Tinubu bows out as ECOWAS chair, urges unity, vigilance, inclusive growth
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday formally concluded his tenure as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, expressing deep gratitude and calling on regional leaders to remain steadfast in their commitment to peace, security, and inclusive development.
Delivering his closing remarks at the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority held in Abuja, President Tinubu reflected on his stewardship with a sense of fulfilment and hope for the future of the West African sub-region.
“Please permit me to express my profound gratitude for the confidence you’ve placed in me to serve as Chair of the Authority, not once, but twice,” Tinubu said. “It has been a profound honour and privilege to lead this esteemed body.”
As he handed over the reins to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, Tinubu extended warm congratulations and expressed confidence in his successor’s ability to guide ECOWAS through the next chapter of its journey.
“I do so with a deep sense of fulfilment and optimism. I remain confident that with the continued cooperation of all its members, ECOWAS will scale greater heights in our collective pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity,” he said.
President Tinubu acknowledged the challenging terrain that defined his tenure—marked by political upheavals and persistent security threats—but commended the resilience and commitment shown by ECOWAS leaders and institutions.
In the course of the past few years, we have faced complex regional challenges, political transitions, and security threats. I thank every one of you,” he said.
He reiterated that economic advancement could not flourish in the absence of political stability, highlighting the need to anchor integration efforts in democratic governance and institutional integrity.
“Economic integration cannot be superimposed on an untenable political environment,” Tinubu cautioned. “That is why we must remain steadfast in our resolve to rise to this and emerging challenges.”
