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ECOWAS Launches €110 million Projects for Regional Peace and Stability

ECOWAS Launches €110 million Projects for Regional Peace and Stability
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched four significant projects worth approximately €110 million, aimed at strengthening regional peace and stability, supporting institutional reforms, and promoting trade within the subregion.
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The projects which are funded by the European Union (€82.5 million), Germany (€26 million), and other partners are support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security and Governance Project (EPSG), this is to aid ECOWAS Commission in the Implementation of the AfCFTA /Trade in Services Programme,.
It is also to support ECOWAS Commission on Organisational Development / Institutional Support to ECOWAS Phase II and Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) Programme.

ECOWAS Commission President, Alieu Touray on Tuesday said the projects seek to strengthen regional peace and stability, as well as support institutional reforms and trade within the community of ECOWAS.
He said: “The projects align with ECOWAS’ strategic orientations, including strengthening peace and security arrangements at regional and national levels, enhancing institutional effectiveness, and promoting sustainable trade.
“This initiative is crucial, considering ECOWAS’ Peace Fund requires approximately $300 million to implement its five-year strategic plan for peace initiatives in West Africa.”
Touray while providing updates on ECOWAS’ engagement with countries that have decided to leave the organisation, stated that the status quo will be maintained in areas such as trade and free movement until a new agreement is reached.
He said: “We have agreed until we come to a new agreement, we will maintain the status quo in all areas,”
He expressed gratitude to partners for their continued support and emphasized the need for accountability and joint decision-making in implementing these projects.
“With a focus on delivering concrete results, these projects hold considerable promise for the people of West Africa.” He added.

Earier in her remarks, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Annett Günther, stressed the importance of regional integration and cooperation in West Africa.
Günther stressed the strength of the European partnership with ECOWAS, as she stated that the launch marks more than the start of four new projects.
“It reflects our shared commitment to trade, peace and security and good governance in West Africa.”
She noted that the projects address different aspects of ECOWAS’ Vision 2050, which aims to build a citizen-centered community for peace and prosperity.
Günther highlighted the importance of these initiatives, saying, “Trade and services is a key driver of employment and innovation and a powerful lever for economic transformation. In addition, countries that trade with each other are less likely to experience war or internal conflicts.”
“Germany is committed to partner with ECOWAS and its member states in advancing our shared mission – a stable, democratic and prosperous West Africa.” She said.
Also the European Union Ambassador to ECOWAS and Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, noted that the projects are part of a single strategic vision, where peace, regional integration, and economic opportunities are mutually reinforcing.
Mignot highlighted the EU’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS’ efforts in building, a safer, more integrated, and more prosperous West African region.
He said, “The EU history illustrates that when countries are willing to come together, they are stronger, more resilient, more competitive, and more secure.”
“The projects launched today address both urgent needs and long-term goals, empowering the private sector, modernizing cross-border trade, and supporting regional responses to security challenges.”
Mignot expressed his gratitude to the ECOWAS management, the German and Spanish embassies, and implementing partners for their commitment to these projects.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Head of Mission, Spanish Embassy in Nigeria, Mrs. María Higón Velasco, reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to partnering with ECOWAS, highlighting the country’s long-standing cooperation program with the regional organization.
Velasco noted that the projects are designed to align with ECOWAS’ core priorities, stating, “These projects are designed to strengthen trade competitiveness, improve market access, foster regional integration, promote peace and security, and increase institutional capacity in West Africa, all of these being core priorities of ECOWAS as well.”
She highlighted the significance of the partnership between Spain and ECOWAS, which began over 20 years ago and has grown stronger over time.
“The Spanish government will provide €984,000 in funding for the institutional strengthening of the ECOWAS Commission, which will be co-financed by the European Union and Germany’s KfW Development Bank, amounting to a total of €7.4 million.
Velasco stressed the importance of this project, saying it is “rooted in the principles of aid effectiveness, as set out in the Accra Agenda for Action and the Busan Partnership.”
Velasco also highlighted the involvement of the Spanish institution, the Fiat Foundation, in the implementation of the ECOWAS Peace, Security and Governance project.
“This initiative aims to reinforce ECOWAS’ capacity to address disinformation and political violence in electoral processes, promoting innovative approaches and increasing bridges between regional institutions and civil society.”
“These projects represent more than just financial commitments. They display new opportunities to deepen cooperation and to bolster regional cohesion.
“They will create a stronger ECOWAS that will deliver greater good to respond effectively to the challenges of the present and build a brighter future for West African states, leaving no one behind.” She said.
ECOWAS Launches €110 million Projects for Regional Peace and Stability
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Tuggar Congratulates Super Falcons on 10th WAFCON Win, Praises Their Resilience

Tuggar Congratulates Super Falcons on 10th WAFCON Win, Praises Their Resilience
By: Michael Mike
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Super Falcons following their historic 10th triumph at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
In a statement issued shortly after the team’s victory, Tuggar lauded the Falcons for their resilience, discipline, and unyielding spirit, describing them as “true ambassadors of Nigerian excellence on the global stage.”
The Minister said: “The Super Falcons have once again shown what it means to represent Nigeria with pride and purpose. Their determination, unity, and consistency reflect the values we hold dear as a nation.”
He further commended President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast support for sports development in Nigeria, as well as Mr. Shehu Dikko, and the leadership and management of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for their strategic guidance and commitment to excellence in women’s football.
“This victory is the result of purposeful leadership, sound management, and the unshakable spirit of Nigerian athletes. I congratulate President Tinubu, Mr. Shehu Dikko, and the entire NFF family for creating the enabling environment for this triumph,” he added.
Tuggar also noted that the team’s success not only brings immense pride to Nigeria but also serves as an inspiration to young girls across Africa, proving that excellence knows no gender.
He however reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s soft power through sports diplomacy and international representation.
“Their victory is not only a sporting achievement but a diplomatic symbol of Nigeria’s strength, unity, and global presence,” he stated.
Their hard-fought 3–2 victory over Morocco in the final further cements their status as Africa’s most decorated and successful women’s football team.
Tuggar Congratulates Super Falcons on 10th WAFCON Win, Praises Their Resilience
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Teenager butchered in suspected ritual killing in Ogun, one arrested

Teenager butchered in suspected ritual killing in Ogun, one arrested
By: Zagazola Makama
A 16-year-old boy, Lawal Wahab, has been gruesomely murdered in Igbile area of Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State in what authorities suspect to be a ritual killing.
Zagazola learnt that the boy, who had been declared missing for several days, was confirmed dead after his decomposing body was discovered on July 23 along Old Express Road in Igbile.
His father, Lawal Olumide, of No. 28 Jagerin Street, Ijebu-Ode, said he received the tragic news after efforts to locate his son proved abortive. Wahab had reportedly been staying with his grandmother before he went missing.
Security operatives who visited the scene confirmed that the boy’s corpse was mutilated his head, both wrists, heart, and private parts were removed, in what is believed to be a ritual-related killing.
Following an intensive investigation, one suspect, Salawu Omikansola, aged 25, was arrested in connection with the murder. He was apprehended alongside a man identified as Serefusi Agemo and others whose identities are being withheld to aid the ongoing investigation.
Authorities disclosed that confessional statements were obtained from the suspects, with video evidence recorded. The case file and associated exhibits will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Abeokuta, for further investigation.
Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend other accomplices in the heinous crime.
Teenager butchered in suspected ritual killing in Ogun, one arrested
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Education Undergoing Revival Under Renewed Hope Agenda — VP Shettima

Education Undergoing Revival Under Renewed Hope Agenda — VP Shettima
** Receives University of Ibadan Sole Ambassador Plenipotentiary award
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has restated the Federal Government’s unwavering resolve to reposition Nigeria’s education sector.
Specifically, he affirmed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will mobilise both public and private sector support to uplift institutions such as the University of Ibadan (UI), Nigeria’s premier university.
This is just as the Vice President has been bestowed with the highest alumni honour of the University of Ibadan, “UI at 75 Ambassador Plenipotentiary.” He obtained a master’s degree (MSc) in Agricultural Economics in 1991 at the University.
Speaking on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the management of the University of Ibadan, led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Vice President described the institution as the greatest citadel of learning in West Africa, recalling its illustrious past and continental impact.
“This is an honour that I cherish deeply. Ibadan is certainly the greatest citadel of learning in this country and in West Africa. When we were there, we had students from South Africa, Namibia, and even the Caribbean.
“There was a time when the King of Saudi Arabia was sick and he was recommended for treatment at the University College Hospital, Ibadan,” the Vice President said.
He pledged the government’s commitment to mobilising both private and public sector resources for educational transformation across the country.
“We are going to mobilise resources from both the private and public sectors to ensure that UI and other universities in the country succeed.”
VP Shettima also highlighted the President Tinubu administration’s education-focused policies, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), aimed at supporting indigent students.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are determined to rescue the educational sector. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund is the first of its kind, directly addressing the needs of underprivileged students,” he stated.
On the economy, the VP said that Nigeria had turned a corner, expressing confidence in the country’s economic trajectory.
“Our economy has turned the corner, we have crossed the Rubicon, and we are on the path to sustained economic growth. The tax revenue of the government has steadily increased. The President is an economic guru who understands the language of commerce and is completely at home in the economic ecosystem,” he said.
Earlier, Professor Adebowale explained that the award given to the Vice President as UI at 75 Ambassador Plenipotentiary is the first in the university’s history in recognition of his contributions to both the public and private sectors.
“You are a foremost alumnus of the University of Ibadan — the first and the best,” Professor Adebowale said.
He continued: “We honoured some of the alumni as UI at 75 Ambassadors, those who are friends of the university, and we made them Ambassadors Extraordinary. We thought that, for the position you have assumed and being an Alumnus of our university, we exceptionally put you in a class and decided to induct you as UI at 75 Ambassador Plenipotentiary. You will be the only person to be so awarded.
“We came here to honour one of our own; someone who has contributed in the banking sector, as Governor of Borno State, and now as Vice President of Nigeria.”
Other members of the delegation included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba; Registrar of the University, Mr. Ganiyu Oke Saliu; Director of Alumni Relations, Professor Olakunbi O. Olasope; Lecturer at the Department of Classics, Babatunde Blavo and Mr Oladayo Olajide of the Directorate of Public Communications at the university.
Education Undergoing Revival Under Renewed Hope Agenda — VP Shettima
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