By Abdulkareem Haruna

The Yobe State Government is preparing to host the fifth Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum from January 29 to 31, 2025, in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, Northeast Nigeria.

This forum aims to tackle ongoing regional challenges, particularly the enduring impact of the Boko Haram conflict, alongside issues such as extreme poverty, climate change, and various socio-economic difficulties.

In the past fifteen years, the Lake Chad Basin has witnessed significant displacement, affecting over six million people, including refugees and internally displaced persons. Approximately 74% of these individuals are in Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated regional responses.

Leaders from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon will convene to discuss strategies for fostering peace and development in the region. The theme of this year’s forum is “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community.” The event aims to promote dialogue and cooperation among the affected regions.

Key discussions will focus on current security and humanitarian trends, facilitating exits from Boko Haram-controlled areas, and accelerating the implementation of Territorial Action Plans (TAPs). The forum will also emphasize enhancing cross-border trade to support economic recovery, combating food insecurity, and addressing the effects of illicit drug trafficking on violence. A significant aspect of the discussions will involve empowering civil society organizations, particularly those led by youth and women, to engage actively in recovery and resource mobilization efforts.

During closed-door sessions, governors will address specific regional challenges, while parallel sessions will allow other participants to explore various issues. This approach aims to incorporate diverse perspectives into the development of solutions.

Following the forum, a follow-up phase will be initiated to ensure effective implementation of key recommendations, with responsibilities assigned to various stakeholders and clear deadlines established to foster accountability and progress.

The forum will serve not only as a platform for political dialogue but also as an opportunity for sharing best practices and evidence-based research. Approximately 500 participants are expected, including representatives from national and state governments, traditional leaders, NGOs, UN agencies, donors, and educational institutions. A pre-Forum will take place from January 27 to 28, 2025, to set the stage for the main event, with separate registration required for both occasions.

Abdullahi Bego, Yobe State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information, and Culture, stated, “By hosting this forum, Yobe State is demonstrating its commitment to fostering regional stability and collaboration. This event will provide a crucial platform for discussions aimed at restoring peace and rebuilding communities in the Lake Chad Basin. The outcomes of the forum are anticipated to lay the groundwork for a more hopeful and resilient future for all affected communities in the region. This initiative underscores the importance of collective efforts in addressing complex challenges and building sustainable solutions for the Lake Chad Basin’s long-term development and security.”