By Abdulkareem Haruna

Damaturu, Yobe State — The Yobe State Government has on Wednesday Aug. 14, hosted the inaugural meeting of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 5th edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum otherwise known as Regional Stabilization Strategy.

The meeting, held at the Secretary to the State Government’s (SSG) Conference Hall in Damaturu, sets the stage for the event scheduled for October 14 -18, 2024.

The Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, a crucial platform for regional cooperation, stabilization, and sustainable development, will bring together leaders from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. This year’s forum aims to address pressing issues affecting the Lake Chad Basin region. 

The last regional stabilization strategy meeting held at Ndjamena, Chad in July, 2023. 

Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali, the LOC Chairman and Secretary to the Yobe State Government, led the session, emphasizing the importance of regional stability and development. “The Lake Chad Governors’ Forum is vital for our collective peace and progress,” he stated. “We are committed to delivering a well-organized, secure, and impactful event.”

Representatives from Yobe and Borno State Governments, along with other key stakeholders, engaged in detailed discussions on preparations. Key topics included the meeting’s schedule, LOC structure and objectives, venue and accommodation logistics, security measures, and health services.

Memberd of the Lake Chad Governors’ Forum at the 4th RSS Meeting in Ndjamena

“Our commitment to this regional initiative is unwavering,” Wali added. “Governor Mai Mala Buni is dedicated to ensuring a successful and meaningful forum that reflects our shared dedication to the prosperity of the Lake Chad Basin.”

The LOC resolved to collaborate closely with the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and other relevant entities to ensure the forum’s success. Regular meetings will continue to refine plans and ensure seamless coordination.

Abdullahi Bego, Hon. Commissioner of Home Affairs, Information, and Culture, echoed this commitment in a statement, highlighting the forum’s role in fostering peace and stability in the region.

As the countdown to October begins, Yobe State stands ready to host a forum that promises to be a cornerstone for regional development and cooperation.

Members of the LOC as appointed by government of Yobe state are as follows:  Alhaji Abdullahi Yusuf Gashua-Dep chairman (Yobe) , Brig General Dahiru Abdulsalam (Rtd) (Yobe);   Hon Commissioner Finance (Yobe); Hon Commissioner Information (Yobe); Attorney General Yobe State; Hon Commissioner Health (Yobe) ; Permanent Secretary Protocol (Yobe) ; Permanent Secretary Political (Yobe); Rep. of Development Partners: UNDP; Yobe State Focal Person SOLID Project; Hon Halima Kyari Joda; Alh. Baba Shehu; Dr Babakura Mamman Gadai (Borno); Hajja Yabawa Kolo (Borno); Dr Tahiru Shettima (Borno); Alhaji Ahmed Sanda (Borno); Zannah Mohammed Habib alkali (Borno); and Dr Goje Mohammed (Secretary)