By Egena Sunday Ode
As the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS) celebrates its Golden Jubilee, President Bola has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the regional bloc, emphasizing the country’s historic and continuing role in shaping West Africa’s path to peace, integration, and shared prosperity.
He spoke on Wednesday during the commemorative event held in Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, declaring that “Nigeria has stood at the heart of ECOWAS since its inception in 1975.”
Earlier, the President was joined by Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon and four other ECOWAS leaders to participate in the ceremonial signing of a commemorative card marking the 50th anniversary celebration at Conference Chamber of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) where the original ECOWAS treaty was signed in 1975.
Physically present at the event were the presidents of Liberia, Togo, and Guinea-Bissau, who jointly issued a declaration reaffirming their commitment to the founding ideals and aspirations of ECOWAS. The remaining eight presidents of members states sent representations.
With the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso owing to political disagreement, membership of the regional bloc now stands at 12.
Tinubu said “For nearly five decades, we have remained a pillar of regional development, cooperation, and solidarity.”
He paid glowing tributes to Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, the only surviving leader among the original signatories of the ECOWAS Treaty for what he described as a laudable vision.
“General Gowon helped lay the cornerstone of what has become a formidable institution for unity in West Africa,” he noted.
President Tinubu spotlighted Nigeria’s consistent contributions, particularly through initiatives like the Technical Aid Corps, which for nearly 40 years has deployed skilled professionals to serve in various ECOWAS member states.
“We remain ready to support regional capacity-building and honor every eligible request for assistance,” he affirmed.
Nigeria, the President said, has been a driving force in ECOWAS’s evolution, from promoting trade and free movement to supporting peacekeeping and democratic governance.
He particularly cited successes such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme, joint border initiatives, and interventions to restore constitutional order in troubled member states as hallmarks of the community’s achievements.
