Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, who serves as the Chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum (LCBCF), has reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to achieving security and economic growth and development in the region.

Buni made the pledges on Wednesday, when he visited the Lake Chad Basin Commission headquarters in N’Djamena, Chad.

The governor expressed his commitment to fostering a strong partnership with the Commission, by congratulating the newly appointed Executive Secretary, Amb. Ibrahim Babani.

He also emphasized the crucial timing of Babani’s leadership amid challenges of shared security, stabilization, and development in the Lake Chad Basin.

“You have taken this responsibility at a consequential moment… our shared challenges demand stronger political coordination and a renewed sense of common purpose,” Gov. Buni stated. He assured the Executive Secretary of the Governors’ Forum’s readiness to collaborate closely in advancing their collective agenda.

The Governor also expressed appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to regional peace and cooperation among member states. “His administration’s support for multilateral cooperation, the Multinational Joint Task Force, and regional stabilization efforts remain vital to our collective pursuit of lasting peace and shared prosperity,” he said.

In addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the region, including insecurity, displacement, climate pressures, and violent extremism, Buni underscored the importance of solidarity and collective action.

He, therefore urged the commission to strengthen its engagements with the African Union, UNDP, international financial institutions, and other relevant stakeholders to achieve the set targets.

In a related development. Buni visited the Headquarters of the Multinational Joint Task Force, where he discussed the ongoing fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad region.

He pledged to bring their experiences and challenges to the attention of President Tinubu, particularly concerning the withdrawal of Niger from the Task Force and the pressing need for enhanced resources and manpower for the region’s sustainable security and development.