Janet Salihu
The ECOWAS Parliament on Thursday marked its 25th anniversary in Abuja with a colourful Silver Jubilee celebration that brought together regional leaders, diplomats, lawmakers and dignitaries who paid tribute to the institution’s role in strengthening democracy, peace and integration across West Africa.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, the Deputy Senate President and First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Barau Jibrin, described the Parliament as “a beacon of hope, unity and regional solidarity.” He reaffirmed Nigeria’s continued support for ECOWAS, stressing that robust collaboration between national parliaments remains vital to sustainable development, security and democratic deepening in the region.
He highlighted the National Assembly’s commitment to reinforcing legislative cooperation, adding that “the success of the ECOWAS Parliament is a shared success for all West Africans.”
Earlier in her keynote address, the President of the ECOWAS Parliament, H.E. Hadja Mémounatou Ibrahima, said the Silver Jubilee was not only a celebration of institutional maturity but a moment for sober reflection. She paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers of ECOWAS—General Yakubu Gowon and the late President Gnassingbé Eyadéma, whose vision, she said, “laid the foundation for a Community of Destiny.”
Ibrahima noted the transformation of the Parliament from a consultative body into a more empowered decision-making organ with expanded legislative, budgetary and oversight roles. She reaffirmed the Parliament’s commitment to strengthening democracy, condemning recent coups in the region, particularly the situation in Guinea-Bissau and calling for stronger cooperation on peace and security.
She also emphasised women’s political inclusion, youth empowerment, enhanced regional integration, and deeper engagement with civil society as priority areas for the sixth legislature.
In his goodwill message, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, hailed the Parliament as a vital voice of the people and commended past Speakers for building a resilient institution rooted in equity, solidarity and inclusivity. Touray warned against the shrinking of democratic space, urging parliamentarians to defend democratic norms and reject the “zero-sum politics” fueling instability in parts of the region.
He called on lawmakers to become champions of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, stressing that ECOWAS must not allow military interventions or authoritarianism to erode democratic gains.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of special awards of excellence to all past Speakers of the ECOWAS Parliament from the First to the Fifth Legislature in recognition of their contributions to democratic consolidation and regional integration. The gesture drew warm applause and symbolised the Parliament’s appreciation for decades of service, leadership and sacrifice.
The event, hosted with strong support from the Government of Nigeria, the National Assembly, the ECOWAS Commission and partner institutions, reflected a shared commitment to building a more integrated, peaceful and prosperous West Africa.
With renewed optimism, the Parliament reaffirmed its resolve to advance people-centred governance as it steps into its next quarter-century of service to the region.
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