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AES Countries to Face Major Repercussions After Exit From ECOWAS – Tuggar

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By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has warned that the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will have significant consequences for regional security, economic stability, and integration efforts.

The Minister in an interview, described the exit as a complex issue requiring careful diplomatic engagement to address the underlying concerns.

He emphasised that the sanctions imposed on the three countries were a collective decision made by ECOWAS heads of state and government.

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Tuggar also highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions and restore cooperation with the departing nations.

He said: “Several delegations have been sent to these countries, and the presidents of Togo and Sierra Leone have been appointed as mediators to facilitate dialogue.

“Additionally, ECOWAS has lifted sanctions on these countries, paving the way for potential reconciliation”.

Tuggar also stressed that the exit poses serious security risks, especially as the region continues to battle terrorism and ongoing humanitarian crises.

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“ECOWAS has established a 1650-man strong brigade to combat terrorism and offered financial assistance to support the affected countries in their fight against terrorism.

“The economic implications are also substantial, as these countries will no longer be part of the regional economic community, potentially limiting their access to markets and hindering economic growth.

“The withdrawal may also disrupt regional integration efforts, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

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“The African Union and other international organizations have expressed concerns about the potential impact on regional integration efforts and the stability of the continent”, he asserted.

The Minister reiterated the need for continued collaboration and cooperation to mitigate the challenges arising from this development.

“The regional bloc has also offered support to the affected countries to address their security concerns.

“We recognize the challenges faced by these countries, and we are committed to providing assistance to help them address their security concerns,” Amb. Tuggar stated.

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According to him, the exit of these countries from ECOWAS has also raised concerns about the potential impact on regional health organizations; but he said that the door remains open for these countries to rejoin the regional bloc.

“The West African Health Organization (WAHO) is based in Burkina Faso, and its relocation could have significant implications for the region.

“We hope that they will take advantage of this opportunity to re-engage with their West African neighbors and work towards a more stable and prosperous future for all”, he added.

While reacting to uncertainty surrounding the future of the Alliance of Sahel States(AES) countries’ relationship with ECOWAS, Tuggar said with continued diplomacy, cooperation, and a commitment to the well-being of the people, it is possible to navigate these challenges and promote a more stable and prosperous West Africa.

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“The region is at a critical juncture, and the decisions made in the coming months and years will have a lasting impact on the future of West Africa.

“As such, it is essential that leaders prioritize the needs and concerns of the people and work towards finding solutions that promote peace, stability, and prosperity.

“Ultimately, the future of the AES countries’ relationship with ECOWAS will depend on the ability of leaders to work together and find common ground.

“As President Tinubu emphasized, the door remains open for these countries to rejoin the regional bloc, and it is hoped that they will take advantage of this opportunity to re-engage with their West African neighbors”, the Minister noted.

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Speaker Abbas Mourns the Passing of Sarkin Yakin Zazzau, Alhaji Rilwanu Yahaya

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Alhaji Rilwanu Yahaya, the Sarkin Yakin Zazzau, who died on Thursday morning at the age of 63.

In a condolence message conveyed through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Abbas described the late traditional leader as a dedicated community figure and a pillar of unity in the Zazzau Emirate.

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He praised Alhaji Rilwanu Yahaya for his exemplary life and patriotic service, offering condolences to the Zazzau Emirate, the people, and the government of Kaduna State.

The Speaker prayed for Allah (SWT) to grant the deceased Jannatul Firdaus and to provide strength to his family in this difficult time.

Born in Unguwar Kaura, Zaria City, the late Sarkin Yakin Zazzau was a retired health officer with the Kaduna State Ministry of Health. He was a respected council member and kingmaker in the Zazzau Emirate Council, overseeing health-related matters and managing the Palace Health Clinic (Yero Health Clinic).

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BREAKING : Court Nullifies Gov Adeleke’s Executive Order on Owa of Igbajo, Declares Famodun as Authentic Monarch

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The State High Court in Ife has nullified Governor Ademola Adeleke’s executive order and white paper on the Owa of Igbajo stool. In a landmark ruling, the court affirmed Oba Famodun as the legitimate Owa of Igbajo, effectively overturning the government’s decision.

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Trump’s administration stops foreign aids on HIV to Nigeria, other countries as experts react

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Donald Trump administration has halted funding for HIV/AIDS programs in Nigeria and other developing countries, a move that has drawn widespread criticism from global health experts and activists.

This decision comes despite ongoing efforts to combat the disease in regions that heavily rely on international aid to sustain healthcare initiatives.

The decision affects the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has been a critical source of funding for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention in Nigeria and other low-income nations.

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Over the years, PEPFAR has supported millions of individuals with life-saving antiretroviral treatments, helping to curb the spread of the virus in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Health experts fear this funding freeze could lead to devastating setbacks in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Amina Ahmed, a Nigerian health policy expert, warned of severe consequences for patients who depend on subsidized medication.

“This decision will leave many Nigerians living with HIV without access to treatment. It threatens to reverse years of progress made in reducing HIV-related deaths and new infections,” Dr. Ahmed said.

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The suspension could also disrupt prevention programs, including mother-to-child transmission initiatives, which have been pivotal in reducing the number of newborns born with the virus.

Critics argue that the decision reflects a lack of empathy for struggling nations. Dr. Michael Jones, a U.S.-based global health advocate, described the move as a “callous disregard for human lives.”

The Trump administration has defended the decision, citing budgetary constraints and a shift in focus toward domestic healthcare priorities.

However, advocates argue that cutting off aid to developing countries will have broader implications for global health security.

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Nigeria, which has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates globally, could face dire consequences.

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) estimates that over 1.9 million Nigerians are living with HIV.

Many of these individuals depend on PEPFAR-supported programs for their treatment and care.

The announcement has sparked calls for urgent action. Local NGOs and international organizations have begun lobbying for alternative funding sources to bridge the gap left by the U.S. withdrawal.

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Advocacy groups are also urging the Nigerian government to increase its healthcare budget to reduce reliance on foreign aid.

The decision has drawn parallels to the global reaction following similar cuts during the early years of the AIDS epidemic.

Analysts warn that reducing funding for HIV/AIDS programs could lead to a resurgence of the disease, undermining decades of progress in public health.

As the global community reacts to this development, the focus remains on finding sustainable solutions to ensure that affected individuals continue receiving the care they need.

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The Nigerian government and international stakeholders now face the challenge of mitigating the impact of this funding gap while maintaining momentum in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

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