By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The ECOWAS Commission has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS standby force to the Republic of Benin following consultations at the level of heads of state and government.

The commission said the decision was taken in line with relevant ECOWAS instruments, particularly Article 25(e) of the 1999 protocol on conflict prevention, management, resolution, peacekeeping and security.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the commission said the decision followed consultations of the mediation and security council.

“The chair of ECOWAS authority of heads of state and government has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS standby force to the Republic of Benin with immediate effect,” the statement reads.

It added that the regional force would be made up of troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.

“The force shall support the government and the republican army of Benin to preserve constitutional order and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Benin,” the commission said.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

France President Emmanuel Macron has expressed the readiness and willingness of his country to assist Nigeria as the nation confronts a range of security challenges, particularly the persistent threat of terrorism in the North.

In a statement on his X handle on Sunday after speaking with President Bola Tinubu on television, Macron said he reaffirmed France’s preparedness to intensify cooperation with Nigeria in response to the rising security concerns.

“I spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria, @officialABAT. I conveyed France’s solidarity in the face of the various security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the North,” Macron said.

The French President disclosed that at Tinubu’s request, France will strengthen its partnership with Nigeria’s authorities and increase support for communities affected by insecurity.

“At his request, we will strengthen our partnership with the authorities and our support for the affected populations,” he wrote.

Calling for broader international engagement, Macron urged global partners to step up their involvement, insisting that the situation demands collective action.

“We call on all our partners to step up their engagement. No one can remain a spectator,” he said.

The conversation comes as Nigeria continued to battle terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent extremism, with international collaboration seen as critical to restoring stability in affected regions.

– Mata Media, a pioneering women-only media organization, is proud to announce its official launch. As the first Hausa-language media outlet of its kind in Nigeria, Mata Media is dedicated to telling the stories of women, by women, and for women.

Founded by highly experienced and talented media experts, Mata Media boasts a team of skilled women journalists passionate about promoting women’s empowerment, challenging stereotypes, and driving social change through quality journalism.

“We are thrilled to launch Mata Media, a bold initiative that fills a critical gap in the Nigerian media landscape,” said Fauziyya Kabir Tukur, one of the founders of Mata Media. “Our goal is to create a safe space for women to share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas, and to inspire a new generation of women leaders.”

Led by Managing Director Fauziyya Kabir Tukur, a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in Hausa media, and Editor Hafsat Bahara, Mata Media will feature a wide range of content, including news, features, profiles, and analysis, all centered around women’s issues and concerns.

Mata Media also aims to nurture the next generation of women journalists by providing opportunities for young journalists and interns to learn and grow with the organization.

In a statement by Fauziyya Kabir Tukrb the managing Director said currently, Mata Media is a digital-only organization, with a presence on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, as well as a dedicated website. We invite audiences to follow us on these platforms to stay updated on our latest stories and content.

“We invite media organizations, partners, and stakeholders to join us on this exciting journey,” said the Managing Director. “Together, let’s amplify women’s voices and drive positive change in Nigeria.”