By Joy Omagha Idam
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has visited The Gambia and Senegal as the Special Envoy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver an official invitation to the Presidents of both countries for the upcoming West Africa Economic Summit. The summit is scheduled to take place from June 20-21 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Meeting with The Gambian President
On June 11, 2025, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu met with President Adama Barrow of The Gambia in Banjul and presented President Tinubu’s official invitation letter. The Gambian President thanked President Tinubu for the initiative and expressed his commitment to The Gambia’s active participation in the summit. He emphasized the importance of intra-regional cooperation and partnership in West Africa.
Visit to Senegal
The Special Envoy and her team also visited Dakar, Senegal on June 10, 2025, where they were received by a high-ranking official of the Government. The official invitation was delivered to the Senegalese leader, and a positive response is anticipated.
West Africa Economic Summit
The West Africa Economic Summit is a legacy project initiated by President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the Economic Community of West Africa States. The summit aims to create a platform for sustainable economic development and integration in West Africa, bringing together Heads of State, business leaders, and global institutions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated the significance of this summit in promoting regional integration and economic development in West Africa. With the anticipated attendance of key stakeholders, the summit is expected to be a historic gathering that will shape the future of the region.
