
News
Gowon, Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Akinyemi predict brighter future for ECOWAS
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has said that the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), would usher in new vistas for the regional body.
This is as former Nigerian leader and surviving founding father of ECOWAS, General Yakubu Gowon and ex-Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, declared that Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, the three Member States which recently exited the ECOWAS and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) could still return to the fold.
The minister made the remarks at the Roundtable Conference, convened under the theme: “ECOWAS, An African Model @ 50: Resilience and Future Prospects,” at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, as part of activities marking the golden jubilee of the regional body.
Gowon chaired the event which featured Akinyemi as keynote speaker while the discussants were key players in the affairs of the continent including President of ECOWAS, Dr. Alieu Touray, former President of ECOWAS, Dr. Ibn Chambas, former Prime Minister of Guinea, Lansana Kouyate, and Vice Chairperson of African Union Commission, Selma Malika Haddadi among others.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu charged participants to renew their commitment to the shared responsibility, and uphold the enduring principles of unity, peace, and development which was the bedrock of their regional integration efforts.
She paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers, especially Gowon, noting that the contributions of the lead speaker; Akinyemi and the discussants, had enriched their collective reflection and reaffirmed the enduring relevance of the shared vision.
“Over the course of our discussions, we have been afforded a unique opportunity to reflect on the remarkable journey of ECOWAS as a regional body. We have examined its significant contributions to peacekeeping, economic integration, harmonization of sectoral policies and promotion of democratic governance to strengthen regional solidarity.
“Equally important, this forum granted us the opportunity to critically examine the pressing challenges confronting the Community, from political instability and governance deficits to economic disparities. Looking ahead, this rich exchanges of ideas and perspectives we have shared today has laid the groundwork for charting a more resilient, inclusive and visionary path for ECOWAS.
“As we bring this important gathering to a close, allow me to express my sincere appreciation to each and every one of you for your presence, your thoughtful contributions and insights, as well as your unwavering commitments to the vision and ideals that inspired the founding of our Regional Economic Community five decades ago,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
Akinyemi who listed the numerous achievements of ECOWAS particularly, in peacekeeping, free movement of people and goods, regional integration and peer review, urged the remaining members to be compassionate with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
He said: “When the Sahel countries realize that in pulling out of ECOWAS, they were not able to contain the Jihadists, the insecurity in the region, then they will know that pulling out was not the solution. When they see that the energy crisis is still there and other challenges they faced, then, they will begin to consider the essence of regional integration.
“So, I share the optimism expressed this morning by our President and Gen. Gowon, that they will find their way back. And as Gen. Gowon advised, we should threat them with compassion, we shouldn’t rub it on their face.”
In his presentation, ECOWAS President, Dr. Alieu Touray, reiterated that the three exited member States of ECOWAS were key to the security of the region including the free movement of people and regional integration.
He also spoke on the plans for the ECOWAS in the next phase of its trajectory.
“We are thinking of a summit on the future of ECOWAS. We must mainstream the need for poverty alleviation. Secondly, is working together on how to confront insecurity. The disunity in the region threatens our security.
“Peace and security must be of priority to ECOWAS. Governance too must be a priority to ECOWAS, accountability. If you have good governance, you have development. To boost intra community trade, we must address on infrastructure,” the ECOWAS Commission’s President said.
Also, remarking, the United Nations Special Representative for ECOWAS and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simão, saluted ECOWAS for the capacity displayed in handling the conflict concerning the exit of the Sahel States.
According to him, the organisation was able to manage the sentiments involved and went to Bamako for discussions.
“I must tell you that I was in Niger last week and I know how they received that move. This is an achievement that only a mature organisation can pull through.
“As UN, we congratulate ECOWAS on its 50th anniversary and would continue to look out for collaborations,” he stated.
News
Soldier declared wanted over terrorism
The Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC) has declared one of its personnel wanted over his alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements.
It said that preliminary investigations indicated that the soldier, who was serving at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, absconded from his unit on June 3, 2026.
“The Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC) has declared one of its personnel, Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu, wanted over his alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements,” it said in a statement by Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Major Oluwatope Aluko, on Thursday.
It said that intensive efforts are underway to locate and apprehend him to face a full investigation and appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with extant military laws.
“The Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps wishes to state unequivocally that it has zero tolerance for misconduct, indiscipline, or any act capable of compromising the operational effectiveness, integrity and reputation of the Nigerian Army or threatening national security,” it added.

The military authorities said any personnel found to have aided terrorists, criminals or other non-state actors through the unauthorised sale, diversion or distribution of military uniforms, accoutrements or other controlled items would be subjected to the full weight of military and civil laws.
The Corps, therefore, appealed to members of the public to support ongoing efforts by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of the wanted soldier.
It noted that such information should be reported immediately to the nearest military formation or any security agency.
“The Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps reassures Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to accountability, professionalism and the protection of military assets.
“The Corps will continue to strengthen internal control measures and ensure that every allegation of misconduct is thoroughly investigated while those found culpable are held fully accountable,” it added. (Channels TV)
News
Mbah reacts to Enugu Air runway incident, declares Safety Non-Negotiable
The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has reacted to Thursday’s runway incident involving the state-owned airline, Enugu Air, at Benin Airport, empathizing with the passengers and crew members over the traumatic experience.
Mbah, in a statement he personally signed, commended the aviation authorities for immediately initiating an investigation into the incident, saying that, for Enugu Air, safety remained non-negotiable.
In the statement made available to newsmen on Friday, the governor said, “The Enugu State Government is aware of the runway excursion incident affecting Enugu Air, Embraer E170, Flight 4264, operating until the Benin Airport from Lagos on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
“The government empathizes with the 63 passengers and five crew members on board the aircraft over the traumatic experience and is thankful to God that no life was lost and no injuries have so far been reported.
“The government commends the swiftness of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) in embarking on the ongoing investigation to determine the circumstances and factors that may have led to the incident. The government will ensure the full cooperation of its going concern, Enugu Air, with the investigation and regulatory authorities.

“While the outcome of the investigation is awaited, the government assures the public that the operations of Enugu Air are guided by the highest safety standards. The airline is founded on a corporate culture that places safety above profit and schedule, and its quality assurance and quality control systems stipulate a safety threshold that is considerably higher than the industry benchmark.
“This accounts for the growing confidence and patronage the airline has continued to enjoy from both passengers and industry stakeholders. Enugu Air will therefore continue to serve its teeming customers and abide by its utmost commitment to safety, professionalism, and a sense of hospitality.”
He thanked Nigerians for their support following the incident, as many continued to relive their pleasurable experiences flying the airline.
“The Enugu State Government wishes to express its profound gratitude to Nigerians for the outpouring of solidarity since the unfortunate incident. Quite uncommonly, Nigerians have continued to share their positive experiences with Enugu Air since it was launched a year ago. This matters so much to us as a government at this time,” he concluded.
News
Pastor found dead inside church
A pastor of the Power in the Word of God for the World Ministry has been found dead inside his church in Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, with the circumstances surrounding his death still unknown.
The incident happened on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the church located on Etim Inyang Street in Oron.
The discovery of the pastor’s body has caused concern among residents, while many people in the area have been discussing different claims about what may have happened.
Some residents believe the pastor may have taken his own life. However, there has been no official confirmation from the police, and the reports circulating on social media remain unverified.
Videos shared online showed people believed to be members of the church carrying the pastor’s body out of the building.

Another video showed the body, wrapped in cloth, inside a police pickup van belonging to the Oron Area Command.
As of the time of reporting, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command had not released an official statement explaining the cause of the pastor’s death or the outcome of any investigation.
Efforts by Premium Times to get a response from the police were unsuccessful, as the spokesperson for the command, Timfon John, did not answer phone calls or reply to text messages seeking comments on the incident.
Authorities are expected to investigate the case to determine the exact cause of the pastor’s death.
-
News3 days agoGunmen kill four herders from same family, raze cattle camp, slaughter cows in Anambra
-
News3 days agoPFIPC Probe: Why Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Head of Service, Accountant-General should step aside — Opara
-
Politics2 days agoWho is Against the Second Term Bid of Gov Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, And Why Mbah Must Serve Again And Beyond
-
News3 days agoDeputy Speaker Kalu breaks silence on N780m Budget controversy, says Fund not meant for Churches alone
-
News1 day ago40 abducted as bandits raid 11 communities in Zamfara
-
News7 hours agoPastor found dead inside church
-
News2 days agoSoutheast Governors will support Tinubu in 2027 — Uzodimma
-
News3 days agoEnugu Air Showcases Investment Vision at Farnborough International Airshow




