22
Jun
Jun
PRESIDENT TINUBU HANDS OVER ECOWAS LEADERSHIP TO SIERRA LEONE’S PRESIDENT MAADA BIO
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CapitalTimesNews / 3 days
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President Bola Tinubu has handed over the chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone. The handover ceremony took place on Sunday in Abuja, Nigeria, during the closing of the ECOWAS Authority’s 67th Ordinary Session. In a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed confidence in the region’s continued path toward peace, stability, and prosperity. “As I now hand over the mantle of leadership to my great friend and dear brother, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I do so with a deep sense of fulfilment and optimism for the future of West Africa,” Bayo Onanuga quoted President Tinubu as saying. Bayo Onanuga further explained that President Tinubu called on leaders to remain committed to the evolving needs of West African citizens, emphasizing the need to deepen cooperation, uphold diplomatic principles, and foster inclusive growth. “Let us deepen cooperation, uphold diplomatic principles, and foster inclusive growth that leaves no one behind—especially our youth, women, and vulnerable populations, who remain central to the future of our region,” Onanuga quoted Tinubu as saying. Tinubu emphasized the need to preserve democratic values and ensure that political stability is not separated from economic development. “Our organisation must continue to strike a fine balance between its core regional mandate of economic integration and the complex political, security, and governance challenges, including the preservation of democratic values in our region,” Bayo Onanuga quoted him as saying. In his acceptance speech, President Bio outlined four key priorities for his leadership, including restoring constitutional order and deepening democracy, revitalising regional security cooperation, unlocking economic integration, and building institutional credibility. “We must engage transitional governments constructively and support member states in building stronger democratic institutions rooted in the rule of law,” President Bio said. Bayo Onanuga noted that President Bio commended his predecessor, President Tinubu, for laying a solid foundation of regional dialogue, economic recovery, and peacebuilding. “I am humbled to build upon the strong foundation you have established,” President Bio said, thanking President Tinubu for his experience and leadership.