Tinubu Calls For Action On Poverty And Education As ECOWAS Celebrates 50 Years.
In a powerful address marking the Golden Jubilee of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged leaders of the regional bloc to prioritise the fight against poverty, unemployment, and the need for greater investment in education, innovation, and skill acquisition. His call comes at a crucial time as the organisation reflects on its 50 years of achievements and challenges.
Speaking from Accra, Ghana, during the official launch of ECOWAS’s 50th-anniversary celebrations, President Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, lauded the vision of the founding fathers of ECOWAS. Established on May 28, 1975, the organisation has grown to become a symbol of unity and cooperation among its 15 member states, fostering regional economic integration and social progress.
Tinubu acknowledged the progress made over the past five decades, citing key milestones such as the creation of Africa’s largest free trade area, the introduction of the ECOWAS passport, and the organisation’s leadership in peacekeeping efforts, particularly in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia.
However, the President emphasised that despite these successes, significant challenges remain. He pointed to the widespread poverty affecting millions, the lack of access to quality education for many children, and the high levels of youth unemployment.
“Our region continues to grapple with new and evolving threats — violent extremism, climate change, and food insecurity. The wave of unconstitutional changes in our region seriously threatens the democratic gains we have painstakingly built,” Tinubu said in his speech.
In addressing these issues, he called for a renewed focus on education and innovation as key drivers of growth and development in West Africa. “We must invest in education, innovation, and skills development to unleash the full potential of Africa’s future,” he stated, underscoring the importance of empowering young people and providing them with the tools to thrive in an increasingly complex global economy.
President Tinubu also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the core principles of ECOWAS: democracy, the rule of law, good governance, and regional solidarity. He urged leaders to deepen economic cooperation and accelerate the realisation of a single currency for the region, which would enhance market integration and foster greater prosperity.
“As a proud member, Nigeria pledges to collaborate with every nation—large or small—to build an ECOWAS that is resilient to confront the challenges of our time,” Tinubu affirmed.
The President concluded by calling for a “renewed commitment” to the spirit of Pan-Africanism that inspired the creation of ECOWAS and encouraged Member States to strengthen the bonds of unity and solidarity. “Our strength lies in our unity,” he declared. “May the next 50 years be etched in history as an era when West Africa rose—united, prosperous, and unstoppable.”
As ECOWAS enters its next phase, President Tinubu’s words have set the tone for a future focused on inclusive growth, regional cooperation, and collective resilience, ensuring that the organisation remains a beacon of hope and progress for over 400 million citizens across West Africa.
