The second extraordinary session of the ECOWAS Parliament for 2025 has opened in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The week-long programme, running from September 22 to September 28, carries the theme “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Parliamentary Efficiency, Ethical Governance, and Inclusive Development.”
By 11:30 a.m. on Monday, dignitaries had arrived at the venue, including the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Hadja Mémounatou Ibrahima; Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who also serves as First Deputy Speaker and leader of Nigeria’s delegation; Senate Leader Ali Ndume; Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule; members of the State Assembly; traditional rulers; and other stakeholders.
Goodwill messages are expected from Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray.
The ECOWAS Parliament Speaker, Hadja Mémounatou Ibrahima, will deliver the opening statement.
Cultural performances will feature in the programme, while technical sessions on AI applications in governance and development will run throughout the week.