My Address At The ECOWAS First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament today, May 20, 2025.
Your Excellency, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Honourable Members of the ECOWAS Parliament, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.
We are gathered here for an obvious reason, summoned by the strident call of destiny, and bound by the shared promise of a brighter tomorrow for our people. We are gathered here as representatives of a proud and diverse region, united by a common dream – a West Africa that rises to its full potential, a continent that stands tall on the global stage – not as a recipient of pity or charity, but as a force of innovation, dignity, and destiny.
We are united by the conviction that our borders may divide our lands, but they must never divide our purpose. That our tongues may differ, but our vision must be shared: peace that endures, prosperity that includes, and progress that uplifts every child, every woman, and every community within our region.
But these concepts, no matter how lofty and noble, will lead us nowhere except we also have a shared commitment to progress, a fierce determination to overcome every challenge, and an unwavering belief that our differences are not a weakness but a wellspring of strength.
So let us use this opportunity in Abuja, the symbol of Nigerian unity, to renew our pledge to build a united West Africa where our economies thrive, our cultures flourish, and our children inherit a legacy of peace, prosperity, and unshakable unity. ECOWAS was never meant to be a concept it was meant to be a clarion call to every West African – that our journey to greatness has just begun, and together, we can write a new chapter in the history of our beloved region.
This is the hope with which I stand before you at this 2025 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament to give a keynote address. I thank you for this kind invitation and the opportunity to address such a distinguished assembly of regional lawmakers and leaders, custodians of the mandate of the good people of West Africa.
As we gather here in Abuja, the beating heart of our great region, we must remind ourselves of the foundational vision of ECOWAS – a vision of a united, economically robust, and politically stable West Africa.
It was this dream that inspired our founding fathers to create a community where the barriers of borders would dissolve into corridors of collaboration, where our economic strength would fuel prosperity for all, and where our political unity would stand as a bulwark against external interference.
Today, as we face the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world, this vision remains as critical as ever. Yet, we must also confront the hard truths of our present reality. For despite the undeniable strides we have made, significant challenges persist – challenges that demand our immediate attention and decisive action.
The Challenge of Economic Stability
One such challenge is the quest for economic stability in our region. The strength of any economic community lies in its ability to foster trade, attract investment, and create prosperity for its people. However, currency volatility, inflation, economic disparities, and the pressures of global financial markets continue to hinder the full realization of our collective potential.
The promise of a unified regional currency, a cornerstone of our economic ambitions, holds great potential for simplifying trade, reducing transaction costs, and enhancing the global competitiveness of our businesses. Yet, we must be clear-eyed about the path to achieving this – it demands fiscal discipline, monetary coordination, robust financial infrastructure, and mutual economic trust.
As the renowned economist John Maynard Keynes once said, “The difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old ones.” We must be bold in our economic reforms, willing to break free from outdated, fragmented approaches and embrace a truly integrated financial system that reflects the realities of our interconnected economies.
Moreover, we must strengthen our intra-regional trade and prioritize industrialization, for without this, a common currency alone will not solve our economic challenges. We need a regional economy that not only consumes but also creates and competes on the global stage. This means supporting small and medium enterprises, investing in modern infrastructure, and leveraging our abundant natural resources to create jobs and wealth for our people.
Security and Political Stability
Furthermore, economic stability cannot flourish without political stability. The recent security challenges facing parts of our region, including terrorism, insurgency, political unrest, and organized crime, threaten the very fabric of our collective aspirations.
We must remain vigilant in defending our democratic institutions, promoting good governance, and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in every corner of our region. This is our sacred duty, for as former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan famously said, “There can be no long-term development without security, and no long-term security without development.”
Our governments must work closely with our regional security apparatus to counter these threats, but we must also address the root causes of instability – unemployment, inequality, tribalism, and lack of education – for it is often in the shadows of despair that extremism takes root.
We must invest in our youth, create opportunities for our people, and build societies where hope thrives, not fear.
The Role of ECOWAS in a Changing World
As global geopolitical dynamics shift, Africa must redefine its place on the world stage. ECOWAS must strengthen its voice in international forums, champion the interests of our people, and demand fair treatment in global trade, finance, and climate negotiations.
We must be united in our approach, for as the African proverb goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Together, we can demand a fairer global order, one that respects the dignity and aspirations of our people.
A Call for Unity and Collaboration
At this critical juncture, we must rekindle the spirit of unity and solidarity that has always defined us as a people. Let us resolve to speak with one voice on the global stage, to stand together against external economic pressures, and to chart a course for our region that prioritizes the welfare of our people above all else.
As we deliberate in this Parliament, let our decisions be guided by the timeless wisdom of Nelson Mandela, who once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Though it may seem impossible, I believe that together, we can overcome our challenges, forge a path to prosperity, and build the West Africa of our dreams.
Conclusion – Charting a New Path
In closing, I urge us all to work tirelessly towards the realization of our collective vision – a West Africa that is strong, secure, and united.
Let us transform our challenges into opportunities and our aspirations into achievements. Let us be inspired by the resilience of our people, the richness of our cultures, and the boundless potential of our youth.
The road ahead may be long, but our steps are measured and our destination is clear – a prosperous, peaceful, and united West Africa.
Thank you, and may God bless West Africa and all its peoples.
