Regional Stability: We’re Committed to Stabilization Of The Region, Tinubu Assures Lake Chad Governor’s Forum

Regional stability: we’re committed to stabilization of the region, Tinubu assures Lake Chad Governor’s Forum

By Madu Mohammed, Maiduguri

President Bola Tinubu has assured his commitment to partner with Governors of the Lake Chad Basin Forum and other stakeholders in bringing a lasting peace and stabilization in the Lake Chad region that was ravaged by over decade long of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists Organizations.

President Bola Tinubu who discovered this on Wednesday at the opening of the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum being hosted by the Yobe State Government in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. lamented that poverty, inequality and lack of opportunities for the 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 meeting with Theme: Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin, Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community, aimed at fostering lasting security, peace and sustainable development of the region.

President Tinubu said “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”, the President Said.

He therefore commended all participants and wished them fruitful deliberations geared towards restoration of peace, social cohesion and development in the region.

In his welcome address, the Host Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni said, the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum being hosted by the Yobe State Government in Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital, underscores their unity of purpose, and rekindling the age-long standing brotherhood among the member states.

“I am particularly pleased to welcome and thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Governors of the Lake Chad Basin, United Nations, African Union Commission, UNDP and other dignitaries and esteemed representatives of regional and International Support Group and stakeholders, including civil society organizations, Multi National Joint Task Force, traditional and community leaders for this gathering of immense socio-economic and security significance., Buni said.

“Nigeria, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to regional cooperation and stability. As the largest stakeholder in the Lake Chad Basin, hosting 74% of the affected population, our leadership reflects a profound sense of responsibility to address the shared challenges that transcend borders. This Forum exemplifies Nigeria’s role in fostering unity, collaboration, and strategic solutions across the Basin.”, he Said.

“The theme of the 5th Forum is “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community”. 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.”, he added.

“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”, he stressed.

“He said This Forum 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. The conversations and commitments we make here are instrumental in shaping policies and interventions that address the root causes of instability and lay the foundation for sustainable development.”.

“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 with a view to generate applicable policies and programmes geared towards the short, medium and long-term stabilization and development of the Lake Chad Basin Region. Through its inclusive and collaborative approach, the Forum facilitates the formulation of concrete and actionable strategies aimed at stabilizing the region while advancing recovery efforts and fostering sustainable development”, he further said.

Governor Buni said” the Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience of the Boko Haram affected areas of the Lake Chad Basin Region (RS-SRR) is a testament to what we can achieve collectively. Its localization through the Territorial Action Plans highlights the importance of ownership and inclusion in our stabilization efforts. Yobe State has directly benefited from the Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience framework through infrastructure rehabilitation, livelihood restoration, and community cohesion projects. This reinforces the critical need for continued partnerships and innovative resource mobilization to amplify these successes.”.

“I urge all stakeholders to remain steadfast in our commitment to the principles of peace, collaboration, and resilience, as Yobe State Government is pleased to provide the platform for delegates and participants to strengthen networks and collaboration towards ensuring stabilization, recovery, and resilience across the Lake Chad Basin region in the months and years ahead”. Buni explained.

In their seperate remarks Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno, and his counterpart from Adamawa, Hon. Ahmadu Fintiri, commended security agencies, all the partners and development workers who have put in more efforts in the ongoing stabilization and resilience processes in the region.

Also, the outgoing Chairperson of the Governors’ Forum (Hadjer Lamis), H.E Iidjima Abdaraman, however called for more funding from government 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 commended Governor Buni for successfully hosting the event, and for all and sundry who equally played significant roles, even as they pledged to continue giving their maximum support and cooperation to restore peace, stabilization and Livelihood in the region.

Speaking on behalf of the military, 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.

Traditional rulers from across the region including the Shehu of Borno, HRH, 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.