 for its long-standing contributions to regional development and unity, stating that the bloc has been a vital force in promoting cooperation across West Africa.){kind=link}
President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, praised the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for its long-standing contributions to regional development and unity, stating that the bloc has been a vital force in promoting cooperation across West Africa.
Speaking at the 50th anniversary celebration of ECOWAS held in Lagos, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering support for the regional body and its foundational vision of integration, peace, and shared prosperity.
“Nigeria has stood at the heart of ECOWAS since its inception in 1975,” Tinubu said in his keynote address. “For nearly five decades, we have remained a pillar of regional development, cooperation, and solidarity.”
The President took time to recognize General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State and the last surviving signatory of the ECOWAS founding treaty, for his pioneering role.
“General Gowon helped lay the cornerstone of what has become a formidable institution for unity in West Africa,” Tinubu noted.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s contributions through programs like the Technical Aid Corps, which has been sending professionals to serve in ECOWAS member states for nearly four decades.
“We remain ready to support regional capacity-building and honour every eligible request for assistance,” the President affirmed.
Highlighting Nigeria’s leadership in ECOWAS efforts, Tinubu referenced initiatives aimed at promoting trade, ensuring freedom of movement, supporting peacekeeping missions, and defending democratic institutions.
He celebrated achievements such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, joint security efforts at borders, and diplomatic interventions aimed at restoring democracy in troubled countries.
“ECOWAS has emerged as a beacon of African unity,” Tinubu declared. “We overcame colonial-era divisions to forge a shared vision, uniting Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone nations under one cooperative umbrella.”
However, Tinubu emphasized that declarations must be backed by concrete action:
“Our greatest task is implementation. Our citizens must feel the impact of our decisions. Let us match words with action,” he urged.