By Abdul Kareem

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (tHT) — The 5th Lake Chad Governors Forum is set to hold in Nigeria this October, marking a significant gathering aimed at enhancing regional and political cooperation in the Lake Chad Basin. 

Hosted by the Yobe State Government, the forum will take place in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State from October 14th to 18th. Organizers say the venues are located in Maiduguri for logistical convenience.

Recognized as a crucial political event, the forum has rotated among Niger, Cameroon, and Chad since its inception in Maiduguri. It has grown into a prominent platform for addressing regional challenges and fostering collaboration.

This year’s event, organized by the Lake Chad Basin Commission, with support from the UNDP Regional Stabilization Facility will be held in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital. 

The commission recently engaged with the host state government to finalize planning, including a thorough inspection by the local organizing committee of potential venues and accommodations to ensure adequate facilities for participants.

A preparatory meeting in July with representatives from the governors’ offices helped outline the forum’s agenda, which is still being finalized. The event will feature a hybrid format, continuing a practice identified as beneficial during last year’s forum in Cameroon.

While concerns about Maiduguri’s capacity to host such a large gathering exist, organizers express confidence in the city’s ability to accommodate the forum. Venue options include the University of Maiduguri and other international conference centers.

Yabawa Kolo, who Coordinates the RSS office said “the forum’s return to Nigeria is symbolic,” emphasizing the country’s role within the Lake Chad Basin. Unlike other host countries, Nigeria conducts the forum in venues within its territories, not just in its capital, highlighting its commitment to regional issues.

“The Lake Chad Governors Forum continues to be a pivotal event, drawing increasing numbers of participants eager to engage in high-level political discussions and foster regional unity.” 

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 5th Edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum held a joint meeting today Tuesday 20th August 2024 with the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) team at the SSG’s Conference Hall, Damaturu, Yobe State ahead of the preparations for the Forum, which is scheduled to take place during the week of 14th to 18th October 2024.

At that meeting, the Secretary to the Yobe State Government (SSG) who doubles as Chairman of the LOC, Baba Mallam Wali,  emphasized the importance of the 5th Edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum as a critical platform for advancing regional cooperation, stabilization, peacebuilding, and sustainable development across the Lake Chad Basin region.

The Director Technical of the LCBC, Mr. Hycinth Banseka, commended the Yobe State Government and the LOC for their proactive approach to the preparations. He noted the strategic importance of the Forum in addressing the complex challenges facing the Lake Chad Basin and expressed the LCBC’s readiness to work closely with the LOC to ensure a seamless and impactful event. The Director emphasized that the collaboration between the LCBC and the LOC would be crucial in delivering a successful Forum that meets the expectations of all stakeholders.

The LCBC Director Technical assured that the Commission would provide all necessary support and partnerships to ensure the success of the Forum meeting.