The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced that despite the formal withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc on Wednesday, citizens and businesses from these nations will continue to enjoy key membership benefits to uphold regional stability.
In an official statement released on January 29, 2025, ECOWAS confirmed that passports and identity cards bearing its logo will remain valid for travel within the region. Additionally, trade and economic activities will proceed under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, allowing goods and services from the three countries to move freely.
According to the statement, citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will retain visa-free access and rights to residence and establishment across ECOWAS member states.
“In the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people, as well as the ECOWAS Authority’s decision to keep its doors open, all relevant authorities within and outside the bloc are required to:
Recognize national passports and identity cards featuring the ECOWAS logo from citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger until further notice.
Continue treating goods and services from these countries under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and investment policies.
Maintain visa-free movement, residence, and establishment rights for citizens of the three nations in line with ECOWAS protocols.
Provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from these countries in carrying out their duties for the Community.”
To ensure a smooth transition and prevent disruptions affecting millions who rely on cross-border movement and trade, ECOWAS has established a special committee to negotiate future relations with the three nations.
The statement further emphasized that these arrangements will remain in effect until the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government determines the modalities for future engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially approved the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc, following months of political tensions after military takeovers in the three Sahel nations.
In a statement released by ECOWAS, the organization acknowledged that diplomatic efforts to resolve the impasse had failed, leading to the formal acceptance of their departure. This marks a major shift in West Africa’s regional landscape.
“The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali, and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS takes effect today, January 29, 2025,” the statement read.
However, in the interest of regional unity and the well-being of the people, ECOWAS outlined several transitional measures:
Recognition of Documents: Citizens of the three countries can continue to use national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo until further notice.
Trade Continuity: Goods and services from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will still be treated under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.
Free Movement Rights: Citizens from these countries will retain visa-free travel, residence, and establishment rights in ECOWAS member states.
Support for ECOWAS Officials: Officials from the three nations will continue to receive full cooperation in carrying out assignments for the regional body.
ECOWAS emphasized that these provisions would remain in place until the Authority of Heads of State and Government finalizes future engagement modalities with the three countries. A dedicated structure has been set up to facilitate discussions on this transition.
The statement further noted that clear communication is essential to prevent confusion or disruptions in people’s daily lives and business operations during this period of change.
Nigerians living in the U.S might not be spared from the searing impact of Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration clampdown. President Trump made getting tough on illegal immigration a pillar of his presidential campaign and has already enacted far-reaching measures targeting those who violated U.S. immigration law.
His measure includes sealing the U.S. asylum system for those without proper documents; tasking the military with deporting immigration violators; and empowering deportation officers to target most unauthorized immigrants, including those without criminal records.
In the last 24 hours, there has been a nationwide US immigration crackdown with more than a thousand immigrants arrested. This swift crackdown has moved beyond those living in or entering the U.S. illegally to officials issuing bans and restrictions on legal immigration, including programs for refugees displaced by violence.
How will the immigration crackdown affect Nigerians living in the United States?
Nigerians living in the US may face increased scrutiny and difficulties in obtaining visas, permanent residency, and citizenship. The Trump administration’s policies may also affect Nigeria’s economic development and global relationships.
As the 2025 immigration bill may increase deportations, many Nigerians risk being separated from their families, especially those who have established lives in the U.S. under temporary protection or work permit.
Also many international students, particularly those who rely on work permit after graduation may lose their student and work visa making it hard for Nigerians to stay in the U.S. Then for postgraduate opportunities, potentially cutting off pathways to further education and career advancement.
Healthcare workers especially in nursing, home health, and medical support roles could lose their license. Deportation could result in severe staffing shortages, negatively impacting the quality of care for patients, particularly in geriatric areas.
The heightened fear of deportation creates emotional distress for Nigerians, especially those who have lived in the U.S. for years and built strong social ties. Many may face depression, anxiety, and trauma as they worry about their future.
Changes in US immigration policy could significantly affect Nigerians living in the United States by impacting their ability to travel back and forth to Nigeria, potentially affecting family visits, business opportunities, and overall sense of security depending on the nature of the policy changes, especially if they involve increased scrutiny or restrictions on visas for Nigerian citizens.
Key Statistics
Approximately 376,000 Nigerian immigrants and their children live in the US. Nigerians account for about 0.6% of the US’ overall foreign-born population. In 2017, people in the US sent $6.2 billion in remittances to Nigeria. The total US immigrant population is approximately 50.6 million, which accounts for about 15 percent of the country’s total population. This number makes the United States the country with the highest number of immigrants globally.
For years, Innocent Ujah Idibia, famously known as 2Face, and his wife, Annie Macaulay-Idibia, have been regarded as one of Nigeria’s most iconic celebrity couples. Their love story, marked by highs and lows, was a testament to resilience in the face of challenges. But recently, 2Baba’s announcement about their separation sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond.
The Announcement That Got Everyone Talking
In a surprising turn of events, 2Baba announced that he and Annie had been separated for a while, with divorce proceedings underway. Speaking out for the first time, he said: “I and Annie Macaulay have been separated for a while now and have filed for divorce. I will grant a press release soon to tell my story.”
This revelation immediately sparked debates and speculations, especially given the couple’s public display of affection and shared journey through life’s challenges.
What Went Wrong?
While neither party has provided full details, sources close to the couple hint at several factors that may have contributed to their separation:
Allegations of Infidelity
Over the years, 2Baba has faced accusations of infidelity, with rumors often making headlines. Despite Annie’s public defense of her husband, these issues seemed to weigh heavily on their marriage.
Public Pressure and Media Scrutiny
Being a high-profile couple comes with its challenges. Every argument, misunderstanding, or decision became fodder for public gossip, adding strain to their relationship.
Personal Differences
In a previous interview, Annie admitted that being married to 2Baba was no fairy tale, emphasizing the complexities of their union. Differences in priorities, lifestyles, or expectations may have played a role in their split.
An Emotional Journey
Annie, who has always been vocal about her love for 2Baba, once described him as her “soulmate.” She stood by him during tough times, including his public battles with ex-partners. However, in 2024, she hinted at challenges in a cryptic Instagram post, saying, “Sometimes love just isn’t enough.”
Fans now speculate if this was an early warning of what was to come.
The Internet Reacts: Divided Opinions
As the news broke, social media was abuzz with reactions:
Some sympathized with Annie, praising her for enduring so much in the marriage.
Others criticized 2Baba, accusing him of taking her loyalty for granted.
A few, however, urged fans not to judge without hearing both sides of the story.
One Twitter user wrote: “Annie gave 2Baba her all. If they can’t make it work, is love even real anymore?”
Another countered: “Let’s not act like 2Baba is the villain here. Marriage isn’t easy for anyone, especially in the spotlight.”
What This Means for Their Careers
Both 2Baba and Annie have established themselves as icons in their respective fields. While the separation might briefly affect their public image, it’s unlikely to overshadow their professional achievements.
For 2Baba: The music legend is expected to address the issue in his upcoming press release, but fans believe his focus will remain on his music and philanthropic endeavors.
For Annie: As a Nollywood star and businesswoman, Annie has proven her resilience time and again. She’s likely to channel this experience into personal growth and career advancement.
Lessons from Their Love Story
Despite their separation, 2Baba and Annie’s story holds valuable lessons about love, sacrifice, and the pressures of life in the public eye. Their union taught fans the importance of perseverance, but their separation highlights the reality that even the strongest relationships can reach breaking points.
What’s Next for 2Face and Annie?
While fans await 2Baba’s promised press release, many are hopeful for an amicable resolution. Whether they reconcile or go their separate ways, one thing is clear: their story remains an unforgettable chapter in Nigeria’s entertainment history.
As the dust settles, only time will tell how this separation shapes their individual journeys. For now, fans can only wish them strength and peace in navigating this new chapter.
On Monday, the European bottling unit of Coca-Cola ordered a major recall of Coke, Sprite and other beverages with production in major European countries especially Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands after detecting high levels of chlorate, which poses potential health risks.
Chlorate can be produced when chlorine-based disinfectants are used in water treatment and food processing. Coca-Cola said it had not received any consumer complaints in Great Britain, and that it had “alerted the authorities on this matter and will continue to collaborate with them.” Affected products include the Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Tropico and Minute Maid brands, according to the Belgium branch of Coca-Cola’s international bottling and distribution operation.
Is it safe to drink Coca-Cola in Nigeria today?
In an interview with LN247, Christiana Obiazikwor, spokesperson of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) assured that there isn’t any “cause for alarm”. According to Obiazikwor, “people should not be worried, NAFDAC is working to safe guard your health, no one is killing you, there shouldn’t be any worries from anywhere”.
She said NAFDAC is not resting on its oars in sanitising Nigeria’s food and beverage sector and ensuring that fake drinks find no place in the society. “We are serious about it, we are discovering hide outs where fake drinks are being manufactured, and destroying them to safeguard the health of the nation”.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is presenting a united front in its dealings with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as its member countries—Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali—prepare to withdraw from the regional bloc.
Foreign ministers from the AES met in Ouagadougou on Sunday to finalize details of their formal exit, scheduled for Tuesday, January 28. During the meeting, the alliance emphasized adopting a “global approach” to future negotiations and relations with ECOWAS, ensuring they act as a unified entity.
The three nations announced their intent to leave ECOWAS shortly after forming the Alliance of Sahel States, known by its French acronym AES. Their decision follows strained relations with ECOWAS due to military coups in Mali (2020), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2023).
ECOWAS condemned the coups, suspended their memberships, and demanded a return to civilian rule. However, the military governments rejected these calls, expelled French troops from their territories, and sought support from Russia to combat ongoing jihadist insurgencies.
The AES ministers stated that future discussions with ECOWAS must recognize the alliance as a cohesive actor committed to peaceful coexistence while pursuing its regional objectives.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has revealed plans to address corruption allegations against its former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, following his return to the House. This was disclosed by the Assembly’s spokesperson, Olukayode Ogundipe, during an exclusive interview at the Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday.
Ogundipe stated, “Once he is physically present, the allegations against him will be addressed. There are reports of significant financial expenditures linked to him, and while we don’t know the source of some records, we will take necessary actions when he joins us.”
Responding to inquiries about the possibility of involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the investigation, Ogundipe said, “The decision to file a petition or set up a committee will be determined when he is present. The leadership of the House will ensure due procedures are strictly followed.”
Obasa was removed from office by lawmakers last week amidst accusations of corruption. However, the former Speaker dismissed the allegations, claiming his removal was unprocedural and asserting his position as the legitimate Speaker.
“If there are claims that I am corrupt, let them present evidence,” Obasa said during a gathering with supporters at the Speaker’s Lodge last Saturday.
In contrast, Ogundipe maintained that the removal was lawful, saying, “The process of his removal adhered to constitutional guidelines. We followed the same process used to appoint him. The members acted based on what they observed and decided to change leadership.”
On Monday, the Assembly postponed its scheduled plenary session, citing the need to allow lawmakers to settle in and maintain calm within the House. Security around the Assembly complex was notably heightened, with personnel screening journalists and visitors.
The increased security followed Obasa’s remarks over the weekend, where he insisted that the House had not followed proper procedures to remove him.
Obasa was replaced by Mojisola Meranda, the former deputy speaker, after a majority vote ousted him on January 13, 2025, over alleged misconduct and financial mismanagement. Meranda officially assumed office on Monday, supported by several lawmakers.
Ogundipe expressed hope that Obasa would return to the Assembly, emphasizing that the House remains peaceful and focused on its duties.
On Monday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at eliminating what he referred to as “transgender ideology” within the military, marking a significant step back for LGBTQ rights.
Speaking aboard Air Force One during a series of military-related announcements, Trump also called for the development of a U.S. version of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system.
The executive orders reinstated service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine and expanded measures to eliminate diversity programs across the armed forces.
“To ensure we maintain the most lethal fighting force in the world, we will get transgender ideology the hell out of our military,” Trump declared at a Republican congressional retreat in Miami.
This order, which follows Trump’s previous ban on transgender troops, reinforced his opposition to recognizing gender diversity in the armed forces. Trump asserted that the military had been “burdened by radical gender ideology to appease activists” and claimed that “many mental and physical health conditions are incompatible with active duty.”
The executive order stated, “Adopting a gender identity inconsistent with one’s sex conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in personal life.” It added, “A man’s assertion that he is a woman, and the demand for others to honor this falsehood, is inconsistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member.”
Another executive order criticized diversity initiatives within the military, claiming they “undermine leadership, merit, and unit cohesion, thereby eroding lethality and force readiness.” The order also banned discussions on “gender ideology” and dismissed theories framing America’s founding documents as inherently racist or sexist, labeling them as “un-American.”
These actions coincide with Trump’s second week back in the White House and align with a ceremonial welcome at the Pentagon for his newly appointed Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth. Hegseth, a military veteran and former Fox News personality, was confirmed despite concerns over his limited experience and past allegations of misconduct.
“Thank you for your leadership, Mr. President. We will execute!” Hegseth posted on X.
Policies for transgender individuals in the U.S. military have fluctuated in recent years. Democratic administrations have sought to allow transgender individuals to serve openly, while Trump has repeatedly pushed for their exclusion. The military first removed its ban on transgender service members in 2016 under President Barack Obama, but Trump delayed and ultimately reversed the policy during his first term. President Joe Biden reinstated inclusive policies upon taking office in 2021.
Although transgender troops account for a small fraction of military personnel—around 15,000 out of more than two million—their exclusion could exacerbate the challenges of declining recruitment numbers. Former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin indirectly criticized Trump’s stance, stating earlier this month, “Any military that turns away qualified patriots eager to serve is just making itself smaller and weaker.”
In addition to these measures, Trump reiterated his commitment to developing a U.S.-made Iron Dome missile defense system to protect against airborne threats. “We must immediately begin constructing a state-of-the-art Iron Dome missile defense shield,” Trump emphasized, adding that the system would be manufactured domestically.
DeepSeek AI has emerged as a significant player in the artificial intelligence landscape, sparking conversations around innovation, market disruption, and geopolitical influence. The Chinese startup has challenged industry norms, shaken up global markets, and drawn the attention of world leaders.
What is DeepSeek AI?
DeepSeek AI, officially known as Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Co., Ltd., is a Chinese technology company headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Founded in 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, the company focuses on developing cutting-edge artificial intelligence models with a strong emphasis on efficiency and open-source solutions.
Key Features and Achievements
Cost-Effective Development: DeepSeek developed its large language model (LLM), “R1,” for just $6 million—a fraction of the costs incurred by major players like OpenAI and Anthropic, which spend hundreds of millions to billions on similar projects.
Rapid Growth: In January 2025, DeepSeek launched its first chatbot app, which quickly became the most downloaded free app on the iOS App Store in the U.S., surpassing OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Efficiency Breakthrough: The company employs a “mixture of experts” approach, activating only the necessary computing resources for a task. This method is not only cost-effective but also environmentally sustainable, challenging the energy-intensive norms of AI development.
Why DeepSeek AI is Considered a Threat to the U.S. Technology Market
DeepSeek AI’s rise has sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley and Wall Street, and its success has raised serious concerns among U.S. technology leaders and policymakers.
Disruptive Market Impact
The success of DeepSeek’s chatbot app led to a massive stock market reaction, with Nvidia—a key player in AI infrastructure—losing 17% of its value, wiping out over $600 billion in stock market capitalization. This disruption highlighted the startup’s potential to undermine the dominance of established tech giants.
Cost and Resource Efficiency
DeepSeek’s ability to develop high-performing AI models at a fraction of the cost challenges the traditional financial barriers to entry in AI development. This efficiency threatens to shift the competitive advantage from resource-rich companies in the U.S. to lean, innovative startups in China.
Technological Parity
DeepSeek’s R1 model has been described as comparable to advanced U.S. AI systems. Its innovative “mixture of experts” approach demonstrates how China’s tech industry is narrowing the gap with Silicon Valley, creating concerns about the U.S. losing its technological edge.
Geopolitical Concerns
DeepSeek’s rise has broader geopolitical implications. AI is increasingly seen as a cornerstone of global power, and DeepSeek’s success is being viewed as a potential shift in the balance of technological influence. Some analysts have even called it a “Sputnik moment” for American AI.
What Donald Trump Said About DeepSeek AI
U.S. President Donald Trump has weighed in on the significance of DeepSeek AI, calling it a “wake-up call” for America. He likened the company’s rapid rise to a pivotal moment in technological history, urging the U.S. government and private sector to act decisively to retain its leadership in AI.
Trump’s Key Statements
On National Security: Trump emphasized that DeepSeek’s success underscores the urgency for the U.S. to prioritize AI development to avoid losing ground to China in this critical sector.
On Innovation: He described DeepSeek’s achievements as both impressive and alarming, pointing to the need for the U.S. to innovate faster and more efficiently.
On Policy Response: Trump advocated for increased investment in AI and tech infrastructure, calling for a bipartisan approach to ensure that the U.S. remains the global leader in artificial intelligence.
The Bigger Picture
DeepSeek AI’s success represents more than just technological advancement, it is a symbol of China’s growing influence in the global tech landscape. The company’s disruptive innovations have highlighted the need for competitive responses from U.S. tech companies and policymakers.
DeepSeek AI’s meteoric rise signals a transformative moment in the AI industry. Its ability to compete with U.S. tech giants, disrupt markets, and influence geopolitical discussions places it at the forefront of the global AI race. Whether the U.S. can respond effectively to this “wake-up call” remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the emergence of DeepSeek AI marks a turning point in the future of technology.
Coca-Cola has recalled its drinks in some countries across Europe because they contain “higher levels” of a chemical called chlorate.
The firm said in a statement that the recall was focused on Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. It added just five product lines had been shipped to Britain, and they had already been sold.
Affected products include the Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Tropico and Minute Maid brands, according to the Belgium branch of Coca-Cola’s international bottling and distribution operation.
Chlorate can be produced when chlorine-based disinfectants are used in water treatment and food processing.
Coca-Cola said it had not received any consumer complaints in Great Britain, and that it had “alerted the authorities on this matter and will continue to collaborate with them.”
The company added the issue has affected “a very small number of imported cans” of Appletiser, Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke and Sprite Zero with production codes from 328 GE to 338 GE” which Coca-Cola said can be found on the base of the can.
Anne Gravett from the Food Standards Agency said it was investigating.
“If we identify any unsafe food, we’ll take action to ensure it is removed and alert consumers,” she added.
Exposure to high levels of chlorate can cause health problems including thyroid problems, especially among children and infants.
NHS and private nutritionist Caron Grazette told the BBC: “We need to question whether or not we want to digest chemicals in soft drinks which are used in the production of fireworks and disinfectants, however small the quantity”.
Chlorate’s effects on humans when taken in excess include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and limiting the blood’s ability to absorb oxygen, added Ms Grazette, citing recent research into the chemical.
The higher levels of chlorate were discovered during routine testing at the company’s production facility in Ghent, Belgium, according to an unnamed company spokesperson quoted by the AFP news agency.
The majority of unsold products had been withdrawn from shelves, and the company was in the process of withdrawing the rest.
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