News

Random Thoughts On Gov. Zulum @54.

Published

2 years ago

August 24, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

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

Kano 2026: 19 Northern States battle for glory at maiden table tennis championship

Published

4 hours ago

January 30, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Kano 2026: 19 Northern States battle for glory at maiden table tennis championship

The ancient city of Kano is set to become the epicenter of Nigerian Table Tennis as the maiden Northern Nigeria Table Tennis Association (NNTTA) Championship officially kicks off tomorrow, Saturday, January 31st, 2026. The high-stakes tournament will be hosted at the Indoor Sports Hall of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano.

This landmark event is powered by the massive support and strategic vision of the Vice President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), His Excellency, Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki. The championship marks a dramatic shift in the promotion of the sport, aiming to elevate Northern talent to national and global elite status.

For the first time in recent history, elite athletes and rising stars from all 19 Northern States will compete for glory. The debut championship features three highly anticipated categories that includes the Men’s Single (battle for the region’s top ranking), Veterans’ Category (celebrating the legends and mentors of the game) and the Super Cup (A high-intensity clash for the ultimate trophy) which will see the region’s top stars compete against the Championship’s top four to be crowned at the end of the maiden NNTTA tourney.

Athletes will be competing for a prestigious haul of Medals, Trophies, and significant Cash Prizes, setting a new standard for regional tournaments in Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice President during the pre-tournament press briefing, Adamu Usman Ahmed emphasised that this championship is not just a one-off event but a long-term developmental blueprint.

“His Excellency, Hon. Khamisu Mailantarki, gives his full assurance that this Kano Championship is just the beginning. Our mission is to bridge the regional gap and provide a platform where Northern players can transition into national heroes. We commend the Kano State Table Tennis Association for their hospitality and readiness to host this historic first edition.”

The Vice President further promised that outstanding performers, especially in the active player categories, will receive dedicated support for advanced career development, including potential national team invitations and international exposure.

Meanwhile the Chairman of Kano State Table Tennis Association, Dr. Mustapha Garga stated that about 10 million naira has been set aside for the success of the maiden Championship with participants already arriving the host state of Kano.

Mustapha further commended the massive contribution and support of the NTTF Vice Hon Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki in ensuring a historic and befitting championship where potential elites are expected to emerge to represent Nigeria at National and international Championships respectively.

Kano 2026: 19 Northern States battle for glory at maiden table tennis championship

News

NGX to strengthen economic environment to woo more investors- Kwairanga

Published

4 hours ago

January 30, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NGX to strengthen economic environment to woo more investors- Kwairanga

Dr Umaru Kwairanga, the Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group has restated the NGX’s commitment to providing market infrastructure that inspires investor confidence and supports both domestic and international participation.

Kwairanga made the pledge at a dinner organised by the US-Nigeria Council held in Lagos on Thursday.

He stated that capital markets remained a vital bridge in the partnership between the United States and Nigeria.

According to him, efficient, transparent, and well-regulated markets enable businesses to grow, infrastructure to be financed, and innovation to scale.

“From the perspective of Nigerian Exchange Group, we remain committed to providing market infrastructure that inspires investor confidence and supports both domestic and international participation, including from American institutions and enterprises.

“The growing engagement of global investors in Nigeria reflects confidence in our long-term fundamentals and in the reforms underway to strengthen our economic environment.

“As market operators, our responsibility is to ensure that opportunities discussed in forums like this can find practical expression through credible platforms for capital formation and investment,” he said.

Kwairanga lauded the leadership of the US–Nigeria Council for its continued commitment to strengthening the bonds between the two nations.

According to him, the relationship between the United States and Nigeria is one of strategic importance and deep potential.

He described the partnership which he said was grounded in mutual respect, economic complementarity, and a shared belief in enterprise, as a driver of prosperity.

He said that Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, remained a key partner for the United States in advancing trade, investment, and sustainable development across the continent.

“The US–Nigeria Council plays a critical role in translating goodwill into tangible outcomes.

“By convening leaders from government and business, it helps move conversations from intent to implementation, supporting collaboration in areas that directly affect livelihoods, from food security and agricultural value chains to trade expansion and long-term investment.

“In today’s interconnected global economy, our complementarities are clear. Nigeria brings scale, a youthful and entrepreneurial population, abundant resources, and expanding markets.

“The United States brings capital, innovation, technology, and deep institutional expertise. When these strengths align, the results can be transformative, not only for our two countries, but for broader regional growth,” he said.

The NGX boss thanked American partners for their enduring engagement with Nigeria, stressing that, “your participation in our economy and confidence in our future is deeply valued.”

News

Governor Buni seeks FG’s support to establish a kidney center in Yobe

Published

4 hours ago

January 30, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Governor Buni seeks FG’s support to establish a kidney center in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Yobe state governor, Hon, Mai Mala Buni CON,COMN has appeal to the federal government to establish a Federal Kidney Disease Center in the state to save the people of the state from this deadly scourge.

Buni added that the government will establish an additional dialysis center in Gashu’a to save patients of kidney disease from travelling long distances to access care.

The governor made the appeal today while commissioning the Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BIORTC) permanent site and celebrating Teeneagle Champions and the Identification of Talent Potentials at Yobe State University, Damaturu.

Governor Buni maintained that Africa has been subjected to relying on medical and other research that is conducted in different climes, environments, cultures, and lifestyles without recourse to our peculiarities and genetic diversity.

“I am proud that BIORTC has established Africa’s first major Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (IPSC) biobank with an African-centered focus, and also BIORTC is leading the establishment of one of Nigeria’s most ambitious and deeply characterized dementia research cohorts. ” he added.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the state-funded kidney disease initiative because this is what responsible governance demands: policy guided by evidence and investment guided by the health needs of the people. Governor Buni is the first African governor to be honored; this is quite inspiring, and he dedicated this award to the good people of Yobe with a pledge to do more.

“For many decades, several communities along the banks of the River Yobe have been plagued by chronic kidney disease, losing precious lives and throwing many families into agony on a daily basis, and this has been a major driving force for the establishment of the center to find a solution to this scourge.

“This administration is equally keen to see the innovative open-science work at BIORTC, including the building and testing of low-cost microscopes that can support field diagnosis and strengthen community-level health services, and urges the federal ministry of health to partner with BIORTC for open diagnostics on malaria microscopy and other related community-level diagnostic programs,” the governor said.

He maintained that the extraordinary performance of three young girls indigenous to Yobe State, Nafisa Abdullahi, Rukkaya Muhammad Fema, and Hadiza Kashim Kalli, at the 2025 TeenEagle competition reflects the success story of our investment in the education sector and noted that the federal ministry of education has designated Yobe State as a role model in foundational education, describing it as exemplary and worthy of emulation.

Buni emphasizes that under this administration, no child in Yobe state will be denied his or her right to education because of his or her economic background. He announces a government scholarship for the three young girls up to the tertiary level and a donation of ₦10 million to each.

Governor Buni seeks FG’s support to establish a kidney center in Yobe