May 28

On May 28, 1937, the German government established Gesellschaft zur Vorbereitung des Deutschen Volkswagens mbH, the precursor to Volkswagen. Spearheaded by Adolf Hitler’s vision of a people's car, it was designed by engineer Ferdinand Porsche to be affordable for average workers. The iconic Beetle prototype emerged in 1938, though mass civilian production was halted by World War II. After the war, British military administration revitalized the factory, and Volkswagen grew into one of the world’s largest automakers. Models like the Beetle and Golf became global best-sellers, cementing Volkswagen’s reputation for engineering innovation and durability.

On May 28, 1975, leaders from 15 West African countries convened in Lagos, Nigeria, to sign the Treaty of Lagos. The agreement created the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to promote trade, economic cooperation, and collective self-reliance. Founding members included Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire, among others. ECOWAS aimed to remove trade barriers, coordinate monetary and fiscal policies, and improve infrastructure. The treaty also provided mechanisms for conflict resolution and political consultation within the region. Over the following decades, ECOWAS would play a significant role in mediating disputes and supporting democratic governance in West Africa.