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ECOWAS Parliament Holds First Ordinary Session, As Speaker Ibrahima Seeks Support Against Food Insecurity, Terrorism, Poverty

Published

5 months ago

July 2, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Rt. Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima, has called on the regional institutions to use their resources to help address poverty, terrorism, violent extremism, food insecurity and climate change in the sub-region.

The Speaker stated this while declaring open the First Ordinary Session of the ECOWASParliament on Monday, in Abuja.

According to her, there is the need for a variety of approach to address the numerous challenges bedeviling the West African sub-region.

She said: “We are still grappling with a number of scourges and challenges, such as poverty, climate change, the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and the conflict in the Middle East, to name but a few.

“Unfortunately, these problems are compounded by another phenomenon of staggering proportions in our region, namely the upsurge in the threat of terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime, which is costing the lives of our valiant defence and security forces, as well as thousands of innocent people. This asymmetrical threat weighs heavily on our conscience as Africans.”

Speaker Ibrahima acknowledged that during the 2024 Second Extraordinary session held in Kano State, Nigeria in May, the Parliament considered and adopted the Rules of Procedure, Strategic Plan of the 6th Legislature and the 2024 Activity, which are key to the functioning of the Community Parliament.

She also noted that the Parliament has taken steps to address the desire of three of its Member-States to withdraw from the Community, as well as the growing tensions between the Republics of Benin and Niger.

“Discussions on these various issues led to the adoption by Parliament of what is known as The “Kano Declaration”. Specifically, by means of this declaration, we have resolved, among other things, to: set up an Ad hoc mediation committee to initiate and maintain not only dialogue with the authorities of these different countries, but also communication among our various populations conduct field visits to understand and help settle disagreements between the two friendly and sister nations, Benin and Niger.

“We want to encourage the ECOWAS Commission to expedite the implementation of the joint defence strategy to fight against terrorism and violent extremism,” she added.

The Speaker further said that and urgent actions are being taken in collaboration with other ECOWAS institutions to implement the recommendations, noting that during its last two meetings, the Bureau of Parliament had lengthy discussions on them.

On elections in West Africa, the speaker said the West African region has witnessed several elections, such as the presidential election in Senegal and the legislative and regional elections in Togo.

She expressed gratitude to President Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo, for his brilliant success in organising the elections of 29 April 2024, and for the relevant constitutional and institutional reforms rolled out in Togo.

Speaker Ibrahima also extolled Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for the supportive role he has played to promote democracy as the Chair of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government as well congratulated Bassirou Diomaye FAYE on his brilliant election as President of the Republic of Senegal on 2 April 2024.

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Enugu ready to provide evidence against Ekpa, hails arrest

Published

1 minute ago

November 22, 2024

Naijablitznews

Enugu State Government has hailed the Government of the Republic of Finland for the arrest of the Finland-based leader of the criminal gang, Autopilots, Simon Ekpa, describing him as a common criminal, con man, and terrorist, who has no interest of Igbo people at heart.

The government also described Ekpa as a murderer and fraudster, who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery, saying that Enugu State was ready and willing to provide evidence of Ekpa-sponsored atrocities against Ndigbo to aid his trial and conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Friday.

“The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa.

“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South East.

“This arrest is in line with the demand of Governor Peter Mbah Administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster, who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East region.

See also Bauchi: Head teacher bags 11 years jail term for sexually assaulting 6-year-old pupil
“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work. He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra,” the government said.

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“Men Need To Submit Too”, says Pastor Olumide, Quotes Bible Passage To Back His Statement (Video)

Published

5 minutes ago

November 22, 2024

Naijablitznews

A pastor has stated that submission in a marriage is not a requirement for women alone.

Pastor Olumide Emmanuel explained that a Christian marriage is not based on “culture” but on the teachings of the kingdom and as a result, men should respect their wives’ opinions and superior judgment and submit when appropriate.

He said: “Men, I will tell you for free, respect a woman’s sensitivity if you want to do well in life.

“Ask any married man that will be honest with you, there are things that if we did not listen to our wife we’d be in trouble by now. And there are times that we didn’t listen, we enter trouble.

“So if you’re a young person now, don’t let Africa kill you. ‘I’m a man of this house, I’m a man of this house, you can’t tell me what to do’. Forget that nonsense.

“Marriage is not an African culture, it’s a kingdom culture and in the kingdom the bible says, submitting yourself one to another. Mutual submission is a kingdom agenda for the marriage.

“So there are times you need to submit to your wife. Submit to your woman.”

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SEE Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate Today, 22 November 2024

Published

1 hour ago

November 22, 2024

Naijablitznews

The black market dollar to Naira exchange rate on Friday 22 November 2024 can be accessed below.

NewsOnline Nigeria has obtained the official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates. Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market. As of now, you can purchase 1 dollar at a certain rate now, however, it’s important to remember that the rate can shift (either upwards or downwards) within hours.

How much is a dollar to naira today in the black market?

Dollar to naira exchange rate today black market (Aboki dollar rate):

According to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources, the exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players bought a dollar for N1710 and sold it for N1750 on Friday, November 22, 2024.

Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate N1730
Selling Rate N1740
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Buying Rate N1745
Selling Rate N1750
Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may be different from what is captured in this article because prices vary.