Series Of Activities Marking ECOWAS 48th Anniversary Holds In Cape Verde
Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
Office of the Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission in Cape Verde, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Regional Integration, recently organized a series of activities in observance of the 48th Anniversary of the ECOWAS Commission, which was celebrated on the 28th of May.
The essence was to introduce ECOWAS to the Cape Verdean people and nationals of ECOWAS Member States living in Cape Verde, as well promote awareness of the Commission’s programs and activities.
The activities were carried out with the aim of reaching various levels of Cape Verdean society, such as secondary and university students, immigrant communities, organizations/associations representing ECOWAS citizens, entities that work in partnership with ECOWAS and that intervene in the social and cultural fields, as well as national authorities.
An exhibition to raise awareness about the Commission’s programs and projects, as well as the organization of a 3×3 basketball tournament for secondary school students in the Municipality of Praia, with the awarding of cups and medals to the winning schools.
There was also a debate on the issue of free movement of persons, which involved the ECOWAS Free Movement Directorate and Cape Verdean authorities.
A conference on Regional Integration was held with the participation of national entities who held high-level positions within the ECOWAS system, such as a former ECOWAS judge, currently serving as President of the Supreme Court of Justice of Republic of Cape Verde, and a former ECOWAS parliamentarian, currently serving as Minister of Health, who shared their experiences and views to an audience of university students and the general public.
Cultural activities, were also organized involving a gastronomic exhibition, a handicraft exhibition, clothing and music, all with the participation of ECOWAS immigrant populations in the country.
The series of events culminated on 29th May with the organization of a cocktail reception, which provided an opportunity for the Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission to engage with various national stakeholders, including members of parliament, government representatives and members of the diplomatic corps in Cape Verde.
In a welcome remarks, Dr. Samuel Lamptey emphasized the key role that ECOWAS had played over the years, particularly in maintaining peace and security, reducing poverty and increasing the social well-being of the population.
The Minister of Family, Inclusion and Social Development, Dr. Fernando ElÃsio Freire, who represented the government, congratulated the Commission on its efforts at promoting regional peace and security, noting that the theme of the 48th anniversary, “towards shared prosperity”, reflects the organization’s objective to promote cooperation, integration and economic union.
Dignitaries present at the celebration included the Deputy Minister of the Prime, Minister for Youth and Sports Carlos Monteiro and the Mayor of Praia, Dr. Francisco Carvalho.
The 48th anniversary of ECOWAS signifies the Community’s strength, unity and willingness to strive to mitigate the common challenges of member states and establish an ECOWAS that promotes prosperity for all.
