11 Key takeaways from Tinubu’s speech at ECOWAS 50th Anniversary

President Bola Tinubu has called on West African leaders to uphold and pass on the vision of the founding fathers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as the regional bloc marks its 50th anniversary.

1. Call to Uphold Founders’ Vision

President Tinubu urged West African leaders to sustain and pass on the original vision of ECOWAS’s founding fathers—building a united, harmonious, and purpose-driven regional community.

2. Transcending Colonial Borders

He emphasized the need to look beyond artificial colonial-era borders and foster a familial spirit of unity and cooperation among member states.

3. Celebration of 50 Years of Unity and Progress

The President highlighted the enduring spirit of unity, resilience, and shared destiny that has defined ECOWAS since its establishment in 1975.

4. Tribute to Pioneers and Contributors

Tinubu paid special tribute to General Yakubu Gowon, the only surviving founding father, as well as past and present leaders and officials who have advanced the ECOWAS mission.

5. Achievements Highlighted

-Peacekeeping and restoration of constitutional order

-Trade liberalization and free movement of people

-Regional cooperation on security, counterterrorism, and financial crime

-Democratic governance through election monitoring and institutions like the ECOWAS Parliament and Court of Justice

-Progress in agriculture, infrastructure, and digital innovation, including the ECOWAS Infrastructure Master Plan (2020–2045)

6. Need for Stronger Policy Implementation
He stressed that member states must ensure the practical benefits of integration reach all citizens.

7. Focus on Youth and Women

Tinubu called for deliberate investment in education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and leadership opportunities for the youth and women, recognizing them as vital to future regional stability and prosperity.

8. Nigeria’s Commitment

Nigeria reaffirms its dedication to regional capacity building, notably through the Technical Aid Corps, deploying skilled professionals to support ECOWAS countries.

9. Renewed Call for Regional Solidarity

Leaders were urged to close ranks and work collaboratively to secure ECOWAS’s continued success and relevance.

10. Vision for the Future

Tinubu painted a hopeful picture of West Africa as a region of cooperation, opportunity, thriving economies, peace, and justice—encouraging all West Africans to see ECOWAS as their community, built and sustained by their resilience and dreams.

11. Golden Jubilee as a Call to Action

The 50th anniversary was framed not just as a celebration but as a summons to shape the future with courage, unity, and a shared commitment to progress.