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Tag: ECOWAS

  • The education question: Primary schools – 1

    The education question: Primary schools – 1

    This article is a contribution made to celebrate ECOWAS @ 50: REGIONAL INTEGRATION: Gateway to Peace & Security, Trade & Investment, & Achievements, Challenges, Solutions & Opportunity. It is directed at corporate ECOWAS.

    Are all schools great? Think about caring for them all especially Internally Displaced Persons camp schools before they think about not caring for you and yours.   Where we were:

    Once upon a time a three-year old precocious child appeared, underage, in a village classroom and was told by the head teacher…    ‘Of course you need not come to school every day. Come when you feel like it …

    The young boy ‘I looked at him in astonishment. Not feel like coming to school! The coloured maps, pictures and other hangings on the walls, the coloured counters, markers, slates, inkwells in neat round holes, crayons and drawing books, a shelf laden with modelled objects –animals, human beings, implements-raffia and basket-work in various stages of completion, even the blackboards, chalk and duster…..I had yet to see a more inviting playroom……. I shall come every day,’ I confidently declared. 

    This was Africa’s First Nobel Prize for Literature 1986 winner Professor Wole Soyinka when he was three years old in 1937/8 as recorded in his autobiography Ake, The Years Of Childhood. That village classroom environment ignited his education rocket skyward on the pathway to the Nobel Prize success.  Can anyone today name an ECOWAS village kindergarten or primary school up to the Soyinka standard of 1937 in education tools?   – Do we as parents, politicians and private sector companies give ECOWAS children an education fair deal by taking responsibility for and financial commitment to the children to meet educational Social Development Goals (SDGs)?

    In my career in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBGYN),I have accompanied thousands of women and children  on DELIVERY DAY…the most dangerous day in the life -and sadly sometimes death- of Mother & Child. And the result, a human being can end up in a poor quality school! Mother, is this the reward for your labour ward war? At delivery, I asked each baby ‘what will you grow up to be –the good 90% or the school bully, the bad and the murderous 10%?    Will you be the one to rob, or kill me in 20 years’ time?

    Every robber and murderer was a sweet screaming peeing baby once. The decision may be personal but the environment- home, neighbourhood, companions, educational, social – and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support matters in the outcome. Do not underestimate or underutilise today personal and collective political, networking and CSR power to keep children unknown to you in good education and away from the DROP OUT or DRUG scenario that will enable them to commit a crime affecting you or your children tomorrow. 

    Thirty years ago, seeing the difference between my earlier education in St Gregory’s and what I then found, I initiated and received support towards the setting up of Educare Trust, Nigeria and ET Exhibition Centre, a youth venue. We pioneered computer literacy training over 7,000, impacted hundreds of schools and several university and polytechnics. We pioneered seatbelt, anti-smoking, breast exam, anti-bullying campaigns among others.  All ECOWAS youth deserve access to such a centre and suggest there should be ONE YOUTH CENTRE FOR EACH SMALLEST POLITICAL UNIT of the country. The centre should be apolitical in name and activities, community manned and funds and support from individuals and businesses in the area and philanthropic citizens and pensioners and other role models.    

     As ECOWAS, are we underinvesting and by implication, undervaluing education as an investment opportunity? If yes, are we nurturing undisciplined and criminally motivated armies of conventionally undereducated and unemployable youth? These youth are mostly out of school but some are technically out of school because they are in poor education delivery schools which under-nourish their brains. They will then seek alternative negative nourishment from the underworld arts and sciences of the SAD syndrome: SEX, AIDS, ALCOHOL, ADDICTION, DRUGS etc. and very employable in the alternative economy of crime and corruption and especially violence aimed at the educated. All these are bad for ECOWAS Commerce & Industry. Tomorrow’s ECOWAS WORKFORCE IS IN TODAY’S SCHOOLS. Help make them better.

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    In ECOWAS, we may lose a large chunk our future workforce to the underworld and the dark side of Artificial Intelligence, AI, and Information Technology, IT, if we do not improve the quality of education to all ECOWAS children. We require to domesticate relevant SDGs and score each school, target needs and deliver its needs.

    Every school should be able to publish and distribute a ‘school needs list’

    How many ECOWAS kindergartens and primary schools are Teacher and Child Friendly Learning Environments? We have much work to do to catch up with the past in one village in Nigeria in 1936/7. We must reject minimum school and educational standards and raise the 2025 ECOWAS education stakes to optimum standards.

    WE MUST UPSCALE a very neglected  KINDERGARTEN AND PRIMARY SCHOOL EDUCATION CURRICULUM and CONTENT to ‘SOYINKA 1937 STANDARDS’ and beyond of course, as many children drop out ‘undereducated’ at that point. This will also get a better quality and quantity of ECOWAS children into secondary school- the springboard to a tertiary education and a career.

    ECOWAS needs to widen the list of CONTRIBUTORS TO EDUCATION to fill the gap left by CHRONIC UNDERBUDGETING, the 2025 TARIFF WAR AND European Union, EU REARMAMENT/ANTI-WW3 effort. Setting up Old Student Associations for primary schools, are a key untapped resource, encouraged by competitive performance awards by governments. (To be cont’d)

  • ECOWAS condemns recent terrorist attacks in Benin Republic

    ECOWAS condemns recent terrorist attacks in Benin Republic

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned in strong terms the recent terrorist attack in Benin Republic.

    ECOWAS stressed that the tragic incident highlights the urgent need for essential and enhanced cooperation between all member states, particularly those that share common borders and are directly confronted with this scourge.

    The attack, which was carried out on 17 April, was said to have resulted in the loss of many lives.

    The terrorists, in their numbers, according to a video which has gone viral, attacked a military barracks and carted away ammunition.

    The terrorists could be seen in the video shooting sporadically while some were carrying boxes of ammunition.

    ECOWAS President, Omar Alieu Touray in a statement assured the people and government of Benin Republic of the regional body’s support and solidarity.

    Touray ECOWAS said committed to working alongside the States of the region in implementing its regional counter-terrorism strategy, including the operationalisation of its Standby Force.

    He also called on all partners to support the regional and national efforts to eradicate the scourge.

    The statement reads: “It is with profound dismay and shock that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has learnt of the heinous terrorist attack perpetrated on 17 April 2025 in the Republic of Benin, which resulted in the loss of human lives and several injuries.

    “ECOWAS condemns in the strongest terms this barbaric and cowardly act, which once again seeks to sow terror and destabilise our Member States.

    “The President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Mr Omar Alieu TOURAY, on behalf of all the institutions of the Community and all West African citizens, extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Government and people of Benin. It wishes a full and speedy recovery to the injured.

    Read Also: ‘ECOWAS’ institutions  to leave Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger’

    “ECOWAS reiterates its unwavering support and full solidarity to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Benin, the Government, and the brotherly people of Benin in this difficult ordeal. ECOWAS stands firmly by the Beninese authorities in their determined efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the security of their citizens and territory.

    “In view of the persistence and complexity of the terrorist threat in our region, this tragic incident highlights the urgent need for essential and enhanced cooperation between all Member States, particularly those that share common borders and are directly confronted with this scourge. Pooling efforts in the area of security is more essential than ever if we are to mount a collective and effective response to the terrorist groups that threaten the peace, stability, security, and development of our region.

    “ECOWAS remains resolutely committed to working alongside the States of the region in implementing its regional counter-terrorism strategy, including the operationalisation of its Standby Force, and calls on all partners to support regional and national efforts to eradicate this scourge.”

  • ‘ECOWAS’ institutions  to leave Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger’

    ‘ECOWAS’ institutions  to leave Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger’

    Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has concluded arrangements to relocate its institutions from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger following their withdrawal from the body.

    ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Accra deliberated on  plans for the withdrawal and future engagement with the three, which have formed Alliance of Sahel States.

    In his address, Council Chair, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said the council will examine relocation of the institutions and agencies in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, toward mitigating disruptions caused by their exit.

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    Tuggar, in a statement by his media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, urged ECOWAS ministers to view the crisis as an opportunity for institutional renewal and a recommitment to regional integration.

    He emphasised that ECOWAS remains the most integrated regional bloc in Africa, underpinned by harmonised policies and a shared vision for political, economic and security cooperation.

    The statement reads: “As we look ahead, our responsibility is to maintain the ECOWAS legacy and pass it on stronger to the next generation. Our unity has been tested before—and we emerged stronger. We will do so again,” he declared. The Chair concluded by calling on his colleagues to engage in constructive deliberations and to ensure the effective implementation of the withdrawal, reaffirming that ECOWAS remains the premier platform for addressing West Africa’s collective challenges.

    “Membership, as the saying goes, has its privileges.”

    He also congratulated Ghana and the ECOWAS Commission on the successful launch of the “ECOWAS at 50” celebrations”, describing the commemorative activities as a timely reflection of the bloc’s achievements and aspirations.

    “This gathering demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the advancement of our regional community and the fulfillment of ECOWAS’s core purpose,” the chair stated.

  • ECOWAS ministers to meet in Accra over Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger withdrawal

    ECOWAS ministers to meet in Accra over Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger withdrawal

    The Council of Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to hold an Extraordinary Session from April 22 to 23, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, to deliberate on the formal withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc.

    According to a statement by Mr. Joel Ahofodji, Director of Communications at the ECOWAS Commission, the session will focus on the modalities of the withdrawal process and its implications for ECOWAS institutions and agencies operating in the departing member states.

    Ahofodji added that the meeting will also address other pressing regional matters, while a source within ECOWAS disclosed that the ministers are expected to endorse a contingency plan of engagement to conclude the exit process of the three nations.

    This endorsement will pave the way for negotiations on future relations between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), the new regional bloc formed by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. 

    Both sides have reportedly assembled negotiation teams to begin discussions on full disengagement and explore possibilities for future collaboration, especially around trade and the free movement of people.

    The move comes after the expiration of a one-year withdrawal notice issued by the three countries in January 2024, which took effect in January 2025. 

    Despite a six-month grace period granted by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government for possible reconsideration, recent developments indicate the trio are firm on their decision to leave.

    In a related development, no fewer than 130 citizens of the three countries working with ECOWAS institutions have received disengagement letters. 

    The termination, scheduled for September, is in line with Article 53 of the ECOWAS Staff Regulations, which stipulates that nationals of a country that withdraws from the community can no longer be employed by its institutions. 

    ECOWAS had previously allowed them to continue working as a gesture of goodwill.

    A reliable source in the Commission told The Nation that about 130 thereabout have been disengaged and they have till 30th September to exit the institution. 

    Also, one of the affected staff who also confirmed the report said they have been issued their letter of disengagement.

    The staff who do not want to be mentioned in the print said they have been issued their letter with a September terminal date for all of them.”

    The source said all of them from the three affected countries are expected to leave their job by September. 

    Announcing the official withdrawal of the AES countries, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray said: “The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS has become effective today, 29th January 2025.” 

    He said the next step would be the exit negotiations which would involve ECOWAS and the three countries.

    For the meantime, ECOWAS said that passports and identity cards bearing its logo will remain valid for travel within the region for citizens from the three countries. 

    He also said trade and economic activities will also proceed under the existing ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, allowing goods and services from the three countries to move freely.

    He explained: “These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future arrangements to the three countries by the ECOWAS authority of head of state and government.”

    Touray said the pull out of the three countries represents a blight on ECOWAS integration process. 

    Touray feared that the exit of the three countries had overshadowed the gains of the regional bloc, especially when it’s marking its 50 years of its existence.

    He said the Commission is prepared to commence the modalities for their exit from the bloc and future engagement.

    He pointed out that engagement with the three countries will commence as soon as they show commitment, saying that the three countries have already indicated interest to discuss with the Commission.

    He said the expected discussions with the three countries would bother on institutional, legal, trade.

    In the area of security, Touray said: “It is in our collective interest to work together in all areas, including in the area of security. ECOWAS sees the security of each and every one of us to be closely tied. For that reason, security collaboration will continue at all levels, not only in the ECOWAS States but across the region.” 

    Read Also: ECOWAS to officially launch golden jubilee celebrations on April 22 in Accra

    He stressed: “ECOWAS has shown the whole world, and the community in particular, the value of being a member of ECOWAS. This is the region, the only region on the continent, where with a single ID card you can move from one end to another end. I’m not saying there are no problems, but legally you can move from one end to another end.

    “You can pick up your passport, hop on a plane and go anywhere else without having to go through all these visa problems. This is also the region where member states can trade freely among themselves for produce that are qualified under ECOWAS’s trade liberalisation scheme. So this is what we must build on for the benefit of our community, and I believe nobody should have a problem with this.”

    But the AES countries have taken some actions that seem to be incompatible with the ECOWAS approach.

    Only recently, AES announced a 0.05 tariff on all goods coming into their region.

    The three countries have also dumped the ECOWAS passport for the AES passport for its citizens. 

  • Centre, NGO call for ECOWAS reform

    Centre, NGO call for ECOWAS reform

    The Centre for Democracy and Development, the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) and other stakeholders have called for the reform of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    The call was made in Abuja yesterday.

    It was during  ECOWAS at 50 meeting organised by CDD and WADEMOS with the theme: “Reform or Disintegrate: Which pathway for the Regional Bloc?”

    Speaking on how ECOWAS has fared in the last 50 years and whether it should disintegrate or reform, a Senior Fellow at the CDD, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, said there was a need to deepen the democracy of the region through various reforms.

    He said: “ECOWAS has been good for West Africa and West Africa has been good for ECOWAS. It has set up a normative system that has helped deepen and mature democracy in our countries as well as in the region.

    “It has been a very positive force for West Africa and we do not want ECOWAS to disintegrate. We recognise we are facing a major crisis, especially following the emergence of coup d’etat in the region, specifically in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea.

    “This is a huge challenge which eventually led to the emergence of a different organisation for the Sahelian countries. We, however, feel that we must remain on the path of democratic consolidation for West Africa”.

    Prof. Ibrahim continued: “We need to continue to talk to the Sahelians that have left because they are opting out of democracy and make them see the value of democracy and engage in discussions on how they can come back.

    “West Africa was set up for regional integration. The three Sahelian countries that are trying to opt out have no access to the sea; they are very dependent on their neighbours, and therefore, more than anybody else, they need regional integration. So, we hope the logic of regional integration would be seen by these countries and they will consider returning to the fold”.

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    Speaking on the need to deepen democracy, he said: “Democracy in West Africa deepens when democracy in the individual countries in West Africa deepens. We’ve had some challenges in some of our West African countries where the democratic regime has encountered significant challenges but we feel it is important for all of us as citizens of our own countries to try to engage political actors to remain on the path of democracy and that by deepening democracy at the country level, we can deepen democracy at the regional level”.

    The Director of CDD West Africa, Dr. Dauda Garuba also said there was no need for the regional body to disintegrate.

    He said: “We still believe that ECOWAS is serving the needs of West Africa, and we appreciate the fact that it needs to do more. Despite the little challenges that we faced in the last couple of years, we need to redefine the treaties and protocols.

     “We also need to create a situation where democracy will continue to flourish in this region for prosperity, which will lead to regional full integration and also achieve what we call the developmental regionalism that is a dream of our time”.

    The Project Coordinator of WADEMOS, Paul Osei-Kuffour,  noted that some of the challenges faced by the regional bloc make the call for reform imperative.

    He said: “All these challenges reinforce the call for the reform of ECOWAS. Indeed, the need for ECOWAS is even more demanding to ensure a coordinated and harmonised response, cooperation and solidarity in countering cross-border security threats fuelling instability and roll back deteriorating democratic norms and governance in the region”.

    He commended ECOWAS for being reconciliatory and exhibiting statesmanship with its position and response to the Alliance of Sahel State (AES) countries following the Jan 29th deadline, which contributed to mitigating public anxiety and apprehension at the time.

    He called on AES to prioritise its engagement with ECOWAS within the transition period, particularly on matters of security and trade in the wider interest of cooperation and the stability of West Africa.

  • ECOWAS to officially launch golden jubilee celebrations on April 22 in Accra

    ECOWAS to officially launch golden jubilee celebrations on April 22 in Accra

    The Economic Community of West African States will officially launch its golden jubilee celebrations on April 22, in Accra, Ghana.

    Ghana will be hosting the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on that date to officially launch the activities planned as part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the sub-regional institution.

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     Founded on 28 May 1975 in Lagos, Nigeria, ECOWAS has recorded numerous achievements and programmes to its credit, facilitating regional integration and the development of the populations of its Member States.

    The Accra celebrations, according to a statement by the Head of ECOWAS Communication Department, Joel Ahofodji, will be featuring a series of colourful events, including the presentation of the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee logo and theme, as well as artistic and cultural performances recounting the history of ECOWAS from its creation in Lagos by the Founding Fathers, through its various reforms, to its successes and major achievements in the member states.

  • ECOWAS sends technical team to Guinea to support return to constitutional rule

    ECOWAS sends technical team to Guinea to support return to constitutional rule

    The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Omar Alieu Touray, has deployed a technical mission to Guinea Conakry to support the country’s transition back to constitutional governance.

    The mission underscores ECOWAS’ continued commitment to assisting Guinea in its transitional process.

    Led by Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, the delegation is already on ground in Conakry.

    Read Also: ECOWAS @50: Media remains partner, pillar towards promoting democracy, peace, security – Touray 

    According to a statement by the Commission’s Head of Communication, Joel Ahofodji, the team held talks with various Guinean authorities on Thursday, April 10, and Friday, April 11, 2025.

    Discussions focused on monitoring the implementation of a ten-point agreement signed by both parties, outlining a roadmap for Guinea’s return to constitutional order.

  • ECOWAS @50: Media remains partner, pillar towards promoting democracy, peace, security – Touray 

    ECOWAS @50: Media remains partner, pillar towards promoting democracy, peace, security – Touray 

    …unveils seven member jury for media award 

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has acknowledged the vital role the media has played in shaping the regional body over the past 50 years. 

    As part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations, ECOWAS has unveiled a seven-member jury for its inaugural ECOWAS Journalistic Excellence Award.

    Founded in May 1975, ECOWAS was established as an economic bloc to foster trade, free movement, and the overall improvement of citizens’ lives across member states. 

    With its 50th anniversary approaching this May, the regional bloc aims to celebrate the media’s contribution to its progress.

    At the unveiling of the award jury, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, represented by his Special Advisor on Economic & Financial Integration and Partnerships, Mr. Mambury Njie, emphasised that the media has been a crucial partner in advancing ECOWAS’s goals of promoting democracy, good governance, peace, security, regional integration, and the welfare of its citizens.

    Touray highlighted that journalists in West Africa are not just reporters, but educators, mentors, and leaders shaping the future of the region.

    He said: “Over the last 50 years, the media has remained a strong partner and pillar in our journey towards promoting democracy and good governance, peace and security, regional integration, and overall development and welfare of our community citizens.

    “As we mark 50 years of ECOWAS, it is imperative for us to recognise and celebrate the journalists who have shaped our collective memory and those who have supported our challenges, championed our successes, and given voices to our aspirations.”

    Read Also: ECOWAS:  Still a long way to integration

    He therefore added, “The ECOWAS Media Excellence Award launched as part of our Golden Jubilee Celebration is more than a commission of journalistic achievement. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to fostering a free, dynamic, and responsible media landscape, one that promotes regional integration, democratic governance, peace, and development. Journalists in West Africa are not merely chroniclers of events, they are educators, mentors, and nation leaders.”

    He further explained that in this digital age, where apps often copy misinformation, “it is imperative that we recognise and celebrate those who report with integrity, accuracy, and courage.”

    Touray also charged members of the jury to uphold the highest standards of evaluation, guided by the principles of objectivity and impartiality.

    He added that merit should be upheld while applying a rigorous assessment approach to each entry with fairness and consistency.

    “These hours are not just accolades, they are part of a legacy we are building for the next 50 years in our community. And that legacy begins with your dedication to identifying and honouring the best of West African journalism,” he added.  

    The award, according to the Director of Communication, ECOWAS Commission, Joel Ahofodji is instituted as part of the regional body’s 50 anniversary programme. 

    The categories are print, television, radio, online and photography. 

    Ahofodji said it aimed at celebrating the media who have been reporting the affairs of the commission. 

    The Prof. Abdoulie Gassama led jury is expected to review entries by the journalists and pick the eventual winners.

    Other members of the jury are Dr. Adrienne DIOP-Senegal; Paul DOUAKOUTCHE -Benin Republic; Ms Filomena SILVA- Cape Verde; Bamba MAFOUMGBE-Cote d’Ivoire; Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed AWAL- Ghana; Mrs. Yemi Kolapo -Nigeria.

    He therefore outlined the principles that should be followed in the selection process to include, the impact of the write ups, originality and quality should be taken into consideration. 

    He added, “Our ambition is to make this event an annual activity that ECOWAS launches to build loyalty among the African media, but also and above all to encourage journalists to take an interest in its major achievements and its development programmes, which have a positive impact on the lives of the people of our member states.”

    The Chairman of the jury, Prof. Abdoulie Gassama from the Gambia assured the commission that the team will do its utmost best to carry out its assignment.

    He said: “We are tasked with recognising and celebrating those who have demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity and commitment to their craft.

    “We, as a seven-member jury, represent a diverse range of expertise and perspectives within the media landscape. This diversity is our strength, ensuring a comprehensive and fair assessment of the entries before us.” 

  • ECOWAS:  Still a long way to integration

    ECOWAS:  Still a long way to integration

    • By Bishir Dauda Sabuwar

    Sir: Ever since my road trip advocacy to ECOWAS member-states began on Tuesday, April 1 from Lagos, the reality on the ground has been somewhat revealing. Let me start with the major challenges I have encountered so far, starting with the borders. I understand that ECOWAS’ prime objective is to achieve regional integration. It is the reason for the trans-high way starting from Lagos connecting many countries in West Africa.

    However, along this trans-high way are borders. The borders are the first signs that remind travellers and community citizens that we are not one.  These barriers are obstacles to regional integration. They depict and promote ultra-nationalism, the cancer that is currently debilitating America.

    Borders promote division, hate against immigrants, and exploitation of travellers. They are being abused by those manning them. In each of these borders I passed, I had to give money to the officials to sign my passport.

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    Next is the issue of multiple currencies. In Nigeria we use the Naira. When I reached Seme border, I saw money changers making brisk business from currency trade. If you enter Cotonou with Naira, you can’t spend it. So, you need CFA. In Togo, I used CFA, but when I reached Aflao, the border between Togo and Ghana, I had to change my money to Cedi. In Aflao, the value of the Naira to CFA is less than what obtains at Seme.

    So, to travel in West Africa you need to carry a lot of cash because even the ATM accepts only international cards like MasterCard, Visa, etc. and even there are no guarantees. So, you have to go around with cash as if we were in the 19th century.

    This multiple currencies also remind the community citizens that we are still different nationals.

    The solution to this is the eco currency. Also, there is need to accelerate the financial integration.

    Third is communication: From the time I have left Lagos to the time of writing this, I have bought three different sim cards. In Cotonou, I had to purchase a sim card or else I cannot access internet or I will call at a very outrageous rate. For instance in Togo, I sent a text message to someone in Nigeria and they charged me N500.

    After leaving Cotonou, I had to buy a new sim card at the Togo-Cotonou border. This made me to have two sim cards of two different countries in the same region.

    Before we entered Ghana, I had to buy another sim card. Now I have four sim cards including the one from Nigeria. This means to cover the 12 countries, I would need 12 different sim cards with different call rates.

    •Comrade Bishir Dauda Sabuwar,

     Unguwa Katsina.

  • Minister pledges support for ECOWAS Youth Parliament

    Minister pledges support for ECOWAS Youth Parliament

    The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has assured of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting youth-led initiatives tailored to establishing ECOWAS Youth Parliament.

    Olawande said this while delivering a closing remarks at the just concluded West Africa youth engagement session on the establishment of the ECOWAS Youth Parliament held in Abuja on the 28th and 29th of March 2025.

    During his opening remarks, the minister, represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Marwan Gwamba, said: “The vision of ECOWAS, as a regional bloc founded in 1975, has always been to foster economic integration and cooperation among West African states. Today, as we reflect on the sustainability of ECOWAS Youth Parliament, the active engagement of young people remains indispensable in shaping a more inclusive, democratic, and prosperous region. I reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to supporting youth-led initiatives that align with the broader ECOWAS agenda.

    “The establishment of the ECOWAS Youth Parliament is a significant step in ensuring that the voices of young people are not only heard but also translated into meaningful policies and actions that drive regional development.

    “Youth representation must go beyond tokenism; it should be an avenue for genuine participation in decision-making, policy formulation, and regional governance. This Parliament can serve as a bridge between governments and young people, advocating for policies that promote peace, security, economic growth, and social development across member states.”

    To the gathering youths from different West African countries at the event, he said: As young people, your role in regional economic and social transformation cannot be overstated. Through entrepreneurship, innovation, and active civic engagement, you can contribute to job creation, climate action, and good governance: pillars that are crucial for a stable and thriving ECOWAS. By harnessing the power of technology, education, and cross-border collaboration, you can drive sustainable solutions to the Challenges facing our region.

    “Let this engagement serve as a catalyst for strengthening democratic representation, fostering youth-led economic integration, and ensuring that the future of our region is one built on inclusivity, resilience, and shared prosperity.”

    Earlier in her opening remark, the Executive Director, Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), Theodora Williams Anti, noted that the gathering was a continuation of advocacy engagement targeting the creation of the Parliament.

    She hinted that FOSDA in partnership with OXFAM, CHRDI, West African Youth Alliance and other partners have been engaging youth groups and ministries in the region in campaigns for the establishment of the ECOWAS Youth Parliament in the last two years.

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    Anti said the advocacy was informed because of the overwhelming evidence that young people are sidelined in the decision making processes across the region especially within the ECOWAS structure.

    She added that the partnerships supporting the course are solely doing so for the purpose of giving youths in the region a voice, a platform for capacity building, to hold leaders accountable and be part of decision-making processes.

    Anti charged West African youths and groups to join and own the advocacy.

    She also urged all well-meaning organisations and individuals across the region to support the vision and make it reality.

    Rotimi Olawale, the Executive Director of YouthHubAfrica (one of the organisations that partnered with FOSDA in convening the meeting) lauded the initiative and emphasised how the spaces for young people’s participation and inclusion in governance and leadership within the sub-region and continent is limited, necessitating the need for an ECOWAS youth parliament and other platforms.

    He reiterated that, YouthHubAfrica as an organisation whose core mandate is creating opportunities for young people, will continue to support the initiative and see to its success.