WAES 2025: Nigeria’s Diplomatic Shuttle to The Gambia and Senegal
Oru Leonard
The Special Envoy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has embarked on a diplomatic shuttle to The Gambia and Senegal. The visit aimed to formally invite the Presidents of these countries to the upcoming West Africa Economic Summit scheduled for June 20-21, 2025, in Abuja.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu met with President Adama Barrow in Banjul on June 11, 2025, and presented President Tinubu’s official invitation letter. President Barrow expressed gratitude for the initiative and emphasized the importance of intra-regional cooperation, citing donor fatigue from the West.
The Special Envoy also visited Dakar, Senegal, on June 10, 2025, where she delivered the special invitation to a high-ranking official of the Senegalese government.
The summit aims to create a platform for sustainable economic development and integration, bringing together Heads of State, business leaders, global institutions, and financial experts.
“I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the proactive and timely initiative in organizing a regional summit where West African leaders and key stakeholders will assemble to discuss intra-regional trade and investment.
“To me, there is no better time than now for the region to embrace intra-regional cooperation and partnership”, President Barrow.
The diplomatic shuttle underscores Nigeria’s commitment to regional economic integration and cooperation. The West Africa Economic Summit promises to be a landmark event, fostering economic development and partnership among West African nations.
Cover Photo Caption: Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu with President Adama Barrow in Banjul on June 11, 2025,
