Tag: Zulum

…don’t make me figure head—Ooni

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has said the appointment of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, as Chancellor of the state-owned university renamed Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri, was aimed at strengthening the age-old bond between the Ile-Ife Empire and the Kanem-Bornu Empire.

Zulum also noted that the Borno State Government recognised the Ooni’s contributions to the promotion of educational development across the country.

Speaking at the Ooni’s palace on Tuesday, the governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani, appealed to the monarch to leverage his influence, experience and network to support the growth and development of the institution.

Read Also: Court grants interim forfeiture order on N1.1bn allegedly diverted from Kano state’s account

According to him, “We are here to present to His Imperial Royal Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, his appointment letter as the Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri. Oba Ogunwusi is a royal father with vast experience, not only in the education sector but in other endeavours of life.”

“The Ooni of Ife is not only a royal father in South West Nigeria; he is a royal father in the whole of Nigeria, West Africa, and Africa. The kingdom of Kanem-Bornu Empire

and the Ife Kingdom goes a very long way together. 

“Both kingdoms are old kingdoms in Africa that have been there for more than 1,000 years and we rekindle this traditional relations by this appointment.”

Responding to his appointment, he applauded the Borno State government for finding him worthy of the appointment as he vowed that he would add value to the development and realisation of the institution’s vision. 

He also traced the relationship between the Ile-Ife kingdom and Kanem-Bornu Empire, disclosing that their progenitors were cousins and they remain one of the oldest empire in Africa which were never invaded by external forces.

He said “I will not let you down, I will bring value to the realisation of the vision of the university. I am very passionate about education. This same energy and passion that I am using for my own university and University of Nigeria, I will bring to your university. 

“I have strong connection with Kanem-Bornu we are cousins, we have strong bond, we have a lot of things in common. We are the only kingdom that was never overtaken by Uthman Dan fodio movement. If you go down the history, we are the two oldest kingdom. 

“You are welcoming me back home. I love dynamism, don’t make me a figure head chancellor, I want to add value, you should give me tasks to deliver, I will do it gladly.”

• Says: ‘We are not giving handouts but investment’

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, on Friday, launched a N1 billion Youth Empowerment Scheme for GSM operators in Maiduguri.

According to the Governor, its “a strategic investment in human capital development”, which he noted will restore the dignity of the beneficiaries after the prolonged conflict in the state that led to the loss of livelihoods.

The Governor said more than 5,000 youths will benefit from the current empowerment programme, which includes training in financial management, digital skills, modern business practices, and customer relations to ensure sustainable impact.

The Nation reports that the event which took place at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim College of Education Theater Hall Maiduguri, marked the flag-off of the initiative, and was attended by thousands of youth beneficiaries all beaming with smiles and gratitude to the Governor.

“This Empowerment initiative is  beyond financial support. It is designed to restore dignity, renew hope, and strengthen the economic base of the state, particularly among youths and small-scale,” Gov Zulum declared during his speech.

Read Also: Defence, security top priorities in N58.18tr 2026 budget

He explained that the true wealth of any society lies in the skills, creativity, and determination of its people, just as he vowed his administration’s commitment to human capital development.

He recalled some youth oriented programs carried out by his administration including the establishment of vocational training centres, recruitment of youths into the State Transport Management Agency, and the Rural Youth Empowerment Scheme which according to him has supported thousands of beneficiaries across the state.

Governor Zulum added  that his administration has sponsored youths to study aircraft piloting and aeronautical engineering, stressing that over 400 youths are currently pursuing postgraduate studies abroad.

He noted that the scheme is an investment, not a handout, urging beneficiaries to utilise the funds responsibly and serve as mentors within their communities.

Governor Zulum assured that similar organisations, including road transport workers’ associations, will receive government support in due course, while calling on residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

A breakdown of the ₦1 billion fund shows that 28 beneficiaries under Group A received ₦1 million each, 189 beneficiaries under Group B received ₦300,000 each, 835 beneficiaries under Group C received ₦100,000 each, while about 3,500 apprentices also received ₦100,000 each. The cost of equipment stood at ₦451.9 million, with logistics and resource packages costing ₦31.86 million.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Youth Empowerment, Comrade Saina Buba, commended the Governor for the initiative, noting that the programme covers almost all Local Government Areas of Borno State.

• …we are not giving handouts but investment, says Gov. Zulum

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, on Friday launched a ₦1 billion Youth Empowerment Scheme targeted at GSM operators in Maiduguri, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in human capital development.

The governor said the programme is aimed at restoring the dignity of beneficiaries whose livelihoods were disrupted by years of conflict in the state.

He disclosed that more than 5,000 youths will benefit from the scheme, which includes training in financial management, digital skills, modern business practices, and customer relations to ensure long-term sustainability.

The flag-off ceremony, held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim College of Education Theatre Hall in Maiduguri, attracted thousands of youth beneficiaries who expressed gratitude to the governor.

“This empowerment initiative goes beyond financial support. It is designed to restore dignity, renew hope, and strengthen the economic base of the state, particularly among youths and small-scale operators,” Zulum said.

He noted that the true wealth of any society lies in the skills, creativity, and determination of its people, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustained human capital development.

The governor recalled several youth-focused programmes executed by his administration, including the establishment of vocational training centres, recruitment of youths into the State Transport Management Agency, and the Rural Youth Empowerment Scheme, which he said has supported thousands across the state.

Zulum further revealed that the state government has sponsored youths to study aircraft piloting and aeronautical engineering, adding that over 400 youths are currently undertaking postgraduate studies abroad.

Describing the scheme as an investment rather than a handout, the governor urged beneficiaries to utilise the funds responsibly and serve as role models within their communities. He also assured that other groups, including road transport workers’ associations, would receive similar support in due course, while calling on residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

A breakdown of the ₦1 billion fund shows that 28 beneficiaries in Group A received ₦1 million each; 189 beneficiaries in Group B received ₦300,000 each; 835 beneficiaries in Group C received ₦100,000 each, while about 3,500 apprentices also received ₦100,000 each. Equipment procurement accounted for ₦451.9 million, while logistics and resource packages cost ₦31.86 million.

Governor Zulum expressed optimism that disbursement would commence immediately and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring livelihoods, strengthening the economy, and securing a prosperous future for the people of Borno State.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Youth Empowerment, Comrade Saina Buba, commended the Governor for the initiative, noting that the programme covers almost all Local Government Areas of Borno State.

The worst of  Boko Haram insurgency is over, despite the recent surges in attacks, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum declared yesterday.

 It was during a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Shuaibu Waidi, in Maiduguri.

Zulum, who reflected on the state’s past experiences said that the current security landscape, though marred by recent setbacks, shows significant improvement compared to the peak of the crisis.

He called on the people to continue giving their full cooperation and support to the military and other security agencies, emphasizing that the war against terrorism requires a collective effort.

“We have witnessed a series of attacks on our communities and security forces, but the worst is over; we shall continue to collaborate and provide the needed intelligence to our security forces to bring this madness to an end,” Zulum said.

Read Also: Fed Govt will rescue Kebbi abducted school girls, bring culprits to Justice — Shettima

He added: “The frequency and scale of attacks on our communities then were overwhelming. Today, while we grieve any single setback, we can also see that the worst is indeed behind us. The trajectory is towards peace, and we are committed to sustaining it.”

Zulum commiserated with the Nigerian Army over recent tactical setbacks and praised the bravery and sacrifices of officers and soldiers, calling them heroes.

“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I reiterate that we stand with the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Armed Forces. We will not take their sacrifice for granted,” he said.

Lt-Gen. Waidi assured the Zulum of the Army’s commitment to providing necessary logistics to the troops and hailed governor for his support.

“I want to sincerely, on behalf of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, extend our appreciation to His Excellency for visiting us at a time like this. We appreciate your support in Borno. We have confidence in our society here, and from Army headquarters, we will provide all necessary resources to ensure they achieve their mission.”

Borno state governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has stated that the worst of the Boko Haram insurgency is over, despite recent surges in attacks by the terrorist group.

Gov. Zulum made the assertion on Wednesday during a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Shuaibu Waidi, in Maiduguri.

Governor Zulum who reflected on the state’s past experiences opined that the current security landscape, though marred by recent setbacks, shows significant improvement compared to the peak of the crisis.

He called on the people of Borno State to continue giving their full cooperation and support to the military and other security agencies, emphasizing that the war against terrorism requires a collective effort.

“We have witnessed a series of attacks on our communities and security forces, but the worst is over; we shall continue to collaborate and provide the needed intelligence to our security forces to bring this madness to an end,” Zulum said.

He added, “The frequency and scale of attacks on our communities then were overwhelming. Today, while we grieve any single setback, we can also see that the worst is indeed behind us. The trajectory is towards peace, and we are committed to sustaining it.”

Zulum commiserated with the Nigerian Army over recent tactical setbacks and praised the bravery and sacrifices of officers and soldiers, calling them heroes.

READ ALSO; Emir of Ilorin condemns Eruku Church attack

“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I reiterate that we stand with the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Armed Forces. We will not take their sacrifice for granted,” he said.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Waidi, assured the Governor of the Army’s commitment to providing necessary logistics to the troops and commended Governor Zulum for his support.

“I want to sincerely, on behalf of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, extend our appreciation to His Excellency for visiting us at a time like this.

We appreciate your support in Borno,” he said, adding, “We have confidence in our society here, and from Army headquarters, we will provide all necessary resources to ensure they achieve their mission.”

Borno Governor Babagana Zulum has reiterated the State’s unwavering support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring total loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.

Zulum made the remark during the flag-off of the APC North-East e-registration workshop in Maiduguri, where he pledged his administration’s full support for the success of the exercise.

The event, which drew national and zonal party leaders, state executives, local government chairmen, and lawmakers, was part of the party’s broader effort to promote its ongoing digital membership registration across the North-East.

He said: “I want to assure you that the government of Borno State under my leadership will provide the desired support to ensure the success of the APC membership e-registration exercise in the North-East.

“Our party members in other states governed by other political parties will also be supported to get captured,” he added.

The Governor reaffirmed that Borno’s allegiance to the APC remains unshakable, describing the state as “100 per cent APC.”

Read Also: Zulum meets Niger Republic counterpart on cross-border security

“Let there be no doubt in anyone’s mind, Borno State is 100 per cent for the APC. Our loyalty to the party and its leadership is absolute,” he declared.

Recalling the state’s difficult past, Zulum said Borno had faced years of insecurity and economic collapse before the APC took over power.

“Before the APC came to power, Borno State was on its knees. Our local governments were under siege, our economy was shattered, and our people lived in fear,” he said.

“But look at where we are today. The narrative has changed, and this is due to the relentless efforts and massive support from the APC-led Federal Government.”

He commended former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for its role in fighting terrorism and establishing the North East Development Commission (NEDC), which has helped rebuild affected communities.

Zulum further praised President Tinubu for sustaining strong federal support for peace and stability in the region.

“Under our leader, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that support has not wavered; it has grown stronger. The President has shown a deep commitment to the final restoration of peace in Borno and the entire North-East. The Federal Government continues to work with us to ensure the safe resettlement of our people and the rebuilding of their livelihoods,” he said.

Highlighting the APC’s recognition of Borno’s contributions, Zulum noted, “For the first time, our son became the Vice President of Nigeria under the APC. This is a testament to the party’s trust and confidence in Borno.”

He urged residents to remain united and rally behind President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“I wish to reiterate my call to the good people of Borno State to join me in supporting the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027. Let us begin to build that momentum now and work together to ensure his leadership continues to move our nation forward,” Zulum said.