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Random Thoughts On Gov. Zulum @54.
Random Thoughts On Gov. Zulum @54.
By: Inuwa Bwala
At his 52nd birthday, I wrote a piece on Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum in which I made some philosophical allussions to trends in the birth of successful men in life.
Now 54, I have a very strong urge to reproduce that write up, with slight modifications in the order of narrative, but retaining the central theme of celebrating the man.
In that piece I wrote, that, “most successful people in life are often those who have known suffering, who have known loss, who have met failures, defeats and general challenges and have found their ways out of those depths of abandonment.
I am familiar with the adage that, “success has many parents, but failure is an orphan”and I feel that, maker of above statement seem to have Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum at the back of his mind.
Perhaps, there was no significant landmark at his birth in that obsecure Mafa environment, typical of a rural setting. There might not have been signs either, that, a unique child had been born. But as the saying goes, “The year you were born marks only your entry into the world. Other years when you prove your worth are the ones worth celebrating.
What people are celebrating today is not his birth, rather his rise from obsecurity to walk in the corridors of power and affluence. Here is a man who was born into poverty, unnoticed by the world , but who turned around his fortunes for the best through sheer personal efforts.
Professor Babagana Umara Zulum’s exploits in life today have given him so many parents and siblings, each of whom want to identify with him, not only on occasions like this, but all the time.
I dare say, that, from a humble but noble background, Zulum rose from the obsecure Mafa town of Borno State to walk in the corridors and pull the reins of power in a manner that is uncommon in the country’s history.
So, I woke up this morning at a labyrinth: with the urge to write something and be amongst the many fans of Professor Zulum, knowing today marks his fifty fourth birthday, but not knowing at which point to take off.
It is further compounded by the fact that, there is no language one can use as accolade on the Governor that has not already been used by others.
The story of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum is no longer new; one unique thing about it however, is the fact that, behind the fine and impressive stories told about the man is a very expensive sacrifice, which many leaders may not be able to offer, for the service of other men and the country.
Professor Zulum’s life story often elicits emotions looking back at where he came from, compared to where God has catapulted him today.
No story can be more expensive than the story of a man who had to ferry firewood from the bush, serve as motor boy, commercial bus driver and performed other minimal jobs in order to survive and to pay for his way through school to the point of Professorship.
I could imagine as a young man, when he trekked in the hot sands of Maiduguri to attend lectures from where he worked for others on empty stomach.
Everytime I mention Zulum, I never fail to pay special tribute to his predecessor, Senator Kashim Shettima, whom God blessed with the exceptional foresight to promote his candidature. Many people did not believe Kashim Shettima when he told stakeholders, before picking Zulum, that he was giving Borno the best. Events have vindicated him.
Of all the sacrifices Zulum has to offer, the most expensive remains his offer to die, but so that peace will come to Borno and that his people are bailed out of so many years of suffering.
Fifty times they tried to take his life and fifty times he survived. At every instance, Zulum returns to the enclave where attempts were made on his life, giving people a sense of citizenship and offers of livelihood.
Very often, his lieutanants are reluctant going with him to some of the dangerous spots across the state, but very often too, such spots are his favourite places to visit.
I do not want to delve into his developmental projects, as I believe the compendium on his media outings has adequately captured that. I also know that documentaries have covered all areas, but I could not resist mentioning some of those attributes that stand him out.
I believe that Zulum’s successes are not measured by his accomplishments alone, but by the opposition he encountered and the courage with which he maintained the struggle for peace, justice and equity in Borno state.
These could be seen in many of his actions and utterances, which have also served as the compass for members of his cabinet and his other aides.
Perhaps, his quest for a peaceful Borno remains one of the legacies Governor Zulum shall always be remembered for.
His passion for the return peace and the relocation of citizens to their ancestral abodes remain uncompromising. This perhaps informed his often dangerous forays into hitherto very dangerous enclaves.
I would have continued, but that will take me into areas, I earlier tried avoiding, but it remains an irresistible desire to always join millions of Nigerians on whose lips the name of Professor Zulum as always been the sweetest song.”
At the time I was r one above piece, I read the Governor from a distance. Having come closer, as a council Chairman under his tutelage, it is almost irresistible praising him to near point of psychophancy.
His re-election for a second time: which a walkover remains the most eloquent testimony of the love his people have for him.
The second d stanza of his leadership promises to bring for more interesting stories.
I wish our Governor a happy 54th birthday and pray, that, the God who gave him grace to succeed and who saved him from the hands of those who wished him dead, will uphold him
Random Thoughts On Gov. Zulum @54.
News
ECOWAS Leaders Warn Democracy Must Deliver and Peace Must Be Built as West Africa Faces Rising Instability
ECOWAS Leaders Warn Democracy Must Deliver and Peace Must Be Built as West Africa Faces Rising Instability
By: Michael Mike
West African leaders have issued a joint warning that democracy in the region is under growing strain and must begin to produce visible results for citizens, while also stressing that peace cannot be imposed but must be deliberately built through dialogue and cooperation.
The concerns were raised at the opening of the 2026 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament held on Monday in Abuja, where regional lawmakers gathered amid rising insecurity, democratic reversals, and increasing public dissatisfaction across parts of West Africa.
Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, warned that the survival of democratic governance in the sub-region now depends on its ability to deliver tangible outcomes in security, economic stability, and public welfare.
He said while citizens across West Africa continue to reject military rule, their patience with democratic systems is weakening due to poor governance outcomes and rising socio-economic hardship.
Abbas noted that declining voter trust, weak institutions, and recurring unconstitutional changes of government reflect deeper structural problems that democratic systems must urgently address.
“The issue is not whether democracy remains the preferred system, but whether it is delivering sufficiently to sustain that preference,” he said, warning that governance failures could further expand the space for instability.
The Nigerian Speaker also pushed for a stronger and more empowered ECOWAS Parliament, arguing that its current advisory status limits its ability to respond effectively to regional crises.
He renewed calls for reforms including enhanced legislative authority, stronger oversight powers, and improved enforcement mechanisms for regional agreements.
According to him, previous proposals to strengthen the Parliament have yet to be fully implemented, but the present instability across the region makes such reforms more urgent.
“A Parliament with limited influence cannot adequately respond to democratic reversals, security pressures, and economic uncertainty,” Abbas said.
Abbas also defended Nigeria’s recent economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, describing them as difficult but necessary decisions taken within a democratic framework.
He said early results show increased fiscal inflows to subnational governments and improved capacity for infrastructure and social investment, while acknowledging that challenges persist.
He argued that Nigeria’s experience demonstrates that even tough reforms can be implemented without resorting to military intervention, warning against a growing tendency toward unconstitutional power shifts in parts of the region.
In a separate address, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hadja Mémounatou Ibrahima, stressed that peace in West Africa cannot be declared or imposed by authority, but must be carefully built over time.
She said the region is facing a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, adding that “no region is immune” to the global spread of instability and conflict.
“The message must be clear: peace cannot be decreed — it must be patiently built through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect,” she said, urging member states to deepen collaboration in addressing shared challenges.
Ibrahima also highlighted ongoing reforms within the regional bloc, noting that ECOWAS is undergoing a strategic reassessment of its future direction.
She announced that the upcoming ECOWAS Future Summit scheduled for 21 May in Lomé, Togo, will focus on accelerating the implementation of ECOWAS Vision 2050.
The summit is expected to explore how regional integration can be strengthened and adapted to emerging political, economic, and security realities across West Africa.
Both leaders, though speaking separately, converged on a central message: that West Africa is at a critical turning point where democratic legitimacy must be reinforced by effective governance, and peace must be actively constructed through cooperation rather than assumed.
They warned that without stronger institutions, improved governance delivery, and deeper regional collaboration, the region risks further democratic setbacks and prolonged instability.
The session continues as ECOWAS lawmakers deliberate on strategies to strengthen democratic resilience and regional integration amid mounting challenges across West Africa.
ECOWAS Leaders Warn Democracy Must Deliver and Peace Must Be Built as West Africa Faces Rising Instability
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Informant in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected informant linked to ISWAP/JAS terrorist groups in Ngamdu, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 6:00 p.m. on May 3 by troops of 154 Battalion at Ngamdu market following sustained surveillance.
The sources disclosed that the suspect had been on a security watchlist prior to his arrest.
According to the sources, items recovered from him include a mobile phone, the sum of ₦1,150, and other sundry materials.
They added that the suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing interrogation.
The sources noted that further investigations are ongoing to establish his role and possible links within terrorist networks operating in the area.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist Informant in Borno
Troops Conduct Offensive Operation in Gwoza, Destroy Suspected Terrorist Structures
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have conducted an offensive operation in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, targeting suspected terrorist hideouts and support structures.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 9:20 a.m. on May 1 by troops of 153 Task Force Battalion, operating alongside volunteer forces and hybrid troops deployed at Kirawa.
The sources disclosed that the joint team advanced to Gakara high ground and Ndova village during the operation.
According to the sources, no direct contact was made with terrorist elements during the mission.
They added, however, that troops destroyed several suspected terrorist logistics and life-support structures identified within the general area.
The sources noted that the operation is part of ongoing clearance efforts aimed at denying insurgents freedom of movement and operational bases within the Gwoza axis.
Troops Conduct Offensive Operation in Gwoza, Destroy Suspected Terrorist Structures
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