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Tuggar: Departure of Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali from ECOWAS Has Not Affected Trade, Bilateral Relations Among West African Countries

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Tuggar: Departure of Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali from ECOWAS Has Not Affected Trade, Bilateral Relations Among West African Countries

By: Michael Mike

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has said the exit of Burkina-Faso, Mali and Niger, the three Alliance of Sahel States from the West African regional bloc, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has not affected trade and bilateral relations among countries in the area.

Addressing a press conference on the forthcoming West African Economic Forum to be hosted by Nigeria, Tuggar said there has not been any notable distortion in trade and relations between the rest of the countries still in ECOWAS and the departing AES countries.

He said for instance Nigeria still has running the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission and trade is as healthy as it used to be before the neighbouring country left ECOWAS.

Tuggar, who also added that there has not be any fission in relationship between the two countries, said the same thing can be said of other countries in the region with AES countries.

On the summit scheduled for 20th and 21st June 2025 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, the Minister expressed Nigeria’s readiness to host the inaugural event aimed at showcasing West Africa to the rest of the world.

Tuggar while noting that the forum, is an initiative of President Bola Tinubu and aimed at strengthening economic ties, unlocking investment opportunities, and promoting sustainable development across West Africa, added that the summit is designed to foster regional integration and economic cooperation among member states.

He said: “We’re not just talking about ECOWAS and ECOWAS states, but indeed to all states, businesses, private sector, development finance institutions that pertain to the West African region.

“What we’re talking about is regional integration. What we’re doing with each other. How do we strengthen that so that we’re trading more.

“The event aims to unlock investment opportunities by identifying and supporting investment-ready projects. Furthermore, the summit seeks to foster sustainable development by encouraging inclusive economic growth and development.

“The event will feature a range of activities, including a deal room, business conferences, and cultural events showcasing the region’s rich heritage.

“Overall, the West Africa Economic Summit promises to be a landmark event, driving regional integration, promoting economic cooperation, and fostering sustainable development in West Africa.

“With its unique approach and focus on private sector participation, the summit has the potential to unlock new opportunities for growth and development in the region.

“The summit will provide a platform for governments and the private sector to engage and address concerns related to security and other issues affecting business in the region.”

He also added that “The summit’s objectives align with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) ambitions, focusing on promoting intra-African trade by strengthening regional trade and investment.”

Tuggar also pointed out that the initiative will be driven by the private sector.

He noted that it is the private sector that will drive the initiative while the governments provide all the necessary support for them to excel.

The minister also highlighted the importance of peace and security in the region saying, “For business to take place, to thrive, the environment must be secure, emphasising the importance of collective efforts to address security challenges.”

He explained that: “The summit is not modelled after the World Economic Forum in Davos, but rather a novel, homegrown African original idea.

“We’re focusing this administration on preferring homegrown solutions to our problem, instead of copying and pasting what exists in other regions.

Tuggar revealed that the Alliance of Sahel States, AES, are invited for the summit.

Tuggar: Departure of Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali from ECOWAS Has Not Affected Trade, Bilateral Relations Among West African Countries

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Zulum Condoles Residents of Malam Fatori over Recent Attack

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Zulum Condoles Residents of Malam Fatori over Recent Attack

… Announces Resettlement of Additional 3,000 families

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has commiserated with the people of Malam Fatori, Abadam local government area, over the recent attack by Boko Haram insurgents that claimed nine lives and left four others injured.

Addressing the people of the area, governor Zulum, whose condolence message was delivered by the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, assured that government will continue to take adequate measures to ensure their safety and the protection of the town.

“We are here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who is out of the country on an official assignment to condole with the people of Malam Fatori over the recent unfortunate attack. He assured that Borno State government and the military will do everything possible to secure the town”, Zulum assured.

“Malam Fatori is one local government area that we are committed to ensuring its stability because of its strategic importance, urging the people to be more resilient and prayerful to avert future incidents,” he added.

While commending the military for their commitment and gallantry, the commissioner announced the deployment of excavators to dig trenches around the local government headquarters to fortify the town from further attacks by Boko Haram/ISWAP groups.

“Let me warn against colluding with Boko Haram, as we will seek divine intervention from the Holy Quran, anyone found collaborating with the insurgents to bring harm or attack to the people of Malam Fatori will be cursed,”.

Hon. Mai Mele then presented cash support of N500,000 to each of the bereaved families and N250,000 to each of the four individuals undergoing treatment.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, has announced that Borno State government would soon resettle additional 3,000 households in Malam Fatori.

Briefing newsmen shortly after the sympathy visit, the commissioner said this will bring to 5,000, the total number of resettled families.

“Already, Borno State government had resettled 2,000 households, and government is planing to resettle another 3,000 households soon, making it 5,000 households,” Tar announced.

“Let me assure the people that the state government is poised to providing necessary security arrangements, providing the necessary resources and security to consolidate their stay in their homeland,”

Professor Tar called on the people to be resilient and prayerful, urging them to report any suspicious movements to relevant authorities.

Others in the delegation include the member representing the area in the State Assembly, Jamna Bong, permanent secretary Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Aminu Chamalwa, an elder of the area, Maina Mohammed Tar among others.

Zulum Condoles Residents of Malam Fatori over Recent Attack

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Gunmen kill five cows, abduct two children in Plateau

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Gunmen kill five cows, abduct two children in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected armed men have attacked a cattle tent in Wumat area of Tarangol District in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing five cows and abducting two children.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday, according to a report made by the Ardo (Fulani leader) of the district.

The victims, identified as Shafiu Nuhu and Abba Nuhu, both sons of a herder named Nuhu Ibrahim, were taken away by the assailants after they invaded the tent and killed the livestock.

The fulani leaders expressed concern over the increasing frequency of such attacks and called for swift intervention to secure the release of the abducted children.

Security operatives later visited the scene and launched a manhunt for the attackers.

Plateau state has been the center of violence resulted from harder and farmers crises. The attacks against the harder communities were underreported and silenced, this is many cases resulting to deadly reprisal.

Gunmen kill five cows, abduct two children in Plateau

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Man kills father during domestic dispute in Bauchi community

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Man kills father during domestic dispute in Bauchi community

By: Zagazola Makama

A man, identified as Limam Muhammad Baba, has allegedly killed his biological father, Malam Baba Siti, during a domestic altercation.

The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, July 3, at about 10:15 p.m., in Uzum village, Giade Local Government Area of Bauchi State, when an argument between the two escalated, leading Limam to strike his father on the head with a stick.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the victim collapsed immediately and lost consciousness.

Police sources say “The report was received at the Giade Divisional Police Headquarters at about 10:30 p.m. that the suspect used force on his biological father by striking him on the head with a stick, leading to the victim falling unconscious.

He added that a team of police operatives was immediately mobilised to the scene. The suspect was arrested, and the victim was taken to the General Hospital in Giade, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead on arrival.

The police sources said the body of the deceased was deposited at the hospital morgue while an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident has commenced.

He assured that the suspect would be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

Man kills father during domestic dispute in Bauchi community

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