President Bola Tinubu has traveled to Guinea-Bissau to attend the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This follows his recent participation in the summit on “A New Global Financing Pact” in Paris, France, hosted by President Emmanuel Macron.
During his visit to Guinea-Bissau, President Tinubu took the opportunity to visit the Nigerian contingent stationed in the country as part of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Force. This visit highlights Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability and peacekeeping efforts within the ECOWAS framework.
The ECOWAS summit brings together leaders from member states to discuss regional cooperation, integration, and development. It provides a platform for leaders to address key issues affecting West Africa and formulate strategies to promote economic growth, political stability, and security in the region.
President Tinubu’s presence at the summit underscores Nigeria’s active engagement in regional affairs and its commitment to promoting the goals and objectives of ECOWAS. It also demonstrates Nigeria’s support for the peace and stability of Guinea-Bissau, as well as its commitment to collective efforts aimed at advancing the well-being of the West African sub-region.
In his address, President Bola Tinubu expressed his admiration and appreciation for the soldiers stationed in Guinea-Bissau and commended their commander, Gen. Al-hassan Grema, for their dedication and service to both Nigeria and their host country. He assured them of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to supporting peace and democracy not only in West Africa but also globally.
The President emphasized Nigeria’s historical role as a peacekeeping force in the region, citing its contributions to peace and stability in countries like Sierra Leone and Liberia. He called on the soldiers to continue supporting the defense of constitutional order, stressing the importance of upholding democracy and the rule of law.
President Tinubu also acknowledged that the soldiers’ allowances had been paid up to date, expressing his belief that this should alleviate any concerns they may have had. He reassured them of Nigeria’s commitment to building a strong and capable military force, emphasizing that the country is proud of their loyalty and depends on them to maintain peace and progress.
The President’s words of encouragement and support underscored Nigeria’s commitment to fostering stability, security, and democracy in the region. By visiting the Nigerian contingent and expressing solidarity with them, President Tinubu affirmed the importance of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Force’s mission in Guinea-Bissau and reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to promoting peace and prosperity in West Africa and beyond.
During the meeting, Gen. Al-hassan Grema expressed the troops’ deep appreciation to President Tinubu for being the first commander-in-chief in Nigeria’s history to visit soldiers outside the country. This gesture was highly significant for the soldiers and demonstrated the President’s genuine concern for their well-being and commitment to their service.
While in Guinea-Bissau, President Tinubu has a busy schedule that includes bilateral meetings and engagements on the sidelines of the ECOWAS Summit. These meetings provide an opportunity for the President to discuss important regional issues, strengthen diplomatic ties, and explore avenues for collaboration with other leaders in attendance.
Accompanying President Tinubu on this trip are key officials, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Acting Governor of the Central Bank, Folashodun Shonubi; and former governors Abubakar Bagudu, Abdullahi Ganduje, and Abubakar Badaru. Their presence underscores the importance attached to the summit and reflects Nigeria’s commitment to active participation in regional affairs.
The 63rd Ordinary Session Summit, which commences on Sunday, will witness the gathering of 16 regional leaders. They will address critical sub-regional matters, such as security challenges, trade relations, and democratic governance, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea. These discussions aim to find collaborative solutions to pressing issues affecting the stability and development of the region.
President Tinubu’s participation in the summit marks his first international engagement within the African continent as the Nigerian leader. It signifies Nigeria’s dedication to regional integration, cooperation, and the pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous West Africa.