Former Nigerian Head of State General Yakubu Gowon delivered a poignant address on Wednesday at the “ECOWAS at 50” event, where regional leaders converged to re-enact the foundational 1975 treaty.
Gowon, a key architect of the West African bloc, called upon current and future generations to remember and uphold the spirit of cooperation, solidarity, and hope that birthed the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Speaking to a distinguished gathering that included several successive leaders, policymakers, and community citizens, General Gowon commenced by paying tribute to his “fellow founding fathers, great men of courage and foresight whose legacy we honour today.”
He acknowledged that other celebrations were concurrently taking place across the region, extending his well wishes to those not present in Lagos at the event.
General Gowon then extended his appreciation to the “successive generation of leaders, policymakers, and community citizens who have carried the torch of regional integration across five decades.”
His message underscored the collective effort that has sustained the organisation since its inception.
Looking to the future, the former Head of State expressed a fervent hope for the bloc’s continued trajectory.
“May ECOWAS continue to grow in strength, unity, and purpose,” he stated, articulating a vision of a more cohesive and effective regional entity.
He further wished for West Africa to “continue its march forward towards peace, prosperity, and progress.”
General Gowon concluded his stirring address by emphasising the enduring importance of the 1975 foundational spirit.
“May the spirit of 1975 — of cooperation, of solidarity, and of hope — never be forgotten,” he urged.
He rallied the attendees with a powerful and enduring motto for the organisation: “Forward ever, backwards never for ECOWAS.”
