Metro
Tinubu: Africa must set up regional standby forces against coup, terrorism, extremism
President Bola Tinubu yesterday advocated discussions on empowering regional blocs to establish well-funded standby military forces to help contain military adventurers, rampaging waves of terrorism, and religious extremism.
Tinubu made the call in Abuja in his keynote address at the Summit on the State of Democracy in Africa.
He canvassed for the strengthening of regional economic communities to drive integration and trade ties among African countries in order to deepen democracy and accelerate development across the continent.
The president contended that through bitter experiences, Nigeria had learned that the solution to poor democratic governance was having more democracies.
On his part, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said the answer to the myriad challenges confronting democracy in Africa lied in re-examining the model of democracy passed on to countries on the continent by their colonial masters.
Tinubu called for revitalisation of sub-regional blocs, like Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), East African Community (EAC), and Southern African Development Community (SADC), as vehicles to usher in an era of robust intra-African commerce, economic growth, and job creation.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the immense potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could only be maximally realised when there was concrete economic integration and collaboration at the different sub-regional levels.
Delivering the keynote address, the president urged the regional bodies to prioritise minimising trade barriers, promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth, human capital development, as well as value addition in agriculture and agro-allied sectors.
He said, “We must deliberate on ways through which African sub-regional organisations can help foster better intra-African trade, achieve better food and energy security, promote higher rates of youth employment, alleviate poverty and realise greater prosperity for our people.”
The president stated that a reinvigorated sub-regional cooperation was critical to the successful implementation of the path-breaking AfCFTA by harmonising rules and regulations to facilitate the free movement of goods, services, and people.
While acknowledging the “despair about democratic reversals” due to recent military coups, he expressed optimism over polls held successfully in nations, like Liberia, Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria.
He added, “The tragedies of our nations and histories inspire our concern about the reversals of democratic governments, particularly in West Africa. That’s why we are alarmed by the military coups in Mali, Guinea Conakry, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, and Gabon.”
Tinubu advocated discussions on empowering regional blocs to establish well-funded standby military forces “to help contain military adventurers and the rampaging waves of terrorism and religious extremism.”
He urged African leaders to respect constitutional tenets, like term limits, and ensure credible elections and autonomous institutions through the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to achieve democratic consolidation.
“This summit must discuss ways of making the APRM contribute to achieving good governance and democratic consolidation on the continent,” he stated.
Declaring that Africa could no longer be the “doormat of the world with street beggar economies”, he called for concrete measures through reinvented regional bodies to boost trade, enhance security, and entrench constitutional democracy for development and prosperity.
Earlier, Obasanjo, in his keynote remarks, said the solution to the numerous challenges confronting democracy in Africa was in revisiting the models of democracy passed on to countries on the continent by their colonial masters.
He said leaders across the continent must come together to devise a form of contextual democracy that took into account past experiences, addresses contemporary challenges, and emphasises good leadership, strong institutions, and a stable middle class, all reflecting Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
The former president expressed concern about the growing discontent for democracy on the continent and insisted that the model that would work for Africa was one that took into account the typical and predominant political system as well as one suitably and appropriately placed to serve the objectives of the African people.
In her goodwill message, the United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General and Chair of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr Amina Mohammed, said the active participation of women and young people in politics and other decision-making processes would strengthen democracy on the continent.
She drew the attention of authorities on the continent to the effective implementation of laws, adherence to the tenets of accountability, and improved investment in democratic institutions, stating that they are critical to the sustenance of democracy in Africa and beyond.
Equally speaking, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and member of the Board of Directors, Shehu Musa Yar’adua Foundation, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), said the focus of the summit, which was “the state of democracy in Africa,” aligned with the cornerstone of the foundation’s mission and vision.
Mahmoud said participants at the summit were expected to thoroughly interrogate the model of democracy practised in Africa vis a vis current challenges experienced in the continent, to resolve the lingering issues and reshape democracy in the continent.
Meanwhile, the sixth parliament of the ECOWAS parliament considered and adopted crucial parliamentary instruments to guide the progress and implementation of its mandate.
That was part of decisions made yesterday at the 2024 Second Extraordinary Session of the parliament held in Kano, North-west Nigeria.
The instruments consisted of the rules of procedure, the strategic plan, and the 2024 work plan of the parliament.
Acting Speaker of the ECOWAS parliament and Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, in his speech at the session’s opening, stressed the importance of the protocols in facilitating the work of the parliament.
Jibrin said, “This extraordinary session is unique on several counts. During this session, we are expected to hold deliberations and adopt three very important instruments, which bear heavily on the progress and effective implementation of our mandate.
“They are the rules of procedure of the sixth legislature, which was deferred from our inaugural session, the strategic plan of the sixth legislature, and 2024 annual work plan.
“You would agree with me that our rules of procedure are very important, as they make us more efficient and serve as our guide, thereby reducing the chances of our actions and decisions being challenged for procedural deficiencies.
“The strategic plan, on the other hand, will serve as a crucial and indispensable tool in ensuring that our programmes and activities are directly linked with the overall strategic institutional objectives of ECOWAS, while our work plan will set the agenda for our engagements this year.”
With the adoption of the instruments, the stage for the full commencement of parliamentary activities by the community parliament was set, he stated.
Source: This Day
The Trans-African Youth Development Initiative (TAYI), has conferred the Nelson Mandela “Africa Patriot Award of Excellence” on Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze for his visionary leadership and contributions to nation building.
The award, which recognizes Izeze as an African Patriotic Leader, was presented in Asaba on Monday.
The group described the commissioner as a “golden fish with no hidden habitat,” whose visionary leadership and commitment to humanity have distinguished him among African public office holders.
In his address, TAYI’s country representative in Nigeria, Amb. Bakare Luqman, said the organization, which represents the voices of 1.2 billion young people in the Commonwealth, closely monitors the contributions of public office holders and honors those who positively impact their communities.
He praised Izeze’s role in ensuring adequate security, promoting community development, upholding the rule of law, advancing education, empowering youths, and fostering religious tolerance.
“Sir, you have demonstrated indelible commitment to the transformation of good governance in Nigeria through your office and selfless service to humanity,” Luqman said, noting that Izeze’s work aligns with the development agenda of President Bola Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
He added that Izeze’s dedication to youth emancipation and nation-building has earned him respect across Africa. “Indeed, the recipient has won the heart of African youths by his conduct and credentials as a distinguished leader, dogged fighter, bastion of hope and a statesman par excellence,” Luqman stated.
The ceremony also served as a platform for TAYI to highlight its forthcoming continental conference themed “A Holistic Approach to Quality Assurance in African Higher Educational Institutions, Pragmatic Interventions by Supply and Demand Actors.”
The summit, scheduled for September 11–13 in Kigali, Rwanda, will bring together stakeholders from across Africa to chart pathways for educational development.
TAYI further called on governments, entrepreneurs, and public office holders to support its initiatives aimed at youth empowerment, skills development, and peacebuilding.
Concluding the ceremony, Luqman expressed hope that the recognition bestowed on Izeze would inspire other leaders to emulate his people-centered approach to governance and national development.
Responding, Comrade Izeze expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the award to God, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the supportive people of Delta State.
He described the honor as both humbling and inspiring, noting that it would serve as a call to even greater service. “This award is not just about me; it is about the vision we share as a people, that governance must be about the people, their well-being, and their future,” Izeze said.
The commissioner praised TAYI for its steadfast commitment to youth development across the continent, commending its programs that tackle social ills, promote education, and empower young people with leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
“This recognition is a reminder that the work we do in public office is constantly being observed, measured, and evaluated. It challenges me to redouble my efforts in ensuring that our roads and infrastructure projects translate to real opportunities for our people, particularly the youths who are the heartbeat of our nation,” he added.
Izeze further assured that he would continue to work in alignment with the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori, which emphasizes meaningful development, opportunities for all, realistic reforms, and enhanced peace and security.
He called on Nigerian youths to remain committed to the values of patriotism, integrity, and hard work, urging them to see themselves as partners in nation-building.
“The future of Africa lies in the hands of its young people. If we channel our energy positively, there is no limit to what we can achieve as a continent,” he said.
The commissioner concluded by dedicating the award to God, Governor Oborevwori and all Deltans whose resilience, faith, and support make the work of governance not only possible but impactful,” assuring them that the recognition would only strengthen his resolve to deliver on his mandate.
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has paid glowing tribute to the late former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Moses Oisakede, on the 26th anniversary of his passing.
Oisakede, who died on September 1, 1999, was remembered by Izeze as “a rare breed of student leader whose life of service was marked by courage, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to the welfare of his fellow students.”
Recalling Oisakede’s 1997 handover speech as Students’ Union President of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Izeze noted that the late activist stood out as the only union leader who boldly invited a probe of his own administration, leaving behind a financial surplus and disciplining corrupt executives.
“His moral courage and transparency remain exemplary to this day,” he said.
The Commissioner described Oisakede as a visionary who championed affordable education, resisted exploitative practices, improved students’ accommodation and welfare, advanced transportation options, and ensured uninterrupted academic calendars through constructive, non-violent resistance.
He also recalled Oisakede’s role in hosting the 14th NANS Convention and honouring fallen comrades with monuments.
Izeze, who was an acolyte of Oisakede during their NANS years, disclosed that he and other friends remained close to the late leader’s family in Otuo, Edo State, ensuring that his mother has never lacked care since his passing.
“Twenty-six years after his death, Moses Oisakede remains not just a leader of his time but a timeless symbol of selfless service, visionary unionism, and ethical leadership.
“His memory will forever inspire generations of Nigerian students and leaders to come,” Izeze declared.
•He starves me, our children, beat leave me, left me almost naked in public —Wife
A minibus driver complained before a local court in Lusaka, Zambia, that his wife sleeps in leggings to prevent him from making love to her.
Richard Makura, 48, of Kanyama compound was testifying in a case in which his wife, Patricia Mulenga, 40, a business woman sued him for divorce on allegation that he was violent.
According to the Zambian Observer, the two got married in 1996 and have three children.
Patricia told the senior court magistrate, Lewis Mum, sitting with two other magistrates, Abbyshine Michelo and Esther Mulomba at Kanyama Local Court that Richard has been beating her over petty issues since her father in 2004.
She explained that in 2006, he threatened to burn her clothes and was forced to seek refuge at her parents’ home.
She told the court that he once beat her until she fainted.
Patricia stated that in 2015, Richard started working for APG Milling in Mansa but still failed to provide for the family because he only sent home K50 or K100 per month.
She further said that Richard joined her in June 2016 when his contract was terminated but she never saw the benefits he was given.
“When I asked for our children’s school fees, he beat me in public and removed the chitenge material I was wearing.
“I was left in the short skirt I was wearing and in the confusion, he beat a man who wanted to rescue from his hand,” Patricia stated.
In defense, Richard denied being violet but admitted that problem started in 2006 when he had a girlfriend.
He explained that when he came from Mansa, his wife started sleeping in leggings to prevent him from making love to her.
The magistrate, Mumba stated that there was violence in their marriage and since Patricia wanted divorce, the court had no power to continue to live with Richard.
He granted the couple divorce, ordering Richard to compensate Patricia with K6,000 with initial payment of K1,000 followed by monthly installment of K400.
Property acquired together was ordered to be shared equally.
Nigerian Tribune
A man named Hassan has brought his wife, Zainab, before the Grade A Customary Court located in the bustling area of Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, in a dramatic bid to end their nine-year marriage.
He attributes his decision to Zainab’s alleged infidelity, which has shattered the trust between them. raising doubts about the child’s lineage.
Zainab, while consenting to the divorce, firmly asserts that Hassan is indeed the biological father of their child, standing her ground amid the turmoil. Click link to continue reading.
In court, Hassan recounted their journey, explaining, “Zainab and I began our relationship in 2017,” shedding light on their earlier, happier days before the cracks in their marriage appeared.
“We later cohabited, and I never asked her hand in marriage.
“We ran our relationship this way for a few years, and I got fed up with it.
“I told her I was no longer interested in our relationship, and she accused me of using and dumping her.
“She insisted I must rent an apartment for her, set her up in a business, and rent a shop to carry out the business.
“I obliged her request and gave her N400, 000 to settle all that she demanded for.
“We parted ways as agreed, but she back not too long after this to inform me that she was pregnant with my child.
“Although I was sceptical about her claim, I took her back.
“I have been responsible for our child’s upkeep till date, making feeding, clothing, her education and health care a priority.
“My lord, Zainab has extorted so much from me by the reason of her claim that the child is mine.
“I do not want to invest all my love and resources in her, only to find out later that she is not my child.
A housewife, Hassana Adamu, has urged a Upper Area Court, Gwagwalada, Abuja , Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to dissolve her 10-year-old marriage to her husband, Danjuma Ali, on the grounds of lack of love and interest.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Hassan told the court that her marriage with Danjuma is blessed with three kids.
“I have lost interest in our marriage and no longer love my husband.
“My husband has abandoned me. He does not enter my room again, and he is no longer interested in me.
“I want the court to dissolve our marriage because of lack of love and interest.”
Danjuma in his response , however, said that he still loved his wife.
The judge, Malam Abdulkarim, advised the couple to explore some means of settlement.
Abdulkarim asked the complainant if she was willing to accept back her husband if he did all she wanted, but she answered in the negative.
He then adjourned the case.
Four suspected members of a secessionist group have been killed in a 15-hour gun duel with the Police in Awa, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Friday, said a victim who had earlier been kidnapped and held hostage in the secessionist camp was rescued during the operation.
The Police, in collaboration with a local vigilance group, had stormed the hoodlums’ camp, where various dangerous items were recovered, said Ikenga.
He listed the recovered exhibits to include: two pump-action guns, one fabricated AK-47 rifle, one K2 assault rifle, one locally made hunter gun, one radio transmission box, and three locally made Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
“Others are two empty gas cylinders, two wraps of cable wires, three bags of 50 kg rice, one driver’s license, one National Identity Card, one black Lexus RX 350 Jeep with Reg. No. ACA 340 MA, 3 (Three) Toyota Camry cars with Reg. Nos: ABC 268 FQ, EKY 151 CD and FGG 706 ME.
“Also recovered are: One black Toyota Camry car, five mobile phones (Infinix X6716B, Tecno Spark KL4 and three analogue phones, sleeping materials, one desert boot, one big cooler, and a roll of tarpaulin.”
Ikenga added, “In a sustained effort to rid Anambra State of criminal elements, Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu in collaboration with the Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG) Agunechemba, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a Secessionist/Terrorist camp at Awa, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State in the early hours of 21st August 2025.
“During the well-coordinated operation that lasted for more than 15 hours, the operatives successfully dislodged the insurgents, rescued a victim who had earlier been kidnapped and held hostage in the camp.
“It was reported that despite the payment of a ransom of ₦20m only by the victim’s family, the hoodlums aborted his release until he was eventually freed by the Joint Security Team.
“In the fierce gun battle that ensued, four of the criminal elements were neutralised.
“The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, assured Ndi Anambra that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring safety and security.
“He also assured that extensive operations are ongoing in the area to track down and arrest other fleeing suspects as well as destroy other criminal camps in the State.”
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