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ECOWAS at 50: Stakeholders Call for Reforms to Prevent Disintegration
ECOWAS at 50: Stakeholders Call for Reforms to Prevent Disintegration
… Ask for Door on Return of Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali to Remain Opened
By: Michael Mike
As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) gears up for its 50th anniversary, stakeholders from various sectors have called for immediate and holistic reform of the organisation.
The call was made on Wednesday in Abuja at a high-level forum, organised by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), with the theme: ‘ECOWAS @ 50, Reform or Disintegrate: Which pathway for the Regional Bloc?’.
The CDD Senior Fellow, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim in his presentation, traced ECOWAS’s historical role in promoting democracy and integration in West Africa, while warning
that recent developments, including military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea, posed significant challenges to the bloc’s cohesion and must be acted upon.
He said: “ECOWAS has been instrumental in deepening democracy in our region. Yet, the emergence of unconstitutional regimes threatens the unity and progress we’ve achieved.”
Ibrahim maintained the importance of continued dialogue with the Sahelian countries that have experienced coups, advocating for their reintegration into ECOWAS through a renewed commitment to democratic principles.
He also noted the region’s economic struggles, saying that West Africa now hosts one of the largest populations of impoverished people globally.
He highlighted the inability of many ECOWAS member states to generate sustainable employment, particularly for the youth, fuels disillusionment and instability.
He said, “The dream of independence -access to education, opportunity, and self-determination- has faded. That broken promise is now being expressed in terrorism, displacement, and deepened poverty.”
He insisted that ECOWAS needs to undergo comprehensive reforms, calling for dismantling systems rooted in colonial and imperial legacies and emphasized the need for inclusive governance structures that prioritize the welfare of all citizens.
He said: “Without reclaiming West Africa’s resources for its people, genuine development and integration will remain a distant dream.”
On his part, the chairman of the CDD Board, Comrade John Odah, reflected on ECOWAS’s 50-year journey, acknowledging both achievements and challenges.
He urged civil society organizations to critically evaluate the bloc’s successes and shortcomings and to actively support the vision of regional integration.
He said: “ECOWAS was established to integrate 15 sub-Saharan African countries socially, economically, culturally, and politically. Despite challenges, significant progress has been made. It’s imperative for civil society to ensure that the dream of ECOWAS integration is not aborted.”
He urged stakeholders to interrogate what has been successful and what have been the challenges in the 50-year history of ECOWAS integration, and to contribute in whatever way possible to ensure the dream of ECOWAS integration is not aborted.
Speaking on behalf of the WADEMOS, Paul Osei-Kuffour, the Program Manager, CDD-Ghana and Network Coordinator, WADEMOS, said ECOWAS is facing threats and vulnerabilities which are at the core of its foundation and existence and could undermine its legitimacy and relevance.
He said that theme of the convening reflects the reality of the situation confronting the region such as the exit of the three countries and the formation of the AES.
He said: “Although we experienced the exit of Mauritania in the past, the historical, cultural, security and economic ties between the three countries and ECOWAS presents its unique challenges. Additionally, ECOWAS response to military coups and applications of sanctions have experienced challenges and setback, and not yielded the expected results with transition in Guinea remaining in perpetuity.
“The regional body has also been criticised for not doing much to integrate the voices of community citizens in ECOWAS decision making processes and the realization of the constitutional convergence principles in its structures and institutions.
“And at the global level, which ECOWAS is not an exception, we are seeing persistent attacks on multilateral institutions as part of the playbook of authoritarian leaders hiding under the claim of sovereignty,” Osei-Kuffour said.
ECOWAS at 50: Stakeholders Call for Reforms to Prevent Disintegration
Chinese Embroidery Companies Make Inroads into Nigeria to Empower Youth
By: Michael Mike
The drive to unearth the potential of Nigeria’s creative sector and further empowers the youth has received a boost as a youth-focused initiative aimed at building sustainable fashion-based businesses across the country.was unveiled on Wednesday
The unveiling was done in Abuja by Embroidery Chief in collaboration with leading Chinese embroidery machine manufacturers Dahao and Futong,
Speaking during the unveiling at a stakeholders’ engagement themed “Stitching the Future: Building Sustainable Embroidery Businesses in Africa,” the Founder of Embroidery Chief, Mr. Lukman Abdulsalam, said that the initiative is designed to empower young Nigerians with practical embroidery and fashion design skills that can be turned into profitable ventures.
According to him, the project launched in partnership with leading Chinese embroidery machine manufacturers Dahao and Futong, will begin with the establishment of innovation hubs in 10 states, including Lagos and Kano. Each hub will be equipped with 50 embroidery machines, offered at subsidized rates to make them accessible to young entrepreneurs.
Abdulsalam noted that training programmes will run in three phases: one month for design, two weeks for machine operation, and one month for technical repairs.
He said that many young Nigerians already possess natural creativity but lack the technical skills to fully express and monetize their talent.
Abdulsalam said: “The purpose of this gathering is to raise awareness about key issues in the fashion industry, how individuals can upscale, identify existing gaps, and connect with the right people and opportunities.
“We aim to collaborate with the government, which is why we have key stakeholders here today. Our plan is to establish hubs in about 10 states. Each hub will receive approximately 50 embroidery machines, and we will train end users on machine operation, technical support, and digital design creation.
“This initiative will begin with 10 states as a pilot. We are committed to empowering individuals by providing these machines at subsidized rates, making them affordable for emerging entrepreneurs.
“In Nigeria, many people still lack the technical knowledge to properly size and digitize designs using software. That’s why training is essential. Once people learn how to use both the machines and the software effectively, it will foster healthy competition and unlock creativity across the board.
“Youth will be able to create designs on sneakers, shoes, bags, clothing, even decorative frames. The possibilities are vast, and with the right skills, we can unlock an entirely new wave of innovation in the fashion industry.”
In his remarks, Michael Zuo, Senior Sales Executive at Dahao, said the company is seriously considering setting up a branch office in Nigeria to support the growth of the embroidery ecosystem.
Also speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, Hon. Adamson Ayinde who was represented by Dr Taiwo Bashir, described the initiative as a golden opportunity for Nigerian youth.
He noted that there are numerous areas where the government can collaborate, which is likely why the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President asked him to attend the event on his behalf.
He said: “This is a great opportunity for Nigerian youth, as the embroidery industry is worth millions of dollars and still largely untapped. There is so much to be done, and anyone with the vision and willingness to act now stands to benefit immensely.”
Chinese Embroidery Companies Make Inroads into Nigeria to Empower Youth
Troops neutralise bandit, rescue victim in Wase ambush operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A have neutralised a suspected bandit and rescued a kidnapped victim during a successful ambush operation in Sabon Gari village, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama was reliably informed that the operation, which occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, followed credible intelligence on the movement of bandits along the Kampani–Zurak–Sabon Gari axis.
According to the sources, troops of Sector 2, deployed under Operation Safe Haven, laid a tactical ambush at key crossing points used by the criminals.
During the engagement, one bandit was neutralised while others fled the scene. The troops later combed the general area and rescued one Mr. Amadu Alhaji Nuhu, a 45-year-old man from Taraba State, who had been held captive.
Items recovered from the scene included one fabricated pistol, a pistol magazine, four rounds of 9mm ammunition, one boxer motorcycle, a pair of shoes, a cap, and a head warmer.
The rescued victim and recovered items are currently in safe custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing criminals.
Troops neutralise bandit, rescue victim in Wase ambush operation
Two killed, several injured as bandits attack vigilantes in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
Two persons have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a bandit attack on vigilante operatives in Edogi, Lafiagi axis of Kwara State.
The incident, which occurred during a clash between the vigilantes and suspected bandits, also left four persons with gunshot wounds. Among the injured are Mohammed Ndagi,Saidu Jiya,and Philips John,all members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN). A civilian passerby, Babangida Daniel was also caught in the crossfire.
They were rushed to the General Hospital in Lafiagi for emergency treatment. However, the VGN Commander, Mohammed Yatsu (50), and Babangida Daniel were confirmed dead by medical personnel.
The remaining injured victims have been referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) for further medical care.
Meanwhile, ASP Sado Sunday, who was reportedly involved in the operation, remains missing as search efforts continue.
Security sources say efforts are underway to track down the perpetrators and restore calm in the area.
Two killed, several injured as bandits attack vigilantes in Kwara
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Troops neutralise bandit, rescue victim in Wase ambush operation
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