New Post Africa

Category: Politics

  • ECOWAS calls for inclusive water governance to transform West Africa

    ECOWAS calls for inclusive water governance to transform West Africa

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — In the spirit of World Water Day 2026, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Water Resources Management Centre (WRMC), has urged stronger mobilisation for equitable and inclusive water management across the region.

    World Water Day, established by the UN in 1993, highlights water’s vital role in life, health, dignity, and sustainable development. Yet, over two billion people worldwide still lack safe drinking water.

    This year’s theme, “Water for Equality,” stresses the urgent need to tackle disparities in access to water and sanitation. In West Africa, these gaps disproportionately affect women, youth, and vulnerable groups, who manage water daily but remain underrepresented in decision-making.

    Progress has been made through regional and national policies integrating gender, youth, and social inclusion, alongside programs improving access to safe water for vulnerable communities.

    Still, climate change, population growth, and rising pressure on resources demand a transformation of current approaches. ECOWAS calls for more inclusive, participatory, and sustainable water governance.

    The Commission urges Member States, basin organisations, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, women, and youth to commit to equitable water management.

    In a statement on Monday, ECOWAS said making water a driver of justice, development, and peace is now a strategic priority for West Africa. This momentum will shape the first West Africa Regional Water Forum (FREAO), set for September 2026 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, under the theme: “Valuing Water to Transform West Africa.”

  • APC promises Nigerians unstoppable progress, tangible results

    APC promises Nigerians unstoppable progress, tangible results

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Southeast Nigeria, and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), has declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is delivering not only quality governance but also a system designed to guarantee Nigeria’s progress on a sustainable path.

    Speaking after the PGF meeting in Lagos, held alongside the Forum’s Sallah homage visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Uzodimma emphasised the governors’ commitment to translating national reforms into visible improvements in citizens’ lives.

    He said the PGF welcomed President Tinubu’s recent diplomatic engagement in the United Kingdom, describing it as part of a broader security and development strategy. The governors praised his assurance of continued collaboration with international partners to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges and advance key development priorities.

    Uzodimma noted that the Forum also deliberated on the forthcoming APC National Convention, stressing the need to sustain peace and harmony within the party while ensuring that governance remains focused on delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians.

  • BREAKING: Atiku demands immediate release of political detainees, slams Govt for ideological persecution

    BREAKING: Atiku demands immediate release of political detainees, slams Govt for ideological persecution

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Former Nigeria’s Vice President, chieftain of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), and presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar, has declared that no one should be detained simply because they do not share the same ideology or political platform with the government of the day.

    Atiku made the statement on Monday after visiting former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, who was recently released from detention over corruption charges.

    Atiku, who had just returned from the Umrah (lesser Hajj), said he led a delegation on a solidarity visit to Malami. Speaking further, he referenced Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, another ADC leader currently in detention, and demanded his release along with all other political detainees.Atiku’s full statement reads:
    “Following my return to the country on Saturday night from Umrah (lesser Hajj), I led a delegation on a solidarity visit to the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN. I wish to serve notice to the authorities detaining former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, @elrufai, and all other political detainees to release them henceforth. No one should be detained simply because they do not share the same ideology or political platform with the government of the day.” – AA

  • Sanwo-Olu seals deal to revolutionize digital learning in Lagos schools

    Sanwo-Olu seals deal to revolutionize digital learning in Lagos schools

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced a groundbreaking development: the state has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Estar, an organization specializing in digital learning, to introduce modern platforms and infrastructure into public primary and secondary schools.

    According to the governor, the partnership will provide Lagos students with curriculum-based tools designed to strengthen critical thinking, communication, decision-making, leadership, and AI skills. It will also enhance reading, comprehension, confidence, and classroom participation.

    With the agreement now in motion, the state has begun investing in teacher training to ensure educators can effectively use the new tools and deliver more engaging lessons. The initiative is aimed at preparing students for the future while improving learning outcomes across the board.

    The introduction of these advanced learning and teaching aids marks another first for Lagos State, which continues to lead in innovation and the application of technology to social and economic development in Nigeria.

  • Ademola Adeleke’s bold agenda: Osun youths and women take center stage

    Ademola Adeleke’s bold agenda: Osun youths and women take center stage

    OSHOGBO, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Hon. Kazeem Akinleye, Chief of Staff to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has assured youths and women groups in the state that the Adeleke administration will sustain its pro-youth and pro-women governance when re-elected on August 15. The reinvigorated policy is contained in the updated five-point agenda, with renewed emphasis on youths, women, and workers.

    A statement signed by the Government Media Centre on March 22, 2026, noted that the governor had released the new version of his five-point agenda. It includes integrated youth, women, and workers’ welfare and empowerment; infrastructure consolidation for social and economic wellbeing; agro-industrial expansion for collective prosperity; affordable, qualitative health and education access; and an improved, secure business environment for job creation.

    Of all the five agenda items, the first has drawn the most attention. Previously titled “Citizens and Workers’ Welfare,” it now specifically includes youths and women, a move widely seen as a direct response to demands from these groups for greater recognition and support.

    Communications from youth organizations praised the administration’s achievements between 2022 and 2026 but urged the inclusion of youths in the top agenda to triple support for the sector in Adeleke’s second term. Some groups even drafted proposals for the 2026–2030 manifesto, highlighting areas needing further emphasis.

    Women’s activists also submitted detailed recommendations, citing successes already recorded and calling for mainstreaming women’s issues across ministries and agencies. One group specifically recommended the creation of women’s desks to ensure sustained attention.

    Commenting on the development, Akinleye assured that Adeleke’s administration would continue its pro-youth and pro-women governance. He emphasized that the updated manifesto reflects the aspirations of Osun people and expands service delivery to youths, women, workers, and all segments of society.

    “Osun has witnessed strong performance under Governor Adeleke in his first term. Our people should expect more service delivery, more listening, and more responses to their wishes,” Akinleye stated.

  • Trump pauses military strikes on Iran for five days as talks begin

    Trump pauses military strikes on Iran for five days as talks begin

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — U.S. President Donald Trump’s “peace through strength” mantra may be showing results, following his announcement on Monday via his Truth Social account that the United States and Iran have, over the past two days, begun what he described as “very good and productive conversations” aimed at achieving a complete resolution of hostilities in the Middle East.

    Trump clarified that, based on the tenor and tone of these in-depth, detailed, and constructive discussions — which are expected to continue throughout the week — he has instructed the Department of War to postpone any planned military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. He stressed that the pause is conditional on the success of ongoing meetings and negotiations.

    The statement, reproduced in full, reads: “I AM PLEASED TO REPORT THAT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND THE COUNTRY OF IRAN, HAVE HAD, OVER THE LAST TWO DAYS, VERY GOOD AND PRODUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS REGARDING A COMPLETE AND TOTAL RESOLUTION OF OUR HOSTILITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. BASED ON THE TENOR AND TONE OF THESE IN DEPTH, DETAILED, AND CONSTRUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS, WHICH WILL CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE WEEK, I HAVE INSTRUCTED THE DEPARTMENT OF WAR TO POSTPONE ANY AND ALL MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST IRANIAN POWER PLANTS AND ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A FIVE DAY PERIOD, SUBJECT TO THE SUCCESS OF THE ONGOING MEETINGS AND DISCUSSIONS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.”

    The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has destabilised oil markets and damaged critical civilian infrastructure. Trump’s decision to delay strikes is being interpreted as a cautious step toward de-escalation, while leaving open the possibility of military action should talks fail.

  • Pakistan and Iraq urge dialogue to ease Middle East tensions

    Pakistan and Iraq urge dialogue to ease Middle East tensions

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Pakistan and Iraq have jointly stressed that dialogue and adherence to international law remain essential for ensuring peace, security, and stability in the Middle East and beyond. This was part of a phone discussion held between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Fuad Hussein, on the prevailing regional situation.

    In a statement released Monday by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (@ForeignOfficePk), both leaders expressed deep concern over the ongoing escalation in the region and its wider implications for global stability.

    The statement reads in part: “DPM/FM underscored the need for collective efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further instability, emphasising that dialogue and adherence to international law remain essential for ensuring peace, security, and stability in the region and beyond.”

    The call comes amid mounting tensions in the Middle East, driven by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The crisis has already had far-reaching consequences, including volatility in global oil prices and damage to critical civilian infrastructure across the region.

    Both ministers reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to working with regional and international partners to promote peace and stability. They emphasised that constructive engagement, rather than confrontation, is the only viable path forward to prevent further humanitarian and economic fallout.

  • Tinubu: Nigeria’s creative economy key to growth and global competitiveness

    Tinubu: Nigeria’s creative economy key to growth and global competitiveness

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (Agency Report) — March 23, 2026 — President Bola Tinubu has emphasised Nigeria’s creative industry as a strategic driver of economic growth and global competitiveness, urging stronger investment and collaboration to unlock its full potential.

    In a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Tinubu was quoted as saying this on Thursday at the “Nigerian Modernism” exhibition at the Tate Modern, London. The event formed part of engagements concluding his official visit to the United Kingdom.

    He noted that the sector requires sustained partnerships between government, the private sector, and international stakeholders to expand access to funding, strengthen market structures, and enhance global visibility for Nigerian creatives. Tinubu described the exhibition as “a testament to a revolution.”

    Reflecting on the bold generation of Nigerian artists who, in the mid-20th century, redefined their narrative beyond colonial constructs, Tinubu said: “It is a profound honour to stand here… to witness the soul of Nigeria on display. What we see here is people who have taken the best of global techniques and infused them with the enduring rhythms of our heritage.”

    He added that the works on display demonstrate how Nigerian artists blend global techniques with indigenous heritage to create a distinct cultural expression. Tinubu said the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda recognises the creative industry as a key driver of economic growth and international engagement. “Our creative industries—art, music, film, and literature—are among our greatest exports. They represent Nigeria’s soft power in an interconnected world,” he further stated.

    Addressing the international audience, Tinubu said the exhibition reflected Nigeria’s resilience and creative strength through periods of transition and nation-building. He urged Nigerians in the diaspora to continue projecting a positive image of the country and contribute to national development. “You come from a lineage of pioneers… the ability to innovate, adapt and lead,” he said.

    The president commended Access Holdings and Coronation Group for supporting the exhibition. “By bringing these works to London, you are not just hosting an exhibition; you are facilitating a vital dialogue between our past and our shared future,” he noted.

    Tinubu reaffirmed the importance of cultural diplomacy, describing art as a unifying force that fosters mutual understanding across borders. “Art has no borders. It is the language of our common humanity,” he added.

    The event, attended by dignitaries including Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and the Nigerian diaspora, marked the symbolic end of the President’s engagements in the UK. (NAN).

  • APC screens aspirants for national offices as party readies for 2027 elections

    APC screens aspirants for national offices as party readies for 2027 elections

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has announced that all aspirants who have duly purchased and submitted Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to contest for national offices at the convention are invited to attend the screening exercise scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

    The venue is the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, the nation’s capital, with proceedings set to begin at 9:00 A.M.

    A statement issued by the party on March 22, 2026, and signed by H.E. Isa Yuguda, Secretary of the Aspirants’ Screening Committee for the APC 2026 National Convention, clarified that all aspirants are required to attend in person and arrive promptly with all relevant supporting documents for verification.

    The ruling party seeks to retain the presidency with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pursuing a second term, while also maintaining its majority in the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the number of governors under its umbrella, as the 2027 general elections draw near.

  • Osun State to launch Security Trust Fund April 9 amid calls for state policing

    Osun State to launch Security Trust Fund April 9 amid calls for state policing

    OSHOGBO, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — The much-anticipated launch of the Osun State Security Trust Fund, aimed at strengthening business, security, and safety in the Nigeria’s southwestern state, will take place on April 9, 2026.

    According to information from the state government, investors and businesses thrive where peace and stability are assured, and security remains the foundation of economic growth.

    Governor Ademola Adeleke, in preparation for the launch, emphasised that the state is deliberately reinforcing its security architecture to attract investment, protect lives and property, and drive sustainable prosperity for its people.

    The Osun State Security Trust Fund is a public-private initiative designed to support security agencies with resources needed to keep the state safe. It will provide equipment, operational support, infrastructure, and strategic interventions.

    The launch comes at a time when the creation of state police dominates national security discussions, following perceived shortcomings of centralised policing in addressing pressing challenges such as terrorism and banditry in the north, and the spillover effects of kidnappings and agitations in the south.