President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged ECOWAS leaders to put out great effort in addressing young unemployment and poverty.
In addition, he tasked them with fostering inclusivity and peace while investing in education, innovation, and skill development.
At the formal opening of the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee on Tuesday in Accra, Ghana, the President made these remarks.
Represented by Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the president stated that ECOWAS was a daring idea conceived by its founders on May 28, 1975, and that the idea had come to life.
In order to celebrate 50 years of growth, togetherness, and resilience, he added, the member states and their citizens were rekindling the spirit of solidarity that had led the area through both successes and setbacks.
He congratulated John Dramani Mahama, the president of the Republic of Ghana, stating that his visionary leadership, perseverance, and unshakable adherence to regional integration and development aspirations had been a source of strength and inspiration.
Additionally, he applauded the ECOWAS Commission staff’s constant dedication and relentless efforts, pointing out that their professionalism, passion, and spirit of cooperation were crucial in making the day’s event a huge success.
He also emphasized the subregional organization’s prior accomplishments, particularly in advancing democratic governance and maintaining peace.
Tinubu’s statement read in part, “Five decades ago, our founding fathers from 15 nations envisioned regional economic integration, cooperation, and shared prosperity.
“From the ashes of colonialism and the turbulence of post-independence struggles, they forged ECOWAS—a beacon of hope for our people. Their dream was not merely to dissolve borders but to build bridges of trade, cultural exchange, and mutual progress.
“From the original Treaty of Lagos in 1975 to this momentous gathering here in Accra, ECOWAS has remained a pillar of integration and a beacon of hope for over 400 million citizens across our region.
“Remarkably, our journey over the past five decades has not been without challenges. We have faced political instability, economic hardship, infrastructural deficits, and security threats. But we remain undaunted.
“We shall not relent in our commitment to a united, peaceful, purposeful, and prosperous West Africa.
“Your Excellencies and Distinguished Guests,
“Today, we celebrate numerous remarkable achievements that distinguish ECOWAS as the most successful regional economic community on the African continent.
“We have established one of Africa’s most vibrant free trade areas in five decades, fostering intra-regional commerce and lifting millions from poverty.
“We have championed peace through ECOMOG’s valiant efforts, mediating conflicts in Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.
“We have introduced the ECOWAS passport, symbolising our commitment to free movement.
“We have also advanced democratic norms, standing firm against tyranny and supporting transitions to constitutional governance.
“However, the journey toward a truly united and prosperous region is far from over. We must confront the hard truths of our present reality.
“Despite our shared vision, too many of our citizens still live in poverty, too many of our children lack access to quality education, and too many of our youth remain unemployed, disillusioned, or forced to seek opportunities abroad.
“Our region continues to grapple with new and evolving threats — violent extremism, climate change and food insecurity. The wave of unconstitutional changes in our region seriously threatens the democratic gains we have painstakingly built.
“As the current Chair of ECOWAS, I reaffirm Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the fundamental principles that bind us: democracy, the rule of law, good governance, and regional solidarity.
“These are not just ideals; they are the foundations for peace, development, and the dignity of our people.
“In this new chapter, we must reimagine ECOWAS as not just a Community of States but a Community of People.
“We must place our young, dynamic, creative, and resilient people at the centre of our agenda.
“We must invest in education, innovation, and skills development to unleash the full potential of Africa’s future. We must seek to expand the frontiers of democracy.
“We must limit the forays of unconstitutional rule into the democratic space. We must always seek peace towards achieving the collaborations needed for development.
“We must also deepen our economic cooperation, support intra-regional trade, and ensure that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) becomes a vehicle for genuine transformation. A prosperous West Africa is good for Africa and the world.
“In deepening our integration, we must accelerate the realisation of a single currency and strengthen infrastructure corridors to connect markets and minds.
Your Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,
Let us use this Jubilee as a moment of renewal. Let us rededicate ourselves to the spirit of Pan-Africanism that inspired our founders. Let us build an ECOWAS that is more resilient, more inclusive, and more responsive to the needs of our people”.
The President concluded by saying that cooperation and unity of purpose are necessary since a tree cannot stand alone in the forest.
“Our strength lies in our unity. As a proud member, Nigeria pledges to collaborate with every nation—large or small—to build an ECOWAS that is resilient to confront the challenges of our time.
“May the next 50 years be etched in history as an era when West Africa rose—united, prosperous, and unstoppable,” he added.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
