China-aided ECOWAS headquarters complex inaugurated in Nigeria's capital

The China-aided headquarters complex of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was officially inaugurated in Abuja, Nigeria's capital, on Thursday.

Julius Maada Bio, chair of ECOWAS and president of Sierra Leone, alongside Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima, cut the ribbon to officially inaugurate the ECOWAS headquarters.

Yu Dunhai, Chinese ambassador to Nigeria and to ECOWAS, attended the ceremony alongside over 400 guests, including representatives from ECOWAS member states and members of Nigeria’s diplomatic corps.

ECOWAS leaders present at the inauguration ceremony expressed their sincere gratitude for China's unwavering support, hoping that the new headquarters will effectively promote integration, development, and prosperity in the region.

"I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency President Xi Jinping, as well as to the government and the people of the People's Republic of China, for this generous gift. This headquarters stands as a lasting testament to our partnership, founded on mutual respect, enduring friendship, and concrete cooperation. We have received this headquarters with deep gratitude and an equally deep sense of the responsibilities that come with it," said Bio.

"China has proven to be a reliable partner for our regional development. By honoring its commitment at every stage of the project, China's own remarkable development journey serves as living proof that long-term vision, resilience, and strategic investments can transform both nations and regions," said Shettima.

The China-aided project is popularly known as the "Eye of West Africa" for its distinctive design. It was funded through a grant from the Chinese government.

The project covers a total area of approximately 36,000 square meters. The complex houses supporting facilities, including a clinic, a banking outlet, and a canteen.

Its 800-seat conference center is equipped with cutting-edge simultaneous interpretation and audiovisual systems, as well as a dedicated press briefing area, training rooms, and multifunctional meeting spaces.

Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), on Friday presented certificates of order to promote two military officers to the rank of general at a ceremony in Beijing.

The promoted officers are Zhang Shuguang, secretary of the CMC discipline inspection commission and director of the CMC commission of supervision, and Wang Gang, commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force.

Zhang Shengmin, vice chairman of the CMC, presided over the ceremony and announced the orders of promotion, which were signed by Xi.

Xi extended his congratulations to the two generals.

General is the highest rank for officers in active service in China.