Economy
ECOWAS Calls For Modernisation Of Islamic Schools To Tackle Terrorism, Extremism
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.”
FG Inaugurates PenCom Board, Tasks Members On Protection Of Pension Assets
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Board of the National Pension Commission, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of over ₦28 trillion in pension assets.
Speaking at the ceremony, the SGF, Senator (Dr.) George Akume, charged members to uphold strong corporate governance while maintaining a clear boundary between oversight and management.
PenCom
The Board, led by Chairman Agbaje Opeyemi Olukayode, pledged to safeguard contributors’ funds and support national development, while the Director-General Omolola Oloworaran reaffirmed commitment to collaboration in delivering secure and timely retirement benefits for Nigerians.
SEC Sign MoU With NYSC To Fight Ponzi Schemes
SEC sign MoU with NYSC to fight Ponzi schemes. The initiative was designed to sensitise young Nigerians to the risks of fraudulent investment schemes and promote sound, legitimate investment practices.
The Securities and Exchange Commission and National Youth Service Corps have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a community development service group focused on investment education for corps members.
The initiative was designed to sensitise young Nigerians to the risks of fraudulent investment schemes and promote sound, legitimate investment practices.
According to a statement by the SEC on Sunday, the MoU was recently signed by its director-general, Emomotimi Agama and NYSC director-general, Olakunle Nafiu.
It was also meant to promote financial literacy and sound investment habits among young Nigerians.
In addition, the collaboration will help equip corps members with essential knowledge and skills to identify and avoid Ponzi schemes and other illegal investment practices.
It will also help enhance public awareness campaigns against illegal financial schemes across all LGAs in the country, among other objectives.
“Based on the scope of the collaboration, SEC shall develop and provide relevant and up-to-date educational content, materials, and training modules on capital market operations, safe investment practices, and the identification and avoidance of Ponzi schemes.
“SEC will also be responsible for the content, resources and funding of training sessions for selected corps members and NYSC supervisors who will serve as trainers and facilitators in their respective communities.
SEC
“On its part, the NYSC shall facilitate the integration of anti-Ponzi scheme education into its Education and Enlightenment CDS programme. This may involve dedicated sessions, workshops, or awareness campaigns during orientation camps and throughout the service year,” said the statement.
The parties shall collaborate on joint awareness campaigns, utilising various channels and platforms, including social media, traditional media, and community outreach, to disseminate information on safe investment and expose fraudulent schemes.
Persistent Grid Collapse, Weak Power Supply Worsening Economic Hardship: Oyintiloye
Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo, Oyintiloye said the situation had continued to deteriorate despite assurances and reforms introduced by authorities.
He described unreliable electricity as a major setback to the federal government’s reforms in the power sector.
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene, noting that poor power supply is worsening economic hardship across the country.
Oyintiloye said the poor supply has compounded the effects of the current heatwave, making living conditions more difficult for many Nigerians.
The former lawmaker called for the constitution of a panel to investigate recurring national grid collapses and persistent supply challenges despite significant investments.
“It is a terrible situation across Nigeria with persistent poor power supply,” he said.
“Many small-scale businesses and large industrial players are affected, while most homes cannot boast of even three hours of electricity supply daily for domestic use.
“Despite numerous reforms and promises, the national grid continues to collapse. The situation is now compounded by gas supply shortages, weak transmission infrastructure, and chronic underinvestment across the power value chain.
“Nigerians are groaning, and urgent action must be taken by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and his team. The situation cannot continue like this.”
Oyintiloye warned that the situation has already triggered protests in parts of the country and could escalate if not addressed promptly.
“The situation must be quickly addressed before it becomes a national embarrassment. Nigerians need to be informed whether the issue is due to structural failure or sabotage within the power sector,” he said.
Electricity
“This epileptic power supply has led to a series of peaceful protests nationwide. I appeal for the President’s intervention before these protests turn violent.
“Electricity is essential for households and the survival of businesses. Since the end of last year, there has been no stable power supply across the country, despite assurances by those in charge and huge investments in the sector.
“Poor power supply should not be added to the challenges Nigerians are currently facing. The high cost of fuel has also made it difficult for those relying on generators to cope.”
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