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ECOWAS Parliament Kicks Off First Extraordinary Session

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…as Speaker Ibrahima reaffirm commitment to regional unity

By Gloria Ikibah

The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima, has reaffirmed the Parliament’s dedication to deepening economic integration among member states.

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Speaking at the First Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament for 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria, she emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, particularly in advancing the single currency agenda.

The session opened with a seminar themed “ECOWAS @50 & Parliament @25: Reflections on Regional Integration,” aimed at evaluating progress and addressing challenges in the bloc.

On the recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS, Ibrahima acknowledged the impact on integration efforts but assured that strategies are in place to address any setbacks. She emphasized the enduring regional ties and called for continued dialogue with the departing nations while reaffirming ECOWAS’ readiness to maintain bilateral relations.

She further stressed the importance of translating seminar discussions into concrete policies that foster peace, stability, and economic growth.

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The Speaker urged all member states to stay committed to ECOWAS’ objectives and work collectively towards a more unified and prosperous region.

“As we reflect on the achievements of the past 50 years, we must also look to the future with renewed determination. The challenges we face ard significant, but do too are the opportunities.
“To build a brighter future for West Africa, we must: strengthen our institutions to ensure they are responsive, inclusive, and effective; and deepen economic integration,” the Speaker stated.
The first deputy speaker of the Ecowas Parliament, Senator Jibrin Barau, appreciated the Governor of Lagos for hosting the session and emphasised optimism about the outcome of the session.
Barau also commended the exemplary leadership of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of the U.S. Authority on the Health of States and Government.
He commended the dedication of parliamentarian to regional cooperation and policy harmonisation.
“Mr. President’s firm commitment to regional stability, economic integration, and democratic governance has been a beacon of inspiration for our member governments,” Jibrin stated.
“The National Parliament plays a vital role in fostering unity and development. Through collaborative efforts, we can strengthen our region and advance prosperity,” he stated.
The session is expected to provide a platform for policymakers to assess progress and strategise on strengthening the regional bloc amid emerging challenges.

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Lagos police uncover baby factory, nab three suspects

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The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a baby factory in the Ijegun area and rescued 10 people.

According to the spokesperson for the command, Benjamin Hundeyin, also shared that three suspects were nabbed on Monday.

Hundeyin disclosed the illegal activity was exposed after the police received a tip-off last Saturday.

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He added that the officers swift into action to the location and arrested the main suspect, Mariam Vincent, aged 35, along with two others – Orie Ruth, 23, and Ujunwa Ifeanyi, 18.

During the operation, the police found and rescued several victims, including three children aged seven, five, and two.

In conclusion, seven adult women and three children were rescued.

Among the adult victims were Precious
(24), Magdalene (25), Adaobi (23), Princess (22), Ifeanyi (25), and Amaka (26).

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The rescued children are Destiny (7), Miracle (5), and Success (2).

All the rescued people are now getting proper care and support.

Hundeyin said the suspects admitted during questioning that they kidnapped the victims from different places in the state to run the baby factory.

He added that the investigation is still ongoing and the suspects will face charges in court.

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While giving updates on police efforts over the past two weeks,

Hundeyin said, “A total of 39 suspects who engaged in various crimes, including murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, child stealing, vandalism, illegal operation of a baby factory, illegal possession of firearms, and illicit drugs were arrested.”

In another case, police officers rescued two kidnapped people in Igbe Alagemo, Ijede area of Ikorodu.

The kidnappers had attacked the community at night on March 26, 2025.

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The police said the victims were safely rescued on March 29 after a joint effort with local teams and security forces.

A distress call had been received around 9 p.m. on the night of the attack.

Hundeyin explained, “Armed kidnappers invaded the quiet community, forcefully entering the residence of a 40-year-old man identified as Dare. The attackers shot and killed his security dog before abducting him.

“Not stopping there, the kidnappers proceeded to a neighbouring house, where they seized a second victim, 25-year-old Rodiat, under similarly violent circumstances.”

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He said the police and other security teams worked non-stop for three days before rescuing the victims at about 11:56 p.m. on March 29.

“The victims were immediately reunited with their families, and the area is now relatively calm.

“Surveillance continues, and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the crime,” he added.

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OERAF Executive Director Dr Akpodiete, Held Memorial lecture on Essence and benefits of health insurance+Photos

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…Enrolled over 400 indigents into Delta state health insurance scheme

In a very unique and significant way of tackling health challenges in our society, the ever passionate and health insurance ambassador (HIA), Executive Director of Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) Dr Otemu Olotu Akpodiete held memorial lecture on essence and benefits of health insurance in Nigeria in honour of his late grand father, Late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Ph.D

Speaking during the event at both Okparabe and Otor-Udu respectively yesterday, he noted that health insurance is very important to every family in the society.

Akpodiete explained that, Sometimes there might be an emergency and if you don’t have health insurance, you will spent alot before you can be attended to by Medical organizations. But if there’s health insurance card with you it get easier.

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“He further commended the Delta state government led by His Excellency, Rt Hon (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, for brining this good initiative and it’s very affordable, just with seven thousands naira, you get enrolled unlike the federal government that is almost forty thousand per person.” he added.

The Director General (DG) of the Delta State Contributory health commission, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta ably represented by Mr. Emmanuel Akpofure, thanked the sponsor Dr Akpodiete for being the first person across Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency to register indigents for the scheme. He called on other wealthy individuals to emulate this young man.

Dr Akpodiete also received commendation from several beneficiaries of the scheme, they said that to enrole over 400 persons in this program so far is not a joke, each person is seven thousand naira and Dr Olotu Akpodiete is not the most wealthiest before doing it. He is a man with so much passion for humanity and we prayed God to grant him his heart desires.” they concluded.

Other highlights of the event was presentation of health insurance ambassador (HIA) award to the sponsor.

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Just in: Founder of Diamond Bank and ex-chairman of MTN, Paschal Dozie is dead

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Pascal Gabriel Dozie, founder of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc and a former chairman of MTN Nigeria, has died at 85 from an undisclosed ailment, a source close to the family revealed.

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