Let’s sustain legacies of ECOWAS founding fathers – Tinubu

Tinubu

By JAMIU JAMODU

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on West African leaders to uphold and pass on the vision of the founding fathers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as the regional bloc marks its 50th anniversary.

In a keynote address on Wednesday at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, the President urged leaders to look beyond the artificial borders created by colonialists and embrace one another as a family.

President Tinubu, the Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, noted that the founding fathers foresaw a more united, harmonious, and purpose-driven regional bloc that would benefit many generations.

“Today, we celebrate not only five decades of history but the enduring spirit of unity, resilience, and shared destiny that defines our Community. In 1975, our founding leaders envisioned a West Africa where borders unite rather than divide — a region of free movement, thriving trade, and peaceful coexistence. That vision is still alive”.

President Tinubu paid tribute to all who have nurtured the idea of ECOWAS, especially General Dr. Yakubu Gowon, GCFR — the only surviving founding father.

“I salute past and present Heads of State and Governments within the Community for upholding the values of integration, cooperation, and solidarity. I commend our former Executive Secretaries and Commission Presidents, whose leadership helped build ECOWAS into a formidable force for peace and progress. I also recognise the tireless work of the ECOWAS Commission staff and institutions,” he added.