The Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has been re-elected as the chairperson of Economic Community for West Africa States (ECOWAS), just as the Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun sent a congratulatory message to him.
Penpushing reports that Tinubu was re-elected as the head of the regional bloc during the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government held on Sunday in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The re-elected of President advised Economic Community for West Africa States (ECOWAS) leaders to leverage the capabilities of Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), which has been widely acknowledged as one of the best on the continent
Penpushing further reports that he called on the Heads of State and Government of Economic Community for West Africa States (ECOWAS) to work towards the establishment and sustenance of a regional standby force for the security and economic advancement of the community.
The Economic Community for West Africa States (ECOWAS) boss highlighted the expediency of a standby force in the face of growing security threats,noting that the regional action plan against terrorism has enhanced cooperation on training, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian interventions.
‘The Regional Action Plan against Terrorism has enhanced cooperation on training, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian interventions. In addition to this, the Ministers of Finance and Defence met recently in Abuja to raise funds for activating the ECOWAS Standby Force to boost counter-terrorism efforts’, he stated.
‘Member countries are also displaying their commitment to combating insecurity by individually increasing their defence budgets in order to acquire necessary equipment and ensure preparedness’, Tinubu added.
“Let me underscore that a peaceful and secure society is essential for achieving our potential. As we move to operationalise the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) in combating terrorism, I must emphasise that the success of this plan requires not only strong political will but also substantial financial resources.
“We must, therefore, ensure that we meet the expectations and recommendations set forth by our Ministers of Defence and Finance in order to counter insecurity and stabilise our region,’’ the President added.
Penpushing also reports that Governor Dapo Abiodun while rejoicing with the president said the re-election of Tinubu as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by his colleagues is an attestation of his sterling leadership qualities as the chairman of the bloc.
The Governor in a congratulatory message to the President on Sunday, said his re-election reflects the unwavering trust and confidence reposed in his leadership by the sub-region, pointing out that since his first election two years ago, Tinubu has laid a solid framework for the future integration of the sub-region and as well fostered security among the people.
Penpushing reports that he eulogised the President for demonstrating spirit of statesmanship by the way that he handled the violent change of government by three member states-Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger-while noting that this had averted the crisis that could have engulfed the sub-region.
“Under President Tinubu’s guidance, ECOWAS has made remarkable giant strides in fostering economic integration, promoting regional peace and security, and enhancing cooperation among member states’, Abiodun wrote.
‘His dedication to advancing the interests of the West African region has been evident throughout his first tenure, and we are confident that his re-appointment will further accelerate the progress achieved thus far’, he added.
“President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and strategic approach have been instrumental in addressing the challenges facing the region, including threat to democracy, occasioned by coup in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso and insecurity. His commitment to dialogue averted what could have amounted to war, which would have had dire consequences for the entire region,” he said.
Penpushing further reports that the Governor therefore, called on member states to join hands with the president in advancing the objectives and values of Economic Community for West Africa States (ECOWAS).
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