Paragraph 1: A Call for Unity and Legacy
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), addressed the regional bloc on its 50th anniversary, urging leaders to uphold the vision of the founding fathers. He emphasized the importance of transcending artificial colonial borders and embracing a shared identity as a West African family. Tinubu’s keynote address highlighted the enduring spirit of unity, resilience, and shared destiny that defines ECOWAS, echoing the founders’ dream of a borderless West Africa characterized by free movement, thriving trade, and peaceful coexistence. He paid tribute to the individuals who nurtured the idea of ECOWAS, particularly General Yakubu Gowon, the only surviving founding father. Tinubu also acknowledged past and present Heads of State and Government, former Executive Secretaries, Commission Presidents, and the ECOWAS Commission staff for their contributions to the regional bloc’s growth and success.
Paragraph 2: ECOWAS’s Achievements and Aspirations
President Tinubu lauded ECOWAS’s accomplishments in various areas, including peacekeeping, trade liberalization, free movement of citizens, and collaborative efforts to address security challenges and global pandemics. He highlighted the significance of uniting Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone nations under a single vision, a remarkable achievement of global significance. ECOWAS pioneered free movement, expanded intra-regional trade, and deepened integration through instruments like the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and Joint Border Posts, facilitating business, cultural exchange, and mobility across West Africa. Tinubu also commended the bloc’s decisive actions in restoring constitutional order and countering instability. He underscored the importance of regional cooperation on counterterrorism, financial crime, and upholding democratic norms through election observation, mediation, and institutions like the ECOWAS Parliament and Court of Justice.
Paragraph 3: Focusing on Future Development and Integration
President Tinubu emphasized the need for more effective policy implementation to ensure that citizens experience the tangible benefits of integration. He stressed the importance of prioritizing the youth and women, who constitute the majority, by investing in their education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and leadership. Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting regional capacity building through the Technical Aid Corps, deploying skilled professionals to ECOWAS countries. He urged leaders to work together to ensure the success of the economic bloc, renewing their commitment with courage, clarity, and conviction, and recognizing that the work of integration is an ongoing process.
Paragraph 4: A Vision for the Future of West Africa
Tinubu painted a vision of a West Africa where every child has equal opportunities, regardless of birthplace; where borders foster cooperation, not conflict; where economies thrive through joint efforts; and where people, diverse yet united by destiny, strive for peace, prosperity, and justice. He called on leaders and citizens to draw strength from history, courage from struggles, and hope from shared potential, recognizing that unity is the source of power and solidarity is the key to success. He proclaimed the Golden Jubilee not just a celebration of the past but a call to shape the future, emphasizing that the future of West Africa belongs to its people.
Paragraph 5: Reflections on the Past and Hopes for the Future
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, highlighted ECOWAS’s achievements in peacekeeping, election monitoring, strengthening democratic institutions, trade liberalization, gas pipeline construction, and security. General Yakubu Gowon, the only surviving founding father, expressed joy at the regional body’s survival and impact over fifty years. He lamented the departures of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, expressing hope that they would eventually return, recognizing the enduring bonds of culture and the importance of maintaining open communication. Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, praised ECOWAS as a shining example of Africa’s oldest and most active regional bloc.
Paragraph 6: Celebrating a Milestone and Looking Ahead
The Golden Jubilee celebration, which included a re-enactment of the ECOWAS declaration at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, was attended by numerous dignitaries, including the Presidents of Liberia, Togo, and Guinea Bissau, as well as foreign ministers and representatives from other member countries. The event served as a platform to reflect on the past five decades of progress and to reaffirm the commitment to a future of unity, integration, and shared prosperity for all West Africans. President Tinubu’s call to action underscored the importance of continued collaboration, innovation, and investment in the people of West Africa to realize the full potential of the regional bloc in the years to come.
