Bio Mourns Passing of Buhari

By: Michael Mike

Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of
Heads of State and Government and President of Sierra Leone, President Julius Maada Bio has mourned the passing of former Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari.

A statement by Sierra Leone State House, Freetown read: “It is with profound grief that His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio mourns the passing of his dear friend and former President of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, who departed this life on Sunday, 13th July 2025.

“In his capacity as President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Julius Maada Bio extends heartfelt condolences to the
Government and People of Nigeria, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and most especially to the bereaved family of the late President Buhari.

“The late President Buhari was a formidable statesman whose dedication to the service of his nation will remain a testament to their legacy.

“As Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, President Bio recognizes with admiration the leadership demonstrated by the late President Buhari during his tenure as Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority
of Heads of State and Government. His courageous commitment to the advancement of regional peace
stability, and economic integration was a hallmark of his stewardship.

“During this time of great sorrow, Sierra Leone stands in solidarity with the people of Nigeria. We join all West Africans and the global community in mourning the loss of a true patriot.”

Bio Mourns Passing of Buhari

Five killed, three injured as bandits attack church meeting in Kajuru community in Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

At least five persons have been confirmed dead and three others injured following a deadly attack by armed bandits on members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) during a meeting at Kampani Village in Maro, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Sources from the Kaduna State Police Command told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred on Friday, July 11, at about 3:30 p.m., when a group of armed bandits stormed the church premises during a gathering of worshippers.

The sources said a Good Samaritan alerted security agencies about the attack at approximately 9:20 p.m., prompting a swift response.

A combined team of police operatives and sister security agencies was immediately deployed to the village, where it was confirmed that five worshippers had been shot and fatally wounded.

The victims were identified as: Victor Haruna, Dogara Jatau, Luka Yari, Jesse Dalami and Bawu John. They were rushed to the hospital, where doctors certified them dead.

Three others Samuel Aliyu, Philip Dominic, and Jacob Hussaini, sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a nearby medical facility.

Efforts are ongoing in collaboration with other security agencies to track and apprehend the perpetrators.

Five killed, three injured as bandits attack church meeting in Kajuru community in Kaduna

Egyptian Ambassador Calls for Scaling Up of Trade, Investment Relations with Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Mohamed Fouad has said scaling up the trade and investment relations remains the priority of both governments of Egypt and Nigeria.

Speaking at the Commemoration of the 73rd Anniversary of the National Day of the Arab Republic of Egypt at the weekend in Abuja, the envoy said historical ties that link Egypt to Nigeria date back centuries ago with Cairo’s leading Al-Azhar AlShareef University established few centuries ago “The Borno Pavillion” dedicated to students arriving from Northern Nigeria.

He noted that generations of Nigerians sought knowledge at the esteemed University of Al Azhar, and as of today, hundreds of Nigerian students are enrolled in Egyptian universities, fostering a new generation of leaders who will contribute to the Nigerian society, and will undoubtedly strengthen the ties between our two nations.

He said: “We are proud of the growing people-to-people exchange between Egypt and Nigeria, that has significantly intensified over the last few years through tourism, business, and education, constituting a solid foundation for our bilateral relations.”

The envoy said: “Scaling up our trade and investment relations is a priority for our two governments. In that regard, we are proud of the numerous Egyptian companies that have been active in Nigeria for years, in areas such as construction, energy, and communications, contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and creating employment opportunities.”

He noted that: “From security, countering-terrorism, to energy, communications, trade, and infrastructure, to agriculture, health care and education, our two countries are proceeding with determination on the path to forge a modern and forward-looking partnership anchored in our common values and shared objectives. “

The envoy added that: “Our respective compatriots in Egypt and in Nigeria play a crucial role in advancing the various facets of our partnership. They will continue to serve as the engine advancing our common objectives.”

He said: “Egypt, today, is a nation on the move. Under the “New Republic” Vision of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, we are embarking on an ambitious journey of comprehensive development and modernization across all sectors.

“We are building new cities, investing in sustainable energy, expanding our industrial base, and prioritizing education and healthcare, all with the aim of creating a prosperous and inclusive future for all Egyptians. Our economy is diversifying, our infrastructure is rapidly evolving, and our commitment to regional stability and global cooperation remains steadfast.”

He added that: Today at a time of profound uncertainty, Egypt and Nigeria are cognizant of the imperative of redefining and further developing their bilateral relations to meet emerging common challenges and priorities.

“Against this backdrop, the third round of our bilateral political consultations convened for the first time at the level of Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Cairo last January. Our two Ministers of Foreign Affairs H.E Dr. Badr Abd-Elatty, and H.E Youssef Tuggar discussed numerous regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest. The two Ministers also signed a joint statement elevating our bilateral relations to the level of comprehensive partnership.”
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