President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Tuesday for Lagos to participate in the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The commemorative event marks a major milestone in the region’s pursuit of economic integration and unity.
The golden jubilee festivities, initially launched in Accra, Ghana, will continue in Lagos with a reenactment of the original 1975 ECOWAS Declaration at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island.
As the current Chairman of ECOWAS, President Tinubu will deliver a keynote address at Eko Hotels and Suites, reflecting on the regional bloc’s achievements and vision for the future.
Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Chairman of the NIIA and former Nigerian Minister of External Affairs, will deliver a comprehensive review of ECOWAS’ five-decade journey. The institute will host a high-level panel discussion following his address.
In a symbolic gesture of historical continuity, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd)—the only surviving Head of State who signed the 1975 ECOWAS founding declaration—will attend all scheduled events and deliver a special address at Eko Hotels.
Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, will also deliver the welcome remarks at the official gathering.
Commissioning of Key National Projects
While in Lagos, President Tinubu will commission multiple federal infrastructure projects on Saturday, May 31, including:
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Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
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Lekki Deep Sea Port Tax Credit Concrete Road
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Flag-off of Section II of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway
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7th Axial Road
In addition, he will virtually commission the:
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Kano–Kanwar–Danja–Hadejiya Section II Road
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Yakasai–Zalli Road
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Flag-off of Kano Northern Bypass
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Zaria–Hunkuyi–Dabai Section I
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Dabai–Kafur–Malumfashi Road
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Malumfashi–Dayi–Yashe–Gidan Mutum Daya Section III
To round off his visit, the President is expected to observe the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the State House Mosque, Dodan Barracks, before returning to Abuja.
