Yobe State Government is set to host the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum meeting.
The forum which is set up to address the persistent regional challenges will however be held in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, in North-East Nigeria, from January 29 to 31.
A statement issued by he Yobe State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, said the meeting is taking place at a time when the region is struggling with the long-lasting effects of the Boko Haram conflict, along with issues such as extreme poverty, climate change, and other socio-economic challenges.
Leaders from Nigeria, Niger Republic, Chad, and Cameroon will gather to discuss strategies for promoting peace and development in the region.
The 5th forum 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,” to foster dialogue, coordination and cooperation among the affected regions.
Key discussions will include understanding current security and humanitarian trends, facilitating exits from Boko Haram-controlled areas, and accelerating the implementation of Territorial Action Plans, TAPs.
The forum will also focus on boosting cross-border trade, to aid economic recovery, combating food insecurity and addressing the impacts of illicit drug trafficking on violence.
During the closed-door sessions, Governors will engage in discussions to tackle specific regional challenges, while partners will organise parallel sessions for other forum participants, to delve into various issues. This approach aims to ensure that diverse perspectives are considered in formulating solutions.
After the main forum, there will be a follow-up phase to ensure that key recommendations are implemented effectively.
Responsibilities for these recommendations will be assigned to various stakeholders, with clear deadlines, to maintain accountability and ensure progress.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
