Delegates from across West Africa have convened in Lagos, Nigeria, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), marking a significant milestone in regional integration and cooperation.
The celebrations, held under the theme “Stronger Together for a Brighter Future,” began with a symbolic reenactment of the 1975 Treaty of Lagos at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island.
This event honored the original signing that established ECOWAS as a regional bloc aimed at fostering economic collaboration and unity among West African nations.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, serving as the current Chairman of ECOWAS, led the commemorative events. He was joined by other heads of state, including Liberian President Joseph Boakai, and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, who delivered the welcome address.
A highlight of the occasion was the participation of General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), Nigeria’s former Head of State and the only surviving signatory of the original ECOWAS treaty. General Gowon delivered a commemorative address at the Eko Hotels and Suites, reflecting on the bloc’s journey over the past five decades.
Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Chairman of the NIIA and former Minister of External Affairs, provided a comprehensive review of ECOWAS’s 50-year history. His insights were further explored by a panel of experts who analyzed the bloc’s achievements and challenges, emphasizing the importance of continued regional integration.
In addition to the anniversary celebrations, President Tinubu utilized the occasion to commission several infrastructure projects in Lagos.
These included the inauguration of Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Lekki Deep Sea Port Tax Credit Concrete Road, and the flag-off of Section II of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.
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