By: Sheku Tanga
Representing His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Hon. Timothy Musa Kabba, participated in the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The commemorative event was held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
The ceremony brought together representatives from all ECOWAS Member States, senior government officials, dignitaries from the African Union, the United Nations, ministers, and members of the diplomatic corps.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of ECOWAS and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, reflected on the significant milestones achieved by the regional bloc. He highlighted its role in fostering regional integration and unity, liberalizing trade through the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme, safeguarding regional stability, and promoting democratic governance.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of the ECOWAS Regional Infrastructure Master Plan a 25-year strategic framework aimed at facilitating trade, attracting investment, and enhancing connectivity across West Africa. He also underscored the need for Member States to translate policy into tangible actions, noting a current lag in implementation.
“Let us renew our hope in one another, as it will foster unity, promote trade, development, and progress,” President Tinubu urged.
Adding a historic and emotional dimension to the occasion, the only surviving founding father of ECOWAS and former Head of State of Nigeria, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), delivered a passionate address. He recounted the organization’s journey from its inception in 1975 with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos to its present-day accomplishments.
Significantly, General Gowon made a heartfelt appeal to President Tinubu to adopt a soft-power diplomatic approach to re-engage the Sahel nations of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have recently withdrawn from ECOWAS.
Founded in 1975, ECOWAS was established with the vision of promoting economic integration, peace, and cooperation among West African countries. The 50th anniversary celebration served as both a moment of reflection on the organization’s achievements and a call to action for deeper unity and a more prosperous future in the region.