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BEFOCUS NEWS DESK — Daily Highlights

Updated: November 16, 2025 • Africa/Lagos

Theme: Youth • Opportunity • National Growth • Culture

1. South Africa intends to bid for the 2036 or 2040 Summer Olympics — Aiming to be the first African host

   AfricaSportDiplomacy

   South African officials have declared intent to launch a bid to host either the 2036 or 2040 Summer Olympic Games — a move that would make the country the first on the continent to host the modern Olympics if successful. The plan includes proposals to leverage sport infrastructure, tourism and youth development across the region.

   Youth impact: Hosting the Games would create major opportunities for young athletes, sports administrators, event management professionals and youth-focused tourism enterprises across Africa.

   Source: Reuters

2. High momentum for Nigeria’s oil & gas sector after Conoil–TotalEnergies historic production pact

   NigeriaEnergyIndustry

   Conoil and TotalEnergies have signed a production pact described as historic for Nigeria’s upstream sector. Industry analysts say the arrangement could accelerate production, stimulate local content and attract further investment into the oil and gas value chain.

   Youth impact: The pact signals expanding technical and vocational opportunities for young engineers, field technicians and energy entrepreneurs — creating pathways into well-paid skilled roles.

   Source: ChampionNews

3. African Customs Conference to Accelerate Nigeria’s Economic Recovery

   NigeriaEconomyTrade

   Leaders and stakeholders at the African Customs Conference emphasised reforms and regional cooperation to boost trade, improve revenue collection and support post-pandemic economic recovery across Nigeria and neighbouring economies.

   Youth impact: Better trade facilitation can expand entrepreneurship, logistics jobs and cross-border business opportunities for young Nigerians and regional youth networks.

   Source: The Nation

4. PFN insists there is an ongoing Christian “genocide” in Nigeria

   NigeriaSocietyReligion

   The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) issued a strong statement insisting that attacks on Christians qualify as genocide, calling on national and international bodies to take urgent action. The claim has intensified public debate about security, identity and the language used to describe violence.

   Youth impact: The debate underscores the need for young leaders to engage in peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue and community safety initiatives that protect children and young people.

   Source: Vanguard Nigeria

5. Nigeria expels Wike, Anyanwu as Peoples Democratic Party convention opens in Ibadan

   NigeriaPoliticsParty Affairs

   The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention in Ibadan began with the party moving to expel influential figures including Nyesom Wike and Anyanwu amid internal disputes. The development marks a significant moment in party politics ahead of national elections and raises questions about internal reform and youth inclusion.

   Youth impact: Political shifts within major parties affect youth representation, recruitment into political structures, and the platforms available for young policy advocates.

   Source: Voice of Nigeria (VON)

6. Air Peace operations disrupted after lessor withdraws aircraft — travel chaos ensues

   NigeriaTransportBusiness

   Major travel disruption hit Nigeria as lessor withdrawal forced Air Peace to ground several aircraft, causing schedule cancellations and passenger delays across domestic and regional routes.

   Youth impact: Travel and tourism jobs, hospitality trainees and young professionals travelling for work or study are particularly affected — pointing to the need for resilient transport policies and workforce protections.

   Source: Travel & Tour World

7. S&P Global upgrades Nigeria’s outlook to “Positive” amid economic reforms

   NigeriaEconomyRatings

   S&P Global Ratings revised Nigeria’s outlook to Positive, citing ongoing policy measures and reform momentum intended to stabilise macroeconomic performance and improve investor confidence.

   Youth impact: Improved investor sentiment can unlock startup funding, internships and employment opportunities in emerging sectors important to young professionals.

   Source: Reuters

8. Nigeria suffers N1.4 trillion drop in market capitalisation amid bearish trading week

   NigeriaMarketsFinance

   Investors experienced heavy losses this week as the Nigerian Stock Exchange recorded a N1.4 trillion decline in equity capitalisation, reflecting market volatility and investor caution.

   Youth impact: Market swings show why financial literacy and risk education are critical for young investors and fintech entrepreneurs entering capital markets.

   Source: Ripples Nigeria

9. Nigerian Air Force conducts airstrikes in Zamfara, destroys terror camps

   NigeriaSecurityDefence

   The Nigerian Air Force launched targeted air operations in Zamfara State, destroying suspected terror camps and reporting neutralisation of several militant elements as part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.

   Youth impact: Security improvements are essential for safe schooling, vocational training and youth entrepreneurship in affected regions.

   Source: TVC News

10. Suspected gunrunner arrested at Plateau checkpoint as troops recover assault weapons

    NigeriaSecurityCommunity Safety

    Security forces intercepted a suspected gunrunner at a checkpoint in Plateau State, recovering assault weapons and arresting the suspect as part of wider anti-smuggling operations.

    Youth impact: Reducing illicit arms trafficking helps create safer communities where young people can pursue education and careers without fear.

    Source: TVC News

Editorial Note

Today’s BEFOCUS News Desk round-up shows a nation and continent in motion — from ambitious sport diplomacy and major energy pacts to security operations and political realignments. For young Africans, each story represents both challenge and opportunity: jobs in energy and events, the need for civic and media literacy, and the imperative of community safety.

At BEFOCUS Children & Youth Foundation and Witty Global Industries Ltd., we surface these headlines to help young people see where they can learn, lead and serve. Our brief is simple: transform news into actionable opportunity for youth across Nigeria and Africa.

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

© 2025 BEFOCUS Children & Youth Foundation • Witty Global Industries Ltd. • Published from Abuja (preferred location)

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