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Coalition Tackles Ndume on Niger Sanctions, Praises ECOWAS, Tinubu’s Mediation Efforts
Coalition Tackles Ndume on Niger Sanctions, Praises ECOWAS, Tinubu’s Mediation Efforts
By: Michael Mike
A coalition of peace groups under the aegis of Africans Against Conflict For Peace has criticized Senator Ali Ndume’s position calling for an end to the sanctions on Niger by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
It would be recalled that ECOWAS under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu had placed economic sanctions and travel bans on Niger following the coup led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, against the democratically elected government of Mohammed Bazoum.
The sanctions have been variously condemned by Senator Ali Ndume, a Nigerian senator who is also in the ECOWAS Parliament.
Ndume had called for the ending of the sanctions, insisting that it was illegal and against the interest of generalities of people of troubled Niger Republic even as he claimed that the sanctions have equally adversely affected people of neighbouring towns to Niger whose businesses, he said have been put on hold.
In a reaction to Ndume’s criticism, a coalition led by Dr Jibrilla Gwadabe, the convener, in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, asserted that Senator Ndume was ill informed going by his position in the press against the sanction of the Nigerien military junta by ECOWAS.
Gwadabe said: “Distinguished Senator Ali Ndume does not understand the concept of coercive diplomacy, his constituency is the greatest beneficiary of the misfortune of terrorism that has led to the loss of thousands of lives and property more than anywhere else in the North East of Nigeria and Lake Chad Basin.
“The Military in Niger have now turned their attention to governance which is not their forte and have left their flanks open. Which is detrimental to the people that Ndume represents. Ndume should note that continued military rule in Niger will continue to increase challenges of insecurity and instability in the region that has already been engendered by terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, as well as recent attempts at unconstitutional Changes of Government”
Gwadabe added that: “ECOWAS is not at fault here, Niger Republic is also a signatory to the protocol that allows for the protection of civil constitutional rule. The truth Ndume has refused to mention is that ECOWAS Heads of State and Government are concerned over the dire humanitarian situation in the region and have noted its impact on education, livelihood and wellbeing of Nigeriens, especially children and women.
He explained that: “The ECOWAS Commission has already approved the provision of resources and support to the population to address the serious humanitarian situations in the region,” noting that: “It will be recalled too, that worsening humanitarian situation was exacerbated by the junta’s blockade of much needed humanitarian assistance from United Nations agencies.”
He however advised Senator Ndume to rather assert more efforts in calling for the release of Bazoum and an expedited transition to constitutional rule rather than laying blames at the wrong place.
He said the ECOWAS Commission and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserve much praise and support not condemnation.
Coalition Tackles Ndume on Niger Sanctions, Praises ECOWAS, Tinubu’s Mediation Efforts
2026 teachers’ summit: Zulum stands in for NGF chair, commends FG for NELFUND
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, on Monday, attended the National Teachers’ Summit held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he stood in for the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
Governor Zulum commended the Federal Government for its strategic investments in education, citing the positive impact of Students Loan Scheme, the strengthening of key educational institutions, and the upward review of salaries for federal university teachers as evidence of a clear policy direction aimed at revitalising the sector.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to educational development and human capital advancement in Borno State.
The summit, convened by the Federal Ministry of Education, provided a strategic platform to review the state of Nigeria’s education sector, strengthen policy implementation, and formally launch “Edu Revamp”, a platform to enhance teacher capacity, utilise digital tools for 21st-century skills, and foster collaboration to improve learning outcomes.
About 12 exemplary teachers were honoured for their outstanding service to the nation. Six teachers—one from each of the six geopolitical zones—from the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), alongside six secondary school teachers, received cash awards of ₦25 million each. The Overall Best Teacher award was presented to Mr Solanke Francis Taiwo, who received a cash prize of ₦50 million.
Governor Zulum commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for hosting the maiden National Teachers’ Summit at the Presidential Villa, describing the initiative as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s prioritisation of education.
He particularly applauded her sustained advocacy for girl-child education and her support through scholarships and grants that continue to reduce barriers to educational access for vulnerable Nigerians.
He also praised the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, for their focused and reform-driven leadership.
2026 teachers’ summit: Zulum stands in for NGF chair, commends FG for NELFUND
News
Kyari Urges Fairer Global Trade Rules as Nigeria Participates in Cocoa Beyond Borders Conference in UK
Kyari Urges Fairer Global Trade Rules as Nigeria Participates in Cocoa Beyond Borders Conference in UK
By: Our Reporter
Nigeria is participating in the Cocoa Beyond Borders 2026 Conference in the United Kingdom, joining global policymakers, industry leaders, financiers, and farmer representatives to examine power imbalances and compliance challenges in the global cocoa sector.
Delivering a keynote address, Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Nigeria, challenged existing trade and compliance regimes, stating that cocoa-producing nations “must not remain rule-takers in a system where the rules are made without their meaningful input.”
Speaking within the conference theme, “Rules Without Recourse? Navigating Compliance, Power, and Trade Justice in the Cocoa Sector,” the Minister warned that sustainability frameworks would fail if they undermine farmer livelihoods and national sovereignty, stressing that “compliance cannot be just if it weakens producer economies while protecting markets elsewhere.”
Senator Kyari also cautioned against the weaponisation of ESG and environmental regulations as non-tariff barriers, noting that climate action must advance alongside fairness and equity in global trade.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to reclaiming value across the cocoa supply chain, emphasising the need for producing countries to move beyond raw exports to processing, branding, and greater market influence, while calling for stronger producer-led alliances to reshape global cocoa governance.
The two-day conference is examining ESG compliance, digital traceability, climate finance, price volatility, and the future of cocoa innovation, positioning cocoa as a strategic asset in global trade justice.
Kyari Urges Fairer Global Trade Rules as Nigeria Participates in Cocoa Beyond Borders Conference in UK
Armed robbery foiled by Bauchi Police, three suspects arrested in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
Three persons were arrested following a foiled armed robbery along the Bauchi–Gombe Federal Highway in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State on Jan. 26.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 12:16 a.m. when armed robbers blocked the road near Kalajanga Hamlet via Bara Village.
Officers on routine patrol responded promptly, engaging the hoodlums and forcing them to abandon their operation and flee into the surrounding bush.
The trail of the robbers led authorities to the house of one Nasiru Ibrahim of Saddiya Hamlet, where two of his children, Isya Nasiru, 20, and Umar Nasiru, 18, were also arrested in connection with the case.
Recovered items included two sticks, a touch light, three bags, a local bullet-proof shirt, face masks, two pairs of shoes, an Oppo android phone, and several local charms.
Sources say Investigations are ongoing.
Armed robbery foiled by Bauchi Police, three suspects arrested in Bauchi
2026 teachers’ summit: Zulum stands in for NGF chair, commends FG for NELFUND
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Kyari Urges Fairer Global Trade Rules as Nigeria Participates in Cocoa Beyond Borders Conference in UK
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