President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and Chairman of the Authority and Heads of States and Governments of ECOWAS, has reaffirmed the commitment of Nigeria to the activities and aspirations of the regional body, ECOWAS.
Speaking at the 50th Anniversary celebrations of ECOWAS on Wednesday in Lagos, Tinubu noted that regional collaboration is a continuous task and that restoration of democracy in the region is still being pursued.
He said that ECOWAS had over the years successfully embarked on election monitoring duties in member countries, implemented agricultural programmes, trade facilitations and key infrastructural projects.
Tinubu called on leaders in ECOWAS member countries to lay emphases on implementation of policies and “match policies with implementation” in order tackle some of the socio-political challenges in their countries.
He stressed the need to invest more in the youth of the region through meaningful investments in their education and health as well as involving the youth in activities of ECOWAS.
Tinubu also paid glowing tribute to former Nigerian military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who is the only surviving leader among the 16 founding fathers of ECOWAS 50 years ago in Lagos.
He also commended the President of ECOWAS and the former presidents and officers of the Commission for their contributions to the growth of the regional body.
The ECOWAS Chairman urged the youth in the region to play active roles in the programmes of ECOWAS, assuring them that the ECOWAS leaders are willing to hand over the administration of the regional body to them.
GIK/APA