Oludare Richards
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Articles by Oludare Richards
ECOWAS gives 12 countries $1.2m grants for cross-border projects
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has provided 12 member states with grants of $100,000 each to support projects aimed at strengthening cooperation and development in border communities. The grants, totalling $1.2 million, were provided under the ECOWAS Regional Cross-Border Cooperation Support Programme (ECBCSP), which seeks to promote social cohesion, regional integration and sustainable development through collaboration among communities and neighbouring countries.
ECOWAS seeks stronger regional defence cooperation, local arms production
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for stronger regional defence cooperation and indigenous defence manufacturing to address growing security threats and reduce constraints in accessing military equipment, critical technologies and capabilities.
ECOWAS, AU confront gap between youth inclusion pledges, peacebuilding reality
Despite regional and continental commitments to involve young people in preventing conflicts and building peace, their participation in decisions affecting security and governance remains limited in many parts of West Africa, stakeholders have warned.
AU urges ECOWAS to step up protection of children in conflict zones
The African Union (AU) has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to intensify advocacy for children affected by armed conflict, including pushing for increased funding and stronger protection measures across the continent. The AU Special Envoy for Children Affected by Armed Conflict, Ambassador Jainaba Jagne, made the call during a meeting with the President of the ECOWAS Commission, General Birame Diop, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on October 20.
ECOWAS seeks EU expertise to strengthen W’Africa’s disaster response
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is exploring European disaster management practices to strengthen West Africa’s capacity to detect emerging threats, coordinate emergency responses and mobilise relief resources across the region. The move followed a five-day study visit to Germany and Belgium, where ECOWAS officials and disaster management experts examined how European institutions coordinate emergency operations, share information and deploy assistance when disasters strike.
Activists urge youths to pursue political change beyond protests
Nigerian youths have been urged to move beyond street protests and social media campaigns to sustained political participation, engagement with public institutions and monitoring of government spending, as activists and civic leaders examined strategies for translating youth mobilisation into lasting democratic change.
ECOWAS, OECD target investment, trade growth to accelerate West African integration
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) are strengthening cooperation to attract investment, expand regional trade and accelerate economic integration across West Africa, with priorities spanning infrastructure, agriculture, capital markets and critical minerals.
Lagos court clears way for inquest into death of Adichie’s son
A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikoyi has struck out a suit by Eurapharma Care Services Nigeria Limited, operators of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, seeking to stop a coroner’s inquest into the death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Chimamanda Adichie: Court fixes Oct 12 to rule on challenge to coroner’s inquest
The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikoyi has fixed October 12, 2026, to rule on an application seeking to halt the coroner’s inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of Nkanu, son of celebrated Nigerian author, Chimamanda Adichie. Justice Aishat Opesanwo fixed the date after hearing arguments on the application filed by Eurapharma Care Services Nigeria Limited, operators of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, where Nkanu allegedly died during medical procedures on January 7, 2026.
ECOWAS raises alarm over floods, drought, displacement in Nigeria, others
ECOWAS has warned that climate change is putting growing pressure on livelihoods, infrastructure and regional stability across West Africa, with particular implications for Nigeria. Experts warn that rising temperatures, drought, flooding and unpredictable rainfall could worsen displacement and insecurity across the region.
Police arraign two women over alleged false publication on Access Bank
The Police, on Friday, arraigned two women before the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged conspiracy and transmission of a false publication concerning Access Bank Plc, claiming that the lender was shutting down its operations. The defendants, Iderenyin Samuel Umoh and Fineness Monday Esu, were arraigned on a three-count charge filed by the Police prosecuting counsel, Barr.
Tinubu has laid a good economic blueprint for Nigeria – Ojo
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State and Managing Director of Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Oyetunde Ojo, in this interview with OLUDARE RICHARDS, bares his mind on the governance style of President Bola Tinubu and the strides currently being recorded under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration in the housing sector. It has been over three years since President Tinubu assumed office. How can you describe his governance style?
Africa’s Most Valuable Resource Isn’t Underground
The continent’s next competitive advantage may be something far harder to extract, and far harder to fake. For most of the past century, the global conversation about Africa’s place in the world has been a conversation about what the continent possesses: oil, minerals, arable land and a young population. Wealth was something to be found and taken out of the ground, rather than something built and sustained above it. That framing is beginning to change.
How coffee farming can generate massive wealth
As Nigeria intensifies its strategic push to diversify its economy, the long-neglected agricultural frontier is undergoing an institutional awakening.
Unity among traditional rulers, leaders vital for progress of Yoruba Nation – Gani Adams
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has identified lack of unity as a major challenge slowing the wheel of progress of the Yoruba nation. He highlighted divisions among traditional rulers and Yoruba leaders, calling for renewed commitment to unity. He made the call at the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), USA Afro Fusion Festival (OAFest 2026), themed, ‘Celebrating Our Heritage, Strengthening Our Unity, Shaping Our Future,’ held in Indianapolis, USA.
Why investment surge can’t replace fading factories
The deepening structural disconnect in the Nigerian economy comes under close scrutiny as OLUDARE RICHARDS explores how a major surge in capital importation and short-term financial inflows mask a lack of vital funding on local factory floors, leaving the nation’s productive manufacturing core highly vulnerable to currency fluctuations and ongoing power and logistics problems.
Canada, MTN explore new opportunities in tech, trade collaboration
The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria has expressed interest in exploring new opportunities for technology, trade and investment collaboration with MTN Nigeria as Canada seeks to deepen its economic engagement with the country.
Wunti heads World Energy Council Nigeria
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Enugu Air Mishap: Mbah empathise with passengers, crew
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has reacted to Thursday’s runway incident involving the state-owned airline, Enugu Air, at Benin Airport, empathising with the passengers and crew members over the traumatic experience. Mbah, in a statement he personally signed, commended the aviation authorities for immediately initiating an investigation into the incident, saying that for Enugu Air, safety remained non-negotiable.
ECOWAS moves to activate regional counterterrorism force by July 2027
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the rising spate of banditry, kidnappings and abductions of schoolchildren in Nigeria, expressing solidarity with the country as the regional bloc moves to activate a counterterrorism force expected to achieve full operational capability by July 2027.
Abiodun urges Babcock graduating students to unite innovation with integrity
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has urged graduating students of Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, to combine professional competence with moral character, saying that the real value of their education would be measured by how they deploy their knowledge in the service of society. He was, however, honoured with the university’s Good Governance award.
How NIMC Act 2026 can stimulate evidence-based justice
While the newly signed National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 has been widely celebrated for strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem, experts say its significance extends far beyond identity registration, OLUDARE RICHARDS reports.
NNPCL/Seplat Energy JV signs landmark 15-year gas supply deal with UTM FLNG
Nigeria has taken a major step towards commercialising its vast natural gas resources following the signing of a 15-year Wet Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement (WGSPA) between the NNPC Ltd/Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU) Joint Venture and UTM FLNG Ltd.
Niger Delta Must Embrace Technology, Industrialisation to Drive Economic Growth- Alamieyeseigha
Development advocate, Seleake Tarilah Alamieyeseigha, has called for a fundamental restructuring of the Niger Delta’s economy, urging governments, policymakers and private investors to reposition the region for the Fourth Industrial Revolution through industrialisation, technological innovation, institutional reforms and sustained investment in human capital.
Lagos TUC Leadership Crisis: Court Adjourns Case to October 29
The National Industrial Court sitting in Lagos has fixed October 29, 2026, for the hearing of a suit challenging the suspension of the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Lagos State Council, Comrade Biodun Aladetan, by the national leadership of the congress. The case, NICN/LA/129/2026: Comrade Aladetan Abiodun v. Comrade (Engr.) Festus Osifo & 4 Ors, came up before the court on Thursday but was adjourned for the hearing of the motion on notice.
U.S.–Iran Ceasefire: Nigeria faces marketers’ pushback, fiscal pressure over falling oil prices
The interim ceasefire between the United States and Iran and renewed diplomatic engagement have begun to ease chronic tensions in global energy markets, triggering a swift retreat in oil prices from recent conflict-driven highs.
Vote-buying turning our democracy into transactional marketplace – Oketola
In this interview, Adedayo Oketola, the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), speaks to selected journalists on the June 20 Ekiti State election, lessons learnt from previous polls in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and Anambra State, among others. OLUDARE RICHARDS was there. INEC has been congratulated on the conduct of the Ekiti State election. How do you measure the success?
Global forensic summit ends with celebration of culture, collaborations
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FG moves to crash device costs via indigenous assembly plants
In a bold bid to democratise internet access, the Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, has issued a direct challenge to global device manufacturers, promising to personally secure presidential waivers for companies that commit to setting up local production plants in Nigeria.
Forensic experts back wider inquests to strengthen justice system
Forensic and legal experts have called for the expanded use of coroner’s inquests as a strategic tool to strengthen Nigeria’s criminal justice system, arguing that the mechanism can uncover the truth behind suspicious deaths, enhance accountability and complement criminal prosecutions.
2027: Experts move to close Nigeria’s forensic gap at summit
As criminal networks increasingly exploit digital frontiers, stakeholders in forensic science, law enforcement, security, academia, and public administration have converged on the University of Lagos for the 2026 Global Forensic Summit. The gathering aims to bridge the “forensic gap”, the stark divide between what investigators discover at a crime scene and the scientific proof required to secure convictions in a court of law.
Closing the gap: Technology drives justice reform at 2026 global forensic summit
As criminal networks increasingly exploit digital frontiers, some of forensic science, law enforcement, security, academia, and public administration have converged at the University of Lagos for the 2026 Global Forensic Summit. The gathering aims to bridge the critical “forensic gap” the stark divide between what investigators discover at a crime scene and the scientific proof required to secure convictions in a court of law.
Trial on N14.09b Chevron suit set for November 12
The National Industrial Court (NIC), Lagos Division, has fixed November 12, 2026, for trial on the N14.091 billion suit filed by 36 former employees of Chevron Nigeria Limited, over denied retirement benefits and entitlements. The first claimant in the suit, Lawrence Olatunji Akeju, initiated the suit for himself and on behalf of 35 other former employees of Chevron Nigeria Limited, who retired in 1991.
ECOWAS activates $15bn Abidjan-Lagos Highway board
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has activated parallel regional frameworks targeting infrastructure development and trade facilitation within its $734.8 billion regional market. The measures include the inaugural board meeting of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Management Authority (ALCOMA) in Nigeria and a cross-border capacity-building initiative in Togo. The infrastructure track advanced during ALCOMA’s first Board of Directors meeting from June 11 to 12, 2026.
Cocoa alliance demands $6,000 price floor, continental bloc against Africa’s 6% value trap
Following the 7th Steering Committee Meeting of the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative in Abidjan, the Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COCEFAAA) has demanded a complete overhaul of the global cocoa economy. COCEFAAA Global President, Comrade Adeola Adegoke, commended the leadership of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara for asserting producer-country leadership rather than passively relying on external markets.
Ndume pushes for 5% budget allocation for rural renewable energy
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Ndume urges 5% budget allocation for rural renewable energy
Chairman of the ECOWAS Parliament Committee on Agriculture, Senator Ali Ndume, has called on West African governments to allocate at least five per cent of their annual budgets to rural development and renewable energy projects, arguing that less than $1 million can transform a rural community through access to electricity and related infrastructure.
ECOWAS summit charts path to compliance with court rulings
Poor compliance with the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will be on the front burner as the community convenes its Second Meeting of Competent National Authorities (CNAs) in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, today. The meeting is part of efforts to strengthen the enforcement of the court’s judgments across member states.
How Lagos built Nigeria’s most competitive economy
The latest Phillips Consulting State Performance Index reinforces a reality that has become increasingly difficult to ignore: Lagos is not merely Nigeria’s largest economy; it is also its most competitive. Behind that success lies a decades-long commitment to reforms, infrastructure, innovation and institutional development that continues to distinguish the state from much of the federation. Success in governance is rarely accidental.
June 12: Adams, Odumakin, Obayori, others advocate restructuring to tackle insecurity
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and National Coordinator of theOodua People’s Congress (OPC), Iba Gani Adams; President, Women Arise, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin and Prof. Femi Obayori of Lagos State University (LASU) have advocated restructuring and electoral reforms as part of measures to address the country’s growing insecurity.
Lagos dismisses kidnapping fears after school exercise triggers alarm
Following the panic in the Ojokoro area of Lagos State over false news of a bandit attack in a high school complex in the community, with parents rushing to the school premises to secure their wards, the state government has called for calm.
Lagos urges calm after false bandit attack scare in Ojokoro
The Lagos State Government has urged calm after false news of a bandit attack in a high school complex in Ojokoro sent the community into panic leading to parents rushing to the school premises to secure their wards.
Hope, controversy trail emergence of candidates for 2027 elections
As political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, controversies arising from the recent primaries and candidate selection exercises continue to reverberate across the country. However, while some parties have successfully produced candidates, others are battling disputes that could test internal cohesion ahead of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) deadline for submission of candidates’ names.
Stakeholders demand stronger frameworks as CIPMN inducts 39 professionals
Stakeholders across the economic and governance sectors have called for stronger institutional frameworks to drive national development, identifying effective project management as the critical engine needed to achieve sustainable growth.
Why Niger Delta must transition from oil to social impact – Alamieyeseigha Original
The Niger Delta must move away from its old focus on crude oil wealth and political talk to focusing on social growth and investing in its people, Seleake Tarilah Alamieyeseigha has said. Reflecting on the unfairness of the past, Alamieyeseigha noted that the region has long been the main driver of Nigeria’s economy.
New Foundation launched in Lagos to combat respiratory diseases, expand drug access
A new Foundation that will focus on respiratory health awareness and access to treatment has been launched in Lagos State in memory of the late Ojumitunrayo Onaara Olufade, whose family and associates say her death highlighted the urgent need to create awareness on and support patients with asthma and other respiratory diseases in Nigeria.
NBA, CIFCFIN unite against forgery in 2027 elections
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to eradicate forgery and safeguard the integrity of the 2027 general election.
Oludare Richards
Oludare Richards has been an Editorial Associate for the Guardian Newspapers since 2012. He is a seasoned Investigative Journalist with reporting experience in various fields, including foreign affairs, Judiciary, Politics, Arts, Parliament, Technology, and Health. He also has experience in Diaspora, Social Development and Conflict Reporting.
Gani Adams’ life is blueprint for true progress, national cohesion, says Hamzat
As Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads in nationhood, only a leadership that embodies courage, integrity, visionary governance, and unwavering commitment to national unity, can make it experience true development. Akinrogun Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Otunba Adewale Hamzat, made this observation while extolling the virtues of the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, in an interview ahead of Iba Adams’ 56th birthday anniversary celebration on Friday, May 1.
Yoruba group tasks FG on security reforms, true federalism
As security threats continue to escalate across the country, Yoruba One Voice (YOV) has reiterated its call for a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s security architecture to enhance capacity, accountability, and responsiveness. In a statement by its General Secretary, Prince Adedokun Ademiluyi, YOV also stressed the need for a decentralised policing system as part of its call for the implementation of true federalism in the country.
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