Africa
Mali, B’ Faso, and Niger set to leave ECOWAS January 2025

The ECOWAS Parliament has raised concerns about Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger leaving the bloc on January 29, 2025, urging an extension for negotiations.
The Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), learnt that the Parliament approved a consolidated budget of 418,062,927 Units of Account for 2025, supporting various ECOWAS agencies and special projects for peace.
According to reports, the West African Health Organization’s budget rose by 14.21%, reaching 71,596,777 Units, while the ECOWAS Parliament’s budget decreased by 19.5% to 18,696,897 Units.
During its recent session in Abuja, the ECOWAS Bureau reviewed 10 Community Acts from the Commission focused on energy, transport, and education.
The Bureau also engaged with the Programme for Women’s Political Participation, exploring strategies to enhance women’s roles in governance in the region.
Earlier development
According to a report in January, 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced their exit from ECOWAS, citing a departure from its founding principles.
They claimed ECOWAS has become a threat and failed to assist in combating terrorism.
The ECOWAS Commission responded, stating it hasn’t received formal notification of their withdrawal and emphasized their importance as members.
The military leaders of the three nations made the announcement in a joint statement, expressing regret over the organization’s shift from its original ideals.
The statement read: “With profound disappointment, the citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger note that their organization has strayed from the vision of its founders and the principles of pan-Africanism after nearly five decades of existence.”
“Moreover, ECOWAS has compromised its founding principles under external influences, thereby posing a threat to the well-being and stability of its member states and their populations.”
“Regrettably, the organization has failed to provide support to our states in their fight against terrorism and insecurity.
Furthermore, when these states took matters into their own hands, the organization imposed unjustified and unacceptable sanctions, contravening its own principles and exacerbating the suffering of populations already ravaged by violence.”
They noted that their membership withdrawal was with immediate effect.
“In light of the ongoing situation, the Heads of State of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, namely Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Colonel Assimi Goita, and Brigadier General Abdourahamane Tiani, have collectively decided to withdraw their countries from the Economic Community of West African States, exercising their sovereign rights and responding to the needs and aspirations of their citizens.”
ECOWAS responded
ECOWAS in a communique released in Abuja responded that no formal notice has been received concerning the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the West African regional organization.
The commission said: “ECOWAS Commission has taken note of a televised announcement on Mali and Niger’s national networks, stating Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s intention to withdraw from the regional bloc.
“Despite their public announcement, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger haven’t officially informed ECOWAS of their decision to withdraw.
“The commission is working closely with these countries, as instructed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government, to get constitutional order back on track.
“ECOWAS still considers Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali important members, even after they announced their withdrawal, and is working to find a way out of the current political crisis.
“The ECOWAS Commission remains actively engaged in addressing the development and will provide further updates as the situation unfolds.
About ECOWAS
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) unites fifteen West African countries for political and economic collaboration.
ECOWAS aims for “collective self-sufficiency” by creating a large trade bloc and enhancing economic development among members.
Established on May 28, 1975, ECOWAS promotes economic integration through the Treaty of Lagos and its subsequent revisions.
The commission operates on principles of equity, solidarity, cooperation, and the promotion of human rights and social justice.
The ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol allows citizens to reside in any member state, fostering regional mobility and integration.
It also acts as a peacekeeping force, deploying joint military interventions during political crises in member countries.
In 2024, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS after being suspended due to military coups.
During a December 2024 summit, its leaders discussed the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the bloc.
9. Senegal’s President Basirou Diomaye Faye emphasized the importance of maintaining the Alliance of Sahel States for regional security.
ECOWAS President Bola Tinubu expressed the potential for reintegration of the three countries, aligning with their populations’ desires.
Africa
‘Misplaced Priority’: Peter Obi Blasts FG’s ₦142bn Bus Terminal Project

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has slammed the Federal Government’s approval of ₦142 billion for the construction of bus terminals across Nigeria, describing it as a reckless misplacement of priorities.
Obi issued a statement on Friday, August 22, via his Official X formerly Twitter platform, warning that the project reflects poor leadership and lack of focus in managing Nigeria’s limited resources. He titled his statement, “₦142 Billion for Bus Terminals.”
According to him, the true test of leadership is how scarce resources are prioritized.
He stressed that investing such a huge amount in bus terminals while critical sectors like healthcare suffer shows a government that is out of touch with citizens’ realities.
Obi said: “The difference between success and failure in any nation is how leaders prioritise resources.
The decision to spend ₦142 billion on six bus terminals exposes a lack of competence and vision. It is a clear sign of poor leadership.”
The Federal Executive Council had recently approved the funds for the construction of one modern bus terminal in each of the six geopolitical zones.
The government described it as part of efforts to modernise transport infrastructure and improve mobility nationwide.
But Obi strongly disagreed. He compared the allocation to healthcare funding, pointing out that the combined budget for all teaching hospitals and federal psychiatric centres in Nigeria is less than ₦100 billion in the 2024 budget.
“This is disturbing,” Obi continued, “because health remains one of the most critical sectors of development. Yet it is underfunded and deteriorating rapidly.
The World Health Organization has reported that over 20 million Nigerians live with mental health conditions.
This is a tragic irony. How can the government ignore this crisis and focus on bus terminals?”
He argued that the health sector, alongside education and poverty reduction programs, deserves priority attention.
Obi insisted that until government spending reflects the real needs of Nigerians, the country will remain trapped in poor governance.
Many Nigerians have also taken to social media to express anger, echoing Obi’s concerns. Critics argue that the decision proves the Federal Government is disconnected from the economic struggles of ordinary citizens.
For Obi, the ₦142 billion project is not just a case of wrong timing.
He sees it as a clear example of governance failure and misplaced priorities.
Africa
Canada Announces Permanent Residence Lottery Results for Foreign Workers

Canada has carried out a new Express Entry lottery, inviting thousands of skilled workers to apply for permanent residency.
Financial Express report that the Announcement which came on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, marks one of the most significant rounds this year.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 4,200 candidates in the latest Express Entry draw.
The invitations were sent under the no-program-specified category, which means candidates from all economic immigration programs were considered.
To qualify, candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 507 points.
This cut-off is higher than several recent rounds, showing rising competition in Canada’s immigration pool.
Breakdown of Recent Express Entry Draws
The August 20 general draw came just a week after Canada held two smaller, targeted draws.
On August 14, 2025, IRCC issued 1,500 invitations in a Healthcare category-based draw, with a minimum CRS of 430.
On August 13, 2025, another STEM occupation draw invited 1,000 candidates, with a CRS cut-off of 481.
This means Canada has invited more than 6,700 candidates in August alone, highlighting its steady demand for skilled workers.
Why Express Entry Remains Key
The Express Entry system is Canada’s main pathway for skilled migration. It manages applications for three major programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Through this system, candidates are ranked by CRS points based on age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. Higher scores improve the chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Impact of the Rising CRS
The 507-point cut-off has sparked concern among applicants.
Many worry that higher thresholds make it harder to qualify unless they boost their profiles with stronger English or French test results, higher education, or Canadian job offers.
Immigration experts note that Canada is prioritizing candidates who are more likely to integrate quickly into the economy.
With rising competition, applicants may need to explore provincial nomination programs (PNPs), which can add up to 600 extra CRS points.
Canada’s Immigration Targets
Despite higher CRS cut-offs, Canada’s immigration outlook remains ambitious.
The government has pledged to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.
Skilled workers make up a large share of this intake.
With labor shortages in sectors like healthcare, technology, and construction, Canada continues to use Express Entry to attract foreign talent.
What Applicants Should Do
Experts recommend that prospective migrants keep their profiles updated and monitor both general and category-based draws.
Targeted draws for healthcare, STEM, and trades occupations often have lower CRS cut-offs, giving candidates more opportunities.
For those struggling to meet the high CRS threshold, exploring study routes in Canada, provincial nominations, or job offers may increase chances.
The August 20 Express Entry draw shows Canada’s ongoing commitment to skilled immigration.
With over 4,200 invitations issued and CRS cut-offs climbing, the competition is intense.
However, the system continues to provide multiple entry points for determined applicants worldwide.
Africa
Japan Designates City as Hometown for Nigerians

The Japanese government has officially designated the city of Kisarazu as the hometown for Nigerians, marking a major step in strengthening cultural diplomacy and workforce collaboration between both nations.
The announcement was made during the ninth Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) and confirmed by the Director of Information at Nigeria’s State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye.
According to the agreement, the Japanese government will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled and innovative young Nigerians who are willing to relocate to Kisarazu to live and work.
This initiative also extends to artisans and blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill and contribute to Japan’s economy.
At the same event, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) designated three other cities as hometowns for African nations:
Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture for Tanzania,
Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture for Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture for Mozambique.
These hometown designations aim to foster manpower development, cultural exchanges, and economic partnerships that will benefit both Japan and the participating African countries.
Nigeria-Japan Partnership
Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, received the certificate on behalf of Nigeria alongside Yoshikuni Watanabe, the Mayor of Kisarazu.
The ceremony highlighted the city’s longstanding relationship with Nigeria, as Kisarazu was the official host town for the Nigerian contingent during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes trained and acclimatised before moving to the Olympic village.
Local Japanese authorities hope that designating Kisarazu as Nigerians’ hometown will boost the city’s population, enhance regional revitalisation, and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Japan’s Vision for Africa
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in his address at TICAD9, announced $5.5 billion in new investments across Africa.
He stressed the importance of mutual understanding, local solutions, and collaborative development, focusing on three key areas:
Private sector-led sustainable growth,
Youth and women empowerment.
Prime Minister Ishiba also acknowledged Japan’s challenges with an ageing population and shrinking agricultural land, calling on African nations to support Japan while benefiting from expanded cultural and economic opportunities.
What This Means for Nigerians
For Nigerians, the recognition of Kisarazu as their official hometown in Japan provides more than symbolic value.
It creates new employment opportunities, encourages skills transfer, and opens a pathway for closer cultural integration between both nations.
This strategic move underscores Japan’s commitment to forging deeper ties with Africa, while offering Nigerians a platform to thrive abroad
Africa
Kenyan Police Exhume Five More Bodies Linked to Starvation Cult

At least five more bodies, including two children, have been exhumed in coastal Kenya in connection with the country’s most infamous starvation cult.
Police confirmed on Friday, August 22, 2025, that the discovery is linked to the “Shakahola Forest Massacre,” a tragedy that shocked the world in 2023.
The fresh graves were found near Binzaro village in Kilifi County’s Chakama area, according to Robert Kiinge of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
He revealed that officers had excavated at least 27 sites spread across a five-acre plot.
“We retrieved five bodies,” Kiinge confirmed.
He explained that most of the remains were in advanced stages of decomposition, suggesting they had been buried more than a year ago.
However, one of the victims may have been buried as recently as seven to eight months ago.
Tragically, two of the bodies were those of children, estimated to be between five and seven years old.
Kiinge added that the evidence strongly pointed to a link with the original Shakahola massacre, where more than 400 victims of a starvation cult were discovered in 2023.
The cult was led by self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie, who is currently on trial in Mombasa for multiple counts of manslaughter. Mackenzie has denied all charges, but his followers have continued to draw scrutiny from investigators.
So far, 11 people have been taken into custody in connection with the new graves.
Three of them, however, are being treated as victims rather than suspects.
“The people we have in custody today are followers of Mackenzie,” Kiinge told reporters, stressing that investigations remain ongoing.
Post-mortem examinations are expected in the coming days to determine the exact cause of death.
Until then, police have avoided speculation.
The renewed discoveries come just weeks after a Mombasa court adjourned Mackenzie’s trial due to new evidence.
The case has reignited national debate about the regulation of fringe religious movements in Kenya.
Following the Shakahola tragedy, the Kenyan government introduced stricter oversight measures for religious organizations.
However, these proposals have been met with resistance from some groups, who argue that tighter controls infringe on constitutional protections separating church and state.
Africa
UK Dominates Nigeria’s Q1 2025 Capital Inflows With N5.5tn — NBS

The United Kingdom has once again cemented its position as Nigeria’s leading source of foreign capital, accounting for more than N5.5 trillion in inflows during the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Figures from the Capital Importation Report show that capital from the UK rose to $3.68bn (N5.52tn) in Q1 2025, representing 65.26% of Nigeria’s total $5.64bn inflows for the quarter.
This marked a 29.2% rise from the $2.85bn recorded in Q4 2024 and more than double the $1.81bn inflows seen in Q1 2024.
This underscores Britain’s dominance in Nigeria’s external financing profile and highlights the strong bilateral financial ties between both nations.
Breakdown of Q1 2025 Capital Inflows by Country
United Kingdom: $3.68bn (65.26%)
South Africa: $501.29m (8.88%)
Mauritius: $394.51m (6.99%)
United States: $368.92m (6.54%)
United Arab Emirates: $301.72m (5.35%)
Together, these top five countries accounted for over 92% of Nigeria’s capital inflows, reflecting both the concentration of Nigeria’s foreign investments and the risks of over-dependence on limited markets.
Other contributors included:
Cayman Islands: $114.76m (up sharply from $0.64m in Q4 2024)
Belgium: $70.54m
France: $47.33m
Netherlands: $42.68m (down significantly from $425.61m in Q4 2024)
Singapore: $36.79m
Overall, capital importation into Nigeria stood at $5.64bn in Q1 2025, up 10.9% from Q4 2024’s $5.09bn, and a remarkable 67.1% higher than the $3.38bn recorded in Q1 2024.
The NBS noted:
“Capital Importation during the reference period originated largely from the United Kingdom with $3,681.96m, showing 65.26 per cent of the total capital imported.”
A separate survey by Strategy Management Partners (UK) reveals that British companies are increasingly targeting Africa as a strategic growth frontier.
50% of UK firms with annual turnover above £20m are already operational in Africa and planning expansions.
Another 28% of executives said they are interested but remain cautious about entry strategies.
Africa’s appeal lies in its resource wealth and demographic potential:
30% of the world’s mineral reserves
8% of natural gas reserves
12% of oil reserves
65% of the world’s arable land
Projected to host 25% of the global workforce by 2035
Seven key sectors remain magnets for foreign capital inflows into Nigeria and Africa at large:
1. Technology
2. Oil & Gas
3. Power and Renewable Energy
4. Agriculture
5. Manufacturing
6. Infrastructure
7. Strategic Minerals
Analysts warn that while Nigeria’s reliance on UK-driven inflows reflects strong global confidence, the concentration of sources exposes the economy to external shocks if investor sentiment shifts in these countries.
Diversification of investment partnerships particularly within Asi
a, the Americas, and intra-African trade will be crucial to ensuring long-term resilience in capital inflows.
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