In anticipation of the spectacular celebration of the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) 50th anniversary, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has left Abuja for Lagos..CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
After being kicked off in Accra, Ghana, the golden jubilee is now moving to Nigeria, where Lagos will play host to a number of high-profile events. President Tinubu is expected to be a key figure in showcasing the accomplishments, difficulties, and future of the regional group as the current Chairman of ECOWAS. The symbolic reenactment of the 1975 ECOWAS statement at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), situated on Victoria Island, will be one of the main attractions of the Lagos meeting.
The festivities will be attended by General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), the former head of state and the sole living signatory to the ECOWAS founding treaty. The major event will be held at the Eko Hotels & Suites, where he is also expected to give a keynote address. Notably, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, the former Minister of External Affairs and Chairman of the NIIA, will give a historical overview of the bloc’s five-decade history before panel discussions. The welcome speech will be given by ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray. President Tinubu will take advantage of the occasion to commission a number of important infrastructure projects in Lagos in addition to the ECOWAS celebration.
such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road and Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Among other things, he will flag off the 7th Axial Road and Section II of the Coastal Highway. Additionally, a number of northern road projects will be virtually put into service. Before heading back to Abuja, the president is anticipated to attend the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the State House, Dodan Barracks. Tinubu’s audacious statement, “I’ll rewrite West Africa’s history before I leave,” seems to capture both his vision and the symbolic significance of this golden jubilee celebration, especially in light of his numerous commitments and his resolute regional position.
