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Eight Nigerian Universities in ECOWAS Court’s Moot Competition

Eight Nigerian Universities in ECOWAS Court’s Moot Competition
By: Michael Mike
Eight Nigerian Universities are presenting competing in the inaugural edition of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court Moot Court Competition.
The ivory towers in the competition are: American University, Yola; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Igbinedion University, Okada; Lagos State University, Ojo, University of Jos, Jos; Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, and University of Uyo, Uyo.
According to the President of the Court, Hon. Justice Ricardo Claudio Monteiro Gonclaves, the objectives of the competition is to familiarize participants with the ECOWAS Court’s role in regional governance and its contribution to the protection of human rights and economic integration; enhance advocacy, research, and analytical skills among law students; promote the Court’s visibility and engage the public in understanding its importance in the ECOWAS region; and provide a platform for students, academics, and legal professionals to connect and share ideals.
The expected outcomes from the moot competition, according to the President, are: Increased awareness among students about the ECOWAS Court’s operations and contributions; enhanced advocacy and legal reasoning skills among participants; stronger ties between the ECOWAS Court and academic institutions in Nigeria; and a more informed and engaged future generation of legal practitioners in West Africa.
Speaking on the competition at the opening of the inaugural event in Niger State, the President said it is an important milestone in the strengthening of legal culture and regional integration within the Economic Community of West African States.
He said: “Since its establishment, the ECOWAS Court has stood at the forefront of promoting regional integration, advancing human rights, and strengthening the rule of law across West Africa.
“As Community’s the principal judicial organ of ECOWAS, the Court’s mandate spans the interpretation and application of Community texts, adjudication of human rights disputes, and the resolution of conflicts between Member States and ECOWAS institutions.”
He noted that: “In the fulfilment of this mandate, the Court has delivered landmark judgments that have reshaped national policies, safeguarded individual rights, and reinforced the foundations of democracy and good governance in our region.
“However, the true measure of any judicial institution is not found solely in its jurisprudence but also in its accessibility, public engagement, and its ability to foster understanding among the people it serves.
This Moot Court Competition is a testament to our commitment to deepening public engagement and investing in the next generation of legal practitioners.
“This event symbolizes, therefore, more than just an academic competition: it represents the collective commitment to the promotion of justice, the rule of law, human rights and good governance in our member countries.
“By bringing together young law students here, we are investing not only in the future of ECOWAS community law, but also in the future of sub-regional integration itself.”
The President added that: “So, to all the participants of the contest present here, I would like to say to you: this is your moment. A moment of learning, challenge and growth. Be bold in legal reasoning, rigorous in argumentation, ethical and prudent in every word.
“This contest is not just about winning or losing – it is about training jurists who are conscientious, critical, and committed to justice.
“While there will ultimately be a winning team, every participant here today is a winner. I encourage you to utilise this platform not only to showcase your talents but also to establish lasting professional networks that will support your career in the legal profession.”
Earlier, the Chief Registrar of the Court, Dr. Yaouza Ouro-Sama, who disclosed that the competition would be extended to other member states of ECOWAS, said: “I implore participants to pay keen attention to proceedings and learn from the process. We hope that at the end of this programme, participants will have garnered the required experience and confidence to represent their future clients before real courts. I look forward to stimulating intellectual debates during this competition.”
He equally told the participants that: “May this experience inspire you, challenge you, and deepen your commitment to justice.”
Eight Nigerian Universities in ECOWAS Court’s Moot Competition
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Governor Alia Condoles the NUJ over the demise of Achigbe and Acka

Governor Alia Condoles the NUJ over the demise of Achigbe and Acka
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has expressed deep shock and sadness over the news of the passing of Comrades Damien Achigbe and Kundushima Acka of the Benue council of the Nigerian Union of journalists (NUJ).
He regretted that the two prominent members of the media community in Benue State had contributed immensely to the development of the state and their profession
A release by Tersoo Kula the spokesman of the Governor noted that
Comrade Damian Achigbe, was a veteran journalist who was a shining example of a professionalism in the state while Kundushima Acka, was the prolific Publisher of On-Tiv International Magazine before his demise.

Aliya described the late Achigbe as a fearless journalist, mentor, and advocate for developmental journalism, whom he says remained dedicated to the noble cause of the profession until his final days.
The Governor noted that Acka was not only a journalist but a grassroot politician, leader and publisher, who was the voice of the Tiv nation, whose contributions to community development and the media landscape will be fondly remembered.
His death, the Governor stressed, “is a painful loss to the people of Logo Local Government, the NUJ family,” and the state at large.
While commiserating with their immediate families, the Benue State Council of the NUJ, and the wider media community, Alia prayed God Almighty to grant the departed soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn these irreparable losses.
Governor Alia Condoles the NUJ over the demise of Achigbe and Acka
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VP Shettima Mourns Borno Attack Victims, Assures Enhanced Military Operations Against Terrorists

VP Shettima Mourns Borno Attack Victims, Assures Enhanced Military Operations Against Terrorists
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep condolences to the government and people of Borno State over the recent terrorist attack that claimed many lives in Darajamal community, Bama Local Government Area.
The Vice President reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to the Armed Forces to review security operations, including the deployment of advanced military hardware and surveillance equipment to eliminate terrorist groups across the country.
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum had on Saturday visited Darajamal community to condole the families of the victims —including civilians and soldiers— killed by Boko Haram insurgents on Friday night.
In his condolence message on Monday, VP Shettima described the incident as a profound loss to both the state and the nation.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, the people of Borno State, and the Nigerian military over the tragic loss of our compatriots. These deaths have left the entire nation in collective grief, but we are confident that justice will be served for the bereaved families,” the Vice President stated.
VP Shettima expressed confidence in the Armed Forces’ capacity to overcome the security challenges facing the state, citing President Tinubu’s approval for the acquisition of additional drones and his directive for all security agencies to intensify and review their operational strategies.
The Vice President highlighted the federal government’s consideration of establishing state police, emphasizing President Tinubu’s position that security challenges in some Nigerian states require specialized units that understand local terrain, culture, and can effectively network at the grassroots level.
He offered prayers for the bereaved families and assured both the state government and affected families of continued federal government support in addressing the security situation.
VP Shettima Mourns Borno Attack Victims, Assures Enhanced Military Operations Against Terrorists
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Bandits ambush C-Watch operatives in Katsina, kill 8, burn patrol vehicles

Bandits ambush C-Watch operatives in Katsina, kill 8, burn patrol vehicles
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected bandits have ambushed operatives of the C-Watch security outfit in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing eight persons and setting two patrol vehicles ablaze.
The incident happened late Friday night when gunmen invaded a village near Dandume around midnight.

Residents said C-Watch operatives responded to a distress call and rescued eight villagers who had earlier sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
However, on their way back, the operatives reportedly ran into an ambush by the bandits, who opened fire on them, killing the rescued victims and burning two patrol vehicles belonging to the security outfit.
Bandits ambush C-Watch operatives in Katsina, kill 8, burn patrol vehicles
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