Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has been elected as the new chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum. His appointment was confirmed during the forum’s 5th meeting, and he will serve for two years.

In his speech, Buni thanked his fellow governors and delegates for trusting him with this leadership role. He promised to work closely with development partners and stakeholders to bring positive changes to the region.

His leadership will focus on:

• Strengthening cross-border cooperation
• Improving security in the region
• Encouraging sustainable development

Buni also acknowledged the efforts of the outgoing chairperson, Governor Ildjima Abdraman of Hadjer Lamis Province, Chad. He praised her leadership and dedication to the forum’s objectives.

The Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum brings together regional leaders to address major challenges, including:

• Security issues
• Climate change effects
• Economic development

Buni emphasized the need for continued collaboration and resource mobilization to turn the forum’s resolutions into real actions.

The newly elected Chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum said: “It is gratifying that as we celebrate the successful end of this meeting, my colleagues have found me worthy of chairing the forum for the next two years.

“I wish to on behalf of myself, the government and the people of Yobe state, commend and appreciate the decision of my colleagues for endorsing me as the new chairman of the Forum.

“Let me use this opportunity to reassure you my dear colleagues that, l shall serve with a great sense of responsibility, and the commitment deserving of the office.

“I shall liaise and work closely with you and all the development partners for us to be on the same page to work for the success of the forum, and the general development of the region.”

As the new chairman, Buni is determined to work towards a stable and prosperous Lake Chad Basin region. He urged all members to support ongoing initiatives and develop new strategies to improve the lives of people in the area.

Gov. Buni said, “I especially thank the outgoing chairperson of this forum, Her Excellency Ildjima Abdraman, Governor of Hadjer Lamis province, Chad for her leadership.

“On this note, l humbly accept the decision of my colleagues, and the opportunity given to me and the Yobe state government to serve as the chairman of the Forum.

“I wish to start by expressing my appreciation, and the profound gratitude of the government and people of Yobe state to Your Excellencies my colleagues the Governors of the Lake Chad Basin region, delegates and all other stakeholders for attending and also contributing to making this event a success story.

“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his leadership and commitment to peace, security, and development of the Lake Chad Basin region.

“I am convinced that we have made our stay here in the last few days very memorable and fruitful; with justice done to the theme of the meeting “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community.

“It is my hope as the host governor that we will internalize, domesticate, and act on the lessons and resolutions of this meeting; to move forward from discussions to an all-inclusive action-packed implementation that ensures everyone is carried along for the growth and development of the region.

“Therefore, we look forward to a more robust partnership, support, and the needed resource allocation for us to individually and collectively actualize our shared ambition of building a better and prosperous region for our people. I thank you so much and wish us all journey mercy back to our respective destinations.”

With this new leadership, the forum aims to drive meaningful progress in security, economy, and regional cooperation.