BY NEWS EDITOR,
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a multifaceted approach to address the root causes of insecurity, poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunities for youth in the Lake Chad Basin region.
He made the called on Wednesday while speaking at the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors' Forum meeting in Maiduguri.
The president emphasized the need for cooperation and unity among countries in the region.
'The salvation of the Lake Chad region is neither in Europe nor in the Americas. It lies in the hands of all those gathered here today,' he said while urging for collective action to address the region's challenges.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described non-state actors that exploit weak borders, poor governance, and fragile economies as the true enemies of the region.
'We must not allow the geopolitical tensions across the world to sow discord among us, nor should we permit ourselves to become tools in any proxy agenda,' he warned.
He highlighted the tragic irony of Africa's youthful population being exploited by destructive ideologies and drivers of conflict.
'It is a tragic irony that Africa, a continent with the youngest population in the world, sees its youth become cannon fodder for destructive ideologies and the drivers of conflict. This is the challenge before us: to transform this demographic dividend into a force for good,' he emphasized.
The Forum, themed 'Rebuilding the Lake Chad: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community,' brought together governors, traditional rulers, development organizations, and civil society groups.
While speaking, the Yobe State Governor who is also the host, Mai Mala Buni, described the forum as a beacon of hope for strengthening good governance, cross-border cooperation, and coordinated action among the region's eight territories.
'The Lake Chad Basin faces multifaceted challenges that include: growing demography, security threats, limited infrastructure, climate change and socio-economic disparities that demand concerted efforts,' he noted.
The ceremony was attended by members of the national assembly, ministers, Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, United Nations agencies, and international development organizations.