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Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger officially exit ECOWAS

by Folarin Kehinde January 29, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have officially exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The withdrawal, which was first announced on January 29, 2024, became effective on Wednesday, January 29, 2925, following a one-year notice period mandated by ECOWAS regulations.

The three Sahel nations, now united under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), have accused ECOWAS of imposing “inhuman, illegal, and illegitimate” sanctions in response to their military takeovers.

The juntas also criticized the bloc for its perceived failure to support their fight against jihadist insurgencies and for allegedly serving the interests of their former colonial ruler, France.

In their realignment of foreign partnerships, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have strengthened ties with Russia, Turkey, and Iran, while distancing themselves from Western influence.

Despite their departure, ECOWAS has announced transitional measures to prevent disruptions in trade and mobility for citizens of the three nations:

ECOWAS-branded passports and identity cards will remain valid for travel within member states.

Goods and services from the three countries will still enjoy trade benefits under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).

Visa-free movement, residence, and establishment will continue to apply to their citizens under existing ECOWAS protocols.

The bloc also confirmed the creation of a framework for discussions on the future relationship between ECOWAS and the breakaway nations.

January 29, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

We are working to end ‘Miracle Examination Centres’ In Nigeria – FG

by Folarin Kehinde January 29, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has announced plans to put an end to ‘Miracle Examination Centres’ across the country.

Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa made this known during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday.

According to Dr. Alausa, the Tinubu administration is determined to tackle the menace of examination malpractice head-on. He noted that the government has a problem with examination malpractice, which is unacceptable as it disincentivises hardworking students.

“We have problem with examination malpractice which we are addressing frontally as a government.

“This is not acceptable because if you let people cheat, you will disincentivise the hardworking people.

“We will tackle this issue of miracle centre, this pervasive exam cheating decisively.

“We would bring a complete end to this menace that has really invaded our educational system,” he added.

The Minister also revealed that the government has worked on a plan to train five universities that would also train other public institutions nationwide. This, he said, is aimed at improving the quality of Nigeria’s tertiary system.

January 29, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

Kwara Govt Website Unsafe for Visitors as Administrators Fail to Renew SSL Certificate

by Folarin Kehinde January 29, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

The official website of the Kwara State Government, kwarastate.gov.ng, is currently unsafe for visitors due to its expired security layer certificate.

Leading reporters learnt that the website’s Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificate expired on Monday and its administrators are yet to renew it.

When FIJ first visited the website on Tuesday to gather some information concerning a report, the browser stated, “Your connection is not private. Attackers might be trying to steal your information from kwarastate.gov.ng (for example, passwords, messages, or credit cards).”

By Wednesday, we found that the issues with the website were still the same: connection was not private and the site was unsafe for visitors.

The SSL is standard technology for securing an internet connection by encrypting data sent between a website and a browser to protect user privacy. It also prevents hackers from seeing or stealing any information transferred, including personal or financial data.

Checks through the site information for kwarastate.gov.ng showed that its one-year SSL certificate was issued on January 27, 2024, at 10:46:26 pm, and it expired on January 27.

The state government’s failure to secure the site by renewing this certificate violates Section 7.3.3 of the standards and guidelines for government websites set down by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

A portion of the section reads: “In ensuring the security of Web Content, Government Institutions shall: i. Commit to a continuous process of maintaining the security of Web Servers to ensure continued security. ii. Use authentication and cryptographic technologies as appropriate to protect certain types of sensitive data with differing access privileges. It is recommended that SSL be used for any cryptographic implementation.”

In a previous FIJ report published in July 2024, Francis Ihejirika, a software developer, revealed that renewing an SSL could be free or cost between $5 and $59.

Ihejirika had told FIJ that leaving the website without renewing the SSL certificate exposes users to certain security risks.

“If one is sending sensitive information via a form or any other means on the site, a bad actor can intercept that data and cause havoc with it. If they leave the site like that, everyone who visits will see the error and will be vulnerable to leaks,” the software developer said.

FIJ called Rafiu Ajakaye, the chief press secretary to the state government, but his number was unreachable. At press time, he had not responded to the WhatsApp and text messages sent to him.

Source: FIJ

January 29, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

Trump: We’re ready to welcome you, FG tells over 3000 Nigerians awaiting deportation

by Folarin Kehinde January 29, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian government has assured that it is prepared to welcome every citizens who would be deported to the country by authorities in the United States of America.

Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the director of media and corporate affairs for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission made this disclosure on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

Balogun said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was in charge of any form of deportation of citizens from other countries.

According to Balogun, the Federal Government has established an inter-agency committee saddled with handling the issue should any Nigerian be deported from the US.

He said, “The Federal Government has set up an inter-agency committee, comprising the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NiDCOM, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, should there be mass deportation of Nigerians from the US.”

Since his assumption into office, the 47th President of the United States of America, Donald Trump ordered a clamp down on all undocumented immigrant in the US.

Some reports also stated that about 3,690 Nigerians were facing deportation in the US, according to a document compiled by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.

However, reacting to this Balogun said that NiDCOM was not aware of Nigerians being processed for deportation from the US.

January 29, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

Kano Airport runway temporarily shut after Max Air tyre burst incident

by Folarin Kehinde January 29, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

The runway at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport has been temporarily closed for inspection and clearance after a Max Air plane suffered a tyre burst while landing on Tuesday night.

The aircraft, Flight VM1605 (registration 5N-MBD), experienced a tyre burst while landing at 10:57 p.m. All 53 passengers and crew were safely evacuated without injuries.

The aircraft was removed from the runway to Taxiway B at 4:28 a.m. on Wednesday. As the runway remains closed for inspection, flight disruptions are expected.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has ordered a thorough runway inspection before reopening.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has also launched an investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, Max Air has apologized for the inconvenience and promised to provide updates on flight schedules.

January 29, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

53 passengers escape death as Max Air suffers tyre burst in Kano airport

by Folarin Kehinde January 29, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

A Max Air Boeing 737 aircraft, registration number 5N-MBD, experienced a tyre burst upon landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano on Tuesday night, January 28.

The incident occurred at 10:57 PM as Flight VM1605 arrived from Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. All 53 passengers on board were safely evacuated without injuries.

Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft lost its nose landing gear tyre during landing. As of now, Max Air has not released an official statement regarding the incident.

This event adds to several similar incidents involving Max Air’s fleet. In May 2023, the same aircraft, 5N-MBD, suffered multiple tyre bursts upon landing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Additionally, in July 2024, another Max Air Boeing 737 experienced a tyre burst during takeoff at Yola Airport.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has previously conducted audits on Max Air following such incidents, identifying several safety and maintenance violations.

Despite these findings, the airline has continued its operations.

January 29, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

BREAKING: Again, Petrol tanker explodes in Niger

by Folarin Kehinde January 28, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

Another fuel-laden tanker has exploded at Kusogbogi in Agaie Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State.

Daily Trust reports that the scene of the incident is a boundary between Agaie and Lapai LGAs.

Sources told our correspondent that the disaster happened around 6pm on Tuesday but no life was lost.

A resident of Lapai, Mallam Mahmud Abubakar, said the tanker fell and engulfed in fire while trying to overtake another truck.

Abubakar further revealed that a tanker exploded on the spot last week.

While attributing Tuesday’s incident to overspeeding and loss of control, he said last week’s explosion occurred when the tanker rammed into a stationary truck packed by the road, causing both trucks to burn.

Leading reporters earlier reported that a devastating fuel tanker explosion that occurred over a week ago at Dikko in Gurara LGA of Niger State, left at least 98 person dead, with many others severely injured.

The tragedy occurred when residents gathered to collect spilled fuel, which suddenly ignited, causing a massive blast.

In response to the disaster, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed that 20 victims be transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital for advanced medical care.

January 28, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

Tinubu’s Govt Bribing Opposition Leaders With N50M – Atiku Abubakar

by Nelson Ugwuagbo January 28, 2025

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is bribing opposition leaders with N50 million each to weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

Speaking at a national conference on strengthening democracy, organized by various civic organizations in Abuja on Monday, Atiku warned that the nation’s democracy is on the brink of collapse unless urgent measures are taken.

“I want to say it here publicly,” Atiku stated. “I met with a political party leadership in the present opposition, and they told me flatly that this government gives them N50 million each.

If we are not careful, some of you here, who we are talking to, are recipients of the N50 million from the APC government.

Do we really want to fight for democracy?”
Atiku expressed concern over the erosion of democratic values, labeling the current National Assembly as a “rubber stamp” for the government.

He also questioned the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral commission, citing Turkey’s electoral body as an example of integrity for refusing to declare a president-elect who did not meet the required vote threshold.

He called for unity among opposition parties, reflecting on his decades-long struggle for democracy. Atiku recounted personal sacrifices, including an attempt on his life, the seizure of his businesses, and a period of exile.

“If we don’t unite and take action, we may end up with no democracy at all. God forbid,” he warned.

January 28, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

Judiciary Is The Biggest Threat To Nigeria’s Democracy – Atiku

by Nelson Ugwuagbo January 28, 2025

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the judiciary as the greatest threat to Nigeria’s democracy, calling for urgent reforms to address what he termed “judicial recklessness.”

Speaking on Monday in Abuja at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, Atiku criticised the judiciary’s role in electoral and political party disputes.

The event was organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), in collaboration with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), and the National Peace Committee (NPC).

Atiku participated in a panel discussion on a paper titled “Party Politics and Political Integrity: The Role of Political Parties and Opposition in Democracy” presented by Prof. Bayo Olukoshi.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the judiciary’s failure to uphold reforms aimed at curbing judicial misconduct.

“That must change,” he said. “The same judiciary that affirmed the primacy of political parties in choosing their candidates and leaders now sanctions and promotes the destruction of parties by a few individuals, often with personal agendas.”

Atiku further accused the judiciary of overstepping its bounds by undermining the will of voters.

“The judiciary now appears to have replaced voters in choosing our leaders. Its involvement in electoral disputes, originally intended to affirm voters’ choices, now frequently results in technicalities that deny the electorate their decision,” he stated.

The former vice president also warned of the consequences for democracy and the judiciary if these issues remain unaddressed.

“I know enough history to understand that when democracy dies, the judiciary and its leadership do not necessarily survive intact,” he concluded.

Atiku’s remarks have added to ongoing debates about the role of the judiciary in Nigeria’s democratic processes and the need for systemic reforms.

January 28, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

Expert commends GCEO, Mele Kyari’s Giant Stride on increase in crude oil production

by Folarin Kehinde January 28, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

…… says unparallel strategy to curb oil theft, sabotage topnotch

A dedicated player in the oil and gas industry, Solomon Oseagah has applauded the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari for their initiatives towards increasing oil production from 900,000 barrels to over 1.5million barrels per day.

Mr. Solomon while speaking over the weekend during an interview with LEADING REPORTERS stated that the Mele Kyari’s move to combat oil theft through the use of the command and control centre has ensured the arrest of over 1,000 oil thieves currently awaiting judicial proceedings.

He explained that security is the main factor that helps towards increasing production stressing that in 2022 production dropped to 900,000 per barrel due to theft and vandalism adding that it was a time where oil majors were selling their assets because they could not deal with the loss due to vandalism that they were facing.

“The government has put in measures to buffer security in oil producing regions and also we have the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited saying that they have set up command and centers where they can track and monitor the our oil assets in real-time, aside the security there are other factors that has contributed to increase in production.”

He also acknowledged that significant reforms were implemented by the GCEO Mele Kyari which aimed at transforming the petroleum sector alluding that this is largely good news because more production means Nigeria can make more revenue their and export adding that the country can have more supply of FX to buffer our currency, buffer their reserve, also in time be able to fund the budget conveniently without large deficit.

“If you look at Seplat energy they said they will double their production to 120,000 barrels per in in the next six month after the acquired Exxon energy and we are looking at Oando that is looking at increasing their production to 100,000 barrels per day from 40,000 barrels per day over the next couple of years after some acquisition from international players.”

Solomon mentioned that three days ago the upstream leadership seek to approach OPEC for a Quota Increase with His relationship with members of European Agency for Energy Security in Vienna-Austria, hence all hands must be on deck to achieve these feat for the benefit of the country.

January 28, 2025 0 comments

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