By Gbenga Akingbule.
In a move seen as a major morale booster, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week applauded the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum for his relentless commitment to the development of the state, with special recognition for the governor’s unprecedented Ramadan food distribution to 300,000 households.
Gatekeepers News reports that President Tinubu single out Prof. Zulum for not only reaching out to Muslims at Ramadan but also Christians who are also observing Lent.
The president’s commendation which came during an interfaith dinner with state governors at the Stste House in Abuja was not unconnected to the remarkable progress being made by the governor in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare , security amongst others.
According to President Tinubu ” I must refer to the generosity of Prof. Zulum , i saw the lay out of those Ramadan outreach (food support) both for the Muslims and Christians. That is a very very good spirit.”
In a notable gesture, the President began by recognizing Prof. Zulum’s humanitarian efforts in supporting vulnerable residents of Borno State with food supplies, before he proceded to jointly commend other governor’s present at the event.
That singular gesture from Mr President, in singling out Prof. Zulum for commendation, according to observers, not only validates the ongoing transformation in the state but also marks a fresh challenge for the governor to intensify efforts in delivering more impactful projects and improving the overall well-being of his people.
The Deputy Director of Archive Records Management and Training at the University of Maiduguri( UNIMAID) , Associate Professor Mohammed Ali Mechanic, said President Tinubu acted appropriately in commending Zulum for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian support.
” It’s patinent to note that the President’s commendation is long overdue. Prof. Zulum has positively impacted the lives of ordinary people across the state. The food distribution programme is just one among many initiatives designed to uplift vulnerable communities, stimulate local livelihoods, and restore hope to families affected by years of hardship.
” Prof. Zulum consistent focus on humanitarian support, infrastructure renewal, security of lives and properties, speaks to a broader commitment to rebuilding Borno and improving the quality of life for its citizens.” Mechanic said .
Political observers note that this is not the first time Prof. Zulum has earned presidential commendation under the President Bola Tinubu led – administration. The Borno governor was recently applauded by the President alongside few of his colleagues — further reinforcing his growing national recognition.
Under Governor Zulum’s leadership, Borno State has witnessed significant transformation. Roads that were previously inaccessible due to the ravages of the Boko Haram insurgency have been rebuilt, connecting rural communities to urban centers and facilitating trade and commerce.
For the first time in its history, the state is witnessing the construction of massive flyovers at strategic locations within Maiduguri, the state capital, transforming its urban landscape and giving it a modern outlook comparable to what is obtainable in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. The landmark infrastructure projects are not only easing traffic congestion but also signaling a bold step toward rapid urban development and economic growth.
Schools that were destroyed by suspected Boko Haram Terrorist in the ongoing over 16 years war have been rebuilt , providing a conducive learning environment for children who had previously been denied access to education. Schools enrolment has also increased with the construction of over 100 Mega schools in urban and rural areas of the state .
” We had 2.2 million children out- of -school children which was the highest in Nigeria. But today , it had dropped to 800,000 and we now have 1.4 million children in school.
” The progress recorded in the education sector is a direct result of your visionary leadership and sustained investment in human and capital development. In 2026 fiscal year, government allocated I5.2% of it’s total budget of N890 to education, we were allocated N134 Billion as our 2026 budget – this allocation underscores the priority given to education as a key driver of put long term social- economic development in line with our 25 years development plan .” Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe said on Monday.
Healthcare facilities have also been significantly upgraded. What many believe will be one of the best state-owned Teaching Hospitals in the country is now nearing completion, with modern equipment being installed and trained personnel on standby to ensure patients receive quality medical care.
The governor’s focus on empowering youths and women has also yielded positive results, with many beneficiaries of his programs going on to become successful entrepreneurs and leaders in their communities. The governor’s initiatives, such as the provision of grants, micro-credit facilities and skills acquisition training, have helped to reduce unemployment and poverty in the state.
In the area of security, Prof Zulum’s administration has placed deliberate and sustained attention on safeguarding lives and property. This has been achieved through strengthened collaboration with security agencies, support for community-based security initiatives, and the provision of critical logistics and operational assistance to the Military, Police, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and the Hunters Association—all working collectively to defeat Boko Haram insurgents and restore lasting peace across the state.
Zulum’s dogged determination to find lasting solutions to the security challenges in Borno once placed him directly in harm’s way, as his convoy came under gunfire from Boko Haram insurgents. In clear defiance of the threats, Governor Zulum remained unperturbed, continuing his visits to areas widely regarded as high-risk in order to personally assess conditions, engage with affected communities, and facilitate the safe return of thousands of residents who had fled to neighbouring countries for years due to insurgency
Last week, governor Zulum said during his first Executive Council Meeting for the year that security of lives and property of Borno citizens remains top priority, noting that ” we will continue to do our best to sustain the current stability and this Executive Council will not hesitate to give approvals for the expenditures that are related to security with a view to ending this menace (Boko Haram insurgency)
The president’s commendation is no doubt testament to Governor Zulum’s unwavering commitment to the development of Borno State. Despite the challenges posed by the Boko Haram insurgency, the governor has remained steadfast in his determination to improve the lives of the people of Borno.
His leadership has inspired confidence in the people, and his vision for the state has attracted investors and partners who are eager to contribute to its development.
As Borno State looks to the future, it is clear that Governor Zulum’s development drive will continue to shape its trajectory for years to come. Prof. Zulum has indeed raised the bar of governance, setting a new benchmark for accountability, grassroots engagement, and people-centred policies for whoever emerges as the next governor of the state.
Such a successor must be prepared to sustain the momentum, consolidate on the gains recorded in security, infrastructure, healthcare , education amongst others. The successor most demonstrate the same courage, transparency and commitment to inclusive development that have come to define the current administration.
