FG Committed To Bring Stability, Economic Growth To Lake Chad Region – Tinubu
By Ladi Dapson, Maiduguri
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says he is fully committed to partner the Governors of the Lake Chad Basin Forum and other stakeholders to bring a lasting peace and stabilization in the region which was ravaged by over a decade of atrocities posed by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists Organizations.
This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Vice -President, Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the opening of the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum being hosted by the Yobe State Government in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.
VP Shettima described the theme of the forum’s meeting : “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community’”, as apt and necessary .
He however lamented that poverty, inequality and lack of opportunities for our young ones were major causes of Boko Haram/ISWAP, stressing that the present administration is determined to embrace partnership with the African and International Communities to end terrorism in the region.
“The forum which is set up to address the persistent regional challenges is not just a meeting; it is a platform to forge actionable partnerships, align strategies, and mobilize the resources needed to transform the Lake Chad Basin into a region of peace, stability and opportunity.
” Government is fully aware that poverty, inequality and lack of opportunities for our young ones were major causes of Boko Haram/ISWAP, but let me assure this gathering that the present administration is determined to embrace partnership with the African and International Communities to end terrorism in the region”, Shettima said.
He also commended all participants and wished them fruitful deliberations geared towards restoration of peace, social cohesion and development in the region.
In his remarks, the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, commended security agencies, partners and development workers, who have put in more efforts on the ongoing stabilization and resilience processes in the lake Chad Basin region.
Cross-borders trade essential to strengthen unity
The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum giving his address at the ongoing 5th Lake Chad Basin Governor’s Forum, revealed that efforts are aligned with the broader goals of the Forum, which seeks to foster peace, security, and sustainable development in the region.
He stressed that the rich cultural resources, strong regional interdependencies, and dynamic cross-border relationships are essential drivers of the region’s socio-economic development.
He noted, “Today’s gathering is indeed a historic and groundbreaking one, and it marks an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen the Lake Chad Region, which has long been a focal point of cooperation, challenges, and opportunities. Before I proceed with my remarks, it is crucial to take a brief moment to reflect on the historical context of this Forum, and the extraordinary journey that has brought us here.
“At this juncture, I must emphasize that beyond mere rhetoric, the Lake Chad Region is indeed the future of Africa. With its youthful and rapidly growing population, the region is positioned to become a major driver of economic progress and political leadership. The potential of this region to shape the future of not only Africa but the world at large cannot be overstated, provided we continue to nurture its growth with the right support and the strong political will necessary to address its challenges.
Lake Chad Governors’ Forum remains a beacon of hope for regional cooperation, good governance – Buni
Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni,who emerged as Chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum (LCBGF) said the region 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.”
According to him, Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to regional cooperation, stressing that, this Forum exemplifies Nigeria’s role in fostering unity, collaboration, and strategic solutions across the Basin.
“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.
Governor Buni 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 .”
Also speaking, the outgoing Chairperson of the Governors’ Forum (Hadjer Lamis), H.E Iidjima Abdaraman, called for more funding from governments and donors to support stakeholders who are working round the clock to address the humanitarian challenges in the region.
Other remarks were delivered by the Director of Transition States Coordination Office of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Yero Baldeh, Special Representative of UN Secretary General for West Africa and Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simao, UN Assistant Secretary – General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, Ahunna Eiakonwa (represented by Dr. Matthias, the Commissioner, Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union Commission, Amb. Adeoye Bankole, and the Executive Secretary of LCBC, Amb. Mamman Nuhu among others.
They all commended Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni for successfully hosting the event, and for all and sundry who equally played significant roles, even as they pledged to continue to give their maximum support and cooperation to restore peace, stabilization and Livelihood in the region.
The Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa in his goodwill message said, “it is not time for speech, but time for action. The military will continue to apply the kinetic and non-kinetic approach in the fight against terrorists in the region.
“I am happy that Governor of Diffa, Brigadier General Muhammad Ibrahim is here, we shall work together, challenges will always come, but we must prevail, we are determined to confront all the security challenges as together we shall succeed”. General Musa stated.
Cross-section of participants at the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum hosted by Yobe State Government at the Muhammadu Indimi Learning Centre, include traditional rulers from across the region, among them, the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, Ministers, Senators, national and states Assembly members, captains of industries, humanitarian partners among other stakeholders attended the meeting, which is expected to end on Friday, 31st January, 2025.
