By Khalid Idris Doya Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi has emphasised the importance of regional unity, economic integration an...
By Khalid Idris Doya
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi has emphasised the importance of regional unity, economic integration and inclusive governance in addressing West African challenges.
The Governor observed that the West African community is failing due to poor governance, a trust deficit, and weak institutional accountability, saying these failures are not abstract, as they impact on peoples lives every day.
According to a statement issued by Mukhtar Gidado, media aide to Governor Bala Mohammed, and made available to journalists in Bauchi on Wednesday, the governor spoke as a discussant at the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), held at Christ Church College, University of Oxford.
Mohammed, while drawing attention on the importance of rooted responsibility, transparency, and empowerment in leadership, said that the ongoing reforms in his state of Bauchi in Nigeria under his "Bauchi Project" has propelled the wheels of development in the various sectors of the economy.
Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed highlighted Bauchi state’s strides in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment as a microcosm of the broader regional aspirations.
He called for increased cooperation among West African nations to harness shared resources and address common challenges, reinforcing the vision of united and prosperous ECOWAS.
Other discussants include Ghana's Acting High Commissioner and Burkina faso People's Representative abroad and discussions centered on strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing security cooperation, key political, economic, social shifts and promoting sustainable development across member states.
Nigerian former President, Olusegun Obasanjo was the keynote speaker at the global forum aimed encouraging open dialogue among policymakers, academics, students, scholars, and political leaders to reflect on the bloc’s legacy and its uncertain future.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a pivotal figure in the development of ECOWAS, reflected on the bloc’s early achievements in promoting free movement, economic integration, and social inclusion.
He cautioned that these hard-won gains are now under threat due to political divisions, inconsistent leadership, and the emergence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a development signaling increasing regional fragmentation.
Offering a sobering assessment of a bloc once celebrated as a model for regional integration in Africa, Obasanjo recalled the foundational efforts to foster trade, unity, and Pan-African solidarity.
However, he warned that these accomplishments are now hanging in the balance.
“The trust that once existed among West African leaders is eroding. Without cooperation and committed leadership, the region cannot move forward," Obasanjo added.
His remarks come amid rising concerns over instability and the formation of competing alliances, particularly the AES, established by the military-led governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in direct defiance of ECOWAS.
The event highlighted the crucial importance of leadership and collective action in advancing regional integration and development, with Governor Mohammed’s contributions underscoring his dedication to these shared goals.
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