MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The official celebration marking the 50th Anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has ended in Lagos, Nigeria.
ECOWAS, founded on May 28, 1975, through the Lagos Treaty, enhances economic, security, and political cooperation among member states.
At the official celebration in Lagos on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the only surviving founding father, General Yakubu Gowon, former President of Nigeria, called for continuous adherence to democratic values.
General Gowon urged the current leaders of countries in West Africa to keep the dream and aspiration alive for future generations.
The former Nigerian President also called on ECOWAS not to abandon Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, despite desiring to leave the organization.
According to him, incorporating the three countries as an alliance of Sahel States will further prove ECOWAS’ enviable democratic and deeply integrated values.
At the same time, the Chair of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, has urged his colleagues to serve, putting the interest of their citizens first.
President Tinubu said,” A good policy without implementation is considered a betrayal to citizens of the ECOWAS Community.”
He stressed that the next fifty years of governance in ECOWAS member countries must be marked by pragmatic leadership and shared values.
President Tinubu stated that through matching policies with actions, his colleagues in the region must put young people at the heart of leadership and entrepreneurship.
He thanked ECOWAS institutions and staff for their diligence as the organization celebrates fifty years of existence.
The theme for the 50th Anniversary of ECOWAS is:” Stronger Together for A Brighter Future”.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS Ambassador to Liberia, Josephine Nkrumah, is urging member countries to reaffirm their commitment to the founding principles of the regional bloc.
Madam Nkrumah said,” While confronting the challenges that lie ahead of the regional body, it is important for member countries to do so in line with the founding principles of the organization.
She said,” Forging a path forward and advancing the goals and aspirations of the regional body demands a keen focus on the socio-economic and cultural development of member countries.”
According to her, these are strong pillars that are vital for nurturing peace, security, and shared prosperity for every community in the sub-region.
The ECOWAS Ambassador made the remarks on Wednesday in Monrovia at the hoisting of the Organization’s flag in honor of its 50th Anniversary celebrations.
Madam Nkrumah, by the theme of the celebrations, “Stronger Together for a Better Future,” reaffirmed ECOWAS’s dedication to championing efforts aimed at improving the lives of the people.
Meanwhile, Madam Nkrumah has recognized Liberia’s enormous role in strengthening a unified region and advancing democratic values.
According to her, Liberia has made history by embracing gender inclusivity at the highest levels, evidenced by the election of the first female President on the African continent.
She said,” The country has over the years nurtured a vibrant democratic culture, underscored by credible elections and the peaceful transition of power.”
The ECOWAS Ambassador noted that these strides are a testament to Liberia’s unwavering pursuit of peace and security.
She, at the same time, hailed Liberia for its enduring partnership in advancing ECOWAS operations, thus underscoring the importance of regional cooperation and unity among member states.
By: Vasta Tarlue/Varflay Kamara
