Our leadership represents a true sense of responsibility. – Buni

By: Yahaya Wakili

Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, of Yobe State, has said that, as the largest stakeholders in the Lake Chad Basin, hosting 74% of the affected population, our leadership reflects a profound sense of responsibility to address the shared challenges that transcend borders.

Buni disclosed this today in his welcome address at the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governor’s Forum held at Maiduguri, the Borno state capital. He said the forum is being hosted by the Yobe state government; this underscores our unity of purpose and rekindles the age-long standing brotherhood among the member states.

“Nigeria, under the leadership of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to regional cooperation and stability. Adding that, this forum exemplifies Nigeria’s role in fostering unity, collaboration, and strategic solutions across the Basin.

The theme of the 5th Forum is “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community.” As the theme suggests, this will again provide another opportunity for states and provinces around the Lake Chad Basin region across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon republics to discuss and reflect on the journey so far since the region strategy for stabilization, recovery, and resilience became operational five years ago.

According to Buni, the challenges we face are vast, but so too is our collective capacity to overcome them. “Together we will build a region that exemplifies the strength of unity and the power of partnership,” he said.

Governor Buni maintained that this forum remains a beacon of hope, serving as the cornerstone for strengthening and promoting good governance, cross-border cooperation, dialogue, and coordinated action among the basin’s eight territories.

He added that the conversations and commitments we make here are instrumental in shaping policies and interventions that address the root causes of instability and lay the foundation for sustainable development.

Governor Mai Mala Buni said, We convene at a time when the Lake Chad Basin faces multifaceted challenges that include growing demography, security threats, limited infrastructure, climate change, and socio-economic disparities that demand concerted efforts.

He extended his heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his political leadership and continuous commitment to advancing national, regional, and international peace development and security agendas. Adding that, the United Nations, Lake Chad Basin Commission, UNDP, African Union Commission, and all development support groups and partners who have been instrumental in this journey.

Our leadership represents a true sense of responsibility. – Buni