Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State during his keynote delivery at the ceremony of the Parliamentary Seminar of the Economy Community of West African States — ECOWAS on Monday, pledged that the state remain committed in deepening integration and enhancing citizens’ lives.

Part of his speech read: “Today, we celebrate two significant milestones: 50 years of ECOWAS and 25 years of the ECOWAS Parliament. These milestones reflect the vision, resilience, and collective will of the people in West Africa to build a united, prosperous, and peaceful region.

“Fifty years ago, on May 28, 1975, the founders of ECOWAS signed the Treaty of Lagos in Lagos, envisioning a community defined by shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to economic integration, peace, and security. In the past five decades, ECOWAS has transformed from a bold idea into a dynamic organisation that has significantly influenced the destiny of our region.

“The theme of this seminar, “ECOWAS at 50, Parliament at 25: Reflections of the Community Parliament toward attaining Regional Integration Achievements,” tells us to reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements, and map out our future.

“I take pride in Lagos’s vital role in ECOWAS’s journey. As the economic and cultural hub of West Africa, Lagos has always been a melting pot of ideas and opportunities, embodying the spirit of regional integration.

“We remain committed to supporting ECOWAS in deepening integration and enhancing the lives of our citizens. We know that the challenges we face require collective action. We remain ready to collaborate with ECOWAS and its member states to tackle these challenges and unlock our region’s full potential.

“I commend the ECOWAS Parliament for organising this seminar. I urge all participants to engage in meaningful dialogue, share ideas, and build partnerships to lead us to a brighter future.” Sanwo-Olu added.