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BEFOCUS NEWS DESK — Daily Highlights

Updated: November 21, 2025 • Africa/Lagos — Top stories across Nigeria, Africa & the world

1. Gunmen in Niger State abduct 52 students from school

   NigeriaSecurityYouth

   Armed attackers stormed a school in Niger State and abducted 52 students in the latest wave of mass kidnappings affecting Nigeria’s northwest. Rescue and negotiation efforts are ongoing as security agencies respond.

   Youth impact: School abductions directly threaten young people’s right to education and safety — underscoring urgent need for community protection programmes and youth-focused recovery services.

   Source: Reuters

2. Students taken from Catholic school in central Nigeria in latest abduction

   NigeriaEducationSecurity

   Another school abduction — this time at a Catholic institution in central Nigeria — adds to a week of attacks that have disrupted schooling and shaken communities across the country.

   Youth impact: Continued attacks risk long-term learning loss and trauma for children and adolescents; psychosocial support and secure learning environments are essential.

   Source: Al Jazeera

3. Nnamdi Kanu sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism charges

   NigeriaGovernanceYouth

   A federal court convicted Nnamdi Kanu on terrorism-related counts and handed a life sentence. The verdict has stirred strong reactions across regions and raises questions about activism, law and national dialogue.

   Youth impact: The case is a flashpoint for youth engagement in political expression — emphasising the importance of constitutional channels, peaceful civic organising and legal literacy.

   Source: AP News

4. Nigeria shuts some schools in Kwara State after church attack

   NigeriaSecurityEducation

   Following an attack on a church that heightened local tensions, authorities temporarily closed selected schools in Kwara State as a precaution while investigations continue.

   Youth impact: Temporary closures disrupt learning and place additional burden on families; alternative learning plans and safety measures are urgent needs.

   Source: Reuters

5. Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the G20 Summit in Johannesburg (Nov 21–23)

   GlobalGovernanceEconomy

   India’s Prime Minister will join world leaders at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, which will highlight global economic cooperation and issues affecting the Global South.

   Youth impact: G20 discussions shape regional investment and trade policies that can open entrepreneurial and employment pathways for young Africans and Asians.

   Source: Economic Times

6. World AMR Awareness Week: WHO warns antimicrobial resistance surge in low- and middle-income countries

   GlobalHealthYouth

   The World Health Organization marks AMR Awareness Week by warning that antimicrobial resistance is rising in many low- and middle-income countries, threatening treatment outcomes for young people and communities.

   Youth impact: Young health workers, students and community leaders must be mobilised on antibiotic stewardship, prevention and health innovation.

   Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

7. Afreximbank posts strong growth — total assets rise to US$42.9 billion

   AfricaFinanceBusiness

   The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) reported robust performance with assets rising — a sign of deepening African finance capacity to support trade and industrial projects.

   Youth impact: Stronger African finance institutions can expand access to credit, incubation and export markets for youth-led businesses and startups.

   Source: Afreximbank (press release)

8. Bank of America: global tech stocks on track for record inflows despite volatility

   GlobalMarketsTechnology

   Bank of America research shows strong investor interest in technology stocks — record flows are being recorded even as markets face short-term shocks.

   Youth impact: Signals demand for tech talent and fintech startups; young professionals can capitalise on hiring and entrepreneurial momentum in digital sectors.

   Source: Reuters (reporting BofA)

9. Nigeria provides regional support to counter violent extremism in Lake Chad Basin

   AfricaSecurityYouth

   Nigeria announced measures to work with neighbouring states to remove violent extremist footholds in the Lake Chad Basin and to support reintegration programmes for affected youth.

   Youth impact: Reintegration, skills training and education for young people in conflict zones are critical to lasting peace and economic recovery.

   Source: ChampionNews

10. ICC & B20 pledges: renewed push for Africa trade growth ahead of G20

    GlobalTradeAfrica

    The International Chamber of Commerce has reaffirmed support for Africa trade growth at the B20 Summit, highlighting partnerships and private-sector actions to expand markets for African businesses.

    Youth impact: Greater trade focus means more export, logistics and e-commerce opportunities for youth entrepreneurs and SMEs across Africa.

    Source: ICC

Editorial Note

Today’s headlines lay bare two truths: danger and opportunity co-exist. While attacks on schools and spikes in insecurity threaten the safety and prospects of young people, economic gains, stronger finance institutions and global diplomatic engagement create new pathways for youth to lead — in business, tech and peacebuilding. Our role at BEFOCUS is to spotlight this dual reality and to turn headlines into practical progress for youth across Nigeria, Africa and the world.

BEFOCUS NEWS DESK — Inspiring Minds. Building Excellence. Empowering Generations.

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