By Adesewa Oyinloye
The year-long programme to celebrate 25th years of the ECOWAS Parliament service to the peoples of West Africa has kicked off in Abuja, Nigeria with a Press Conference by the Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Hadja Mémounatou Ibrahima and authorised partners: Duchess N. Limited, CMD Tourism & Trade Enterprise and Borderless Trade & Investment.
The Press Conference which brought together media, private sector leaders and regional stakeholders announced the implementation partners supporting ECOWAS parliament’s 25th anniversary programme.
The year-long commemorative programme is to be held across seven member States namely, Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cabo Verde, Togo, and Sierra Leone from January to November 2026.
In her address, the CEO of Duchess Nigeria Limited, Dr. Victoria Akai who spoke on behalf of private sector partners said ECOWAS was founded on 28 May 1975, by leaders of West African countries who wanted to strengthen cooperation, economic integration, free movement of people, regional peace and stability, and collective development of West Africa.
According to her, the agreement establishing ECOWAS was signed in Nigeria through the Treaty of Lagos adding that ECOWAS Parliament is the legislative body of ECOWAS that helps promotes regional cooperation, democracy, and integration among member countries
Dr. Akai noted that since ECOWAS was conceived in 1975 by a former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon and late Togolese President, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, the regional body has grown into one of Africa’s most important platforms for regional collaboration, economic development and shared prosperity stressing that ECOWAS institutions remain critical partners with the private sector in driving West Africa’s economic development.
Her words: ‘’The private sector appreciates the role ECOWAS Parliament is playing in creating environment for more integrated and prosperous regional economy. For 25 years ECOWAS Parliament has worked tirelessly to strengthen democratic governance and regional cooperation ensuring that West Africans are involved in the integration process.
“As a private sector that is committed to the economic development of ECOWAS countries, we are optimistic that this one year activities that will bring together policy makers, entrepreneurs, youths and the civil society provide unique opportunity to strengthen partnerships that will translate to the economic development. We are committed to the success of all programme lined up this commemoration”
Also speaking at the Press Conference, the Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Hadja Mémounatou Ibrahima represented by Dr. Kabir Garba commended the commitment and resilience of Dr. Victoria Akai towards the success of the programme.
Hadja Mémounatou who disclosed that ECOWAS Parliament was formed in November, 2000 in Bamako Mali to advance democracy in the region noted that at a point, West Africa was dominated by military rule adding that those who started ECOWAS Parliament have written their names in gold as democracy has been embraced by member States
According to her, the yearlong activities will give the people of West Africa the opportunity to know more about ECOWAS Parliament and also ensure unity and economic development of the region.
She explains that rather than organising a single ceremonial event,” we have designed a strategic, multi-country programme to showcase tangible impact and bring the Parliament closer to its citizens”.
Hadja Mémounatou disclosed that activities lined up include: Youth innovation and parliamentary simulations, Women-focused trade and entrepreneurship platforms, SME and trade facilitation forums, Civic education and awareness campaigns and Cultural, creative, and sports celebrations.
She disclosed further that regional integration requires collaboration that goes beyond public institutions adding “We are partnering with the private sector actors whose expertise in trade facilitation, SME development, women’s empowerment, and youth innovation aligns with our objectives. The Secretary General of the ECOWAS Parliament will coordinate implementation with authorised partners”.
“This anniversary marks a renewal of our commitment to citizens, regional unity, and a more integrated and prosperous West Africa. We invite Member States, the private sector, the media, and citizens to join us in making this commemoration a true demonstration of impact”.
Other stakeholders who spoke at the Press Conference commended ECOWAS Parliament for organizing the yearlong activities.
