Peoples Democratic Party dominance in the state.

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Ola of Lagos Denies Owning Skywise Property Following Car Lot Demolition

Ola of Lagos has set the record straight on the recent demolition of his car lot, denying claims that he tried to claim ownership of the Skywise Group property. He explained that he only leased a section of the property for his business and that the Lagos State Government carried out the demolition due to safety violations, not as a personal attack. “I need to clear the confusion circulating on social media concerning the demolition of my car lot. I never claimed I was the owner of the Skywise Group property. I only leased a section for my business. The Lagos State Government demolished the building because some safety precautions were not taken, not that I was targeted,” Ola said. The clarification comes after criticism from individuals, including activist Deji Adeyanju, who accused him of trying to possess property that wasn’t his. Ola urged the public to confirm facts before sharing information, stressing that the demolition was strictly a regulatory action.  

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Sarah Martins Detained By Lagos Sanitation Corps Over Unauthorized Roadside Charity

Actress Sarah Martins was detained by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) for conducting activities on public infrastructure without official approval, the Lagos State Government has stated. In a statement on Friday, Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, said Martins’ charitable cooking on a road median violated the state’s environmental and sanitation regulations. “The incident took place in the Admiralty area of Lekki Phase 1, where an individual was apprehended for unauthorized use of public infrastructure,” the statement said. “While acts of charity are appreciated, they must comply with state laws to ensure public safety, protect the environment, and maintain order in the city.” The commissioner highlighted Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to keeping Lagos clean and sustainable, stressing that improper use of public spaces can disrupt traffic, create health risks, and damage infrastructure. “Actions such as the arrest and removal of equipment are part of the #KeepLagosClean and #ZeroToleranceLagos campaigns. Residents and organizations are urged to seek approval or use designated areas for charitable initiatives, ensuring their activities align with regulations,” the statement added.  

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Trump Threatens to Kill Hamas Over Gaza Gang Clashes, Demands Immediate Disarmament

United States President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Hamas, threatening military action if the group continues its crackdown on Gaza-based gangs and alleged Israeli collaborators — a statement that appears to mark a sharp reversal from his earlier stance supporting Hamas’s actions. In a post shared on social media Thursday, Trump wrote: “If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Speaking later to reporters, the U.S. president clarified that American troops would not enter Gaza directly but suggested that nearby allies — an apparent reference to Israel — could take action “under U.S. auspices.” “It’s not going to be us. We won’t have to,” Trump said. “There are people very close, very nearby that will go in and they’ll do the trick very easily.” The comments represent a dramatic about-face for Trump, who earlier in the week appeared to condone Hamas’s violent campaign against Gaza gangs accused of looting aid and collaborating with Israel. “They did take out a couple of gangs that were very bad… and that didn’t bother me much, to be honest with you,” he told reporters on Tuesday. The latest tensions follow deadly clashes between Hamas fighters and armed clans in Gaza, which have left several people dead. Local reports say gang members armed by Israel were behind the killing of prominent Palestinian journalist Saleh Aljafarawi earlier this week. In June, Israeli officials admitted to arming certain Gaza gangs, some with ties to ISIL (ISIS), in an attempt to destabilise Hamas’s rule. The Interior Ministry in Gaza has since offered a general amnesty to gang members who did not take part in the fighting. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned Hamas’s alleged execution of suspected Israeli collaborators, calling the acts a “heinous crime” and a violation of human rights. Under Trump’s ceasefire plan, Hamas is expected to fully disarm and relinquish control of Gaza’s administration — terms the group has yet to publicly accept. “They will disarm, and if they don’t, we will disarm them,” Trump warned, “and it’ll happen quickly and perhaps violently.” The truce, brokered earlier this week, has so far held despite continued Israeli violations that have killed several Palestinians. Israel has also delayed reopening the Rafah crossing with Egypt, citing Hamas’s alleged failure to return the bodies of Israeli captives. While Trump has touted the ceasefire as ushering in “a new Middle East,” his latest threats have cast serious doubt on the future stability of the fragile truce — and on Washington’s shifting role in Gaza’s postwar order.

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Colonel Michael Randrianirina Sworn In as Madagascar’s New President After Military Takeover

Madagascar has sworn in Colonel Michael Randrianirina as its new president, following a military takeover that ousted President Andry Rajoelina, who has since fled the country amid widespread protests and deadly unrest. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the High Constitutional Court in Antananarivo, officially confirming Randrianirina’s leadership after Rajoelina was impeached earlier in the week for “desertion of duty.” The new leader, dressed in a civilian suit instead of military uniform, sought to project an image of constitutional order and civilian inclusion. “Madagascar has not chosen a military regime,” Randrianirina told reporters, adding that his government “belongs to civilians” and that a consensus prime minister would soon be appointed. Randrianirina, 51, commander of the CAPSAT military unit, has pledged to hold elections within 18 to 24 months and said consultations are underway to form a transitional government blending civilian and military figures. His rise to power follows weeks of mass demonstrations over severe power and water shortages, which left at least 22 people dead and more than 100 injured, according to the United Nations. Foreign diplomats from the United States, European Union, and France attended the inauguration ceremony, signaling cautious international engagement with the new administration. The ousted president, Rajoelina, reportedly fled to Reunion Island aboard a French military plane before travelling to Dubai, citing fears for his safety. His supporters have condemned the court’s decision, calling it “procedurally illegal” and warning of further instability. Madagascar now joins a growing list of African nations that have recently experienced military transitions, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, and Guinea. Despite its natural wealth, Madagascar remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with nearly 80% of its 32 million citizens living in poverty, according to World Bank data. Regional and international bodies — including the African Union and Southern African Development Community (SADC) — have called for a swift return to constitutional democracy and the inclusion of youth and civil society in shaping the country’s political future.

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Activist Mahdi Shehu Raises Alarm Over ‘Victory Parade’ by Armed Bandits in Katsina

Prominent activist Mahdi Shehu has sounded the alarm over what he described as a “victory parade” staged by armed bandits in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, warning that criminal groups now operate with alarming impunity across parts of Northern Nigeria. In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Shehu said heavily armed bandits, clad in full combat uniforms, recently gathered in Bakori under the guise of a “peace deal” with a local community they had earlier subdued. He lamented that over the past decade, banditry has claimed countless lives and left hundreds of thousands killed, maimed, raped, or displaced, devastating rural economies and pushing many communities into poverty and fear. According to Shehu, many residents have been forced to submit to the bandits’ authority just to survive, agreeing to their conditions to gain temporary safety, access farmlands, or carry out basic trade in local markets. “The bandits have effectively carved out their own state within a state, where their rules override those of the government,” Shehu wrote. He further warned that similar patterns of control and coercion are now evident in several other parts of Northern Nigeria, where state presence is weak and local populations are left vulnerable. The activist’s revelations have sparked widespread concern online, with many Nigerians expressing outrage over the deepening insecurity and the growing influence of non-state armed groups in rural communities. Observers say the situation underscores the urgent need for stronger security operations, community resilience programs, and sustained government intervention to reclaim territories under bandit control.

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FG Launches National Job Centre Project to Tackle Unemployment, Boost Decent Work Opportunities

The Federal Government has unveiled the National Job Centre Project, a nationwide network of employability hubs designed to combat unemployment and promote dignified, inclusive, and transformative work for Nigerians. Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, announced the initiative during the Mastercard Foundation Annual Nigeria Partner Convening held in Lagos yesterday. According to her, the project is a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at connecting trained Nigerians to real job opportunities while strengthening the country’s labour market infrastructure. “The National Job Centres will integrate digital job matching, data tracking, and career advisory services to create a harmonised and inclusive system,” Onyejeocha said. She explained that the centres form part of a national labour framework intended to empower young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to local industries and compete confidently on the global stage. The minister also introduced the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) — a flagship initiative of the Ministry focused on improving youth employability and bridging the gap between training and employment. “Our goal is not just to create jobs but to build systems that protect workers’ rights, ensure fair wages, and strengthen labour market governance,” she added. Onyejeocha praised the Mastercard Foundation for its continued collaboration with Nigeria through the Young Africa Works strategy, which has supported job creation, entrepreneurship, and skills development for thousands of young Nigerians over the past six years. She noted that the Foundation’s approach aligns with the government’s effort to turn skills into sustainable employment, emphasizing the need for partnerships between the public and private sectors, development partners, and civil society. “Building an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem for work requires collective effort. We invite partners to collaborate with us in driving job access through these platforms and accelerating economic outcomes across Nigeria’s labour ecosystem,” she said. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision, Onyejeocha assured that the Ministry will continue to advance policies that promote employment creation, social inclusion, and economic stability. “The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment stands ready to continue working with the Mastercard Foundation and all stakeholders to build a future where work is dignified, inclusive, and transformative,” she concluded.  

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