By Ndahi Marama, Damaturu

Following the three-Day engagement by Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum (LCBGF), Humanitarian partners, the media, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) among others which closed on Friday in Maiduguri, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state who was the Chief Host has emerged as Chairman of the Forum.

Themed: ‘ Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community’, the 5th forum which was 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.

The outgone Chairperson of the Governors’ Forum (Hadjer Lamis Province of Chad Republic), H.E Iidjima Abdaraman, in her farewell message however called for the usual support from all and sundry to the new Chairman, Governor Buni in carrying out his mandate.

In his inaugural speech, Governor Buni said, he will work closely with all security agencies and stakeholders to wipe out remnants of Boko Haram/ISWAP hibernating in the region, so as to ensure resettlement of displaced persons, accompanied by comprehensive strategies that restore livelihoods, rebuild infrastructure, and foster social cohesion.

“I am deeply honored by this trust and humbled to accept the responsibility of chairing this distinguished Forum for the next two years.This nomination is not merely a recognition of my personal commitment but a testament to the collective resolve of all stakeholders to forge a resilient, peaceful, and prosperous Lake Chad Basin.

“Over the past few days, we have deliberated extensively on how to address the challenges facing the region while building on the gains we have made so far.Our discussions have reaffirmed the critical need to strengthen governance and stabilization frameworks as a foundation for lasting peace and security in the Lake Chad Basin. 

“We recognize that effective governance, supported by inclusive policies and coordinated efforts, is essential in restoring stability to affected communities.At the center of our recovery efforts lies a commitment to durable solutions that go beyond temporary relief.

“The resettlement of displaced persons must be accompanied by comprehensive strategies that restore livelihoods, rebuild infrastructure, and foster social cohesion. Ensuring that returning populations have access to essential services and economic opportunities is key to preventing further displacement and securing long-term stability.

“Equally important is the drive for socio-economic recovery, which requires deliberate investments in trade corridors and agro-pastoral initiatives to revitalize local economies”. The LCBGF Chairman stated.

The inclusion of women and youth in these efforts according to Buni remains a priority, as their active participation in economic and social development will accelerate progress and build more resilient communities.

“As we conclude this Forum, it is imperative that we move beyond dialogue to concrete and collective action. Let us ensure that the resolutions adopted here are implemented at all levels. 

“As leaders of the Lake Chad Basin region, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening security and stability by facilitating the reinforcement of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and expanding community-based security initiatives. We shall actively advocate for increased financial and technical support.

“Furthermore, we are committed to strengthening cross-border collaboration as a driver to economic recovery, and stimulate commerce to enhance regional integration and cooperation. 

“To achieve these goals, I pledge to work tirelessly with my fellow governors, regional stakeholders, and our international partners. Together, we will foster a unified approach that ensures no community is left behind.

“On behalf of the government and people of Yobe State, I extend my deepest appreciation to the Lake Chad Basin Commission under the leadership of Ambassador Nuhu Mamman, The UNDP, African Union, International Support Groups, our donors and development partners, members of the diplomatic corps, our  traditional leaders, CSOs, delegates and everyone who contributed to the success of this Forum.

” I specially thank the outgoing chairperson of this forum, Her Excellency Ildjima Abdraman, Governor of Hadjer Lamis province, Chad for her leadership. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his leadership and commitment to peace, security, and development of the Lake Chad Basin region.

” As I accept this honor to serve as Chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, I reaffirm my commitment to the ideals of this Forum and to work diligently to achieve the vision of a peaceful, stable, and thriving Lake Chad region”. Buni concluded.

Meanwhile, a 13- point key resolutions contained in the Communique which was read by the Governor of Diffa, Niger Republic, Brig -Gen. Mahamadou Ibrahim Bagadoma.

Firstly: “The Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum reaffirms its commitment to advancing stabilization, recovery, and resilience in the region. In this regard, the Forum commits to: Ensuring member states strengthen strategic support to, and operational capacity of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and/or invest in transborder security.

2. “Ensuring member states effectively occupy the Lake Chad Islands as a means of strengthening transboundary security, with a focus on securing and controlling the waterways.

3. “Ensuring that remnant of all Non-State Armed Groups are completely neutralized in all the member states.

4. “Intensifying efforts to combat illicit trade of arms, and illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse, especially among youth.

5. “Scaling up climate resilient initiatives and environmental protection efforts to support the rehabilitation of the Lake Chad Basin ecosystems and biodiversity.

6. “Strengthening collaboration with traditional rulers, especially in facilitating reconciliation and reintegration processes. 

7. “Strengthening women and youth engagement in stabilization, recovery, and resilience initiatives, ensuring their needs and priorities are effectively addressed.

8. “Enhancing the role of civil society and traditional authorities in designing, implementing, and monitoring regional stabilization, recovery, and resilience efforts.

9. “Working with the LCBC on advocacy and fundraising with partners and donors towards continuation of stabilization activities in Niger.  

10. “Facilitating the establishment of “Free trade Zones” in the Lake Chad region, as a means of promoting cross-border trade and economic connectivity.

11. ” Identifying and investing in the construction and /or rehabilitation of cross-border roads as a means of promoting transboundary trade and strengthening security.

12. “Updating and facilitating implementation of the Territorial Action Plans (TAPs) to align with the adjusted RS SRR.

13.  Lastly: “Strengthening resource mobilization efforts through the Special Multi-Partner Delivery Fund (SMDF) and the Nexus Funding Facility (NFF), and other regional funding initiatives to drive impactful and sustained progress”. The Communique stated.

In their separate remarks, the World Bank Team Lead, Mr. Benjamin Roller, 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, pledged to mobilize the needles resources and to work closely with the new Chairman and other Governors to ensure reconstruction, rehabilitation and dignified resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs back to their liberated communities and provide a durable solutions to the over decade Boko Haram conflict affecting the region.