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Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc demonstrated its commitment to fostering peace and stability across Africa with a landmark donation of $500,000 to the African Union (AU) Peace Fund.
This donation by the UBA Group supports the AU’s efforts towards promoting security, conflict resolution, sustainable development, and a unified Africa, as envisioned in the AU’s Africa Agenda 2063.
The AU Peace Fund plays a crucial role in financing mediation and preventive diplomacy efforts across Africa, strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring rapid responses to emerging conflicts. UBA’s support underscores its dedication to the collective progress of African nations, reinforcing the UBA Group’s long-standing belief that economic growth and regional stability go hand in hand.
The Chairman of the Executive Management Committee AU Peace Fund; H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat stated that “peace is synonymous with resources, if we want development and stability, we must achieve peace, the United Bank for Africa has demonstrated their commitment to the development of our continent by this commitment, through sustainable resources. Together, we will continue to build a continent for the future.
UBA’s Group Chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu, who announced the donation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, highlighted the reasons behind the UBA Group’s support to the AU.
Elumelu explained the requirement that corporate institutions shape Africa’s future cannot be over-emphasised, and by investing in peace and security, UBA is contributing to an environment where businesses, communities, and nations can thrive, driving sustainable development and economic prosperity for all.
“UBA is committed to advancing sustainable development, uplifting the quality of life across Africa and the vital connection between economic growth for Africans and African businesses and the stability provided by peace and security,” Elumelu said.
With presence in over 20 countries in Africa, UBA strongly believes in the continent’s potential, as he added that “Development will come with peace, and every individual, organisation and business should be committed towards achieving this.”
The UBA Chairman took time to commend the African Union for its steadfast dedication to promoting peace and security across Africa, saying that UBA Group is honoured to partner with the AU in this noble endeavour, while seeking deeper collaboration between the two institutions.
Over the years, UBA Group’s commitment to the growth and stability of the continent has been unwavering, including the UBA Foundation’s contribution of $14m to catalyse a comprehensive Pan-African response to the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.
The donation provided significant and much needed support to Nigeria and 19 other African countries by supplying relief materials, critical care facilities, and financial support to governments.
The African Union Peace Fund (AUPF) is a financial mechanism established by the African Union to support peace and security initiatives across the continent, primarily focused on conflict prevention, mediation, and peace-building operations through funding allocated to various peace support activities across Africa, including institutional capacity building and peace support operations; it is considered a key pillar of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA).
Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.
![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Congratulates Azu Ishiekwene At 60](/media/k2/items/cache/2d6939544af5b8143aed587a9622b22e_L.jpg?t=20250219_114523)
President Bola Tinubu extends warm congratulations to Azubuike Ishiekwene, Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Interview, on his 60th birthday.
A Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Azu as he is fondly known, has had a distinguished career in journalism spanning over three decades.
He has worked with several reputable media organisations, including The Punch, where he was a columnist and editorial board member; ThisDay as Editor and later the Deputy Managing Director; and Leadership, where he currently serves as the Group Managing Director.
President Tinubu appreciates Ishiekwene's brilliant and incisive commentary and analysis on Nigeria's politics, the economy, and society.
He notes that his insightful contributions and recent writings on digital media have earned him wide recognition and admiration, even from those who may not readily agree with his views.
Commending his contributions to developing the Nigerian media landscape, the President trusts that the dawn of a new age will bring more fantastic inspiration and wisdom.
He prays God almighty to grant the journalist good health and fulfilment in all his endeavours.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
The Nigerian Army has set up a General Court Martial for the trial of five officers and 20 soldiers for different offences in the jurisdiction of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu State.
Inaugurating the court martial, President of the General Court Martial (GCM), Brig.-Gen. Buhari Sadisu, said that the court martial was convened by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye.
Sadisu said that it was pertinent to note that, “Court Martial is one of the instruments used in the Armed Forces to maintain discipline.”
He said, “In Court Martial, military personnel alleged to have committed offences known to laws applicable to them are tried and if found guilty, punished in accordance to the laws criminalising such offences.
“However, where the prosecution failed to establish the allegations against them, the Court will discharge and acquit the accused personnel.
“For the accused personnel present for today’s inauguration, let me assure you that this Court Martial will be guided throughout the trial by the principles of natural justice and fair hearing.
“It will also be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws and procedures related to your trial.”
The President said that the Court Martial would be free from any external influence and would afford the personnel accused adequate time and facility to defend themselves.
He noted that the court martial was fully aware of the cardinal principle of the criminal justice system that an accused person is presumed innocent until the contrary is proven.
“Under our criminal justice system, it is better for 99 guilty persons to be set free than for one innocent person to be convicted.
“Accordingly, I hereby assure you that the Court Martial will strive to do justice in your cases by ensuring that evidence presented before her are judiciously and fairly evaluated.
“This is in order to avoid a situation where an innocent person is made to suffer unjustly,” he said.
The Court Martial has the same power and concurrent mandate as the Federal and State High Courts as its decisions can only be challenged at the Court of Appeal.
[Leadership]
The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan on Tuesday affirmed the selection and installation of Oba Ghandi Olaoye as the Soun of Ogbomoso.
Recall that Justice K. A. Adedokun of the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ogbomoso had, on Oct. 25, 2023, nullified the selection and installation of Olaoye as the Soun of Ogbomoso.
The lower court asserted that the procedure of Olaoye’s nomination was “irregular, null and void”.
It added that the process did not comply with the provisions of the Soun Chieftaincy Declaration of 1958.
Delivering judgment on the appeal filed by Olaoye, Justice Yargata Nimpar, who led a three-member panel of justices, resolved the appeal in favour of Olaoye.
Nimpar said that the lower court had no jurisdiction to entertain the case.
According to the judge, the respondents failed to comply with the administrative procedure of writing the government about their dissatisfaction with the selection before approaching the court.
Nimpar, therefore, set aside the lower court’s judgment and affirmed the selection and installation of Olaoye as the Soun of Ogbomoso.
Speaking with newsmen after the judgment, the respondents’ lead counsel, Mr Abiodun Ogunjumi, said his client was dissatisfied with the judgment of the Court of Appeal.
Ogunjumi said he was ready to file notice and grounds of the appeal to attack the judgment of the Court of Appeal at the Supreme Court.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the respondents are Prince Muhammed Olaore and six others.
Mr Kolawole Fatoye stood in for Olaoye’s counsel, Mr Yusuf Ali, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
(NAN)
Pan Niger Delta Forum leader, Edwin Clark, died on Monday at the age of 97.
A family representative, Prof. C. C. Clark, announced Clark’s death on Tuesday morning.
He was a Nigerian nationalist, elder statesman, lawyer and an influential political leader from the Niger Delta.
He was widely recognised for his unwavering advocacy for the region’s rights and development and his significant contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape.
Below are the things to know about Clark
He was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State.
Clark began his schooling at African Church School in 1938 and later attended Government Teachers Training College, Abraka.
Between 1961 and 1964, he studied law at Holborn College, United Kingdom.
Clark’s political journey began in 1953 when he was elected a councillor in Bomadi (now in Delta State).
- Clark, a champion of equity, inclusion — CUPP
- Mighty iroko tree has fallen, PANDEF mourns passing of Edwin Clark
- Clark, a consummate politician, fearless critic - Keyamo
Over the years, he held several key government positions, including: Commissioner for Education (Mid-Western Region, 1968-1971)
Commissioner for Finance and Establishment (Bendel State, 1972-1975)
Federal Commissioner for Information under General Yakubu Gowon (1975)
As Commissioner for Education, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Mid-West Institute of Technology, which later became the University of Benin.
Clark was a powerful voice for the Niger Delta, advocating for better resource control; environmental protection; and economic development for the region.
He was a key figure in the Pan Niger Delta Forum and the Ijaw National Congress, consistently fighting for policies that favoured the region’s growth.
Believing in the power of education, he founded Edwin Clark University in Kiagbodo, Delta State, to nurture future generations.
His influence in Nigeria’s politics spanned decades and he remained a respected elder statesman until his death on February 17, 2025.
Clark leaves behind a legacy of advocacy, education and an unrelenting pursuit of justice and equity for both the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
![[STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE] AU Endorses Nigeria As AfCFTA Digital Trade Champion](/media/k2/items/cache/c8e2f69e2bf16292c2e9071c3aff2dbb_M.jpg)
The African Union (AU) has endorsed Nigeria as the Digital Trade Champion for the continent under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) Digital Trade protocol, following the impressive record of the Federal Government in promoting digital enterprise and innovation.
The 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, which concluded on Sunday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, recognised Nigeria's proactive role in advancing the implementation of the digital trade protocol adopted in February 2024.
The protocol features an agenda to develop eight annexes covering critical areas, including rules of origin, digital identities, cross-border data transfers, legitimate and legal public interest reasons for disclosing source code, online safety and security, emerging and advanced technologies, and financial technology.
In his annual report on the progress of the AfCFTA's digital trade protocol, former president of Niger Republic and AU AfCFTA champion Mahamadou Issoufou lauded Nigeria's leadership for convening the Digital Economy Roundtable in January.
He noted that the gathering was pivotal in driving the digital trade agenda forward.
''No organisation, region, or continent has negotiated or adopted such a comprehensive legal instrument on digital trade, positioning the African continent to benefit from the digital economy for innovation and job creation,'' former President Issoufou said.
The former Nigerien leader observed that young Africans are leaders in digital innovation, particularly in mobile banking and other digitally enabled services.
''The AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade will establish a conducive environment for these young people to fully participate in Africa's digital economy,'' he added.
Reflecting on the Digital Economy Roundtable in Abuja, Issoufou commended President Bola Tinubu and his administration for convening the event and inviting the AfCFTA Secretariat to participate.
''The Roundtable was attended by young pioneers in Fintech, mobile banking and other areas of the digital economy.
''It was evident from the discussions that young people are eager to take advantage of Africa's digital economy through the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade,'' the former Niger president said in his progress report to the 38th Assembly.
On the significance of the AU endorsement of Nigeria, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, told the summit:
"Africa has demonstrated global leadership by pioneering the first-of-its-kind AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade—establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework.
"The Assembly of Heads of State and Government has officially designated Nigeria as AfCFTA Digital Trade Champion. The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol is a game changer in advancing Africa's economic development. It is set to create millions of jobs for Africa's growing, tech-savvy youth, contribute billions to the continent's GDP and attract substantial investments for public digital infrastructure across African nations."
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
It Is Worrisome That A US Congressman Has Spoken About It – Ndume Demands Probe Into USAID Funding Of Boko Haram
Admin
Former Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, has urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to investigate allegations by U.S. Congressman, Scott Perry that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funding terrorist organisations, including Boko Haram.
Naija News reports that the American lawmaker, a Republican from Pennsylvania, made the claim last Thursday during the inaugural hearing of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency.
In a viral video, Perry alleged that USAID had been providing up to $697m annually to terrorist groups, including Boko Haram.
Reacting to the allegation during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, Ndume lamented over the devastating impact of Boko Haram in the country.
He described the allegation as weighty and worrisome,” stressing the need for a thorough investigation.
“Boko Haram has ravaged not only the North-East but even Nigeria as a whole. You can remember how Boko Haram bombed the police headquarters and the UN office in Abuja. The casualties were enormous. But the security agencies have raised this issue indirectly several times. Even the Borno State government was wary of the operations of some NGOs,” Ndume stated.
He recalled a past security operation where an NGO was allegedly caught training individuals on how to use firearms.
“We have been wondering for years—aside from raids and kidnappings—where are these terrorists getting their funds? It’s worrisome. Now that a U.S. Congressman has openly spoken about it, we can’t dismiss it as just an allegation. It’s more than that. That’s why the Nigerian government and the National Assembly, especially, need to investigate and verify the veracity of such claims,” he added.
He further noted that 400,000 displaced persons from Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states are currently taking refuge in Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.
“When you look at these figures, it’s alarming. And when you analyze Boko Haram’s modus operandi, you begin to question whether they are receiving supplies from external sources,” he said.
The lawmaker revealed plans to raise a motion in the Senate on Tuesday to push for a formal investigation.
“This is a matter of urgent national importance. We need to set up a strong committee involving security agencies like the Office of the NSA, the DIA, and the DSS because this falls within their responsibilities. It’s not just about internal security,” he stated.
[NaijaNews]
President Bola Tinubu says the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) should prioritise the establishment of a combined maritime task force to enhance security in the Gulf of Guinea.
Tinubu spoke on Sunday at the 38th ordinary session of the assembly of the AU heads of state and government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Represented by Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, Tinubu proposed Lagos, Nigeria’s economic nerve, as the security outfit’s headquarters.
“The time has come for the African Union Peace and Security Council to prioritise the creation of a combined maritime task force for the Gulf of Guinea,” a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to Tibubu on information and strategy, quoted the president as saying.
“I wish to announce that Nigeria would like to host the headquarters of the task force in Lagos.”
Tinubu’s recommendation of a maritime task force comes on the same day that Nigeria signed an agreement with the AU.
The statement said Nigeria agreed to provide strategic sea lift services for AU peace support operations, natural disaster support, humanitarian actions, and personnel movement.
Under the agreement, the Nigerian Navy will provide a vessel for the operations on a cost-recovery basis.
Badaru Abubakar, the minister of defence, signed the agreement on Nigeria’s behalf while Bankole Adeoye, AU commissioner for political affairs, peace, and security, signed for the union.
The statement noted that the AUPSC had previously held a high-level meeting.
Tinubu expressed satisfaction at the decision to upgrade the Nigerian National Counter-Terrorism Centre to a regional counter-terrorism centre, which was one of the outcomes of the meeting.
The president also highlighted the insecurity affecting Sahelian countries grappling with democratic transition.
He blamed the worsening situation on the instability in Libya and urged the assembly to back initiatives to restore law and order in the country.
“It would not be out of place to explore the possibility of extending the inherent benefits of UN Security Council resolution 2719 to support AU peace support operations,” the president said.
In doing so, Tinubu added that the AU must try to prevent the increasing incursion of extra-continental forces, including private military companies, into African security matters.
The absence of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, at the All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Kafanchan, Kaduna South Senatorial District, raised eyebrows, fueling speculation about his political stance.
Once considered the political mentor of the current governor, Uba Sani, El-Rufai’s no-show added to the intrigue surrounding the event.
Despite being highly publicized, the rally reportedly welcomed over 22 notable defectors from opposition parties and witnessed a significant turnout.
However, Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, who currently represents Kaduna Central in the 10th Senate, was absent and openly dismissed the gathering as a “rented crowd.”
According to him, the rally was merely a face-saving attempt by Governor Uba Sani to cover up the lack of genuine grassroots support.
Taking to Facebook on Saturday, Usman challenged the governor’s popularity, questioning why an election had not been conducted in the state to gauge actual support.
“APC is like Papalolo in Kaduna State. If you truly knew you had the support of your rented crowd, why didn’t you allow the conduct of election in at least one ward within the State?” he wrote.
He further pointed out that “even the governor could not cast his vote at his polling station during the time.”
[NaijaNews]
![[PRESS RELEASE] Nigeria’s First Lady Elected Member, OAFLAD Steering Committee](/media/k2/items/cache/17154d9910542b77c645145ef98d8357_S.jpg)
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has been elected as a member, Steering Committee of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), the highest decision making body of the organization.
This was at the 29th Ordinary General Assembly of the organization ongoing in Addis Ababa on the sideline of the 38th African Union Summit Ordinary Session.
She joins the 8- member Steering Committee as one of the two members representing West Africa. Other member nations elected include Sierra Leone whose First Lady is the new President of the Organization, Angola, whose First Lady is the Vice President, Malawi, Kenya, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea and Congo.
She will serve in the new position for a two year tenure.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu who is already a strong voice within OAFLAD, the First Lady is expected to further carry the torch of the organization, driving its advocacy initiatives towards the realization of its 2025-2030 Strategic Framework.
SIGNED
Busola Kukoyi
SSA Media to the First Lady of Nigeria
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[PRESS RELEASE] Obidient Family Eulogizes Pa Adebanjo, Condoles With Afenifere. Pa Ayo Adebanjo Was an Inspirational Obideient
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] Obidient Family Eulogizes Pa Adebanjo, Condoles With Afenifere. Pa Ayo Adebanjo Was an Inspirational Obideient](/media/k2/items/cache/7cffef1719efd980b8c7d0347a09071e_XS.jpg?t=20250215_085212)
Pa Ayo Adebanjo Was an Inspirational Obideient
The news of the demise of the chieftain of the Pan Yoruba Socio-political Organization Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, struck us like a cyclone, still in sadness and great shock.
Pa Adebanjo is one of the pillars that the expectant New Nigeria is standing on. His legacies and pluck etched his name on the annals of history as a great countryman, with indelible proofs of patriotism and heroism.
Pa Adebanjo will forever be remembered as that selfless leader who sacrificed his lifetime as an upholder and proponent of true democracy and the Rule of Law. His commitment and steadfastness in leadership craftsmanship are reflected in the monumental achievement of the Afenifere organization.
Myself and the OBIDIENTS extend our condolences to his family, his friends, the good people of Ogun State, the Afenifere Organization and everyone he has left a lasting impact on their lives in our Nation.
It is our earnest desire that more people like Pa Adebanjo are birthed in our democratic space who will uphold the unity of our Nation and are willing to work tirelessly for the progress of a united victorious front as One Blessed Nation, our differences regardless.
With the likes of Pa Adebanjo on a united front, despite the dividing lines of language, race and religion, A New Nigeria is POssible.
May his soul rest in peace
Dr. Yunusa Tanko
National Coordinator
OBIDIENTS Movement
...says he was a patriot par excellence
It is with great sadness, that I received the news of the passing into glory of Chief Samuel Ayodeji Adebanjo, my brother, comrade-in-arms and political associate for upwards of 70 years.
His contributions during the struggle for Nigeria’s independence as well as during struggles for the restoration and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria shall remain indelible in the annals of Nigeria’s history. He was an unrelenting ideologue who fought for many noble causes under the auspices of Afenifere where he was once the Acting Leader.
Members of Afenifere family will greatly miss this fallen hero.
Chief Adebanjo was a custodian of positive values that define progressive politics in Nigeria. As a disciple of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, GCFR, SAN, he was committed to the principles of good governance, rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights of Nigerians. His advocacy for the restructuring of
Nigeria was borne out of the conviction that only a truly federal Nigeria, where justice and fairness are supreme, could fulfill the aspirations of the people.
I pray that God will grant the family the fortitude to bear this great loss
Chief Dr R. F Fasoranti ( OFR)
The Asiwaju Yoruba and The Leader of Afenifere.
Former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
In a heartfelt condolence message on Friday, Senator Kalu described Pa Adebanjo as a patriotic leader, a strong advocate for democracy, and a symbol of national unity.
Kalu, who is the lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District and also the Senate Committee Chairman on Privatization and South East Development Commission acknowledged the late statesman’s lifelong dedication to justice, equity, and good governance, noting that his contributions to Nigeria’s socio-political development would remain indelible.
“The passing of elder statesman, Pa Ayo Adebanjo is a great loss to Nigeria. He was a fearless leader who stood for truth and fairness at all times. His wisdom, courage, and commitment to national unity will be greatly missed,” Kalu stated.
The Senator extended his condolences to the Adebanjo family, the leadership and members of Afenifere, and all Nigerians who were touched by the late leader’s legacy. He prayed for strength for the bereaved and for the peaceful repose of Pa Adebanjo’s soul.
A potentially explosive situation is unfolding in Amede Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Enugu State, as the Commissioner Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development & Chieftancy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo and Chairman Isi Uzo Local Government Area, Mr. Obiora Obeagu face allegations of attempting to impose a defeated candidate as Igwe.
The controversy centers on a 2019 election on September 5th, between Chief Simeon Mgborogwu Edeoga and Chief Emeoha Michael Ikechukwu. Chief Edeoga reportedly won with 619 votes, but Hon. Ogbodo and Hon. Obeagu seem to be disregarding the community's mandate.
The Amede community is urging security agencies to intervene, citing a pending court case. They warn that any attempt to disrupt peace will be met with resistance. The community also questions the legitimacy of the election, given the absence of a Town Union Executive for three years.
How can election take place where there is no town union Executive?