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Obasanjo, Soglo others push for AU’s adoption of African Day of Slavery and Slave Trade . Express concern over delay in ECOWAS single currency implementation
Obasanjo,
Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and his Beninese counterpart, former President Nicephore Soglo have resolved to push for the adoption of an annual work-free day to celebrate history of slavery and slave trade in the African continent.
The two former African President’s also reiterated the call for adoption of a single currency for the ECOWAS states to boost socio-economic and cultural developments in the African sub-region.
Speaking at a special meeting held in Cotonou, Republic of Benin on Wednesday, Obasanjo said the parley was a follow-up to the conference on peace, security and stability in Africa held in Tokyo, Japan last month.
According to a release by Obasanjo’s Special Assistant (Media), Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo said the move for the recognition of a day of slavery and slave trade in Africa could best be described as a “passionate move”, which should be pursued in order to avoid the mistakes of the past.
He emphasized that the passion on not forgetting the history of Africa’s slavery as expressed by Soglo during the Japan’s meeting, “is the most pernicious and I have decided to work hard with those who share our sentiments on the issue.
“I shared in this passion, which is with a bit of agony, and I shared both of them with President Soglo, hence my coming here to Cotonou, and rub minds together and take it up from the there and take it to our leaders at the AU and the UN, which is the global body,” he said.
Obasanjo further emphasized that the issue of slavery and slave trade in Africa was all about history, which should not be allowed to fade away.
“While the past is the past, we may not forget that past, because if we forget the past, the chances are that we may repeat the mistakes of the past. So we agreed that after this meeting, we can for a start, take our position to the AU to push for a day to be called “Africa Remembrance Day of Slavery and Slave Trade”.
The former chairman of the African Union explained further that Slavery and colonialism both have implication on the development of the continent, “as such, the new drive now, is an indication that as past leaders, God have kept us to be alive because, we still have unfinished job to complete for this continent.
“We will be shirking in our responsibility. We will not be performing our duty if we fold our arms and say, well, we have done our own, as we were former Presidents and there is nothing we can do than to sit and watch. If we do that, I wonder if God we be happy with us. I really wonder.”
On the issue of integration and monetary union in ECOWAS, Obasanjo expressed concern over the yet to be implemented single currency for the region, stressing that leaders of the region should be persuaded to so, to better the lot of trade in the area.
“It is our responsibility to call on our leaders in West Africa to come up with our one currency. They have already taken the decision in Togo, the headquarters of our region, so, what is happening? We should ask them. We should tell them that enough is enough.
“I should be able to leave Abeokuta on a Sunday, come to Cotonou and have lunch and return without any hindrance. At Idiroko this morning, I have to submit my passport for entry, but, should this be so?
“If colonialism made it so about 50 years ago, should we still continue to do it in this century and age? Obasanjo queried.
He submitted that the use of single currency “will help to trade better within ourselves. If their are others who does not want us to trade with a single currency, we should also stop trading into their hands, if they are not ready to support us in his direction.”
In his opening remarks, Soglo recalled that at the session in Japan, he was constrained to call the attention of Obasanjo to the issue of slavery, “and, I must thank President Obasanjo for joining in this cause of not forgetting our history.”
The former Beninese President who went down memory lane on history of slavery and slave trade in Africa lamented that it was unfortunate that century after the practice, some parts of the continent still engage in the inhuman trade.
Also, a former president of the country, Boni Yayi share these positions, assuring that supports would be given to actualize the dreams of the two great African leaders.
Obasanjo was joined at the session by the Deputy Chief Co-ordinator (DCC), Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Director, Centre for Human Security and Dialogue of the OOPL, Prof. Peter Okebukola, Dr. Olumide Ajayi, Mr. Olakunle Somorin, Otunba Fasawe and Special Assistant Media, Kehinde Akinyemi.
Thanks for the usual kind support.
Kehinde Akinyemi
Special Assistant Media.
. Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo presenting a commemorative brochure of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), to former President of Republic of Benin, Nicephore Soglo during his visit on Wednesday.
Former President of Republic of Benin, Nicephore Soglo, embracing former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo upon arrival in Cotonou during his visit on Wednesday.
Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (third from right), former President of Republic of Benin, Boni Yayi (second from right) and Nigerian Ambassador to Republic of Benin, Mr. Kayode Oguntuashe and former President of Republic of Benin, Nicephore Soglo (besides Obasanjo on the immediate left) and other dignitaries after the meeting aimed at having an African Day of Slavery and Slave Trade held in Cotonou on Wednesday.
COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday led a high-level delegation of security chiefs to Plateau State, flagging off a nationwide security renewal mission aimed at strengthening civil-military cooperation and restoring lasting peace across the country.
The visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, marks the first phase of a coordinated national effort to address persistent security challenges through joint operations, community engagement, and proactive intelligence gathering.
Governor Caleb Muftwang received the delegation, describing the initiative as a critical step toward stabilizing affected communities and reinforcing public confidence in security institutions.
Civil-Military Synergy Takes Centre Stage
At the heart of the mission is a renewed emphasis on collaboration between the military, civil authorities, and local communities. Speaking during the visit, Lt. Gen. Shaibu stressed that national security must be treated as a collective responsibility.
He urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant, sharing credible information, and complying with lawful directives, noting that effective security cannot be achieved in isolation.
Community Engagement as Confidence-Building Tool
In a departure from purely operational engagements, the Army Chief held direct consultations with community leaders and residents in Jos, reinforcing the importance of trust and dialogue in conflict resolution.
Lawmakers, including Dachung Bagos and Ladi Dangyok, commended the initiative, stating that visible engagement by top military leadership helps rebuild confidence among citizens and fosters cooperation.
Proactive Security Operations Underway
Operational updates were provided by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who disclosed that troops under Operation Enduring Peace have intensified surveillance, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated actions with other security agencies.
According to the Army, the approach is designed to prevent escalation of threats, safeguard lives and property, and stabilize vulnerable communities before crises emerge.
A Shift Toward Sustainable Peace
Military authorities emphasized that the Plateau visit is part of a broader, long-term strategy to transition from reactive responses to sustainable peacebuilding nationwide. The framework includes strengthening local resilience, ensuring justice, and maintaining continuous engagement with stakeholders.
Analysts view the initiative as a significant policy shift, reflecting a more inclusive security architecture that integrates community participation with military operations.
Call for National Unity
The Army leadership concluded with an appeal to Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and support ongoing efforts to promote unity and peace.
“The success of this mission depends not only on the armed forces but on the cooperation of every citizen,” the COAS stated.
The nationwide security renewal campaign is expected to extend to other regions in the coming weeks as authorities seek to consolidate gains and build a safer, more unified Nigeria.
IGP Disu Visits Plateau, Orders Tactical Deployment To Reinforce Security
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Thursday paid a working visit to Plateau State following recent unrest, holding strategic talks with Governor Caleb Muftwang on measures to strengthen security and prevent further disturbances.
As part of immediate steps to stabilise the situation, the police chief authorised the deployment of specialised tactical units to support officers already on ground across affected areas.
Governor Muftwang commended the swift intervention of the police leadership, praising the dedication and professionalism of security personnel working to restore calm. He also acknowledged the efforts of mobile police officers and lauded the leadership of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah.
Both the Nigeria Police Force and the Plateau State Government reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that enhanced collaboration remains key to restoring lasting peace in Plateau State, popularly known as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
Grace Nation Worldwide: A Living Reality – Dr. Chris Okafor
……“Miracles, Healing, and Deliverance Overflow at Grace Nation Services”
The Grace Nation midweek Prophetic Healing, Deliverance, and Solutions (PHDS) Service on 2nd April 2026 at the international headquarters in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, was a spectacular display of God’s power, marked by miracles, healing, and deliverance.
The God of Grace Nation continues to demonstrate His authority, breaking strongholds, healing the sick, restoring lost glory, and providing solutions to every problem presented at His altar.
Testimonies of God’s Power
One woman, previously diagnosed with a terminal condition and slated for a ₦4.5 million surgery due to inability to excrete, was prayed for by the Generational Prophet, Christopher Okafor, just a week after visiting the church. Declaring healing within 24 hours, she returned to testify to God’s miraculous intervention.
Another pregnant woman, whose baby was bridged and at risk, was located and prayed for. She returned to service with confirmation that her child is now well-positioned for delivery. Similarly, a woman booked for a C-section due to an overdue and poorly positioned pregnancy testified during the service that her baby is now properly positioned, ready for birth.
These testimonies underscore the truth: what God cannot do does not exist. Grace Nation has entered a new level of spiritual authority, and with faith, believers are witnessing the impossible become reality.
God Works by Principle, Not Gossip
In his sermon, Dr. Okafor emphasized that God does not operate on superstition, gossip, or social media pressures. His work is grounded in His Word, and it is through adherence to His principles that Grace Nation continues to flourish.
The Generational Prophet stressed that to enjoy divine blessings and fruitfulness, believers must remain connected to God’s Word, faithfully serve Him, and ignore distractions or side-talks. Focused commitment to God’s service guarantees alignment with His miraculous power.
Join the Movement
Grace Nation Worldwide is open for all who desire a life transformed by divine intervention. Weekly services include:
Sunday Service: 7:00 AM
Grace Nation Island Service (Ogombo): Wednesday, 5:00 PM
Midweek PHDS Service: Thursday, 7:00 AM
Attending these services under the ministry of the Generational Prophet ensures encounters with God’s supernatural power, life-changing miracles, and lasting breakthroughs.
Grace Nation Worldwide is not just a church—it is a reality where faith meets the supernatural.
By Sunday Adeyemi
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