By Kazeem Ugbodaga
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for its steadfast role in promoting regional integration and economic cooperation over the past five decades.
Speaking on Tuesday in Accra, Ghana, during the launch of ECOWAS’ Golden Jubilee celebrations, President Tinubu, who also serves as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, was represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
He described ECOWAS as “a beacon of hope for the region’s over 400 million citizens,” applauding its achievements in advancing economic growth and unity across member states.
“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,” Tinubu said.
Reflecting on the community’s journey, the President acknowledged that the road has not been without obstacles.
“We have faced political instability, economic hardship, infrastructural deficits and security threats. But we remain undaunted. 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.
President Tinubu urged ECOWAS to be reimagined as a true “Community of People,” not just a collection of states. He stressed the importance of investing in education, innovation, and skills development to unlock Africa’s vast potential.
He further advocated for enhanced economic cooperation and stronger support for intra-regional trade, emphasising the importance of making the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) a true driver of transformation. “All hands must be on deck,” he added.
In his remarks, former President of Ghana, John Mahama, called for deeper citizen engagement, noting that “community citizens must feel that ECOWAS is not just some bureaucracy but a living organisation that understands their hopes and aspirations.”
Mahama also announced that Ghana would offer 1,000 scholarships to university students from across the ECOWAS region as part of efforts to boost educational opportunities for West African youth.
At the event, ECOWAS unveiled its official Golden Jubilee logo and theme, heralding the start of a year-long series of commemorative activities across the subregion.
