By Gbenga Akingbule
Chief Host of the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum Meeting and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni on Wednesday stated that the forum remains a beacon of hope for fast-tracking regional collaboration and development.
Gatekeepers News reports that Buni called on his colleagues, participants and strategic stakeholders to further close ranks and seek sustainable solutions to many challenges bedevilling the Lake Chad Basin region.
Governor Buni disclosed this while delivering his address during the opening ceremony of the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital.
According to Hon Buni, the Lake Chad Basin faces multifaceted challenges that include; ” growing demography, security threats, limited infrastructure, climate change, and socio-economic disparities—that demand concerted efforts. Yet, there are also reasons for optimism: progress in stabilization, the voluntary, safe and dignified return and integration of displaced populations, and a growing momentum toward durable solutions towards rebuilding both the lives and livelihoods of the affected communities.
” This Forum remains a beacon of hope, serving as the cornerstone for strengthening and promoting good governance, cross-border cooperation, dialogue, and coordinated action among the Basin’s eight territories.
“The conversations and commitments we make here are instrumental in shaping policies and interventions that address the root causes of instability and lay the foundation for sustainable development.” Hon Buni said.
The Yobe state Governor added: “The theme of the 5th Forum is “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community”.
“As the theme suggests, this will again provide another opportunity for states and provinces around the Lake Chad Basin region across Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon republics to discuss and reflect on the journey so far since the regional strategy for stabilization, recovery, and resilience became operational five years ago.”
The meeting which brought together key stakeholders including Nigeria’s Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, governors from Lake Chad Basin Countries, the UNDP, African Development Bank, and African Union (AU) amongst others will be meeting for three days to seek ways to boost cross-border cooperation and ensuring regional stabilization.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee ( LOC) and Secretary to the Government of Yobe State (SSG), Alhaji Baba Wali said security operatives have been deployed to all strategic roads leading to Maiduguri adding that there would be no cause for security concern for about 1000 participants expected to attend the meeting.
“We already had a meeting with all security agencies here in Borno State. So we’re sure that the security agencies will provide adequate security before, during after the meeting ” Wali said
