By Kasim Isa Muhammad
The successful hosting of the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri is a clear spectacle of governance, strategic planning, and people-centered commitment to regional cooperation. Under the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni, Yobe has proved not only its capacity to host high-profile international events but also its dedication to advancing economic stability, security, and sustainable development in the Lake Chad Basin region.
The gargantuan challenges faced in organising such an event were intricate, yet the outcome has received plaudits from all quarters. While despite the cynicism that often surrounds political gatherings, the forum was more than a performative display—it was an earnest attempt at forging an alliance among stakeholders to address pressing regional issues. The scale of planning required, from managing deficits in available infrastructure to securing international partnerships, is a clear indication to the administration’s tensile strength in leadership.
Bringing together over 1,200 participants, including eight governors, ministers, legislators, traditional rulers, international delegates, and civil society organisations, the forum demonstrates the plight of the disenfranchised communities in the region. The discussions focused on market-centric development strategies, while also addressing recessionary trends that continue to impact the Lake Chad Basin.
Of course, hosting this event in Maiduguri, rather than in Abuja or any other major Nigerian city, was an unlikely but calculated decision that sent a good message of resilience and regional stability. The politicians involved had to navigate an uneasy political landscape, balancing opportunism with genuine commitment to the welfare of the people.
Such a move is reminiscent of the Machiavellian approach often seen in Nigerian politics, where leadership is tested not only by conviction but also by the ability to make opportunistic alliances. However, Governor Buni’s role in ensuring a seamless event went beyond the performative—his engagement reflected a genuine effort to prioritize regional stability over populist gestures.
The forum’s critical thematic focus on rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin tackled social and economic challenges, including neglected development, inhumane living conditions, and the betrayal felt by communities that have long suffered the consequences of insurgency and environmental degradation.
The discussions and panel sessions were compassionate yet practical, highlighting both idealism and the realpolitik necessary to achieve tangible outcomes. The necessity of cross-border coalition efforts was a recurring theme, as participants examined how to counter the effects of conflict, displacement, and disenfranchisement.
Unlike past forums that have been dismissed as shrill political talk, this edition was different—it sought to counter apathy and disillusionment with actionable solutions. The presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, added weight to the discussions, ensuring that the event was not just another political spectacle, but rather a fundamental step towards regional rehabilitation.
Nonetheless, the forum has positioned Yobe State as a rightwing leader in regional diplomacy and development. Governor Buni’s emergence as the new Chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum signals a volte-face in the perception of Yobe’s role in international engagements. This pendulum swing in leadership dynamics presents both potential and complications. His new role will require careful navigation of common grievances among member states while ensuring that the region does not succumb to the neglect that has defined past interventions.
Mai Mala Buni’s leadership leadership will be tested on multiple fronts—balancing populist expectations with the realities of governance, countering opportunism, and ensuring that regional policies are people-centered rather than performative. With this millennium ushering in new geopolitical complexities, the ability to form strategic partnerships will be key. Given the documented history of regional conflicts, Governor Buni must act with both ruthless efficiency and compassionate foresight.
The decision to host the event in Maiduguri—a city deeply affected by insurgency—was a spectacle in itself. This bold move has redefined perceptions of security and stability in the North East, proving that with the right level of commitment, even the most challenging environments can become centers of diplomacy and development.
The execution of this forum has set a precedence for how future international gatherings in Nigeria should be handled. Rather than focusing solely on the ills of governance, this event was a demonstration of survival, resilience, and proactive leadership.
The forum’s success has ensured that Yobe is no longer viewed as a neglected state but rather as a key player in national and international policy-making.
With Governor Buni now at the helm of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, the expectations are critical. The coming years will demand stronger coalition efforts, pragmatic solutions, and sustained commitment to addressing the region’s challenges. If the execution of this forum is anything to go by, there is every reason to believe that under his leadership, the Lake Chad Basin region will continue to witness economic and social transformations.
More importantly, the political realities remain exceedingly challenging. The forum itself may have concluded, but the see-saw of governance continues. It is now up to the stakeholders involved to ensure that this event was not just a fleeting spectacle, but the beginning of a sustained effort to counter the problems that has long plagued the region.
The people of the Lake Chad Basin cannot afford another cycle of betrayal—they are expecting genuine progress. Governor Buni’s leadership must prove that this forum was not just a political means to an end, but a real step toward change. If he succeeds, Yobe State’s role in regional affairs will be cemented for years to come. If not, this moment of triumph could become yet another pendulum swing in the long history of Nigerian governance.
Kasim Isa Muhammad wrote from Potiskum, Yobe State.