Accra, March 20, GNA -Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is to celebrate the 30th anniversary of ECOWAS on May 28 this year with a major focus on intensifying efforts towards integration. Dr. Adrienne Yande Diop, ECOWAS Director of Communication who announced this in Accra at a seminar being attended by 15 African journalists in the Sub-Region said the anniversary would be preceded with other major activities.

The two-week seminar on reporting on ECOWAS issues is being organised by the International Institute for Journalism in Berlin together with the Ghana Journalists Association under the sponsorship of the German government.

Journalists from Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leon, Guinea Senegal and Benin are attending the seminar, which is the third in the series to be organised.

The seminar would address issues such as the benefits and dangers of integration -economic and political; the history of regional integration in Africa and the economic and political situation in West Africa.

Speaking on the activities of ECOWAS, Dr Diop explained that as part of the 30th anniversary celebration various fora on regional integration as well as meeting to draw up programmes to propel ECOWAS into the 20 years.

She said a musical concert that would feature prominent African musical artistes, a fashion show, and cultural exhibition would be organised in Abuja to grace the occasion.

Besides, Dr Diop said a marathon and a football competitions between leading clubs in the sub-region would be organised in conjunction with the West African Football Union (WAFU).

She said all member-states have been tasked to draw up their one country programme to mark the day.

Dr Diop said on the eve of the 28th May, Dr Ibn Chambas, ECOWAS Executive Secretary would broadcast live on national television stations in most countries.

All past Executive Secretaries would also attend the celebration in Abuja.