By Mark Longyen

Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the former President of the ECOWAS Commission, has appealed to ECOWAS leaders to lift sanctions imposed on Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following recent military coups in these countries.

Chambas, currently the African Union’s (AU) High Representative for ‘Silencing the Guns in Africa,’ made the call in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.

He stressed the importance of unity and called on the military leaders of the mentioned nations to withdraw their threats of exiting the sub-regional bloc.

Speaking ahead of the ECOWAS Summit scheduled for Abuja during the weekend, Chambas urged all stakeholders in the West African sub-region to heed the recent call from former Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), to end conflicts and unite the people in the area.

Chambas emphasised the need for ECOWAS to come together, highlighting that the region is stronger united than divided.

He lauded Gowon’s appeal for lifting sanctions and encouraged ECOWAS Heads of State to reach out to the affected countries for reconsideration.

The former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel recognised the challenges faced by the sub-region but underscored the importance of overcoming them united.

Chambas lauded Gowon’s role in the establishment of ECOWAS nearly 50 years ago and urged other elders to join his campaign to restore unity and shared purpose within the organisation.

Expressing confidence in ECOWAS under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Chambas anticipated effective conflict articulation and sustainable solutions during the upcoming summit.

He called for the lifting of what he termed “crippling sanctions” on Mali and other affected countries.

Chambas acknowledged President Tinubu’s democratic credentials and active engagement with ECOWAS President, Dr. Omar Touré, to ensure diplomatic steps are taken to maintain the unity of ECOWAS.

“Let me say that President Bola Tinubu’s democratic credentials need not be proved because all his life, he has stood on the side of democracy.

“His personal experiences are also a testimony.

“We also know President Tinubu to be a practical person and politician, who has his ideals and principles and will do what is necessary to keep ECOWAS united.

“I’m aware that he is already working actively with the ECOWAS President, Dr Omar Touré, to ensure that every diplomatic step is taken to keep ECOWAS united,” Chambas said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim.

At least two people died after a ship collided with a bridge in the southern Chinese metropolis of Guangzhou on Thursday morning.

The local authorities said on Chinese social media platform Weibo, that it caused the structure to partially collapse.

Three people were still missing while a sailor suffered minor injuries, authorities said.

According to preliminary findings, two cars plunged in the water and three more fell onto the vessel as a result of the incident in Guangzhou’s Nansha District.

Images from the scene of the accident showed a bus that appeared to have fallen into the cargo hold of the freighter.

According to Chinese media reports, only the driver was on board the bus.

The operator was unable to contact him after the accident.

The authorities said that the cause of the crash was initially unknown.

Chinese state television showed footage of the scene of the accident, in which the freighter could be seen wedged between two bridge pillars, with a significant gap in the two-lane bridge above it.

Rescue workers immediately rushed to the scene of the accident. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Cecilia Odey/Chioma Ugboma

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

A UK leadership development firm, TEXEM UK, has urged Nigerian leaders to utilise strategic benefits of remote effective leadership in a digital world.

Director of TEXEM UK, Caroline Lucas, who made the call, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, highlighted some the benefits of the scheme .

Lucas said that in the fast-paced world of the glocal operating ecosystem, adaptability was not just an advantage but a necessity.

She said as leaders find themselves at the dawn of a new era defined by remote work and distributed teams, the demand for effective leadership has never been more pressing.

“Acknowledging this seismic shift, TEXEM UK is proud to unveil its seminal programme.

“Effective Leadership in a Distributed World: Pioneering Enduring Legacies,” designed to equip leaders with the tools and insights required to thrive in this evolving landscape characterised by the impact of geopolitics, inflation and a dispersed world.

“Commencing with a series of online sessions from March 9th to 23rd, 2024, followed by three immersive face-to-face days in the UK from March 25th to 27th, this hybrid programme offers a comprehensive approach to winning in challenging times.

“What sets this initiative apart is its seamless integration of cutting-edge online learning experiences with hands-on executive development sessions led by esteemed faculty members who are luminaries in both industry and academia who leverage TEXEM’s tested and proven methodology,” Lucas explained.

She said as Nigerian and global leaders embrace the potential of engaging stakeholders in an hybrid format (online and face to face), they must equip themselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to flourish in the new paradigm.

“Through participation in this innovative programme, individuals and organisations alike can position themselves at the vanguard of change, unlocking scarce opportunities and forging enduring legacies that endure the tests of time.

“The journey towards effective leadership in a distributed world commences with a single step — a step that promises to be both transformative and enlightening,” Lucas said.

According to the director, Oxford-trained Prof. Roger Delves, Oscar-award winning Ambassador, Charles Crawford, and Prof. Paul Griffith, first professor of Management and Rt.Hon. James Duddridge, MP and former Minister of Africa to lead a team to launch a rocket to space; are among the programme faculties.

She also listed the strategic benefits of the “Effective Leadership in a Distributed World” Programme.

“Participants will master remote leadership techniques, enabling them to effectively lead diverse stakeholders regardless of geographical location, fostering increased productivity, cohesion and deepening relationships.

“Through the programme’s emphasis on trust-building in virtual spaces, leaders will develop the skills needed to cultivate trust among remote stakeholders, leading to better management of risk, value adding innovation and sustainable competitive advantage.

“By learning strategies to optimize remote productivity and support stakeholders’ interest, organizations can expect to see increased efficiency and satisfaction among their dispersed stakeholders.”

She said participants will refine their communication skills, learning how to effectively convey messages and lead strategically, ultimately driving organizational success through clear and impactful engagement.

The TEXEM Director said leaders would learn to lead by influence, inspiring their teams through their actions and demonstrating effective leadership behaviors that contribute to organizational success.

Lucas said the programme would also equip participants with the tools to optimise their capacity to make better choices and achieve strategic positioning, enabling them to maximize their impact and drive organizational goals forward.

“Organisations participating in the programme will gain the knowledge and skills needed to pioneer the distributed stakeholder environment, positioning themselves as leaders in adapting to evolving digital and hybrid challenges to win.

“By boosting trust within remote stakeholders, organisations can expect to foster a culture of transparency, collaboration, innovation and accountability, leading to improved performance and profitable growth.

“Organisations that excel in remote leadership will be better positioned to attract and retain top talent, as employees, better forge enduring relationships with other diverse stakeholders and better harness and utilise core competence for prosperity,” she asserted.

Lucas said that through improved remote leadership practices, organizations will enhance their resilience, better equipped to navigate challenges and disruptions in today’s dynamic business environment.

She added that by developing leadership agility and adapting to distributed work models, organizations can achieve enduring success, positioning themselves for sustained growth and competitiveness.

Lucas said that participants will undergo a journey of self-discovery, collaboration, and transformation, experiencing continuous growth and development both personally and professionally.

“By leveraging the strategic benefits of the “Effective Leadership in a Distributed World” programme, organisations and leaders can drive lasting impact and success in an increasingly remote and dynamic business landscape,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Razak Owolabi

By Cecilia Ologunagba

The U.S. State of Georgia has honoured the Consul-General of Nigeria in Atlanta, Amb. Amina Smaila, for her efficient and unselfish dedication to public service to the state.

The North American correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the House of Representatives of the State of Georgia presented the honour to Smaila on Thursday on the floor of the house.

The House of Representatives, in resolution 647, obtained from the Consulate General of Nigeria in Atlanta, states that Smaila had diligently and conscientiously devoted her time, talents and energy toward the betterment of the state.

The resolution signed by the Clerk of the House, William Reily, spelt out the exceptional diplomatic skills of the Nigerian Envoy.

“A distinguished Nigerian diplomat with more than two decades of exceptional service in the Nigerian Foreign Service, she currently oversees 16 southeastern states as well as Puerto Rico.

“Throughout her impressive career in public administration and policy development, she served in senior roles such as Minister at the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations in New York and acting director of policy division under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Her outstanding service has earned her numerous honours, including delivering the commencement speech at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, and receiving the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta.’’

According to the lawmakers, the Nigerian diplomat has given inspiration to many through her high ideals, morals, and deep concern for fellow citizens.

The representatives noted that Smaila had served with honour and distinction, and her vision and unyielding commitment to excellence had set the standard for public service.

“It’s abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this remarkable and distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognised,’’ they noted.

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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)