The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Borno state government have established Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum to promote dialogue and conflict resolution.
This was disclosed by the UNDP communication analyst, Miss Eno Jonathan, yesterday at a joint press conference in Maiduguri.
According to her, the dialogue and conflict prevention forum is to encourage sustainable development and peace among the member countries; Chad, Nigeria, Cameroun and Niger Republic.
The governors will be charged with the responsibility of promoting sustainable dialogue, and information system sharing technique to strengthen coordination of activities across the borders of the Lake Chad Basin.
“The first International Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum will create an enabling environment for state authorities at the sub-national level, and across common borderlands,” she said.
The UNDP communication analyst further explained that about 150 participants, including resident ambassadors, international development and donor partners will be expected next week at the inaugural meeting of the forum.
Others expected include the traditional rulers, civil society groups and non-governmental organisations.
Speaking, the Special Adviser to Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state, Mr. Tukur Mshelia, explained that the forum will showcase government’s efforts in rebuilding the state after the damage by the Boko Haram insurgents.
“It is an avenue to create more international awareness and get the desired commitment to save Lake Chad, which has lost 90 per cent of its water body,” Tukur said.
