News
ECOWAS Plans Life Without Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali
ECOWAS Plans Life Without Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali
…To Hold Summit on Future of the Community
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States on Sunday announced plans to organise a summit: “the Future of the Community,” to strategize on life without exited member states- Burkina-Faso, Mali and Niger Republic.
The exit of the three francophone countries, who have since formed Alliance of Sahel States,
Relations between the three countries and other members of ECOWAS got broken following the rejection of undemocratic change of government in the now AES states.
Already, the Committee on Administration and Finance of the commission has commenced a three day- mid-term evaluation of the sub-region’s implementation of the programmes and activities of the Community’s institutions.
The committee which is sitting in Abuja will also look at the difficult financial situation of the Community and the state of recruitment within the institutions.
Speaking at the opening of the 37th ordinary meeting of the CAF, on Sunday, the Vice President of the Commission, Madam Damtien Tchintchibidja, called for speedy reforms needed to adapt to the current reality of the withdrawal.
Tchintchibidja said: “Today’s meeting is part of a twofold dynamics: on the one hand, that of the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of ECOWAS and, on the other, that of the official withdrawal of three (3) of our Member States.
“One of the lessons learnt from the commemoration of our fiftieth anniversary and those learnt from the departure of the three (3) Member States is that it is essential and imperative for us to speed up the institutional, organisational, political and security reforms needed in order to adapt to the new realities. I therefore appeal to your sense of responsibility so that together we can undertake the necessary reforms.
“ It is in this spirit that I am pleased to announce the forthcoming organisation, in accordance with the decisions of the Heads of State and Government, of a Summit on the Future of the Community.”
She further said that “prior consultations will be organised, including with young people and women, to take into account all the needs for the future of the Community.”
Speaking on the importance of the CAF meeting, she said: “As you know, our organisation is currently going through an existential crisis and in such circumstances, we must sit down together, pose and examine the problems and challenges facing us without complacency and together redouble our efforts to find appropriate solutions.”
Tchintchibidja noted that ECOWAS is currently “ at a crossroads, and this calls for a strong capacity to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of integration and to project ourselves into the future,” stressing the need for the regional body to recognize the importance of unity.
She added that: “But beyond all that, we must be aware and recognise that our strength lies in unity, solidarity and fraternity. Indeed, moving forward together on the road to development, in peace and stability, is priceless.”
She also emphasized that “In many ways, this Golden Jubilee has been a time for collective reflection, introspection and assessment of our achievements, strengths and challenges. It has also enabled us to start looking to the future.”
She said: “I would like to remind you that ECOWAS is all of us: you here today, me, and all the citizens of our community space. It lives through our collective commitment, our solidarity, our fraternity and our shared desire to build a more prosperous and forward-looking region, hence the theme of our Golden Jubilee:‘Stronger together for a better future’
On his part, Chairman of the ECOWAS Committee on Administration and Finance, Ambassador Olawale Awe called on ECOWAS to fastback the process of filling the gaps left behind by the three departed states.
ECOWAS Plans Life Without Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali
News
National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure
National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure
By Comrade Philip Ikodor
The National Progressive Hub (NPH), a leading support group for the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on all Nigerians to rally behind President Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR for a successful second term in office come 2027.

In a statement, National Coordinator/Convener, Honorable Bukie Okangbe, praised the APC administration for its efforts towards nation-building and economic stability. Okangbe highlighted the NPH’s previous support for President Tinubu, including a National Security and Endorsement event in 2022 that contributed to the party’s successful general election outcome.
The NPH is gearing up for a Grand Endorsement event for President Tinubu’s second term, scheduled to hold on February 26th at the Musa Yaradua Center, CBD, Abuja. The event will also feature the inauguration of 36 state coordinators, including the FCT, and address critical national issues.
“We invite everyone to join us at this significant event,” Okangbe said. “Your presence will be a testament to our collective commitment to Nigeria’s progress and the APC’s vision for a better future.”
The event promises to be a landmark occasion, showcasing the NPH’s dedication to the APC and President Tinubu’s leadership.
National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure
News
Borno: Zulum distributes farm tools, commissions school in Damasak
Borno: Zulum distributes farm tools, commissions school in Damasak
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday, distributed farm tools to farmers and commissioned a new high Islamic school in Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area.
Governor Zulum was accompanied by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.

Zulum’s agricultural intervention aimed to boost dry-season farming and enhance the livelihoods of returnees who are gradually resettling in the community.
Zulum said, “From the beginning of this administration, dry season irrigation farming was adopted as a strategic component of the state’s food security framework. Recognising the limitations of rain-fed agriculture in the context of climate variability, insecurity, and population growth, the government implemented a dual-season production strategy to ensure year-round farming.”

He added, “Today’s distribution of 1,000 solar-powered water pumps and 200 complete tubewell drilling kits build upon earlier targeted interventions in Damasak and surrounding communities, including irrigation infrastructure development, mechanisation services, farmer-training, cooperative support, and security stabilisation measures.”
He stated, “The state remains aligned with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit and continues collaboration with relevant Federal Ministries and development partners to strengthen agricultural productivity, processing, and market integration.”

At the commissioning of the newly constructed high Islamic school, Zulum noted, “the commissioning of the Higher Islamic College, Damasak, represents a major milestone in the state government’s policy to expand and modernise sangaya education across Borno State. This intervention reflects our commitment to building an inclusive education system that integrates spiritual development with academic and vocational advancement.”
“All Higher Islamic Colleges operate under the approved curriculum of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), enabling students to obtain O-Level equivalent certification and pursue further education where desired.”
In his remarks, the commissioner of education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, underscores Governor Zulum’s giant strides, stating, “this institution forms part of a wider education recovery and expansion programme implemented across Borno State. Under the leadership of His Excellency,”
“The state has constructed One Hundred and Four (104) Mega Schools, rehabilitated and remodelled One Thousand and Eighty-Seven (1,087) classrooms, executed major works in forty (40) additional schools, restored thirty (30) flood-affected schools, and delivered numerous classroom projects through the State Universal Basic Education Board.”

“These strategic investments have yielded measurable progress. The number of out-of-school children has declined significantly from approximately 2.2 million to fewer than Eight Hundred Thousand (800,000). Current enrolment for the 2025 academic year stands at One Million Four Hundred and Eighteen thousand two hundred and seventy-nine (1,418,279) learners, with further increases expected as Women Leader, Hajiya Fati Alkali Kakenna.
Borno: Zulum distributes farm tools, commissions school in Damasak
News
Air-ground offensive foils Kukawa attack, destroys gun trucks
Air-ground offensive foils Kukawa attack, destroys gun trucks
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have thwarted a coordinated multi-pronged terrorist assault on positions in Kukawa after a prolonged overnight battle supported by air strikes.
Military sources said the attackers, mounted on gun trucks, motorcycles and on foot, launched the assault from multiple directions late on Feb. 20.

Troops mounted a determined defence, engaging the insurgents in intense combat that lasted into the early hours of Feb. 21 before forcing them to withdraw while dragging away casualties.
Air strikes later destroyed one gun truck and several motorcycles carrying fleeing fighters, neutralising additional terrorists.

During follow-up exploitation, troops recovered 13 AK-47 rifles, 16 loaded magazines, three handheld radios, and other items believed to have been used by the attackers, as well as evidence of casualties evacuated by the group.
One soldier was killed during the encounter, while some equipment was damaged by rocket fire. Injured personnel were evacuated and are reported to be in stable condition.
Military authorities said the coordinated operations demonstrated sustained pressure on insurgent elements and continued efforts to degrade their combat capability across the theatre.
Air-ground offensive foils Kukawa attack, destroys gun trucks
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