Yobe to Host 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum to Tackle Regional Challenges
Yobe State is set to host the fifth edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, aimed at addressing the region’s persistent security and socio-economic challenges.
Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, Yobe State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information, and Culture, announced this during a media briefing in Maiduguri. The forum, themed “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community,” will take place from Jan. 29 to Jan. 31. A preparatory session is scheduled for Jan. 27-28.
The forum will bring together leaders from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon to promote peace and development in a region heavily impacted by the Boko Haram insurgency, poverty, climate change, and displacement of over six million people in the past 15 years, with Nigeria hosting 74% of the affected population.
Bego emphasized that the event provides a critical platform for dialogue, coordination, and cooperation among stakeholders to foster regional stability. He highlighted the Yobe government’s commitment to rebuilding the region and restoring peace.
“This forum will facilitate crucial discussions to restore peace and rebuild communities in the Lake Chad Basin. Its outcomes are expected to pave the way for a more resilient and hopeful future for affected communities,” he said.
Key topics will include security trends, cross-border trade, food insecurity, and the impact of illicit drug trafficking on violence. The forum will also explore the empowerment of youth and women-led civil society organizations and strategies for accelerating the implementation of Territorial Action Plans (TAPs).
Governors will hold closed-door meetings to address specific challenges, while partners will host parallel sessions for broader engagement. A follow-up phase will ensure the implementation of recommendations, with clear responsibilities and deadlines set for accountability.
The forum is expected to attract approximately 500 participants, including representatives from national and state governments, traditional leaders, NGOs, UN agencies, donors, and academic institutions.
