April 23, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has commended the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on its efforts in regional integration and economic cooperation.
Tinubu spoke on Tuesday in Accra, Ghana, at the inauguration of a series of events to mark the bloc’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Represented by Bianca Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, President Tinubu addressed dignitaries and heads of state at the Accra International Conference Centre.
“Today, we celebrate numerous remarkable achievements that distinguish ECOWAS as the most successful regional economic community on the African continent. In five decades, we have established one of Africa’s most vibrant free trade areas, fostering intra-regional commerce and lifting millions from poverty”, he said.
President Tinubu acknowledged the challenges faced by the bloc, including political instability, economic hardship, and security threats, but emphasised resilience and unity.
“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”, he said.
The Nigerian leader called on member states to “reimagine the organisation as a Community of People and not merely as a community of states”, urging investment in education, innovation, and skills development to unlock Africa’s potential. He also advocated for deeper economic cooperation and support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a vehicle for transformation.
Ghana’s President, John Mahama, echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for ECOWAS to be seen as a “living organisation that understands the hopes and aspirations” of its citizens.
He also announced that Ghana will offer 1,000 scholarships to university students across the ECOWAS subregion to enhance educational opportunities for young people in West Africa.
The launch featured the unveiling of the official ECOWAS Golden Jubilee logo and theme, alongside cultural performances celebrating the bloc’s history and achievements since its founding in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1975.
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