The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ambassador Edward Kallon has appealed to Lake Chad Governors Forum and development partners to enhance effective cooperation around the stabilization, peace building and conflict prevention in the Lake Chad Basin.
He also said that the presence of UN, international community, governments and other humanitarian partners in Maiduguri at the first Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum held in Maiduguri was a firm demonstration of the collective resolve of the Lake Chad member states and the international community to ensure that the current challenges of the region were turned into opportunities for a new dawn.
Speaking at the LCBGF first meeting yesterday held at the multi-purpose hall of the Government House Maiduguri, the UN Coordinator added that despite that progress made insecurity and humanitarian activities in recent years in the region, there was the need for more to be done to assure the people of the Lake Chad Basin of their safety, human rights abs dignity, livelihoods and prosperity for the future.
He noted that the people of the region have suffered for so long and there was the need to redouble collective efforts in addressing the underlying causes of the crisis.
According to him, based on the recommendations from recent consultations or discussions with over 1000 people across the region, affected communities were urging to participate and contribute in finding a lasting solution to the crisis and their voices must be heard.
Appreciating the initiative of the Lake Chad Basin Governors to establish this forum in strengthening dialogue, information exchange and coordination and collaboration in cross border initiatives, he hoped that the forum will enhance the effective participation of local communities in defining pathways to the crisis.
