Yobe State, Nigeria, is set to host the 5th edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum (LCBGF) from Jan. 29 to Jan. 31 at the Indimi International Conference Centre, Maiduguri.
The forum, organised by the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will focus on rebuilding the region under the theme, “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community.”
The event serves as a critical platform for dialogue and cross-border collaboration among the eight territories affected by the Boko Haram crisis, while providing stakeholders with opportunities to consolidate regional gains.
About 500 participants are expected, including representatives from the governments of Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; Regional Economic Communities (RECs); Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs); Civil Society Organisations (CSOs); traditional rulers; donors; and UN agencies.
Amb. Mamman Nuhu, Executive Secretary of the LCBC and Head of Mission of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), said the forum provides a space for humanitarian, development, and peace actors to develop actionable plans for regional recovery and long-term stability.
“The forum allows civil society organisations, including women- and youth-led groups, donors, and security actors to shape concrete plans for stabilising the region and advancing development,” Nuhu said.
Amb. Adeoye Bankole, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to the region’s stabilization efforts.
“The African Union will continue to support the Lake Chad Basin Commission in its initiatives to consolidate peace and create better opportunities for the region’s people,” Bankole said.
Now in its fifth edition, the forum will evaluate progress, provide a shared understanding of the region’s current challenges, and identify programmatic and policy pathways for enhanced regional cooperation and development.
Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State expressed commitment to ensuring the success of the event.
“This forum is a vital opportunity for us to advance cooperation for sustainable development across the Lake Chad Basin region,” Buni said.
The forum has grown to become a key political platform for promoting peace, security, and sustainable development in the Lake Chad Basin region.
