Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday participated in the ceremonial signing of a commemorative card to mark the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The symbolic event took place at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos — the same venue where the founding treaty of ECOWAS was originally signed in 1975. General Gowon, who played a key role in the establishment of the regional bloc, was specially honoured as the only surviving signatory among the original founding leaders.

In his address, President Tinubu praised Gowon’s statesmanship and vision, describing him as “a cornerstone in the foundation of West Africa’s journey toward unity and shared prosperity.”

Also present at the event were the Presidents of Liberia, Togo, and Guinea-Bissau — Joseph Boakai, Faure Gnassingbé Eyadéma, and Umaro Sissoco Embaló, respectively — who joined in issuing a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to the core ideals of regional integration, peace, and economic cooperation that have defined ECOWAS for five decades.

Other ECOWAS member states were represented by high-ranking officials and diplomats. Notably absent from the celebrations were Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which have withdrawn from the regional bloc following ongoing political disputes and the formation of the breakaway Alliance of Sahel States.

The golden jubilee celebration continued at the Eko Hotel and Suites, where dignitaries, government representatives, and regional stakeholders gathered to reflect on ECOWAS’s achievements and future direction amid mounting regional challenges.

Founded in 1975, ECOWAS was created to foster economic integration and cooperation among West African countries. Over the years, it has expanded its mandate to include peacekeeping, democratic governance, and regional security initiatives.