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West Africa Unites! Nigeria, Benin Ink Game-Changing Integration Accord
Nigeria and Benin Republic on Saturday formalized a pact to enhance their bilateral integration, positioning the alliance as a blueprint for regional unity within ECOWAS.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The signing ceremony was witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Patrice Talon of Benin. Representing Nigeria were Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. Signing for Benin were Minister of Industry and Trade, Shadiya Alimatou Assouman, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Shegun Adjadi Bakari.
President Talon described the agreement as a pivotal step toward tangible regional integration.
“President Tinubu and I have reached a consensus on full integration between our two nations. The task now lies with our ministers to bring this vision to life,” he stated. “Benin and Nigeria are more than neighbors — we are one people. It’s time to show the region that true integration is possible.”
Talon stressed the urgency of reforming ECOWAS, which he said is currently “in crisis.” Citing failed regional projects like the West African Gas Pipeline, he blamed bureaucracy and inefficiency for their collapse.
“It is absurd. The gas pipeline project was meant to connect us but has become a symbol of failure due to endless administrative delays,” he lamented, revealing that Benin now imports gas from Qatar using floating terminals.
On the West African Power Pool, he expressed disappointment over its underperformance despite heavy investment.
“This infrastructure is not yielding the results we expected. Without decisive action, it may never work.”
Talon also criticized delays along the Lagos–Abidjan Corridor, where border checks and harassment hinder trade.
“The road is there, but a businessperson should be able to travel from Lagos to Abidjan in hours, not days. Integration is meaningless if we allow extortion and delays at our borders.”
He identified poverty as the most potent threat to democracy and stability in the region.
“Until we tackle poverty through real integration, our values—democracy, freedom—will remain fragile.”
Reflecting on global trade tensions, Talon pointed to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist stance as a wake-up call for Africa to prioritize its own economic interests.
“We may one day thank President Trump for reminding us that nations act in their own interests—and so should we.”
Talon urged his fellow leaders to translate promises into action.
“If we don’t generate wealth and opportunity, no political value—no matter how noble—can be sustained. Integration must go beyond rhetoric. It must be real.”
Presidents of Sierra Leone and Liberia also spoke at the summit, which precedes the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for June 22, 2025, at the State House in Abuja.
Liberian President Joseph Boakai reaffirmed his country’s dedication to ECOWAS and regional blocs like the Mano River Union, emphasizing the need to dismantle trade barriers and align policies for improved competitiveness. He praised President Tinubu for organizing what he described as a “timely and strategic” summit, saying the region’s challenges are complex but solvable.
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio called for accelerated integration to harness West Africa’s untapped economic potential. He cited growing debt, climate vulnerability, and food insecurity as urgent challenges.
“We must begin with political will,” Bio said. “Key initiatives like the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and Common External Tariff are crucial for harmonizing trade rules and reducing barriers.”
Bio also advocated for a single regional currency to enhance intra-African trade.
“A unified currency will reduce forex costs, stabilize prices, and foster a more attractive business environment,” he added.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala delivered recorded messages, calling for stronger cooperation across African states to accelerate inclusive growth.
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‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.
Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.
“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.
He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”
Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.
He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.
“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.
In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.
“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.
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‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.
Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.
While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.
He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.
The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.
He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.
“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”
The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.
2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.
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NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.
Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.
The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.
As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.
Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.
The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.
Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment
Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.
The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.
According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.
The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.
The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.
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