National News
EBID Launches ESG Financing Framework

EBID Launches ESG Financing Framework
By: Michael Mike
The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has published its inaugural Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Financing Framework, signalling its commitment to sustainable development and green financing of key projects in priority sectors.
The Framework, which has received a positive assessment from ISS Corporate Solutions, will play a crucial role in linking EBID’s resource mobilization strategy with its objectives of promoting resilient, inclusive, and sustainable growth in its member states.

A statement from the bank quoted it’s President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr George Agyekum Donkor as saying: “We are thrilled to launch our ESG Financing Framework and receive this positive assessment from ISS ESG Solutions,” he added that: “EBID is committed to leading the charge for green financing in the ECOWAS region and fostering the emergence of an economically strong, industrialized, and prosperous West Africa. This Framework will allow us to structure and execute ESG-related funding transactions that support the deployment of capital outlined in our Strategic Plan 2021-2025.”
According to him, “EBID’s ESG Financing Framework includes four green project categories and seven social project categories, all of which have been assessed as generating a positive contribution to sustainability”, with no project categories assessed as having “no net impact” or having a lower assessment.
The ISS Second-Party Opinion, published alongside the Framework, highlights the Bank’s commitment to the Sustainability and Development Goals (SDGs) and its objectives of promoting economic integration, healthcare delivery, social protection, and climate resilience.
The publication of the ISS Second-Party Opinion demonstrates EBID’s commitment to sustainable development and provides greater transparency on the actions it is taking to foster sustainable growth in its member states. With its balance sheet size set to increase by 80% over the next five years, EBID is well-positioned to make a positive impact on the ECOWAS region and become the leading regional investment and development bank in West Africa.
Donkor said: “We are proud to play a role in supporting EBID’s ESG initiatives and the positive impact they will have on the ECOWAS region,” said ISS Corporate Solutions. “This Framework is a testament to EBID’s commitment to sustainable development and demonstrates their position as a leader in green financing in the region.”
The statement said EBID was advised by Rothschild & Co on the structuring of the Sustainable Finance Framework and on the Second Party Opinion review process.
EBID is a leading regional investment and development bank, owned by the fifteen (15) ECOWAS Member States, namely, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. Based in Lomé, Togolese Republic, the Bank is committed to financing developmental projects and programmes covering diverse initiatives from infrastructure and basic amenities, rural development and environment, industry, and social services sectors, through its private and public sector windows. EBID intervenes through long, medium, and short-term loans, equity participation, lines of credit, refinancing, financial engineering operations and related services.
National News
NAF Airstrikes Destroy Terrorist Enclave in Marte Axis of Lake Chad

NAF Airstrikes Destroy Terrorist Enclave in Marte Axis of Lake Chad
By: Zagazola Makama
The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) on Monday conducted a precision air interdiction mission at a terrorist enclave in Kollaram, within the Marte axis of the Lake Chad region.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the l airstrike, which was executed at approximately 0610 hours, followed credible intelligence and surveillance reports indicating the presence of terrorist elements and their logistical infrastructure in the area.
The sources said that the post-strike Battle Damage Assessment (BDA), shows that the air interdiction resulted in the destruction of key terrorist structures and critical logistics, in the Lake Chad corridor.
A senior military source, who confirmed the operation disclosed that the strike was part of ongoing efforts to maintain aerial dominance and sustain pressure on terrorist enclaves in the North East theatre of operations.
“The operation was carried out with precision munitions tp ensure the neutralisation of only hostile targets. The destruction of these facilities significantly hampers the enemy’s ability to regroup or launch coordinated attacks in the region,” the source said.
He said that preliminary intelligence suggests panic and disarray within the terrorist ranks, with reports of survivors fleeing towards nearby islands for cover.
The source added that further reconnaissance is ongoing to track fleeing elements and prevent any regrouping attempts.
NAF Airstrikes Destroy Terrorist Enclave in Marte Axis of Lake Chad
National News
Friday 18th, Monday 21st Declared Public Holidays for Easter

Friday 18th, Monday 21st Declared Public Holidays for Easter
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Friday, 18th and Monday, 21st April 2025 as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter Celebration.
The Easter festival comes after the 40 days fasting (Lent), with a holy weekend starting with Good Friday, Sunday (the day of Resurrection of Christ) and Easter Monday, all showcasing the virtues of sacrifice and resurrection.
Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo while making the holidays declaration on Tuesday on behalf of the Federal Government, extended heartfelt congratulations to Christians across the country on the joyous occasion.
He emphasized the importance of the holidays to Christians, which embody the virtues of the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ, having to die for the redemption of man.
In a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the minister also called on Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the nation.
He reassured citizens of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to foster national growth and development.
He encouraged Nigerians to extend love and goodwill to their neighbours through acts of kindness and generosity, wishing
all Christians a blissful Easter celebration, while extending warm holiday greetings to all Nigerians.
Friday 18th, Monday 21st Declared Public Holidays for Easter
National News
ActionAid Nigeria Describes Zike Massacre, Another Shameful Cycle of Violence

ActionAid Nigeria Describes Zike Massacre, Another Shameful Cycle of Violence
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has condemned the massacre in Plateau State that left over 40 persons dead, describing it as yet another chapter in the shameful cycle of violence.
AAN, in a statement on Tuesday by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu said it
is “outraged by the savage attack on Zike community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, which left over 40 innocent Nigerians dead in a single night. This cold-blooded massacre, carried out in the early hours of Monday, April 14, is yet another chapter in the shameful cycle of violence that has plagued Plateau State.”
It insisted that: “This was not a sudden or unpredictable tragedy. Community members, raised alarms ahead of the attack. They warned of threats. They called for help. But once again, they were ignored. The attackers stormed Zike around midnight and operated for nearly two hours- killing, burning and destroying- while security forces were nowhere to be found.”
The statement further read that: “ActionAid Nigeria condemns this heinous act in the strongest possible terms and holds the Nigerian government accountable for its continued failure to protect lives of Nigerians in Plateau state and across the country.
“We stand in total and unshakable solidarity with the people of Zike and every community across Bassa, Bokkos, and Mangu that has suffered these atrocities. These are not numbers; these are human beings, families, farmers, and children. Nigerians who deserve to live in peace and dignity.
“ActionAid Nigeria demands immediate and concrete action from both the Federal and Plateau State Governments. These include:
“A thorough, independent investigation into the Zike massacre- followed by prosecutions.
“The urgent deployment of well-equipped and accountable security personnel to protect high-risk communities.
“Direct humanitarian intervention for survivors: shelter, food, trauma care, and medical support.
“A clear and time-bound strategy to end impunity and prevent further violence, with full community participation.
“Structural peace building measures to address the root causes of the crisis- land disputes, ethnic tension, state neglect, and militarised impunity.
The statement further added that: “ActionAid Nigeria also calls on President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, and the Chief of Defence Staff to go take action. Condemnations after each attack mean nothing if they are not followed by action.
“ActionAid Nigeria will continue to stand with the affected Nigerians, and amplify their voices.”
ActionAid Nigeria Describes Zike Massacre, Another Shameful Cycle of Violence
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