President Bola 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 as the regional bloc marks its 50th anniversary.
He urged leaders to look beyond the artificial borders created by colonialists and embrace one another as a family.
“As we look to the next fifty years, let us renew our compact with one another—with courage, clarity, and conviction,” Tinubu said in a keynote address on Wednesday at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos
Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, revealed excerpts of the documentary in a statement he signed Wednesday titled ‘Let’s sustain the legacies of ECOWAS’s founding fathers: President Tinubu.’
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,” he stated.
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.
The President said the regional bloc has lived up to the founders’ expectations in many respects, including peacekeeping, trade liberalisation, free movement of citizens, and working together to tackle security issues and global pandemics.
He said, “ECOWAS is a beacon of African unity. In overcoming colonial legacies, we brought together Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone nations under one vision —an achievement of global significance.
“Our region has pioneered free movement, expanded intra-regional trade, and deepened integration through instruments like the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and Joint Border Posts.
“These measures have facilitated business, cultural exchange, and mobility across West Africa.”
On peace and security, Tinubu argued that ECOWAS has acted decisively to restore constitutional order and counter instability.
“Our regional cooperation on counterterrorism and financial crime, including through GIABA, reflects our shared commitment to peace and safety.
“In governance, ECOWAS has upheld democratic norms through election observation, mediation, and institutions such as the ECOWAS Parliament and Court of Justice — cementing accountability, rule of law, and people-centred governance,” the President stated.
President Tinubu pointed to progress in agriculture, infrastructure, and digital innovation, singling out the ECOWAS Infrastructure Master Plan (2020–2045) and new platforms advancing regional growth and gender equality.