With the different challenges in the West African sub-region including the undemocratic takeover of governments, the Economic Community of West African States has done well, rising to the occasion and for this, ECOWAS ought to be proud, says Vice President Yemi Osinbajo
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity , Office of the Vice President, Laolu Akande says the Vice President expressed this view on Thursday while receiving a delegation of the ECOWAS Commission led by its new President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, at the Presidential Villa.
Prof. Osinbajo noted that ECOWAS has been stepping up to the plate, dealing with the challenges of upholding democracy, ensuring peace, security and maintaining stability in the region.
According to the VP, the hard work of ECOWAS is seen “in the transitions going on (in different countries that experienced coups) and the seriousness with which the rest of the world takes what ECOWAS says today.”
He also spoke on the objectives that guide the activities of ECOWAS
“These objectives are very important and peace and security are obviously crucial to us. It is a challenge we face today all over the sub-region and especially in the Sahel”, the VP noted.
On a global stage, Prof. Osinbajo stated that “it is very important to emphasize to our partners at all times, our points of view must not only be heard but must be taken into account in decision-making.
“Whether it is trade or even the ongoing discussions around climate change and what we should do about adaptation and mitigation, our points of view must be taken into account because they are crucial in decision making”, he said.
In his own remarks, Dr. Alieu Touray thanked the Vice President and the government for the support given to ECOWAS.
He recognized the leadership role Nigeria plays in the region, pledging to work very closely with the government for the benefit of the community.
Other members of the delegation include; Prof Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, Commissioner of Internal Services and Abdou Kolley, Chief of Staff to the President of ECOWAS.