President Bola Tinubu has called on West African leaders to uphold and pass on the vision of the founding fathers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as the regional bloc marks its 50th anniversary.
Speaking at the ECOWAS 50 years commemorative ceremony in Lagos, Tinubu emphasised the need for leaders to look beyond artificial borders created by colonialists and embrace one another as a family.
Tinubu noted that the founding fathers foresaw a more united, harmonious, and purpose-driven regional bloc that would benefit many generations.
He said, “Today, we celebrate not only five decades of history but the enduring spirit of unity, resilience, and shared destiny that defines our community.”
The President highlighted ECOWAS’s achievements in peacekeeping, trade liberalisation, free movement of citizens, and working together to tackle security issues and global pandemics.
He said, “ECOWAS is a beacon of African unity. In overcoming colonial legacies, we brought together Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone nations under one vision, an achievement of global significance.”
Tinubu emphasised the need for more vigorous policy implementation and urged member states to ensure citizens felt the tangible benefits of integration.
He said, “Our young people and women, who form the majority – must be at the heart of ECOWAS development.
”We must invest deliberately in their education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and leadership.”
The President urged leaders to close their ranks and work together to ensure the success of the economic bloc.
He said, “As we look to the next fifty years, let us renew our compact with one another, with courage, clarity, and conviction.”
The only surviving founding father of ECOWAS, General Yakubu Gowon, expressed happiness that the regional body had survived for 50 years and has impacted the continent.
He urged Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to reconsider their decision to leave the bloc, saying, “Our sister nations that decided to leave will, in time, realise the bonds of culture. And with goodwill and sincere intention, they will find their way back.”
