President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to intensify efforts in fighting poverty and youth unemployment across the region. The Nigerian leader emphasized the need for strategic investments in education, innovation, and skills development while advocating for peace, inclusion, and regional integration.
Speaking through Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the official launch of ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary celebration in Accra, President Tinubu commended the regional body for five decades of progress, unity, and resilience.
“Today, we honor the bold vision of our founding fathers who, in 1975, laid the foundation for economic integration and regional cooperation,” Tinubu said. “This golden jubilee is not just a celebration—it is a call to action to tackle persistent poverty, high youth unemployment, and the evolving threats of extremism and climate change.”
Reaffirming Commitment to Regional Development
The President praised the strides ECOWAS has made in peacekeeping, democratic governance, and trade facilitation, highlighting milestones such as the ECOWAS passport and conflict resolution efforts in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia.
“ECOWAS has become a pillar of African integration,” he noted. “Our free trade area has lifted millions from poverty, and our collective efforts have advanced democratic values across the subregion.”
However, Tinubu warned that challenges remain. He underscored the urgent need to confront the realities of insecurity, food scarcity, and rising youth disillusionment. “Too many of our citizens live in poverty, and too many of our youth are forced to seek opportunities abroad,” he said.
Nigeria’s Role as ECOWAS Chair
As the current Chair of ECOWAS, Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to democracy, good governance, and the rule of law. He called on member states to deepen economic cooperation, accelerate progress toward a single regional currency, and strengthen infrastructure to boost intra-African trade.
“In this new chapter, ECOWAS must evolve into a true Community of People, not just of States. We must empower our youth and harness their creativity for sustainable growth,” he urged.
A Call for Unity and Reform
The President also emphasized the need for unity, especially amid rising political instability and military takeovers in parts of West Africa. He encouraged open dialogue with member states currently outside the regional framework and called for bold institutional reforms to ensure ECOWAS remains relevant and effective.
“Let this golden jubilee be a moment of renewal—a reaffirmation of our shared values, responsibilities, and vision for a stronger West Africa,” Tinubu declared. “May the next 50 years be marked by greater solidarity, prosperity, and peace.”
