Delegates from across West Africa have convened at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos for the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), marking a major milestone for the regional bloc dedicated to unity and integration.
Ahead of the main event, President Bola Tinubu, who currently serves as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, joined other dignitaries and ECOWAS officials at a commemorative gathering held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos.
Also in attendance is General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), the only surviving founding leader of ECOWAS. Gowon played a pivotal role in the establishment of the bloc in 1975, following the signing of the original treaty in Lagos.
Following the NIIA event, heads of state, government officials, and ECOWAS representatives will proceed to Eko Hotel for the main celebration.
In a statement released earlier, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, will deliver the welcome address.
President Tinubu is expected to reflect on ECOWAS’s achievements over the past five decades, while Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Chairman of the NIIA and a former Minister of External Affairs, will review the bloc’s 50-year journey. Panel discussions are also scheduled to further examine the regional body’s progress and challenges.
General Gowon is expected to participate in all ceremonies and deliver a keynote address at the Eko Hotel event.
