Gowon, Akinyemi, Odumegwu-Ojukwu Predict Brighter Future for ECOWAS

By: Michael Mike

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has predicted that the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), would usher the region into new vistas of development.

This is as former Nigerian leader and only surviving founding father of ECOWAS, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd.) and ex-Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, declared that Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, the three Member States which recently exited the ECOWAS and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) could still return to the fold.

The minister made the remarks at the Roundtable Conference, convened under the theme: “ECOWAS, An African Model @ 50: Resilience and Future Prospects,” at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, as part of activities marking the golden jubilee of the regional body.

Gowon chaired the event which featured Akinyemi as keynote speaker while the discussants were key players in the affairs of the continent including President of ECOWAS, Dr. Alieu Touray, former President of ECOWAS, Dr. Ibn Chambas, former Prime Minister of Guinea, Lansana Kouyate, and Vice Chairperson of African Union Commission, Selma Malika Haddadi among others.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu charged participants to renew their commitment to the shared responsibility, and uphold the enduring principles of unity, peace, and development which was the bedrock of their regional integration efforts.

She paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers, especially Gowon, noting that the contributions of the lead speaker; Akinyemi and the discussants, had enriched their collective reflection and reaffirmed the enduring relevance of the shared vision.

She said: “Over the course of our discussions, we have been afforded a unique opportunity to reflect on the remarkable journey of ECOWAS as a regional body. We have examined its significant contributions to peacekeeping, economic integration, harmonization of sectoral policies and promotion of democratic governance to strengthen regional solidarity.

“Equally important, this forum granted us the opportunity to critically examine the pressing challenges confronting the Community, from political instability and governance deficits to economic disparities. Looking ahead, this rich exchanges of ideas and perspectives we have shared today has laid the groundwork for charting a more resilient, inclusive and visionary path for ECOWAS.

“As we bring this important gathering to a close, allow me to express my sincere appreciation to each and every one of you for your presence, your thoughtful contributions and insights, as well as your unwavering commitments to the vision and ideals that inspired the founding of our Regional Economic Community five decades ago,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

Akinyemi, who listed the numerous achievements of ECOWAS particularly, in peacekeeping, free movement of people and goods, regional integration and peer review, urged the remaining members to be compassionate with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

He said: “When the Sahel countries realize that in pulling out of ECOWAS, they were not able to contain the Jihadists, the insecurity in the region, then they will know that pulling out was not the solution. When they see that the energy crisis is still there and other challenges they faced, then, they will begin to consider the essence of regional integration.

“So, I share the optimism expressed this morning by our President and Gen. Gowon, that they will find their way back. And as Gen. Gowon advised, we should threat them with compassion, we shouldn’t rub it on their face.”

In his presentation, ECOWAS President, Dr. Alieu Touray, reiterated that the three exited member States of ECOWAS were key to the security of the region including the free movement of people and regional integration.

He also spoke on the plans for the ECOWAS in the next phase of its trajectory.

“We are thinking of a summit on the future of ECOWAS. We must mainstream the need for poverty alleviation. Secondly, is working together on how to confront insecurity. The disunity in the region threatens our security.

“Peace and security must be of priority to ECOWAS. Governance too must be a priority to ECOWAS, accountability. If you have good governance, you have development. To boost intra community trade, we must address on infrastructure,” the ECOWAS Commission’s President said.

Also, remarking, the United Nations Special Representative for ECOWAS and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simão, saluted ECOWAS for the capacity displayed in handling the conflict concerning the exit of the Sahel States.

According to him, the organisation was able to manage the sentiments involved and went to Bamako for discussions.

“I must tell you that I was in Niger last week and I know how they received that move. This is an achievement that only a mature organisation can pull through.

“As UN, we congratulate ECOWAS on its 50th anniversary and would continue to look out for collaborations,” he stated.

Gowon, Akinyemi, Odumegwu-Ojukwu Predict Brighter Future for ECOWAS

Katsina State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning Hosts Strategic Engagement Meeting with Thlama Peace Foundation

By: Our Reporter

The Katsina State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, under the leadership of the Acting Commissioner and Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Mu’azu Safana, convened an engagement meeting today with key stakeholders from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) alongside representatives from the Thlama Peace Foundation.

The session commenced with a warm welcome address by Alhaji Ibrahim Mu’azu Safana, who emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to fostering partnerships with development-oriented organizations to drive inclusive and sustainable development across the state.

As the coordinating body for all NGOs operating in Katsina State, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning plays a crucial role in supporting, validating, and harmonizing the activities of NGOs. This coordination ensures alignment with government priorities, enhances planning, and strengthens the delivery of social protection interventions. The Ministry is committed to promoting synergy, avoiding duplication of efforts, and maximizing the impact of all development initiatives in the state.

During the technical session, Mr. Kadafur Joseph, the Programme Officer of the Thlama Peace Foundation, delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the Foundation’s history, objectives, and ongoing peacebuilding and development initiatives. He outlined the Foundation’s mission to promote social cohesion, community empowerment, and conflict resolution through grassroots engagement and collaboration with government and civil society actors.

Following the presentation, the Acting Commissioner facilitated an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with the Thlama Peace Foundation team. Attendees asked critical questions and provided insightful feedback aimed at strengthening future collaboration.

The engagement meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including directors from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning: Dr. Tijjani Umar, Director of Social Protection; Alhaji Saidu Muhammad Danrimi, Director of Planning; Executive Director of the SEMA, Hajiya Binta Dangani; representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs Hajiya Hajara Yusuf; Mr. Paul Maful from Mercy Corps; and other development partners.

The meeting marks a significant step toward building strategic partnerships for peace and development in Katsina State.

Katsina State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning Hosts Strategic Engagement Meeting with Thlama Peace Foundation

Children’s Day: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Immediate Action to Protect Future of Nigerian Youth

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has called for immediate action to protect the future of Nigerian child.

Speaking in Abuja on this year’s Children’s Day, themed “Tapping the Untapped Natural Treasure,”the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, called for urgent, unified action to protect the rights and dignity of Nigerian children.

He urged the government at all levels, civil society, development partners, and the private sector to acknowledge the dire conditions facing many children in Nigeria and to prioritise investments that secure their future.

Mamedu described the situation of the Nigerian child as alarming and untenable, stating that: “Despite the day’s celebratory nature, the reality for many Nigerian children is far from joyful. The convergence of escalating insecurity, deepening poverty, and widening digital divides has created a crisis that threatens the well-being and future of the country’s children. Our children are the heartbeat of this nation, yet many are trapped in cycles of poverty, conflict, and neglect. We must move beyond rhetoric and take concrete actions to ensure every child has access to education, nutrition, safety, and the digital tools necessary for their development.”

He noted that according to UNICEF, over 18 million children in Nigeria are currently out of school, with girls disproportionately affected by entrenched gender norms, economic hardship, and insecurity, decrying the security situation, particularly in the northeast and northwest, is worsening. The continued presence of insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP has led to the displacement of thousands of families, leaving children vulnerable to violence, trauma, and disrupted learning.

He noted that digital exclusion is another pressing barrier. Only 36% of Nigerians currently have access to the internet, and an estimated 78% of youth lack the digital literacy needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. This limits their access to quality education, opportunities for skill development, and future employability.

Mamedu said compounding these challenges is the harsh economic climate. Various economic reforms and inflationary pressures have pushed basic food prices beyond the reach of many families. As a result, 33 million Nigerians are projected to face acute food insecurity in 2025, with children bearing the brunt of the nutritional crisis.

He said: “To truly unlock the potential of Nigerian children, we must go beyond policy on paper and confront the gaps in implementation. While education may legally be free under the Universal Basic Education framework, the reality is that millions of children—especially girls, displaced children, and those with disabilities—remain excluded due to insecurity, poverty, and lack of infrastructure. We urge policymakers, private sector actors, and development partners to prioritise inclusive, quality education; expand social protection to tackle hunger and health gaps; strengthen community-based child protection systems; and invest in digital infrastructure and skills that will prepare our children to thrive in today’s world.”

ActionAid Nigeria reiterated that investing in the well-being of every Nigerian child is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic necessity for national development, peace, and prosperity.

Children’s Day: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Immediate Action to Protect Future of Nigerian Youth