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Inclusion of Vulnerable, Marginalized Groups in Decision Making Key to Ending Crisis in West Africa- Tunis
Inclusion of Vulnerable, Marginalized Groups in Decision Making Key to Ending Crisis in West Africa- Tunis
By: Michael Mike
The rising crisis in West Africa, which include military coups and insecurity, inequality has been identified as one of the major factors causing the upsurge.
Even as supporting the participation of people from vulnerable and marginalized groups in the decision-making and democratic processes of the societies
has been recognized to be the key to continued peace, security and sustainable development.
Speaking at the opening of the delocalized meeting of the Joint Committee of the ECOWAS Parliament, bringing together the Committee on Political Affairs, Peace, Security and the African Peer Review Mechanism, the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights and the Committee on Social Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment holding in Monrovia, Liberia, the Speaker of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, Rt Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis acknowledged that every meeting of the Parliament is an opportunity to analyze and make proposals to better understand and control political, economic, and social developments in West Africa.
Tunis, while noting that the meeting will focus on one of the priorities of ECOWAS Vision 2050, which is to promote good governance and consolidate irreversible peace, security, as well as development in the region, however said: “As we all know, inequality has been one of the bases or causes of subversive acts in our region.
“The marginalization of vulnerable groups from important decision-making processes, particularly ethnic or religious minorities, women and young people, provides fertile ground for conflict of violent extremism.”
He said: “We must convince ourselves that supporting the participation of people from vulnerable and marginalized groups in the decision-making and democratic processes of our societies is imperative for peace, security and sustainable development.”
The Speaker added that: “Political inclusivity has the advantage of enabling all points of view to be expressed and taken into consideration, and of enhancing the representation of every segment of the population, including women and young people.”
He revealed that the delocalized meeting, which is being held on the theme: “Enhancing political inclusivity in the participatory governance process: a mechanism for promoting peace and security “, was part of activities designed by the ECOWAS Parliament to continually demonstrate its openness to the citizens of the region, stressing that it also provides an opportunity to share experiences and collaborate with national institutions in the pursuit of the integration objectives of ECOWAS.
Liberia’s Vice President, Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor lamented that political inclusivity is still far from being achieved, insisting that going by a few statistics as indicated by a January 2023 UN Women Facts and Figures report, women on the continent particularly and globally in general are still yet to be accorded the acceptable number in distribution of political offices.
She noted that inclusive political processes are crucial to sustaining peace and conflict prevention; establishing and strengthening political processes aimed at improving the participation and political influence of citizens; making governments and institutions more accountable and transparent, and building a stronger and more inclusive social contract between government and the people for greater access to opportunities, amongst other issues.
Taylor said though much has been done over the past 30 years to bring to the front burner the issue of equal participation of both genders, but the fact remains that even at the ECOWAS Parliament where the mandatory acceptable standard is a minimum 30% representation from each member state ; current statistics indicated that out of 115 members only 21 members are females, a mere 18.26%.
She argued quoting an unknown author that: “A woman is human. She is not better, wiser, stronger, more intelligent, more creative or more responsible than a man. Likewise, she is also not less…” She asked the parliamentarians that “as you navigate the discussions on the way forward towards greater peace and security in our sub-region, I crave your indulgence to proffer policy prescriptions which compel our National Governments to take affirmative actions for the inclusion of women at all levels in the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of governments.”
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, in his speech, noted that the disconnect between the government and its citizens is a contributing factor to the volatility and threats to democracy in the sub-region.
Touray, who was represented by Mrs Josephine Nkrumah, Permanent Representative of the ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, urged members of the ECOWAS Parliament to consider the role of civic engagements as a key strategy to building a more inclusive society.
He said that the ECOWAS Parliament’s delocalized meeting was apt and the Commission awaits recommendations from the meeting that would act as the springboard for both Parliament and Commission to ensure inclusivity of all ECOWAS citizens in the democratic process of the sub region.
Touray said: “The seeming disconnects between the governed and those who govern have contributed in part to the volatility of the sub-region leading to discontent in our communities.
“It is pertinent that in other to have effective inclusiveness and participatory government processes, our citizens must be engaged, involved and discerning.
“We look forward to a collaborative effort to building a more inclusive society in our governance processes for peace and security which are prerequisite to our economic and social integration as a sub region.”
Inclusion of Vulnerable, Marginalized Groups in Decision Making Key to Ending Crisis in West Africa- Tunis
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VP SHETTIMA TO ONDO PEOPLE: The Sun Will Shine Brighter In Sunshine State With Aiyedatiwa’s Re-election
VP SHETTIMA TO ONDO PEOPLE: The Sun Will Shine Brighter In Sunshine State With Aiyedatiwa’s Re-election
*** Says President Tinubu fully behind gov to sustain APC’s commitment to their well-being
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has implored the people of Ondo State to re-elect Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, in Saturday’s governorship election in the state, assuring that the duo will bring hope, prosperity, unity and ensure the sun continues to shine brighter in the Sunshine State.
Specifically, the VP told the electorate in the state to ensure their votes collectively become their voice, conviction and message to those underestimating the strength and will of the state.
Senator Shettima gave the charge on Wednesday while addressing the mammoth crowd that thronged the MKO Abiola Democracy Park, Akure, for the grand finale of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign in the state capital ahead of the gubernatorial election.
His words: “Governor Aiyedatiwa is not merely campaigning to hold onto a position—he is campaigning to bring hope, prosperity, and unity to every corner of Ondo State. I am confident he is the leader who can turn these ambitions into realities.
“This election is more than a choice between two candidates. It is a choice between progress and stagnation, between unity and division. It is a chance to stand with a party that has consistently delivered and with a leader who truly understands the heartbeat of Ondo.
“So, as you go to the polls, remember what we stand for. Remember what you deserve: a governor with the experience, the compassion, and the strength to keep pushing Ondo toward greatness. Let’s secure Ondo’s future together. Let’s vote APC, and let’s re-elect Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.”
Extending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goodwill to the people of the state, VP Shettima said the President who is fully in support of Aiyedatiwa is confident that the Governor’s re-election will sustain the commitment of the governing APC to the people’s well-being.
“Today, I bring you the goodwill of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who would have loved to be here today but is currently engaged in securing critical development and investment opportunities for our nation at a summit in Saudi Arabia. Yet, he is with us in spirit, and he has fully endorsed the Aiyedatiwa-Adelami ticket as the torchbearers of prosperity for Ondo State,” he stated.
The Vice President urged the people of Ondo to look beyond what he described as “distractions and the noise from the usual suspects,” even as he told them to “look instead at the integrity and stability the APC has brought to this state.
“Look at the work we’ve done to strengthen our economy, even if the gains may not always be immediately visible. And consider the real, practical solutions the APC offers to make the sun shine brighter in Ondo State,” he added.
Palpably elated by what he termed “the passion” in the faces of the teeming APC supporters in the state, Shettima said he would have asked Governor Aiyedatiwa to return home and wait for them to deliver their mandate to him, adding however that the moment of the campaign grand finale was necessary “to celebrate ahead of election day.
The VP further described Governor Aiyedatiwa and his deputy as men of exceptional courage and leaders who have been tested by challenges that would have deterred many, noting that the Governor “has shown remarkable resilience in building a formidable force for the APC here in Ondo.
“From overcoming politically motivated attacks to uniting our great party, he has proven himself not just a survivor but a leader who stands strong for the good people of the Sunshine State,” he further noted.
Earlier, the Governor of Ondo State and candidate of the APC for the Saturday governorship election, Aiyedatiwa, urged the people to vote for APC.
After asking the mammoth crowd which party they would vote for, and receiving a resounding cheers from the people, he said, “The former Governor of blessed memory, Rotimi Akeredolu, would be happy seeing all of you vote APC to win the election.”
Aiyedatiwa said the late Governor once told him that he would succeed him, and would be glad to see this happen come next Saturday.
Governor Aiyedatiwa observed a minute silence in the late Akeredolu’s honour, telling the crowd that while he was not out to engage in a long statement, the citizens could as well attest to the level of development happening in the state, even as he promised that by the time he returns, he will do his best.
In his remarks, National Chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, vowed that “by the grace of God come Saturday the 16th of November, Governor Aiyedatiwa will win the gubernatorial election.”
He asked the people of Ondo to come out en masse and vote for Aiyedatiwa, adding that “a vote for the Governor is a vote for unity, a vote for peace and a vote for development.
At the end of his remarks, Ganduje invited Vice President Shettima to hand over the party’s flag to the Governor and candidate of the party.
Earlier, the Vice President had paid homage to the Deji of Akure Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, in his palace where he commended the royal father for preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the kingdom for many centuries.
VP Shettima said Akure stands proudly as a testament to the greatness that lies in heritage and unity, adding that the kingdom had long been inspiring the nation.
“This place of gathering and governance, preserved across centuries, serves as a pillar of cultural integrity and continuity. The enduring structure of this palace, a monument over 850 years old, is a reminder that Akure’s strength and grace remain constant through generations,” he stated.
Responding, the traditional ruler commended President Tinubu’s administration for his recent approval for the establishment of a teaching hospital in Akure.
“His Excellency, the Vice President, help me to convey my appreciation to the President; he just approved our teaching hospital. Akure is the only state capital that doesn’t have a teaching hospital. The president has just approved it last week. So, help me convey our gratitude to him sir,” the royal father said.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for approving a five per cent monthly allocation for traditional rulers in the state, imploring the people of Akure to vote massively for the APC in next Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
Also present at the campaign rally were Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; Secretary of APC National Campaign Council for Ondo State Governorship Election, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, and former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, among many other dignitaries.
VP SHETTIMA TO ONDO PEOPLE: The Sun Will Shine Brighter In Sunshine State With Aiyedatiwa’s Re-election
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DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS FOR COAS SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME FOR INDIGENTS STUDENT 2024 BY COMMANDER 18 BRIGADE NIGERIAN ARMY
DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS FOR COAS SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME FOR INDIGENTS STUDENT 2024 BY COMMANDER 18 BRIGADE NIGERIAN ARMY
By: Our Reporter
As part of the Nigerian Army’s (NA) commitment to Civil-Military intervention programs, the Commander 18 Brigade NA, Brigadier General Taiye Ahmed, on 12 November 2024, presented a cheque of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) to Miss Binta Abubakar Yahaya, a beneficiary of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Special Scholarship Scheme for Indigent Students 2024.
The presentation took place at 18 Brigade, Litani Barracks Bida, Niger State. Brigadier General Ahmed in his remarks, congratulated Miss Binta Abubakar Yahaya on her selection, acknowledging her dedication and potentials. He stated that the COAS Special Scholarship Scheme is a key initiative aimed at offering financial supports to deserving indigent students to help them achieve their academic aspirations ,particularly tertiary education. Brigadier General Ahmed emphasized that the NA is a gender-sensitive institution dedicated to supporting both male and female students who show promises and dedication.
He further highlighted that the scholarship program underscores the NA’s broader commitments to community welfare, contributing to the upliftment of young Nigerians and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder capable minds from realizing their potentials. During the ceremony, a minute silence was observed in honor of the Late COAS Lt Gen TA Lagbaja NAM,underscoring the Army’s enduring respect and remembrance for its fallen leader who was the initiator of the Scholarship Progeamme.
The event was widely attended by a cross section of dignitaries from the local community , including local authorities, traditional rulers, heads of security agencies as well as the media. The Representative of the Etsu Nupe and the Local Government Chairman in their separate remarks, praised the NA for yet another highly impactful gesture for societal development and encouraged Miss Binta to remain dedicated to her studies.
The Beneficiary, Miss Binta Abubakar Yahaya (an orphan) who hails from Bida Local Government Area and a student of the Department of Business Administration, at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger state, expressed her deep gratitude to the NA and pledged to work hard in her studies to honor the trust and privilege granted to her. The high points of the event was the presentation of the cheque to Miss Abubakar Yahaya and souvenirs to the invited guests.
DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS FOR COAS SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME FOR INDIGENTS STUDENT 2024 BY COMMANDER 18 BRIGADE NIGERIAN ARMY
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NLNG donates 970 bags of rice, 3,740 cartons of spahagetti to Borno Flood Committee
NLNG donates 970 bags of rice, 3,740 cartons of spahagetti to Borno Flood Committee
By: Our Reporter
Borno state Flood Relief Disbursement Committee has taken delivery 970, 50kg bags of rice and 3,470 cartons of spaghetti from the Nigeria-Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG).
Receiving the items on behalf of Borno State government, chairman of the committee Engineer Ba Bukar Gujbaw thanked NLGN for the support.
He assured that the items donated will be used for the purpose intended.
Managing Director and chief Executive officer Nigeria-Liquified Natural Gas NLNG, Dr Philip Mshelbila said the items was to cushion the impact of the September 10 flood disaster.
Represented by the Head, Government relations, Mr Philip Yakubu, the team handed over the food items and conveyed their message of condolence to the government and people of the state over the huge loss.
Mr Yakubu said they were in the state to assist the government and NGOs in returning the people back to their normal lives.
The NLNG team were at the flood relief distribution centre and also the palace of His royal highness the shehu of Borno Dr Abubakar Garbai El-kanemi to pay homage and receive blessings.
NLNG donates 970 bags of rice, 3,740 cartons of spahagetti to Borno Flood Committee
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