ECOWAS at 50: Tinubu Urges Leaders to Tackle Poverty, Invest in Education and Innovation…Calls for Renewed Commitment to Peace, Inclusion.
By Caroline Ameh
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to intensify efforts in combating poverty and youth unemployment across the region. He also emphasized the need for greater investment in education, innovation, and skill development, while fostering peace, inclusion, and regional solidarity.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Mr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, following the official launch of the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee in Accra, Ghana.
Speaking through Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, President Tinubu described ECOWAS as a bold vision conceived by its founding fathers on May 28, 1975, which has since evolved into a beacon of unity and progress in West Africa.
“From the original Treaty of Lagos in 1975 to this momentous gathering here in Accra, ECOWAS has remained a pillar of integration and a beacon of hope for over 400 million citizens across our region,” Tinubu said. “Today, we celebrate 50 years of shared triumphs, resilience, and solidarity that have defined our collective journey.”
He congratulated Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, for his “visionary leadership and unwavering dedication” to regional development, praising Ghana as a model of democratic governance and economic progress.
President Tinubu also commended the ECOWAS Commission staff for their professionalism and commitment, noting their role in successfully organizing the anniversary celebration.
Reflecting on ECOWAS’ achievements, Tinubu highlighted its peacekeeping missions through ECOMOG, the promotion of democratic governance, the introduction of the ECOWAS passport, and efforts to advance regional trade.
“Five decades ago, our founding fathers from 15 nations envisioned regional economic integration, cooperation, and shared prosperity,” he said. “They forged ECOWAS—a beacon of hope for our people—not just to dissolve borders but to build bridges of trade, cultural exchange, and mutual progress.”
However, the President acknowledged the persistent challenges facing the region, including political instability, violent extremism, food insecurity, and the effects of climate change.
“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 lamented.
As the current Chair of ECOWAS, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the core principles of democracy, good governance, and regional cooperation. He stressed the need to transform ECOWAS into a “Community of People” with young Africans at the center of its agenda.
“We must invest in education, innovation, and skills development to unleash the full potential of Africa’s future,” he said. “We must deepen economic cooperation, support intra-regional trade, and accelerate the realisation of a single currency and enhanced infrastructure to connect markets and minds.”
Tinubu further called for reforms to strengthen the effectiveness and credibility of ECOWAS institutions. He also advocated for dialogue and reconciliation with member states currently outside the regional bloc, underscoring the importance of unity.
“In hopes of reconciliation and reintegration, we must remain open and willing to engage in sustained, constructive dialogue with our estranged brothers,” he said.
Concluding his address, the President emphasized the power of collective action: “A tree does not stand alone in the forest. Our strength lies in our unity. Nigeria pledges to collaborate with every nation—large or small—to build an ECOWAS that is resilient enough to confront the challenges of our time.”
“May the next 50 years be etched in history as an era when West Africa rose—united, prosperous, and unstoppable.”
