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ECOWAS Parliament Approves 418m Units of Account for 2025 Budget

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved a consolidated budget of 418,062,927 Units of Account (UA) for 2025.

The decision was finalized during the Parliament’s Bureau meeting held in Abuja.

This budget is expected to fund the ECOWAS Commission, Parliament, agencies, and special projects, with a significant focus on peace and security initiatives.

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As part of the budget adjustments, the allocation for the West African Health Organization (WAHO) was increased by 4.21%, bringing its total to 71,596,777 UA. Meanwhile, the ECOWAS Parliament’s budget saw a reduction of 19.5%, now amounting to 18,696,897 UA.

Beyond financial deliberations, the Parliament expressed concern about the scheduled withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS, set for January 29, 2025.

The legislative body has urged for an extension of the withdrawal deadline to allow for further negotiations, even as it emphasised the importance of maintaining regional unity and preventing the fragmentation of West Africa’s economic and political framework.

During the meeting in Abuja, the ECOWAS Parliament also reviewed ten Community Acts referred by the ECOWAS Commission, to address key areas such as energy, transportation, and education.

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In addition, the Bureau held an interactive session with the Programme for Women’s Political Participation in Africa, which focused on strategies to enhance female representation in governance across the sub-region.

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SAD! Abductors k!ll soldier over delayed ransom payment

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Kidnappers have killed a Nigerian Army non-commissioned officer, Abdulfatai Odutola, over a delay in ransom payment.

Recall that Odutola, a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO), was abducted on February 15, 2025, along the Abuja-Jos highway.

He was reportedly travelling to Yola, the Adamawa State capital, at the time of the incident.

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His kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N20 million for his release.

A military internal memo earlier obtained by SaharaReporters had read, “Pls information reaching me now from this sldr whisky that MWO Abdulfatai Odutola (CC 23 BDE Yola) was kidnapped yesterday along Abuja-Jos Road, while returning to Yola. He left Ilorin on Friday 14th of Feb 2025 and slept at Abuja. He continued his movement from Abuja yesterday b4 the incident happened to him.

“Currently they are demanding N20,000,0000 for his release. Pse appropriate authority should help the sldr.”

However, another internal memo revealed that the body of the senior personnel has been recovered.

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“Information reaching us now from Yola is that the above MWO Abdulfatai Odutola’s body was discovered by police from Jos forest killed by his kidnappers after passing deadline for payment of 20 million naira ransom payment demanded by his kidnappers. Also his car was discovered. Kindly take action.”

SaharaReporters recently reported that Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists killed three army personnel during an attack on a military base in Borno State.

The terrorists reportedly attacked the military facility in Isige town, Gwoza Local Government Area, for several hours.

According to a source, the terrorists destroyed several buildings and stole two gun trucks during the assault.

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“There was an attack recently in Borno, one Staff Sergeant with two private soldiers were killed. However, the army authorities are silent over the attack which happened at a base in Isige Town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

“They burnt one military vehicle while they went away with two gun trucks, later reinforcement came from nearby unit but then the Boko Haram fighters have left,” the source said. (SaharaReporters: Text, Excluding Headline)

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Canada gives new guidelines For Asylum Seekers Insists Evidence Of insecurity must be proven

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Canada’s immigration authorities have clarified that seeking asylum does not provide an automatic exemption from immigration laws.

The Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) emphasised that individuals seeking asylum must demonstrate that returning to their home country would subject them to serious harm in order to avoid deportation.

The asylum system is designed to offer protection to those fleeing threats such as torture, persecution, and inhumane treatment.

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IRCC has reiterated that the asylum process is not a shortcut to entering the country.

Applicants must provide verifiable evidence of persecution and undergo multiple checks, including medical examinations, biometric data collection, and security screenings.

The statement reads, “It is a rigorous process to determine whether you have a legitimate need for refugee protection according to Canadian and international laws. Our rules-based system will determine the validity of your claim. It’s important to understand that not all claims will be accepted. If you make an asylum claim in Canada, you will need to:

Have health, criminal, security and other background checks
Get a medical exam
Provide personal and biometric (photo and fingerprints) information
Provide concrete evidence of persecution and the risks of being in your home country
Declare on your application if you are working with a representative, even if you’re not paying them
“Providing false information on your refugee claim application is considered lying, and your application may be refused.

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“You’ll be removed from Canada if you don’t have a legitimate claim or are not eligible to make a claim in Canada. It can take a long time to get a final decision on your asylum claim. There’s no guarantee that you will be allowed to stay in Canada.”

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OSUN LG POLLS: Gov Adeleke Orders Restriction Of Vehicular Movement

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered restriction of vehicular movement from 5am to 5pm on Saturday 22nd February 2022 across Osun state.

The directive of the State Governor was sequel to the statewide local government elections that are scheduled to be held tomorrow across the state.

Governor Adeleke who reiterated his commitment to peace and security said the movement restriction is necessary to prevent importation of hoodlums into the state amidst local elections.

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He therefore directed security agencies to enforce the restriction and only allow voters and accredited media and civil society organizations for the continued peace and security of Osun state.

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