ECOWAS Empowers Young Graduates with Immersion Programme
ABUJA/Nigeria: In a bid to bolster regional integration and foster professional development among the youth, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) launched its Professional Immersion Programme for Young Graduates at the ECOWAS Commission Building in Asokoro, Abuja. The innovative two-day event, held on February 14th and 15th, aimed to immerse young professionals in the ECOWAS Integration Agenda and its myriad developmental initiatives.
The programme, tailored to deepen the understanding of the ECOWAS Integration Agenda among young minds, seeks to empower them to actively contribute to shaping the future of West Africa.
Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, welcomed participants, underscoring the pivotal role of the youth in nation-building and the importance of investing in their development. “Today marks a significant milestone as we gather to embark on a new journey with talented individuals joining our esteemed community,” stated Prof. Sarr. She highlighted the selection of 110 outstanding young professionals from member states as a testament to ECOWAS’s commitment to human development and regional integration.
Prof. Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, Commissioner for Internal Services at the ECOWAS Commission, lauded the selected participants, stressing the programme’s significance in enhancing their grasp of the ECOWAS Integration Agenda and advancing their professional growth. He urged the grads to approach the opportunity with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a readiness to learn and contribute. Prof. Darma emphasized the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone for growth, seeking feedback for continuous improvement, and utilizing the support system provided by mentors and colleagues.
The participants were slated to engage in sessions covering crucial areas such as human development, early warning systems, external relations, strategic planning, agriculture, customs, free movement, trade, multilateral surveillance, industry, private sector engagement, and environmental sustainability, among others. Led by ECOWAS experts, these sessions aimed to provide participants with comprehensive insights into the organization’s efforts towards peace and development.
On the second day of the programme, the focus shifted to ECOWAS’s operations in infrastructure, energy, digitalization, education, humanitarian affairs, internal services, peace, and security, offering participants a holistic understanding of the organization’s multifaceted approach to regional development.
The ECOWAS Commission reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and professionals, underscoring its dedication to regional integration, peace, and development. The Immersion Programme not only signifies ECOWAS’s investment in youth and professional development but also serves as a clarion call for young graduates to actively engage in shaping the region’s future.
