Events

Nigerian activist embarks on West African tour to celebrate ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary

Published

1 year ago

April 3, 2025

Nigerian activist Bishir Dauda celebrates ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary with a 50-day road trip across West Africa, engaging with citizens and officials

A Nigerian activist, Bishir Dauda, has embarked on a 50-day road trip across West Africa to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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On Tuesday, he arrived in Cotonou, Benin Republic, continuing his journey to engage with citizens and officials across the subregion.

ECOWAS, established on 28 May 1975, aims to foster economic integration and political unity among its 15 member states. As the regional bloc reaches its golden jubilee, Dauda sees his journey as a tribute to its achievements and an opportunity to reflect on its challenges.

Upon arriving in Benin, Dauda first visited the ECOWAS Resident Representative’s office, where officials welcomed him. He later engaged with activists, youth groups, and ordinary citizens to discuss ECOWAS’ accomplishments and areas needing improvement.

During discussions, Beninese citizens acknowledged ECOWAS’ progress in several areas, including:

– Free movement of persons and goods
– Harmonisation of trade tariffs
– Promotion of tourism and sporting events
– Humanitarian support and peacekeeping efforts
– Strengthening democracy and good governance

However, they also highlighted ongoing challenges, such as unconstitutional government changes, electoral fraud, breaches of ECOWAS protocols, and weak governance in some member states.

Additional concerns included external interference, inadequate funding, and delays in implementing the ECOWAS common currency, ECO.

Citizens expressed their desire for ECOWAS to prioritise:

– The successful launch of the ECO currency by 2027
– Continued dialogue with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to encourage their return to the bloc
– Strengthening democracy and governance in member states
– Expanding programmes for youth, women, and people with disabilities
– Deploying the ECOWAS Standby Force to tackle security threats like terrorism and insurgency

Many citizens also voiced their support for major ECOWAS infrastructure projects, such as the Lagos-Abidjan Highway and the West African Power Pool, which are expected to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth.

Dauda, the Executive Director of the Citizens Participation Against Corruption Initiatives (CPACI), emphasised that ECOWAS’ resilience and achievements over five decades inspired his solidarity journey.

He believes the organisation must continue fostering unity and cooperation, ensuring that West Africans remain committed to democratic governance and regional development.

His road trip will continue through several ECOWAS member states, with plans to engage more communities in discussions about the future of West African integration.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

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Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”