Tinubu bows out, Sierra Leone’s Bio steps in as ECOWAS chair

By Egena Sunday Ode

P

resident Bola Tinubu on Sunday formally concluded his tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, and handed over to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, as the regional body’s new chairman.

Tinubu expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve and called on regional leaders to remain committed to the ideals of peace, security, and inclusive development.

In his speech at the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority in Abuja, President Tinubu reflected on his time at the helm with a sense of fulfillment and optimism for the future of West Africa.

“Please permit me to express my profound gratitude for the confidence you’ve placed in me to serve as Chair of the Authority, not once, but twice,” Tinubu said. “It has been a profound honor and privilege to lead this esteemed body.”

As he handed over the chairmanship to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, Tinubu extended his warm congratulations and confidence in his successor’s capacity to steer the regional body through its next phase.

“I do so with a deep sense of fulfillment and optimism. I remain confident that with the continued cooperation of all its members, ECOWAS will scale greater heights in our collective pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity,” he said.

The Nigerian president acknowledged the political  turbulent  that shaped his tenure, including transitions and persistent security threats, but praised the resilience and commitment of ECOWAS leaders and institutions in confronting these headwinds.

“In the course of the past few years, we have faced complex regional challenges, political transitions, and security threats. I thank every one of you,” he said.

According to him, economic integration and sustainable development cannot thrive in politically unstable environments, underscoring the importance of upholding democratic values and good governance as cornerstones of regional progress.

“Economic integration cannot be superimposed on an untenable political environment,” Tinubu cautioned. “That is why we must remain steadfast in our resolve to rise to this and emerging challenges.”

Reiterating the need for a people-centered approach, Tinubu called on ECOWAS to prioritize inclusive growth and ensure that youth, women, and vulnerable populations are not left behind.

“Let us deepen cooperation, uphold diplomatic principles, and foster inclusive growth that leaves no one behind,” he urged. “These groups remain central to the future of our region.”

He also urged leaders to remain vigilant and responsive to the evolving needs of citizens, stressing that ECOWAS must continue to balance its economic agenda with pressing political and security realities.

Tinubu thanked the ECOWAS Commission, community institutions, and technical staff for their unwavering dedication to regional service and the successful organization of the 67th Session.

“Let me also thank the ECOWAS Commission and all staff for their tireless work in supporting our organization,” he said.

As he brought the summit to a close, President Tinubu called on member states to remain resolute in their shared mission of building a united and prosperous region.

“Let us remain resolute in our shared mission to deepen our integration, protect our people, and build a prosperous, secure, and united West Africa,” he concluded.