National News
ECOWAS @50: Media Remains Partner, Pillar of Democracy, Peace, Security-Touray

ECOWAS @50: Media Remains Partner, Pillar of Democracy, Peace, Security-Touray
…Unveils 7-member jury for media award
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States has emphasized the important role the media has played in shaping the regional body in the last 50 years as it institutes a media excellence award to honour journalists.
This is as the regional body has unveiled a seven member jury for its maiden ECOWAS Journalistic Excellence Award.
ECOWAS was set up in May 1975 as an economic bloc to foster trade and free movement amongst member states, with the aim of improving the lives of its citizens.
It has lined up various activities to mark the Golden Jubilee Celebration and the media award, is one of such.
Speaking at the unveiling of the jury, Dr. Omar Touray said that the media remained a strong partner and pillar in the regional body’s journey towards promoting democracy and good governance, peace and security, regional integration, and overall development and welfare of the community citizens.
Touray who was represented by his Special Advisor, Economic & financial integration and partnerships, Mr. Mambury Njie, stressed that Journalists in West Africa are not merely chroniclers of events but educators, mentors, nation leaders.
He said: “Over the last 50 years, the media has remained a strong partner and pillar in our journey towards promoting democracy and good governance, peace and security, regional integration, and overall development and welfare of our community citizens.
“As we mark 50 years of ECOWAS, it is imperative for us to recognise and celebrate the journalists who have shaped our collective memory and those who have supported our challenges, championed our successes, and given voices to our aspirations.”
He added that: “The ECOWAS Media Excellence Award launched as part of our Golden Jubilee Celebration is more than a commission of journalistic achievement. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to fostering a free, dynamic, and responsible media landscape, one that promotes regional integration, democratic governance, peace, and development.
“Journalists in West Africa are not merely chroniclers of events, they are educators, mentors, and nation leaders.”
He noted that in this digital age, where apps often copy misinformation, “it is imperative that we recognise and celebrate those who report with integrity, accuracy, and courage.”
Touray also tasked members of the jury to uphold the highest standards of evaluation, guided by the principles of objectivity and impartiality.
He added that merit should be upheld while applying a rigorous assessment approach to each entry with fairness and consistency.
“These hours are not just accolades, they are part of a legacy we are building for the next 50 years in our community. And that legacy begins with your dedication to identifying and honouring the best of West African journalism,” he added.
The award, according to the Director of Communication, ECOWAS Commission, Joel Ahofodji is instituted as part of the regional body’s 50 anniversary programme.
The categories are print, television, radio, online and photography.
Ahofodji said it aimed at celebrating the media who have been reporting the affairs of the commission.
The jury is headed by Prof. Abdoulie Gassama, a Gambia veteran journalist and academia, is expected to review entries by the journalists and pick the eventual winners.
Other members of the jury are Dr. Adrienne Diop- Senegal; Paul Douakoutche- Benin Republic; Ms Filomena Silva- Cape Verde; Bamba Mafoumgbe- Cote d’Ivoire; Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal- Ghana; Mrs. Yemi Kolapo -Nigeria.
Ahofodji outlined the principles that should be followed in the selection process to include, the impact of the write ups, originality and quality.
He added that: “Our ambition is to make this event an annual activity that ECOWAS launches to build loyalty among the African media, but also and above all to encourage journalists to take an interest in its major achievements and its development programmes, which have a positive impact on the lives of the people of our member states.”
The Chairman of the jury, Prof. Gassama assured the commission that the team will do its utmost best to carry out its assignment.
He said: “We are tasked with recognising and celebrating those who have demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity and commitment to their craft.
“We, as a seven-member jury, represent a diverse range of expertise and perspectives within the media landscape. This diversity is our strength, ensuring a comprehensive and fair assessment of the entries before us.”
ECOWAS @50: Media Remains Partner, Pillar of Democracy, Peace, Security-Touray
National News
NAF airstrikes neutralise bandit hideout in Chikun in Kaduna

NAF airstrikes neutralise bandit hideout in Chikun in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft have carried out a precision strike on a notorious bandit hideout in Kunti, within Sohon Gaya community of Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
Zagazola learnt that the operation followed credible intelligence reports of heightened bandit activities in the axis, with the criminals reportedly wielding sophisticated weapons, including assault rifles and heavy-calibre arms.
Sources confirmed that at about 1200hrs, two NAF helicopters were sighted conducting the successful strike on the location, which had been a source of terror to the surrounding communities.
In the aftermath of the air interdiction, friendly ground troops arrived the target area in Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to secure the location, assess battle damage and mop up fleeing elements of the bandits.
The timely synergy between air and ground components ensured effective neutralisation of the threats while also restoring confidence among residents of Sohon Gaya community.
NAF airstrikes neutralise bandit hideout in Chikun in Kaduna
National News
Hilda Baci Concludes GWR Jollof Rice Attempt, Awaits Confirmation

Hilda Baci Concludes GWR Jollof Rice Attempt, Awaits Confirmation
By Halima Abdulkadiri
Celebrity chef Hilda Baci on Saturday successfully wrapped up her ambitious bid to set a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the largest pot of jollof rice.
The reports gathered that Baci cooked approximately 200 bags of rice in a massive 22,619-litre pot, which measured six metres in both width and height. The cooking process lasted about nine hours.
She now awaits official confirmation from Guinness World Records on whether her feat will be certified as a new world record.
National News
Bold Strategy to Revolutionize Women’s Health Launched

Bold Strategy to Revolutionize Women’s Health Launched
By: Michael Mike
A bold, data-driven, tech-enabled, and financially intelligent strategy designed to revolutionize women’s health across Nigeria has been launched.
The project RenewHER (Renew Health Equity and Reform) is a Presidential Women’s Health Transformation Initiative, led by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health (OSSAP-WH) and championed by Dr. Adanna Steinacker.
The launching was held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja on Thursday evening with the Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Tinubu.

At the Gala, the Women’s Health Digital Media and Communications Hub, a national advocacy and story telling platform was unveiled, which is dedicated to amplifying women’s voices, spotlighting innovations, and driving conversations across six national priority areas: Maternal, Newborn and Child Health; Sexual and Reproductive Health; Adolescent Health and Menstrual Equity; Nutrition and Preventive Care; Healthcare Workforce and Access; and Coalition Building.
The evening also featured a Presidential Keynote Address, the premiere of the RenewHER campaign film, a cultural showcase, the Health Innovator Awards and a National Pledge Moment to mobilize long-term support for the initiative.
Speaking on the project, the SSA to the President on Women’s Health, Dr. Adanna Steinacker, said: “RenewHER is more than an initiative, it is a national call to action to redefine the future of women’s health and economic equity in Nigeria. Through the Women’s Health Nigeria Hub and Magazine, we a creating a movement that transforms policy, empowers communities, and inspires a new generation of champions for women’s health.”
Key strategic partners of the initiative include the Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF), the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF), the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), and the Women in Healthcare Network (WIHCN), all supporting RenewHER to deliver measurable health outcomes, while creating economic opportunities for women through financial incentives, digital wallets, microgrants, skills training, and women-led health innovations.
Bold Strategy to Revolutionize Women’s Health Launched
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