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04/10/2026

Zande Daturam Mawye

01/10/2026

Zulum on Independence Day: "Don't Let a Few Derail Borno's Hard-Earned Peace"
..Highlights 1,500 Cluster-Projects, 2 Million Resettled Residents

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara, has felicitated with the people of Borno State and Nigerians on the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

In his Independence Day message, the Governor paid tribute to Nigeria's founding fathers and other leaders who made sacrifices for the country's unity, growth and development through more than six decades of trials and tribulations.

"As we celebrate 66 years of nationhood, we honour our founding fathers and all the leaders who gave their lives for the unity, growth and development of Nigeria, despite the trials our country has endured," Zulum stated.

Governor Zulum called on citizens to protect the peace Borno has worked so hard to regain and to keep campaigns free of rancour as the political season begins.

He restated his commitment to consolidating peace, protecting citizens' rights, laying a sound foundation for younger generations, and ensuring the safe, voluntary and dignified resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.

"About two million of our people have returned to their communities, and we are working to resettle more. We must not allow a few unpatriotic people to derail this hard-earned peace."

The Governor said his administration has invested heavily in restoring security, developing human capital, improving infrastructure, boosting agriculture, resettling displaced persons and rebuilding communities. He said the government has carried out more than 1,500 clusters of projects across the 27 local government areas over the past seven years.

Governor Babagana Zulum stressed that these projects have improved lives and livelihoods and strengthened security, stability and resettlement. He credited the improved security to the joint efforts of security personnel, volunteers, and traditional, community and religious leaders, and above all to the resilience of the people of Borno.

"The improved security we enjoy today is the result of the collective efforts of our gallant security personnel, volunteers, traditional, community and religious leaders and, above all, the resilient people of Borno," he added.

The Governor said about two million people have returned to their communities so far, and efforts are under way to resettle more IDPs. He added that over 30,000 homes, schools, clinics and other public facilities destroyed during the insurgency have been rebuilt.

In education, he said the number of functional secondary schools grew from 34 in 2019 to 129 in 2026. Enrolment has increased to 1.8 million children, the number of teachers has also risen, and the government is prioritizing digital and vocational education.

Professor Zulum also pointed to major investments in agriculture to support year-round farming, a strengthened health system, and expanded access to healthcare for more vulnerable residents through the state contributory health scheme.

He said the administration is opening up business and economic opportunities to drive post-conflict recovery in sectors where Borno has a comparative advantage. He described the state as an emerging investment destination because of its strategic location, human capital, and natural resources.

"Borno is now an investment destination because of its strategic location and its human capital and natural resources. We are unlocking opportunities that will drive our post-conflict recovery."

The Governor urged citizens to uphold unity and peaceful coexistence, reject violence, and respect the rule of law for sustainable development in the state and the country. "As the political season sets in, let us conduct our campaigns without rancour, so we do not undermine the relative peace and stability our state now enjoys."

Zulum thanked the people of Borno for their continued support and promised to sustain his administration's momentum until his last day in office.

27/09/2026

26/09/2026

A Recognition of Resilience, Leadership and Service: Celebrating Governor Zulum’s Pan-African Honour.

By: Ali Mamman Shuwa

The conferment of the 2026 Quintessence Pan-African Top Leadership Award on the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, is not merely a recognition of an individual. It is, in many respects, a recognition of resilience, service, reconstruction and the determination of a people to rebuild their lives in the face of adversity.

I therefore join the people of Borno State, Nigerians and well-wishers across Africa in congratulating His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, on this prestigious continental honour.

The award, presented in New Jersey, United States, is particularly significant because the Quintessence Award recognises distinguished accomplishments and outstanding contributions to the history and heritage of African people. The fact that it is presented annually to one continental African leader and one African American leader makes the recognition especially notable.

For Borno, the honour carries an even deeper meaning.

*An Award Beyond One Man*

Governor Zulum himself captured the essence of the recognition when he dedicated the award to the resilient people of Borno and to Nigerians and Africans who continue to work towards restoring dignity and opportunity to their communities.

That gesture is important because the story of Borno over the past years cannot be told through the actions of government alone. It is also the story of communities that survived displacement, families that lost homes and livelihoods, teachers who continued to educate children under difficult circumstances, health workers who served communities in challenging environments, security personnel who stood in defence of the people and ordinary citizens who refused to surrender hope.

Governor Zulum's decision to dedicate the award to the people therefore makes it a collective recognition.

It is a recognition of a people who have demonstrated extraordinary courage and determination to rebuild.

*Leadership Through Reconstruction.*

Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Zulum has consistently placed reconstruction, rehabilitation, resettlement and human development among the major priorities of his administration.

The figures associated with the reconstruction programme are significant. According to the Governor, more than 30,000 homes, schools, clinics and other public facilities have been reconstructed or delivered, alongside more than 1,000 capital projects over the years.

*Behind these statistics are human stories.*

A reconstructed house means a displaced family can return home with dignity. A rebuilt school means children can learn closer to their communities. A health facility means mothers and children can access medical attention without travelling long distances.

This is why development should not be measured only in kilometres of roads, numbers of buildings or amounts of money spent. Its ultimate measure is the difference it makes in the lives of people.

*From Mafa to Global Recognition*

There is also something symbolic about Governor Zulum's reflection on his upbringing in a farming community in Mafa Local Government Area.

Coming from a modest background and rising to become Governor of Borno State, his story reinforces the idea that leadership can be a platform for creating opportunities for others.

His statement that “Leadership is not about grand titles, but about building ladders of opportunity so everyone can climb” captures a philosophy of public service that places people at the centre of governance.

The journey from a farming community in Mafa to an international stage in New Jersey is, therefore, more than a personal journey. It is also a reminder of the potential that exists within ordinary communities when education, opportunity and purposeful leadership are given the necessary space to thrive.

*The Diaspora and the Future of Africa*

Another important dimension of Governor Zulum's acceptance speech was his appeal to Africans in the diaspora to invest not only their financial resources but also their knowledge, skills, experience and ideas in Africa.

This message deserves serious consideration.

Africa's development requires more than government intervention. It requires partnerships among governments, the private sector, professionals, investors, academics, technology experts and members of the diaspora.

The Governor's call for investment in factories, schools, healthcare, technology hubs, start-ups, teacher training and institutions reflects the broader need to transform Africa's enormous human potential into sustainable development.

For Borno, such partnerships could be particularly valuable as the state continues its reconstruction and recovery process.

*A Recognition That Brings Responsibility*

Awards of this nature are not only occasions for celebration; they also bring greater responsibility.

For Governor Zulum, the recognition should serve as encouragement to continue pursuing policies and programmes that improve the lives of citizens, while maintaining accountability to the people.

It also places Borno more prominently on the continental and international development map.

The presence of distinguished personalities at the ceremony—including former UN Deputy Secretary-General Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum and Governor of Kwara State Dr Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the Emir of Kano HRH Muhammad Sanusi II, former Minister of Finance Dr Mansur Mukhtar and other Nigerian and African dignitaries—further underlines the importance of the occasion.

Congratulations, Your Excellency

As a citizen and media professional from Borno, I sincerely congratulate His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on this well-deserved recognition.

The award is a moment of pride for Borno State and an opportunity to tell the Borno story beyond the narrative of conflict—to tell the story of reconstruction, resilience, education, agriculture, human development, innovation and hope.

May this honour strengthen the resolve to do more for the people.

May it inspire more Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora to contribute their knowledge, resources and ideas towards the development of the continent.

And may the story of Borno continue to evolve from one of adversity to one of resilience and renewed opportunity.

Congratulations, Your Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on the 2026 Quintessence Pan-African Top Leadership Award.

The honour may have been presented to one leader, but its message belongs to an entire people: Borno's resilience cannot be defeated, and Africa's future must be built by Africans together.

— Ali Mamman Shuwa

26/09/2026

26/09/2026

Bukar Talba Supports APC Ward Executives in Marte, Monguno, Nganzai with Cash, Food Items.

Member representing Marte, Monguno and Nganzai Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Engr. Bukar Talba FNSE, has extended cash and food support to APC ward executives across the three Local Government Areas.

The beneficiaries comprised APC Ward Chairmen, Secretaries, Youth Leaders and Women Leaders from Marte, Monguno and Nganzai Local Government Areas.

The beneficiaries received cash support and food items, including spaghetti, as part of the gesture aimed at supporting the party executives and strengthening their engagement at the grassroots.

The presentation was witnessed by APC Chairmen and Secretaries from the three Local Government Areas, as well as the Senior Legislative Aide, Alhaji Mohammed Nur Monguno, FADAMA Coordinator, Maina Mustapha Arjinoma, the Member's Legislative Aide and other party stakeholders.

Speaking during the occasion, Hon. Engr. Bukar Talba emphasized the importance of maintaining close contact with party structures and stakeholders at the grassroots.

The gesture is part of the lawmaker's continued engagement with APC party executives and stakeholders across Marte, Monguno and Nganzai Federal Constituency.

The beneficiaries expressed appreciation to Hon. Engr. Bukar Talba for the support, describing it as timely and an indication of his continued commitment to the welfare of party members and grassroots stakeholders.

26/09/2026

Zulum Receives Pan-African Leadership Award, Dedicates Honour to Borno’s Resilient People
.. Urges Diaspora to Invest in Productive African Future

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has received the 2026 Quintessence Pan-African Top Leadership Award, dedicating the honour to the resilient people of Borno and to Nigerians working to restore dignity and opportunity to their communities.

The Quintessence Award is presented each year to one continental African leader and one African American leader for distinguished accomplishments in their field of endeavor and outstanding contributions to the history and heritage of African people.

This year's edition was chaired by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, and had in attendance the Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum, Dr Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammad Sanusi II; Nigerian ambassador to Ethiopia; the Consul General of Nigeria in Atlanta; former Nigerian Minister of Finance Dr Mansur Mukhtar.

Speaking at the award ceremony on Friday in New Jersey, Governor Babagana Zulum said the recognition was “not for me alone” but for everyone who had worked to turn ideas into action and improve people’s lives.

"This recognition is not for me alone, but for the resilient people of Borno, every Nigerian and African who has worked tirelessly to turn ideas into action, and to bring dignity to the lives of our people," Zulum said.

The governor said his upbringing in a farming community in Mafa Local Government Area shaped his belief that leadership should open doors for others, particularly children whose potentials might otherwise go unnoticed.

“Leadership is not about grand titles, but about building ladders of opportunity so everyone can climb,” he said.

Reflecting on Borno’s recovery from Boko Haram insurgency, Zulum said his administration had focused on rebuilding homes, schools, health facilities and other public infrastructure.

According to the Governor, his administration has reconstructed more than 30,000 homes, schools, clinics and other public facilities since he assumed office in 2019. He said that in the first year alone, 326 projects were completed, including more than 6,000 houses for families affected by the conflict, and that he has delivered more than 1,000 capital projects over the past six years.

Zulum described the projects as more than statistics, saying they represented shelter for displaced families, classrooms for children and health centres where mothers could receive care.

Zulum urged Nigerians and other Africans in the diaspora to invest not only their money but also their skills and ideas in businesses, education and healthcare back home. He described Africa’s greatest asset as its young people and called for greater investment in their education, health and creativity.

“I call on you to invest back home — not just your capital, but your skills and ideas,” he said. “Every factory you build, every school you help fund, is an investment in Africa’s greatest resource: our people.”

The governor said remittances provide vital support to families, but argued that channeling even a fraction of those funds into factories, schools and clinics could generate wider benefits. He encouraged the diaspora and international partners to support start-ups, technology hubs, teacher training and stronger institutions.

Describing leadership as service rather than status, Zulum urged teachers, healthcare workers, business owners and others to make a difference in their communities without waiting for an official title.

"My message today is that leaders are enablers, not distant rulers," Zulum concluded.

The Governor was accompanied at the event by the First Lady of Borno State, Dr Falmata Babagana Zulum; Chief Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development, Partnership and Humanitarian Support, Dr Mairo Mandara; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Zuwaira Gambo; and Chairman, Governing Board, Kashim Ibrahim Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo.

Others who accompanied His Excellency included Dr Thameer Kezamal and Mr Huber Shaiyen, who also chaired the Borno Investment Roundtable, among other dignitaries.