In a time when political leadership across Nigeria is often associated with broken promises and failed institutions, one man continues to stand out not only for his vision but for his unwavering commitment to service — Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Executive Governor of Borno State. From the ashes of conflict and the ruins of despair, Zulum has emerged as a symbol of hope, resilience, and purposeful governance. And for that, the people of Borno — and indeed, Nigeria — owe him a heartfelt thank you.
Born and raised in the same soil that now bears the scars of over a decade of insurgency, Zulum knows firsthand the suffering of the common people. Yet, instead of watching from the comfort of government houses, he has taken leadership as a personal mission. The stories of his unannounced visits to schools, hospitals, IDP camps, and rural communities are legendary. In a country where governors often travel with large convoys and long speeches, Zulum travels light — and acts quickly.
“I never thought a governor would walk into our school without warning, sit on a broken bench, and ask us what we need,” said Hauwa Mohammed, a teacher in Konduga. “But Governor Zulum did. And within two weeks, we had chalk, new boards, and a promise of more teachers — which he fulfilled.”