Delegates from across West Africa have convened at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial hub, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional organization dedicated to promoting unity, peace, and integration across member nations.
Among those present at the high-profile gathering was Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who currently serves as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
President Tinubu was joined by key officials from the ECOWAS Commission and other national leaders. Also in attendance was General Yakubu Gowon, the only surviving founding member of the regional body, whose historic role in the formation of ECOWAS in 1975 remains widely celebrated.
The day’s commemoration began with a reenactment of the signing of the original ECOWAS treaty at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island, Lagos. This symbolic moment echoed the events of five decades ago when regional leaders first came together to establish the community aimed at fostering economic cooperation and regional solidarity.
Following the initial events at the NIIA, attention shifted to the Eko Hotel, where the larger anniversary celebrations continued. According to an earlier statement from President Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, was scheduled to deliver the welcome address to set the tone for the occasion.
President Tinubu, in his capacity as ECOWAS Chairman, was expected to reflect on the achievements of the organization and outline its role in addressing economic challenges and political instability in the region. Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, a former Minister of External Affairs and Chairman of the NIIA, was set to present a comprehensive review of ECOWAS’s 50-year journey—highlighting its progress, setbacks, and prospects for the future.
A series of panel discussions were also planned as part of the event, with experts and political figures set to analyze the region’s journey toward integration and stability. General Yakubu Gowon was scheduled to deliver a keynote speech, underscoring the legacy and enduring vision of ECOWAS’s founding fathers.
The celebration, a blend of history, diplomacy, and forward-looking dialogue, reflects the importance of ECOWAS in shaping the socio-political and economic landscape of West Africa.
What you should know
Leaders and dignitaries gathered in Lagos to commemorate ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary. President Bola Tinubu and General Yakubu Gowon led the ceremonies, which began with a treaty reenactment at the NIIA and continued at the Eko Hotel.
Discussions focused on ECOWAS’s milestones and its continued role in regional cooperation and development.
