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Eight Nigerian Universities in ECOWAS Court’s Moot Competition

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Eight Nigerian Universities in ECOWAS Court’s Moot Competition

By: Michael Mike

Eight Nigerian Universities are presenting competing in the inaugural edition of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court Moot Court Competition.

The ivory towers in the competition are: American University, Yola; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Igbinedion University, Okada; Lagos State University, Ojo, University of Jos, Jos; Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, and University of Uyo, Uyo.

According to the President of the Court, Hon. Justice Ricardo Claudio Monteiro Gonclaves, the objectives of the competition is to familiarize participants with the ECOWAS Court’s role in regional governance and its contribution to the protection of human rights and economic integration; enhance advocacy, research, and analytical skills among law students; promote the Court’s visibility and engage the public in understanding its importance in the ECOWAS region; and provide a platform for students, academics, and legal professionals to connect and share ideals.

The expected outcomes from the moot competition, according to the President, are: Increased awareness among students about the ECOWAS Court’s operations and contributions; enhanced advocacy and legal reasoning skills among participants; stronger ties between the ECOWAS Court and academic institutions in Nigeria; and a more informed and engaged future generation of legal practitioners in West Africa.

Speaking on the competition at the opening of the inaugural event in Niger State, the President said it is an important milestone in the strengthening of legal culture and regional integration within the Economic Community of West African States.

He said: “Since its establishment, the ECOWAS Court has stood at the forefront of promoting regional integration, advancing human rights, and strengthening the rule of law across West Africa.

“As Community’s the principal judicial organ of ECOWAS, the Court’s mandate spans the interpretation and application of Community texts, adjudication of human rights disputes, and the resolution of conflicts between Member States and ECOWAS institutions.”

He noted that: “In the fulfilment of this mandate, the Court has delivered landmark judgments that have reshaped national policies, safeguarded individual rights, and reinforced the foundations of democracy and good governance in our region.

“However, the true measure of any judicial institution is not found solely in its jurisprudence but also in its accessibility, public engagement, and its ability to foster understanding among the people it serves.
This Moot Court Competition is a testament to our commitment to deepening public engagement and investing in the next generation of legal practitioners.

“This event symbolizes, therefore, more than just an academic competition: it represents the collective commitment to the promotion of justice, the rule of law, human rights and good governance in our member countries.

“By bringing together young law students here, we are investing not only in the future of ECOWAS community law, but also in the future of sub-regional integration itself.”

The President added that: “So, to all the participants of the contest present here, I would like to say to you: this is your moment. A moment of learning, challenge and growth. Be bold in legal reasoning, rigorous in argumentation, ethical and prudent in every word.

“This contest is not just about winning or losing – it is about training jurists who are conscientious, critical, and committed to justice.

“While there will ultimately be a winning team, every participant here today is a winner. I encourage you to utilise this platform not only to showcase your talents but also to establish lasting professional networks that will support your career in the legal profession.”

Earlier, the Chief Registrar of the Court, Dr. Yaouza Ouro-Sama, who disclosed that the competition would be extended to other member states of ECOWAS, said: “I implore participants to pay keen attention to proceedings and learn from the process. We hope that at the end of this programme, participants will have garnered the required experience and confidence to represent their future clients before real courts. I look forward to stimulating intellectual debates during this competition.”

He equally told the participants that: “May this experience inspire you, challenge you, and deepen your commitment to justice.”

Eight Nigerian Universities in ECOWAS Court’s Moot Competition

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NGX’s N100 trillion milestone, proof of growing sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market- Stockbrokers

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NGX’s N100 trillion milestone, proof of growing sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market- Stockbrokers

The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) have congratulated the Board, Management, and staff of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc and Nigerian Exchange Limited on the historic achievement of the Nigerian capital market crossing the N100 trillion market capitalisation mark.

The commendation was issued via a press statement on Friday, jointly signed by Mr Samuel Sehinde Adenagbe, Chairman, Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria and Mr Oluropo Dada, the 13th President/Chairman of Council Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.

They described the NGX’s achievement as a remarkable milestone and a major affirmation of the resilience, depth, and growing sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market, and a clear signal of renewed investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.

“Crossing the N100 trillion threshold is not only a symbolic landmark; it reflects the capacity of Nigeria’s capital market to mobilise long-term funds for infrastructure, enterprise development, and economic transformation.

“It underscores the vital role of the market in financing growth, creating wealth for investors, and supporting national development objectives,” the said.

According to them, the achievement will not have been possible without the visionary leadership and strategic direction of the NGX Board, as well as the professionalism and dedication of its Management and staff, led by versatile stockbrokers: Dr. Umaru Kwairanga; Mr. Temi Popoola; and Mr. Jude Chiemeka and Mr. Femi Sobanjo.

“We also commend the unwavering commitment and versatility of dealing member firms and stockbrokers who continue to serve as the backbone of the market, ensuring liquidity, transparency, and investor protection.

“Their collective efforts have strengthened market integrity, broadened participation, and improved the overall efficiency of the Exchange.”

The CIS and ASHON also commend the Federal Government of Nigeria for providing a supportive macroeconomic and regulatory environment that has encouraged domestic and foreign investment, promoted market reforms, and enhanced the attractiveness of Nigerian assets.

They stated that policy stability, ongoing reforms, and a clear commitment to private sector-led growth have played a crucial role in creating the conditions for this historic market expansion.

They further commended SEC for providing sound regulations and market development.
They stated that the CIS and ASHON would continue to advocate ethical governance in the capital market with all stakeholder playing by the rules of the game.

They further restated their commitment to sustaining the momentum through robust regulation provided by Securities and Exchange Commission, market innovation, and strong investor protection frameworks.

“We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to further deepen the market, broaden product offerings, and ensure that the Nigerian capital market continues to serve as a strong engine for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”

NGX’s N100 trillion milestone, proof of growing sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market- Stockbrokers

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Troops neutralise bandit, recover arms in Plateau raid

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Troops neutralise bandit, recover arms in Plateau raid

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, under the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have neutralised a notorious bandit and recovered arms and ammunition during a raid on a hideout in Plateau State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted on Jan. 8 at Yolan Gboka–Yama Da Lahdi, following sustained efforts to track and arrest perpetrators of the Dec. 16, 2025 attack on illegal miners at Tosho community in Fann District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

According to the sources, troops made contact with the bandits during the raid and engaged them in a firefight.

“One of the bandits was neutralised during the exchange of fire and was later identified as Sadiq Isah, while others fled the area,” the sources said.

The sources added that troops subsequently exploited the hideout and recovered two AK-47 rifles and 162 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition.

The recovered arms and ammunition are currently in military custody, while troops have commenced follow-up operations to intercept the fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activities in the area.

Zagazola reports that Operation Enduring Peace is a joint security initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability across Plateau and neighbouring states.

Troops neutralise bandit, recover arms in Plateau raid

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FG Urges NSCDC to Boost Intelligence as Interior Minister Decorates 113 Senior Officers

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FG Urges NSCDC to Boost Intelligence as Interior Minister Decorates 113 Senior Officers

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has called on the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to strengthen intelligence gathering and operational readiness in the face of rising security threats across the country.

The call was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a ceremony to decorate 113 newly promoted NSCDC commandants. The minister, represented by the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Corrections, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Maj. Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd), commended the Corps for its role in protecting critical national infrastructure, lives, and property.

Tunji-Ojo emphasized the need for strategic intelligence mapping to counter emerging threats, particularly as the Corps now shoulders additional responsibilities for the protection of Very Important Personalities (VIPs), a role previously managed by the Nigeria Police Force.

He encouraged the newly promoted officers and all personnel to uphold the confidence placed in the service by President Bola Tinubu, noting that the merit-based promotions are designed to boost morale and enhance performance.

The Commandant General of NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Audi, urged the officers to mentor subordinates, embrace leadership responsibilities, and adhere strictly to merit-based postings. He warned against lobbying for preferred postings, affirming that performance and dedication would guide all administrative decisions.

Representing the promoted officers, Commandant Ekanem Ekpenyong pledged unwavering commitment to duty, promising to uphold integrity and the Corps’ Oath of Allegiance.

In a key highlight of the ceremony, the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commandant. The event also featured goodwill messages from the Controller General of Corrections, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, and representatives from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and the Department of State Services.

The ceremony underscored the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen the NSCDC and reinforce its role in Nigeria’s security architecture.

FG Urges NSCDC to Boost Intelligence as Interior Minister Decorates 113 Senior Officers

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