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𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐖𝐀𝐒, 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚

Published

2 months ago

November 6, 2025

The Economic Community of West African States, in collaboration with Islamic scholars and organisations, on Thursday called for stronger unity, cooperation, and non-violent strategies to counter terrorism and extremism across West Africa and the Sahel.

The call came at the close of the first West African Islamic Conference on Security and Governance, held from November 4 to 6, 2025, at the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, Nigeria.

The theme of the event is “The Role of Islamic Organisations in Countering Terrorism in the Sahel.”

The three-day conference which was co-organised by ECOWAS and the Jamiyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, brought together Islamic leaders, traditional rulers, political figures, scholars, and representatives from ECOWAS member states, as well as international organisations.

In his address, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, described the conference as a landmark in regional cooperation against terrorism.

Touray acknowledged the growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism in the region, noting that “the 2025 Global Terrorism Index report reveals a significant shift in global terrorism patterns, with Africa emerging as the new hub of terrorism. The Sahel region, in particular, has seen a dramatic increase in terrorism.”

The ECOWAS Commission President reiterated that the regional body’s Action Plan Against Terrorism focuses on both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies and emphasised the need to modernise traditional Quranic schools to prevent youth radicalisation.

“We need to improve and modernise the school system and convert them into conducive and formalised centres of learning and economic empowerment,” he stated.

He further recognised member states’ ongoing efforts to integrate traditional Islamic schools into national education systems.

The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, commended ECOWAS for its leadership and international partners for their collaboration.

“Your commitment to regional peace and security is a beacon of hope for our citizens,” he said.

Calling for continued partnership between governments and religious institutions, the Emir, who is also the President of the association in Nigeria added, “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.”

Reading the summary of the conference, the African Union High Representative for “Silencing the Guns”, Mohamed Chambas stressed that the main objective of the gathering was to develop and implement an action plan that leverages Islamic organisations’ influence to counter terrorism through non-kinetic strategies.

Chambas, who was represented by the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatah Musah said, “Participants affirmed that authentic Islamic teachings promote peace, justice, and respect for human life, rejecting all forms of extremism and violence.

“Participants acknowledged that terrorism and violent extremism threaten social stability, economic growth, social cohesion, and national unity.

“Participants identified poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, political marginalisation, and weak governance as key enablers of extremist recruitment.”

Chambas urged stakeholders to remain steadfast in implementing the recommendations.

“Over 40 million children are out of school, and terrorism-related deaths have increased 10 percent in the past decade. A robust discussion shared best practices and crafted strategic recommendations to promote peace, neutrality, and stability.

“We have recognised the importance of preventing violent extremism and promoting peace and neutrality, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

“We have also acknowledged the need for a coordinated cross-border approach to address the complex intersection of traditional Islamic education, youth vulnerability, and regional insecurity.

“As we adopt the Regional Declaration on Improving Islamic Education and Countering Violent Extremism, I urge all stakeholders to remain committed to the cause.

“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,” he urged.

The conference, which featured 11 sessions under seven sub-themes, examined the economic, social, and political factors fueling radicalization in the region.

It also discussed reforming traditional Islamic education systems, promoting youth empowerment, and building stronger community resilience against extremist recruitment.

The conference concluded with the adoption of the Regional Declaration on Improving Islamic Education and Countering Violent Extremism, which outlines strategies to strengthen Islamic organizations’ roles in promoting peace, tolerance, and coexistence.
Over the past decade, West Africa and the Sahel have witnessed an alarming surge in terrorist activity.

According to reports, groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State continue to exploit porous borders, weak governance, and local grievances to expand their influence across Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, the northern part of Nigeria, and parts of coastal West Africa.

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PHOTOS & VIDEO: Fire razes part of Ogun free trade zone, Igbesa

Published

7 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

A fire outbreak has occurred at the mattress section of the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, on Sunday.

It was gathered that the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The incident has reportedly caused chaos and fear among students living around the Obanla axis of the area.

In a video obtained by our correspondent, students were seen running out of their hostels as the thick smoke covered the sky.

An eyewitness, Kuwhede Vincent, a student of the Ogun State Institute of Technology, OGITECH, Igbesa, disclosed that there was a loud noise followed by smoke and fire.

Vincent said, “ It started around 8 am in the morning, we first saw smoke then fire coming from the company.

“The company is very close to my hostel but I don’t think any hostel was affected. We just carried our bag because we don’t know what can happen next”.

He noted that the fire service were on ground to curtail the fire.

Reacting to the incident, President of the Student Union Government in OGITECH, Ilo Fadilu Temitope, in a statement signed by its secretary, Moses Josephine and PRO Segbetin Sunday, and made available to called for calm among students, urging them to be vigilant, and adhere strictly to safety measures.

Part of the statement reads, “The attention of the Students’ Union Government has been drawn to information reaching us regarding a fire outbreak at the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, which is in close proximity to some student hostels around the Obanla axis.

“While relevant authorities are reportedly responding to the situation, the Students’ Union deems it necessary to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students.

“In view of this, students especially those residing around Obanla axis and its environs are hereby advised to remain calm but vigilant, and to strictly observe the following safety measures: Avoid unnecessary movement towards the affected area or fire scene, stay indoors where it is safe to do so and keep doors and windows closed if there is smoke in the environment, switch off electrical appliances and gas sources as a precaution.”

As of the time of filing this report, there has not been any official statement on the cause of the incident.

When contacted by our correspondent, the Commissioner of the State’s Ministry of Environment, Ola Oresanya said, “Thanks for the information, I will work on it immediately.”

Many houses affected as fire guts Ogun Free Trade Zone pic.twitter.com/pYIjbLwGhJ

— Temitope Hassan (@temihat) January 11, 2026

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Demolition notice: Ogun communities cry out, call for Gov Abiodun’s intervention

Published

7 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

About 15 communities in the Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State have called for the intervention of Governor Dapo Abiodun over alleged plot to demolish their villages and acquire their land.

The communities include Itori Mogan, Laaki, Jaguna, Ogunu, Paashi, Kumapayi, and Abule Odo of Ijemoland among others.

According to the villagers, the community which is over 300 years was excised by former governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s administration.

It was gathered that the state government, through the its Planning and Development Permit Authority, Abeokuta Metro Zonal Planning Office, served a demolition notice with service number 00047932 on the occupiers of Itori Mogan village on Friday, accusing them of contravening the Land Use Act of Ogun State for residing in Hillcrest Estate.

In the demolition notice dated January 9, 2026, the government gave the occupiers three days deadline to vacate the affected villages that fell within its acquisition.

Expressing their displeasure on Saturday, the Baale of Ogunro, Chief Olakunle Bodunde, speaking on behalf of the villages marked for demolition, lamented that the present administration is bent on taking the remaining part of the community for an estate development, while rendering members of the community homeless.

He noted that the matter was in court and despite several meetings with the government, a demolition notice was pasted on their buildings.

He said, “We have taken significant steps to address this issue. We had meetings with the government, and now the matter is in court.

“We have served them, and the government has been notified, but they are not showing up in court, and now they have come to paste demolition notices on our buildings.

“We want things to be done with due process. The court has not made a pronouncement yet.”

Also speaking, Chief Oludare Salako, the Baale of Itori Mogan, said the communities have different ancestral gods which according to him cannot be relocated, saying that forceful eviction could spell danger.

He appealed to the state governor to intervene, expressing the belief that he may not be aware of the incident.

“We want Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene, as we believe he may not be aware of these alleged land grabbers in his government. We want him to look critically into the matter and stop their actions,” Salako added.

The Aro of Egbaland and Oluwo of Ijemo, High Chief Oluyinka Kufile, urged the villagers to engage in dialogue with the government and be hopeful.

“If you have a right, no government will stop you from exercising your right. So my advice is to dialogue.

“We have signed pacts with the present government on some particular land and villages. Go there, visit the office, and make inquiries. Why again are they trying to take back the land,” he said.

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Full List Of Countries Nigerians Travel To Without Visa

Published

7 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Nigerian passport holders can now travel to 45 countries worldwide without obtaining a visa in advance, according to the latest update from Visaindex.

The development significantly eases international travel for Nigerians, providing broader options for tourism, business, education and family visits.

Of the 45 destinations, 27 countries allow visa-free entry for Nigerian citizens, while the remaining operate visa-on-arrival or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) regimes. Entry conditions vary by country, but the update signals an expansion of global mobility opportunities for Nigerians.

Several African nations have adopted open-border policies aimed at boosting regional integration, trade and tourism.

The Gambia – Since 2019, the country has declared itself a visa-free zone for all African travellers, extending the policy to Commonwealth nations, the European Union, and select Baltic states.

Benin – Inspired by Rwanda, Benin lifted visa restrictions for all Africans in 2019, strengthening its position as a commercial and transit hub in West Africa.

Kenya – In October 2023, President William Ruto announced the removal of visa requirements for all African visitors to enhance trade, tourism and continental connectivity.

Rwanda – Since November 2023, Rwanda has granted visa-free entry to all Africans without fees, reinforcing its reputation as a leading tourism and conference destination.

Ghana – Ghana recently joined the visa-free league for Africans, a move expected to attract investors, tourists and business travellers as it positions itself as a regional hub.

Other Visa-Free Or Easy-Access Destinations

Nigerian passport holders can also access the following countries either visa-free, via visa-on-arrival, or through eTA arrangements:

Barbados

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Chad

Cook Islands

Côte d’Ivoire

Dominica

Fiji

Guinea