The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum has reaffirmed its dedication to hosting a successful event from January 29 to 31, 2025.
During a press pre-briefing on Monday at the Indimi International Conference Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State, Alhaji Baba Malam-Wali, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Yobe and Chairman of the LOC, shared this commitment.
Malam-Wali emphasized that the forum represents a significant step in collaborative efforts to tackle various challenges, particularly focusing on stabilization, recovery, and resilience in the Lake Chad Basin region.
He stated, “The LOC, in partnership with the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other collaborators, has worked hard to coordinate all forum aspects.”
He outlined key preparations, including logistics, venue readiness, security measures, health services, communication strategies, and cultural events.
“All venues, including conference halls and accommodations, meet international standards to ensure participants’ comfort.
We have implemented robust security measures, including 24-hour surveillance and access control, to ensure attendee safety,” he added.
Malam-Wali confirmed that a fully equipped health clinic and emergency ambulance services will operate throughout the event effectively.
Additionally, he designated the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital as a referral center for advanced medical care.
He expects the forum to attract over 1,000 participants, including governors, policymakers, traditional leaders, and media representatives.
Specifically, attendees will come from Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, highlighting the event’s regional significance.
The forum, themed “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development,” will feature high-level discussions.
These discussions will effectively address pressing environmental challenges, economic recovery, and promote sustainable development across the region.
Malam-Wali indicated that foundational discussions will address vital topics, including security, climate challenges, and the Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience (RSSRR).
Additionally, these discussions aim to enhance collaboration among stakeholders and identify effective solutions.
Participants will share insights and strategies pertaining to these critical issues.
On Day 2, sectoral and diplomatic discussions will focus on crucial topics such as food security, humanitarian aid, and transitional justice.
Meanwhile, Day 3 will center on closed-door deliberations among governors, culminating in the presentation of outcomes and the official chairmanship handover.
Additionally, a gala dinner and cultural night will celebrate the region’s diversity and achievements, providing networking opportunities.
This event will feature remarks from dignitaries, marking the formal conclusion of the forum’s proceedings.
Malam-Wali praised the Federal Government, development partners, and regional leaders for their unwavering support in addressing ongoing regional challenges.
Their commitment strengthens collaborative efforts to foster stability in the Lake Chad Basin.
He emphasized, “We urge all stakeholders to renew their dedication to the Nigerian Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience.”
This commitment ensures the forum leads to impactful and sustainable outcomes for the region.
Hycinth Banseka, Technical Director of the LCBC, expressed that the forum serves as a unique platform for governors and stakeholders.
Participants will share experiences, foster collaboration, and effectively address regional challenges to improve overall outcomes.
“This forum fundamentally allows governors to discuss solutions to cross-border challenges, including security, climate change, and sustainable development.”
Banseka highlighted a significant change this year: the inclusion of pre-forum consultations for civil society and women’s groups.
This addition ensures that their voices are heard while maintaining the forum’s primary focus on the governors’ discussions.
Furthermore, he commended the collaboration among regional governors, emphasizing the progress achieved in enhancing cross-border security and development efforts.
Since the previous forums in Niger and Chad, this collaboration continues to foster significant advancements in regional stability and development.
The Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum is organized in partnership with the LCBC, UNDP, African Union, and other technical partners.