From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, at the 50th anniversary event of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Lagos, reiterated Nigeria’s deep-rooted dedication to the regional organisation. He highlighted Nigeria’s pivotal role in fostering peace, unity, and prosperity across West Africa since the bloc’s establishment in 1975.
“Nigeria has been central to ECOWAS since its creation,” he stated in his keynote address. “For almost half a century, our nation has served as a foundation for regional growth, collaboration, and mutual support.”
President Tinubu honoured General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State and the last surviving original signatory of the ECOWAS Treaty. “General Gowon laid the groundwork for what is now a powerful symbol of West African unity,” he remarked.
He highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing contributions, such as the Technical Aid Corps, which has sent skilled professionals to assist fellow ECOWAS nations for nearly four decades. “We are committed to supporting regional capacity-building and responding to every valid request for help,” Tinubu assured.
He noted Nigeria’s leadership in advancing the ECOWAS agenda—from championing trade and free movement to supporting peacekeeping missions and democratic governance. The President pointed to achievements, including the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, collaborative border projects, and efforts to restore constitutional order in member states, as key milestones.
“ECOWAS stands as a beacon of African unity,” Tinubu declared. “We have bridged colonial divides to unite Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone nations under one cooperative framework.”
While celebrating these accomplishments, President Tinubu called for more decisive action. “True integration means results that our people can see and feel. We must transform policy into tangible benefits for our citizens,” he urged.
Tinubu stressed the need to prioritise the region’s youth and women, who make up the majority of West Africa’s population. “Investing in education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and leadership for these groups is essential for ECOWAS’s future,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of digital innovation, infrastructure development, and food security, referencing ongoing initiatives to foster sustainable growth.
Marking ECOWAS’s golden jubilee, Tinubu urged all member states to renew their commitment to the organisation’s founding principles with courage, clarity, and determination. He framed the anniversary not just as a reflection on the past, but as a rallying call for a future built on cooperation, prosperity, and peace.
“To the people of West Africa: this is your community,” Tinubu said. “You have built it, sustained it, and your aspirations will shape its future. Together, let’s advance the cause of regional integration.”
On behalf of Nigeria, Tinubu reaffirmed: “We remain steadfast in our support for ECOWAS and the vision of unity and progress it embodies, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda.”