Liberia Wins Bid to Host the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Youth & Sports Development Centre
The Republic of Liberia is proud to announce through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that it has officially won the bid to host the ECOWAS Youth&Sports Development Centre (EYSDC), a key regional institution under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The decision was made following a competitive selection process initiated by the ECOWAS Commission in light of recent institutional relocations triggered by the withdrawal of some Member States from the regional bloc.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which led Liberia's bid to host one of the vacated ECOWAS institutions, welcomed the news with deep appreciation and a renewed sense of national pride. Liberia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, extended heartfelt gratitude to ECOWAS member states.
'This is a historic moment for Liberia. We are honored to be entrusted with hosting the EYSDC and reaffirm our commitment to regional integration and youth empowerment,' said Foreign Minister Nyanti.
The Foreign Minister acknowledged the pivotal role of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., the chief architect of Liberia's foreign policy, whose unwavering support was instrumental in the successful bid. She thanked His Excellency for his direct engagement with the vetting team that visited Liberia to assess Liberia's readiness. She also recognized Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, Dr. Ibrahim Nyei and his team for their strategic leadership throughout the process. Special thanks were also extended to Cllr. Cole Bangalu, Minister of Youth and Sports, for ensuring that the technical aspects of Liberia's proposal reflected the country's readiness to host such a vital institution. She also commended Mr. Morley Kamara, Economic Advisor to the President, for his support to the bid process, aligning it with Liberia's broader economic diplomacy agenda. The General Services Agency (GSA) was recognized for its effective coordination and oversight of the logistics and infrastructural details included in Liberia's application. The Minister further expressed appreciation to Senator Edwin Snowe, for his advocacy for Liberia to seek the hosting of a regional institution.
As background, Liberia had expressed interest in hosting three of four ECOWAS institutions namely, West Africa Health Organization (WAHO); ECOWAS Youth&Sports Development Centre (EYSDC) and Water Resources Coordination Centre (WRCC) previously located in Member States that have exited the regional bloc. Of the 12 countries eligible to bid, Côte d'Ivoire was selected to host WAHO, Guinea will host the WRCC, and Guinea-Bissau the RAHC. Liberia's selection as host of the EYSDC marks a significant achievement in its regional engagement and diplomacy. The successful bid not only enhances Liberia's standing in the ECOWAS community but also promises long-term benefits in the areas of youth engagement, education, sports diplomacy, job creation, and regional visibility. The Government of Liberia reaffirms its readiness to ensure a smooth and timely transition of the Centre's operations and infrastructure to Monrovia and calls upon development partners and stakeholders to support the next phase of implementation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to identify and optimize every opportunity for repositioning and rebranding Liberia.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Zawya
4 hours ago
- Zawya
Liberia Wins Bid to Host the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Youth & Sports Development Centre
The Republic of Liberia is proud to announce through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that it has officially won the bid to host the ECOWAS Youth&Sports Development Centre (EYSDC), a key regional institution under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The decision was made following a competitive selection process initiated by the ECOWAS Commission in light of recent institutional relocations triggered by the withdrawal of some Member States from the regional bloc. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which led Liberia's bid to host one of the vacated ECOWAS institutions, welcomed the news with deep appreciation and a renewed sense of national pride. Liberia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, extended heartfelt gratitude to ECOWAS member states. 'This is a historic moment for Liberia. We are honored to be entrusted with hosting the EYSDC and reaffirm our commitment to regional integration and youth empowerment,' said Foreign Minister Nyanti. The Foreign Minister acknowledged the pivotal role of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., the chief architect of Liberia's foreign policy, whose unwavering support was instrumental in the successful bid. She thanked His Excellency for his direct engagement with the vetting team that visited Liberia to assess Liberia's readiness. She also recognized Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, Dr. Ibrahim Nyei and his team for their strategic leadership throughout the process. Special thanks were also extended to Cllr. Cole Bangalu, Minister of Youth and Sports, for ensuring that the technical aspects of Liberia's proposal reflected the country's readiness to host such a vital institution. She also commended Mr. Morley Kamara, Economic Advisor to the President, for his support to the bid process, aligning it with Liberia's broader economic diplomacy agenda. The General Services Agency (GSA) was recognized for its effective coordination and oversight of the logistics and infrastructural details included in Liberia's application. The Minister further expressed appreciation to Senator Edwin Snowe, for his advocacy for Liberia to seek the hosting of a regional institution. As background, Liberia had expressed interest in hosting three of four ECOWAS institutions namely, West Africa Health Organization (WAHO); ECOWAS Youth&Sports Development Centre (EYSDC) and Water Resources Coordination Centre (WRCC) previously located in Member States that have exited the regional bloc. Of the 12 countries eligible to bid, Côte d'Ivoire was selected to host WAHO, Guinea will host the WRCC, and Guinea-Bissau the RAHC. Liberia's selection as host of the EYSDC marks a significant achievement in its regional engagement and diplomacy. The successful bid not only enhances Liberia's standing in the ECOWAS community but also promises long-term benefits in the areas of youth engagement, education, sports diplomacy, job creation, and regional visibility. The Government of Liberia reaffirms its readiness to ensure a smooth and timely transition of the Centre's operations and infrastructure to Monrovia and calls upon development partners and stakeholders to support the next phase of implementation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to identify and optimize every opportunity for repositioning and rebranding Liberia. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.


Zawya
11 hours ago
- Zawya
Nigeria: Dangote blames shortage of domestic crude oil for reliance on imports from US
The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has blamed shortage of domestic crude oil for the major reason Dangote refinery increasingly relied on imports from the United States to meet its needs in recent months. Dangote stated this during the tour of the facility by the Technical Committee of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) for sale of crude and refined products in naira initiative. He applauded the technical committee for its role in supporting the implementation of President Tinubu's laudable Naira-for-Crude initiative. He also commended the positive impact of the naira-for-crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, noting that it has led to a reduction in petroleum product prices, eased pressure on the dollar, and ensured the stability of the local currency, among others. However, he noted in a statement: 'Due to a shortage of domestic crude oil, the refinery has increasingly relied on imports from the United States to meet its needs in recent months.' He stressed the importance of bold investment in strategic sectors as a key to industrialisation, revealing that building the refinery required extensive infrastructure development, including a world-class, self-sufficient marine facility capable of accommodating the largest vessels globally. He assured the delegation of the refinery's commitment to national development. Designed to process a wide range of crude types, including African and Middle Eastern grades as well as US Light Tight Oil, the refinery has the capacity to meet 100 per cent of Nigeria's domestic demand for petrol, diesel, kerosene and aviation jet fuel, with a surplus available for export. The $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals was described as 'a symbol of industrial revolution, driving Nigeria's economic emancipation' by the Technical Committee of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) for sale of crude and refined products in naira initiative during the tour of the facility on Tuesday. Coordinator of the OSS Technical Committee, Mrs Maureen Ogbonna, who led the delegation, described the refinery as a breath of fresh air, impacting virtually every sector of the economy. 'This refinery touches all our lives. There's scarcely any sector unaffected. From pharmaceuticals to construction, food to plastics, this project is transformational. God has used the President of the Dangote Group to liberate Nigeria. I see this as the beginning of an industrial revolution,' she said. Noting that, in line with President Bola Tinubu's vision of achieving full domestic sufficiency in petroleum products and positioning Nigeria as a major global exporter, the committee is committed to eliminating regulatory, operational and logistical barriers that hinder the smooth supply and sale of domestic crude oil and refined products in naira. Reflecting on the scale and sophistication of the facility, Ogbonna, who had visited during construction and more recently alongside the leadership of the Nigerian Ports Authority, expressed continued awe at its execution. 'It is truly mind-blowing that one man could envision and execute such a project. As we toured the refinery, we thought we had seen everything until we reached the laboratory. That lab alone is an institution. I don't know of any institution in Nigeria or even globally that boasts such a laboratory for petrochemical,' she said. Applauding the engineering feat, Ogbonna urged Dangote to remain focused and undeterred by detractors, emphasising that the project is a global achievement, not a personal enterprise. 'We feel truly honoured to have been warmly received by the President of the Dangote Group and his team. My advice to him is: do not be discouraged by critics. He was never self-centred. Despite the obstacles, he was driven by a vision for Nigeria's future, reaching far beyond Africa,' she added. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

Zawya
16 hours ago
- Zawya
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level holds 54th ordinary session in Nigeria
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the Ministerial Level is holding its 54th Ordinary Session today,18th of June 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria. During the meeting, Ministers will consider the report of the 42nd Session of the MSC at the Ambassadorial Level, along with memoranda on the political, security, and humanitarian situations in the Region. Key updates will include the transition process in the Republic of Guinea, negotiations with Burkina Faso, Republics of Mali, and Niger, as well as maritime security, counterterrorism and organised crime, among other pressing matters. In his welcome address, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted that the 54th Ordinary Session of MSC convenes at a defining moment as ECOWAS marks its 50th anniversary. President Touray commended Member States for their unwavering commitment to peace, security and regional stability, noting that despite persistent challenges, the Community remains resilient and unified. He emphasised the Council's enduring contribution to maintaining security over the past 25 years and reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to strengthening the regional peace and security architecture, improving communication to counter misinformation, and preserving the achievements of the Community amidst growing geopolitical complexities. 'For over 25 years, the Mediation and Security Council has contributed immensely to the security and stability of our region, through its numerous sessions. Therefore, in celebrating the Golden Jubilee, we must recognise the contribution of this august body to the Community,' President Touray added. H.E. Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at the Ministerial Level, welcomed delegates to Abuja and acknowledged their continued dedication to strengthening peace, security, and democratic governance in West Africa. He outlined the Council's focus on key regional priorities, including political transitions, upcoming elections, maritime security, terrorism, organised crime and financial transparency. Ambassador Tuggar also highlighted progress on the Early Warning and Response Centres, the launch of the Regional Partnership for Democracy, and the completion of the Lungi Military Logistics Depot, a milestone in operationalising the ECOWAS Standby Force. He further underscored the need for collective ownership of regional initiatives and cautioned against restrictive policies that could hinder trade and investment opportunities vital to the region's prosperity. 'In these challenging times, our ability to come together to consult, collaborate and take decisive action remains vital to advancing peace, security and good governance across our region,' he added. A report will be adopted by the Ministers at the end of the MSC Session and presented to the Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, scheduled to take place in Abuja from the 19th to 20th of June 2025. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).