Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has been elected as the chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum for the next two years.
This was announced on Friday at the end of the 5th edition of the forum’s meeting in Maiduguri, Borno State.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Buni thanked his colleagues, the Governors of the Lake Chad Basin region, delegates, and all other stakeholders for attending and contributing to making the event a success.
“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 internalise, domesticate, and act on the lessons and resolutions of this meeting; moving from discussions to all-inclusive, action-packed implementation that ensures everyone is carried along for the growth and development of the region,” he said.
The new regional chairman hoped for more robust partnerships, support, and the necessary resource allocation for them to individually and collectively actualise their shared ambition of building a better and more prosperous region for their people.
“It is gratifying that as we celebrate the successful conclusion of this meeting, my colleagues have found me worthy of chairing the forum for the next two years,” he added.
On behalf of the government and people of Yobe State, Buni commended and appreciated the decision of his colleagues to endorse him as the new chairman of the forum.
He reassured them that he would 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 so that we are all on the same page to work for the success of the forum and the general development of the region,” he pledged.
The new chair thanked the outgoing chairperson of the forum, Ildjima Abdraman, Governor of Hadjer Lamis province, Chad, for her leadership.
“On this note, I 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,” he declared.
