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Tinubu to ECOWAS: It’s Time to Deploy Standby Force Against Rising Threats

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday expressed concern over the prolonged delay in activating the Standby Force established by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

He called on West African leaders to urgently transition the ECOWAS Standby Force from theory to action in the face of escalating terrorism and transnational crime across the region.

Delivering his final address as ECOWAS chairman during the 67th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Tinubu stressed the need for decisive collective action to tackle the worsening security situation in the sub-region.

“I am increasingly concerned about the slow pace of the Standby Force’s activation, which is taking longer than expected,” he said. “We must move decisively from concept to operational reality.”

Tinubu warned that the security threats confronting West Africa transcend national borders and are being orchestrated by fluid, well-coordinated criminal networks. He emphasised that no single country can combat these threats alone, calling for stronger coordination, reinforced political will, and a united front.

“Our security challenges are borderless; so must be our response. The time to act collectively is now,” he urged.

Highlighting progress made during his tenure, Tinubu pointed to the completion of the ECOWAS Military Logistics Depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone, as a milestone toward strengthening regional security infrastructure. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS with airlift and sealift logistics.

“In February, Nigeria signed the Sixth Agreement with the African Union in Addis Ababa to solidify our role in logistical support for the Standby Force,” he disclosed.

The President also reflected on diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring dialogue with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which were suspended from the bloc following military coups. While noting the challenges, he expressed cautious optimism.

“Throughout my tenure, I employed every diplomatic tool to re-engage with our brothers in those countries. I remain hopeful that they will soon return to the ECOWAS family,” Tinubu said.

Turning to the economic landscape, he lamented the persistently low levels of intra-regional trade despite ECOWAS’s vast potential. He called for urgent efforts to empower the private sector, foster innovation, and accelerate regional integration.

“Our intra-regional trade figures remain unimpressive. We must create the right environment for business and innovation to thrive,” he stated.

Tinubu also called for swift execution of strategic infrastructure projects such as the West African Gas Pipeline, the West African Power Pool, and the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor Highway, stressing their importance in unlocking economic growth and connectivity.

“Our future demands action, not hesitation,” he declared. “Only through collective determination and leadership can we secure lasting peace, prosperity, and stability for our region.”

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‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.

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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.

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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.

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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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