President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria is now Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
This was announced at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS on July 9.
Tinubu takes over from President Umaro Embalo of Guinea Bissau as ECOWAS chair.
President Tinubu in his acceptance speech pledged to ensure democracy in African states that form part of ECOWAS.
“We will take democracy seriously. Democracy is very tough but it is the best form of government,” he said.
In a Twitter post, Tinubu described the development as a noteworthy affirmation of Nigeria’s continued leadership in the sub-region and the African continent.
I’m grateful to my distinguished colleagues for the honour of being elected as the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the 63rd Ordinary Session that took place today in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.… pic.twitter.com/o7uuqME2Kh
— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) July 9, 2023
“As Chairman of the important coalition, I renew my dedication and that of our nation to the cause of peace and progress as we foster the collaboration and commitment required to tackle trans-border issues of security, economic growth and sustainable development,” he added.
Considered one of the pillars of the African Economic Community, ECOWAS was set up to foster the ideal of collective self-sufficiency for its member states namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sénégal and Togo.
Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey