Yobe state hosts 5th Lake-Chad Basin governors forum

The forum which is set up to address the President regional challenges will be held in Maiduguri the state capital of Borno North -eastern Nigeria from 29^th to 31^st January 2025.

By holstering this forum, Yobe state government is demonstrating its commitment to fostering regional stability and collaboration.

The Commissioner of Home affairs, information and Culture, Malam Abdullahi Bego, stated in a statement made available to Journalist about the preparation in Maiduguri the Borno state capital.

The state Commissioner of information Malam Bego said “The meeting is taking place at a time when the region struggles with the long-lasting effect of the Boko Haram conflict along with issues like extreme poverty Climate change, and other Socio-economic challenges over the past fifteen years, the Lake-chad Basin has been widespread displacement affecting over 6 Million people, including refugees and internally displaced persons, and most of these individuals about 74% are located in Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated regional responses Leaders from Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad will gather to discuss strategies for promoting peace and development in the region.”

Adding that, “The fifth forum, themed- Rebuilding the Lacke-chad Basin Consolidating Gains Commitment to Peace, Cross-border cooperation Security and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community, aims to foster dialogue, Coordination among the affected regions; Key discussions will include- be Understanding current security and Humanitarian trends facilitating exits from Boko Haram controlled areas and accelerating implementation of Territorial Action Plans (T.A.P.s)

The forum according to Bego’s statement, will also focus on boosting Cross-border trade to aid economic recovery combatting food insecurity and addressing the impacts of illicit drug trafficking on violence; A significant emphasis will be placed on empowering Civil Society Organisations, especially those led by Youth and Women to actively participate in recovery and resource mobilization efforts during the closed-door session, governors will engage in discussions to tackles specific regional challenges, while partners will organise parallels sessions for other forum participants to delve into various issues, this approach aims to ensure that diverse perspectives are considered infibulating solutions”. he said.

“The forum is not only the platform for political dialogue but also an opportunity for sharing based practices and evidence based research a diverse range participants will attend including representatives from National and State governments, Traditional leaders, NGO’S, UN agencies, donors and educational institutions, Approximately 500, participants are expected at the main forum, while a pre-form will take place from January 27^th  and 28^th  2025, to set the stage for the main event, it’s important to note that attending the pre-form does not guarantee participation in the main forum as both events will require separate registration processes.” he added.

“This event will provide crucial platform for discussion aimed at restoring peace and rebuilding communities in the Lake-chad Basin, the outcome of the forum is anticipated to lay the groundwork for a more hopeful and resilient future for all affected communities in the region.”

“This initiative highlights the importance of collective efforts in addressing complex challenges and building solutions for the Lke-chad Basin long-term development and Security.” he said.

Hauwa M.