PRESS RELEASE Zulum Named 2026 Quintessence Award, First Northern Governor to Win Pan-Africa's Top Leadership Award Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara @ProfZulum , has been named the 2026 recipient of the Quintessence Award, the preeminent Pan-African Leadership Award in North America, becoming the first governor from Northern Nigeria to receive this honour. Zulum, who is currently in New York for the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81), is part of the Nigerian delegation to accompany the Vice President, Senator @KashimSM Shettima, who is leading the Federal Government team to deliver Nigeria's national statement at the General Debate and will also participate in several sideline engagements, including the Nigeria Investment Forum. Before proceeding to the United States, the Governor held a series of high-level strategic engagements in Canada, where he signed a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of Borno State Government with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) on technical education, workforce development and skills transfer among other areas designed to strengthen the human capital base driving Borno's post-insurgency recovery. The Governor's nomination was conveyed in a letter from the Executive Director of the African Writers Endowment (AWE), the New Jersey-based non-profit organisation, Dr Ugorji O. Ugorji, who said Zulum was selected in recognition of his "remarkable accomplishments as an academic, scholar and educational administrator," alongside his distinguished tenure as Governor of Borno State, particularly for stemming the tide of insecurity and significantly reshaping the infrastructural landscape of the state. The award will be presented at the "Quintessence Ball: A Celebration of African People in World History," which brings together African people from Africa, North America, and the Caribbean. This year's ceremony will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, New Jersey, United States of America. According to Dr Ugorji, the Quintessence Award is presented each year to at least one continental African leader and one African American leader, "for distinguished accomplishments in the person's field of endeavour, and for outstanding contributions to the history and heritage of African people." This year's edition of the Quintessence Conference and Awards will be chaired by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, CFR, former Chief of Staff to the late President Muhammadu Buhari and one-time Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, who was himself the maiden recipient of the award in 1998. A major highlight of the conference will be a special symposium titled "Investment Opportunities in Borno State: Doorway to the Chad Region." The interactive session will spotlight the vast economic, agricultural, and cross-border trade opportunities opening up in Borno State, as well as the Governor's development record in rebuilding communities, restoring livelihoods, and repositioning the state as a strategic gateway to the Lake Chad Basin. With this recognition, Governor Zulum joins a distinguished roll of past laureates that includes Professor Chinua Achebe, Professor Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, Congressman Donald Payne, Professor Toyin Falola, Professor Molefi Kete Asante, and former Governors Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Kayode Fayemi, among other eminent Africans and African Americans. The organisers disclosed that the Quintessence Award is traditionally accompanied by a proclamation from the Governor of New Jersey and a joint resolution of the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly in honour of the recipients. Governor Babagana Zulum is a multiple award-winning governor who received the Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award in 2024. Dauda Iliya Special Adviser to Borno State Governor (Media/Spokesperson)

Zulum opens flyover bridge, road projects, 2 schools in Maiduguri Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has commissioned a flyover bridge, the 2.5 km Budum Junction via Kasuwan Shanu to NIETAL shoe factory express road project with a 5 km drainage network and two mega schools in Maiduguri, the state capital. The commissioning ceremony, held on Sunday, witnessed the symbolic cutting of the tape by the governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, who was the special guest of honour. The newly inaugurated Post Office 9 span Flyover is part of the Zulum administration’s urban renewal drive. It is the fourth flyover bridge the governor has constructed. This is in addition to several kilometres of road networks executed across the state to ease traffic congestion and boost economic activity. Speaking at the event, Governor Sule praised his Borno counterpart for his visionary leadership and commitment to infrastructure development despite the security challenges the state faces.  He noted that the projects would significantly improve the quality of life for residents. He said, “A speech was prepared for me; I wish there were no prepared speech. Because what I have seen in Borno today is worth me actually standing here and talking for two hours, commending my dear brother for the wonderful job you are doing in the area of education and infrastructure. “The project we just commissioned some moments ago is a purposeful leadership and determination of the Borno State Government to provide infrastructure to meet the needs of the people.” “I commend you, Your Excellency, for demonstrating that even in the face of enormous challenges, government must continue to invest in its people, particularly in the education of our children, and I commend you for this wonderful job that you are doing.” In his remarks, Governor Zulum reiterated his administration’s dedication to bridging the infrastructure gap in Borno.  He explained that the road projects and flyover were designed not only to beautify the city but to facilitate the smooth movement of goods and ease economic activities. Beyond infrastructure, the governor highlighted his administration’s heavy investment in the education sector. He said over 120 mega schools have been constructed across the state to improve access to quality education for Borno children.  “Today, we have formally commissioned four important projects, namely: the Larawaram Community Senior Secondary School; the Shehu Sanda Kyarimi I Primary and Junior Secondary School; the Post Office 9-Span Flyover; and the dualized 2.5-kilometre road, together with 5 kilometres of drainage, from Budum Tandari Junction to Kasuwan Shanu. “These projects must be viewed within the broader context of the challenges our State has faced and the progress we have made in overcoming them. The insurgency destroyed more than 5,000 school structures, while at its peak, an estimated 2.2 million children were out of school, with fewer than 500,000 enrolled. Many teachers and school administrators also lost their lives in the course of duty. “We have also placed considerable emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), particularly in response to the disruption of learning, livelihoods and employment opportunities caused by the insurgency. “This administration has established 5 Vocational Enterprise Institutes, reactivated 11 Vocational Training Centres, and established 3 Second Chance Skills Entrepreneurship Schools for women and girls. “The journey of rebuilding Borno continues, and our commitment remains unwavering: to ensure that every child has access to quality education and the opportunity to build a productive and dignified future," Zulum said

Zulum Meets Heads of Tertiary Institutions, Pledges to Transform the Institutions Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to sustained investment in education, saying it remains central to securing a better future for the younger generation and positioning Borno as a hub for intellectuals and skilled professionals. The Governor made this known on Wednesday while hosting the Forum of Heads of Tertiary Institutions at the Council Chambers, Government House, Maiduguri. Zulum promised to review the salaries of staff at Ramat Polytechnic and the state's Colleges of Education, provide funding for the accreditation of academic programmes, recruit academic staff based on institutional demand, and construct, expand, and rehabilitate physical infrastructure of some institutions alongside other forms of institutional support. "Education is the bedrock for any meaningful development, and therefore investment in education will never be in vain," Zulum said. "I invited the heads of tertiary institutions to discuss one fundamental issue: the payment of salary arrears and the implementation of promotions and benefits for staff of tertiary institutions in the state. I want to pay, but I want you to review it very well and get back to me within the next one to two weeks," he added. The Governor said his priority is to transform two institutions, Abba Ashigar College of Business and Management Studies, Konduga, and the College of Legal and Islamic Studies to restore them to their rightful place in society. He directed the Provost of the College of Business and Management Studies, Konduga, which was established to provide skilled middle-level manpower for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) across the state, to reintroduce courses such as Office Technology and Auditing to enhance the capacity of local government staff. Zulum further pledged to rehabilitate the staff quarters at Ramat Polytechnic and remodel the students' hostel at the College of Nursing, Maiduguri, to accommodate more students. Speaking on behalf of the Forum, the Vice Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University, Professor Babagana Gutti, commended the Governor for the unprecedented progress recorded in the education sector, particularly at the primary and secondary levels, as well as the establishment of new federal and state tertiary institutions. He, however, appealed for additional funding to run the institutions, a review of staff salaries, recruitment of more academic and non-academic staff, construction of staff quarters at institutions that lack them, rehabilitation of existing staff quarters, and the provision of buses to ease students' transportation costs. The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, the Acting Head of Service, the Acting Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Heads of Agencies, Permanent Secretaries, and other government officials.

Happy Birthday to an Exceptional Boss! Wishing you a very happy and blessed birthday, Sir. May Almighty Allah grant you long life, good health, wisdom, and continued success in all your endeavors. Your leadership, guidance, and support are truly appreciated.

My Boss Hon commissioner Ministry of Works And Housing. Eng Adam Bukar Bababe

Zulum Approves Promotional Benefits and Leave Grants for Civil Servants ... establishes a task force to propose a strategy for implementing the new minimum wage for Local Government sector. The Borno State Government has approved immediate implementation of promotion salary and payment of leave grants for civil servants across the state. This is conveyed in an executive approval granted by Gov Zulum following a close-door meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) held at the Government House Maiduguri on Monday 17 August 2026. Gov Zulum issued the directive following the submission of a service proposal by the Directorate of Establishment, Office of the Head of Service, which provided critical analysis and concrete recommendations on a state-wide implementation of the national minimum wage policy across different strata of the state public service. After an interactive discussion with the stakeholders, and to ensure efficient and sustainable implementation of the wage reform, Gov Zulum approved the following: 1. Immediate implementation of the promotional benefits for all civil servants across the state for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 sessions. 2. Immediate payment of leave grants for all entitled civil servants for 2025 session. 3. A further review of the salary arrears for secondary and tertiary education with a view to implementation against September 2026. Gov Zulum further established and directed a task force headed by the Commissioner for Ministry for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Honourable Sugun Mai Mele, to review and submit a proposal on the implementation of the new salary scale and gratuity scheme for local government staff. Gov Zulum tasked the Task Force to consult widely with all stakeholders, review extant regulations, examine existing state-wide local government workforce, and propose viable and sustainable options for a full-scale, state-wide implementation of the enhanced salary scheme for local governments in the state. The Committee was directed to submit its report in two weeks for a speedy consideration. The Governor also directed the Directorate of Establishment to submit a blueprint on a new employment and recruitment into the civil service on the basis of internal review of existing workforce, gap analysis and need assessment, especially of critical professions and expertise that have been depleted due to retirement and capacity flight. Announcer Prof Usman Tar Honourable Commissioner Ministry of Information and Internal Security Borno State

We're going to miss you Prof.

Hon commissioner Ministry of Works And Housing. Eng Adam Bukar Bababe May God bless you.

Zulum Approves Employment for 100 Biu Graduates to Curb Thuggery Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced the employment of 100 unemployed graduates from Biu Local Government Area as part of measures to curb youth restiveness, political thuggery and other social vices across the state. Governor Zulum made the announcement on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Biu, Alhaji (Dr) Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, at his palace in Biu. The Governor was in Southern Borno for the official flag-off of the 2026 Wet Farming Season, the commencement of sales of fertilizer at government-approved subsidised rates for smallholder and returnee farmers, as well as other empowerment programmes and official engagements. Speaking during the visit, Zulum noted that incidents of thuggery had reduced significantly since the inception of his administration but stressed that creating employment opportunities for young people remains the most sustainable solution to the challenge. Governor Zulum announced that each of the local government areas of the state would have 50 graduates employed, while larger councils such as Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Bama and Askira/Uba, Gwoza would have twice that number. “We are here for the flag-off of the wet farming season and the sales of fertilizer at subsidised rates. I am grateful to the people of Biu for the overwhelming support and the warm reception they have always accorded us,” Zulum said. The Governor emphasised that empowering unemployed youths was critical to preventing them from being exploited for criminal and political activities. “We will be doing a great disservice to our youth if we allow them to continue to engage in thuggery without empowering them. You hardly find the children of prominent politicians, governors, senators, commissioners or even councillors involved in political thuggery,” he said. Governor Zulum also warned against the vandalisation of public infrastructure, particularly electricity facilities, saying anyone found engaging in such acts would henceforth face the full weight of the law. He urged the Emir and community leaders to work with the government in tackling drug abuse, gangsterism and other social vices. “Your Royal Highness, we must address the rising cases of drug abuse, gangsterism and other social vices if we are to bequeath a better society to the next generation. We will continue to invest in our youth. I want Biu Local Government to identify 100 unemployed graduates, preferably those who studied health-related courses, English, Mathematics and Physics, especially among those involved in political thuggery, and we are ready to offer them employment opportunities,” the Governor added. Governor Zulum also revealed that the running mate to the APC governorship candidate, Engr. Mustapha Gubio would be unveiled next week, noting that 27 aspirants had indicated interest in the position. He called on citizens to continue praying for the emergence of the most suitable candidate. The Governor was accompanied by the Senator representing Southern Borno, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume; the Deputy Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Musa Askira; the APC State Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba; commissioners, political leaders and other dignitaries.

Borno: Zulum unveils 50% off fertiliser sale, free farm implement for 120,000 smallholder farmers … Announces Cash Support of N500 Million to Poor, Vulnerable in 5 LGAs Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, flagged off the 2026 statewide Wet Farming Season and launched the sales and distribution of 200 truckloads of NPK fertiliser at 50 per cent subsidised rates, alongside the distribution of free agricultural inputs to 120,000 farmers to boost food production and improve farmers’ livelihoods across the state. The intervention includes the distribution of free agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers, certified seeds, water pumps, bicycles and post-harvest storage facilities as part of the state’s comprehensive agricultural support programme. Governor Zulum also launched the distribution of 10,000 bicycles to enhance the mobility of rural farmers and unveiled post-harvest storage facilities aimed at reducing losses and improving the preservation of farm produce. Speaking during the flag-off ceremony held at Kwaya Kusar Main Stadium, the Governor said the intervention was designed to strengthen agriculture, guarantee food and nutrition security, create employment opportunities and improve the socio-economic wellbeing of the people. The Governor explained that the programme covers the entire agricultural value chain, including mechanisation services, irrigation development, fertiliser and improved seed distribution, agrochemical support, agricultural extension services, harvesting support, post-harvest storage, agro-processing facilities, market access, and agricultural financing initiatives targeting women and youths. “We are gathered here in Kwaya Kusar, one of the most important agricultural hubs in our state, to officially launch the 2026 Wet Farming Season and flag off the sales and distribution of NPK fertilisers ,” Zulum stated. “Borno State Government has procured 200 truckloads of high-quality NPK fertiliser which will be sold to farmers at a subsidy of 50 per cent of the prevailing market price,” he added. “Beyond fertilisers, the state government will also distribute 40,000 litres of agrochemicals free of charge, 5,000 water pumps, 5,000 knapsack sprayers, 10,000 bicycles and other essential farm inputs to over 120,000 profiled farmers across the state to ensure that farmers receive support across the entire agricultural value chain,” he said. The Governor explained that Kwaya Kusar was deliberately selected to host the state-wide launch because of its strategic importance as one of Borno’s major agricultural hubs and its immense farming potential within the North-East region. Governor Zulum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s continued support to states, noting that the assistance had enabled sub-national governments to implement more people-centred development programmes. Similarly, Governor Zulum also announced a cash support package of ₦500 million for vulnerable persons, women and youths across the five local government areas of Biu, Hawul, Kwaya Kusar, Shani and Bayo to enhance livelihoods and stimulate economic activities. Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Bawu Musami, described Borno as steadily emerging as one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural states through sustained investments in the sector. Senator representing Borno South, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, advocated the revival of the state’s annual agricultural show to provide farmers with opportunities to showcase their produce and promote agricultural innovation. The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including former Deputy Governor Hon. Usman Mamman Durkwa; the Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan; the Emir of Biu, Alhaji (Dr) Mustapha Umar Mustapha II; the Emir of Shani, Alhaji Nasiru Muhammadu Mailafiya; APC State Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba; the Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Musa Askira.

Back Again!!! Undergraduate Scholarship!!! Are you an indigine of Kukawa Local Govt?, do you have a CGPA of 3.5 and above? Then this call is to support your studies. Kindly submit your level results for verification to bababeadam@gmail.com. Closing: Fri. 17th July 2026 Good luck.

7 years down, and Zulum is not slowing down, snippet on the achievements of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum in his third year of the second tenure in the Health sector. #ZulumProjects #ZulumlsWorking #Zulum #BornoHealthcare #trendingvideo #Zumu1500+ProjectsIn7Years

BORNO STATE GOVERNMENT CLARIFICATION ON ALLEGED ₦4 BILLION EXPENDITURE ON RAIL PROJECTS IN BORNO STATE The attention of the Borno State Government has been drawn to recent reports circulating in the public space alleging that the sum of Four Billion Naira (₦4,000,000,000) was spent on rail construction projects in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Area without any evidence of execution on the ground. The Government considers it necessary to clarify the matter in the interest of transparency, accountability, and providing the public with accurate information. Following internal review and consultations with the Ministry of Budget; Ministry of Transport and Energy; and other relevant players in the official procurement process, the Borno State Government wishes to state categorically that no rail construction project was awarded, funded, or executed by the Government during the 2025 fiscal year. It is hereby confirmed that no Executive Council approval was sought or obtained for any rail project, no budget clearance was requested, no contract was awarded, and no funds were released for any such project within the period under reference. For the avoidance of doubt, projects of this nature must follow established due process, including formal proposal, Executive Council approval, budget clearance, contract award, and subsequent release of funds. None of these procedures were initiated or concluded in relation to any rail line project during the 2025 fiscal year. It was however noted that the inclusion of rail project entry in the 2025 Budget Implementation Report, indicating 100 percent completion, was an administrative error and does not reflect the true position of the matter as the said project was neither executed nor paid for. Relevant stakeholders have already been engaged, and steps are being taken to correct the records accordingly, and to forestall future occurrence of this administrative lapse. The Borno State Government remains committed to transparency, due process, and accountability in the management of public resources. The Government also appreciate the vigilance of citizens, civil society organisations, and stakeholders in promoting good governance and public accountability. SIGNED Prof. Usman A. Tar Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Borno State

Congratulations to my boss @EngrBababe Commissioner Ministry of Works and Housing. Allah ya taya riqo

STATEWIDE BROADCAST BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF BORNO, PROFESSOR BABAGANA UMARA ZULUM CON FNSE MNI ON THE OCCASION OF DEMOCRACY DAY, JUNE 12, 2026 (ENGLISH VERSION)

STATEWIDE BROADCAST BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF BORNO, PROFESSOR BABAGANA UMARA ZULUM CON FNSE MNI ON THE OCCASION OF DEMOCRACY DAY, JUNE 12, 2026 (HAUSA VERSION)

A truly well-deserved nominee. Vibrant in spirit, dedicated in service, and respectful to all, whether rich or poor. May Allah continue to protect you, bless your efforts, grant you sound health, and crown your work with lasting success. You’re a pride to your people.

@EngrBababe has earned the right to serve the honorable people of Borno State. His track record at BOGIS speaks for itself, results not noise. He’s a true man of the people: accessible, hardworking, and committed to lifting others as he rises. May Allah continue to protect him 🙏

Congratulations my mentor