ECOWAS Empowers West African Youth Through Arts Workshops in Benin to Mark 50th Anniversary By Raymond Enoch:
To commemorate its 50th anniversary, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a series of creative and educational arts workshops for young students in Benin
Held at the Collège d’Enseignement Général (CEG) Gbégamey in Cotonou, the initiative gathered 30 students aged 11 to 19, with support from the local arts group, Ateliers Sika.
The workshops formed the first phase of ECOWAS’s anniversary celebrations and focused on empowering youth through artistic expression. Students explored themes of unity, peace, and regional integration through painting, drawing, and performance.
“This initiative shows that our youth are not only talented but ready to shape the future of West Africa,” said Ambassador Amadou Diongue, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin, who has prioritized youth engagement during his mandate.
The program was a powerful reminder that the future of ECOWAS lies in the hands of its youngest citizens—creative, bold, and united in their vision for a stronger region.
