President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially ended his tenure as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), passing the baton to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone during the 67th Ordinary Session held in Abuja on Sunday.
In his valedictory address, Tinubu expressed deep gratitude to fellow West African leaders for the trust reposed in him, having served two consecutive terms at the helm of the regional body.
“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.”
Reflecting on his time in office, Tinubu described his stewardship as a period defined by resilience and hope, despite facing complex regional challenges, political unrest, and security threats across member states.
“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 the need for democratic governance and institutional stability as prerequisites for meaningful regional integration and sustainable development.
“Economic integration cannot be superimposed on an untenable political environment,” Tinubu warned. “That is why we must remain steadfast in our resolve to rise to this and emerging challenges.”
Urging ECOWAS leaders to continue on a path of people-focused development, he emphasized inclusive growth and cooperation that leaves no one behind.
“Let us deepen cooperation, uphold diplomatic principles, and foster inclusive growth that leaves no one behind,” he urged. “These groups remain central to the future of our region.”
The outgoing chairman also praised the ECOWAS Commission and other supporting institutions for their dedication, noting their vital role in sustaining the body’s operations and organizing the summit.
In a warm handover, President Tinubu congratulated President Bio, expressing confidence in his leadership to steer ECOWAS into its next phase.
“I do so with a deep sense of fulfilment and optimism,” he said. “With the continued cooperation of all its members, ECOWAS will scale greater heights in our collective pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity.”
Closing the session, President Tinubu delivered a powerful message of unity: “Let us remain resolute in our shared mission to deepen our integration, protect our people, and build a prosperous, secure, and united West Africa.”
With that, the 67th ECOWAS Session concluded, ushering in a new chapter in the regional bloc’s leadership under President Julius Maada Bio.
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