Yobe to host 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum – Official
Yobe to host 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum – Official
Yobe is set to host the fifth session of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, a critical meeting aimed at addressing the lingering security and socio-economic challenges in the region.
Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, the Yobe Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, stated this at a media interactive session on Tuesday in Maiduguri.
He said the forum billed to hold from Jan. 29 to Jan. 31, in Maiduguri, has as its theme: “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community,”
Bego said that a pre forum session would hold from Jan. 27 to Jan. 28, to prepare for the main event.
The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that the forum serves as a platform for not only political dialogue but also for sharing best practices and research driven solutions to address multifaceted challenges bedeviling the region.
It would bring together leaders from Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, to discuss strategies for promoting peace and development in the Lake Chad basin.
This came at a time when the region was grappling with the long term effects of the Boko Haram insurgency, poverty, climate change and widespread displacement of over six million people in the last 15 years. with Nigeria hosting 74 per cent of the affected population.
According to Bego, the forum will focus on fostering dialogue, coordination and cooperation among stakeholders, adding that the forum underscored the Yobe government commitment to fostering regional stability and collaboration.
“This event will provide a crucial platform for discussions aimed at restoring peace and rebuilding communities in the Lake Chad basin.
“The outcome of the forum is anticipated to lay the groundwork for a more hopeful and resilient future for all affected communities in the region,” he said.
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Bego said that discussions would focus to address pressing issues such as security and humanitarian trends, cross-border trade a d food insecurity, as well as the impact of illicit drug trafficking on violence.
According to him, key sessions will also explore the empowerment of youth and women-led civil society organisations, and strategies for accelerating the implementation of Territorial Action Plans (TAPs).
“During the event, governors will hold closed-door meetings to tackle specific regional challenges, while partners will organise parallel sessions to engage other participants.
“A follow up phase will ensure that recommendations from the forum are implemented, with responsibilities assigned to stakeholders and clear deadlines set to ensure accountability”. he said.
VMT NEWS reports that t he forum is expected to attract about 500 participants including representatives from national and state governments, traditional leaders, NGOs, UN agencies, donors, and academia.
