Yobe State will host the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum.
Specifically, this event will take place at the Indimi International Conference Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State, between January 29 and 31, 2025.
The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) collaborates with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to organize this forum.
Consequently, the focus will be on “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community.”
Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni emphasized his administration’s commitment to the forum’s success. He highlighted its significance in promoting regional cooperation and sustainable development in the Lake Chad Basin.
“As the host Governor, I am honoured to reaffirm Yobe State’s dedication to fostering sustainable development across the Lake Chad Basin region,” Buni stated.
Approximately 500 participants will attend the forum, including representatives from Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria. Regional economic communities, NGOs, CSOs, traditional leaders, and donors will also join. Key technical partners, research institutions, and United Nations agencies will engage in the dialogue.
Ambassador Mamman Nuhu, the Executive Secretary of the LCBC and Head of the MNJTF, emphasized the forum’s vital role.
It allows humanitarian, development, and peace actors to create actionable plans for stabilizing the region and advancing recovery.
Ambassador Adeoye Bankole, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security at the African Union Commission, emphasized the importance of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum.
He stated it plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable development, peace, and security throughout the region.
Pre-forum activities will take place from January 27 to 28.
During this time, the focus will be on inclusivity, emphasizing dialogue with civil society, traditional leaders, and local actors.
Discussions will center on social cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and preventing violent extremism.
Since its inception, the forum has addressed complex challenges in the Lake Chad Basin. These include displacement, interrupted public services, and weakened institutional capacities due to insurgency and instability.
Mr. Njoya Tikum, the Director of the UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa, emphasized significant interventions implemented by the Regional Stabilisation Facility.
As a result of these efforts, homes, schools, and health centers were rehabilitated.
Consequently, nearly half a million internally displaced persons were able to return to their communities.
The forum will assess progress achieved; furthermore, it will agree on strategies that promote enhanced regional cooperation.
Furthermore, they will propose new pathways for achieving long-term peace and sustainable development.
