By Khadija Ngulde (9NEWS NIGERIA, YOBE)
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum, held a strategic joint meeting with the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Tuesday.
The Committee which, headed by the Yobe State Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali, held a two-day session aimed to align efforts and finalize preparations for the forum.
The Governor’s Forum is set to take place in Yobe State from January 29 to 31, 2025, with pre-forum activities scheduled for January 27 and 28.
During the meeting, the LOC Chairman praised the leadership of Yobe State Governor Hon. Mai Mala Buni and Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum for their commitment to ensuring the forum’s success.
Key highlights of the meeting include review of Progress of earlier resolutions to track milestones and address pending issues, representatives from the LOC and LCBC also delivered detailed presentations on the Governors Forum, Pre-Forum, Civil Society Forum, and Traditional Rulers’ meeting.
These presentations outlined thematic priorities and set the stage for meaningful discussions among regional stakeholders.
Commitment to the success of the forum, both LOC and LCBC/UNDP teams expressed optimism about the forum’s potential to address regional challenges, strengthen governance, and foster sustainable development.
The LCBC team was led by Hycinth Banseka, Director of Technical LCBC, while the UNDP team in Nigeria was led by Sarah Zingg.
Other notable attendees included heads of LOC sub-committees such as Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam, Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice Hajiya Halima Kyari Joda, Alhaji Baba Shehu, Suleiman Dauda, and Hajja Yabawa Kolo.
The meeting concluded with recommendations for intensified collaboration, timely resolution of pending tasks, and site-specific assessments.
Other stakeholders also reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the success of the forum.
