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President Bola Tinubu has called on West African leaders to uphold the legacy of ECOWAS’s founding fathers.
Tinubu called for deepened regional unity, integration and development as the bloc celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Speaking in Lagos, Tinubu urged member states to transcend colonial-era borders and foster solidarity.
He praised ECOWAS’s achievements in peacekeeping, trade liberalisation, free movement, and democratic governance, describing it as a “beacon of African unity.”
“Since 1975, ECOWAS has brought together Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone nations.
“It has promoted cooperation through initiatives like the Trade Liberalisation Scheme and Joint Border Posts,” Tinubu said.
He emphasized the need for stronger policy implementation, especially in areas like youth empowerment, education, healthcare and digital innovation.
Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s continued support through the Technical Aid Corps.
As Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, Tinubu called for renewed commitment to integration.He urged leaders to “imagine a West Africa united by progress, not divided by borders.”
Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar and ECOWAS Commission President Dr Omar Touray echoed the bloc’s successes in democracy and development.
Former Nigerian leader and ECOWAS co-founder Gen. Yakubu Gowon expressed optimism that Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso would eventually return.
Gowon emphasised the importance of keeping diplomatic channels open.
