Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has revealed that Nigeria is home to 74% of the people affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
Governor Buni made this known in Maiduguri on Wednesday at the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum.
He reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to working with its neighbours for peace and stability, highlighting the country’s important role in finding collaborative and strategic solutions to the ongoing crisis.
The forum, with the theme “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community,” is an opportunity to assess what has been achieved so far and to tackle the many problems facing the region.
These problems, he pointed out, include population growth, security concerns, a lack of good infrastructure, the effects of climate change, and economic and social inequalities.
While acknowledging the serious challenges, Governor Buni expressed optimism, mentioning the progress made in stabilising the region, the return of displaced people to their homes, and the growing push for long-term solutions.
“This forum strengthens good governance, cross-border cooperation, dialogue, and coordinated action among the eight territories of the Lake Chad Basin.
“It’s a key platform for policy discussions and the development of programmes designed to stabilise and develop the region,” he said.
Governor Buni explained the significance of the Regional Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery, and Resilience (RS-SRR) and its local Territorial Action Plans.
He said that Yobe State has benefited from the RS-SRR through various projects, adding that continued partnerships and financial support are essential to build on these successes.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the United Nations, the Lake Chad Basin Commission, the UNDP, the African Union, development partners, and all those involved for their contributions.
He urged stakeholders to remain committed to peace, collaboration, and resilience, striving for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Lake Chad Basin region.
Governor Buni welcomed all participants to Maiduguri and wished them productive discussions.
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