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BURKINA FASO CITIZENS RAISE $220 MILLION FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS UNDER LEADER IBRAHIM TRAORE
IduwiniVoice Editorial>
BURKINA FASO CITIZENS RAISE $220 MILLION FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS UNDER LEADER IBRAHIM TRAORE
In a remarkable display of civic responsibility and patriotism, citizens of Burkina Faso have collectively raised $220 million to support developmental projects under the leadership of Ibrahim Traore, the military Head of State. This impressive show of solidarity demonstrates the citizens’ trust in Traore’s vision for a better future.
Ibrahim Traore assumed office in October 2022, following a military coup that ousted President Paul-Henri Damiba. The coup was sparked by growing discontent with Damiba’s handling of the country’s security crisis, particularly the escalating Islamist insurgency. Traore, a 34-year-old army captain, led the coup, citing the need for more effective measures to address the security challenges.
Despite the unconventional nature of Traore’s rise to power, citizens have rallied behind him, proving their hunger for positive change. The $220 million raised will significantly support critical development projects, such as upgrading roads, bridges and public transportation; improving access to quality healthcare and education; and supporting entrepreneurship, agriculture, and industry.
This display of civic engagement underscores the potential for collective progress when citizens and leaders work together. The funds raised will help address pressing challenges, enhancing the quality of life for Burkinabes.
The citizens of Burkina Faso were motivated to make this historic contribution because they saw a national leader who is committed to addressing their plights and concerns — a national captain who is dedicated to addressing security challenges, tackle corruption, improve governance, engender an inclusive leadership style, and engage citizens in decision-making.
The success of this initiative highlights the importance of effective and concerned leadership in inspiring cooperative support from citizens. As Burkina Faso navigates its challenges, Traore’s leadership and citizen engagement will be crucial in driving meaningful change. Africa, learn the lessons!
This synergy between leaders and citizens serves as a model for other African countries, demonstrating the potential for collective and sustainable progress when citizens are carried along and when they are convinced that those who they queued up for, under sun and rain, and elected into positions of power and authority have their best interest at heart.
This is a clarion call on Nigerian leaders to prove by their words and deeds that they care about the tears and pains of the rank and file of the country. It is only a demonstration of such social conscience that would motivate citizens to patiently and patriotically work with government to produce meaningful development.
Here Nigerian leaders should also learn the lesson that encouraging active citizen participation in governance and decision-making processes is crucial for building trust and fostering collective progress.
The Burkina Faso story serves as a model for Nigeria and Africa as a whole, as it demonstrates the potential for collective progress when leaders prioritize citizen engagement and effective governance.
By: Divine Perezide
The Imo State Government has introduced a new education policy prohibiting graduation ceremonies for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS3 students, alongside a ban on the yearly replacement of textbooks.
According to a memo dated August 15, 2025, and signed by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) learners will now be allowed to hold graduation events-reflecting the structure of Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education model.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is committed to providing quality and functional education to all students. Henceforth, graduation ceremonies and parties for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS3 students are hereby abolished,” the memo stated.
In a further move to ease the financial burden on parents and streamline academic consistency, the policy also mandates that approved textbooks must now be used for at least four years. This change is expected to allow siblings to reuse educational materials and prevent yearly replacement costs.
Violations-including frequent textbook changes or deviation from the approved list-are strongly discourage, The Guardian Nigeria reported in a related news.
Prof. Ikegwuoha emphasized in the directive that these reforms aim to reduce exploitative practices, foster learning continuity, and ensure focus remains on academic achievement rather than celebratory
By: Divine Perezide
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has arrived back in Nigeria following his participation at the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland, and a short vacation in London. He touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in the early hours of today, around 4 a.m.
In a statement upon arrival, Akpabio explained: “At about 4 a.m. this morning, I landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from London. While abroad, I attended the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva from July 29 to 31, before proceeding to London for a brief vacation.”
Reaffirming his commitment to the Nigerian people, the Senate President assured that the legislature would resume with renewed energy. “Nigerians can expect vibrant legislative activities when we reconvene. Our delegation made a strong impression at the global parliamentary forum in Geneva. Together with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, we ensured Nigeria’s voice was well represented,” he said.
Akpabio further pledged that the National Assembly would continue to pursue meaningful collaboration with the executive and judiciary to advance the collective interest of citizens.
News
Great Loss As Family Announces The Painful Passing Iduwini-borne Billionaire Prince, Presley Gere Iyalahga
By: Miracle Palakia
Odimodi, Delta State – The Iyalahga and Diepregha families, Odimodi, Aghoro, and the entire Iduwini Kingdom in Delta and Bayelsa States, breaks silence on the painful loss of their son, Prince Presley Isele Gere Iyalahga, Billionaire businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Preslyn Group of Companies, who passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the age of 48.
Prince Presley was an illustrious son of two distinguished families: His Royal Majesty Gere J. Iyalagha, (Igbedikuru-II), the late Ibenanawei of Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, and the late Regent of Iduwini Kingdom (Delta & Bayelsa States), High Chief Diepregha Akpotelemor of Gberigberi-Idumu Quarters, Aghoro-I Community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The former President of the Iduwini National Youth Council for Peace and Development was a respected businessman and community leader, who’s untimely demise has thrown his family, friends, associates, community, and Kingdom into deep shock and sorrow. He’s survived by his beloved wife, Princess Preye Presley Iyalagha, and six children.
The families made known the development to newsmen on Saturday, August 16th, in a statement jointly signed by Mr. Oroupade Oweibe and George Diepregha for the families and his son, Prince Peremobowei Presley Iyalagha, for the children.
According to the statement, funeral rites will take place on Friday, August 29th, 2025. At 10 a.m., the body will depart Warri via Millar Jetty to his compound in Odimodi for a brief Funeral Service, lying in state, interment.
IduwiniVoice can report that Prince Presley Iyalagha’s passing marks not only the loss of a vibrant Royal entrepreneur but that of a leader in Iduwini Kingdom and Ijaw nation. His memory remains deeply cherished by the lives he touched and all who knew him.