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Tinubu urges leaders to embrace unity at ECOWAS 50th anniversary

Published

9 months ago

May 29, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu urges leaders to embrace unity at ECOWAS 50th anniversary

President Bola Tinubu has called on West African leaders to uphold the legacy and vision of the founding fathers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as the regional bloc celebrated its 50th anniversary on Wednesday.

Delivering a keynote address at the anniversary event held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, President Tinubu—who currently serves as Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government—emphasized the need for unity and deeper regional integration. He urged leaders to rise above the artificial borders created during colonial times and see themselves as one united family.

“The founding fathers of ECOWAS envisioned a more united, harmonious, and purpose-driven region,” Tinubu stated in a message delivered by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga. “It is our duty to not only uphold that vision but also pass it on stronger and more enduring to future generations.”

The landmark event brought together several West African heads of state and dignitaries to reflect on the progress and challenges of the past five decades.

“Today, we celebrate not only five decades of history but the enduring spirit of unity, resilience, and shared destiny that defines our Community. In 1975, our founding leaders envisioned a West Africa where borders unite rather than divide — a region of free movement, thriving trade, and peaceful coexistence. That vision is still alive.”

President Tinubu paid tribute to all who have nurtured the idea of ECOWAS, especially General Dr. Yakubu Gowon, GCFR — former Nigeria’s Head of State and the only surviving founding father.

“I salute past and present Heads of State and Governments within the Community for upholding the values of integration, cooperation, and solidarity. I commend our former Executive Secretaries and Commission Presidents, whose leadership helped build ECOWAS into a formidable force for peace and progress. I also recognise the tireless work of the ECOWAS Commission staff and institutions,” he added.

The President said the regional bloc has lived up to the founders’ expectations in many respects, including peacekeeping, trade liberalisation, free movement of citizens, and working together to tackle security issues and global pandemics.

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“ECOWAS is a beacon of African unity. In overcoming colonial legacies, we brought together Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone nations under one vision —an achievement of global significance.

“Our region has pioneered free movement, expanded intra-regional trade, and deepened integration through instruments like the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme and Joint Border Posts. These measures have facilitated business, cultural exchange, and mobility across West Africa.

“On peace and security, ECOWAS has acted decisively to restore constitutional order and counter instability. Our regional cooperation on counterterrorism and financial crime, including through GIABA, reflects our shared commitment to peace and safety.

“In governance, ECOWAS has upheld democratic norms through election observation, mediation, and institutions such as the ECOWAS Parliament and Court of Justice — cementing accountability, rule of law, and people-centred governance,” the President stated.

President Tinubu pointed to progress in agriculture, infrastructure, and digital innovation, singling out the ECOWAS Infrastructure Master Plan (2020–2045) and new platforms advancing regional growth and gender equality.

However, he emphasised the need for more vigorous policy implementation and urged member states to ensure citizens feel the tangible benefits of integration.

“Our young people and women—who form the majority—must be at the heart of ECOWAS development. We must invest deliberately in their education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and leadership. Their success is the key to our future stability and prosperity.

“For nearly 40 years, Nigeria has supported regional capacity building through the Technical Aid Corps. We remain committed to deploying skilled professionals to ECOWAS countries and will continue to honour every eligible request,” the President added.

President Tinubu urged leaders to close their ranks and work together to ensure the success of the economic bloc.

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“As we look to the next fifty years, let us renew our compact with one another—with courage, clarity, and conviction. The work of integration is never done. Each generation must carry the flame forward, lighting the path of unity and shared progress for those who come after.

“Let us imagine a West Africa where no child is denied the opportunity because of where they are born; where our borders are zones of cooperation, not conflict; where our economies thrive through joint effort; and where our people, diverse yet bound by destiny, walk together toward peace, prosperity, and justice.

“This Golden Jubilee is not merely a celebration of the past but a summons to shape the future. Let us draw strength from our history, courage from our struggles, and hope from our shared potential. In our unity lies our power—in our solidarity, our success.

“To the people of West Africa: this is your Community. Your hands have built it. Your resilience sustains it. And your dreams will define what it becomes. Stand tall. The future belongs to us all,” he said.

President Tinubu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining ECOWAS for the benefit of posterity.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, highlighted ECOWAS’s achievements in peacekeeping, election monitoring, strengthening democratic institutions, trade liberalisation, gas pipeline construction, and security.

The only surviving founding father of ECOWAS, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, said he was happy that the regional body had survived for fifty years and has impacted the continent.

Gowon said Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso’s departures were not healthy for regional progress and development.

“Our sister nations that decided to leave will, in time, realise the bonds of culture. And with goodwill and sincere intention, they will find their way back.

“I am very encouraged to see the effort of government, ministers, Chief of Defense Staff, and the President. The President has constantly been working with the groups, and I hope they will convince them to return.

“Continue to be open, and don’t push them away. They will come back as individuals or as a group,” he said.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, noted that ECOWAS has become a shining example as Africa’s oldest and most active regional bloc.

The Golden Jubilee celebration, which began with a re-enactment of the ECOWAS declaration at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), was attended by the Presidents of Liberia, Joseph Boakai, Togo, Faure Gnassingbé, and Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau, as well as the foreign ministers of Ghana, Senegal, Benin, and representatives of other member countries.

Tinubu urges leaders to embrace unity at ECOWAS 50th anniversary

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Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner, Recover Six Machine Guns in Taraba Operation

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1 hour ago

February 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner, Recover Six Machine Guns in Taraba Operation

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under **Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered a cache of weapons and related items during an intelligence‑led operation in Ibi Local Government Area, Taraba State.

The operation, which took place on 12 February 2026, was launched after credible intelligence alerted soldiers deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Wukari, to the presence of a suspected arms trafficker in the area. Following swift mobilisation, the troops intercepted and apprehended the suspect identified as Mr. Abubakar Ibrahim, a 48‑year‑old native of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in Plateau State.

A statement issued on Saturday by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 6 Brigade, confirmed the arrest and the recovery of several items during a thorough search conducted at the scene.

Recovered items included:

6 x PKT machine guns
2 x 7.62mm special ammunition
Cash sum of One Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira (₦170,000)
1 x Peugeot 504 vehicle
1 x Q Seven mobile phone
7 x bottles and wraps of perfume
2 x small containers of Vaseline

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The suspect remains in custody and is currently undergoing further investigations by military intelligence and law enforcement personnel.

The Army emphasised that the interception denied criminal elements the opportunity to proliferate illegal weapons within the state, contributing to broader efforts to combat insecurity and enhance public safety across Taraba and neighbouring states. Illegal arms proliferation has been a major driver of violence, including kidnapping, banditry and communal clashes, particularly in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.

The Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the vigilance, professionalism and swift response of the troops involved. He urged soldiers to sustain the operational tempo to ensure that the Brigade achieves the mandate assigned by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

He also appreciated the cooperation of local residents, noting that timely and credible intelligence from community members played a significant role in the success of the operation.

Brigadier General Akaliro called on members of the public to remain security conscious and to continue assisting security agencies with actionable information, emphasising that such cooperation has proven invaluable in cracking down on criminal networks.

“The Brigade remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property and to restore lasting peace and stability across Taraba State,” he stated, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to safeguarding civilians and curbing the flow of illegal weapons in the region.

Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner, Recover Six Machine Guns in Taraba Operation

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Argungu Festival 2026 Highlights Peace, Stability, Economic Growth — Tinubu

Published

1 hour ago

February 15, 2026

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Argungu Festival 2026

Argungu Festival 2026 Highlights Peace, Stability, Economic Growth — Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival as a milestone in Nigeria’s return to stability and normalcy, emphasizing its role in promoting tourism, agriculture, food security, and rural development in Kebbi State and the broader northwest region. Speaking at the grand finale of the four-day festival, Tinubu congratulated the Kebbi State Government for hosting the historic event, which drew over 50,000 fishermen and thousands of visitors from Nigeria and neighbouring countries. He described the festival as a “powerful symbol of unity, resilience and peaceful coexistence.”

The President lauded the robust security arrangements, noting that cultural events thrive only in a safe environment. He attributed the return of relative peace to sustained investments in security, intelligence gathering, and community engagement, promising that the fight against banditry and insurgency would continue until fully defeated. “Farmers, fishermen, traders, and families must be able to live and work without fear,” Tinubu said, stressing the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting agriculture and rural livelihoods, highlighting Kebbi State as a key contributor to Nigeria’s food security agenda.

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Tinubu also underscored the festival’s unifying power, noting that it brings together people of different nations, backgrounds, and beliefs in the spirit of friendship and healthy competition, while projecting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to the world. The festival featured traditional fishing competition in the Matan Fada River, cultural performances, music and dance, canoe races, and wrestling competitions, giving participants and visitors a full showcase of the region’s culture. The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, described the festival as a symbol of courage, reconciliation, peace, and friendship, linking it to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

At the competition’s climax, Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area emerged the overall champion with a record 59‑kilogram catch, earning him N1 million and two vehicles. Runner-up Abdullahi Garba from Argungu caught a 40kg fish, while two contestants from Jigawa and Kogi states shared third place with 33kg catches each, also receiving prizes. All four winning fish were presented to President Tinubu as ceremonial souvenirs.

Before attending the festival, Tinubu inaugurated key infrastructure projects in Birnin Kebbi, including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Secretariat Complex, a modern motor park, a three-lane dual carriageway, the Kauran Gwandu College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, and the newly dualised Old Argungu By-Pass Road. Governor Nasir Idris welcomed the President’s visit and reiterated his government’s resolve to sustain the festival as a platform for cultural preservation, tourism development, and economic empowerment. He highlighted the state government’s achievements, including road expansions, urban development, rehabilitation of 16 general hospitals and over 120 primary healthcare centres, and the distribution of fertilizers, improved seedlings, agrochemicals, and farm implements to local farmers.

The festival’s return after a multi-year hiatus due to insecurity is widely regarded as a turning point in the northwest’s socio-economic recovery. Local officials and stakeholders noted that the event has boosted trade, tourism, and cultural pride, attracting visitors and business activity across Argungu and surrounding areas, reflecting a renewed sense of peace, stability, and opportunity in Kebbi State.

Argungu Festival 2026 Highlights Peace, Stability, Economic Growth — Tinubu

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US Military Boosts Support for Nigeria’s Fight Against Insurgency With Ammunition, Troop

Published

2 hours ago

February 15, 2026

Trends Admin

US Military Boosts Support for Nigeria’s Fight Against Insurgency With Ammunition, Troop

The United States military has stepped up support for Nigeria’s counter‑insurgency operations with ammunition deliveries to military bases in Borno State and other northeastern regions, deepening cooperation in the fight against armed groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The development follows increased security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States amid growing concern over persistent attacks that have destabilised communities and challenged Nigerian forces.

Aerial Deliveries and Logistics Support

Between Thursday and Friday, US military aircraft, including C‑17 and C‑130J transport planes, landed at strategic airbases in Nigeria, delivering ammunition and logistical equipment intended to strengthen the operational capabilities of Nigerian troops deployed in major insurgency‑affected areas. Senior officers at Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters confirmed that the shipments stem from recent Nigeria‑US bilateral security discussions, and are meant to reinforce ongoing operations rather than establish foreign command over Nigerian forces.

“Following Nigeria‑US bilateral talks on security, the American government will not only deploy soldiers but also provide necessary logistics, including ammunition, to fight the insurgents,” a senior military source said, underlining the collaborative nature of the support.

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One of the aircraft was sighted at Maiduguri Air Base in Borno State, a key hub for operations against insurgent cells in the northeast. Satellite imagery and reports suggest that at least three US aircraft were involved in the resupply missions, with heavy cargo offloaded for Nigerian units. Additional flights reportedly landed at Kaduna International Airport, fuelling speculation that the facility could serve as a logistical or training hub for US personnel working with the Nigerian military.

US Troop Deployment and Advisory Teams

In addition to ammunition deliveries, the United States has already deployed a contingent of roughly 100 military personnel to Nigeria. This advance team, comprised of intelligence analysts, advisers and trainers, is part of a broader initiative to enhance coordination, tactical expertise, and battlefield intelligence between the two forces. More personnel and equipment are expected to arrive in the coming weeks.

US forces in Nigeria are not engaged in direct combat; instead, they are focused on training and supporting Nigerian troops to plan and execute more effective operations against insurgent threats. Nigeria remains in operational command of all missions, with the US role emphasising support and capacity building.

Timeline of US‑Nigeria Security Cooperation

The current ammunition deliveries and troop movements form part of an expanding security partnership that has evolved over the past year:

Late 2025: US officials warned that greater action would be considered if attacks against civilians, including Christians, continued — highlighting rising concern over targeted violence in parts of Nigeria.
Christmas Day 2025: The United States reportedly carried out precision airstrikes on Islamic State fighters in Sokoto State, indicating a willingness to take direct action against extremist elements.
Early 2026: Nigeria was designated a Country of Particular Concern by the US over deteriorating security conditions, prompting intensified diplomatic and military engagement to address regional instability.
February 2026: The first contingent of US support personnel arrived in Nigeria, beginning advisory and training operations ahead of more comprehensive logistical cooperation.

Strategic Implications and Local Responses

The Nigerian government, while underscoring its sovereignty, welcomes the additional support as crucial given the ongoing challenges posed by insurgent attacks, suicide bombings, and cross‑border raids that have displaced millions and claimed thousands of lives over more than a decade. Security analysts say the US presence reflects shared concerns about regional stability and a recognition that enhanced tactical support could help improve outcomes for Nigerian forces on the ground.

Not all reactions have been uniform; some civil society and nationalistic voices stress the need for clear guidelines governing foreign military presence and emphasise the importance of reinforcing Nigerian-led strategies, including community‑based intelligence and local security initiatives.

Officials from both Washington and Abuja maintain that the cooperation is intended to be complementary, with Nigerian command preserved at every level of planning and execution.