By Ibrahim A. Sherif
ABUJA, April 24 (LINA) – The ECOWAS Warning and Response Network (ECOWARN) has converged Field Monitors from ECOWAS member states to participate in a three-day Annual Field Monitors Retreat aimed at building their capacities to adequately discharge their duties.
The Retreat, which is being held in Abuja, Nigeria from Wednesday, April 23-25, 2025, is also intended to improve Field Monitors approaches to data collection, verification and reporting in the ECOWARN System.
Speaking at the opening session of the three-day Annual Field Monitors Retreat in Abuja, Nigeria, the Director of the Early Warning Directorate at ECOWAS, Dr. Onyinye Onwuka extolled Field Monitors for their immense contributions toward the success of ECOWAS Early Warning System, citing that Field Monitors provide reports that assist ECOWAS to take actionable and intelligent moves.
“Your eyes, your ears on the ground transform abstract policy into actionable, intelligent, the foundation upon which critical decisions are made. On this note, I wish to curiously, from the depth of our heart, commend you for the work you have been doing, and you continue to do”, she narrated.
Dr. Onwuka further emphasized that the reports that have emanated from ECOWARN have supported the body across five thematic areas, including governance, human rights, security, environment, health, and criminality, emphasizing that these reports have offered the institution a comprehensive picture of the complexity of issues and realities that have engulfed the regional organization.
Madam Onwuka also unveiled that information garnered from the monitors continue to guide the decisions of the highest level within ECOWAS, saying the work that has been undertaken by the field and media monitors stands as a cornerstone for the collective architecture of ECOWAS’ conflict prevention and human security.
Also, the ECOWARN official indicated that the training is intended to develop advanced skills, looking at the social media, through the early warning lens, recognizing patterns that might signify potential instability, and thirdly, sharpening the abilities to detect misinformation, disinformation, and fake news.
“Finally, we will also be engaging together in practical sessions to hold our reporting techniques, emphasizing more position for our reportage. The knowledge and skill you will acquire here will not just enhance your individual effectiveness, but will strengthen our collective capacity to safeguard our security of our beloved ECOWAS”, Madam Onwuka stressed.
“We urge you to approach this retreat with a very open mind and steadfast commitment to our vision of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous ECOWAS region,” she added.
Meanwhile, the ECOWARN official reminded the Field Monitors of the complex challenges the region is faced with despite the ongoing 50th anniversary celebration of the commission, which is being held in Accra, Ghana.
However, she asserted that the region has also made some tremendous gains, pinpointing a reduction in threats and terrorism in the coastal cities and areas.
Despite the move in the security area, Dr. Onwuka admonished the participants to fully be proactive in the ongoing training, as she revealed other critical issues such as disinformation, misinformation, and fake news as vices that are negatively impacting the region.
