Tinubu Hands Over To Sierra Leone’s Julius Maada Bio – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

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…Asks Body To Build Prosperous, Secure, United Region

ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu, on Sun­day, in Abuja, bowed out as Chair­man of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Govern­ment, handing over the baton of leadership to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone.

Tinubu shortly before trans­ferring power to Bio, expressed confidence in the region’s contin­ued path toward peace, stability, and prosperity.

The ECOWAS Authority’s 67th Ordinary Session closed with the symbolic handover of the emblem to the incoming Chair.

President Tinubu described it as a profound honour and privi­lege to have led the esteemed body, adding that he remained deeply humbled by the trust and support extended to him throughout his two-term tenure.

“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.

“I remain confident that with the continued cooperation of all its members, ECOWAS will scale greater heights in our collective pursuit of peace, security, stability, and prosperity for our people and our region,” he said.

Reflecting on his tenure, Pres­ident Tinubu noted the complex political and security challenges the region has faced in recent years while calling on leaders to remain committed to the evolving needs of West African citizens.

“Let us deepen cooperation, uphold diplomatic principles, and foster inclusive growth that leaves no one behind—especially our youth, women, and vulnera­ble populations, who remain cen­tral to the future of our region,” he said.

President Tinubu emphasised the need to preserve democratic values and ensure that political stability is not separated from economic development.

“Our organisation must con­tinue to strike a fine balance be­tween its core regional mandate of economic integration and the complex political, security, and governance challenges, including the preservation of democratic values in our region.

“Economic integration cannot be superimposed on an untenable political environment. That is why we must remain steadfast in our resolve to rise to these emerg­ing challenges,” the Nigerian lead­er declared.

The Nigerian president com­mended the ECOWAS Commis­sion, community institutions, and technical staff for their ded­ication and professionalism in supporting the Authority’s work and organising a successful sum­mit.

He reaffirmed his commit­ment to the region’s shared mis­sion and urged continued unity among member states.

“As you return to your re­spective countries, let us remain resolute in our shared mission to deepen our integration, protect our people, and build a prosper­ous, secure, and united West Af­rica,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, President Bio of Sierra Leone, the newly elected Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, outlined four key priorities.

He pledged to lead a renewed, people-centred, and action-ori­ented ECOWAS in the face of unprecedented challenges and opportunities for the West Afri­can region.

President Bio said his leader­ship would focus on restoring con­stitutional order and deepening democracy, revitalising regional security cooperation, unlocking economic integration, and build­ing institutional credibility.

“We must engage transitional governments constructively and support member states in build­ing stronger democratic institu­tions rooted in the rule of law.

“We must overhaul our collec­tive security architecture—from intelligence sharing to rapid re­sponse capabilities—to confront new threats with unity and re­solve.

“The ECOWAS Trade Liber­alisation Scheme, regional infra­structure, and cross-border value chains must become engines of job creation, trade, and resilience, especially for our women and youth.”