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Security: ECOWAS Deliberates on Training Policy for Standby Force

Security: ECOWAS Deliberates on Training Policy for Standby Force
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has began the final move to put a standby force in place to combat insecurity in West Africa with the commencement of deliberations on the training policy to be adopted for the force.
At the meeting in Abuja were security experts and technocrats from 12 ECOWAS member states.
The ECOWAS standby force which was activated to address the rising insecurity in the sub-region is yet to be fully active, though it has already established a depot for deployment of soldiers for peace support operations.
The regional force, which is expected to comprise 5,000 troops, is part of a broader regional security strategy to also curb terrorism and cross-border crimes.
Speaking at the opening of the government experts’ validation meeting on the ECOWAS standby force training policy for peace support operations, the Acting Director of Peacekeeping and Regional Security, Dr. Sani Adamu said the rapidly changing nature of threats and conflicts has necessitated dynamic and adaptive approach to training.
He said the training policy aims to emphasise not only the combat readiness but also conflict prevention, civilian protection, human rights observance, and post-conflict rehabilitation.
He added that: “Today, as we focus our attention on the development implementation of the ECOWAS Standby force training policy, we recognize the significance of this initiative in addressing the complex, dynamic challenges of Peacekeeping in West Africa.
“This policy is not only a guide but a comprehensive framework designed to enhance the skills, coordination, and readiness of our standby force, ensuring they are trained adequately to manage and resolve conflicts.”
He stressed that: “ As we refine the operational readiness and effectiveness of the EST, we must recognise that true security is not only about arms and strategy, but it is also about leveraging our collective strengths and resources to foster a sustainable peace and security.”
On the draft validation, he appealed to the experts to “actively participate, share your perspectives, and help refine this policy to ensure that it meets the high standards we envisioned. Our commitment today will pave the way for actionable strategies and tangible outcomes in the field.”
By effecting ECOWAS standby force, therefore, we continue to support not just immediate crisis response, but also long-term peace-building initiatives, creating the conditions necessary for economic development and social progress across our region.
“This is an investment in our future, a future where the next generation can continue to grow up in a world free from fear of conflict.”
In his remarks, Coordinator, Peace Support Operations, Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence, Major General Umar Abubakar, said that the session was designed to bring about experts to discuss the training policy, which will set the stage for the activation of ECOWAS’ standby force by member states.
He said: “The main aim of this training policy was to ensure a consistent and effective training of the troops that will form up the ECOWAS’ standby force.
“This training comprises both education training, individual training and collective training and military exercise.”
He noted that at the end of the two-day draft session, the meeting is expected to validate the training policy draft for peace support operations in the region.
Abubakar said: “Essentially, at the end of this meeting, we are expected to validate the draft training policy, which, like I said earlier, will set the stage for the activation and operationalisation of the ECOWAS’ standby force.”
Representative of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a German development agency, Mrs. Yvonne Akpasom, stressed the importance of a well crafted training policy for ECOWAS peacekeeping personnel.
Akpasom said: “A well-crafted training policy is essential because it ensures that ECOWAS’ personnel are adequately prepared to respond effectively to the conflict, security, and challenges that affect the region. It provides a clear framework for training, peace, programme design, delivery, and continuous personnel development, which are all crucial for operational readiness and rapid deployment of the standby policy on the ground.”
She stressed that the ECOWAS’ Peace, Security and Governance Project funded by the German agency for development, GIZ primarily focuses on five key areas, including conflict prevention and crisis management, strengthening a secure, democratic, and human rights-based environment within the context of security sectors reform and governance, electoral support and democratic transition, women, youth, peace, and security, and strengthening ECOWAS’ training infrastructure.
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News
Gombe ACReSAL distributes clean stoves to communities

Gombe ACReSAL distributes clean stoves to communities
The Gombe State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project has distributed energy-efficient cooking stoves to communities around the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe.
The beneficiary communities are those where erosion control projects had earlier been implemented.
Speaking during the distribution exercise on Wednesday in Gombe, the ACReSAL State Project Coordinator, Dr Sani Jauro, said the initiative was part of efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change.
Jauro explained that the stoves would help reduce dependence on traditional, inefficient cooking methods, which contribute to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
He added that the stoves were designed to use less fuel and emit fewer pollutants, thereby reducing carbon emissions and improving environmental conditions in the affected communities.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the commitment of Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe to tackle deforestation and promote a holistic approach to addressing climate change.
“We have supported each of the nine communities with 100 pieces each and included some poultry houses and fish ponds owners with a total of 975 stoves.
“We are doing this to support the communities around FCE and also sensitise them against tree felling and on climate change issues,” the coordinator said.
Jauro said the tree planting campaign under ACReSAL had recorded great success, with millions of trees planted across the state.
He noted that the distribution of energy-efficient stoves was part of efforts to protect the planted trees and preserve the environment.
He urged residents to support the administration of Gov. Inuwa Yahaya by planting trees during the wet season as part of collective efforts to fight climate change.
According to him, ACReSAL is currently providing free tree seedlings to communities willing to engage in tree planting.
Earlier, the Shamakin Gombe, Alhaji Ibrahim Babayo, commended ACReSAL for the intervention, saying the stoves would benefit residents of the nine target communities and help reduce carbon emissions.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Sa’adatu Nuhu, a resident of Arawa community in Gombe Local Government Area, expressed gratitude for the support.
She said the energy-efficient stove would help her save money and protect her health from the harmful smoke associated with firewood use.
“Many of us are poor and cannot buy this stove, but today here we are being given without paying anything; this will save our money, since it is energy-efficient and saves cost of cooking.
“It will also reduce our reliance on fire-woods and protect our eyes from smokes, which usually, was beginning to pose health risk for us,” she said.
Gombe ACReSAL distributes clean stoves to communities
News
Xi Condoles Nigeria on Passing of BuhariSays Buhari’s Death “A Lost of a Dear Friend to Chinese People.”

Xi Condoles Nigeria on Passing of Buhari
Says Buhari’s Death “A Lost of a Dear Friend to Chinese People.”
By: Michael Mike
Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent on a message of condolence to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Xi in a message on Wednesday on behalf of the Chinese government and people, expressed deep condolences and extended sincere sympathy to the family of Buhari, Nigerian government and people.
He noted that Buhari was an important leader of Nigeria, saying that he dedicated himself to exploring a development path suited to his country’s national conditions, made outstanding contributions to national unity and progress, and was highly respected in the international community.
He also noted that the deceased leader steadfastly upheld friendship with China, actively promoted the Nigeria-China friendship and China-Africa cooperation, adding that his passing represents a tremendous loss to the Nigerian people and the loss of a dear friend to the Chinese people.
He said China highly values the development of its relations with Nigeria and is willing to work with the Nigerian side to consistently move forward the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.
Xi Condoles Nigeria on Passing of Buhari
Says Buhari’s Death “A Lost of a Dear Friend to Chinese People.”
News
Why I can’t forget former President Buhari – Ex-EFCC Chairman, Farida Waziri

Why I can’t forget former President Buhari – Ex-EFCC Chairman, Farida Waziri
By: Michael Mike
Former Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri has paid glowing tributes to late former President Muhammadu Buhari, expressing why she can never forget the role he played in her life.
According to her, “The passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari has touched the hearts of millions across our nation. It is a solemn reminder that no matter the trials and complexities of life, a man will be remembered, indeed, by the values he steadfastly upheld.

“In President Buhari, Nigeria witnessed a man whose life was shaped by discipline, defined by incorruptibility, and anchored in an unwavering commitment to truth.
From his early days as a military ruler to his democratic tenure as President, his devotion to the fight against corruption remained undimmed. He was resolute in his pursuit of integrity in public service, even when it meant walking a lonely road. His personal conduct spoke louder than rhetoric: he lived modestly, acted justly, and held himself to a higher standard.

“I pay tribute to him not only as a public servant but as one whose principled actions touched my own life. In a system where justice is often elusive, President Buhari stood firm for what was right. It was under his leadership that the injustice done to me, by the denial of my rightful retirement rank as Assistant Inspector General of Police, was rectified. That act alone spoke volumes of his character: he recognised truth, and he acted on it.

“President Buhari may have departed this world, but his legacy of moral strength and relentless anti-corruption crusade will echo through generations. May history remember him kindly—as a soldier, a statesman, and above all, a man of integrity. May his soul find peaceful repose.”
Why I can’t forget former President Buhari – Ex-EFCC Chairman, Farida Waziri
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