Unemployment on the Run as Shettima Announces $220m Plan to Empower Nigerian Youths. The Federal Government has announced plans to invest $220 million in creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians through the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0. Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this on Wednesday during the official inauguration of the programme at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is designed to equip graduates with hands-on work experience, mentorship, and professional training. Shettima said the new phase of the NJFP seeks to bridge the gap between learning and earning for thousands of qualified but unemployed graduates. According to him, the Tinubu administration aims to turn Nigeria’s youthful population into an engine of economic growth by integrating the programme into the national planning and budgeting system. “Our goal is to raise $220 million not as charity, but as an investment in our most valuable asset: our young people,” Shettima stated. The Vice President further emphasized that inclusivity would be central to the implementation of NJFP 2.0, ensuring participation across all regions and socio-economic backgrounds. Priority sectors include agriculture, renewable energy, digital technology, manufacturing, and the creative industries. Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, noted that since its inception in 2021, the NJFP has empowered over 13,000 youths with skills and placements, with the new phase targeting 100,000 job opportunities within five years. UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, and EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gauthier Mignot, both reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the initiative and ensuring its sustainability through government integration and long-term funding mechanisms.

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Tinubu Grants Historic Pardons to Herbert Macaulay, Mamman Vatsa, and the Ogoni Nine — 82 Inmates Freed, 65 Others Get Sentence Reduction In a landmark decision that underscores justice, mercy, and national reconciliation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted posthumous pardons to some of Nigeria’s most significant historical figures — Herbert Macaulay, Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, and the Ogoni Nine, alongside clemency for 82 inmates and sentence reductions for 65 others. The announcement, made after the National Council of State meeting in Abuja on Thursday, marks a historic gesture of healing and unity. Herbert Macaulay — revered as a founding father of Nigerian nationalism and co-founder of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) — was cleared of his 1913 colonial conviction, which had barred him from holding public office. The pardon officially restores his place as a national hero and pioneer of Nigeria’s independence movement. Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, a respected poet and military officer executed in 1986 on treason charges, also received a posthumous pardon, symbolizing national acknowledgment of his service and creative legacy. Similarly, the Ogoni Nine — including Ken Saro-Wiwa, Baribor Bera, and Barinem Kiobel — who were executed in 1995 under controversial circumstances, were formally pardoned. President Tinubu also recommended national honours for the Ogoni Four: Chief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage. Among the living beneficiaries, notable names such as Farouk Lawan, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Barr. Hussaini Umar, and Ayinla Saadu Alanamu received presidential clemency for demonstrating remorse and readiness for reintegration into society. The pardons were recommended by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM), chaired by Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, which reviewed 294 cases and interviewed 175 inmates across correctional centers. The committee considered factors such as old age, terminal illness, good conduct, youthfulness, and rehabilitation efforts in making its recommendations. This sweeping act of mercy, President Tinubu noted, reflects his administration’s commitment to justice, human rights, and national unity — offering closure for past injustices and second chances for reformed citizens.

US offers $2,500 incentive for migrants to return to their home countries. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reportedly developing a new program that would offer unaccompanied migrant teenagers a $2,500 incentive to voluntarily return to their countries of origin, according to a CNN report citing an internal administration memo. Under the proposed initiative, the pilot phase would target 17-year-old migrants, with each case requiring approval from an immigration judge. The payment described as a “reintegration stipend” would be disbursed after the minor’s arrival in their home country to help them resettle. Officials say the measure aims to reduce long-term detention costs and encourage voluntary returns. The plan mirrors an existing Trump-era program that offers $1,000 “exit bonuses” to undocumented adults who opt for self-deportation, a move the government has defended as a more cost-effective and humane approach than forced deportation. An ICE spokesperson emphasized that the new program would be entirely voluntary, adding that it is designed to allow minors “to make an informed decision about their future.” As of October 2, about 2,100 unaccompanied children were in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services. However, immigrant rights advocates have condemned the plan, warning that financial incentives could pressure vulnerable youths into returning to unsafe or unstable conditions. “There is no legitimate reason for the government to incentivize voluntary departure with a financial payoff,” said Neha Desai of the National Center for Youth Law. Critics argue that the initiative undermines long-standing U.S. protections for migrant children, potentially reigniting debates over the ethics of the country’s immigration and deportation practices.

Trump govt offers migrant teens $2,500 to voluntarily leave US. The Department of Homeland Security is preparing to offer unaccompanied migrant teenagers in the U.S. a $2,500 payment if they voluntarily return to their home countries, CNN reports. According to an administration memo, the initiative would begin with 17-year-old migrants and require approval from an immigration judge. The payment would be issued after arrival in their home country to help with “reintegration efforts.” The Trump administration already provides $1,000 “exit bonuses” to undocumented adults who choose self-deportation, citing the approach as more cost-effective than detention and deportation. An ICE spokesperson confirmed that the program is “strictly voluntary” and allows minors “to make an informed decision about their future.” As of October 2, roughly 2,100 unaccompanied minors were in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services. Critics, however, argue that paying children to leave undermines long-standing protections for vulnerable migrant youths under U.S. law. “There is no legitimate reason for the government to incentivize voluntary departure with a financial payoff,” said Neha Desai of the National Center for Youth Law. Immigrant advocates warn the policy could pressure children to return to unsafe conditions, reigniting debates over how the administration handles unaccompanied minors at the border.

Soyinka honoured as Tinubu unveils N68bn refurbished national theatre. In a ceremony that also marked Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu was officially recommissioned on 1 October 2025 and renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, following a multi-year public–private restoration. The restored complex, whose silhouette has been preserved while its interiors were transformed, now houses world-class performance halls, cinema spaces, exhibition galleries, an African literature library, rehearsal rooms, media and medical facilities, landscaped grounds, and direct integration with the Lagos Blue Line rail. Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, said the project was delivered through an extraordinary partnership between the Central Bank, the Bankers’ Committee, the Federal Government, and the Lagos State Government. He noted that the Bankers’ Committee committed approximately ₦68 billion to the project, framing the funding as a deliberate investment in the nation’s cultural future rather than a mere act of corporate social responsibility. “This is more than a renovation; it is a rebirth,” Mr Cardoso said, adding that the centre must be protected to prevent a return to years of neglect. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State described the reopening as a homecoming for a city that hosted FESTAC ’77. He said the state played a key role by ensuring a dedicated Blue Line stop and contributing additional land to expand the creative hub. “Today’s commissioning is only the beginning,” he said, urging that the complex become a focal point for artistic excellence and urban renewal. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who performed the commissioning, urged Nigerians to speak positively about the country and to “lift Nigeria” by believing in its potential. The President also pledged to contribute to an endowment fund to guarantee maintenance, accessibility, and job creation at the centre. Professor Wole Soyinka, who expressed mixed feelings about having his name affixed to a public monument, accepted the honour and reflected on the theatre’s storied past, from its 1976 completion and FESTAC ’77 glory to the decades of decline that preceded the restoration. “If a group of bankers got together, using some of my money also… in order to honour me, what’s wrong with that?” he joked, before urging that the centre serve future generations of artists. Officials and cultural stakeholders lauded the project as a tangible union of culture and commerce, an effort to harness Nigeria’s creative industries for jobs, revenue, and soft power. With renewed facilities and a declared commitment to upkeep, the Wole Soyinka Centre is being positioned as a national landmark intended to keep Nigeria’s creative voice on the global stage.

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Meta Unveils Next-Gen AI Glasses With Built-In Displays Meta has expanded its smart eyewear lineup, unveiling new Ray-Ban and Oakley glasses that integrate artificial intelligence and augmented reality features, as the company continues its push toward the metaverse. At the annual Meta Connect conference in Menlo Park, CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced the Ray-Ban Display, billed as the company’s most advanced AI glasses yet. The device features built-in screens that project messages, photos, and apps directly into the wearer’s field of vision. It is paired with “neural bands” — sensor-equipped wristbands that allow users to control the glasses with subtle hand and finger gestures. The glasses will retail at $799. “Our goal is to build great-looking glasses that deliver personal superintelligence and a feeling of presence using realistic holograms,” Zuckerberg said, describing AI glasses as the “next major computing platform” set to replace smartphones. Meta also launched Oakley Meta Vanguard, performance-focused smart glasses designed for sports and fitness. Priced at $499, they include an action-ready camera, fitness app integration, and immersive audio. Meanwhile, updated Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses — starting at $379 — expand on Meta’s partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban and Oakley. The glasses, already the world’s best-selling AI eyewear, now feature real-time translation, hands-free cameras, and AI-powered digital assistant functions. Despite these innovations, Meta’s Reality Labs division continues to operate at a loss. It posted a $4.5 billion loss in Q2 2025 on revenues of just $370 million. Analysts say the push into AI eyewear is less about short-term profits and more about positioning Meta to break free from reliance on Apple and Google’s smartphone ecosystems. The global smart glasses market, valued at nearly $2 billion in 2024, is projected to grow more than fourfold by the end of the decade, according to Grand View Research. “AI glasses connect us to real-world superpowers as we move throughout the day, tapping into a wealth of information while staying present in the moment,” Meta said in a statement. Source: AFP / Channels Television

NYSC announces registration date for 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream II. The Management of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has announced date for commencement of registration for the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream II. The statement was shared on the X handle of the NYSC on Thursday. NYSC announced that 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream II registration will commence on Monday 8th September, 2025. The post, however, didn’t State when the registration exercise would end. National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, is a scheme established in Nigeria in 1973 by the military administration of General Yakubu Gowon. The scheme was created as part of post-civil war reconciliation efforts, with the aim of fostering national unity and integration among young Nigerians. The program mandates that graduates of tertiary institutions under the age of 30 serve the country for one year, during which they are deployed to states outside their region of origin.

Nigerian Armed Forces Don’t Support Payment Of Money To Criminal Groups — Defence HQ The Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Emeka Onumajuru, has clarified that the Nigerian Armed Forces do not support paying bandits, stressing that such measures have proven ineffective. He explained that instead of financial settlements, the military runs a Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) programme under Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe and Zamfara for repentant fighters who surrender their weapons and undergo profiling. Onumajuru urged communities to work with security agencies to strengthen Nigeria’s borders. His remarks followed recent criticism by former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, who accused the government of adopting a “kiss-the-bandits” policy. However, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) dismissed El-Rufai’s claim as “false and baseless,” insisting no payments or incentives are being made to criminal groups. Source: Channels TV #Security #Nigeria #Defence

Isese Day: Yoruba Group Alleges External Manipulation of Thrones, Warns Against Undermining Ile-Ife A Yoruba civil society group, the Yoruba Revolutionary Movement (YOREM), has accused traditional rulers, political elites, and religious leaders of betraying Yoruba heritage by allegedly submitting to what it described as an “Afroasiatic imperial order” backed by internal collaborators. In a statement marking Isese Day 2025, YOREM claimed that the historic rivalry between the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife is being exploited as a smokescreen to weaken Ile-Ife, regarded as the spiritual cradle of the Yoruba. The group alleged that the humiliation of traditional rulers — such as the Olu Amugbo of Iwo during a coronation — reflected calculated external interference in Yoruba institutions. “The Alaafin-Ooni rivalry is not a mere palace squabble. It masks a deeper agenda to subordinate Ile-Ife to alien control. What is playing out is spiritual warfare aimed at erasing our divine origin and replacing it with Abrahamic myths,” the statement read. YOREM further rejected the blanket use of the word “Yoruba”, describing it as a colonial label, insisting that groups such as the Igbomina, Ekiti, Ijesha, Ijebu, Awori, Okun, and Ilaje all trace their roots to Odùduwà and Ile-Ife. The group also criticized the Tinubu administration, accusing it of ethnic exclusion, voter suppression during the 2023 elections, and authoritarian practices. It condemned the alleged marginalisation of the Igbo in federal appointments, describing the judiciary and INEC as compromised. YOREM defended rising calls for Biafran self-determination, warning that continued injustice and inequality could lead to wider disintegration. “You cannot treat a people as second-class citizens and expect loyalty. The demand for Biafra is not treason but resistance to oppression. Unless justice prevails, others will follow,” the group warned. #IseseDay #YorubaHeritage #IleIfe #Alaafin #Ooni #Nigeria #CulturalIdentity #TraditionalInstitutions #Tinubu #Biafra #Justice

Nigeria News‘We Are Not Criminals’ – FG Fires Ghanaians Protesting ‘Nigeria Must Go. The Federal Government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has condemned the protest by Ghanaians calling on Nigerians to be deported from the West African country. Naija News earlier reported that some Ghanaian citizens staged a protest against Nigerians, accusing them of engaging in mass prostitution, ritual killings, kidnapping, and violent crimes in their country. In a viral video seen on Tuesday, the protesters, numbering in their hundreds, carried placards with inscriptions such as “Armed robbery and violent attacks must stop,” “Our health at stake due to mass prostitution,” “Nigerians are kidnapping and using people for rituals,” and “Our kids are getting missing because of Igbos.” Reacting in a statement to Naija News, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NIDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, disclosed that Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO NIDCOM, said the blanket outrage against Nigerians living in Ghana and branding them as criminals should be condemned by all. She said: “Nigerians are not criminals. They are good ambassadors wherever they find themselves while those bad ones should be fish out and face the necessary sanctions. “Ghana and Nigeria are like siamese twins. They are brothers and such in the spirit of ECOWAS and regional integration should continue to live in peace like brothers.” The NIDCOM Boss appealed for calm and urged Nigerians living in Ghana not to be provoked or go into violence with anyone as the issue is being handled at the diplomatic level. She advised anyone using inciteful words to desist henceforth both from Nigerians and Ghanaians as that is capable of escalating the matter. Dabiri-Erewa also advised Nigerians to disregard the videos circulating that Nigerians’ shops and properties are destroyed by Ghanaians. “There is no evidence to that and we must at all cost prevent any reprisal attacks,” she said. She praised Ghanaian and Nigeria High Commissioners for their efforts to control the situation, adding that the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, has also been in touch with Ghanaian authorities and had taken some pro- active measures.

Enyimba FC Fires Back at Brown Ideye Over Welfare Claims: “He Was One of Our Highest Paid!” Enyimba FC has broken its silence on accusations made by ex-Super Eagles star, Brown Ideye, who recently slammed the club for allegedly neglecting player welfare during his time on the team. The Aba-based club labeled Ideye’s comments as “misleading and self-serving,” revealing that he was not only one of the best-paid players in the squad — earning ₦1 million monthly — but also received premium benefits, including ₦65,000-per-night hotel stays and air travel perks. Ideye’s short stint, which followed a highly publicized move hailed as a win for Nigerian football, ended on a sour note. Despite the investment, he netted just five goals across all competitions, leaving fans and management disheartened. “He was brought in to inspire and lead, but he never delivered,” said a club official. Insiders also allege his presence stirred friction within the squad, citing poor integration and commitment — factors that reportedly deterred other clubs from signing him earlier. Under the leadership of football legend Kanu Nwankwo, Enyimba had hoped Ideye’s arrival would spark a new era. Instead, the fallout has raised fresh questions about player-club relations in Nigeria’s football scene. #EnyimbaVsIdeye #BrownIdeye #NigerianFootball #KanuNwankwo #NPFL

I Can’t Pass Nigerian Citizenship to My Children Because I’m a Woman Kemi Badenoch Claims. UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has sparked controversy after claiming she cannot pass Nigerian citizenship to her children due to her gender. Speaking in an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria on Sunday, Badenoch contrasted immigration laws in the UK and Nigeria, criticizing what she described as loopholes in the British system that are routinely exploited by immigrants. Asked if she would allow Nigerian immigrants to replicate a “mini-Nigeria” in the UK as a form of cultural integration, Badenoch firmly said, “No.” “That is not right. Nigerians would not tolerate that. That’s not something that many countries would accept,” she said. “There are many people who come to the UK and do things that would not be acceptable in their home countries.” To support her argument, Badenoch pointed to her children’s supposed inability to acquire Nigerian citizenship. “It’s virtually impossible to get Nigerian citizenship,” she said. “I have that citizenship by virtue of my parents, but I can’t give it to my children because I’m a woman.” She added: “Yet loads of Nigerians come to the UK and stay for a relatively free period of time and acquire British citizenship. We need to stop being naive.” However, legal experts have pointed out that Badenoch’s claim about Nigerian citizenship is inaccurate. According to Section 25(1)(c) of the Nigerian Constitution, a child born abroad is entitled to Nigerian citizenship by birth if either parent is Nigerian — regardless of the parent’s gender. Badenoch, born in 1980 in the UK to Nigerian Yoruba parents, spent part of her childhood in Nigeria before returning to the UK at age 16. She is married to Hamish Badenoch, a Scottish banker, and the couple has three children. Known for her tough stance on immigration, Badenoch reiterated in the interview that, if elected Prime Minister, she would make it “a lot harder” for immigrants to obtain British citizenship.

Police Rescue Grandmother Attempting Suicide Over Hardship In Lagos. An elderly woman was on Friday afternoon prevented from taking her own life over hardship by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), a unit of the Lagos State Police Command. The incident occurred around 12:20 p.m. when the RRS operatives, who were on routine patrol, spotted the woman attempting to jump into the lagoon from Carter Bridge. Acting swiftly, the officers rescued her and took her to the RRS Headquarters for further assistance. There, the Commander of the squad, CSP Shola Jejeloye, engaged her in a private conversation to understand the circumstances behind her action. According to a statement by the RRS, Jejeloye later facilitated a meeting between the woman, her husband, and their 30-year-old son to help the family address their underlying issues. Following the emotional session, the RRS Commander offered the woman extensive counseling and provided her with a cash gift as part of efforts to support her recovery and reintegration. The woman was released into the care of her husband and son. The family expressed deep gratitude to the RRS team for their timely intervention, the compassionate leadership of Jejeloye, and the financial support extended to them. “The family expressed deep gratitude to the Commander for the squad’s timely intervention, his heartfelt advice, and the financial support. “The woman has since been released into the care of her husband and son,” the statement read partly. THE WHISTLER reports that in June 2024, an American citizen was prevented from committing suicide on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. It was gathered that the American, whose identity was not revealed, was driven to the bridge by the mother of his child in company of his daughter. The man said to be in his 30s had asked the lady who did not know his intentions to park on the bridge, while he walked to the pavement in an attempt to jump into the Lagoon. However, upon observing what was going on, a passerby alerted the operatives of the RRS who were on patrol. They were able to persuade him not to jump in.

Headline: Tinubu: We’ve Upgraded 8,800 Health Centres, Spent N45.9bn; Over 100,000 Nigerians Benefit from Credit Scheme President Bola Tinubu announced that his administration has spent N45.9 billion to upgrade 8,800 primary healthcare centres, improving maternal care and diagnostics in underserved communities, though specific locations weren’t mentioned. Speaking at the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings in Abuja, Tinubu also revealed that over 100,000 Nigerians have so far benefited from the national consumer credit scheme, with 400,000 more set to join in the next phase to boost small businesses and financial inclusion. He highlighted achievements in infrastructure, including completion of 279 roads, construction of major highways like the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road, and expansion of rural roads. Nigeria has reportedly received over $52 billion from Afreximbank, supporting projects in energy, health, manufacturing, and creative industries, such as the Dangote Refinery and the Africa Medical Centre of Excellence. Tinubu confirmed Nigeria’s approval of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and announced the launch of the Africa Energy Bank in Abuja with $5 billion capital to support clean energy transition. He praised Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah for growing the bank’s assets from $5 billion to $37 billion, and commended the institution’s role in Africa’s pandemic response, trade integration, and SME development. #Tinubu #Fubara #Wike #Amaewhule #RiversStateCrisis #TinubuPeaceTalks #HealthcareNigeria

President Tinubu has handed over ECOWAS leadership to Sierra Leone’s President Maada Bio at the 65th Ordinary Session in Abuja. Bio pledged commitment to peace, integration, and democracy across West Africa.

148 RETURNEES ARRIVE NIGERIA FROM NIGER REPUBLIC One hundred and forty-eight returnees have arrived Nigeria from the Niger Republic, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said. The Kaduna state office of NEMA said the returnees arrived from Agadez, Niger Republic. NEMA, in a statement issued on X on Saturday, June 21, said the return of the citizens is part of the ongoing efforts to support stranded migrants. According to NEMA, the repatriated victims include 66 adult males, 22 male children, 37 adult females, and 23 female children. “The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Kano Office, supported the reception of 148 Nigerian returnees from Agadez, Niger Republic. The returnees arrived at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) at 1:32 pm on June 18, 2025. “The repatriation exercise was organised by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with key stakeholders involved in migrant support and reintegration efforts. “Demographic Breakdown of the Returnees: Adult Males: 66 Male Children: 22, Adult Females: 37, Female Children: 23 “Upon arrival, the returnees were accommodated at Badala Hotel, where proper profiling and documentation were conducted on June 19, 2025,” NEMA said.

FG won’t stop building needed infrastructure for economic development – Tinubu President Bola Tinubu has said that the Federal Government will not stop building the needed infrastructure for the economic development of Nigeria. Tinubu said this in Lagos on Thursday when he commissioned a number of strategic roads designed to open up key corridors for trade, agriculture, and regional integration. These include the reinforced concrete access road to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Kano–Kongolam Road (Section II: Kano–Kanwar–Danja–Hadejia), the Yakasai–Zalli Road, and several others across Northern Nigeria. “These roads are more than concrete, steel, and asphalt. They are investments by your government in mobility, jobs, and Nigeria’s long-term economic competitiveness,” Tinubu said. “David Umahi (Minister of Works), I like the remarks of the Blue Economy Minister where he said that they will always support your rescoping nationwide, well, we have seen the results of rescoping. “We are not in pain, we are in joy, we are truly ready to reengineer our finances towards infrastructural development, which is the backbone of any industrialisation, economic development and job creation of any nation.

ECOWAS @50: Delegates Convene in Lagos to Mark Regional Bloc’s Golden Jubilee Delegates from across West Africa have gathered at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional body committed to unity, peace, and economic integration. The golden jubilee celebrations, which were initially launched in Accra, Ghana, in April, continue in Nigeria’s commercial capital with a series of high-profile events. Nigeria’s President and current Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, joined other dignitaries, including the only surviving founding father of the organization, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), who was instrumental in the signing of the original treaty in Lagos in 1975. Earlier in the day, a special session reflecting on ECOWAS’ founding and progress took place at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island, Lagos. Following the session, regional leaders and top ECOWAS officials are expected to proceed to Eko Hotel for the main celebration. According to a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray will deliver the welcome address. President Tinubu is scheduled to speak on the organization’s milestones over the past five decades. Also expected to give a retrospective analysis is Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Chairman of the NIIA and former Minister of External Affairs, who will highlight the community’s 50-year journey—a topic that will also be explored in panel discussions. General Yakubu Gowon is expected to participate in all scheduled events and deliver a keynote address at the Eko Hotel ceremony. #Bola #Tinubu, #Regional #Integration