(DDM) – Former presidential aspirant His Excellency Peter Obi has outlined a blueprint for transforming Nigeria into a leader capable of lifting Africa from poverty to prosperity.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Obi delivered a keynote reflection via Zoom from Madrid, Spain, during the Paul Alaje 2nd Colloquium held in Abuja, Nigeria, on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

Our correspondent notes that the keynote centred on the theme: “Breaking the Cycle: How Nigeria Can Lead Africa from Poverty to Prosperity,” highlighting the country’s immense human and natural potential.

Obi emphasized that while Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources and talent, human development challenges, governance gaps, and infrastructural deficits continue to hinder progress.

He proposed five pillars for national transformation, beginning with a shift from consumption-driven policies to a production-focused economy that prioritizes value creation and self-reliance.

The second pillar focuses on human capital development, advocating investments in education, skills acquisition, healthcare, and youth empowerment to strengthen Nigeria’s workforce.

Obi highlighted the third pillar as strengthening governance, calling for accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership across all levels of government to restore public trust.

Fostering innovation and technology forms the fourth pillar, with Obi urging Nigeria to leverage digital tools, research, and entrepreneurship to drive sustainable economic growth.

The fifth pillar stresses national unity, emphasizing that a cohesive, inclusive society is crucial for stability, social harmony, and effective policy implementation.

He further urged Nigerians to embrace discipline, accountability, and civic participation, arguing that meaningful reform requires active citizen engagement rather than reliance solely on government action.

Obi reiterated that breaking the cycle of poverty in Nigeria would have a multiplier effect across Africa, positioning the country as a model for development, progress, and continental leadership.

He concluded by expressing confidence that a renewed Nigeria is possible through collective effort, visionary leadership, and adherence to principles that prioritize citizens’ welfare.

Observers note that Obi’s keynote offers a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable development, highlighting the interconnection between economic policy, human development, governance, innovation, and social cohesion.

The colloquium provided a platform for dialogue among policymakers, academics, investors, and civil society actors to reflect on Nigeria’s challenges and chart actionable strategies for national transformation.

Obi’s reflections underscore the importance of strategic planning, citizen involvement, and ethical leadership in breaking systemic cycles of poverty and fostering a prosperous Nigeria capable of leading Africa forward.

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed her daughter and son-in-law as ministers in her new cabinet, a move that has sparked fresh controversy after a violent and heavily disputed election.

In a nationwide broadcast on Monday, President Hassan announced 27 ministers and 29 deputy ministers.

Among them was her daughter, Wanu Hafidh Amei, who was named Deputy Minister of Education, Science, and Technology. Her husband, Mohamed Mchengerwa, was appointed Minister of Health.

The president also appointed Tanzania’s ambassador to China, Khamis Mussa Omar, as the new Minister of Finance.

Meanwhile, Adolf Mkenda retained his position as Minister of Education, Science, and Technology.

Seven former ministers were removed from the cabinet, but Anthony Mavunde and Mahmoud Thabit Kombo kept their portfolios as Minister of Mining and Minister of Foreign Affairs, respectively.

President Hassan’s re-election continues to face intense criticism following the October 29 polls, which were marred by violence, an internet shutdown, and a widespread crackdown on opposition supporters.

International bodies have condemned the election process.

The United Nations called for a full investigation into reported killings, alleging that security forces removed bodies to destroy evidence.

The opposition party CHADEMA, whose candidate Tundu Lissu was barred from running, claims about 700 people were killed during the election.

The party has refused to recognise Hassan as the legitimate president.

Election observer groups including the African Union, European Union, Southern African Development Community, and the diplomatic missions of the UK, Canada, and Norway denounced the polls as not credible.

They highlighted fatalities, the internet blackout, disqualification of opposition candidates, and violent repression of protesters.

A deadly bridge collapse at a cobalt mine in southeast DR Congo has killed at least 32 miners. Authorities said the accident happened on Saturday at the Kalando mine in Lualaba Province.

The provincial interior minister, Roy Kaumba Mayonde, confirmed the death toll on Sunday.

He said rescuers had recovered 32 bodies and were still searching for more victims trapped in the flooded pit.

The bridge collapsed as wildcat miners rushed across a makeshift structure built over a water-filled trench. Heavy rain had soaked the mine, creating dangerous conditions.

Officials had already banned access to the area due to fears of a landslide, but thousands of miners reportedly forced their way in.

Local authorities said the Kalando site is about 42 kilometres from Kolwezi, the provincial capital.

DR Congo produces over 70 percent of the world’s cobalt, a mineral used in electric car batteries, mobile phones, and laptops.

The global demand for cobalt has fuelled massive illegal mining across the country, involving more than 200,000 people.

A report by SAEMAPE, a government agency that oversees small-scale mining, said the presence of soldiers near the site triggered panic among miners.

The agency said the mine has long been a flashpoint of disputes involving wildcat miners, a cooperative meant to organise operations, and legal operators linked to Chinese interests.

The report said the miners fell into the trench and “piled on top of each other,” causing multiple deaths and injuries.

Images shared by the National Human Rights Commission showed miners digging out bodies. At least 17 corpses were photographed lined up near the trench.

Arthur Kabulo, the CNDH provincial coordinator, told AFP that more than 10,000 wildcat miners work at Kalando. Authorities suspended all operations at the site on Sunday.

The tragedy again highlights the harsh realities of cobalt extraction in DR Congo. Years of allegations over child labour, corruption, and unsafe conditions have cast a dark shadow over the industry.

The country’s mineral wealth has also fuelled armed conflict in the east for more than three decades.