President Bola Tinubu is expected in Lagos today to lead Nigeria’s commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and to commission key infrastructure projects.
The Lagos leg of the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee celebration follows the official flag-off in Accra last month. President Tinubu, who is the current Chairman of ECOWAS, will join regional leaders and dignitaries at a series of high-level events in the city.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the celebration will include a symbolic re-enactment of the 1975 ECOWAS Declaration at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island.
At Eko Hotels and Suites, President Tinubu will deliver a keynote address highlighting ECOWAS’ achievements over the past five decades. Former Minister of External Affairs and Chairman of the NIIA, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, will present a review of the bloc’s journey, to be followed by a panel discussion.
Retired General Yakubu Gowon, the only surviving Head of State who signed the original ECOWAS treaty, is scheduled to attend all events and deliver a special address.
ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Touray, will deliver the welcome remarks.
Beyond the anniversary, Tinubu will also commission several infrastructure projects on Saturday, May 31, including Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road constructed under the tax credit scheme, and the flag-off of Section II of the coastal highway.
He will also unveil the 7th Axial Road in Lagos, and virtually commission key projects in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States, including the Kano-Kanwar-Danja-Hadejia Road, Yakasai-Zalli Road, and the Kano Northern Bypass.
President Tinubu will observe Eid-el-Kabir prayers at Dodan Barracks before returning to Abuja.