Abuja: The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS has reaffirmed its commitment to regional integration, good governance and inter-institutional collaboration to advance ECOWAS Vision 2050. Honourable President Ricardo Cl¡udio Monteiro Gon§alves highlighted this in a goodwill message during the opening ceremony of the First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament for 2025 held at the Parliament headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Gon§alves, represented by Dr William D. Towah, Director of Administration and Finance of the Court, expressed the preparedness of the ECOWAS Court to work closely with the ECOWAS Parliament, especially in advancing the ECOWAS Vision 2050 focused on building and sustaining a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous region. He emphasized the enduring cooperation and institutional synergy between the Court and the Parliament, highlighting the shared vision and complementary mandates.
He acknowledged the symbolic importance of the year for ECOWAS, marking its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the ECOWAS Parliament. He described these dual anniversaries as proofs of resilience and progress, inviting reflection and recommitment to the future of the region. He underscored the importance of inter-institutional collaboration in promoting the rule of law, good governance, and regional integration.
Her Excellency, Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, Rt Hon. Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, in her opening speech, expressed gratitude to all attendees and paid tribute to the founders for their vision of an integrated and prosperous region. She highlighted the achievements of the ECOWAS Parliament, emphasizing its influence on the West African political scene and its role in promoting regional integration.
His Excellency, Mr Godswill Akpabio, President of Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, called on Members of the ECOWAS Parliament to renew their pledge to build a prosperous and united West Africa, reminding them of the foundational vision of a united and stable region. He acknowledged the region's challenges and urged stakeholders to unite for sustainable development.
His Excellency, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission, hailed the founding fathers and called for celebration of the achievements over the past 50 years, urging reflection on socio-economic and infrastructural development despite challenges. He commended the ECOWAS Parliament's initiatives, particularly its engagement with Member States that withdrew their membership.
His Excellency, Joao Alage Mamadu Fadia, Auditor-General of ECOWAS Institutions, spoke on the productiveness of inter-institutional collaboration in improving efficiency and effectiveness. He expressed openness to contributing to the region's strategic objectives for an integrated and prosperous region.
The opening ceremony was attended by Honourable Members of the ECOWAS Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of international organisations, invited guests, members of the press, and staff of various ECOWAS Institutions.
