Tinubu leads ECOWAS leaders to reignite 50-Year-Old Regional Pact in Lagos (Photos)

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other West African leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to regional integration as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) marked its 50th anniversary in Lagos on Wednesday.

The commemorative event, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), the same location where the founding treaty was signed in 1975, brought together heads of state and dignitaries from across the region.

A renewed treaty was signed to symbolise continued dedication to the bloc’s founding principles.

In attendance were President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia, Togo’s President Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau, and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray.

Also present was Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, the only surviving signatory of the original ECOWAS treaty.

Speaking at the event, President Tinubu, who currently serves as ECOWAS Chairman, emphasised the importance of unity in the face of regional challenges.

“We must not allow divisions to erode the progress ECOWAS has made over the past 50 years. This is a moment to recommit to our shared future,” he said.

Dr. Omar Alieu Touray echoed Tinubu’s sentiments, stating, “ECOWAS remains a symbol of hope for millions in West Africa. Our collective strength lies in cooperation, not conflict.”

The golden jubilee celebration was both a reflection on ECOWAS’ achievements and a call for renewed regional solidarity amid political and security turbulence in parts of the bloc.