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West Africa’s Insecurity, Food Challenges, Scientific Solutions to be Evolved
West Africa’s Insecurity, Food Challenges, Scientific Solutions to be Evolved
By: Michael Mike
Scientific solutions are to be evolve to solve challenges of insecurity, food shortage and other development issues currently affecting the West Africa.
This was the resolution at the the three- day Constitutive General Assembly of the West African Network of the National Academies of Sciences (WANNAS) in Abuja, where a Nigerian scientist, Professor Oyewale Tomori was elected as the Bureau chairman.
In an interview with journalists after his election, Tomori said the group’s main objective is to begin to bring scientific solutions to challenges of insecurity, food shortage and other development issues currently affecting the region.
While explaining the rational for priorities given to the sectors, Tomori said agriculture and security will help to improve the lives of the citizens and make them even more productive.
He said: “I think the areas of concern for us in Africa and West Africa in particular, the health area, the issue of food, agriculture, and even security and safety, those are the areas that science can come in.”
“That is why I am really glad that together, instead of doing it individually as an academy in our different countries we are working together, because our problems are common, our problems are the same, and therefore when we bring all talents in the region we will look at these problems and solve them.
“We will be working together as a region, learning from each other, some countries have solved their problems, others have not, we are going to work together as a region.”
Tomori had served as the regional Virologist for the World Health Organisation Africa Region from 1994 to 2004 before he was appointed as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Redeemers University in Ogun State, South West Nigeria, a tenure that ended in 2011.
Others elected as officials of the WANNAS Bureau were Senegal’s Professor Moctar Touré, as 1st Vice Chairman; while Ghana’s Professor Benjamin Ahunu, was elected 2nd Vice Chairman.
Professor Makalé Traoré of Guinea was elected 3rd Vice Chairman, Professor Crépin Bipene of Ivory Coast emerged as Bureau Secretary-General, Burkina Faso’s Prof. Pare Afsita, was elected as Treasurer.
The General Assembly also elected Professor Holo Théodore of Benin and Prof. Gumedzoé Mawuena of Togo as co-authors.
The General Assembly also established the headquarters of WANNAS in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast.
According to the adopted report of the WANNAS General Assembly at the end of its meeting, the West African scientists made various recommendations for ECOWAS.
These included the recommendation that ECOWAS should encourage collaboration among the National Academies of Sciences in ECOWAS member countries and facilitate the Roadmap’sWest Africa’s Insecurity, Food Challenges, Scientific Solutions to be Evolved
Scientific solutions are to be evolve to solve challenges of insecurity, food shortage and other development issues currently affecting the West Africa.
This was the resolution at the the three- day Constitutive General Assembly of the West African Network of the National Academies of Sciences (WANNAS) in Abuja, where a Nigerian scientist, Professor Oyewale Tomori was elected as the Bureau chairman.
In an interview with journalists after his election, Tomori said the group’s main objective is to begin to bring scientific solutions to challenges of insecurity, food shortage and other development issues currently affecting the region.
While explaining the rational for priorities given to the sectors, Tomori said agriculture and security will help to improve the lives of the citizens and make them even more productive.
He said: “I think the areas of concern for us in Africa and West Africa in particular, the health area, the issue of food, agriculture, and even security and safety, those are the areas that science can come in.”
“That is why I am really glad that together, instead of doing it individually as an academy in our different countries we are working together, because our problems are common, our problems are the same, and therefore when we bring all talents in the region we will look at these problems and solve them.
“We will be working together as a region, learning from each other, some countries have solved their problems, others have not, we are going to work together as a region.”
Tomori had served as the regional Virologist for the World Health Organisation Africa Region from 1994 to 2004 before he was appointed as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Redeemers University in Ogun State, South West Nigeria, a tenure that ended in 2011.
Others elected as officials of the WANNAS Bureau were Senegal’s Professor Moctar Touré, as 1st Vice Chairman; while Ghana’s Professor Benjamin Ahunu, was elected 2nd Vice Chairman.
Professor Makalé Traoré of Guinea was elected 3rd Vice Chairman, Professor Crépin Bipene of Ivory Coast emerged as Bureau Secretary-General, Burkina Faso’s Prof. Pare Afsita, was elected as Treasurer.
The General Assembly also elected Professor Holo Théodore of Benin and Prof. Gumedzoé Mawuena of Togo as co-authors.
The General Assembly also established the headquarters of WANNAS in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast.
According to the adopted report of the WANNAS General Assembly at the end of its meeting, the West African scientists made various recommendations for ECOWAS.
These included the recommendation that ECOWAS should encourage collaboration among the National Academies of Sciences in ECOWAS member countries and facilitate the Roadmap’s implementation by mobilising funding for WANNAS success. implementation by mobilising funding for WANNAS success.
West Africa’s Insecurity, Food Challenges, Scientific Solutions to be Evolved
News
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
News
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.

On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.

No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
UK–Nigeria Trade Mission Deepens Education, Skills Partnership
UK–Nigeria Trade Mission Deepens Education, Skills Partnership
By: Michael Mike
A high-level United Kingdom trade mission on education and skills has concluded a week-long skills and schools trade mission to Nigeria, laying a solid foundation for expanded collaboration in education and workforce development between both countries.
The mission, which ran from April 19 to 23 in Abuja and Lagos, brought together leading UK private schools, skills providers and education institutions with Nigerian stakeholders, including policymakers, investors and school operators.
Organised by the UK Department for Business and Trade, the engagement is part of the UK’s broader International Education Strategy, which identifies Nigeria as one of five priority markets for global education partnerships. The initiative is being championed by Steve Smith, who is expected to return to Nigeria later this year to sustain momentum.
The mission builds on diplomatic and educational engagements during a recent state visit to the United Kingdom in March, further reinforcing the growing importance of education within UK–Nigeria bilateral relations.

At the heart of discussions was the expansion of in-country delivery of British education, including the establishment of internationally recognised UK schools in Nigeria, as well as the development of industry-aligned skills programmes, particularly in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
In Abuja, the delegation held high-level talks with Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, securing strong political backing for deeper institutional cooperation. Both sides explored pathways for partnerships that would strengthen Nigeria’s education system while equipping young people with skills tailored to labour market demands.
The delegation also visited several British curriculum schools and colleges in Abuja and Lagos, gaining first-hand insight into teaching standards and operational models already in place within Nigeria.
Speaking at the conclusion of the mission, British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, highlighted education as a key pillar of bilateral engagement.
“The UK and Nigeria share a deep and longstanding relationship, and opportunities in education are one of its most exciting frontiers,” he said, noting that the mission demonstrated “strong appetite on both sides to deepen collaboration.”
He added that connecting UK institutions with Nigerian partners would help build sustainable, in-country education systems, while positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for high-quality learning.
Also reflecting on the mission, Sarah Chidgey described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the UK’s education strategy in action.
According to her, progress in UK–Nigeria education collaboration has grown steadily since her first visit in 2022, with the current mission reinforcing mutual commitment to expanding access, quality, and innovation in the sector.
The delegation included representatives from prominent UK institutions such as Harrow International School, The King’s School Canterbury, Whitgift School, Bedford School, and Pearson, among others.
The mission concluded with a robust pipeline of follow-up activities, including one-on-one engagements, memorandum of understanding (MoU) discussions, and agreed next steps aimed at translating dialogue into tangible partnerships.
Analysts say the initiative signals a shift toward more structured and commercially viable education cooperation between both countries, with potential benefits spanning student mobility, local capacity building, and skills development aligned to Nigeria’s economic priorities.
With sustained engagement expected in the months ahead, stakeholders believe the mission could mark a turning point in positioning Nigeria as a major destination for international education investment in Africa.
UK–Nigeria Trade Mission Deepens Education, Skills Partnership
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