The ECOWAS Commission hosted a significant event in the main Auditorium of the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable contributions of its personnel, reflecting the institution’s continuous dedication to recognizing service excellence and commitment.
The event, which began at 1:30pm on February 2025, included the presentation of goodwill messages, honoring retirees for the year 2025 and the 2024 ECOWAS Staff Award Program.
In attendance were the president and Vice president of the ECOWAS Commission, Ormar Alieu TOURAY and Damtien L. TCHINTCHIBIDJA; Commissioner for Internal Services, Prof. Nazifi Abdullahi DARMA; Auditor General of the ECOWAS Institutions, Joao Alage Mamadou FADIA, staff members of the Commission and its Institution as well as family and friends of the awardees.
Staff members who received various awards presented to them by the president, Vice president, Commissioner for Internal Services and Auditor General of the ECOWAS Institutions, included 17 retirees; 12 personnel for long service; and 28 drivers who had driven for 15 years and above without recording any accident.
In his opening remarks, the president of the ECOWAS Commission, TOURAY, expressed his sincere appreciation to all ECOWAS personnel emphasizing their essential roles and sacrifices in the development and progress of the Community.
He highlighted the significant progress and achievements recorded so far by the Commission and noted that there is no Community without its own challenges.
He, however, stressed that the strength of Community lies in its ability to tackle its challenges while remaining focused in the pursuit its shared objectives and aspirations.
Dr. TOURAY, said “I want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of you, members of staff of the ECOWAS Commission and Institutions, for doing the tremendous work of bringing the Commission to where it is today. The Commission has made significant progress in areas such as trade and free movement of goods, services and persons and infrastructure. Despite these achievements, there are still some challenges. There is no Community without challenges but our strength as a Community lies in our ability to overcome these challenges.”
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Internal Services, Prof. Nazifi Abdullahi DARMA, highlighted the importance of the event, stressing that it represented not just an honor but also an acknowledgment of the great worth and value the ECOWAS Commission and its management attaches to the efforts and sacrifices of its committed personnel.
“ECOWAS is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and numerous staff members have significantly contributed to the growth and development of the Commission.
The management of the Commission considers it as very important to appreciate and honor our dedicated staff members for their exceptional service and sacrifice,” said Prof. Nazifi Abdullahi DARMA.
In her closing remarks, the Vice president of the ECOWAS Commission, Damtien TCHINTCHIBIDJA, thanked everyone for their presence and highlighted the significance of promoting a culture of recognition and gratitude within the Commission.
She said “This yearly occasion honors the important contributions of departing staff members while also providing an opportunity to motivate the upcoming generation of ECOWAS employees to maintain their commitment to the organization’s goal of fostering regional integration and development.”