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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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One Killed, Two Injured in Suspected Terror Attack in Zamfara
One Killed, Two Injured in Suspected Terror Attack in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
One person has been killed while two others sustained gunshot injuries following a suspected terrorist attack in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 11:15 p.m. on May 17, 2026, when troops of the Nigerian Army deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bingi received a distress call regarding an attack at Dan Jugku village.
According to the sources, troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 1 mobilised immediately to the scene where they discovered that three civilians had been shot during the assault.
One of the victims was confirmed dead on the spot, while two others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The injured victims were evacuated to the Bingi clinic for medical attention.
Security authorities said efforts were ongoing to stabilise the area and track down the attackers, while patrols had been intensified in surrounding communities.
One Killed, Two Injured in Suspected Terror Attack in Zamfara
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NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine, Opioids Hidden in Carton Walls Bound for UK, Australia
NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine, Opioids Hidden in Carton Walls Bound for UK, Australia
By: Michael Mike
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted consignments of cocaine and opioids concealed in carton walls and destined for the United Kingdom and Australia, as the agency intensified its nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse.
The seizures were made by NDLEA operatives at a courier company in Lagos on Friday during the examination of export shipments. According to the agency, 170 grammes of cocaine carefully sealed in cellophane parcels were discovered hidden within the walls of a carton containing clothes bound for Australia.
In another shipment heading to the United Kingdom, the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi in a statement on Sunday, said officers uncovered a cache of opioids, including 200 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 1,100 capsules of tramadol, and 100 ampoules of promethazine injection concealed in a carton.

The anti-narcotics agency also recorded major breakthroughs in Delta State, where operatives raided forests and cannabis farms in separate operations supported by military personnel.
At Ejeonu village in Ukwuani Local Government Area, NDLEA officers destroyed 27,500 kilogrammes of skunk cultivated on 11 hectares of farmland and recovered an additional 22.9 kilogrammes of the substance. A suspect, 52-year-old Ifeanyichukwu Peter, was later arrested during a follow-up operation in Obiaruku.
Similarly, operatives raided Orogun village in Ughelli North Local Government Area, destroying another 37,500 kilogrammes of skunk grown on 15 hectares of farmland while recovering 55.4 kilogramsmes of the illicit drug. Thirty-year-old Godwin Vincent Osadera was arrested in connection with the operation.
The agency said the two operations resulted in the destruction of a total of 65,000 kilogrammes of skunk.
In Kaduna State, NDLEA operatives arrested 42-year-old Husaini Suleiman after recovering 361 kilogrammes of skunk during a raid at Dan Magaji area of Zaria town.
In a separate operation along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, officers intercepted 1,989 rounds of RLA 7.62mm ammunition concealed inside sacks of fresh cassava granules, popularly known as garri. The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Abdullahi Hassan, was apprehended while transporting the ammunition. NDLEA said both the suspect and the recovered ammunition had been transferred to another security agency for further investigation.

In the Federal Capital Territory, operatives arrested a 29-year-old businessman, Ogadi Peter, alleged to specialize in producing drug-laced cakes and cookies for parties and social gatherings.
The suspect was arrested at his residence in the Life Camp area of Abuja following intelligence reports. Officers recovered 800 grammes of skunk and 2.7 kilogrammes of drug-infused cookies from the premises.
Elsewhere, NDLEA operatives in Ogun State recovered 181 kilogrammes of skunk from a suspect, Aliyu Sani, during a raid in the Ogere area.
In Taraba State, 27-year-old Sufiyanu Mohammed Misa was arrested along the Zaki-Biam road in Wukari Local Government Area with 105,850 pills of opioids, including tramadol, diazepam, and exol-5.
Two suspects, Adeleke Aliyah, 20, and Aloba Abdulazeez, 25, were also arrested in Saki town, Oyo State, in connection with the seizure of 99 litres of skuchies, a cocktail of illicit substances.
In Edo State, NDLEA officers destroyed 1,388.4175 kilogrammes of skunk on two farms during a raid on Ago forest in Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
In Kano State, operatives recovered 1.2 kilogrammes of tramaking 225mg pills concealed in a 25-litre jerry can of palm oil at Kofar Ruwa motor park. Another suspect, Aminu Isa, was arrested with 30.5 kilogrammes of skunk at Sabuwar Sharada area of the state.
Beyond enforcement operations, the agency said its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaign continued across the country with awareness lectures delivered in schools in Oyo, Niger, Lagos, Katsina, Ekiti, and Kano states.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Buba Marwa, commended officers of the agency’s commands in Delta, Kaduna, Oyo, Taraba, Kano, the FCT, and Edo states for the successful operations.
He assured that the agency remained committed to sustaining a balance between reducing drug supply and intensifying drug demand reduction campaigns nationwide.
NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine, Opioids Hidden in Carton Walls Bound for UK, Australia
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PAIMUN President Calls for Urgent Action to Bridge Digital Divide in Education
PAIMUN President Calls for Urgent Action to Bridge Digital Divide in Education
By: Michael Mike
The Presdent of the General Assembly of the Premiere Academy International Model United Nations (PAIMUN) 2026, H.E. Timilehin Adewuyi, has called on governments, international organisations and private institutions to intensify efforts toward bridging the digital divide and expanding access to technology-driven education across the world.p

Speaking during the second session of the PAIMUN General Assembly held at the United Nations House in Abuja, Adewuyi described digital transformation in education as a critical tool for achieving sustainable development and preparing future generations for global leadership.
Addressing delegates, diplomats and education stakeholders, the PAIMUN President said the world has entered an era where education can no longer remain dependent on traditional methods, stressing that technology has become central to building inclusive, innovative and sustainable societies.
“It is my profound privilege, as President of the General Assembly, to address this august gathering on the topic: ‘Digital Transformation of the Educational Sector as a Driver of Sustainable Development,’” he stated.

According to him, digital innovation has fundamentally changed the way knowledge is accessed, shared and applied globally, opening new opportunities for students to learn beyond geographical and economic limitations.
He noted that digital classrooms, virtual libraries, artificial intelligence and online learning platforms are equipping young people with critical 21st-century skills such as creativity, collaboration, problem-solving and digital literacy.
Adewuyi stressed that these skills are essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and positioning young people to compete effectively in the global economy.
Despite the growing opportunities presented by technology, the PAIMUN President warned that millions of students, particularly in developing countries, still face severe barriers due to poor internet connectivity, lack of electricity and inadequate access to digital devices.
He said sustainable development would remain unattainable if educational opportunities continue to be unequal across regions and social groups.
“Governments, international organizations, and private institutions must work collectively to bridge the digital divide and ensure that no learner is left behind in this technological revolution,” he said.
Adewuyi further described digital education as more than an innovation, calling it a strategic investment in humanity’s future.
He urged delegates at the conference to remain committed to policies that promote responsible and inclusive technology adoption in education systems worldwide.
“By embracing technology responsibly and inclusively, we empower the next generation to drive economic growth, social progress and environmental sustainability,” he added.
The PAIMUN conference, hosted by Premiere Academy, brought together student delegates simulating the United Nations General Assembly to debate global issues and propose solutions through diplomacy, dialogue and policy engagement.
The event focused extensively on how digital transformation can strengthen education systems, reduce inequalities and accelerate sustainable development across nations.
PAIMUN President Calls for Urgent Action to Bridge Digital Divide in Education
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