In a landmark address marking the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged West African leaders to uphold the vision of the bloc’s founding fathers and work towards a more united and cooperative region. The event took place on Wednesday at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, with leaders from across the region in attendance.
As the Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of looking beyond colonial-era borders that divide countries, advocating instead for a unified regional identity. “Today, we celebrate not only five decades of history but the enduring spirit of unity, resilience, and shared destiny that defines our Community,” he said.
Paying tribute to the founding fathers of ECOWAS, particularly General Dr. Yakubu Gowon, who remains the only surviving member, President Tinubu commended past and present leaders for their commitment to integration, cooperation, and solidarity. He highlighted ECOWAS’ significant accomplishments over the years, including peacekeeping, trade liberalization, and collaborative efforts to address security challenges.
“ECOWAS is a beacon of African unity. In overcoming colonial legacies, we have brought Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone nations together under one vision,” he stated, noting the organization’s initiatives such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme, which has fostered cross-border trade and cultural exchange.
The President also remarked on the strides made in governance, agriculture, infrastructure, and digital innovation, while stressing the need for more robust policy implementation to ensure that citizens can leverage the benefits of integration. He specifically emphasized the importance of investing in the young and women, who make up a significant portion of the population, in areas such as education, entrepreneurship, and healthcare.
Looking to the future, President Tinubu called for a renewed commitment among member states to strengthen the economic bloc. “Let us renew our compact with one another—with courage, clarity, and conviction. The work of integration is never done,” he said, envisioning a West Africa where opportunities are not limited by borders and where collective efforts lead to peace and prosperity.
General Gowon, reflecting on ECOWAS’ 50 years, expressed hope that countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso would recognize their cultural bonds and eventually return to the regional group. He praised the ongoing efforts of leaders to maintain dialogue with these nations.
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, noted the organization’s longstanding role as a model for regional cooperation in Africa. The Golden Jubilee celebration commenced with a re-enactment of the ECOWAS declaration at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) and was attended by several West African leaders, including Presidents of Liberia, Togo, and Guinea-Bissau.