Military and Government Experts Meet to Equip ECOWAS Standby Force

By: Michael Mike

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is at the last lap of equipping the ECOWAS Standby Force saddled with the duty of combating terrorism, banditry, violent extremism and political instability in the West African subregion with the gathering of military and government experts in Abuja to validate the Logistics Depot policies of the economic bloc.

The meeting is coming ahead of the commissioning of the recently completed ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone.

Speaking at the opening of the validation exercise, the Commission’s Commissioner, Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah said the increased acts of terrorism, violent extremism and political instability within the region has necessitated the urgent need for fully functional and operational static depot.

Musah, who was represented by Dr. Sanni Mohammed, Acting Head of Peace Support Operations in ECOWAS, said that the project remains a critical one for peace support operations, explaining that the depot is expected to warehouse all the equipment that are supposed to be deployed for operations .

He said: “The ECOWAS Commission has injected substantial resources towards the construction as well as the operationalisation of the depot, and it remains a critical flagship project for ECOWAS region’s peace support operations infrastructure.

“The increased act of terrorism, violent extremism, and political instability being experienced in a number of our countries, with heavy and dire consequences, are a clear testament to the urgent need for a well-resourced logistics strategy with a fully functional and operational and static depot.”

He said it took the Commisson this long to put in place the Depot “not because of reluctance on the part of management, but because of the need to mobilise the required resources that will enable the Commission to actually put in place a depot that will be, you know, consistent with not only continental but also global best practises. So the depot we are happy is in place now in Lungi, Sierra Leone.

“It’s a coastal depot, so anywhere, from anywhere we are shipping equipment to the depot either by land, air, or sea, we’ll be able to comfortably evacuate them and put them in the depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone. Well, the ECOWAS standby force is already fully activated. It’s in place.

“Like we have two missions that are currently running in Guinea-Bissau as well as the Gambia. The missions are there, and the troops from the standby force are the ones there. The activation of the ECOWAS standby force to fight terrorism is actually what we are now currently planning to do.

“We need to have the required resources. Already member states have given us the troops that will populate the contingent that will move in activation of the standby force in its kinetic form. So we are up and doing to be able to deliver on that task.

“Well, currently there are a number, multiple processes we need to engage. Firstly, with our various governments to be able to mobilise the resources. We want to see that resources are mobilised internally.

“This is a fight that you need to have internal resources to allow you comfortably confront the challenges. Instead of relying on external funding that will not be always sustainable.

He noted that the standby force and the peacekeeping, is a comprehensive depot that will enable ECOWAS to put in place equipment for deployments. Either during peace support operations or also during fighting. If you are fighting terrorism.

“So it’s a comprehensive depot, which is multidimensional in nature. And it’s going to house all the necessary needs that will be required. When deploying, either you want to address internal crisis in member states or you want to fight these terrorist activities,” he explained.

He added: “Well, the ECOWAS standby force is a standby arrangement where countries in the ECOWAS region contribute their capabilities and capacities to meet challenges, security challenges in the region. Challenges could vary from one form to the other. Whichever one that is prevalent now, we are trained to come together and bring our capacities to respond to it.

“Whichever one it may be, but we must be well trained and equipped with the kind of task, the kind of task that we are not well equipped for. And that’s why this workshop or meeting is to bring all our capabilities for logistics so that we can support operations in the region, be it in peacetime or non-peacetimes, in terms of emergencies, humanitarian situations and other emergencies in the region.”

The Meeting Chairman, Air Commodore, Sampson Eyekosi, said ECOWAS standby force is not taking the role of the Multinational Joint Taskforce (MNJTF), insisting that security is a connected thing.

He said: “You cannot work in isolation. It’s not taking any role. We all work together for the attainment of peace and security in the region.”

On the number of personnel to deployed as standby force, Eyekosi said the number would be determined by the threat, stating that: “It is not fixed. The threat determines how big the force will be. But units in member states are placed on alert based on what is pledged to the collective effort. And they are trained together, they are prepared, they are deployed as the situation requires.

He added that: “As we all know, it is imperative that the conduct of Peace Support Operations (PSO) in the ECOWAS region requires to be properly guided by a well thought out and proven logistics procedures and processes.

“Likewise, the need to look closely at the nitty-gritty of all essential that is required to be in place to ensure that the ECOWAS Logistic Depot (ELD) at Lungi, Sierra Leone become functional and attains full operational capability in the shortest possible time. “In order to properly structure and organise it up to fully and effectively support on-going and future peace missions in the region. Especially as the ELD is now at the verge of being commissioned this year, with over ninety percent of expected infrastructural work already completed on the facility.

“Furthermore, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, our beloved region calls us now to duty and have deliberately brought together, the brightest professional logistics, administrative and management minds here to brainstorm and produce a final product that will indeed stand the test of time in the real world. This unique opportunity therefore, requires that we all bring to bear our wealth of experience in various aspects or gamut of logistics, administration and management to give back for the interest of our region. Particularly, as it relates to Peace Support Operations in West Africa and Africa as a whole.”

Military and Government Experts Meet to Equip ECOWAS Standby Force

Karai-Karai, Ngizimawa tribes unit to support APC in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

The meeting of unity between the Karai-karai and Ngizimawa tribes of Mamudo constituents (alias Yanki Shida) ended with a promise to continue supporting the APC present administration in the state under the able leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, Chiroman Gujba.

The meeting was held under the leadership of Alhaji Adamu Abdu Chillariye, a leader, stakeholder, and adviser on governmental affairs to Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, Chiroman Gujba, at his residence in Potiskum.

Alhaji Adamu Abdu Chillariye calls on the people to shun what is happening in the past and solicit their support and cooperation for Governor Buni’s administration in the state. Adding that, in the past, we know Karai-karai and Ngizim are brothers and sisters; we are moving together; we are doing everything together, but recently some people come and divide us.

“Let us build a solid concrete foundation for our children and our grandchildren, and as we are suffering now, don’t allow our children and our grandchildren to suffer; let us unite ourselves and develop our area.” Chillariye added.

Also speaking, Hon. Saidu Arjale said in the past we know Karai-karai and Ngizimawa are one thing; nobody will separate them; they are doing everything together; they are moving together, but some people, because of their selfish interest, come and divide us.

He calls on the members to be straightforward; don’t be afraid, put fear aside, face the reality, unite ourselves, and live a good legacy for our children and our grandchildren in the future.

Also contributing, Mallam Ibrahim Bogocho said we are claiming that we are good politicians, but from us some people will come and use us to achieve their political aim, noting that since we wake up from sleeping, let us unite ourselves because without unity, nothing will go normal.

In his own contribution, the former chairman of the Nangere local government area, Alhaji Adamu Yahaya (alias Adamu Alabura), revealed that today I am very happy as I saw Karai-karai and Ngizimawa meeting to unite themselves and move together in politics.

He said you can’t differentiate between Karai-karai and Ngizim; they are one entity, and politics is a game of choice. Let us forget about being afraid since we come out with these good initiatives. Now that we have a credible leader who can lead us, please let us give him maximum support to achieve our goal.

Earlier speaking at the meeting, the state chairman of Mayina Kara, Alhaji Sha’aibu Shamshi, said, Since we got crises among us, but now we are ready to resolve it by the grace of God.

“My message to Karai-karai and Ngizimawa people is to unite ourselves and support the government; let us always be loyal to the government and support our leader, Alhaji Adamu Abdu Chillariye. I know him for quite a long time; he is a straightforward person; he doesn’t want to lie.

Karai-Karai, Ngizimawa tribes unit to support APC in Yobe

Transforming Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Vision

By: Amb. Musa Tsoken

It could be recalled that on the 13th of March, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR had raised concerns regarding the devastating hunger that had bedeviled Nigeria and the world at large. However, it was a global threat that needed to be tackled to leverage the negative trend to save humanity.

The vision and mission of Senator Abubakar Kyari in his political sojourn was that of humanity first, which tallies with the agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

No wonder Kyari, who sees his ministry as a savior and a place of succor to Nigeria, did not relent in putting up his best to ensure that the declaration of a state of emergency on food security yields positive results as a major critical area of concern for the nation’s development in terms of providing efficient and essential food for local consumption and generating substantial revenue for both individuals and government.

Agricultural growth is definitely a channel of countering insecurity by providing job opportunities as well as increasing the GDP of Nigeria. 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has made significant strides in reforming the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, with the Honourable Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari at the helm. This publication highlights the government’s efforts to address food security challenges, as emphasized by the President and reinforced by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

In response to the growing concerns about food insecurity, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency, underscoring the need for urgent action. This declaration has been reinforced by the circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Dr. George Akume, which emphasizes the importance of focusing on critical areas of the economy, including agriculture.

Under the leadership of Hon. Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari, the ministry has embarked on several reform initiatives, including:

Increasing funding and inputs for farmers to enhance productivity and ensure food security.

Revitalizing Agriculture: Implement policies to increase agricultural production, reduce insecurity, and promote sustainable development.

Food Security as a National Priority: Recognizing food security as an integral component of national security, the administration is working tirelessly to ensure every Nigerian has access to nutritious food.

The government is committed to collaborating with local and international partners to achieve its food security goals. This includes working with the private sector, development organizations, and other stakeholders to leverage expertise, resources, and funding.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to transforming the agricultural sector and ensuring food security for all Nigerians. With the Honourable Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari at the helm, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is driving reforms and initiatives that will have a lasting impact on the country’s food security landscape. Kudos to Sen. Kyari for his tireless effort to ensure transformation, innovation, and advanced technology in agricultural development in Nigeria.

Transforming Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Vision.