By: Gbenga Akingbule
The recharging of Lake Chad Basin will be a key topic at the 2nd Bi – annual Kanem-Borno Cultural Summit scheduled forJanuary 1, and 2nd 2026 in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, organizers said on Wednesday
Gatekeepers News reports that the Summit which aims to galvanize efforts towards reviving the Lake Chad Basin is expected to bring together about 1000 delegates from across the globe, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and notable traditional rulers with historic ties with the old Kanem-Borno empire .
Dr Zanna Hassan Boguma , Chairman of Second (2nd) Bi-annual Kanem–Bornu Cultural Summit 2026 with
Theme: Echoes of Resilience: Harnessing Culture for Peace and Regional Stability made the disclosure during a press conference held in Maiduguri.
Lake Chad, a vital water source for millions, has faced significant challenges, including climate change, over-extraction, and pollution, leading to a drastic reduction in its size. The summit aims to explore innovative approaches to restore the Lake and call for concerted efforts to address related issues affecting the region.
According to Chairman, schoolers from Niger, Chad , Cameroon and other parts of the world will present papers at the Summit ,sharing insights on recharging Lake Chad and addressing related challenges.
” Lake Chad happens to be one of our economic lifeline , unfortunately due to climate change, the Lake has receded and still receding but shcolars from neighbouring countries will speak on how to recharge the Lake during the Summit ” Boguma said
The Chairman added that ” Over the two days, the Summit will feature keynote addresses, high-level panel discussions, diaspora dialogues, youth and women forums, cultural and religious exhibitions, traditional performances, and policy-oriented sessions. Special attention will be given to diaspora engagement, knowledge exchange, investment in cultural industries, and pathways for youth participation in peace and development initiatives.
” This Summit will serve as a global homecoming, bringing together sons and daughters of Kanem–Bornu from across Nigeria and around the world, including members of the diaspora, scholars, professionals, traditional leaders, cultural custodians, youth and women. It is a deliberate effort to reconnect our people to their shared heritage and mobilize collective wisdom, resources, and networks for the peace and stability of our region.
“Building on the success of the maiden edition, the 2nd Bi-annual Kanem–Bornu Cultural Summit seeks to deepen conversations around identity, resilience, and responsibility. At a time when the Lake Chad Basin continues to face security, humanitarian, and socio-economic challenges, this Summit positions culture as a unifying force and a strategic tool for peacebuilding, reconciliation, and regional cooperation and integration.
“The Kanem–Borno civilization remains one of Africa’s most enduring legacies, renowned for governance, scholarship, trade, diplomacy, and coexistence across ethnic and cultural lines. For centuries, it nurtured systems that emphasized justice, tolerance, consultation, and social harmony. The Summit draws inspiration from this legacy to address contemporary challenges, reminding us that solutions to today’s crises can be found in the wisdom of our past.
“The theme “Echoes of Resilience” reflects the lived experience of the Kanem–Borno people, at home and in the diaspora, who have endured displacement, conflict, and disruption, yet remain deeply connected to their roots. The Summit will explore how traditional institutions, indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms, cultural education, arts, language, and heritage preservation can be harnessed to counter violence, promote healing, and strengthen regional stability.”
