Enhanced Integration: ECOWAS Club Gets New Equipment to Strengthen Regional Youth Engagement.
By Raymond Enoch
In a bold step to deepen regional integration and empower West African youth, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially inaugurated a new ECOWAS Club at the University of Parakou in northern Benin. The installation ceremony, held under the theme “ECOWAS in the Face of Integration Challenges: What Role for Youth?”, was presided over by the ECOWAS Resident Representative to Benin, Ambassador Amadou DIONGUE.
The launch of the ECOWAS Club marks a significant milestone in the organization’s efforts to bridge the gap between ECOWAS institutions and the region’s young population. Speaking at the event, Ambassador DIONGUE emphasized that West Africa’s future rests firmly in the hands of its youth and called for their active involvement in building a more unified, peaceful, and resilient region.
“The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers of today,” Ambassador DIONGUE said. “This Club is a space for young people to reflect, act, and promote the core values of ECOWAS – solidarity, peace, integration, and sustainable development.”
The ceremony attracted local government officials, university faculty, student leaders, and youth organizations, all demonstrating a shared commitment to regional unity and civic participation. The newly equipped Club, now under the leadership of Ezékias BIAO, will serve as a dynamic platform for dialogue, education, and regional cooperation initiatives led by students.
With upgraded resources and equipment, the ECOWAS Club is set to host regular forums, educational campaigns, and cultural exchange programs that highlight the relevance of ECOWAS policies and initiatives to young West Africans.
Ezékias BIAO, the Club’s newly appointed coordinator, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities the platform presents. “We are honored to be at the forefront of this initiative. Our goal is to make the voices of youth heard and to contribute meaningfully to the integration agenda of ECOWAS,” he said.
The initiative is part of a broader ECOWAS strategy to foster grassroots engagement and inclusivity in regional development, especially among university students and young professionals. By investing in youth-oriented programs and infrastructure, ECOWAS continues to position itself as a people-centered institution that values the energy, innovation, and vision of the younger generation.
As regional challenges grow more complex—from security threats to economic disparities—the activation of youth-led ECOWAS Clubs like the one at the University of Parakou signals a renewed commitment to harnessing the potential of West Africa’s largest demographic group for sustainable peace and development.
The ECOWAS Club is expected to collaborate with similar clubs across the region, creating a robust youth network that champions regional integration from the ground up.
