ECOWAS AT 50 Celebrates Staff, Awards 57 FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY’S DEVELOPMENT.

By Raymond Enoch

The ECOWAS Commission has hosted a significant event at its Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, to recognize the dedication, hard work, and remarkable contributions of its personnel in advancing the objectives of the regional body.

The event, held at the Commission’s main auditorium, was a heartfelt celebration of service of excellence, marking another milestone in the Commission’s 50-year journey of promoting regional integration and development.

The ceremony, which commenced at 1:30 pm, saw the presentation of goodwill messages, a tribute to the retirees of 2025, and the 2024 ECOWAS Staff Award Programme. These awards highlighted the pivotal role that each individual within the ECOWAS Commission has played in fostering peace, stability, and economic growth across the region. It was an opportunity for the Commission to publicly express its deep gratitude for the tireless efforts of its staff, who have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of the institution.

In attendance were key dignitaries, including the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY; the Vice President, H.E. Damtien L. TCHINTCHIBIDJA; the Commissioner for Internal Services, Prof. Nazifi Abdullahi DARMA; and the Auditor General of the ECOWAS Institutions, Mr. Joao Alage Mamadu FADIA. They were joined by a host of staff members from the Commission and its affiliated institutions, as well as the family and friends of the awardees.

The awards recognized outstanding contributions in various categories, with 57 staff members honored.

This included 17 retirees, 12 individuals for their long service to the organization, and 28 drivers who had safely transported ECOWAS staff for over 15 years without any recorded accidents. These individuals were presented with their awards by the President, Vice President, Commissioner for Internal Services, and the Auditor General of ECOWAS Institutions.

In his opening remarks, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY, expressed his sincere gratitude to all ECOWAS staff, acknowledging their crucial role in the development and progress of the Community. He highlighted the Commission’s significant achievements in key areas such as trade, free movement of goods, services, and people, and infrastructure development. However, he also emphasized the importance of confronting the challenges that persist.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of you, members of staff of the ECOWAS Commission and Institutions, for the tremendous work you’ve done in bringing the Commission to where it is today. The Commission has made significant progress in areas such as trade and free movement of goods, services, and persons, as well as in infrastructure. Despite these achievements, there are still challenges ahead,” said Dr. TOURAY.

He went on to underscore that while there will always be challenges in any community, the strength of ECOWAS lies in its collective ability to face these challenges head-on, united in the pursuit of shared goals and aspirations. “There is no Community without challenges, but our strength as a Community lies in our ability to overcome these challenges together,” he added.

The event also featured a welcome address from Prof. Nazifi Abdullahi DARMA, the Commissioner for Internal Services, who spoke about the significance of the awards and the importance of celebrating the exceptional work done by ECOWAS personnel. He noted that this event was more than just an acknowledgment of individual achievements; it was a celebration of the collective spirit that drives ECOWAS forward. “Today, we honor not just the individual efforts, but the spirit of collaboration that has propelled us toward our shared goals of peace, integration, and development,” Prof. DARMA remarked.

The retirees, many of whom had dedicated several decades of their lives to the ECOWAS Commission, were visibly moved as they received their awards. Their contributions have been foundational in the establishment and development of ECOWAS as a regional powerhouse. Likewise, the 12 personnel recognized for their long service have proven to be invaluable in ensuring the Commission’s operational efficiency over the years. Their dedication has played a significant role in advancing ECOWAS’ mandate in the region.

A particularly touching part of the ceremony was the recognition of the 28 drivers, whose safety records have been impeccable. These staff members have safely driven ECOWAS personnel for over 15 years, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of their colleagues. Their award served as a testament to the importance of responsibility, care, and attention to detail in every facet of the organization.

The Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Damtien L. TCHINTCHIBIDJA, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of unity and continued dedication in the face of future challenges. She commended the staff for their efforts and reminded them that ECOWAS’ success is built on the collective contributions of its members. “Let us continue to work together with dedication and unity. We are on a journey towards a prosperous and integrated West Africa, and every one of us plays a part in making that vision a reality,” said TCHINTCHIBIDJA.

The ceremony concluded with an air of celebration as awardees, their families, and fellow colleagues interacted and reflected on the significant contributions that have been made toward the development of ECOWAS. It was a moment of reflection on the past, but also a reaffirmation of commitment to the future.

As ECOWAS celebrates its 50th anniversary, this event serves as a reminder of the achievements made and the unwavering commitment of its staff. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Commission, which continues to work tirelessly toward the realization of its vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous West Africa.

The ECOWAS Commission remains committed to overcoming the challenges of the future, driven by the spirit of collaboration, dedication, and unity demonstrated by its personnel. The 50th anniversary celebrations will continue to serve as a beacon of hope and progress, inspiring future generations of ECOWAS staff to carry the torch of regional integration and development.