Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister Represents President Bio at ECOWAS 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Sheku Tanga

Information Attache

SLHC Federal Republicof Nigeria

Representing His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Hon. Timothy Musa Kabba, participated in the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The event was held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

The commemorative gathering brought together representatives from all ECOWAS Member States, senior government officials, dignitaries from the African Union, the United Nations, ministers, and members of the diplomatic corps.

In his keynote address, the Chairman of ECOWAS and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, reflected on the milestones achieved by the regional bloc, especially in fostering regional integration and unity, liberalizing trade through the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme, safeguarding regional stability, and consolidating democratic governance.

President Tinubu highlighted the ECOWAS Regional Infrastructure Master Plan—a 25-year strategic framework designed to facilitate trade, attract investment, and enhance connectivity across West Africa. He emphasized the need for Member States to translate policy into action, acknowledging the current lag in implementation.

“Let us renew our hope in one another, as it will foster unity, promote trade, development, and progress,” President Tinubu stated.

Adding a historic and emotional dimension to the event, the only surviving founding father of ECOWAS and former Head of State of Nigeria, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), delivered a passionate address. He recounted the organization’s journey from its founding in 1975 with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos to its present-day achievements.

Significantly, General Gowon made a heartfelt appeal to President Tinubu to employ a soft-power diplomatic approach to re-engage the Sahel nations of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have recently withdrawn from ECOWAS.

ECOWAS was established in 1975 with the vision of promoting economic integration, peace, and cooperation among West African countries. The 50th anniversary celebration served as both a reflection on the organization’s accomplishments and a call to action for a more unified and prosperous region.