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In 50 Years, ECOWAS Have Never Had It This Bad With Departing Three Member Countries- ECOWAS Court PresidentMichael Olugbode in Abuja

In 50 Years, ECOWAS Have Never Had It This Bad With Departing Three Member Countries- ECOWAS Court President
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
By: Michael Mike
The President of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court has lamented the situation the regional bloc is presenting facing, stating that the body which is celebrating its 50th anniversary has never had it this bad.
Speaking at the sent-forth ceremony for four of the Court staff, Dr Athanase Atannon, Dr William Towah, Mr Félicien Hounkanrin and Mr Iliyas Jonah on Wednesday in Abuja, the president of ECOWAS Court of Justice, Hon Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, said: “The path may not be easy, first of all, due to the particularly difficult situation that our Community is going through. In fact, in almost fifty years of its existence, for the first time, the ECOWAS Community is faced, at one stroke, with the departure of three countries, with all the consequences that may result: on a social level, on a financial level and on the level of security in our sub-region.”
He added that: “However, we believe that our political decision-makers will know how to take advantage of this moment to carry out a profound reflection on the path taken and what is intended for our Community in the next fifty years.
“This reflection will have to be plural, open, inclusive, participatory and its success will depend largely on the involvement of civil society in our countries.
“The path will still have challenges to be overcome [now focusing specifically on our Institution], if we consider that we will soon announce the recruitment competition for new employees.
“For this phase that is about to begin, it is our Institution’s duty to firmly commit to excellence, rigor, and individual merit. This attitude can conflict with heightened passions, personal commitments, parallel agendas, all of which are feelings and attitudes that we must tenaciously combat.”
On the challenges faced by the Court, the president said: “The problem of implementing our decisions has been highlighted as one of the greatest challenges facing our Institution. We fully agree and, along with this, we could also add the challenge of operationalizing the Court’s arbitration jurisdiction (mandate as an Arbitration Tribunal); the use of the prejudicial referral mechanism (legal advisory jurisdiction); the creation of a legal aid fund, just to name a few.”
He admitted that: “There is, however, a challenge that must be overcome as quickly as possible by the staff of this house, as this challenge appears to us to be crucial. This is the challenge of improvement and awareness on the part of our human resources.
“In an international institution like ours, professionalism, commitment and unreserved dedication, proactivity, knowledge of the profession, firm commitment to professional ethics and deontology and, above all, knowledge of the role that each person is assigned within our Institution, are crucial points that must be worked on. For some, more than others this is true, but these are certainly aspects that all employees should consider.
“This challenge falls to the staff because you are the continuity, the sap that gives life and guarantees the longevity of this Institution. We (The Court) will soon complete twenty-four years of existence. If our Institution is recognized internationally today, this is also largely due to its performance.
“But this cannot be interpreted as the end of the goal. Quite the opposite. Today, more than ever, you are all called to deeply reflect on crucial aspects of the collective existence of the Court, such as full dedication, disinterested analysis and advice, unreserved adherence to the objectives set by management, commitment to truth, rigor, honesty and respect for one another.”
On the retiring staff, he said: “They certainly had moments of uncertainty, frustration, misunderstanding and perhaps even anger. However, it could not be otherwise and there can be no surprises about it. In fact, we were warned well, at the beginning of our civilization, that in life we would face tribulations and that it could not be any different. We were given hope, however: in the end we would win, because we would never be alone.
“We are convinced that these were years of hard work, challenges overcame, valuable contributions and many shared moments, as they were “never alone”.
“Each of you leaves an indelible mark on this institution, both through your professional results and, above all, through the way you have left an impact on the people around you. Your wisdom and patience will continue to guide and inspire your colleagues. Your example and spirit of dedication will surely be a source of inspiration for many of us.”
A goodwill message read by a representative of the staff, Mr Ghislain Agbozo said: “We hope that this new chapter unfolding in each of your lives will be filled with opportunities for growth, fulfillment, and well-deserved rest. We wish you good health, so that you may enjoy your retirement pensions for many years to come, in peace and happiness. You will remain forever in our hearts and in our most vivid memories. We look forward to seeing you again—whether here in Nigeria, in Benin, Liberia, or wherever life may take you. This is not a goodbye; it is a fond farewell.”
One of the retiring staff, Mr Félicien Hounkanrin in an interview with journalists, thanked the ECOWAS Court management and staff for the elaborate celebration, stating that this has shown that the organisation is indeed a great family.
He said he would be going into his new facet of life with pride and with the feeling of having a family and friends in ECOWAS Court.
In 50 Years, ECOWAS Have Never Had It This Bad With Departing Three Member Countries- ECOWAS Court President
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
News
Zulum to NEDC: We want projects with lasting benefits

Zulum to NEDC: We want projects with lasting benefits
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has called on the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to prioritise embarking on tangible projects that can provide lasting benefits and boost infrastructural development across the six states in the northeast region.
The Governor was speaking on Tuesday at the Government House when he received the expanded management and board of the NEDC led by the State Minister of Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmodu.
Governor Zulum listed security, Dry Inland Ports, African Intercontinental Free Trade Zone, independent electricity supply, and road networks as some of the key priorities for the northeast.

Zulum noted, “I think the time has come for us to prioritise our projects. We have gone into more than 50% of the lifespan of the NEDC. I am not saying that NEDC will collapse. What I mean by lifespan is the funding window allocated to the commission according to the act that established it.”
“So, let’s come up with what we can do to get maximum benefit from establishing the commission.”

“Other commissions have come on board; we cannot afford to perform below them. This time around, we must have a yardstick. Otherwise, not only the minister, the chairman of the House committee, or the MD, but all of you are from the northeast; a time will come when we will call you out that there is nothing tangible to show within your tenure.”
Zulum, however, assured the minister and the NEDC management of the governors’ commitment within the Northeast to support the commission in achieving its mandate.
The Governor also commended the North East Development Commission for supporting the state with humanitarian aid, school projects, and other programmes that positively affect the lives of the people of Borno.
Speaking earlier, the State Minister of Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmodu, stressed the need for close collaboration with the North East Governors Forum to achieve the broader North East Stabilisation and Development Plan (NESDP).

The minister noted that the Ministry of Regional Development will ensure adequate supervision of NEDC to achieve the need to rebuild and stabilise the northeast region after years of insurgency and economic disruption.
The delegation comprises the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on NEDC, Hon. Usman Zannah, other committee members; the Chairman of the NEDC board, Major General Paul C. Tarfa (Rtd); the MD/CEO of the commission, Mohammed Goni Alkali, and other senior management officials.
Zulum to NEDC: We want projects with lasting benefits
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Democracy @26, Nigeria Still Lack Important Ingredient to Thrive- WIPF

Democracy @26, Nigeria Still Lack Important Ingredient to Thrive- WIPF
By: Michael Mike
As Nigeria celebrates 26 years since returning to democracy, Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) has insisted that the important ingredient needed for the nation’s democracy to thrive was missing.
Speaking at an interaction with the media in Abuja on Tuesday, WIPF Chairperson, Barr. Ebere Ifendu said the Special Seat Bill, a groundbreaking proposal “is not merely an adjustment within our legislative framework; rather, it embodies a historic opportunity to bridge the significant gender gap in our governance system and amplify the voices of women in critical decision-making roles.”
She added that: “Today, we stand at a milestone in our shared commitment to achieving gender equality and revitalizing our democracy—a journey propelled by an unwavering belief that the full participation of women in governance is an essential pillar of a thriving democracy.”

Ifendu said: “The statistics we face are not just numbers; they are a sobering reflection of the entrenched inequities that persist within our political landscape. Currently, women occupy only 19 of the total 469 seats in the National Assembly—4 in the Senate and 15 in the House of Representatives—resulting in a mere 4.05% of legislative representation in Nigeria. This stark reality places our nation significantly below the global average of 26.5%, illustrating a critical disparity that demands urgent redress.”
She lamented that: “Moreover, Nigeria ranks a disheartening 178 out of 182 countries in the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) global standings for women in national parliaments. This ranking clearly highlights the systemic barriers that have long stifled the voices of women in governance. This alarming reality serves as a clarion call for immediate and collective action, urging us to unite in the pursuit of meaningful change.”
She explained that: “The Special Seat Bill, currently under consideration in the National Assembly, emerges as a bold and necessary response to rectify this historical inequity by reserving dedicated seats explicitly for women within our legislative chambers.
“This visionary legislation is spearheaded by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, alongside a dedicated coalition of lawmakers who are resolute in their mission to advance gender equality in Nigeria. The Special Seat Bill seeks to create an additional 74 federal legislative seats and 108 state assembly seats specifically for women. This is not merely a numerical increase; it is a transformative step toward achieving equitable representation that aligns with the principles of democracy. Importantly, this bill includes a sunset clause that mandates a comprehensive review every 16 years, reinforcing our commitment to ensure its impact remains relevant, effective, and responsive to the dynamic needs of our ever-evolving society.”
Ifendu noted that: “The journey of the Special Seat Bill is rich with historical significance and advocacy. Initially introduced in the 9th National Assembly by the formidable Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, in collaboration with a coalition of 85 lawmakers, including the distinguished former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the bill exemplifies a collective ambition for true gender equality. Although it faced formidable obstacles and ultimately fell short in its most recent vote in March 2022, the bill stands as a testament to the relentless push for women’s rights and representation within our political framework.
“In response to concerns regarding the fiscal implications of increasing the number of legislative seats, the revised proposal has been meticulously crafted to show that enhancing representation is not a financial burden. The anticipated cost of implementing this bill would be less than 1% of our annual national budget, a figure that illustrates a responsible approach to governance that champions equity without compromising our fiscal integrity.”
She assured that: “Should this transformative bill pass, it would not merely amend our Constitution; it would signify a profound shift in our legislative landscape, ensuring that the voices of women are both recognized and integrated into the core of power structures. This initiative not only aims to elevate women but also seeks to uplift other historically marginalized groups, striving for a legislative environment that genuinely reflects the rich diversity and complexity of our nation.”
She decried that: “The current statistics paint a dismal picture: a mere 3 women serve in the Senate, 14 in the House of Representatives, and only 48 in State Houses of Assembly—a haunting reminder of the systemic barriers that impede women’s access to political influence. Nigeria’s alarmingly low ranking of 179 out of 183 countries regarding women’s representation accentuates the imperative for decisive, impactful action to ensure that women’s voices are woven into the legislative fabric where they rightfully belong.”
Democracy @26, Nigeria Still Lack Important Ingredient to Thrive- WIPF
News
Children’s Day: Foundation Brings Joy, Healthcare to Orphans in Abuja

Children’s Day: Foundation Brings Joy, Healthcare to Orphans in Abuja
By: Michael Mike
In a heartwarming celebration of this year’s Children’s Day, Hope Everyday Foundation (H.E.F.), a medical non-governmental organization based in Kuje, Abuja, organized a free medical outreach, health awareness campaign, and welfare donation exercise at a local orphanage and school, Al Ansar Children’s Home.
Continuing its tradition of reaching out to vulnerable children, H.E.F. selected Al Ansar Children’s Home — located in the Hajiya Zara neighborhood of Kuje Area Council — as its outreach destination for 2025.
The event brought together a team of 34 volunteers, including medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, microbiologists, and administrative staff, all committed to making positive impact.
Executive Director HEF, Dr. Nkechi Akinwale, while presenting the relief materials, emphasized the organisation’s mission to spread love and hope.
Akinwale said, “Each of you is special to God Almighty. We are here to let you feel that love and care.”
The Foundation donated essential welfare and relief materials, including rice, beans, noodles, milk, eggs, cereals, diapers, toilet paper, detergent, fully stocked first aid box — the first of its kind received by the orphanage
The Children’s Day outreach also featured engaging health education sessions delivered through drama, songs, quizzes, and interactive games. Children were thrilled to receive party packs containing exercise books, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, snacks, and drinks.
Delivering his vote of thanks, Coordinator of Al Ansar Children’s Home, Ustaz Yunus expressed deep gratitude to the Organisation for the gift items.
Yunus said, “We have never received a fully stocked first aid box before, this is historic for us.”
He prayed for divine blessings upon HEF staff and volunteers. Matron and Assistant Head, Rukkayat Muhammad, added emotionally, “H.E.F really shocked me today.”
The event concluded with a free medical check-up for all orphanage staff, including, vital signs assessment (blood pressure, temperature, laboratory tests for malaria, typhoid, and blood sugar, on-site doctors consultation and free medications
Children’s Day: Foundation Brings Joy, Healthcare to Orphans in Abuja
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