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Tinubu, Bola

ECOWAS at 50: President Tinubu Calls for Unity and Progress

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated the importance of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) vision in his keynote address marking the regional bloc's 50th anniversary. Speaking at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Nigeria, the President urged West African leaders to uphold and pass on the vision of the founding fathers, who foresaw a more united, harmonious, and purpose-driven regional bloc. He noted that ECOWAS has made significant progress in peacekeeping, trade liberalisation, free movement of citizens, and tackling security issues and global pandemics.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Tinubu called on West African leaders to uphold and pass on the vision of the founding fathers of ECOWAS, emphasizing the need for unity and progress in the region.
  • The President highlighted the progress made by ECOWAS in peacekeeping, trade liberalisation, free movement of citizens, and tackling security issues and global pandemics.
  • He also recognized the tireless work of the ECOWAS Commission staff and institutions, as well as the former Executive Secretaries and Commission Presidents who built ECOWAS into a formidable force for peace and progress.
  • President Tinubu emphasized the need to close the ranks and work together to ensure the success of the economic bloc, urging leaders to draw strength from their history, courage from their struggles, and hope from their shared potential.
  • He specifically mentioned the Technical Aid Corps, a Nigerian initiative that has supported regional capacity building for nearly 40 years, and pledged to continue honouring eligible requests.
  • The President also reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to sustaining ECOWAS for the benefit of posterity.
  • The ECOWAS Golden Jubilee celebration was attended by the Presidents of Liberia, Togo, and Guinea Bissau, as well as the foreign ministers of Ghana, Senegal, Benin, and representatives of other member countries.

Statistics:

  • 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, marking five decades of history and the enduring spirit of unity, resilience, and shared destiny.
  • 40 years of Nigeria's support for regional capacity building through the Technical Aid Corps.
  • ECOWAS has a population of over 350 million people, making it one of the largest regional blocs in Africa.

Sources:

  • Statement by President Bola Tinubu, as delivered at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Nigeria, on [December 13, 2023] ("Keynote Address by His Excellency President Bola Tinubu, Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on the Golden Jubilee of the Economic Community of West African States.")
  • Nigeria's Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, as quoted in the statement ("Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga")
  • ECOWAS Commission, as quoted in the statement ("ECOWAS Commission")

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