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In 50 Years, ECOWAS Have Never Had It This Bad With Departing Three Member Countries- ECOWAS Court PresidentMichael Olugbode in Abuja
In 50 Years, ECOWAS Have Never Had It This Bad With Departing Three Member Countries- ECOWAS Court President
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
By: Michael Mike
The President of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court has lamented the situation the regional bloc is presenting facing, stating that the body which is celebrating its 50th anniversary has never had it this bad.
Speaking at the sent-forth ceremony for four of the Court staff, Dr Athanase Atannon, Dr William Towah, Mr Félicien Hounkanrin and Mr Iliyas Jonah on Wednesday in Abuja, the president of ECOWAS Court of Justice, Hon Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, said: “The path may not be easy, first of all, due to the particularly difficult situation that our Community is going through. In fact, in almost fifty years of its existence, for the first time, the ECOWAS Community is faced, at one stroke, with the departure of three countries, with all the consequences that may result: on a social level, on a financial level and on the level of security in our sub-region.”
He added that: “However, we believe that our political decision-makers will know how to take advantage of this moment to carry out a profound reflection on the path taken and what is intended for our Community in the next fifty years.
“This reflection will have to be plural, open, inclusive, participatory and its success will depend largely on the involvement of civil society in our countries.
“The path will still have challenges to be overcome [now focusing specifically on our Institution], if we consider that we will soon announce the recruitment competition for new employees.
“For this phase that is about to begin, it is our Institution’s duty to firmly commit to excellence, rigor, and individual merit. This attitude can conflict with heightened passions, personal commitments, parallel agendas, all of which are feelings and attitudes that we must tenaciously combat.”
On the challenges faced by the Court, the president said: “The problem of implementing our decisions has been highlighted as one of the greatest challenges facing our Institution. We fully agree and, along with this, we could also add the challenge of operationalizing the Court’s arbitration jurisdiction (mandate as an Arbitration Tribunal); the use of the prejudicial referral mechanism (legal advisory jurisdiction); the creation of a legal aid fund, just to name a few.”
He admitted that: “There is, however, a challenge that must be overcome as quickly as possible by the staff of this house, as this challenge appears to us to be crucial. This is the challenge of improvement and awareness on the part of our human resources.
“In an international institution like ours, professionalism, commitment and unreserved dedication, proactivity, knowledge of the profession, firm commitment to professional ethics and deontology and, above all, knowledge of the role that each person is assigned within our Institution, are crucial points that must be worked on. For some, more than others this is true, but these are certainly aspects that all employees should consider.
“This challenge falls to the staff because you are the continuity, the sap that gives life and guarantees the longevity of this Institution. We (The Court) will soon complete twenty-four years of existence. If our Institution is recognized internationally today, this is also largely due to its performance.
“But this cannot be interpreted as the end of the goal. Quite the opposite. Today, more than ever, you are all called to deeply reflect on crucial aspects of the collective existence of the Court, such as full dedication, disinterested analysis and advice, unreserved adherence to the objectives set by management, commitment to truth, rigor, honesty and respect for one another.”
On the retiring staff, he said: “They certainly had moments of uncertainty, frustration, misunderstanding and perhaps even anger. However, it could not be otherwise and there can be no surprises about it. In fact, we were warned well, at the beginning of our civilization, that in life we would face tribulations and that it could not be any different. We were given hope, however: in the end we would win, because we would never be alone.
“We are convinced that these were years of hard work, challenges overcame, valuable contributions and many shared moments, as they were “never alone”.
“Each of you leaves an indelible mark on this institution, both through your professional results and, above all, through the way you have left an impact on the people around you. Your wisdom and patience will continue to guide and inspire your colleagues. Your example and spirit of dedication will surely be a source of inspiration for many of us.”
A goodwill message read by a representative of the staff, Mr Ghislain Agbozo said: “We hope that this new chapter unfolding in each of your lives will be filled with opportunities for growth, fulfillment, and well-deserved rest. We wish you good health, so that you may enjoy your retirement pensions for many years to come, in peace and happiness. You will remain forever in our hearts and in our most vivid memories. We look forward to seeing you again—whether here in Nigeria, in Benin, Liberia, or wherever life may take you. This is not a goodbye; it is a fond farewell.”
One of the retiring staff, Mr Félicien Hounkanrin in an interview with journalists, thanked the ECOWAS Court management and staff for the elaborate celebration, stating that this has shown that the organisation is indeed a great family.
He said he would be going into his new facet of life with pride and with the feeling of having a family and friends in ECOWAS Court.
In 50 Years, ECOWAS Have Never Had It This Bad With Departing Three Member Countries- ECOWAS Court President
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
KSrelief to Drill 78 Solar-Powered Well Across 10 States in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) has concluded plan to drill 78 medium-depth, solar-powered well across 10 states of Nigeria.
The Centre has signed a cooperation agreement via video conference on Tuesday with a civil society organisation to implement the project.
According to a statement from the Centre, the initiative is expected to benefit approximately 733,350 individuals.
KSrelief’s Assistant Supervisor General for Operations and Programmes, Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz signed the agreement at KSrelief’s headquarters in Riyadh.
The agreement is aimed to provide safe drinking water for both people and livestock, support domestic water needs, and enhance water access in low-income areas.
It also seeks to reduce the spread of waterborne infections and parasitic disease vectors, ultimately helping to save lives, particularly among infants.
Additionally, the project contributes to improved nutrition by providing a reliable source of clean water.
The statement said the initiative is part of a broader range of humanitarian and relief projects in the water and sanitation sector, implemented by the Kingdom through KSrelief, aimed at improving the quality of life and reducing the spread of diseases and epidemics in vulnerable countries worldwid
KSrelief to Drill 78 Solar-Powered Well Across 10 States in Nigeria
Nigeria Finalizes Evacuation of Citizens from Israel, Iran as Crisis Escalates
By: Michael Mike
The Nigerian government has finalized arrangements for the emergency evacuation of stranded Nigerians in Israel and Iran as crisis between the two nations escalate with incessant bombings.
The arrangements of the Nigerian government was communicated on Wednesday signed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The statement read: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that following the escalation of the crisis between the State of Israel and Islamic Republic of Iran, the Federal Government is finalizing arrangements for the emergency evacuation of stranded Nigerians in both countries.
“All affected Nigerian citizens are therefore strongly advised to abide by necessary security protocols and contact the nearest Nigerian Embassy or Mission for registration and further instructions.
“The Ministry commends the efforts put in place by our Missions in Tel Aviv, Israel and Tehran, Iran for their dedication and commitment to reaching out to the Nigerian Community in these difficult times.
“We wish to assure the general public that the Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to the safety and welfare of all its citizens, both at home and abroad, and is working in close coordination with relevant international partners and local authorities to ensure the timely and secure evacuation of Nigerians in affected areas.”
The statement added: “In the same vein, the Government of Nigeria reiterates its call for the immediate cessation of hostilities and urges all parties involved to embrace dialogue, respect international humanitarian law and prioritize the protection of civilians.
“Nigeria stands firm in its support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and reaffirms its longstanding commitment to regional and global peace and stability.”
The government promised to provide further updates from time to time through official channels as operations progress.
Nigeria Finalizes Evacuation of Citizens from Israel, Iran as Crisis Escalates
‘We are no longer afraid’: MSF hands over Lassa fever care in Ebonyi State
By: Michael Mike
Abuja, 18th June- After seven years of critical support from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), local health authorities in Ebonyi State are now well equipped to take on Lassa fever with improved infrastructure, training, and resilience—saving lives and restoring confidence in the healthcare system.
In early 2018, Ebonyi State in southeastern Nigeria faced a serious public health concern. Lassa fever – a potentially deadly viral haemorrhagic neglected tropical disease – recorded a particularly high seasonal outbreak, with a much larger number of cases, overwhelming hospitals and claiming numerous lives, notably among healthcare workers, particularly exposed to infection risks.
“We lost doctors, nurses, and cleaners,” recalled Dr. Nnennaya Anthony Ajayi, then head of clinical services at the virology unit of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA), the state’s main referral centre. “There was panic. In the hospital, 16 healthcare workers passed away. People were afraid to go near the emergency room.”
Though the federal and state governments had already made strides—building an isolation ward and setting up a virology lab—AE-FUTHA was not prepared for the outbreak’s scale. Personal protective equipment (PPE) was scarce. Infection control procedures were unclear. Samples had to be sent to distant labs for confirmation. Suspected patients were sometimes kept in open spaces, and the risks for staff were devastating.
It’s in that context that MSF, also known as Doctors Without Borders, arrived in Abakaliki to support the response. What began as an emergency intervention soon evolved into a seven-year partnership with the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health, laying the groundwork for sustainable, locally led Lassa fever care.
Protect Health Workers, Improve Care for Patients
From the outset, MSF’s top priority was clear: stop the loss of healthcare workers.
“We had to put an end to this series of avoidable deaths,” said Alain-Godefroid Ndikundavyi, MSF’s most recent project coordinator in Ebonyi. “Our main objective was to reverse that trend and to reinforce the hospital’s capacity to better receive and treat patients with the disease.”
MSF’s intervention was wide-ranging. The organisation built triage and observation areas, distributed PPE, implemented robust infection prevention and control (IPC) systems, and trained local staff to manage Lassa cases safely and effectively.
“They helped us structure patient flow, IPC and biosafety measures, and provided what we needed to work safely,” said Dr. Ajayi. “They brought structure, training, and most importantly, hope.”
In total, over 230 training sessions for healthcare workers were delivered, and laboratory capacity was strengthened, enabling faster diagnosis. Eventually, a new model of care was put in place to deal with the disease, protect staff, and better support patients.
Between 2018 and 2024, MSF supported the treatment of 1,701 suspected and 427 confirmed Lassa fever cases. MSF also paid the full cost of patient care—including dialysis, medications, and meals—which significantly reduced fatalities.
Crucially, deaths among healthcare workers fell dramatically, with many years passing without a single death being recorded.
Reaching Beyond the Hospital
But MSF understood that stopping Lassa fever required action far beyond hospital walls. The disease thrives in communities where public health awareness is low and early detection is lacking.
“To bridge that gap, we mobilised health promotion teams that conducted over 4,500 education sessions and nearly 1,300 community visits across Ebonyi State,” said Ndikundavyi. “These efforts demystified the disease, corrected misconceptions, and encouraged early care-seeking behaviour.”
MSF also supported two primary healthcare centres in rural areas—Izzi Unuhu and Onuebonyi—providing training, lab equipment, medical supplies, and even building water towers to ensure safe sanitation. The goal was to catch Lassa fever early and ease the burden on AE-FUTHA.
“We realised that to truly fight Lassa, the response had to start at the community level,” said Ndikundavyi.
A New Chapter
In 2025, MSF formally handed over operations to the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health and AE-FUTHA. This transition was carefully planned and included donations of medical equipment, ambulances, and waste management tools. Enough supplies were provided to last through the next Lassa fever peak season.
“We officially handed over management responsibilities at the end of 2024 but kept an observational team on until March of this year, in case the Ministry needed additional resources,” Ndikundavyi said.
MSF also supported the creation of internal committees within AE-FUTHA to maintain standards in infection control, patient care, and outbreak response—ensuring that progress would continue after their departure. More broadly, MSF experts partnered with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), state and federal authorities to improve detection, prevention, and medical care guidelines.
Today, AE-FUTHA is a different place. Gone are the days of improvised gear and terrified staff. Healthcare workers now operate with confidence, knowledge, and access to proper equipment. Patients are treated with dignity, and survivors return home with hope. Not as outcasts, but as symbols of resilience.
The fight against Lassa fever is not over. In 2024 alone, 24 confirmed cases were recorded in AE-FUTHA, with one death among the hospital staff—still tragic, but a far cry from what happened in 2018, when 16 healthcare workers alone were lost.
“We are no longer afraid,” Dr. Ajayi said. “MSF helped us believe that we could fight Lassa fever—and win.”
‘We are no longer afraid’: MSF hands over Lassa fever care in Ebonyi State
KSrelief to Drill 78 Solar-Powered Well Across 10 States in Nigeria
Nigeria Finalizes Evacuation of Citizens from Israel, Iran as Crisis Escalates
‘We are no longer afraid’: MSF hands over Lassa fever care in Ebonyi State
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