Economy

ECOWAS Calls For Modernisation Of Islamic Schools To Tackle Terrorism, Extremism

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3 weeks ago

November 7, 2025

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ECOWAS Calls For Modernisation Of Islamic Schools To Tackle Terrorism, Extremism

ECOWAS calls for modernisation of Islamic schools to tackle terrorism, extremism. President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja at the West African Islamic Conference on Security and Governance.

The Economic Community of West African States has called for the modernisation of traditional Islamic schools to tackle the surging scourge of terrorism and violent extremism across the sub-region.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja at the West African Islamic Conference on Security and Governance.
According to him, modernising and protecting the schools, students, and teachers will end the street begging phenomenon, child abuse, and children’s vulnerability to radicalisation and recruitment by extremist and terrorist groups.
“The situation of the traditional Qur’anic schools is the focus of our preventive action against radicalisation and violent extremism in this conference. We need to improve and modernise this school system and convert them into conducive and formalised centres of learning and economic empowerment.
“These schools accommodate millions of young people in the region, but they are largely neglected as informal institutions, making both the teachers and their students vulnerable to recruitment by criminal organisations, including terrorist groups,” he said.
Mr Touray noted that terrorism and violent extremism have taken root within the sub-region, and urged all stakeholders to work both to prevent extremism and tackle terrorism, wherever it occurs.
He disclosed that terrorism and violent extremism have exerted a huge toll on the socio-economic well-being of West Africa and the Sahel, which have become the frontline of the global fight against terrorism.
He further disclosed that the 2025 Global Terrorism Index Report reveals a significant shift in global terrorism patterns, with Africa emerging as the new hub of terrorist activities.
“Although prevention is better than cure, we are at a stage where we must work both to prevent extremism and tackle terrorism wherever it occurs. In a region with a youthful population, it is important to pay attention to the situation of these youths and channel their energies to positive activities,” he said.
He stated that the conference aligned with ECOWAS’ Action Plan Against Terrorism, a regional non-kinetic initiative that involves multiple actors from both state and non-state institutions.
“For us in ECOWAS, we have emphasised the application of a carrot and stick approach, or non-kinetic and kinetic strategies in tackling the menace.
“We are therefore pleased to see that the custodians of these traditional Qur’anic schools have come forward to take the lead in their modernisation across West Africa and the Sahel.
“In supporting the initiatives of our religious organisations, we are also complementing the efforts of our national governments,” Mr Touray said.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, stated that the conference was not the end, but the beginning, restating that it marked a step towards a new era of cooperation and collaboration in West Africa and the South.
He urged stakeholders to remain committed to their shared goals and work together to create a region of peace, stability, and prosperity for all, rather than becoming divided.

“Let us strive to create a region where every individual can live in peace, security, and dignity. Let us work together to build a brighter future for our children and our community,” he said.
Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the African Union’s high representative for ‘Silencing the Guns’, disclosed that over 40 million West and Central African children were currently out of school, and terrorism-related deaths had increased by 10 per cent recently.

He said that the main objective of the conference was to develop and implement an action plan on the role of Islamic organisations in countering terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel through non-kinetic strategies.

ECOWAS

Mr Chambas, a former ECOWAS Commission president, said, “Let us work together to implement the recommendations and strategies outlined in this declaration. Let us empower Islamic organisations to promote a culture of peace, tolerance, and coexistence.”

Related Topics:economy ECOWAS Education Information security Terrorists

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Economy

ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party, Others Brought Insecurity, Hunger, Says Atiku

Published

1 day ago

November 29, 2025

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Terrorists Alternative Government Under Tinubu

ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party, Others Brought Insecurity, Hunger, Says Atiku

ADC is Nigeria’s only reliable political party, others brought insecurity, hunger, says Atiku. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubukar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is the only reliable political party in the country, noting that others have brought insecurity, hunger, poverty and unemployment.
Speaking in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba state, during the official opening of the ADC state secretariat, Abubakar said the party is ready for a 2027 victory but urged Nigerians to unite to rescue the nation.

He also asked Taraba residents to take part in the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise, adding that their participation is crucial to reversing Nigeria’s worsening hardship.
“I am in Taraba to inaugurate our new party office of the ADC, and I want you to hold the party with integrity,” Channels Television quoted Atiku as saying.

“Do not allow anybody to deceive you with any other party, because we have tasted other political parties, and they brought nothing but insecurity, hunger, poverty and unemployment. “The youths and women should know that we are doing this for them to have a better future, and I am holding on to their promise. “ADC will win Taraba state and win Nigeria as the only reliable political party.”

ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party

Abubakar, who formally joined the ADC on Monday—17 months before the 2027 general election—said his experience across political platforms convinced him that the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties lack the capacity to rescue the country.

He resigned from the PDP on July 16, citing “irreconcilable differences” within the opposition party as his reason for leaving.

Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom Governor Pledges Commitment To Tourism, Blue Economy Development

Published

1 day ago

November 29, 2025

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Akwa Ibom Governor Pledges Commitment To Tourism, Blue Economy Development

Akwa Ibom governor pledges commitment to tourism, blue economy development… commends Editi Effiong for projecting State’s tourism potentials

As part of his effort to encourage tourism and enhance the State’s blue economy, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to encourage and reward young professionals who are willing to collaborate with his administration in promoting the positive image of the State through the ARISE Agenda.

The Governor made this known while fielding questions from Government House correspondents shortly after embarking on inspection of a locale of a movie, “The Black Book 2” (Old Scores), at Ishiet Beach/Market in Uruan Local Government Area.

He commended the movie Producer and Director, Mr. Editi Effiong, for his talent, vision, inspiration, and creative ability to project the tourism potentials and boost the economy of the State.

Governor Eno charged young Akwa Ibomites to shun divisive tendencies, be inspired, and emulate the creative effort of successful Akwa Ibom sons and daughters by joining hands to develop the tourism and blue economy of the State.

“The impression is amazing, seeing that we have one of our own trying to pull the world down here.

“I would love to thank and encourage him, and to let our young people see that Akwa Ibom has what it takes to drag the world’s attention.

“It depends on what you see. Someone can see this place and write one story about a swamp that has been abandoned and make all the noise. Another person sees this place and makes a great movie out of it that will market this place to the world and is able to attract the attention because of the work he has done here,” he said.

The State Chief Executive pledged his encouragement, support, and collaboration with Editi and other young Akwa Ibomites to enable them rise to the zenith of their calling.

“We are going to work with him. Editi is a young man I have known very well. This is one thing I say to our people in the diaspora, let’s partner. Come back home, whatever you see out there, bring it back here, and let’s work together.

“I think that is the story, and I am really impressed. If you know the number of people that have visited this State in the course of this film, the talents, and the caliber of artists that have been here, then this young man deserves an award and our support,” he added.

Ibom Deep SeaPort

On his part, the movie Producer and Director, Effiong, appreciated Governor Eno for his visionary leadership and passion for tourism development.

He expressed gratitude to the Governor for creating a hospitable and tourism friendly ecosystem to enhance talent exploration through the provision of good road network and quality modern facilities which distinguished the State as one of the most treasured locations in the country.

Crime

EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation

Published

1 day ago

November 29, 2025

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EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation

EFCC releases ex-AGF Malami after hours of interrogation. He said he would return for further questioning.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the former attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, after hours of interrogation by the anti-graft team.

Mr Malami confirmed his release in his X account on Saturday. The former minister said that he had been released and scheduled for another meeting with investigators.
He said that the reality behind the “fabricated allegations” levelled against him would become clearer with time.

“In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for his divine intervention. “The engagement was successful and I am eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continues to unfold.”