Key regional figures and former leaders have gathered in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in a two-day high-level conference convened by the Amandla Institute in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission.
The event, which began on serves as a platform for reflecting on the achievements, shortcomings, and prospects of the regional bloc since its inception in 1975.
Addressing participants, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, identified insecurity and geopolitical instability as critical challenges undermining regional cohesion.
He called for a renewed commitment to ECOWAS Vision 2050, and announced that a summit on the future of West Africa is in the works to chart a more inclusive and sustainable path forward.
Former Nigerian President and ECOWAS founding figure, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), delivered a historical reflection on the community’s formation, paying tribute to the efforts of West African leaders, notably the late President Gnassingbé Eyadéma of Togo, for their pioneering role.
Also speaking, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, founder of the Amandla Institute and former Governor of Ekiti State, praised ECOWAS for its role in promoting African integration, even in the face of persistent financial and political hurdles.
Former ECOWAS leaders such as Dr. Lansana Kouyaté and Kadré Désiré Ouédraogo also participated in the conference, alongside notable dignitaries including Prof. Abdoulaye Bathily and Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, former President of Sierra Leone.
As ECOWAS marks five decades of regional cooperation, participants underscored the urgency of repositioning the bloc to respond more effectively to current realities, including economic transformation, democratic governance, and security.
