Buni appoints Dr. Bulama as the new program manager for livestock in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, of Yobe State, has appointed Dr. Bulama Maina Yaro as the new program manager of the Yobe State pilot livestock development program.

The appointment letter was signed by the Acting Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu, who revealed that the appointment takes immediate effect.

Governor Buni urged the new program manager to bring his wealth of experience, dedication, and professionalism to bear in advancing the objectives of the livestock development program in Yobe State.

According to Governor Buni, the Yobe state government remains committed to the sustainable transformation of the livestock.

He revealed that, in line with its broader agenda for agricultural development and economic diversification.

Buni appoints Dr. Bulama as the new program manager for livestock in Yobe

Experts Advocate for Reimagining of ECOWAS, Integration of Women in Governance

By: Michael Mike

Experts from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have called for the reimagining of the regional body and inclusion of women in governance.

The experts who converged on Abuja at the weekend for a two-day Second Continental Edition of African Political Square and Expert conference on Alternative Futures for ECOWAS @ 50 jointly organised with African Leadership Centre in Collaboration with Codesria and Wathi, argued that women and girls play vital roles in governance, peace, security, and economic development.

They also advocated for citizen-driven reforms of the ECOWAS.

The panelists highlighted how females have made historical contributions in mobilizing for peace and informal economic activities across borders on the continent.

The key recommendations from the session included bridging policy-practice gaps, creating intergenerational spaces, and promoting transformational, ethical, and accountable leadership to dismantle rigid hierarchies, inspire cultural shifts, and ensure inclusive participation from community to regional levels.

Speakers noted persistent challenges rooted in patriarchal structures, cultural norms, and selective policy implementation, despite existing frameworks like ECOWAS Vision 2050 and national affirmative action laws in countries such as Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Ghana.

They also acknowledge progress made in the area of female parliamentary representation, with Senegal achieving over 40% through parity laws, while Nigeria lagged with only 4% in the Senate; ECOWAS itself was criticized for low 25% female representation and never having a female president in 50 years.

Key recommendations included bridging policy-practice gaps through enforcement of 30% quotas, creating intergenerational spaces, and promoting transformational, ethical, and accountable leadership that documents women’s histories and combats violence.

Speaking on ECOWAS of the People, Peace and Prosperity for all, the Executive Director, Institute for Democratic Governance

Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey called for leaders to stand up and provide leadership for the region.

He stressed that democracy is in trouble given recent happenings in the region.

He pointed out that since the three (Alliance of Sahel States) nations who departed ECOWAS made their decision, jihadists have emerged and have also taken advantage of the power vacuum also.

He argued that the ECOWAS of today is a much different organisation to the ECOWAS of 15 or 20 years ago.

Akwetey added that Democracy was in trouble, and few countries on the continent can provide the required leadership to turn this around, adhering to Agenda 2063 and related developmental goals.

On his part, Gen. El-Hadji Babacar Faye (rtd), a Counter Terrorism, Defence and security expert, described as a major issue the perceptions of many people of the current ECOWAS architecture.

According to him they see ECOWAS as a bureaucratic institution and far removed from their daily realities.

He therefore argued for a new regional social contract based on trust–accountability.

Former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia, Amb. Abdullahi Shehu, stressed the need for flexiple, people centred integration.

She pointed out that what the regional body needed is the creation of resilient economies that focus on key sectors to enhance interdependence, energy, transportation and digital innovation.

He “also argued that ECOWAS must adopt a human-security approach that addresses the root causes of insecurity.

Director of Policy and Operations at Amanda Institute, Dr. Egghead Odewale, highlighted the disparity between transfer of money in Western countries and that of the local African currencies. Furthermore, he argued that ECOWAS’s free movement of people is not as free as it appears on face value.

He argued that there are still impediments to free movement across ECOWAS, stressing that we need to decolonise ourselves and our institutions.

A gender inclusion and climate justice advocate, Ms Hyeladzira James Mshelia, decried the low knowledge about ECOWAS among citizens.

She also highlighted how AI has fielded misinformation campaigns, fostering distrust about the regional organisation.

Mshelia also stressed that ECOWAS must reinvent its communication strategy, harnessing youth, and taking the message to the grassroots.

Experts Advocate for Reimagining of ECOWAS, Integration of Women in Governance

Dikko Promises to Encourage Wushu Chinese Martial Art in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko has promised to encourage Wushu in the country.

Wushu is a Chinese martial art and competitive sport that combines elements of athletics, acrobatics, and combat techniques. It’s practiced globally, with various styles and forms, including Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Wudangquan.

Wushu is recognized internationally, with competitions like the World Wushu Championships and the Asian Games. Its global popularity continues to grow, with practitioners from diverse backgrounds embracing its unique blend of martial arts, athletics, and cultural heritage ¹.

Speaking at the finals of the Chinese Ambassador’s Cup Wushu Championship in Abuja, Dikko who commended the Chinese Embassy for supporting the hosting of the tournament, said the sport holds immense potential among Nigerian youth.

He said: “Wushu is gaining ground in Nigeria, and with continued support, it will create another path for our youths to achieve their dreams. Now that it’s reaching the Olympic level, we will take it even more seriously.”

Meanwhile, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has identified sport as a vital medium for cultural exchange and mutual understanding between his country and Nigeria.

Yu said Wushu represents more than just physical training — it embodies values central to both Chinese and Nigerian cultures.

He said: “Wushu is a precious treasure of Chinese culture. It not only builds our bodies but also shapes our character and spirit. It embodies core Chinese values — self-discipline, self-improvement, and a commitment to respecting and helping others.

“These resonate deeply with Nigerian culture, which also cherishes hard work and social harmony.”

He also noted that Wushu has “taken root and flourished” in Nigeria, drawing practitioners from both cities and rural communities.

The ambassador also linked the sport’s growth to China’s Global Civilisation Initiative and ongoing China–Africa cooperation efforts.

He said: “At the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation, President Xi Jinping and President Bola Tinubu held a successful meeting where they agreed to strengthen cultural and sports exchanges, designating 2026 as the ‘China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.”

Yu also announced that Wushu will feature as an event at the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, calling it a milestone for Africa’s martial arts community.

“This is a significant moment for every Wushu enthusiast here today. It opens up new opportunities for the sport’s growth across Africa,” he added.

He however encouraged Nigerian athletes to see Wushu as “more than just a sport,” but as a way to connect with Chinese culture and to serve as ambassadors of the China–Nigeria friendship.

“The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria will continue to support the development of Wushu in Nigeria. We will work with the National Sports Commission and the local Wushu community to create more platforms for exchange and learning,” the ambassador assured.

He added, “I look forward to the day when more Nigerian Wushu enthusiasts will visit China, see famous sites like the Shaolin Temple, and experience the depth and beauty of Chinese Wushu culture.”

At the championship, Justice Unanka won gold in the Taolu Single category, Naima Sanusi triumphed in Tai Chi, Goodluck Emmanuel took gold in the 75kg Male Sanda, and Winnifred Agara won the 60kg Female Sanda event.

Dikko Promises to Encourage Wushu Chinese Martial Art in Nigeria