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ECOWAS Expends Over $26 million on humanitarian activities between 2023-2024- Commissioner

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ECOWAS Expends Over $26 million on humanitarian activities between 2023-2024- Commissioner

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said between 2023 and 2024 it splashed over $26 million on humanitarian activities in West Africa.

The regional political cum economic bloc said it also supported sport federations in the region with $100,000 each per year.

Addressing a press conference on Friday in Abuja, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Professor Fatou Sow Sarr said the regional body startups in scientific innovation with the sum of $50,000 in the area of youth innovation.

Sarr said a total of $700,000 was used for the training of 30 young people from the region in Masters and PHD programmes.

She also revealed that countries under sanctions were not excluded from the humanitarian gesture of the regional body.

She stressed that ECOWAS puts significant resources into the humanitarian sector for displaced people, migration, floods and various forms of disaster:

She said, “Guinea under sanctions received nearly 600,000 dollars in January 2024, namely: 100,000 dollars for the fire at the oil depot and 499,390 dollars for the floods.”

For the displaced people within the region, Prof. Sarr said, “In 2023 for floods and nutrition out of a total of 8.5 million people affected, ECOWAS provided support to half of the victims, or 4 million people for an amount of $12.6 million.

“In 2024, ECOWAS has released 9 million dollars for internally displaced people, refugees, asylum seekers, as well as for the communities that welcome them (i.e. all 15 countries).

” ECOWAS has allocated $1 million for stabilization in Nigeria (victims of terrorism, displaced people, injured people, rehabilitation and strengthening community resilience).”

The Commissioner also revealed that “Out of a fund of 25 million dollars intended for the fight against terrorism (Nigeria, Burkina, Mali and Niger), ECOWAS has reserved 4 million dollars for humanitarian actions.”

She explained that ECOWAS places more emphasizes on prevention, adding “We have a disaster reduction strategy and tools such as the observation, monitoring and alert center which allows ECOWAS to monitor displaced populations and floods, to anticipate problems. and better manage crisis situations.”

On the programmes for the youth integration within the region she said that the commission intervention was in the area of Volunteers programs, Sport and Economic Integration

According to her “Since 2014, ECOWAS has posted 217 volunteers in the following countries: Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Nigeria, Burkina, Benin.

“ECOWAS works to promote the spirit of volunteering among young people to give them opportunity for professional development, enhance their civic engagement and foster their conscience for community service.”

ECOWAS, she also said supported sports federation of each member states with $100,000 per year.

Sarr also listed other sporting activities and Union supported to include the Union of deaf sports associations, university sport development organizations. ECOWAS cycling tours Lagos- Accra 2010, Lagos Abidjan 2012.

“The Ecowas Game Event that included 5 to 6 sports disciplines were organized in 2009 and 2011,” she added.

She also said ECOWAS supported the Entrepreneurship project and youth mentoring Business incubation project.

She listed the area of training to include “Training in agrosylvopastoral farming from 2010-2018 at the Shanghai Center for 1,300 young people

“Training in refrigeration and air conditioning, auto mechanics in Burkina between 2014 and 2019 for 500 young people

“Training in building electricity in Mali for 500 young people.”

Prof. Sarr also revealed that ECOWAS initiated cooperation with the People’s Republic of China in 2023 to support young people, “Thus 12 entrepreneurship projects for young people in the sub-region received an awardcompetitors out of a total of 100 worldwide.”

In the area of Science Education, the ECOWAS Commissioner said the programs of the Directorate of Education, Science and Culture focus largely on young people, we can cite

“The academic mobility and professional integration program for young people within ECOWAS institutions, which from 2016 to 2024 enrolled 845 young people.

“The youth integration program in industries and the private sector in ECOWAS countries, which benefitted 180 young people between 2021 and 2022.”

Sarr added that: “Since 2019 ECOWAS has sent 42 young people for master’s degrees in diplomacy and international relations in Spain.

“Support for young people through prizes to the most successful startups in scientific innovation ($50,000).

“With PARI (Research and Innovation Support Program) from 2018 to 2024, it was possible to train more than 30 young people in Masters and PHD through funds donated to research consortia, for a total of $700,000.”

She also said the commission was supported the youths during film and art festivals, ad prizes were awarded to young artists.

For the ECOWAS Gender Center, Sarr said: “1,720 excellence scholarships were distributed from 2010 to 2022 to young girls from disadvantaged families.”

The Commissioner also revealed that there are plans to host ECOWAS Youth Forum in the coming month.

The forum, she said is “to take stock of the current situation, identify the changes and ruptures which have led to the general malaise observed in the sub- region.

“Consultations will be organized in member countries by bringing together young people concerned in their geographic, social and socio-professional diversity.”

The forum which will be extended by webinars to reach a larger number of people, television shows and radio debates, she said “will allow populations in each country to know that ECOWAS is looking into youth problems.

” At the end of the process, the ECOWAS meetings will be organized in a member country, allowing the regional organization to review its policy, strategy and roadmap accordingly.”

ECOWAS Expends Over $26 million on humanitarian activities between 2023-2024- Commissioner

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Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait Issues Safety Advisory to Citizens Amid Regional Tensions

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Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait Issues Safety Advisory to Citizens Amid Regional Tensions

By: Michael Mike

The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the State of Kuwait has urged Nigerian nationals in Kuwait and Bahrain to remain calm, vigilant, and compliant with host government ldirectives in light of prevailing regional developments.

In a circular dated March 1, 2026, and referenced NKT/GA/C/004/Vol. I, the Embassy — which holds concurrent accreditation to the Kingdom of Bahrain — advised citizens to strictly observe safety guidelines and official advisories issued by authorities in both countries.

The mission encouraged Nigerians to stay informed by monitoring credible local news outlets and official government announcements in Kuwait and Bahrain. It assured the community that it is closely tracking the situation and maintaining communication with leaders of Nigerian groups and associations in both countries.

To enhance real-time communication, the Embassy announced the creation of a dedicated mobile and WhatsApp line to ensure active engagement with nationals.

For further inquiries or assistance, Nigerians were advised to contact the Embassy via email at nigeriakuwait@yahoo.com or through the designated telephone and WhatsApp numbers provided by the mission.

The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of all Nigerian citizens in its jurisdiction and pledged to continue providing timely updates as the situation evolves.

Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait Issues Safety Advisory to Citizens Amid Regional Tensions

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Gov. Fintiri’s defection will boost APC’s chances of winning in 2027 – Dr Girei

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Gov. Fintiri’s defection will boost APC’s chances of winning in 2027 – Dr Girei

Dr Salihu Bakari Girei, Gubernatorial aspirant under the platform All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 described the defection of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to the ruling party as a welcome development for the APC in the state.

Girei said that his defection is coming at the right time to galvanise the party’s victory in 2027 General Elections at the national and sub national level.

Dr Girei who is one of the founding fathers of the APC in the state disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Yola.

He said, Fintiri joined APC at the right time considering his outstanding performance in the state which he said was in line with President Tinubu’s transformation agenda.

He added that the defection would add value to the APC family and also help deliver dividends of democracy to the ordinary people that are yearning for good governance as well as to fast-track development.

He said Fintiri has performed credibly well, in line with his 10-point agenda for the state to justify the people’s trust in his leadership and administration.

Dr Girei further lauded President Bola Tinubu for his effort and strategy in addressing Nigeria’s challenges for and ensuring rapid development.

He said, “President Tinubu is very strategic in addressing Nigeria’s challenges and many now understood that Mr President meant well for this country and has turned the fortune of the country around for good.”

According to him, records have shown that the dollar has crashed, the economy stabilized, security improved, food is affordable and issues of strikes are no more among others.

Bakari-Girei said, all these are factors that naturally attract people joining the APC across the country for more development in the country.

He queried those saying that President Tinubu is turning the country into a one-party system, recalling that the PDP once had 30 governors and no one complained.

“Today people have decided to join APC because of many factors initiated by the President Tinubu administration that naturally attracted people to join APC and support Mr President.”

He pointed to President Tinubu’s history as governor of Lagos, where opposition platforms continued to function, as evidence of his commitment to multi-party democracy.

He also appreciated the foresight of the President for appointing Malam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser who has invested much in APC in the state.

He further urged unity and understanding of all APC stakeholders in the state for the progress and success of the party at all levels.

Gov. Fintiri’s defection will boost APC’s chances of winning in 2027 – Dr Girei

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Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS Moves to Boost Enforcement of Judgments with High-Level Talks in Republic of Guinea

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Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS Moves to Boost Enforcement of Judgments with High-Level Talks in Republic of Guinea

By: Michael Mike

The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS will hold a high-level bilateral meeting in the Republic of Guinea from March 2 to 4, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen the enforcement of its judgments across Member States.

The three-day engagement, organised in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States, is expected to bring together the Court’s delegation, Guinea’s Competent National Authority (CNA), senior government officials, and representatives of civil society to address persistent challenges in implementing the Court’s rulings.

At the heart of the meeting is the push to close the gap between judicial decisions and their execution at the national level. While the ECOWAS Court continues to deliver landmark judgments on human rights, governance, and community law, enforcement remains a critical concern in several jurisdictions. The Guinea dialogue is aimed at building a more effective, coordinated, and transparent enforcement framework.

Discussions will focus on practical strategies to improve compliance rates, streamline procedures, and strengthen collaboration between national institutions and the regional court. Participants are expected to review existing bottlenecks, share best practices, and identify sustainable solutions that can enhance uniformity in enforcement mechanisms across the sub-region.

The programme will include a dedicated forum examining the current status of enforcement of the Court’s judgments in Guinea, alongside presentations on the Court’s enforcement processes and the national legal landscape. Civil society organisations will also engage directly with the Court in a bilateral dialogue designed to promote accountability and inclusive participation.

Beyond the technical sessions, the Court’s delegation will pay courtesy visits to key government figures, including the Minister in charge of ECOWAS Affairs, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Finance, the President of the Supreme Court, and the Speaker of Parliament. Meetings are also scheduled with the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission and the President of the Bar Association.

The delegation will be led by the President of the Court, Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, and will include Vice-President Sengu Mohamed Koroma, Honourable Justice Gberi-Bè Ouattara, as well as directors and other officials.

Similar bilateral meetings have previously taken place in the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, reflecting the Court’s broader strategy to institutionalise cooperation and reinforce the authority of its judgments throughout West Africa.

As ECOWAS marks five decades of regional integration, the Guinea engagement signals a renewed determination to ensure that the decisions of its judicial arm are not only pronounced but fully implemented—strengthening the rule of law and deepening trust in regional justice systems.

Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS Moves to Boost Enforcement of Judgments with High-Level Talks in Republic of Guinea

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