National News
ECOWAS Court Deepens Cooperation with ICRC
ECOWAS Court Deepens Cooperation with ICRC
By: Michael Mike
The ECOWAS Court of Justice and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) achieved a significant milestone on July 12, 2024, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU, a pivotal moment in their partnership, is poised to deepen their collaboration in international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
The MoU, signed at the Court’s seat in Abuja, aims to engage both parties on topics of mutual interest through various collaborative activities, such as trainings, roundtables, and joint conferences.
In his opening remarks at the signing ceremony, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, expressed his pleasure in attending this important event. He highlighted the long-standing relationship between the ECOWAS Court and the ICRC, noting the valuable training and support provided by the ICRC to build the Court’s capacity in International Humanitarian Law. He emphasized the importance of renewing this relationship to continue developing jurisprudence in new areas of law and welcomed the ongoing cooperation.
Yann Bonzon, Head of Delegation for the ICRC, addressed the attendees, underscoring the ICRC’s historic and valuable relationship with ECOWAS. He detailed the evolution of this partnership, including the first MoU signed in 2001 and the most recent revision in 2023. Mr. Bonzon emphasized the crucial role of the ECOWAS Court in safeguarding International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL). He expressed confidence that the initiatives born out of this MoU will enhance the expertise and role of the Court in applying these laws, thus better addressing humanitarian challenges in West Africa. Yann Bonzon was accompanied by Rafiullah Qureshi, Deputy Head of Delegation, ICRC and Juliet Kelechi Unubi, Humanitarian Affairs and Diplomacy Advisor for the ICRC.
Elaborating on the objectives of the MoU, Juliet Kelechi Unubi, highlighted the mutual benefits of leveraging each other’s expertise, facilitating access to expert opinions, publications, and training. She underscored the unwavering commitment to continue IHL training for ECOWAS Court judges and staff, a key initiative to strengthen their knowledge and interpretation of international human rights law. This emphasis on continuous training reassures the audience about the Court’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing its expertise.
Concluding the ceremony of the signing of the memorandum, Dr. Yaouza Ouro-Sama, Chief Registrar of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, expressed deep appreciation to all those who collaborated on the finalisation and signing of the MoU. This expression of gratitude made the participants feel appreciated for their role in the partnership. He commended the ICRC’s global efforts in protecting victims of armed conflict and violence and expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the MoU. He extended heartfelt gratitude to the ICRC for its continuous support and invaluable contributions to the Court’s activities.
The Vice President of the Court and other judges, the Director of Administration and Finance, the Director of Research and Documentation, and the Deputy Chief Registrar were also present at the event.
ECOWAS Court Deepens Cooperation with ICRC
Wife of the Vice President of Nigeria in Ethiopia
By: Our Reporter
Wife of the Vice President of Nigeria Hajiya Nana Shettima arrived Addis Ababa With Her Husband, Senator Kashim Shettima to attend the 30th General Assembly of Organization of African First Ladies For Development (OAFLAD) while The Vice President will be attending the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of African Union Heads of States and Government on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Mrs Shettima is Representing First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON.
The African First Ladies are expected to Focus on internal issues and advance OAFLAD’s strategic priorities.
The 30th General Assembly’s open session under the theme “Building Resilience for Women and Girls: Climate, Conflict, and Sustainable Futures will be held on the 15th of February.
Mrs Shettima who left Abuja this afternoon for Addis Ababa the Capital of Ethiopia will participate in various meetings with African First Ladies spanning for Three Days
Wife of the Vice President of Nigeria in Ethiopia
Vice President Shettima Arrives Ethiopia Ahead Of AU Summit
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government, as well as the 30th General Assembly, scheduled to hold on February 14 and 15, 2026, respectively.
The Vice President was received at the Bole International Airport by the Ethiopian Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Belete Mola, alongside the Ethiopian State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Berhanu tsegaye; Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yussuf Tuggar; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Amb. Dunoma Ahmed; Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of Nigeria, Ethiopia, Amb. Nasiru Aminu; Head of Consular and Ambassador-Designate, Amb. Geoffrey Chima and other government officials.
On arrival, the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Tuggar, debriefed the Vice President on his itinerary at the Summit.
This year’s AU summit, with the theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” will focus on advancing continental commitments toward sustainable water management, improved sanitation systems, and the broader development aspirations encapsulated in the AU’s Agenda 2063 framework.
Besides the Heads of State meetings, Senator Shettima will participate in high-level side events, and bilateral engagements with political and business leaders aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic, and strategic partnerships across the continent.
Speaking with journalists after debriefing the Vice President, Amb. Tuggar said the launch of the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) is a strategic move to consolidate and strengthen the democratic culture in Africa.
On the gains of the summit, the Minister noted that the country was already taking in the benefits of her participation, with the confirmati on of Nigeria as the host of the African Monetary Institute and the African Central Bank as well as its nomination to the board of the bank.
Vice President Shettima Arrives Ethiopia Ahead Of AU Summit
National News
VP Shettima Departs Abuja to Represent President Tinubu at the 2026 African Union Summit
VP Shettima Departs Abuja to Represent President Tinubu at the 2026 African Union Summit
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, has departed Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 2026 African Union (AU) Summit.
The Summit, themed “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” will focus on advancing continental commitments toward sustainable water management, improved sanitation systems, and the broader development aspirations encapsulated in the AU’s Agenda 2063 framework.
While in Addis Ababa, the Vice President will join other African leaders at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government, as well as the 30th General Assembly, scheduled to hold on February 14 and 15, 2026, respectively.
On the margins of the Summit, Senator Shettima will participate in high-level side events and hold bilateral engagements with political and business leaders aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic, and strategic partnerships across the continent.
The Vice President is accompanied by cabinet ministers and other senior government officials. He is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of his official engagements in Addis Ababa.
VP Shettima Departs Abuja to Represent President Tinubu at the 2026 African Union Summit
Wife of the Vice President of Nigeria in Ethiopia
Vice President Shettima Arrives Ethiopia Ahead Of AU Summit
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