FG to bring stability, economic growth to Lake Chad region – Tinubu

…as Buni emerges chair of Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum

President Bola Tinubu has said he is fully committed to partnering the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum and other stakeholders in order to bring a lasting peace and stabilisation to the region which was ravaged by atrocities posed by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in more than one decade.

This was stated on Wednesday by the Vice -President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the opening of the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum being hosted by the Yobe State Government in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Shettima described the theme of the Forum’s meeting : “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community’”, as apt and necessary .

He however lamented that poverty, inequality and lack of opportunities for our young ones were major causes of Boko Haram/ISWAP, stressing that the present administration is determined to embracing partnership with the African and International Communities to end terrorism in the region.

“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”, Shettima said.

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

Also Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, commended security agencies, partners and development workers, who had put in more efforts on the ongoing stabilisation and resilience processes in the Lake Chad Basin region.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, giving his address at the ongoing 5th Lake Chad Basin Governor’s Forum, said that the efforts were aligned with the broader goals of the Forum, which sought to foster peace, security, and sustainable development in the region.

Read also: Security, climate change top as Lake Chad Basin govs’ forum begins

He stressed that the rich cultural resources, strong regional interdependencies, and dynamic cross-border relationships are essential drivers of the region’s socio-economic development.

He noted, “Today’s gathering is indeed a historic and groundbreaking one, and it marks an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen the Lake Chad Region, which has long been a focal point of cooperation, challenges, and opportunities. Before I proceed with my remarks, it is crucial to take a brief moment to reflect on the historical context of this Forum, and the extraordinary journey that has brought us here.

“At this juncture, I must emphasize that beyond mere rhetoric, the Lake Chad Region is indeed the future of Africa. With its youthful and rapidly growing population, the region is positioned to become a major driver of economic progress and political leadership. The potential of this region to shape the future of not only Africa but the world at large cannot be overstated, provided we continue to nurture its growth with the right support and the strong political will necessary to address its challenges.

Governor, Mai Mala Buni, who emerged as Chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum (LCBGF), said the region 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.

Governor Buni also added that,” this underscores our unity of purpose, and rekindling the age-long standing brotherhood among the member states.”

According to him, Nigeria, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to regional, stressing that, this Forum exemplifies Nigeria’s role in fostering unity, collaboration, and strategic solutions across the Basin.

Also, the outgoing Chairperson of the Governors’ Forum (Hadjer Lamis), H.E Iidjima Abdaraman, called for more funding from the governments and donors to support stakeholders who are working round the clock to address the humanitarian challenges in the region.