By Abubakar Muhammad (9NEWS NIGERIA, NORTHEAST)
The 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum has commenced today Wednesday at Muhammadu Indimi International Conference Centre, Maiduguri.
Although there were preconference programs held on Monday and Tuesday, the main conference had started today with Nigerian president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima in attendance and governors of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.
Also, five other governors from Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic were present at the event.
The program is hosted by Yobe State Government in collaboration with the Lake Chad Basin Commission.
In his welcome address, Mai Mala Buni, the chief host and governor of Yobe State, said that the forum has done a lot in devising ideas and initiative in tackling challenges in the Lake Chad region.
He also noted that the forum serves as a bicon of hope and a platform for continues regional integration, committed to the development of all members states and communities.
He noted that members states in Nigeria most continue to lead development programs about the region due to its strategic position and share size in the basin.
Buni also said that Yobe has so far benefited from the forum through infrastructural development and rebuilding of communities devastated by terrorists activities.
In his remarks, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, the governor of Borno State said that the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum is a historical event and reflects on the long standing relations between states and communities within the region.
The explained that the forum is also a rallying point for meaningful collaboration and cross boarder dialogue, towards ensuring safety and modifying development in the region.
Stating further, Zulum said Lake Chad region is the future of Africa due to its abundant human and natural resources.
Highlighting some challenges in the region, Zulum said his government has adopted strategies, like the robust investment in agriculture as a key item in it’s recovery program.
In line with that strategy, Zulum said that it prompted his government to give Agriculture top priority in the 2025 annual budget.
Another major challenge he has identified in the region, he said is bad road networks that connects communities within the region.
On securing the region, Zulum commended the efforts of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) operating in the Lake Chad Basin, in combating insecurity.
The governor also recognized the efforts of donor agencies and other development partners in contributing to recovery efforts in the basin.
He said that intervention programs enjoyed in Borno alone is a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership.
Also in his remarks, Umaru Fintiri, the governor of Adamawa highlighted other challenges facing the Lake Chad.
He said that the effects of Climate Change, which resulted to the shrinking of the Lake Chad is a worrisome phenomenon that add problems to the region.
According to Fintiri, about 90% of the water has shrinked in 60 years, adding that it’s effect has a negative impact in the economy of the basin.
He noted that the shrinking has reduced production in irrigation farming, fish production among other things.
This development, Fintiri emphasized that, has led to the continuous struggles on limited resources in the area.
Stating further, Fintiri pose a question to member states and other stakeholders on whether they have done enough so far in taking important actions towards addressing major crisis in the region.
However, he noted that the level of involvement of all stakeholders in the forum has suggested that the challenges in Lake Chad needs every hand in deck in other to achieve meaningful development.
Other development partners at the program also highlighted key issues relating to the basin and pledge their support.
In her remarks, Anka Fedhulsen, a United Nations official said that the forum is also a platform to celebrate past achievements and reflects on the present and plan ahead of the future.
Cynthia Rowan, development director for the British High Commission, Nigeria also talked about the importance of partnership in addressing transborder crisis.
She said that the British government is willing to contribute in developmental programs in the region, noting that it would participate as a ally not aid giver.
