NAN, AWALCO Partners To Promote ECOWAS Parliament, 25th Anniversary

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has agreed to collaborate with the Association of West African Legislative Correspondents (AWALCO) to raise public awareness of the ECOWAS Parliament’s activities, particularly in advance of its 25th anniversary celebrations.

Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, NAN’s Managing Director, made the pledge during a courtesy visit from AWALCO leadership to his office in Abuja on Thursday.

He expressed gratitude for the visit, highlighting NAN’s role as Africa’s leading news provider and its willingness to collaborate.

“The agency is grateful that you thought it worthwhile to come and pay us this courtesy call,” Ali stated.

“We hope that it will help the Parliament achieve its objectives and, as you mentioned, raise awareness about its activities. As you are aware, the News Agency of Nigeria is Africa’s largest provider of news content.

He emphasised NAN’s significant reach and influence in the West African subregion, describing the organisation as a “soulmate” and “fellow traveller” of AWALCO.

“So, with an association like this, especially in the News Agency of Nigeria, you meet a soulmate, a fellow traveler. You are welcome. We are looking forward to collaborating and doing more, and the News Agency of Nigeria is your home.”

Mr. Innocent Odoh, AWALCO President, explained that the visit was intended to secure NAN’s collaboration and support, citing the agency’s credibility, dependability, and broad reach.

He outlined plans for the ECOWAS Parliament’s 25th-anniversary celebrations on November 16, with AWALCO leading media and publicity efforts.

“In terms of viability, if we talk about the repository of news in all ramifications and dimensions, I think the News Agency of Nigeria comes first before any other,” Odoh said.

À “So, what we are doing is consistent with the media advocacy that we envision for the ECOWAS Parliament at 25.”

He emphasised that the partnership would help spread ECOWAS ideals and make the goals of the ECOWAS Commission and Parliament known worldwide, beginning with the sub-region. He also stated that the collaboration would be beneficial in addressing critical issues confronting the regional bloc.

“That is why we are here, to seek collaboration, support, and how we can deepen that collaboration to ensure that the citizens of Parliament understand what is going on around them,” Odoh stated.

“ECOWAS has a vision for 2050, but many people are unaware of it; collaborations like this can help people understand ECOWAS’s vision.”

Mrs. Uche Duru, Chief Communication Officer for the ECOWAS Parliament, who was a member of the delegation, conveyed greetings from the Parliament Speaker and Secretary-General to Ali and NAN management.

She emphasised that AWALCO’s membership extends throughout West Africa, including member states that are considering or have already withdrawn.