BY: NEWS EDITOR.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared open the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors' Forum meeting in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The president was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The 3-day meeting, which started today, aims to tackle socio-economic challenges facing the Lake Chad Basin region.
In his welcome address, the Governor of Yobe who is the host of the event, Mai Mala Buni, expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for declaring the forum open.
'Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is an honor to welcome you to this significant regional event. We are grateful for your leadership and commitment to regional cooperation and stability,' Gov. Buni said.
He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and sustainable development, highlighting the challenges facing the Lake Chad Basin region.
He urged stakeholders to remain committed to the principles of peace, collaboration, and resilience.
'The Lake Chad Basin region faces numerous challenges, including poverty, climate change, and insecurity. However, we are optimistic about the progress made so far, and we are committed to working together to address these challenges,' he added.
The theme of the 5th Forum is 'Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating gains, commitment to peace, cross-border cooperation, security, and sustainable development for a resilient community'.
The meeting brings together governors from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, as well as traditional leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for promoting peace, security, and sustainable development.
The Lake Chad Basin Governors' Forum is a pivotal platform for regional cooperation, and this meeting is expected to foster partnerships among governments, development partners, civil society organizations, and traditional leaders.
The meeting will also provide an opportunity for the governors to discuss ways to address the challenges facing the region.