President Bola Tinubu on Sunday officially ended his term as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, expressing thanks for the opportunity to lead and urging West African leaders to stay committed to peace, security, and shared progress.
Speaking during the closing of the 67th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS in Abuja, President Tinubu shared his thoughts on his time in office, saying he was filled with gratitude and hope for the region’s future.
“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.”
He officially handed over leadership to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone. Tinubu offered his congratulations to the new Chair and said he believed Bio would help ECOWAS reach new milestones.
“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.
Reflecting on the last year, Tinubu noted that the region had to face many difficulties, including political crises and security problems. He thanked fellow leaders for standing strong and supporting one another through tough times.
“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.
Tinubu also pointed out that economic success depends heavily on political order. He warned that without stable governments and strong institutions, efforts at integration would be weak.
“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.”
He spoke about the importance of putting people first in all development plans. Tinubu said it was necessary to include every group and community to build a fair and strong West Africa.
“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.”
Tinubu also noted the importance of listening to the needs of citizens. He said governments must pay attention to the balance between growing the economy and solving real issues affecting people’s lives, especially in terms of security and politics.
He also took a moment to thank the ECOWAS Commission, other community bodies, and technical teams for their effort in making the summit and other regional work successful.
“Let me also thank the ECOWAS Commission and all staff for their tireless work in supporting our organisation,” he said.
As the meeting ended, Tinubu called on all member countries to stand together in the mission of building a united and peaceful West Africa.
“Let us remain resolute in our shared mission to deepen our integration, protect our people, and build a prosperous, secure, and united West Africa,” he concluded.
With that, the 67th session came to a close, as President Julius Maada Bio stepped in as the new Chair, beginning a fresh chapter for ECOWAS.
