The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, has reaffirmed the subregional bloc’s commitment to remaining a model for regional integration in Africa, despite prevailing challenges.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Speaking at a retirement ceremony in Abuja for ECOWAS staff members set to leave the commission this year, Touray highlighted the organization’s achievements in free movement, intra-regional trade, energy, and infrastructure development.
A Legacy of Progress and Challenges
Touray praised the staff as the driving force behind ECOWAS’ accomplishments, noting that their contributions had shaped the organization’s successes over the years.
“We do have a long way to go, but I believe we can still continue to keep ECOWAS as a model of regional integration,” he stated.
Acknowledging the financial challenges ECOWAS has faced, he emphasized that member states had shown confidence in the institution by addressing funding constraints, ensuring continued progress.
Despite these achievements, Touray noted that ECOWAS faces complex regional and global challenges. However, he stressed that these issues should not be viewed in isolation but as part of broader global realities.
“Our attempt to address some of those challenges must be all-inclusive and broad as much as possible. Those challenges are surmountable, and I am confident that together we should be able to address them.”
Commitment to Regional Development
Also speaking at the event, ECOWAS Vice President Damtien Tchintchibidja urged staff members to recognize their critical role in shaping the region’s future.
“ECOWAS is you; it is me; it’s every single one of us. It is important that we defend the values of ECOWAS and build a better place for our community and future generations.”
Meanwhile, ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, Nazif Darma, described the commission’s human resources as its greatest asset, emphasizing their role in driving key projects and policies that impact over 400 million citizens across the region.
Honoring Retiring Staff
On behalf of the retiring staff, ECOWAS Director of Private Sector, Tony Elumelu, expressed gratitude to the commission for recognizing their contributions.
“There are two things we celebrate—when we arrive and when we leave. Seeing your faces as we depart, we are encouraged,” Elumelu said.
Looking Ahead
As ECOWAS continues to tackle regional security, economic, and governance challenges, Touray urged collective action and resilience, emphasizing that the organization’s success lies in its ability to overcome obstacles and drive sustainable development.
Stay with Naija247news for more updates on ECOWAS and regional affairs.
