President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on leaders across West Africa to shift focus from empty promises to tangible action—particularly in creating opportunities for young people and women. Speaking in Lagos during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Tinubu, who currently chairs the regional bloc, urged member states to match words with real progress.
While acknowledging ECOWAS’s achievements in regional trade, peacekeeping, and unity, Tinubu noted that the impact of these efforts has yet to be fully felt by the people. He emphasized the urgent need to turn policies into measurable outcomes that improve lives.
“We are falling short when it comes to implementation,” Tinubu said. “Let our citizens feel the real benefits of our cooperation.”
He underscored the importance of investing in the region’s youth and women, urging leaders to give them access to education, business opportunities, and leadership roles. Tinubu said West Africa’s future depends on how well it equips its younger generation to lead with purpose and integrity.
“We must guide and mentor them,” he said. “Their success will define the legacy we leave behind. We want to hand over a banner untarnished to the youth of West Africa.”
During the event, Tinubu also paid tribute to General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), the only surviving founding member of ECOWAS, commending the foresight of the organisation’s early architects who laid the groundwork for cross-border unity among English, French, and Portuguese-speaking countries.
He acknowledged the strides made in facilitating free movement and regional collaboration but said pressing challenges—like insecurity, food scarcity, and lagging execution of development plans—must be addressed head-on.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s ongoing support to other member nations, citing initiatives such as the Technical Aid Corps, which deploys skilled professionals across the region to share expertise and strengthen institutions.
He also voiced strong backing for new ECOWAS initiatives like the Infrastructure Master Plan and the Ecogo digital platform, designed to modernise the region’s economic landscape and promote digital connectivity.
“Let us picture a West Africa where our economies are thriving through shared effort—a region where people of different cultures and languages come together for peace, prosperity, and fairness,” Tinubu said.
His message was clear: ECOWAS must not only celebrate its history but also commit to a future defined by action, inclusion, and results.
