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ECOWAS Okays Formal Exits of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso from Regional Bloc

The authority acknowledges that in accordance with the provisions of Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS treaty, the three countries will officially cease to be members of ECOWAS from 29 January, 2025.

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The Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government  has formally approved the withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso from the bloc from January 29, 2025.

The Authority, however gave the three countries up till July next year to reconsider their planned withdrawal from the regional bloc.

In a communiqué after their meeting at the Presidential Villa on Sunday, the commission noted the decision of the three countries to withdraw from ECOWAS, adding that they would cease to be members officially from January 2025.

The communiqué read by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, said “the authority takes note of the notification by Bukina Faso, Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger of their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS.

“The authority acknowledges that in accordance with the provisions of Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS treaty, the three countries will officially cease to be members of ECOWAS from 29 January, 2025.

BACKGROUND

In January 2024,  Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS. 

They accused the regional bloc of deviating from its foundational ideals and succumbing to external influences, particularly criticising the imposition of sanctions aimed at reversing their respective coups. 

The decision followed a series of military takeovers – Mali in 2020 and 2021, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Niger in 2023 – each leading to suspensions from ECOWAS and strained relations with the organisation.

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Soludo Visit President Tinubu, Says ” I’ve been his friend for 22 years”

During the visit today, Soludo for the umpteenth time, declared his support for President Bola Tinubu second term, noting that they have maintained a friendship for over 22 years.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Receives Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Chukuma Soludo,at Presidential Villa Abuja

During the visit today, Soludo for the umpteenth time, declared his support for President Bola Tinubu second term, noting that they have maintained a friendship for over 22 years.

Governor Soludo who wore a white cap emblazoned with Tinubu’s insignia and the inscription “Progressives are working together,” stressed the importance of remaining focused in their shared objectives.

He described President Tinubu as being in high spirits, healthy, and hale, adding, “It was such a pleasure to meet with him; it was a very pleasant meeting.”

Governor Soludo also emphasized that all political parties committed to progressivism are collaborating, and praised President Tinubu’s bold initiatives, particularly his reforms in the economy and structural sectors.

When asked why he boldly endorsed Tinubu despite not belonging to the All Progressives Congress, APC, the President’s party, and being the leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, he replied:

“The caps were produced when President Tinubu visited Anambra State, and you saw the billboards proclaiming that progressives are working together. This is a fundamental belief I hold—that all political parties that profess progressivism should unite in a massive coalition to strengthen our democracy and advance the country’s economic and social development,” Soludo.

For me, saying ‘progressives working together’ is a call to those who share these ideals. Regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I have no apologies for my support.

He has been my friend for 22 years and counting—you don’t deny your friend. I fully support him and am impressed by the bold economic and structural reforms he has implemented. We are on the right path, and we need to stay the course.”

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Akinfeleye Now on Obafemi Awolowo University’s Governing Council

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President Bola Tinubu has appointed Prof Ralph Akinfeleye, a renowned communications specialist, to the Governing Council of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Akinfeleye is the former Head of the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos and the Chairman of the Centre of Excellence in Multimedia and Cinematography/Unilag Radio 103.1 FM and Television.

Formerly a member of the Governing Council of Yakubu Gowon University of Abuja, Akinfeleye replaces Mr. Wahab Owokoniran, who was appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Federal University of Transport, Daura, Katsina State.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu also appointed Prof. Hon. Chisom D. Obih to the Governing Council of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State. Obih’s appointment follows the death of a member of the council.

Tinubu also named Prof. Ibrahim Adamu Yakasai as the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe, Zamfara State.

The President appointed Mr. Hamisu Yusuf Yelwa as the university’s registrar, Usman Nakazalle Sanusi as the Bursar, and Dr. Shehu Aminu Liman as the Librarian.

A retired Colonel from the Nigerian Army, Prof. Yakasai, is the Provost of the College of Health Sciences at Bayero University in Kano.

He is also the chairman of the Committee of Provosts of Colleges of Medicine in Nigeria and a governing council member at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State. He obtained an MBBS at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

He later won a scholarship from the European Economic Commission to do his postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, where he obtained a membership to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and a fellowship at the same prestigious college.

Prof. Yakasai obtained a Master’s in Medical Education at the University of Winchester and subsequently went to the USA to pursue the Fellowship of the International College of Surgeons, FICS (USA), and the Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons.

He also served as the Director-General of the Hospitals Management Board, Kano State.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President(Information & Strategy)August 12, 2025

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Crime

16 Inmates Escape in Keffi Prison Break

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Sixteen inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, in the early hours of Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after breaching the facility’s security and overpowering prison staff.

According to a statement by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, the inmates launched a coordinated attack on duty personnel, leading to the breakout. Five officers were injured in the process, with two currently in serious condition and receiving treatment at a government hospital.

Abubakar confirmed that seven of the escaped inmates have already been recaptured, while a manhunt is underway to track down the remaining nine.

“The Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to inform the general public of an incident… where some inmates breached the security of the facility and attacked personnel on duty, enabling 16 inmates to escape custody,” the statement read in part.

Following the incident, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, visited the Keffi facility and ordered a thorough investigation. He warned that any staff found complicit in the escape would face disciplinary action.

Nwakuche also directed immediate efforts to recapture the fleeing inmates, in collaboration with other security agencies.

The public has been urged to remain calm and vigilant and to report any suspicious movements or sightings of the escapees to the nearest security post.

The NCoS reassured citizens of its continued commitment to public safety and the integrity of custodial facilities across the country.

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