Zulum to Resettle 5,000 Displaced Persons in Bama

… Borno State Governor Announces Resettlement of 5,000 Displaced Persons Ahead of Farming Season

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has revealed plans to resettle 5,000 displaced persons from five communities before the end of the rainy season to enable them to engage in farming activities.

The communities include Goniri, Bula Kuriye, Mayanti, Abbaram, and Darajamal.

Governor Zulum disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Bama, Dr. Umar ibn Kyari Umar ElKanemi, at his palace in Bama on Friday.

The governor stated that the construction of 1,000 transitional shelters has commenced in each of the communities, with Darajamal’s already completed.

“We are committed to resettling all displaced persons living in IDP camps back to their communities. Construction of transitional shelters has started in Mayanti, Goniri, Bula Kuriye, and Abbaram, while that of Darajamal has been completed. I have also directed the digging of trenches to fortify the communities,” Governor Zulum said.

He emphasised the importance of farming, stating, “Our target is to ensure that they participate in this cropping season. Farming is our greatest treasure. I will interface with the Commanding Officer and leaders of Civilian JTF to strategise on how best to further protect these areas.”

Additionally, Governor Zulum informed the Shehu of Bama that security measures have been strengthened in Nguro Soye, a community on the outskirts of Bama town, to ensure safe farming activities.

“While returning from Gwoza, I stopped at the military formation in Banki Junction, where we discussed intensifying security in Nguro Soye and surrounding areas. I have provided the necessary logistics to the military and Civilian JTF and pledged six months’ allowances for volunteers patrolling the area,” he announced.

In response, the Shehu of Bama commended Governor Zulum for his purposeful leadership and commitment to the security and welfare of the people.

“I will like to appreciate the governor for resettling the people of Darajamal and for ongoing efforts to return more displaced persons to their homes. We are grateful, Your Excellency,” the Shehu said.

He also appealed for additional support to members of the Civilian JTF to safeguard farmers and farmlands during the rainy season.

Zulum to Resettle 5,000 Displaced Persons in Bama

Again: Zulum nominated for African Governors Award

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum was nominated to receive the African Governors’ Excellence Award for 2025.

Mr Idahosa revealed that the prestigious event will celebrate visionary leadership, exceptional governance, and impactful development initiatives by governors across Africa. He said the award recognises commitment to sustainable socio-economic transformation in their respective regions and states.

Zulum will receive the award alongside other African Governors in Paris at the event on August 19. The vice-chairman of the selection committee, Idahosa Osamahze, stated in a news brief.

It can be recalled that Zulum received the Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award in New York, United States of America, in 2024.

Idahosa emphasised that the award is to promote excellence in public service, encourage innovation in governance, and foster best practices in leadership for Africa’s socio-economic advancement.

According to him, Sheriff Oborevwori, Uba Sani, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, and Abdullahi Sule have been nominated for the award.

He said the nominated governors from Egypt are Abdel Amara, Kafr El Sheikh; Amr Hanafi, Gamal Nour El-Din, and Khaled Fouda.

Mr Idahosa added that Hillary Barchok, George Natembeya, Mohamed Adan Khalif, and Jeremiah Lomorukai were picked from Kenya.

He also said, “These governors exemplify what leadership with vision, integrity, and purpose can achieve. Their work is changing lives, fostering prosperity, and inspiring a new generation of public servants across Africa.”

According to Mr Idahosa, the Paris ceremony is expected to attract high-profile dignitaries, development partners, diplomats, and stakeholders from across Africa and Europe.

He also noted that there shall be keynote addresses from global policy leaders, panel discussions on sub-national governance innovation, and networking sessions to foster intergovernmental collaboration.
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Zulum Appoints Professor Balami as Chair, Secondary Education Board

By: Kayode Bodunrin

Governor Babagana Zulum has appointed Professor Yusuf Gana Balami as the Executive Chairman of Borno State Secondary Education Board.

Balami, a Professor of Education Psychology, hails from Hawul, in the Southern senatorial zone of the state.

He had a short stint with the Borno State Ministry of Education between 1984 and 1988, before later proceeding to the University of Maiduguri as graduate assistant where he started his career as an academic which later culminated into him becoming a Professor in 2014.

Prof Balami is a member of several Professional bodies and has authored several publications as lead author or co-author.

While congratulating Professor Balami Zulum urged him to deploy his years of experience in the education sector, both as an administrator and an academic, in reshaping the quality of secondary education in Borno.

His appointment has since been communicated to the Borno State House of Assembly for confirmation.

Zulum Appoints Professor Balami as Chair, Secondary Education Board