President Bola Tinubu has praised the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for its achievements in regional integration, describing it as the most successful regional economic bloc on the continent.
Speaking through the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, President Tinubu delivered his remarks on Tuesday in Accra, Ghana, at the launch of activities marking the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS.
As Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Tinubu said the organisation remains a beacon of hope for the more than 400 million citizens of the region, staying true to the bold vision of its founding fathers.
“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.
Tinubu, however, acknowledged that the journey has not been without its challenges.
“We have faced political instability, economic hardship, infrastructural deficits, and security threats. 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.
Calling for a renewed commitment to the region’s people, President Tinubu urged member states to reimagine ECOWAS not just as a community of states, but as a true “Community of People.” He emphasised the need for investment in education, innovation, and skills development to unlock the region’s full potential.
He also advocated for deeper economic cooperation, greater support for intra-regional trade, and the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a pathway to lasting transformation.
Former President of Ghana, John Mahama, echoed similar sentiments, urging ECOWAS institutions to be more responsive to the aspirations of ordinary citizens. To this end, he announced that Ghana will provide 1,000 scholarships to university students across the region to improve access to education for West African youth.
At the ceremony, ECOWAS unveiled its official Golden Jubilee logo and theme, signalling the start of a year-long celebration of its founding and accomplishments.
