Rivers State is gearing up to host an extraordinary session of the ECOWAS Parliament, marking a significant moment for a state that has been experiencing political instability for a year.
The session planned for February 2025, will mark the first time this distinguished assembly of West African legislators is hosted in Southern Nigeria.
As part of activities to conclude the plan, an inspection team arrived in Port Harcourt on Monday to evaluate the readiness of the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, the proposed venue for this significant gathering.
The delegation included the Secretary General of the ECOWAS Parliament, Bertin Some; the Head of Infrastructure Division, Ousmane Sade, and Clerk Committees on Administration and Finance and Public Accounts, Minapu Moore.
The team was led by the First Rappatour, Committee on Political Affairs, Peace, Security and African Peer Review Mechanism and member of the House of Representatives for Andoni/ Opobo/ Nkoro Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Awaji-Inombek Abiante.
For over two decades, the ECOWAS Parliament has been a key platform for promoting regional integration and economic growth among West African countries.
Speaking to newsmen after the inspection, Abiante emphasised the importance of hosting the event in Port Harcourt, noting it would give local citizens a better understanding of ECOWAS’s role and activities.
Abiante also pointed out the economic benefits, suggesting that welcoming delegates from across West Africa could provide new business opportunities for the local community. He said: “As parliament gets into Rivers State, it will enable a better understanding by all the members from member states to understand that there is a lot of diversities in this country in terms of culture, food, and how we dress.
