ATRIWA Congratulates ECOWAS On Its 50th Anniversary

By Daniel Dafe

His Eminence, Dèdè (Dr.) Félix W.Y. Eke-Metoho, Paramount Ruler of Togbui Deguini Adela Akpaxlin/Clan of the Ancient Kingdom of Tado, and representative Coordinator of the Association of Traditional Rulers for Integration in West Africa (ATRIWA), has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary celebrations in Accra, Ghana.

This was contained in a congratulatory message on Wednesday signed by His Eminence Dèdè (Dr.) Félix W.Y. Eke-metoho, Paramount Traditional ruler, Togbui Deguini Adela Akpaxlin Clan of the Ancient Kingdom of Tado DÈDÈ of Kutsin-Tohoun, Togolese Republic of Togo on behalf of the ATRIWA.

Furthermore, ATRIWA congratulated the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, all ECOWAS institutions, and the citizens of the region on this golden jubilee of a visionary regional body.

According to the statement, since the signing of the Lagos Treaty in 1975, ECOWAS has made significant strides in regional integration—most notably the free movement of persons and goods across member states, which have contributed to improved standard of living and economic growth.

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Adding: “ECOWAS has played a critical role in conflict resolution and peacebuilding across West Africa by creating a stand by force for rapid intervention anywhere in the region where there is armed conflict and threat to regional security and prevention of organized crimes and transborder terrorisms.”

ATRIWA continued: “The ECOWAS Court of Justice, based in Abuja, has upheld human rights through landmark rulings that have given justice to victims of abuses,” while commending ECOWAS’ ambition to transition from an “ECOWAS of States” to an “ECOWAS of People,” aiming for a future of peace and prosperity under Vision 2050.

To achieve this vision, ATRIWA urged ECOWAS to actively consult traditional rulers and leaders and take into account their opinions to ensure grassroots ownership mobilization, and stronger community ownership of ECOWAS goals.

Meanwhile, ATRIWA voluntary committed itself to sensitizing the masses at the grassroot to be involved positively in development efforts of ECOWAS in the region.

“We urge ECOWAS to dismantle all remaining obstacles to free movement created by colonial-era borders, and to transform these artificial boundaries into bridges of unity,” the statement said.

Regarding the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, ATRIWA supported ongoing dialogue and encouraged intensified efforts to reintegrate these States into ECOWAS, so they may join in collective pursuit of peace, stability, and development.

ATRIWA also congratulated the ECOWAS Parliament for all efforts it has made so far for enhancement of its powers and steps in progress to transform itself into an elected Parliament of the people of the region instead of being appointed as is currently the case.