At the opening of the 5th meeting of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri yesterday President Bola Tinubu called for a multifaceted approach to the growing security challenges in the region, which has been plagued by terrorism, insurgency, and poverty.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Nigerian leader emphasised the need for not just military action.
He also addressed the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, inequality, and the lack of opportunities for young people in the region.
“While military power is indispensable, it must be complemented by strategies that tackle poverty, inequality, and unemployment,” President Tinubu said.
“We must transform our demographic dividend into a force for good, not allow our youth to become cannon fodder for destructive ideologies.”
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The meeting, hosted by the Yobe State government, brought together eight governors from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, as well as various international and local stakeholders.
The forum aimed to address the myriad challenges facing the Lake Chad Basin region and explore sustainable solutions for peace and stability.
President Tinubu stressed the importance of diplomacy and cooperation among the nations of the Lake Chad Basin, noting that hard power if detached from diplomacy and justice, risks widening the divide it seeks to bridge.
He also warned against allowing global geopolitical tensions to divide the region and urged leaders to remain committed to their shared goals for peace and development.
Yobe State Governor Mala Buni, the host of the event, reflected on the progress made since the inception of the Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience six years ago.
Governor Borno State, Babagana Zulum, praised the collaborative efforts of the forum’s strategic partners, emphasizing that the platform serves as a vital tool for fostering political cohesion and regional development.
The forum also highlighted the environmental challenges facing the region.
Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintri, pointed to the dramatic shrinkage of Lake Chad, which has decreased by 90 per cent over the past six years due to climate change, population growth, and agricultural activities.
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During the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, Ambassador Mamman Nuhu, emphasised that the forum’s theme, “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community,” reflects the region’s progress as well as the significant work still required.
Representatives from international organizations, including the British High Commission’s Development Director Cynthia Rowe, also pledged continued support to the region, highlighting the return of displaced people to their homes as a sign of hope, though challenges like poverty, climate change, and complex crises persist.
The meeting was attended by several dignitaries, including the Chair of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, Ildjima Abdraman, and key Nigerian government officials, such as Senate President Ahmad Lawan, as well as military leaders and traditional rulers.
At the forum, participants were urged to enhance cooperation, continue supporting peace-building efforts, and tackle the region’s challenges through collective action.
