By: Babagana Bukar Wakil and Rakiya Garba Karaye, Maiduguri
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership in regional stabilisation efforts as he hosted the 5th Lake Chad Governors’ Forum at the Muhammadu Indimi International Centre for Distance Learning, University of Maiduguri Borno State on Thursday.
The forum brought together governors from the Lake Chad Basin, senior officials from the United Nations (UN), the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and civil society organisations. Discussions centered on strategies to strengthen peace, security, and sustainable development in the region.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commended the forum’s progress since its inception. Shettima, who launched the first edition in 2022 as Borno State Governor, highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to regional stability.
In his keynote address, Governor Buni emphasized Nigeria’s pivotal role in the Lake Chad Basin, hosting 74% of the affected population and spearheading initiatives to restore livelihoods and security. He stressed the need for sustained collaboration, strategic policy interventions, and innovative resource mobilization to consolidate recent gains.
Themed “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community,” the forum underscored efforts to tackle security threats, climate change, and socio-economic disparities.
Governor Buni highlighted significant progress, including: The voluntary return and reintegration of displaced populations, The implementation of the Regional Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery, and Resilience, Strengthened cooperation among member states to address cross-border security challenges
He commended President Tinubu, the UN, the AUC, the Lake Chad Basin Commission, UNDP, and other development partners for their unwavering support in promoting peace and development in the region.
Concluding his speech, Governor Buni urged all stakeholders to remain steadfast in their commitment to a peaceful and resilient Lake Chad Basin, emphasizing that regional unity and sustained partnerships are key to overcoming shared challenges.
COV/BBW/RGK
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