Tinubu Hands over ECOWAS Leadership to Sierra Leone’s President Bio

There was a symbolic change of guard at the ECOWAS Secretariat on Sunday, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally handed over the chairmanship of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone.

The handover ceremony marked the highpoint of the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held in Abuja.

In his farewell remarks, President Tinubu expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve the regional bloc. He described his tenure as a profound honour and privilege, adding that he was humbled by the trust and support extended to him during his leadership.

Read Also:

Nigeria Pushes Blue Economy Agenda with Seabed Mapping, Hydrography Initiatives

“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,” Tinubu said.

He reaffirmed his belief in the continued cooperation of member states and expressed confidence that ECOWAS would achieve greater heights in its mission to ensure peace, security, and prosperity across the region.

President Maada Bio’s assumption of the ECOWAS chairmanship comes at a critical time for the regional bloc, as it continues to navigate pressing political and security challenges while pursuing economic integration and development.