News
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic to Withdraw from ECOWAS by 2025.

In a significant development, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic have announced their intention to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by the year 2025. This announcement was made by Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, during the 66th Ordinary Session of Heads of States and Governments held in Abuja, Nigeria, on December 15, 2024.
The withdrawal process for these three nations is scheduled to occur between January 29 and July 29, 2025. This timeline allows for potential diplomatic negotiations and mediations that may arise during the transition.
In a related context, the Nigerian government has recently allocated ₦85 billion (approximately $54 million) as a community levy to ECOWAS. President Touray confirmed this financial commitment during his opening remarks at the Abuja session. This payment represents Nigeria’s levy obligations from January 2023 through July 2024 and marks the first instance in 19 years that Nigeria has fulfilled 100 percent of its community levy.
President Touray praised this development as a testament to the leadership of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and the commitment of the Nigerian government and its citizens to the ECOWAS community. As the region navigates these changes, the implications of the withdrawal and the financial contributions will undoubtedly shape the future dynamics of West African cooperation.
News
Lagos State Reaffirms Focus on Road Safety, Not Revenue, with Speed Enforcement.

Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to road safety, emphasizing that the recently implemented speed limit enforcement and e-policing camera system is primarily designed to reduce accidents and fatalities, not to generate revenue.
Speaking on a local radio program, Mr. Musa clarified that the initiative aims to curb excessive speeding, a key contributor to road accidents. He stated that compliance with speed limits is crucial for saving lives and preventing injuries, and that the enforcement measures, though often met with resistance, are necessary for public safety.
Further, Mr. Musa addressed concerns regarding potential errors and assured the public that a transparent process exists for contesting perceived wrongful fines. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to equitable enforcement, noting that even government vehicles have been subject to fines for violations. He urged motorists to adhere to posted speed limits, especially along the Alapere axis and the Third Mainland Bridge, and to utilize designated locations for passenger pick-up and drop-off. The government is also addressing issues of missing or vandalized road signs through alternative measures like direct road markings.
Entertainment
Val Kilmer, Acclaimed Actor, Passes Away at 65.

Hollywood mourns the loss of Val Kilmer, the acclaimed actor known for his diverse and memorable roles, who passed away in Los Angeles on Tuesday at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed the news.
Kilmer, a prominent figure in 1990s cinema, achieved widespread recognition for his performances in iconic films such as “Top Gun,” “The Doors,” where he embodied Jim Morrison, and “Tombstone,” where he portrayed Doc Holliday. He also donned the cowl as Batman in “Batman Forever.” His extensive filmography includes significant roles in “Heat,” “The Saint,” “Willow,” and the recent “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Beyond his on-screen achievements, Kilmer’s career was marked by periods of controversy and fluctuating box office success. He was reportedly diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, though he later recovered.
Val Kilmer’s talent and dedication to his craft will undoubtedly be remembered by audiences for years to come.
Foreign
Case Dismissed: Federal Charges Against Mayor Adams Dropped.

On Wednesday, District Court Judge Dale Ho dismissed, with prejudice, the federal criminal case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. This action effectively terminates the possibility of the Department of Justice (DOJ) resurrecting the five-count indictment against the Democrat in the US District Court in Manhattan.
The dismissal follows a controversial request by the Trump administration, nearly two months prior, to drop the corruption charges. The DOJ argued that prosecution would impede Mayor Adams’ ability to govern New York City and collaborate with the administration’s immigration enforcement policies.
The request prompted significant internal dissent, culminating in the resignation of seven federal prosecutors, including the acting Manhattan US attorney. Their departure underscores the contentious nature of the decision to seek dismissal and the ethical questions it raised within the Department. The “with prejudice” ruling solidifies the finality of this complex and closely watched legal battle.
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