BY: NEWS DESK.
Yobe State Government is set to host the 5th edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors' Forum in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The forum, themed 'Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating gains, commitment to peace, cross-border cooperation, security and sustainable development for a resilient community' aims to promote regional cooperation and stabilization in the Lake Chad Basin region.
It is organized by the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The event which will be started on January 29 - 31, will bring together over 500 participants, including representatives from national and local governments, regional economic communities, NGOs, CSOs, traditional leaders, and UN agencies.
It will take place at the Indimi International Conference Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to converge and address the complex challenges facing the Lake Chad Basin region.
'The forum provides a critical space for humanitarian, development, and peace actors to come together to shape concrete and actionable plans for stabilizing the region and advancing recovery and long-term development,' Ambassador Mamman Nuhu, Executive Secretary of the LCBC said.
The Lake Chad Basin region has been heavily impacted by the Boko Haram conflict, resulting in widespread displacement, damage to social fabric, and weakened institutional capacities. The forum provides a critical platform for dialogue, coordination, and cross-border cooperation among the eight territories of the Lake Chad Basin affected by the crisis.
'The Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum remains an essential platform for promoting sustainable development, peace and security in the region.
'The African Union is poised to support the stabilization initiatives of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and calls on member states and international partners to also extend support to the forum's efforts towards consolidating peace in the region and creating better opportunities for the people of the Lake Chad Basin,' Ambassador Adeoye Bankole, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union Commission.
The forum will focus on consolidating gains made in stabilizing the region and advancing recovery and development. This includes assessing progress made and identifying areas for improvement. Also, it will promote commitment to peace through cross-border cooperation and regional stabilization efforts. This involves enhancing cooperation among the eight territories of the Lake Chad Basin to address common challenges and promote peace and security.
The forum will address security challenges and promote sustainable development in the region. This includes discussing strategies for preventing violent extremism and promoting social cohesion and peaceful existence. Ultimately, the goal is to build resilient communities that can withstand the challenges posed by the Boko Haram conflict.
'As the host governor of the 5th edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, I am deeply honoured to reaffirm Yobe State's total commitment to the success of this significant regional event which, represents a vital opportunity for us to advance cooperation for sustainable development across the Lake Chad Basin region. Yobe State stands ready to welcome our esteemed guests and to contribute meaningfully to the future of hope and opportunities for the communities of the Lake Chad Basin,' Gov. Mai Mala Buni said.
The 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors' Forum will commence with a pre-Forum from January 27-28, to enhance inclusivity and discuss key topics with local and national actors, civil society, and traditional leaders.