President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to leave Abuja on Tuesday for Lagos, where he will mark the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and commission key infrastructure projects across the commercial capital.
The celebrations, which will coincide with the golden jubilee of ECOWAS, come just weeks after the anniversary was flagged off in Accra, Ghana, in April. During his visit, Tinubu will be joined by other West African leaders to commemorate the economic bloc’s milestone achievements over the past five decades.
According to a statement released by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Ononuga, and shared on social media platform X, one of the key events will be a reenactment of the 1975 declaration at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island, Lagos. This event is set to bring together prominent figures, including the only surviving Head of State who signed the original ECOWAS declaration, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd.), who will deliver a speech during the ceremony.
At the Eko Hotels and Suites event, President Tinubu, in his capacity as the Chairman of ECOWAS, will highlight the economic bloc’s achievements over the years. The Chairman of the NIIA and former Minister of External Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, will also provide a comprehensive review of the organization’s journey, followed by discussions with key panelists.
Commissioning of Strategic Infrastructure Projects
While in Lagos, President Tinubu will oversee the commissioning of several major infrastructure projects, including key sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Lekki Deep Sea Port Tax Credit Concrete Road. On May 31, the President will also launch Section II of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, as well as the 7th Axial Road.
Additionally, Tinubu will virtually commission projects in northern Nigeria, including the Kano-Kanwar-Danja-Hadejiya Section II Road and the Yakasai-Zalli Road. He will also flag off the Kano Northern By-pass, Zaria-Hunkuyi-Dabai Section I, and several other vital road infrastructure projects.
Eid-el-Kabir Observances and Return to Abuja
As part of his itinerary, President Tinubu will observe the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the State House in Dodan Barracks, Lagos, before returning to Abuja. This marks a significant moment as he continues to oversee key administrative functions and address infrastructure development across the nation.
The upcoming events in Lagos will not only commemorate the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS but also underscore the administration’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s infrastructure and furthering regional cooperation within West Africa.