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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
ISWAP kills 10 JAS fighters in Kukawa as rivalry clashes escalates
By: Zagazola Makama
No fewer than 10 fighters of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) were killed on Jan. 8 during a night attack by the rival Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) at Dabar Ledda, within the Doron Naira axis of Kukawa Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that ISWAP fighters launched a surprise assault on a JAS checkpoint, locally referred to as an Irasa, in the Dabar Ledda area, overwhelming the position after a brief but intense clash.
Sources familiar with developments in the area told Zagazola Makama that the attack ended decisively in ISWAP’s favour, with about 10 JAS fighters killed. Following the operation, ISWAP elements were said to have withdrawn swiftly to their major stronghold located between Kangarwa and Dogon Chuku, also within Kukawa LGA.
Both group has, in recent years, focused on degrading each other’s capabilities in an attempt to consolidate control over key corridors around Lake Chad as well as Sambisa Forest.
However, the latest clash is expected to trigger a violent response. Intelligence reports suggest that JAS leadership, acting on directives allegedly issued by Abu Umaima, has ordered mobilisation of fighters across the northern and central parts of the Lake Chad region of Borno (LCRBA) in preparation for retaliatory attacks.
The planned counter-offensive could lead to an upsurge in large-scale attacks in the days and weeks ahead, particularly around the Kangarwa–Dogon Chuku corridor, an area that has witnessed repeated factional battles due to its strategic value for logistics, recruitment and access routes.
While the infighting has historically weakened Boko Haram/ISWAP overall cohesion, Zagazola caution that intensified clashes often come at a heavy cost to civilians, as armed groups raid communities for supplies, conscripts and intelligence. Kukawa LGA, already battered by years of insurgency, remains highly vulnerable whenever such rivalries escalate.
ISWAP kills 10 JAS fighters in Kukawa as rivalry clashes escalates
Troops foiled bandit attack in Sokoto, recovered rustled livestock in Gudu
By: Zagazola Makama
A bandit attack on Karfen Chana village in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State was successfully thwarted on Saturday evening, with security forces recovering all rustled domestic animals.
Zagazola report that the attack occurred at about 5:00 p.m. when armed bandits, described as Lakurawa, invaded the village and opened fire sporadically, stealing an unspecified number of livestock.
The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA engaged the bandits in a gun duel, forcing the attackers to retreat towards the Niger border.
All the rustled animals were recovered and returned to their rightful owners. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported among the security personnel.
The troops have continued to maintain rigorous patrols in the area to ensure sustained security and prevent further attacks.
End
APC commits to free, fair primary election in Adamawa
The leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa in partnership with the party’s Unity Forum is committed to conducting a free, fair and credible primary election in the state ahead of 2027 general elections.
Mr Abubakar Hamma-Girei, Director General of the Forum stated this at a press conference in Yola.
He said that the forum would ensure that all Party members have an equal opportunity to participate in the process, and that the outcome reflects the will of the party faithful.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and all stakeholders for the remarkable achievement recorded in the country that makes opposition to join the party
“We understand the importance of maintaining the trust and confidence of our members, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that the Primary Election is conducted in a transparent and accountable manner.
“Let me assure you that there will be no imposition of the candidate, and that will be free from any form of manipulation or interference.
“We will uphold the principles of internal Democracy and ensure that the best candidate emerges to fly our Party’s flag in the forthcoming elections”, he said.
The DG urged all party members to participate actively in the primary election and to report any irregularities or concern to the relevance authorities.
“Together we build a stronger more united Party that will deliver for our great nation.
“We are calling on all Nigerians who are passionate about positive change and good governance we invite you to join the All Progress Congress (APC) family”, he said.
According to him,, the ongoing membership revalidation exercise is a unique opportunity for shaping the future of the great nation.
Hamma further said that the forum also resolved to support all APC candidates in the forthcoming Local Government election in the state.
“We are directed to intimate all our members across 21 LGA to give them adequate support they deserve”, he said.
APC commits to free, fair primary election in Adamawa
ISWAP kills 10 JAS fighters in Kukawa as rivalry clashes escalates
Troops neutralise eight terrorists in Kayamla, Sojiri villages in Borno
Zulum picks APC’s digital membership card
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