The essence of ECOWAS is to________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks about the main purpose (essence) of ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States.

Step 2: Explain the concept ECOWAS was founded on 28 May 1975 through the Treaty of Lagos. Nigeria, under General Yakubu Gowon, was a leading driving force behind it. Its main aims are:

• Promoting economic integration among West African states (trade, industry, transport, agriculture, energy)
• Encouraging regional cooperation and development
• Promoting political stability, peace, and security in the region (for example, through ECOMOG and later mechanisms)
• Improving the living standards of the people of member states

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Bring political parties together: Incorrect. ECOWAS is an organization of states, not political parties.
• B. Foster interstate economic and political co-operation: Correct. It matches ECOWAS's core objectives of regional economic integration and political cooperation among member countries.
• C. Emerging political event: Incorrect. This is vague and does not describe the purpose of the organization.
• D. Expansion of scopes and powers: Incorrect. This does not describe the organization's aim.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. foster interstate economic and political co-operation.

Exam tip: For questions on the purpose of any regional organization (ECOWAS, AU, OPEC, etc.), look for the option that mentions cooperation among member states. Note the keywords in the name: ECOWAS = Economic Community of West African States, so the answer will involve economic cooperation between states.