From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
Over 1,000 participants including governors from Lake Chad Basin region, international development partners, experts, academia and top traditional rulers, are gathered in Maiduguri, Borno State, to draw strategies for the stability of the area.
Secretary to the Government of Yobe State (SSG), Alhaji Baba Wali, at a press conference in Maiduguri, yesterday, said his state was committed to hosting the fifth edition of the Lake Chad Governors’ Forum in Borno.
“About ,1,000 participants are attending the three-day forum. Already, 850 participants have arrived,” Wali who is also the chairman of the local organising committee, disclosed.
He explained that participants at the forum will address address “pressing challenges” in the Lake Chad region and explore “opportunities for recovery and resilience” for millions of people effected by prolong insurgency and environmental crisis.
He said discussions will also focus on address the implementation of Territorial Action Plans for the Lake Chad region plagued by over a decade insurgency.
Economic and environmental challenges as well as recovery and sustainable development would dominate high-level discussions will also be on the agenda.
“The LOC, in collaboration with the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other partners, has worked diligently to coordinate all aspects of the forum.”
He said adequate preparation had been made on logistics, security, health services, communication, and cultural events.
“All venues, including conference halls and accommodation facilities, have been prepared to international standards to ensure the comfort and convenience of participants.
“Robust security measures, including 24 hour surveillance and access control, are in place to guarantee the safety of all attendees,” he added.
Malam-Wali also a fully equipped health clinic and emergency ambulance services would be available throughout the event, with the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital serving as a referral centre for advanced care.
Malam-Wali said the theme of the forum is “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating gains, commitment to peace, cross-border cooperation, security and sustainable development.”
He said the foundational discussions on security, climate challenges, and updates on the Regional Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery and Resilience (RSSRR).
“On the day two, sectoral and diplomatic discussions on food security, humanitarian aid, transitional justice, and pathways for durable solutions for displaced populations, while day 3 will focus on deliberations among governors, culminating in the presentation of outcomes and the official handover of the forum’s chairmanship.
“A gala dinner and cultural night will celebrate the region’s diversity and achievements, with remarks by dignitaries and a formal conclusion of the forum’s proceedings.”
Malam-Wali praised the Federal Government, development partners, and regional leaders for their unwavering support and commitment to addressing the region’s challenges.
“We urge all stakeholders to renew their dedication to the Nigerian Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery, and Resilience, ensuring the forum leads to impactful and sustainable outcomes,” he said.
Also speaking on behalf of the LCBC, Hycinth Banseka, technical director of the commission, said the forum would provide a unique platform for governors and stakeholders to share experiences, foster collaboration, and address regional challenges.
“This forum is fundamentally a space for governors to discuss solutions to cross-border challenges, including security, climate change, and sustainable development.
“A notable change this year is the inclusion of pre-forum consultations for civil society, traditional leaders, youths and women’s groups to ensure their voices are heard while maintaining the forum’s primary focus on the governors.”
Banseka, however, commended the Lake Chad governors’ forum on the significant progress made in fostering cross-border security and development during the year under review.
The Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum was organised in partnership with the LCBC, UNDP, African Union, and other technical partners.