By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
President Bola Tinubu officially handed over the chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio on Sunday, urging regional leaders to remain vigilant and united in fostering peace and prosperity.
The symbolic transfer took place at the closing of the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority in Abuja.
Tinubu, who completed his two-term tenure, expressed confidence in the bloc’s future under Bio’s leadership, calling for deepened cooperation and inclusive growth.
“With continued collaboration, ECOWAS will achieve greater heights in peace, security, and prosperity for West Africa,” Tinubu stated.
He emphasized the need to balance economic integration with political stability, noting that democratic values must be upheld for sustainable development.
In his acceptance speech, President Bio outlined four priorities: restoring constitutional order, strengthening regional security, boosting economic integration, and enhancing ECOWAS’ institutional credibility.
He pledged to lead a “people-centred” ECOWAS, addressing challenges like terrorism, political instability, and youth demands for accountability.
Bio commended Tinubu’s leadership, vowing to build on his predecessor’s efforts in regional dialogue and peacebuilding.
Both leaders called for collective action to secure a stable and prosperous future for West Africa.