In a show of unity and commitment to regional cooperation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday led a host of current and former African leaders to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja.
The golden jubilee celebration, held at the Presidential Villa, drew dignitaries from across West Africa, including former Nigerian Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (retd), one of the founding fathers of the sub-regional bloc, alongside heads of government, diplomats, and senior ECOWAS officials.
President Tinubu, who currently serves as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, delivered a keynote address reflecting on the organization’s achievements and ongoing challenges.
“For five decades, ECOWAS has stood as a beacon of regional integration, economic development, and collective security,” Tinubu said. “Today, we recommit to its founding vision: a united, peaceful, and prosperous West Africa.”
The event featured the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, group photographs, and an exhibition showcasing ECOWAS milestones since its establishment in 1975. Attendees praised the bloc’s efforts in promoting democracy, resolving conflicts, and facilitating trade across member states.
General Gowon, who played a pivotal role in the creation of ECOWAS, was warmly received and applauded for his enduring contribution to regional diplomacy. In his brief remarks, he emphasized the importance of solidarity and leadership in confronting modern threats to the union.
“ECOWAS was born out of a dream of cooperation. We must protect and strengthen this vision for the sake of future generations,” Gowon said.
The celebration comes at a critical time for ECOWAS, as it grapples with security crises, political instability, and economic challenges across several member states. Recent military coups in the region and the proposed exit of some countries from the bloc have tested its cohesion.
Nonetheless, the anniversary served as a moment of reflection and renewed commitment. Regional leaders emphasized the need to deepen integration, enhance peacekeeping capabilities, and improve economic resilience.
Founded on May 28, 1975, ECOWAS comprises 15 West African countries and aims to foster economic growth, regional stability, and collective self-reliance. Over the decades, the organization has initiated major infrastructure, health, and security programs to unify the region.
As the golden jubilee festivities concluded, observers noted the symbolic power of the event — a reminder that the promise of ECOWAS endures, even amid the evolving political landscape of West Africa.
