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We’ll lose a lot if Niger Republic, Mali, Burkina Faso remain under military – CDS
Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff (CDS), says Nigeria stands to lose a lot if Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso do not return to democratic rule.
The three West African countries have been under military rule for the past few years.
Following the military takeovers, the three countries exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and would go on to form the Alliance of Sahel States in September 2023.
Speaking on Friday on Prime Time, an Arise Television programme, Musa said leadership failure in the three countries will have a direct impact on Nigeria.
“Like I said, we have issues of poverty in West Africa, a lot of issues with governance, challenges with Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso. They are taking a lot of heat, and that is because the areas are large, there is a lot of poverty within those areas, climate change is one major issue on ground, and lack of political will is causing these issues,” Musa said.
“And those are the things trying to pour into Nigeria. Whatever effort we are making, as long as these things are there, it is going to be a challenge.
“The truth about it is that, especially for these three countries, it is important that they get their leadership right, and then they are able to do a lot. And, that is why for us in Nigeria, we have a lot to lose if they do not get it right —they must have a democratic system that will be able to assist them in taking decisions that will help the country.”
Musa said the federal government is making efforts to strengthen border management between Nigeria and the three countries to avert security threats.
Speaking on the latest global terrorism index, the CDS said that although the report placed Nigeria in the sixth position, there has been significant improvement in security in the country.
“And that is why the federal government is moving up, to make sure that we have a very wonderful border management system because we have to protect our borders,” he said.
“I will not speak for West Africa; I will speak for Nigeria. In 2024, we had the least number of attacks within the country. Things are really improving. Yes, we still have isolated issues. But, I can tell you the troops are really putting in their best.
“If you move around the country, you would see that a lot of things have improved; farmers are going back to their farms, there is a lot of peace. Nigerians know that things are really improving; we need to join hands together to do more.”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The chairman of the Ekiti state congress committee, Chief Afolabi Adekanbi has hailed members of the People’s Democratic Party in Ekiti state for conducting themselves peacefully at the just concluded ward congresses across the 177 wards in the state.
The chairman who spoke with journalists at the PDP state Secretariat in Ado Ekiti on Saturday, said that the peaceful conduct of the congress has signified that the future of PDP in Ekiti state is very bright and promising.
He applauded the leaders of the party for their discipline, temerity and maturity in handling the affairs of the party especially the way the congress was done without rancor.
The chairman noted that the state PDP has set a very good example for others across Nigeria, saying that what happened in Ekiti state is a threat to the ruling party as it’s now clear that PDP is more organized than any other party in Nigeria.
He however urged all members of the party in the state to maintain the same tempo in the subsequent congresses, adding that it’s not over until it’s over.
In his remarks, the chairman of the caretaker committee in the state, Chief Dare Adeleke applauded the the chairman and members of the congress committee, saying their conduct played a significant role in the success of the congress.
He as well commended members of the party in the state for making sure that the congress was conducted under a peaceful atmosphere.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Armed unidentified men who recently kidnapped Abdulsalam Rabi’u, the winner of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, are demanding a ransom of ₦30 million for his release.
The young scholar, alongside his father and brothers, were abducted on Tuesday near Labin Bangori in Katsina State while returning home from a state recognition ceremony.
Details of the Abduction
Rabi’u, a medical student at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, hails from Katsina State and was recently honored for his exceptional performance in the Hizb 60 with Tajweed category of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition held in Kebbi State.
Following his victory, Governor Dikko Umar Radda invited him and his father to the Katsina Government House for a special recognition event.
Unfortunately, after the ceremony, they were ambushed and taken captive by gunmen along with other family members.
Government’s Response
Katsina State’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu-Zango, confirmed the ransom demand during an interview on Saturday. He assured the public that Governor Radda is deeply concerned about the situation and is taking all necessary steps to secure the victims’ safe release.
Rising Insecurity in Katsina
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Katsina and other northern states, where kidnappings for ransom have become a frequent occurrence. The abduction of a national competition winner has sparked widespread concern, with many calling on authorities to intensify efforts to combat banditry and protect citizens.
As negotiations continue, residents and well-wishers remain hopeful for the safe return of Rabi’u and his family
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
What is the Black Market (Parallel Market) Exchange Rate for Dollar to Naira?
Check out the black market exchange rate for the U.S. dollar to the Nigerian naira as of March 15, 2025. Below are the latest rates for currency exchange in the parallel market.
How Much is a Dollar to Naira Today in the Black Market?
As of Saturday,
March 15, 2025, the exchange rate at the Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) sees traders buying a dollar for
₦1590 and selling at
₦1610, according to sources at the Bureau De Change (BDC).
It is important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize the black market and advises individuals looking to trade foreign exchange (Forex) to use their respective banks.
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
USD to NGN Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate ₦1590
Selling Rate ₦1610
Dollar to Naira CBN Official Rate Today
USD to NGN CBN Exchange Rate Today
Highest Rate ₦1548
Lowest Rate ₦1480
Please note that exchange rates may vary based on location, trader, and transaction type, so the rates at which you buy or sell forex may differ slightly from what is stated here.
Ekiti State PDP concludes ward congress
Banditry! Abductors Of Katsina Qur’anic Recitation Winner Wants N30m Ransom
SEE Today’s Parallel Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate (March 16, 2025)
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