The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has advocated for reengagement with suspended member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through constructive dialogue.
He also emphasized the urgency of institutional reform to strengthen ECOWAS’s effectiveness.
President Tinubu made the call while delivering a powerful address in Accra, Ghana today, while marking the official launch of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The event, as noticed by the WorldClass247News, commemorates 50 years since the founding of the regional bloc on May 28, 1975.
In his keynote speech, President Tinubu hailed the vision of ECOWAS’s founding fathers and reflected on the organization’s journey from its inception to becoming a symbol of regional unity and resilience.
“From the ashes of colonialism and the turbulence of post-independence struggles, they forged ECOWAS a beacon of hope for our people,” he stated.
Paying tribute to Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, Tinubu praised his leadership and commitment to democracy and regional integration.
He also commended the staff of the ECOWAS Commission for their dedication and professionalism in advancing the community’s goals.
Reviewing ECOWAS’s achievements, Tinubu cited milestones such as the creation of a vibrant free trade area, peacekeeping efforts in conflict zones like Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia through ECOMOG, and the introduction of the ECOWAS passport to promote regional mobility. He emphasized the organization’s firm stance on democratic norms and opposition to unconstitutional changes of government.
However, the Nigerian leader also highlighted ongoing challenges in the region, including poverty, youth unemployment, climate change, and rising insecurity.
He stressed the importance of deepening economic cooperation, accelerating the adoption of a single currency, and investing in youth, education, and innovation.
“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,” Tinubu declared.
He called for renewed efforts to transform ECOWAS from a community of states to a “Community of People,” urging collective action to build a more inclusive, responsive, and prosperous region.
WorldClasd247News, noticed that, the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee marks a pivotal moment for the bloc, as it reflects on past achievements and charts a bold course for the future.