Gowon, who played a key role in the founding of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 1975, spoke on Wednesday during the organisation’s 50th anniversary celebration in Lagos.

He said the region continues to face serious challenges, from insecurity and political instability, to youth unemployment and economic shocks.

The ex-military ruler, however, said the situation should serve as a wake-up call to recommit to the principles of good governance, economic cooperation, solidarity, and inclusivity.

“Let us not forget the many challenges we have faced over the past 50 years. Political crisis, coup d’etat, civil wars, political crisis, economic shocks, pandemics, terrorism, and the shifting pressures of globalisation. Yet through it all, ECOWAS has endured,” he said.

“It has adapted to changing circumstances, undertaken critical reform, and consistently renewed its commitment to the founding ideals that bind us together.

“However, today is not only a day to celebrate the past, but it is also a moment to reflect on the present and chart the course for the future.

“Our region still grapples with daunting challenges. Youth unemployment. We grapple with all these problems and challenges, and especially insecurity and political instability.

“And in recent years, we have witnessed troubling resurgence of military coups in some of our member states.

“We thought that was over, but it seems as though personal ambition drives some people to do the wrong thing. Let me say this. Believe in democracy is what I am now advising all members of ECOWAS and other countries.

“We must not let these setbacks define us. Rather, let them awaken us to the urgent need to recommit to the core principles of good governance, economic cooperation, solidarity, and inclusivity.”

Speaking on the departure of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the bloc, Gowon expressed hopes that the countries might reconsider their decision and find reasons to return to ECOWAS.

“As the bonds of history, culture, and shared destiny remain unbroken, I am confident that with goodwill and sincere engagement, they will find reasons to return to ECOWAS,” he said.

On January 28, 2024, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso they were severing ties with ECOWAS.

The three countries criticised ECOWAS over the sanctions imposed on them as part of efforts to reverse the coups in their countries.

Of the three, Mali was the first to temporarily pull out of ECOWAS in 2021.

The decision was taken after the country experienced two coups in less than a year.

After imposing sanctions on Mali, ECOWAS said the country would ensure the return of democracy.

In January 2022, ECOWAS Burkina Faso after a military coup led by Paul Henri Damiba, which saw the democratic government of former President Roch Kabore ousted by mutinying soldiers.

Niger was the latest country to be after soldiers led by Abdourahamane Tchiani, a general and head of the presidential guard, overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum over “bad governance and worsening security”.

In January 2025, the three nations from the bloc.