Passing the Baton: Tinubu Ushers in a New Era as Sierra Leone’s Bio Takes ECOWAS Helm

By RYNI Media |Omotayo Stephen

June 24 2025

In a historic diplomatic ceremony in Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially relinquished the chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, marking a turning point for West African regional cooperation.

At the 67th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS, Tinubu, who has led the regional bloc since July 2023, passed the symbolic emblem of leadership to Bio. The gesture marked the end of a two-year tenure characterized by political turbulence and decisive interventions across West Africa.

“It has been a profound honour to steer this noble body,” Tinubu remarked, highlighting the region’s journey through coups, economic strains, and peacebuilding efforts. “As I hand over this mantle to my brother and friend, President Bio, I do so with pride and confidence in our collective future.”

Under Tinubu’s leadership, ECOWAS navigated complex security issues in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. He was vocal about the need for democratic order and economic stability to go hand in hand. “Our region must never separate political stability from development,” Tinubu emphasized. “We must build resilient institutions that reflect the aspirations of our people.”

President Bio, in his acceptance speech, laid out a bold vision centered on restoring constitutional governance, deepening regional security ties, advancing economic integration, and strengthening the credibility of ECOWAS institutions.

“Our citizens—particularly the youth—deserve peace, opportunity, and a voice in governance,” Bio said. He pledged to build on Tinubu’s foundation, promising a “people-centered ECOWAS” that delivers tangible impact.

The leadership transition comes at a pivotal time, as West Africa contends with rising extremism, border insecurity, and democratic regression in parts of the Sahel.

Observers note that President Tinubu’s tenure brought renewed focus to regional dialogue and diplomacy, with an emphasis on inclusion, particularly for women and youth.

As ECOWAS embarks on this new chapter under Sierra Leone’s leadership, expectations are high. The region looks to President Bio to chart a steady course through the storms ahead—while continuing the legacy of integration and reform his predecessor helped revive.

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