News
Corruption pushing 60% of Nigerians, other African youths to emigrate – Poll reveals

By Francesca Hangeior.
A poll conducted by about 5,600 youngsters in 16 countries has revealed that about sixty percent of African youth are looking to leave because unchecked corruption threatens their future.
The report was made available to the public on Tuesday.
Corruption is seen as the “single greatest hurdle” they face to achieve their own potential and a better life, said the Johannesburg-based Ichikowitz Family Foundation which commissioned the poll of 5,604 people aged 18 to 24.
“Most of all, they don’t believe their governments are doing enough to address this scourge and because of it almost 60% are looking to emigrate in the next five years,” it said.
The 2024 African Youth Survey, which the foundation says is unparallelled in scope and size, was conducted via face-to-face interviews in January and February in countries ranging from South Africa to Ethiopia.
North America was the top pick for emigration for this age group, followed by Western European countries such as Britain, France, Germany and Spain.
More than half (55 percent) of those polled said Africa was headed in the “wrong direction”, although there was a modest rise to 37 percent in “Afro-optimism” from the 2022 survey.
“They want tougher sanctions against corrupt politicians, including banning them from standing for office. They also want a different form of government,” the foundation said.
Although about two-thirds of those interviewed believe in democracy, around 60 percent were in favour of an “African-infused” form.
Nearly one in three believe that non-democratic systems, from the military or one-party rule, could be preferable under certain circumstances.
Most of those polled (72 percent) said foreign influence was an issue. “They are concerned about their countries being exploited by foreign companies especially their natural mineral wealth being mined and exported without any further benefit to the people,” said the foundation.
A large majority (82 percent) considered China’s influence as positive, with 79 percent saying the same for the United States.
Perceptions of Russian influence increased, notably in Malawi and South Africa, with more than half of those with a positive view of Russia citing its provision of grain and fertiliser.
Most said a Donald Trump victory in the US presidential elections would be a far worse outcome for Africa than a win by Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.
The African Youth Survey, first conducted in 2020, aims “to give voice to Africa’s youth in a scientific manner,” the foundation’s communications director Nico De Klerk told AFP. It also provides useful data to governments, NGOs and investors.
Africa has the world’s youngest and the fastest-growing population.
The median age on the continent in 2020 was 19.7 compared to 31.0 in Latin America, 38.6 in Northern America and 42.5 in Europe, according to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
Africa is home to nearly 420 million youth aged 15-35, one-third of whom are unemployed, the African Development Bank says. The population is expected to double to over 830 million by 2050, it says.
The 2024 African Youth Survey was conducted by PSB Insights in Botswana, Cameroon, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia.
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Olorogun Olori hails Wike’s political sagacity in South South

Elder statesman, Olorogun Morrison Olori, has hailed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his outstanding political leadership in the South-South region and his strategic role in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Olori, an octogenarian and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, particularly praised Wike for his transformative work as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement made during a public policy dialogue in Abuja, Olorogun Olori hailed Chief Wike as “a tireless bridge-builder and result-oriented leader who has brought stability and strategic political direction to the South-South and beyond.”
Chief Wike has not only strengthened the political base of the South-South region but has also become a key player in driving the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu through inclusive governance and infrastructural transformation,” Olori said.
Highlighting Wike’s impact as FCT Minister, Olori pointed to the minister’s record-setting performance in the signing of over 5,000 Certificates of Occupancy, as well as his aggressive infrastructure renewal across the city, including road expansions, urban beautification, and housing developments. He described Wike’s efforts as “a masterclass in leadership and vision.”
“His work in Abuja has demonstrated that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan—it is being implemented in concrete ways. He is delivering real, visible change,” Olori noted.
Olorogun Olori also emphasized Wike’s political courage in rallying support for national unity and economic revival, particularly in the South-South geopolitical zone, where he continues to serve as a stabilizing force and a voice of progress.
“Wike has used his influence not for personal gain, but to elevate the South-South and to help President Tinubu consolidate the gains of this administration,” Olori added. “This kind of partnership between the presidency and regional leaders is exactly what Nigeria needs right now.”
Olori, however, urged other political leaders to emulate Wike’s commitment to excellence and patriotism, emphasizing that Nigeria needs more leaders who “serve with sincerity and deliver with impact.”
News
Nigeria Felicitates with South Africa on 31st Freedom Day Anniversary

By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria has congratulated South Africa on the celebration of its 31st Freedom Day anniversary, marking more than three decades since the end of apartheid rule.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Sunday in Abuja, the Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, extended warm greetings to his South African counterpart, His Excellency Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
Ambassador Tuggar described the day as a reminder of the historic victory of democracy over apartheid and a celebration of the resilient and unified spirit that continues to shape South Africa’s journey.
“Nigeria and South Africa share a profound bond forged through decades of solidarity in the liberation struggle. As we reflect on this milestone, we recall Nigeria’s unwavering support for the anti-apartheid movement, including diplomatic, material, and moral contributions that underscored our commitment to justice and the ethos of pan-Africanism,” the statement read.
Highlighting the strong bilateral ties between the two countries, Tuggar emphasized the shared responsibility Nigeria and South Africa have in promoting peace, security, and inclusive development across the African continent.
He noted that as Africa’s two largest economies and democracies, there is a need to strengthen collaboration in areas such as trade and investment through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as cultural exchanges and youth empowerment.
“Therefore, on this Freedom Day, we stand with South Africa in honouring the sacrifices of heroes like Walter Sisulu, Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Thabo Mbeki and recommit to working together to realize the vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and united Africa,” he added.
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Enugu Reps caucus backs concessioning of Enugu airport

The Enugu Caucus in the House of Representatives has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s plan to concession the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, describing it as a potential catalyst for the Southeast economy.
The caucus commended the Federal Government for the initiative and urged it to hasten the process to enable the people of the Southeast and the nation to benefit from it in earnest.
It also called on the people of the region to support the concession as the only way to guarantee sustainable investment to fully develop the airport into a truly international facility.
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