The 65th session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Government is underway in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The meeting which is holding at the State banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, is being presided over by Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu who is also the Chairman of the Authority
Welcoming the West African Leaders to the opening session of the summit, President Tinubu appreciated them on behalf of the people of Nigeria for their massive show of support since he took over as Chairman of the bloc over the past year.
President Tinubu thanked the people of Senegal for the successful conduct of the last Presidential Election, saying the exercise which was globally adjuged as credible, transparent and peaceful demonstrates Senegal’s steadfastness in the principles of democracy, good governance and the rule of law.
President Tinubu said Sunday’s meeting was convened to renew the situation in the West African Sub-region in view of existing and emerging challenges, including violent extremism, banditry and terrorism spreading from the sahel region to the coastal States.
President Tinubu who said a peaceful and secure society is essential for achieving the potentials of the region, said the success of the Ecowas standby force which was set up to combat terrorism in the region would be determined by the political will and strong financial commitment of member-States.
He called on ECOWAS Leaders to make extra-commitment in providing resources to counter insecurity and stabilise the region.
President Tinubu wants the bloc to leverage the capability of the Nigeria counter-terrorism center, NCTC, which according to him is widely acknowledged as one of the best in the country.
He said the Nigerian Government has declared the NCTC a regional center to enable all Ecowas member-states benefit from capacity building and other related opportunities.
President of Ecowas Commission, Omar Touray appreciated President Tinubu and the people of Nigeria for their Leadership and generosity in hosting Ecowas institutions.
Touray noted that at the end of the summit, a media report showing challenges and achievements made by the bloc in various sectors will be presented to the public.
He said the summit will deliberate on a wide range of issues including ECOWAS single currency, security, agriculture, education as well as Democracy and good governance.
He reminded the gathering of the threats posed by terrorism, food insecurity, illegal and unfortunate exploitation of land resources and called for collective effort in tackling the challenges.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
