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ECOWAS harmonising framework, policy for its standby force —Commissioner

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says it is working towards harmonising framework and policy documents for the management of logistics for its Standby Force (ESF).

The Standby Force constitutes the use of force as a last resort if diplomacy fails.

Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, made this known at a four-day workshop to review the documents, in Kano on Tuesday.

Musah, who was represented by Dr Cyriaque Agnekethom, Director Peacekeeping and Regional Security, said that the documents spelled out the logistics requirements by the Troop Contributing Countries, ECOWAS, and other partners.

He explained that the workshop was organised to review and harmonise the documents to address emerging contemporary security challenges.

He recalled that the Commission had earlier recruited a consultant in 2019 to develop the policy and guiding documents for the management of ECOWAS Logistics Depots (ELDs).

He explained that the ESF logistics concept was created in 2005 to provide a platform for the coordination of all key logistics support and procedures for the ECOWAS Standby Force.

According to him, both documents were reviewed during internal expert workshops and are now ready for an independent expert validation.

“The documents are expected to be rich enough to address contemporary challenges and in tune with international best practices.”

The commissioner further said that the logistics concept also provided a conceptual understanding of sustained operations, considering that the dynamics of the contemporary security environment and peace support in the region had continued to evolve.

This, he said, underscores the need to adapt the original ESF logistics concept to accommodate emerging realities.

He added that to deploy the ESF efficiently, when necessary, ECOWAS had established a Multidimensional Logistics Depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone, and a Humanitarian Logistics Depot in Senou, Mali.

Earlier, Dr. Sani Adamu, acting Head of ECOWAS Peace Support Operations, decried the challenges of peace keeping operations over the years.

He said that it was for this reason that ECOWAS decided to put in place an effective framework to enhance the ESF’s deployment capacity.

Adamu said that the overall objective of the workshop was to review and harmonise the policies in line with UN and AU standards of procedures.

He said that the participants would review the logistics concept, existing statutes, policies, and other strategic instruments relating to ESF’s objectives as an instrument for conflict prevention and management.

“It was also organised to update, harmonise, and finalise the policies on ECOWAS logistics bases, in line with AU and UN principles.

“It was also to review and adopt a standard organogram for the ELD, among others,” he explained.

A participant, Mr Francis Babatunde, said the two documents, if reviewed, would enhance the deployment capacity of ESF for strategic roles towards a formidable regional security framework.

 

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Emir of Katsina turbans 3 district heads, urges unity

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The Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Kabir-Usman, has turbaned Muhammad Dikko-Radda, the son of the governor, as Gwagwaren Katsina ‘ll’, and District Head of Radda, in Charanchi local government area.

The ceremony held in Kastina, on Saturday, was presided over by the Emir, having the attendance of prestigious dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria, including officials from Zinder.

Others turbaned are Ahmad Abdulmumini-Kabir, the son of the Emir, as Danmajen Katsina and District Head of Dankama, and Abubakar Dardisu as Sarkin Mudurun Katsina and District Head of Muduru.

Speaking at the event, the Emir called for unity, urging citizens to avoid envy, promote mutual respect and understanding.

He further expressed concerns over prevailing societal challenges, attributing them largely to selfishness among individuals.

Kabir-Usman noted that unless there is a change in attitude, societal problems would persist.

He stressed the need for adherence to religious values and collective responsibility to promote peace and development.

The Emir further called for collective attitudinal change to foster a better and more harmonious society.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the ceremony has the largest gathering, ever since the reign of the Emir,

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JUST IN: Tinubu sacks NMDPRA CEO four months after appointment, nominates replacement

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of Mr Saidu Mohammed as the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in the public interest.

This paper reports that the President has also approved the nomination of Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive of the NMDPRA.

The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) on Thursday said this decision, made pursuant to the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Mr Umar is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors, and a proven track record in strategic leadership, operational transformation, and large-scale project delivery.

He is a graduate of Accounting from Bayero University and an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

Pending Senate confirmation of the new nominee, the most senior official of the NMDPRA will oversee operations in an acting capacity.

President Tinubu thanks the outgoing Authority Chief Executive for his service and wishes him well in his future endeavours.

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Kano Celebrates Sheikh Almagili’s Legacy, Eyes Scholarship Partnership

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The Kano State Council has celebrated the legacy of renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Almagili, for his historic role in spreading Islam in Kano more than five centuries ago, predating the era of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the council, Malam Fatihu Isa Abdullahi.

The commendation was made by Sheikh Nadeem Latif Attari of Pakistan during a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Sarkin Sharifan Kano, Alhaji Sidi Fari Abbas Adam.

Attari called for the provision of scholarship opportunities for the Shurafa’u community, noting that similar support is extended to such groups in Pakistan. He said leaders in Pakistan give special attention to Shurafa’u students pursuing studies there.

He explained that the delegation’s mission was to establish a partnership with the Shurafa’u community in Nigeria to provide vocational and educational skills aimed at promoting youth self-reliance and sustainable development.

Earlier, the chairman of the Elders’ Forum of Majalisar Sharifan Kano, Shariff Tijjani Ibrahim, welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Sarkin Sharifan, council members and the people of Kano.

He prayed for the success of the delegation’s mission and assured them of Kano’s readiness to collaborate, stressing the importance of joint efforts in advancing educational and developmental initiatives for the Shurafa’u community.

As part of the visit, the delegation toured historical sites, including the mosque and Islamiyya school established by Sheikh Almagili, which remain in active use today.

In his remarks, Sarkin Sharifan Kano, Alhaji Sidi Fari Abbas Adam, presented a special message to Sheikh Iliyas Al-Qadri Attari through the delegation leader, aimed at strengthening ties and fostering mutual cooperation.

The visit underscored the significance of preserving Islamic heritage while building strategic partnerships that empower communities, promote education, unity and self-reliance.

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