The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has restated its unwavering commitment to fostering peace and security across the sub-region as a foundation for unity and sustainable economic growth.
ECOWAS Peace Fund Manager, Mr. Dieudonne Nikiema, made this known on Wednesday in Lagos during a peace conference organized by The Adeola Adeyemi Foundation (TAAF) in partnership with the ECOWAS Commission.
The three-day event, themed “Promoting Peaceful Coexistence: A Conflict Prevention Initiative,” seeks to promote harmony through a series of activities, including a peace conference, peace walk, and community outreach.
Nikiema noted that ECOWAS is ready to provide financial and institutional support to initiatives aligned with its mission of promoting peace, security, and regional development.
He emphasised that peace remains central to ECOWAS’ agenda, stressing that meaningful progress cannot be achieved without security, unity, and mutual understanding among citizens.
“Peace is fundamental,” Nikiema said. “Without peace, there can be no development, and without development, peace becomes difficult to sustain. This is why ECOWAS prioritises peacebuilding efforts and supports partnerships that reinforce stability.”
He also highlighted that unity among Africans is key to unlocking the continent’s full potential. “If we in Africa stand together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish,” he added.
TAAF Founder, Adeola Adeyemi, urged young people to embrace peace, unity, and love over hate and division, noting that youth have the power to rebuild and transform the continent through tolerance and understanding.
According to her, diversity should be seen as a strength, not a barrier. “Today is not just another event—it is a movement for peace, understanding, and coexistence. Peace begins with me, with you, and with all of us,” she said.
Delivering the keynote address, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, described peace and coexistence as sacred and non-negotiable, identifying issues such as land disputes, hate speech, and youth disenchantment as major triggers of conflict requiring proactive measures.
He urged traditional leaders to take the lead in reconciliation, mediation, and grassroots peacebuilding, stressing that their voices carry moral authority capable of restoring trust and unity.
“When a king speaks the language of reconciliation, it echoes across communities,” the monarch said. “Sustaining peaceful coexistence costs far less than conflict, and real peace is built not in courtrooms, but in the daily lives of our people.”
The conference concluded with a renewed call for collaboration among governments, traditional leaders, and civil society groups to strengthen peace initiatives across West Africa.