Nigeria’s former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to remain faithful to the core values and ideals of its founding fathers.
General Gowon made the appeal at the International Conference commemorating ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Chambers in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.
While acknowledging the contributions of all founding heads of state, he particularly praised the vision of General Gnassingbé Eyadéma of Togo, whose ideas were instrumental in the establishment of ECOWAS.
He noted that ECOWAS was created on 28 May 1975 with the mandate to promote economic integration by forming a single large trading bloc, and to foster peace, stability, and prosperity among member states.
According to General Gowon, the creation of the sub-regional bloc was driven by the collective desire of member states to tackle common challenges and seize shared opportunities.
Addressing recent developments involving Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, he urged ECOWAS members to ensure unity going forward, personally calling on the three countries to reconsider their decisions to leave the bloc.
He highlighted ECOWAS’s key achievements, including trade liberalisation, the right of West Africans to live legally in any member state, and successful peacekeeping operations.
“ECOWAS has intervened through its multilateral armed forces, the Economic Community of West African States Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG). This helped stabilise situations and provided a smooth transition for United Nations peacekeepers who followed,” he said.
“ECOWAS is more than a coalition of states; it is a community founded on shared history, culture, and tradition for the benefit of our people.
“Neither my generation, nor present or future generations will understand or forgive the breakup of our community,” he added.
In his opening remarks, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended NIIA and international partners for organising the conference, which gathered dignitaries to reflect and plan for the region’s future.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed Lagos State’s partnership with NIIA, rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision to advance Nigeria’s foreign policy and regional integration.
He said, “As governor, my administration prioritises supporting NIIA’s initiatives, recognising the institute’s vital role in shaping Nigeria’s diplomacy and influencing policies benefiting not only Lagos but the wider West African region.
“I recall with pride that it was in Lagos, 50 years ago today, that the ECOWAS treaty was signed, marking the start of a bold and strategic journey towards economic integration and cooperation.
“Over the past five decades, ECOWAS has made significant strides in promoting economic integration and facilitating free movement. It has also played a crucial role in peacekeeping missions.
“Despite challenges, ECOWAS has remained committed and resilient in pursuing its goals.
“As a state, we are dedicated to investing in NIIA’s vision through policy research and resource provision, enhancing its capacity for policy analysis.
“Our collaboration has yielded valuable insights, promoting regional unity and development. By leveraging our collective strength, we can build a prosperous and viable West Africa,” Sanwo-Olu concluded.
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Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Chairman of the Conference, described ECOWAS as a work in progress, emphasising that the region must continue to recognise the community’s vital role despite ongoing challenges.
He condemned the coups in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso as the wrong approach.
The International Conference on “ECOWAS @ 50: A Story of Resilience and Integration,” organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), attracted key dignitaries from Nigeria, Africa, and around the world.
Highlights included reflections from the ‘father of the day,’ a secondary school debate, and presentations on regional integration, economic development, and peacekeeping and security sector reforms.
