Official Installation of the ECOWAS club at the university of parakou to strengthen youth engagement in regional integration

On 25 September 2025, in Parakou, Benin, Ambassador Amadou DIONGUE, Resident Representative of ECOWAS in Benin, presided over the official installation ceremony of the ECOWAS Club at the University of Parakou. Held under the theme “ECOWAS in the Face of Integration Challenges: What Role for Youth?”, this initiative aims to enhance the active participation of university youth in the West African integration process.

The ceremony featured interventions from several dignitaries, including the Prefect of the Borgou Department, represented by Mr. Sanni BIO BAYE, Secretary-General of the Prefecture, and the Rector of the University of Parakou, represented by Professor Yvette ONIBON DOUBOGAN, 3rd Vice-Rector in charge of Cooperation and Professional Integration. Also in attendance were representatives of youth associations, including the National Union of Students of the University of Parakou, the National Federation of Students of the University of Parakou, the Borgou Youth Parliamentarians, the Peace Ambassadors’ Club, as well as associations of nationals from Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, and several others.

In his address, His Excellency Amadou DIONGUE recalled that youth represent an invaluable asset for the region and must be placed at the heart of building a resilient, united, and prosperous West Africa. He commended the commitment of students and university authorities, stressing that this Club embodies a forward-looking initiative. He also expressed the wish that the University of Parakou would become a centre of excellence and a hub for the entire region.

Through their President, Mr. Ezékias BIAO, the members of the Club reaffirmed their belief that youth are a vital link in consolidating regional integration and that their active involvement is the key to a prosperous future for West Africa. Aware of the challenges facing young people in the region, they expressed their determination to create a space for reflection, exchange, and action to strengthen awareness, ownership, and promotion of the ideals of ECOWAS: regional integration, solidarity among peoples, peace, and sustainable development.

This installation marks the official launch of the activities of the ECOWAS Club at the University of Parakou, symbolising the lasting commitment of university youth to the regional integration project and ECOWAS’ determination to bring its institutions closer to the citizens.