ECOWAS Reaffirms Commitment to Support Vulnerable Communities in Member States

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing humanitarian support to vulnerable communities in Member States affected by disasters.

The Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa-Ugbe, gave the
assurance on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission and the Commissioner for Social Affairs and Human Development during the conclusion of a five-day technical mission by the ECOWAS delegation to Cabo Verde to monitor the implementation of the Commission’s aid package to support vulnerable communities affected by the 2023 floods.

Tarfa-Ugbe assured that ECOWAS Commission would remain steadfast in its
support to the vulnerable population in disaster-affected communities in Member States, noting that the Commission’s humanitarian response goes beyond providing immediate relief package .

She said: “Our goal is not only to respond to crises but to ensure that communities are equipped with the tools and resources necessary to recover and thrive. The allocation of $770,143 reflects ECOWAS’ dedication to sustainable solutions that uplift vulnerable populations affected by
disasters in ECOWAS Member States.”

She emphasized the need for improved stakeholders collaboration in delivering effective humanitarian assistance, adding that partnership with relevant national and local stakeholders was critical to ensuring implementation of impactful humanitarian
interventions by the Commission.

Speaking during the closing session of the technical monitoring mission, the Secretary of State for Social Inclusion, the Republic of Cabo Verde, Mrs. Lídia Lima, underscored the significance of ECOWAS’ humanitarian and financial support to the country describing it as a vital complement to Cabo Verde’s national poverty eradication efforts.

In his remarks, the ECOWAS Interim Permanent Representative to Cabo Verde, Mr Jean Francis Sempore, highlighted ECOWAS’ diplomatic engagements in Cabo Verde, the Commission’s long-standing commitment to the country’s humanitarian needs, as well Praia, Cabo Verde,
ongoing efforts towards ensuring that ECOWAS’ support aligns with regional and national development policies and priorities .

According to a statement on Tuesday, as part of its humanitarian assistance programme, the ECOWAS Commission deployed a technical mission to Cabo Verde to monitor the implementation of a $770,143 aid package allocated to support communities affected by the 2023 floods.

Led by Dr. Sintiki Tarfa-Ugbe, ECOWAS Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission and the Commissioner for Social Affairs and Human Development, the
mission was carried out in collaboration with Cabo Verde’s Ministry of Family, Inclusion, and Social Development, as well as the local implementing partners.

The objective of the mission was assessing the progress of humanitarian assistance provided to over 200 families, including housing support for 80 families and livelihood assistance for 200 others. Over the course of five days, from January 27 to January 31, 2025, the ECOWAS
team worked closely with the Government of Cabo Verde, implementing partners, and local stakeholders to assess the impact of the Commission’s $770,143 humanitarian assistance package to the country. This funding was allocated to help 560 families affected by the devastating 2023 floods.

ECOWAS Reaffirms Commitment to Support Vulnerable Communities in Member States

Zulum Appoints Dr. Mohammed Ghuluze as New Head of Service

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the appointment of Dr. Mohammed Aminu Ghuluze as the new Head of Service.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, the appointment takes effect from March 3, 2025. Dr. Ghuluze succeeds Barrister Malam Fannami, who has retired from service.

Governor Zulum tasked Dr. Ghuluze to leverage his experience to enhance professionalism, discipline, and commitment within the state’s civil service.

Prior to his appointment, Dr. Ghuluze served as the Permanent Secretary, Administration.

A seasoned administrator and a surgeon, he has held several key positions, including Medical Director at the State Specialist Hospital.

In 2018, he was appointed Chief Medical Director of the Borno State Hospitals Management Board, and in 2020, he became a Permanent Secretary, serving in the Ministry of Health and Human Services.

Zulum Appoints Dr. Mohammed Ghuluze as New Head of Service

NCDMB trains Niger Delta elders on ethnic cooperation for development

By: Michael Mike

As part of efforts to equip communities in the Niger Delta with knowledge and skills neccessary for conflict resolution in the region, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has organized a training programme for elders and leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo people.

The ongoing five-day training programme which is taking place at Lekki Grand View Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, is to empower participants to contribute to nation building through strengthening collaboration for positive impact.

On Monday 3rd February, the training was for the Exco of the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) led by President General Worldwide Olorogun, Barrister Ese Game Owe.

The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Ogbe, who was represented by a senior members of the Board, stressed the importance of training for the elders, saying the idea is to enhance inter-ethnic cooperation and co-existence for harmonious growth and development.

Ogbe stated that the idea of the training is to ensure understanding of the leaders to the significance of ethnic coorporation in societal development in the region which mainly produces the oil that is the mainstay of the nation’s economy.

According to him, the aim is to engage the leaders on continous engagement for effective societal development.

 In his welcome, the facilitator, the Chairman of Excellon Consults Limited and Cervice Energy Services Limited, Chief Bernard Okumagba said, “One of the key functions of the (NCDMB) is to engage in capacity building interventions that would deepen indigenous capabilities. This Leadership Training Programme for the Leadership of our elders and youths of the various ethnic groups is in furtherance of the NCDMB mandate and crucial for promoting Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry.

“By empowering the Leadership of our elders and youths, the NCDMB under the leadership of Executive Secretary and CEO Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe aims to integrate oil-producing communities into the oil and gas value chain, fostering institutional collaboration and maximizing Nigerian participation.

“This training is also vital for developing indigenous capabilities through human capital development, infrastructure, and local supplier growth.

“The key objectives of the training programme include equipping the Leadership of our Elders and Youths categories with effective leadership, management and decision-making skills; Increase awareness and understanding of NCDMB’s initiatives and policies; and Strengthen relationships between the Leaders, NCDMB, and other stakeholders,” Okumagba stated.

He added that in the next five days, participants will be taken through topics which will include Developing Leadership Competencies, Strategic Thinking and Decision Making, Stakeholders’ Engagements for Societal Development, Strategies for Continuous Leadership and Development, Strategic Collaboration for positive impact.

Others include, Inter-ethnic Cooperation and Co-existence for Harmony, Growth and Development, Financial Management for Business Success amongst others.

The training Programme is being delivered through a combination of interactive lectures, case studies, group discussions and practical exercises.

NCDMB trains Niger Delta elders on ethnic cooperation for development