Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, and President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday participated in a symbolic signing ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The event, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos—where the original ECOWAS treaty was signed in 1975—honored General Gowon as the only surviving leader among the founding signatories. He received special recognition for his pivotal role in advancing regional integration.
The ceremony also drew West African leaders, including Presidents Joseph Boakai of Liberia, Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, and Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau. Together, they issued a joint declaration reaffirming their nations’ commitment to ECOWAS’ founding principles and regional unity.
Other member states were represented by envoys, with the exception of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which have exited the bloc due to political tensions.
Celebrations are continuing at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.
