By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
Almost one thousand participants including state governors and traditional rulers from the Lake Chad Basin region have converged Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria for a 5- day international regional meeting to brainstorm on the regional perennial security challenges, bilateral cooperation, peace stability, socio economic and political issues as well as sustainable development.
The Secretary to the Government of Yobe State (SSG), Alhaji Baba Wali who is also the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, disclosed this at a press conference in Maiduguri on Monday.
He stressed that the host state, Yobe state is fully committed to hosting the 5th edition of the Lake Chad Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri city, Borno State.
He also added that about 850 participants have already arrived Maiduguri city out of the expected 1000 participants for the forum which will address security challenges among others issues bedeviling the Lake Chad region as well explore vital and potential opportunities in region for sustainable development and recovery including resilience for the millions of people affected by the over decade Boko Haram insurgency and terrorism including environmental degradation.
The Yobe State SSG said the regional meeting deliberations will also focus on issues towards addressing the implementation of Territorial Action Plans for the Lake Chad region troubling the region for over a decade due to the Boko Haram insurgency and terrorism.
“This 5th edition of the forum focuses on the theme: “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community,” he disclosed.
“The forum which will start on Tuesday January 28, 2025 is expected to develop strategies for the promotion of durable solutions for displaced populations, and enhancement of the social and economic recovery of the people and government’s of the region.
“Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon Republics are parts of the Lake Chad Basin Region and their governors , traditional rulers, security chiefs, experts and partners from these countries have arrived Maiduguri city, Borno State for the forum meeting,” Wali added.
