President Bola Tinubu has called for a multifaceted response to terrorism, insurgency and other forms of security threats in the Lake Chad Basin region.
Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made the call when he declared open the 5th Meeting of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, in Maiduguri.
The meeting, hosted by Yobe State Government, brought together eight governors from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic; humanitarian organisations, local and international communities to address pressing security challenges and explore solutions for stability in the region.
“Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, our response to these threats must be multifaceted.
“While military solutions are indispensable, they must be complemented by strategies that address the root causes of insecurity – poverty, inequality, and the lack of opportunities for our youth.
“It is a tragic irony that Africa, a continent with the youngest population in the world, sees its youth become cannon fodder for destructive ideologies and the drivers of conflict.
“Hard power may secure borders, but it is soft power—through diplomacy, culture, and shared values—that builds bridges and binds us together.”
Tinubu cautioned the governors and other stakeholders against allowing “the geopolitical tensions across the world to sow discord” in the region, and submitting themselves “to become tools in any proxy agenda.”
“The salvation of the Lake Chad region is neither in Europe nor in the Americas. It lies in the hands of all those gathered here today.
“You, distinguished representatives of this forum, embody not only our collective will to protect the region but also the transformative potential that stability brings.”
Earlier, Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, said that the forum was an opportunity for states around the Lake Chad Basin region across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon Republics to discuss and reflect on the journey so far.
He noted that as partners in progress, the Yobe Government provided the platform for participants to strengthen contact and collaboration for stabilisation, recovery and resilience across the Lake Chad Basin in the months and years ahead.
Also, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, commended the strategic partners of the forum, saying their contributions have enabled governments of the forum to tackle some of their challenges to strengthen and rebuild the region.
For his part, Gov. Umaru Fintri of Adamawa said the basin had passed through the worst environmental moment, leading to the shrinking of Lake Chad.
The Executive Secretary of Lake Chad Basin Commission, Amb. Mamman Nuhu, said the forum’s meeting “serves as a critical platform for fostering dialogue and enhanced collaboration.”
Ms Cynthia Rowe, Development Director for the British High Commission, Nigeria, and Representative of International Support Group, commended governors of the region for the marked improvement in the face of daunting challenges.
She pledged the support of funding partners in their continued efforts to assist the forum achieve its objectives.
