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Gowon, Akinyemi, Odumegwu-Ojukwu Predict Brighter Future for ECOWAS
Gowon, Akinyemi, Odumegwu-Ojukwu Predict Brighter Future for ECOWAS
By: Michael Mike
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has predicted that the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), would usher the region into new vistas of development.
This is as former Nigerian leader and only surviving founding father of ECOWAS, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd.) and ex-Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, declared that Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, the three Member States which recently exited the ECOWAS and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) could still return to the fold.
The minister made the remarks at the Roundtable Conference, convened under the theme: “ECOWAS, An African Model @ 50: Resilience and Future Prospects,” at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, as part of activities marking the golden jubilee of the regional body.
Gowon chaired the event which featured Akinyemi as keynote speaker while the discussants were key players in the affairs of the continent including President of ECOWAS, Dr. Alieu Touray, former President of ECOWAS, Dr. Ibn Chambas, former Prime Minister of Guinea, Lansana Kouyate, and Vice Chairperson of African Union Commission, Selma Malika Haddadi among others.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu charged participants to renew their commitment to the shared responsibility, and uphold the enduring principles of unity, peace, and development which was the bedrock of their regional integration efforts.
She paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers, especially Gowon, noting that the contributions of the lead speaker; Akinyemi and the discussants, had enriched their collective reflection and reaffirmed the enduring relevance of the shared vision.
She said: “Over the course of our discussions, we have been afforded a unique opportunity to reflect on the remarkable journey of ECOWAS as a regional body. We have examined its significant contributions to peacekeeping, economic integration, harmonization of sectoral policies and promotion of democratic governance to strengthen regional solidarity.
“Equally important, this forum granted us the opportunity to critically examine the pressing challenges confronting the Community, from political instability and governance deficits to economic disparities. Looking ahead, this rich exchanges of ideas and perspectives we have shared today has laid the groundwork for charting a more resilient, inclusive and visionary path for ECOWAS.
“As we bring this important gathering to a close, allow me to express my sincere appreciation to each and every one of you for your presence, your thoughtful contributions and insights, as well as your unwavering commitments to the vision and ideals that inspired the founding of our Regional Economic Community five decades ago,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
Akinyemi, who listed the numerous achievements of ECOWAS particularly, in peacekeeping, free movement of people and goods, regional integration and peer review, urged the remaining members to be compassionate with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
He said: “When the Sahel countries realize that in pulling out of ECOWAS, they were not able to contain the Jihadists, the insecurity in the region, then they will know that pulling out was not the solution. When they see that the energy crisis is still there and other challenges they faced, then, they will begin to consider the essence of regional integration.
“So, I share the optimism expressed this morning by our President and Gen. Gowon, that they will find their way back. And as Gen. Gowon advised, we should threat them with compassion, we shouldn’t rub it on their face.”
In his presentation, ECOWAS President, Dr. Alieu Touray, reiterated that the three exited member States of ECOWAS were key to the security of the region including the free movement of people and regional integration.
He also spoke on the plans for the ECOWAS in the next phase of its trajectory.
“We are thinking of a summit on the future of ECOWAS. We must mainstream the need for poverty alleviation. Secondly, is working together on how to confront insecurity. The disunity in the region threatens our security.
“Peace and security must be of priority to ECOWAS. Governance too must be a priority to ECOWAS, accountability. If you have good governance, you have development. To boost intra community trade, we must address on infrastructure,” the ECOWAS Commission’s President said.
Also, remarking, the United Nations Special Representative for ECOWAS and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simão, saluted ECOWAS for the capacity displayed in handling the conflict concerning the exit of the Sahel States.
According to him, the organisation was able to manage the sentiments involved and went to Bamako for discussions.
“I must tell you that I was in Niger last week and I know how they received that move. This is an achievement that only a mature organisation can pull through.
“As UN, we congratulate ECOWAS on its 50th anniversary and would continue to look out for collaborations,” he stated.
Gowon, Akinyemi, Odumegwu-Ojukwu Predict Brighter Future for ECOWAS
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday said that the Federal Government’s programmes and policies under President Bola Tinubu-led administration were improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Mrs Adaline Patari, the State Director of NOA, Gombe State office, stated this shortly after a road show to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary in Gombe.
Patari said that programmes and policies of Tinubu-led administration had supported many Nigerians from the student’s loan to conditional cash transfer to support to small businesses amongst others.
She stated that the initiatives by the present administration had restored hope and put the country amongst serious countries pursuing better reforms to improve their economy while revamping infrastructure.
According to her, many undergraduates benefitting from the student’s loan scheme which has removed all financial hindrances impeding access to tertiary education now feel a sense of belonging.
She said that the programmes and policies of the Federal Government have benefitted many households and improved their welfare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
“The reforms of the Federal Government are working and many persons are proud to be Nigerians and more persons are now trying to do the right things as Nigerians.
“People are beginning to see themselves as proud Nigerians and that confidence of being a Nigerian is being restored.
“Today, many Nigerians are benefitting from the programmes of the current administration, this means that the country is now working for them,” she said.
While acknowledging that there were still challenges that needed to be addressed, Patari said, at 65, we have made tremendous progress especially working together in peace and unity.
She urged Nigerians to continue to support Tinubu administration’s programmes towards building a better country that works for all Nigerians.
The state director said that with the necessary reforms being carried out and already yielding results in the economic, agriculture, security and other sectors, more Nigerians would be prouder to be Nigerians in the future.
“Today, the country is progressing and we are united; we are now prouder to be Nigerians and I can tell you that the labour of our heroes past, indeed is never in vain,” she added.
Commending the contributions of youths to national development, Patari urged them to have a positive mind-set towards Nigeria and to always express optimism of a better Nigeria for everyone.
Patari also lauded the renewed strength with which NOA under the Director General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu was being driven.
She said that government’s policies and programmes were getting more supports from Nigerians because of the constant engagements of Nigerians by the NOA nationwide.
The event also featured sensitisation of residents on Federal Government’s policies, programmes and the need for the people to support the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
Nigeria, European Union hold inaugural Trade and Investment Dialogue
By: Michael Mike
Senior Government officials of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have today met in Abuja to assess the vibrant economic partnership between the two parties and chart a way forward.
The inaugural Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Trade and investment Dialogue (TID) was anchored by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, and Director of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE), Ms Dora Correia,
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot,, welcomed the launch of the Dialogue, which they said underscored the growing importance attached to trade and investment in the EU-Nigeria partnership.
This Senior Officials’ meeting marks an important step in strengthening the trade and investment partnership between the EU and Nigeria, and provided opportunity for the officials to exchange views on areas of mutual interest; address potential challenges and explore opportunities for further collaboration.
Discussions focused on a range of issues, including trade and investment policy, cooperation on market access barriers and requirements, preferential trade and investment arrangements, investment, collaboration within the World Trade Organization (WTO), regulatory measures that could impact trade and investment, and the identification of trade and investment-related development cooperation areas.
Both sides expressed their interest to continue the Dialogue, with the second TID billed to take place in Brussels, Belgium, in 2026, on a date to be jointly decided.
Nigeria, European Union hold inaugural Trade and Investment Dialogue
FG Declares Wednesday, Oct. 1 Public Holiday to Marks 65th Independence Anniversary
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, 1st of October as a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
The Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated all Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora on this historic occasion.
Tunji-Ojo, in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, enjoined citizens to continue to uphold the patriotic spirit, unity, and resilience that have sustained the nation since independence in 1960.
He urged Nigerians to further keep faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which is anchored on national rebirth, economic transformation, and collective prosperity.
The Minister expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of all Nigerians, the country will continue to grow stronger in peace, progress, and development.
He wished Nigerians a happy and memorable 2025 Independence Day celebration.
FG Declares Wednesday, Oct. 1 Public Holiday to Marks 65th Independence Anniversary
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