Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has said that the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum (LCBGF) remains a beacon of hope, serving as the cornerstone for strengthening and promoting good governance, cross-border cooperation, dialogue, and coordinated action among the Basin’s eight territories. “
Governor Buni also added that,” this underscores our unity of purpose, and rekindling the age-long standing brotherhood among the member states.”
He stated this in his opening address as the Chief Host of the 5th edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors” Forum held on Wednesday at the University of Maiduguri Mohammed Indimi International Conference Hall
According to him, Nigeria, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to regional, stressing that, this Forum exemplifies Nigeria’s role in fostering unity, collaboration, and strategic solutions across the Basin.
He noted that 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”.
“As the theme suggests, this will again provide another opportunity for states and provinces around the Lake Chad Basin region across Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon republics to discuss and reflect on the journey so far since the regional strategy for stabilization, recovery, and resilience became operational five years ago.
“Today, we convene at a time when the Lake Chad Basin faces multifaceted challenges that includes; growing demography, security threats, limited infrastructure, climate change, and socio-economic disparities—that demand concerted efforts.
“Yet, there are also reasons for optimism: progress in stabilization, the voluntary, safe and dignified return and integration of displaced populations, and a growing momentum toward durable solution towards rebuilding both lives and livelihoods of the affected communities.
“The conversations and commitments we make here are instrumental in shaping policies and interventions that address the root causes of instability and lay the foundation for sustainable development”, he said.
Governor Bunu said “,over the years, the Governors’ Forum in close collaboration with Lake Chad Basin Commission, African Union Commission and development partners has established itself as a leading political platform for policy dialogue among various stakeholders .”
“With a view to generate applicable policies and programmes geared towards the short, medium and long-term stabilization and development of the Lake Chad Basin Region.
“Through its inclusive and collaborative approach, the Forum facilitates the formulation of concrete and actionable strategies aimed at stabilizing the region while advancing recovery efforts and fostering sustainable development.
“The Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience of the Boko Haram affected areas of the Lake Chad Basin Region (RS-SRR) is a testament to what we can achieve collectively.
“Its localization through the Territorial Action Plans highlights the importance of ownership and inclusion in our stabilization efforts. Yobe State has directly benefited from the Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience framework through infrastructure rehabilitation, livelihood restoration, and community cohesion projects.
” This reinforces the critical need for continued partnerships and innovative resource mobilization to amplify these successes,” Buni added
He expressed his appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his political leadership and continuous commitment to advancing national, regional and international peace, development and security agenda.
The governor also commended the United Nations, Lake Chad Basin Commission, UNDP, African Union Commission and all development support group and partners, who have been instrumental in this journey.
Governor, Buni, however urged all stakeholders to remain steadfast in their commitment to the principles of peace, collaboration, and resilience while reaffirming his shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Lake Chad Basin.
The governor also lamented on the security and socio economic challenges , saying ,”we face are vast, but so too is our collective capacity to overcome them. Together, we will build a region that exemplifies the strength of unity and the power of partnership.”
“Yobe State Government as 5th Forum host, is pleased to provide the platform for delegates and participants to strengthen networks and collaboration towards ensuring stabilization, recovery, and resilience across the Lake Chad Basin region in the months and years ahead,” Mai Mala said.
