By: Gbenga Akingbule
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has expressed the state’s commitment to fostering cooperation for sustainable development in the Lake Chad Basin region, emphasising the importance of regional solidarity in achieving long-term resilience.
Gatekeepers News reports that the governor who expressed this position on Wednesday, January 22, in a joint press statement issued by the LCBC, UNDP and AUC ahead of next week’s said sustainable development is a cornerstone theme of the upcoming Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, reflecting the urgent need for a shared vision among the region’s leaders.
“As the host Governor of the 5th edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, I am deeply honoured to reaffirm Yobe State’s total commitment to the success of this significant regional event which represents a vital opportunity for us to advance cooperation for sustainable development across the Lake Chad Basin region,”
“Yobe State stands ready to welcome our esteemed guests and to contribute meaningfully to the future of hope and opportunities for the communities of the Lake Chad Basin,” he said.
As the effects of climate change and resource depletion continue to impact livelihoods, discussions will focus on integrating sustainable practices into recovery efforts.
As the Forum aims to reassess progress on the Regional Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery, and Resilience and to identify pathways that promote economic growth while safeguarding the environment. As stakeholders gather, the need for a unified approach to tackle issues like food security, water management, and community resilience will be paramount. The collaboration expected at this Forum could pave the way for innovative solutions that address both environmental sustainability and socio-economic recovery in the Lake Chad Basin.
Ambassador Mamman Nuhu, Executive Secretary of the LCBC and Head of the MNJTF, emphasised that the event offers a vital opportunity for humanitarian, development, and peace actors, including civil society organizations and women- and youth-led groups, to collaborate on actionable plans for regional stabilization and recovery.
With around 500 participants expected, attendees will include representatives from the governments of Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, as well as regional economic communities, NGOs, civil society groups, traditional leaders, UN agencies, donors, and educational institutions.
The Governors Forum addresses ongoing conflict, widespread displacement, and weakened institutional capacities in the region. It has become a significant political platform for regional actors.
“The Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum is crucial for promoting sustainable development, peace, and security,” stated Ambassador Adeoye Bankole from the African Union Commission. He urged member states and international partners to support the forum’s stabilization initiatives.
Now in its 5th edition, the forum, themed “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community,” will assess progress, align on current challenges, and propose pathways for enhanced regional cooperation and sustainable development.
