By Maureen Okon/Fortune Abang

The ECOWAS Commission is considering taking strategic steps toward resolving the issues surrounding the withdrawal by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the sub-regional bloc.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, disclosed this at a one-day Extraordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the Ministerial Level on Thursday in Abuja.

The meeting, which aimed at addressing issues that culminated in the recent decision by the three countries to withdraw from the bloc, also delved into Senegal’s pressing electoral situation, as well as the need for regional cooperation.

The commission’s President explained that the separate official notifications by the three countries to withdraw from ECOWAS on Jan. 29, had wider implications, which needed to be redressed.

He said: “To justify their action, the three countries outlined their grievances with ECOWAS, which include the perceived departure of ECOWAS from the “pan-African ideals of its founding fathers.

“Perceived influence of hostile foreign powers on ECOWAS, a feeling of abandonment by ECOWAS in their fight against terrorism; and the imposition of illegal, illegitimate, inhumane and irresponsible sanctions by ECOWAS.

“These claims have no real basis; the hasty intent on withdrawal of membership from ECOWAS did not take into account the conditions for withdrawal of membership from ECOWAS.”

According to Touray, such decisions were espoused in the 1993 ECOWAS Revised Treaty, but more importantly, the three-member states had not reflected the implications of this decision on the citizens.

“We have, therefore, prepared two Memoranda on this issue for your consideration, including an analysis of the wider implications of the withdrawal for the concerned member states and the Community at large,” he added.

He decried Senegalese President Macky Sall’s decision to repeal Decree 2023-2283 of Nov. 29, 2023, while convening the county’s electoral body for the country’s Feb. 25, 2024 presidential election, adding that it was of concern to the MSC.

This, according to him, resulted in the postponement of the country’s presidential election followed by the adoption of the National Assembly, saying such was against the resolution fixed for the Dec. 15, 2024 poll.

“These developments have engendered crisis in the country and the sub-region; these unfolding events in the region are posing threats to peace and political stability in our Community.

“Consequently, an additional Memorandum has been prepared on the situation in Senegal for consideration.

“This session of the MSC therefore invites you to critically examine the implications of the trio ECOWAS member-countries’ withdrawal,” he said.

Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), represented by Mr Bankole Adeoye, AUC’s Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, called for urgent steps to tackle ECOWAS issues.

“This meeting is critical in our view and we believe the extraordinary nature reflects the urgency to address these conflicting matters on our continent, particularly in West Africa.

“We are continually faced with terrorism, violence extremism, insurgencies, difficult disruption, and governance deficit, if these issues are not addressed promptly and holistically, we may undermine our democratic gains.

“Regrettably, we have continued to experience these complex challenges, particularly in this Sahel,” Mahamat said

He urged the three countries to constantly dialogue with ECOWAS, adding that the bloc would ensure that security, democracy, good governance, and economic development would advance its lofty ideals.

Mr Leonardo Simao, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) decried the three countries’ withdrawal, noting that it would hinder engagement between ECOWAS and the member states.

He promised to work closely with the ECOWAS community in support of the national and regional efforts to ensure sustainable peace, security, and development within the sub-region.

“Such are Member States undergoing political transition processes following the commendable decisions taken by ECOWAS Heads of States and Governments at the 64^th Ordinary Session on Dec. 6, 2023 in Abuja.

“While the declaration has been diversely appreciated across the region, it illustrates the need to rebuild trust between our multilateral institutions, people we serve and carefully implement provisions of relevant texts,” Simao said.

Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of MSC, lauded the collaboration among ECOWAS member states towards sub-regional success, saying it presented substantial opportunities for trade and investment.

“This crucial meeting is to address recent developments and challenges faced within the sub-region. As ECOWAS body, it is incumbent upon us to devise solutions to challenges presented by these decisions.

“Our meeting provides the opportunity to carefully assess challenges presented by the decision of the military rulers of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to arbitrarily withdraw from ECOWAS.

“This is amidst the potential implications for their people and indeed, for the Community as a whole, and to review unfolding situation in Senegal and develop a plan to navigate resulting complexities,” the minister added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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(Edited by Mark Longyen/Emmanuel Yashim)

By Maureen Okon

The newly deployed Pakistani High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Sohail Khan, on Thursday said his country is willing to work closely with Nigeria to strengthen the economic ties between the two countries.

Khan said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

The envoy said the economy is the key driver of the all-round growth of every nation’s advancement, adding that for any country to be reckoned with globally, its economy must be strong and stable.

He explained that his appointment as the Pakistan High Commissioner to Nigeria is aimed at positioning him to deploy his experience in further strengthening the bilateral ties between both countries.

Khan said that Nigeria and Pakistan could attain greater heights together given the similarities both countries share and the diplomatic and economic relations existing between them since they became independent – Pakistan on Aug. 14, 1947, and Nigeria Oct. 1, 1960.

“The economy is the driver of a country’s growth. And it is a very great honour to become the High Commissioner representing a country in another country that is popularly known as the giant of Africa. It is a very great privilege and I cherish it with gratitude.

“Pakistan as a country has enjoyed a very good relationship with Nigeria in terms of the signing of international agreements, diplomacy, and economic relations.

“In the past, many Nigerians have come to Pakistan to train in engineering.

“Some became doctors in Pakistani colleges. Similarly, many Pakistani citizens have come to Nigeria and they became professionals – teachers, engineers, etc – to help Nigeria develop its economy.

“Currently, there are many Pakistani citizens who are doing white-collar jobs in different corporations in Nigeria.

“You can find them in the oil and gas industry. That is the beauty of healthy diplomatic relationships,” he said.

The Pakistani high commissioner added that his country can play a crucial role in the further development of Nigeria’s human resources and defense industry. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Emmanuel Yashim

By Hadiza Mohammed

Nigeria has expressed concern over the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

This is contained in a statement issued by Mrs Francisca Omayuli, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Monday in Abuja.

According to the statement, Nigeria stands with ECOWAS to emphasise due process and shared commitment to protect and strengthen the rights and welfare of all citizens of Member States.

It said for half a century, ECOWAS has worked to promote peace, prosperity and democracy in the region.

Nigeria has worked sincerely and in good faith to reach out to all members of the ECOWAS family to resolve the difficulties being faced, the statement read.

“It is now clear that those seeking to quit the Community do not share that same good faith.

“Instead, unelected leaders engage in a public posturing to deny their people the sovereign right to make fundamental choices over their freedom of movement, freedom to trade and freedom to choose their own leaders.”

According to the statement, Nigeria remains open for engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger so that all the people of the region can continue to enjoy the economic benefits and democratic values that ECOWAS embraces.

Nigeria further appeals to the International Community to continue to extend its support for ECOWAS and the vision of closer partnership, co-operation and integration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic on Jan. 28 announced that they had quit their membership of ECOWAS.

The three countries, which are currently under military rule, said they ceased to be members of ECOWAS as the regional body had allegedly “moved away from the ideals of its founding fathers and pan-Africanism”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Fortune Abang
Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State has applauded the strategic partnership between India and Nigeria, saying it has the capacity to advance infrastructure development in the state.

Sani made this known while interacting with the newsmen at the 75th anniversary of India’s independence organised by the Indian mission in Abuja.

“India has been one of the strategic partners of Nigeria for decades, and particularly under the current leadership of President Bola Tinubu”

“We have also repositioned Nigeria to be a leading nation in Africa and we have had series of engagements with India, particularly during the last G20 summit held in India.

“Many business agreements have been between the Indian government and Nigeria and in Kaduna State I can clearly admit that we are doing a lot with India.

“The EXIM Bank group is supporting us in the area of renewable energy and healthcare, as well as other important areas that have to do with solar power in our primary healthcare centres,” he said.

“Indian companies are working with the Kaduna State Government. That is why I am here today – to join in the celebration of 75 decades of India’s self determination,” he said.

The event was attended by  Mrs Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy; the Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Ibrahim  and a former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen.

Sen. Ita Enang was also at the event, among other dignitaries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

By Cecilia Ologunagba

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on African leaders to root out terrorism and violent extremism on the continent.

Guterres made the call at a 2-day top-level meeting of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact at UN headquarters in New York.

The meeting, which started on Wednesday will address rising violence and the spread of terrorist networks.

According to Guterres, in just a matter of years, Africa has become the “global epicentre of terrorism”, with groups such as Da’esh, Al-Qaida and their affiliates exploiting local conflicts and fragilities to serve their own ends.

He empahsied that violent extremism should be rooted out, noting that terror groups are “shredding the social fabric of entire countries with the blades of violence, mistrust and fear”.

“Community by community, terrorist groups are extending their reach,” he said, adding that networks are widening, adding fighters and resources, and making common cause with transnational organised crime.

“In every case, civilians are paying the highest price and, in the end, all of humanity pays.”

Addressing an audience of counter-terrorism experts, government officials and civil society and private sector representatives, Guterres said the crisis must be tackled head on before it spins out of control.

He highlighted initiatives such as the multinational task force in the Lake Chad Basin countering Boko Haram as well as the African Union (AU) Transition Mission in Somalia in addition to Security Council Resolution 2719 on financing AU-led peace support operations.

“But, we need urgent action on a much larger scale than we’ve seen to date,” the UN chief said.

The root causes of terrorism – fragility and instability – must be addressed, he continued, pointing to the New Agenda for Peace he launched last July.

He said efforts to counter terrorism must be anchored in human rights and strategies focus on the marginalized and vulnerable.

Participants at the meeting will also consider how counter-terrorism efforts can be aligned with the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and the AU’s Agenda 2063.

Launched in 2018, the Counter-Terrorism Compact is a network of 46 UN and non-UN entities.

It also includes INTERPOL, the World Customs Organisation and the Financial Action Task Force, which combats money laundering and terrorism financing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Gold and silver regalia of “cultural, historical and spiritual significance” will be loaned by the UK back to Ghana more than 100 years after they were looted from the country.

Regalia associated with the Asante royal court will be displayed at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi later this year as part of a long-term loan commitment by the Victoria & Albert (V&A) and the British Museum.

Many of these items will be seen in Ghana for the first time in 150 years.

The V&A Museum will lend 17 items while the British Museum will send 15 pieces under the three-year loan deals with an option to extend for the same amount of time.

The collection from the V&A includes all 13 pieces of Asante royal regalia, which was looted by the British army during the raid on and destruction of the royal palace in the 19th century.

Among the items are a gold peace pipe, three cast gold soul-washers’ badges and sections of sheet-gold ornament.

The items were acquired by the museum at an auction in April 1874.

A joint statement from the V&A and British Museum said: “These objects were of cultural, historical and spiritual significance to the Asante people.

They are also indelibly linked to British colonial history in West Africa, with many of them looted from Kumasi during the Anglo-Asante wars of the 19th century.

“Some of these formed part of a British indemnity payment forcibly extracted from the Asantehene at the time while many others were sold at auction and later dispersed among museums and private collectors worldwide, including the British Museum and the V&A.”

Among the 15 objects from the British Museum are small gold ornaments in the form of a lute-harp (sankuo).

This ornament was one of the cast gold objects presented in 1817 to British diplomat Thomas Bowdich during his trip to Kumasi to negotiate a trade treaty.

The loan agreements is  not with the Ghanaian government but with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the current Asante king known as the Asantehene who attended the coronation of the king last year.

The loans will form part of an exhibition planned to celebrate his silver jubilee, as well as commemorating the 150th anniversary of the 1873 to 1874 Anglo-Asante war and the 100th anniversary of the return of the Asantehene Prempeh I from exile in the Seychelles.(dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji

By Fortune Abang

The UN International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has promised to partner with the Federal Government to advance its housing construction policy for no fewer than 3.3 million displaced persons.

Chief of IOM Mission in Nigeria, Mr Laurent De Boeck, disclosed this in Abuja at a news conference with focus on the “Housing Design Competition Awards Ceremony” slated for Jan. 25.

The competition titled “Nigeria: Home After Crisis” is organised by IOM through funding from the Nigerian Humanitarian Fund (NHF).

The exercise  aims to engage domestic and international design-communities in developing low-cost, incremental, and modular housing solutions for displaced people and vulnerable families in rural areas of the North-East.

De Boeck said the initiative was borne-out of IOM’s measures to ensure strategic vision involving designers, architects, and engineers capable of fostering innovation and providing options for the future.

According to him, IOM Nigeria will work to overcome the shelter emergency with a durable housing strategy to move beyond merely providing housing units and embrace concepts of providing a home.

“Home After Crisis design competition presents the changes we are trying to bring in the way we operate to those in need of protection through shelter, but what we want to change is the concept.

“The country has faced a humanitarian situation in the past decade, particularly the North-East but what we actually want to do in the North-East can be replicated all over the country.

“We have worked with the government in the North-East in responding to the crisis of those non-state armed groups, in the huge displacement of more than 3.3 million people, as well as with the state government.

“Particularly in Adamawa and Yobe in finding solutions for those people facing emergency situations, what we see in progress is the fact that we have to change our approach.

“We have operated a response through camps-like settings; we have worked with the community for them to be welcomed for a period of transition, until they can find a durable solution.

“We believe after years of work jointly with the government at the Federal-State levels, we can come to a juncture; we can change our approach of moving to provision of shelter to building back to the people a home.”

He said that no fewer than 23 million people in Nigeria were in need of a home, adding if the stakeholders succeeded in implementing the pilot programme in the North-East, meaningful growth would be achieved in the country.

De Boeck explained the 2023 ‘Home After Crisis’ design competition which was funded by the NHF brought together 1,600 designers, architects and engineers mostly Nigerians from across 100-countries.

“We have called for an international contest that we have done with the NHF, which is a response to find solutions to the humanitarian situation, the Home After Crisis is a design competition.

“It was launched internationally and more than 1,600 architects, designers and engineers responded to this call with 250 design proposals, while working in groups, a quarter of them were Nigerians.

“This also shows to us the importance that Nigerians abroad still have for their country, wherever they are they want to contribute in identifying a solution for the people who have faced issues in Nigeria.

“It targets challenges at the specific location of the North-East and looks at the rapidly growing population, so it needs to have housing which is adaptable, increasing in family size.

“It must also be affordable for the people and must use materials which are in there, while respecting their environment and ensuring that any of those construction will respect the new laws of states like Adamawa and Yobe.

“Such as centered on environmental protection or the ban on cutting of trees, it must be climate proof because some of the regions are prone to harsh climate weather,” the IOM boss said.

The competition will feature special kits and training for the people to move out of the dependency of humanitarian assistance to promote their self-reliance through collaboration with University of Maiduguri.

According to him, it will encourage the building of affordable climate-proof housing with local materials where safety and property can be guaranteed.

He added that the programme would promote respect for culture and social fabric that provided safe spaces in the society;  encourage community residents to live peacefully together in integrated homes and within ancestral society. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed and Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Sarafina Christopher

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah said Nigeria could emulate China’s successful approach to development while still retaining its cultural heritage.

Na’Allah stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at a Seminar on the “Global Civilisation Initiative” organised by the Chinese Embassy in collaboration with the University of Abuja.

According to the vice-chancellor, with the second largest population in the world with more than a billion people, China has been able to become a civilised entity without compromising its culture and traditions.

“Nigeria with only about 250 million people is still struggling to develop its economy whereas China with the second largest population has been able to grow because their democracy is not Western it is defined according to their culture and people’s needs.

“We don’t have to resemble the West because we are not them; we have our differences, our traditions, and our culture are different.

“We need to develop based on our traditions, kingdoms, and way of life to sustain our cultural heritage because only Nigerians are in the best position to tell what kind of modernisation best suits our nation.

“Nigeria needs to go back to its tradition and start teaching the younger generation about their language and culture to have a sustainable cultural heritage.

“We have rendered our emirs, chiefs, and kings useless in the name of modernisation, so we must look at what China has done and how they’ve embraced their culture alongside civilisation.

“We can see that most Chinese don’t speak English, they speak their language yet their productivity ranks number one in the world.

“For civilisation to influence our development in Nigeria, we must realise that modernisation is not Westernisation,” he said.

Speaking, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Cui Jianchun, said to achieve civilisation that influences development there must be respect for diversity in ethnicity.

“Civilisation is the foundation of modernisation and through this initiative, we advocate for respect for diversity.

“We want our respective countries to embrace and innovate their culture alongside civilisation.

“In March 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping introduced the Global Civilisation Initiative at the CPC (Communist Party of China) in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting.

“China believes that the Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI) will inject strong impetus into advancing humanity’s modernisation process and building a community with a shared future for mankind.

“We advocate the respect for the diversity of civilisations, the common values of humanity, the importance of inheritance and innovation of civilisations, and robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation,” he said.

Cui also said that if Nigeria aims to achieve civilisation as Chinese President Xi Jinping said, it needs not only to follow the general laws governing the process but more importantly consider its national conditions and unique features.

The ambassador also added that in October 2024, China will hold the China-Africa forum in China and Nigeria will be a participant and the leader. (NAN) (www.nannews.com.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)