On Sunday, April 13, 2025 the ECOWAS Citizens Union of Liberia officially inducted its newly elected leaders into office at the Vamuco Reception Hall, Vai Town, to steer the affairs of the institution, with Youssouf Barry taking over from Yayah E. Jalingo as Chairman.
The ECOWAS Citizens Union was established in 1991, and represents member states of ECOWAS residing in Liberia.
Those inducted into office are Youssouf Barry, Chairman; DCN Harrison Eva Anukwu, Deputy Chairman; Pastor Samuel Vandy Sannoh, Vice Chairman for Anglophone Affairs; Adama Bemba, Vice Chairman for Francophone and Portuguese Affairs; Jimmy ASN Jappah, Secretary General; Thierno Souleymane Balde, Deputy Secretary General; Rev. Dr. Victor Y. Akpanya, Social Welfare and Publicity Secretary; Mariama Thiam, Financial Secretary; Christiana Narteh, Treasurer; and Sylvanus F.A. Kpanabom, Provost.
The out-going Chairman, Yayah E. Jalingo, was also inducted as President of the Board, along with George K. Gordor, Vice President of the Board, and Komla Avousse, General Secretary of the Board.
In his induction speech, Chairman Youssouf Barry expressed profound gratitude and a deep sense of honor for his induction as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Citizens Union of Liberia, noting that the moment is not just a personal honor but a sacred call to a delicate service—one that he wholeheartedly accepts with humility and a steadfast commitment to the ideals, tenets and principles of unity, peace, and progress that shape and define the noble ECOWAS community.
“I am truly humbled by the trust and confidence reposed in me and my team to lead this esteemed institution. I am quite aware that leading such a noble institution comes with a lot more than just to imagine. In this regard, I count on all of you as my pillars to achieve the greater good of this institution,” Chairman Barry observed.
He expressed appreciation to the out-going Chairman, Yayah E. Jalingo, for what he described as his exemplary leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to this union. According to him, under Jalingo’s distinguished stewardship, the union achieved remarkable milestones, fostering solidarity and enhancing cooperation among ECOWAS citizens in Liberia and strengthening a collective voice. “Hon. Jalingo, your towering legacy of service will continue to inspire us as we build upon the foundation you have laid,” he said.
He then recognized and commended the National Fula Governor in Liberia, Alhajie Mahammed Bailo Sow, popularly known as “Super”, for his immense and unending support to the institution over the years. He said Alhajie Sow’s generosity has been instrumental in sustaining several of the union’s programs and initiatives, and that they are deeply grateful for his belief in their mission.
“To the board members, advisors, and the entire ECOWAS community, I say thank you. Your hard work, sacrifices, and vision have brought us this far. My team and I are committed to upholding the high standards you have set while striving for even greater heights. I thank you for your resilience and cooperation. Together, we have witnessed the impact of unity, and I am confident that, with your continued support, we will achieve even greater milestones.
“To my newly inducted team, I urge us all to remember that leadership is service. We must work diligently alongside the board and all stakeholders to unify ECOWAS citizens in Liberia, advocate for their welfare, and promote the spirit of regional integration that ECOWAS embodies,” Chairman Barry added.
Chairman Barry, who is also President of Tabital Pulaaku Liberia (TPL), said in the coming years his leadership will be dedicated to working diligently alongside the board to engender unity among ECOWAS citizens in Liberia. “We will strengthen collaboration with the Legislative Delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, engage constructively with the ECOWAS Ambassador in Liberia, and work closely with all ECOWAS embassies and national organizations to promote peace, security, and socio-economic development.
“Let me reaffirm that this Union belongs to all ECOWAS citizens in Liberia. Your voices, concerns, and aspirations will guide our actions. We will robustly be engaged in inclusive dialogues, providing human capital development for our youth and women, and champion noteworthy initiatives that foster economic and social development within our community,” he noted further.
He underscored that, as a union they will advocate for the rights and welfare of ECOWAS citizens while promoting integration, cultural exchange, and mutual respect among all member states. “As we embark on this journey, I ask for your support, prayers, and meaningful engagement. With unity of purpose, there is no challenge we cannot surmount as we chart our new course of actions,” he pointed out.
The ECOWAS Citizens Union of Liberia’s induction ceremony was attended by several high-profile individuals, including Elijah F. Rufus, Commissioner of Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), who served as guest speaker of the occasion, and Senator Conmany B. Wesseh, who served as Chairman of the occasion.
The induction of the officials was performed by Ambassador Rahmat O. Mohammed, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Liberia.
