Education Gets Highest Share as Zulum Presents N890.33bn 2026 Budget to Borno Assembly

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has presented an N890.33 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, with the education sector receiving the largest allocation.

The budget, titled “Budget of Sustained Recovery and Growth,” places strong emphasis on capital development, with over 61 per cent of the total expenditure devoted to capital projects, while recurrent spending accounts for about 39 per cent.p

Addressing members of the House of Assembly, Zulum disclosed that the proposal comprises N353.77 billion for recurrent expenditure and N536.56 billion for capital expenditure, stressing that the spending plan is designed to deepen recovery efforts and accelerate development in the state.

According to the governor, the budget reflects the administration’s commitment to rebuilding infrastructure, revitalising the economy and improving the quality of life for residents following years of insurgency.

The sectoral breakdown of allocations showed that education tops the list with N135.43 billion. The funds are expected to support the construction and rehabilitation of schools, teacher recruitment, and scholarship programmes across the state.

The works and housing sector received N94.27 billion to fund road construction, bridge projects and housing development, while the health sector was allocated N66.41 billion for the completion of hospitals, procurement of medical equipment and supply of essential drugs.

Other key allocations include N58.71 billion for the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement to facilitate the return and resettlement of displaced persons, N44.95 billion for agriculture to boost food production, and N21.35 billion for water resources projects. Funds were also set aside for information and internal security to strengthen peace and stability.

On the revenue side, the state expects N317.69 billion from the Federation Account, N44.30 billion from internally generated revenue, and N417.23 billion from capital receipts, including grants and development funds.

In his response, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, assured the governor that the legislature would give the budget proposal prompt and thorough consideration to ensure it aligns with the state’s development priorities before passage.

Education Gets Highest Share as Zulum Presents N890.33bn 2026 Budget to Borno Assembly

VP Kashim Shettima Expected at Second Kanem Borno cultural summit in Maiduguri

By: Bodunrin Kayode

VP, Kashim Shettima is expected to flag off the second Bi-annual Kanem–Borno Cultural Summit 2026 taking place in Maiduguri from 1st–2nd January, 2026.

Announcing this recently, chairman of the Borno Emirate concerned citizens forum Zanna Boguma said that about 1000 other visitors from all over the world will join the VP in gracing the occasion.

He said the 1000 delegates are also expected from across the country and the world especially from several countries where kanuri people reside are coming for the summit.

“Ministers, top political figures and National Assembly members of Borno in other states will be coming including our kiths and kins in lafia and Kanam on the plateau.

” Lots of traditional stuffs will be showcased to announce that kanem Borno never fell in the hands of its enemies as is being portrayed in some quarters.

“There will be displays of cultural artifacts to entertain the visitors. Prayers will be held on Friday of that week for the success of the occasion. However, consistent prayers must continue to ensure that there is stability during the period.

In a recent world new conference, the chairman of the committee Zanna Hassan Buguma maintained that the theme for this year’s summit is ” Echoes of Resilience: Harnessing Culture for Peace and Regional Stability”

“We are pleased to formally announce the 2nd edition of the Bi-annual Kanem–Bornu Cultural Summit 2026, scheduled to hold on 1st and 2nd January, in Maiduguri, Borno State, under the theme “Echoes of Resilience: Harnessing Culture for Peace and Regional Stability.

“This Summit will serve as a global homecoming, bringing together sons and daughters of Kanem–Bornu from across Nigeria and around the world, including members of the diaspora, scholars, professionals, traditional leaders, cultural custodians, youth and women. It is a deliberate effort to reconnect our people to their shared heritage and mobilize collective wisdom, resources, and networks for the peace and stability of our region.

“Building on the success of the maiden edition, the 2nd Bi-annual Kanem–Bornu Cultural Summit seeks to deepen conversations around identity, resilience, and responsibility. At a time when the Lake Chad Basin continues to face security, humanitarian, and socio-economic challenges, this Summit positions culture as a unifying force and a strategic tool for peacebuilding, reconciliation, and regional cooperation and integration.

“The Kanem–Bornu civilization remains one of Africa’s most enduring legacies, renowned for governance, scholarship, trade, diplomacy, and coexistence across ethnic and cultural lines. For centuries, it nurtured systems that emphasized justice, tolerance, consultation, and social harmony. The Summit draws inspiration from this legacy to address contemporary challenges, reminding us that solutions to today’s crises can be found in the wisdom of our past.

” The Summit will explore how traditional institutions, indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms, cultural education, arts, language, and heritage preservation can be harnessed to counter violence, promote healing, and strengthen regional stability.

“Over the two days, the Summit will feature keynote addresses, high-level panel discussions, diaspora dialogues, youth and women forums, cultural and religious exhibitions, traditional performances, and policy-oriented sessions. Special attention will be given to diaspora engagement, knowledge exchange, investment in cultural industries, and pathways for youth participation in peace and development initiatives.

“Maiduguri, our host city, is both symbolic and strategic. It stands as a historic centre of Kanem–Bornu civilization and a contemporary symbol of courage and resilience. Hosting this Summit in Maiduguri underscores a powerful message: that the people of Kanem–Bornu, wherever they reside, remain united in purpose and committed to rebuilding, healing, and progress.” Said Dr Hassan.

VP Kashim Shettima Expected at Second Kanem Borno cultural summit in Maiduguri

UN Secretary-General Urges Global Reset as Military Spending Hits Record High

By: Michael Mike

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the world is at a critical turning point, urging global leaders to redirect priorities from war to peace as military spending reaches unprecedented levels.

In his New Year video message, Guterres said the international community is grappling with deepening chaos and uncertainty marked by growing divisions, violence, climate breakdown and persistent violations of international law.

“The world stands at a crossroads,” the UN chief said, noting that many people are increasingly questioning whether political leaders are listening or prepared to act in the face of escalating global challenges.

Guterres revealed that global military expenditure has surged to about 2.7 trillion dollars, representing an increase of nearly 10 per cent. According to him, the figure is 13 times higher than total global development aid and roughly equal to the entire Gross Domestic Product of Africa.

He described the trend as alarming, especially as conflicts are raging at levels not seen since the Second World War, while millions of people continue to suffer from poverty, inequality and the effects of climate change.

Calling for a shift in global priorities, the Secretary-General stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved by investing more in human development rather than вооружed conflict. “A safer world begins by investing more in fighting poverty and less in fighting wars,” he said.

Guterres maintained that the world has sufficient resources to improve living standards, protect the planet and build a future anchored on peace and justice, if political will is applied.

Looking ahead to 2026, he challenged leaders across the globe to make decisive choices that place people and the environment above conflict and suffering. He also appealed to citizens worldwide to take responsibility and contribute to positive change.

“Our future depends on our collective courage to act,” Guterres said, calling for renewed global unity in the pursuit of justice, humanity and peace in the new year.

UN Secretary-General Urges Global Reset as Military Spending Hits Record High