Yobe is set to host the fifth edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, a critical meeting to address the region’s persistent security and socioeconomic challenges.

Abdullahi Bego, the Yobe Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, stated this at a media interactive session on Tuesday in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

He said the forum, billed to hold from January 29 to 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,”

Mr Bego said a pre-forum session would hold from January 27 to 28 to prepare for the main event.

The forum serves as a platform for political dialogue and sharing best practices and research-driven solutions to address the region’s multifaceted challenges.

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.

Mr Bego said the forum will foster dialogue, coordination and cooperation among stakeholders, underscoring the Yobe government’s commitment to regional stability and collaboration.

“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.

Mr Bego said discussions would focus on addressing pressing issues such as security and humanitarian trends, cross-border trade and 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,” Mr Bego said.

The forum is expected to attract about 500 participants, including representatives from national and state governments, traditional leaders, NGOs, UN agencies, donors, and academia.

(NAN)