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

VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Victims Of Kwara Attack

Published

1 minute ago

February 7, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Victims Of Kwara Attack

***Assures all hands are on deck to restore peace, tranquility to Kaiama

***Says President Tinubu has directed NEMA to mobilise resources to support distressed communities

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has reaffirmed the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that peace and tranquillity are restored in Nuku and Woro villages in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State in the aftermath of Tuesday’s attacks on the communities by terrorists.

He assured the people of the communities that while the President had ordered the deployment of a battalion of the Nigerian Army to Kaiama, all hands were already on deck to rid the affected communities and the entire state of insecurity.

Senator Shettima gave the assurance on Saturday when he led a Federal Government delegation to commiserate with the people of Kaiama Local Government and the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, over the deadly terrorist attack that claimed several lives.

The Vice President disclosed that President Tinubu has instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to mobilise all resources, in partnership with the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency, to provide succour and support to the distress communities.

“Your Excellency, we are here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserates with you and the good people of Kaiama and Kwara State, by extension, over the tragedy that befell our communities of Woro and Nuku on the evening of Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

“That tragic killings had shocked Nigerians because the victims were peaceful members of the communities that were dedicated to building peaceful livelihood, while they practice their religion in the peaceful and harmonious manner that the injunctions of Islam has instructed,” he said

VP Shettima extended what he described as the heartfelt condolences of President Tinubu and the Federal Government to the government and those who lost their loved ones in the gory attacks, noting that all hands were already on deck to restore peace in the community.

“Please, accept our heartfelt condolences, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A battalion of the Nigerian Army had been deployed to Kaiama and all hands are on deck to ensure that peace and tranquility is restored to those communities,” he assured.

The VP did not disclose the measures being taken to restore peace in the area, observing however that “security issues are sensitive issues and we do not have to divulge most of the actions that are being taken by our security establishment.

“But I’m here fundamentally to commiserates with the government and people of Kwara and the people of Kaiama, in particular, over the tragic loss of lives and to reassure the good people of the state of harmony. Our prayers are with you, our empathy is with you,” the Vice President added.

Earlier, Chairman of the North East Governors Forum, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, extended the condolences and sympathy of the North East Governors to the people and government of Kwara State over the tragedy.

He said, “As Muslims, we believe in destiny and it is our sincere hope that, by God’s grace, this act will not happen again. Our prayers are with you and it is our sincere prayer that Almighty Allah will forgive those that have lost their lives and grant them Aljannah firdaus,” Governor Zulum prayed.

Responding, the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRazaq, applauded the swift response of the Federal Government to the incident, saying “as confirmed by the Local Government Chairman, troops are already on ground and the Operation Savannah Shield is in motion.

“As you can see, we were welcomed at the airport by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Second Division of the Nigerian Army. A DIG is on ground. We truly appreciate the response of the Federal Government, and representatives of NEMA have been on ground since the incident happened.”

The Governor called for continued prayers for better a situation and better security in Nigeria, just as he said, “One is short of words and what to say but we will continue to support our President, the Vice President and our leadership for God to guide them in the affairs of this nation.”

Also, the Chairman of Kaiama local government area, Hon. Abdullahi Abubakar Danladi, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for the immediate deployment of a military battalion in the area, and thanked the Governor of Kwara state for his leadership.

On his part, the Emir of Kaiama, HRH Alhaji Mu’azu Shehu Omar, also applauded President Tinubu for the prompt action taken after the massacre that in Kaiama.

“We really appreciate the effort of President Tinubu. Since the incident happened on Tuesday, he has shown concerned toward us. The security personnel and other relevant agencies are adequately deployed to arrest the situation,” the traditional ruler said.

Other dignitaries present during the visit include the Director-General of NEMA), Zubaida Umar; Sen. Ali Mohammed Ndume; Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd (NDPHC), Eng. Jennifer Adighije; former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo Agege, and members of Kwara State House of Assembly, among others.

VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Victims Of Kwara Attack

News

AT GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION: VP Shettima Lauds Imo’s Contributions To National Development At 50

Published

6 minutes ago

February 7, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

AT GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION: VP Shettima Lauds Imo’s Contributions To National Development At 50

** *Describes Gov Uzodimma as game-changing revolutionary, pledges more FG support for state

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has applauded Imo State’s exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s political, intellectual, and economic development in the past five decades, describing the state as a critical partner in the nation’s progress.

He particularly lauded the state’s political leadership, intellectual contributions, talents in the creative industry, and strength in agriculture, particularly palm oil production, saying the Southeastern state has consistently enriched Nigeria.

Speaking on Saturday during the Golden Jubilee celebration of Imo State’s creation, VP Shettima extended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goodwill, assuring the state of its front-line seat at the national table.

The Vice President reserved special praise for Governor Hope Uzodimma, whom he described as a game-changing revolutionary in Imo’s modern political history, crediting him with restoring discipline, planning, and institutional strength to governance in the state.

“Governor Uzodimma has distinguished himself as more than a custodian of the present. He is a leader who understands that governance is not theatre, but duty. Under his watch, Imo has rediscovered the discipline of planning, the courage of reform, and the confidence to re-enter the national conversation as a state prepared for relevance,” he said.

VP Shettima traced Imo’s legacy of leadership from Dr. Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe, whose “flamboyant command of language enriched Nigeria’s political memory,” to Sam Mbakwe, the celebrated Weeping Governor, and Senator Rochas Okorocha, whom he described as a pan-Nigerian archetype for his humanitarian work with orphaned children across the country.

He highlighted Imo’s intellectual and cultural influence, particularly through Chief Flora Nwapa, whom he described as “the mother of modern African literature”, who gave African women “a literary voice at a time when silence was expected of them.”

Senator Shettima also celebrated the state’s contributions to Nollywood through actors such as Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, and Kanayo O. Kanayo, as well as music icon, Onyeka Onwenu, who “placed Nigerian sound on the world stage with grace and conviction.”

On economic development, the Vice President acknowledged Imo’s strengths in agriculture, particularly palm oil production at the historic Ada Palm Plantation, and its thriving commercial centres from Nkwo Orji to Orlu International Market.

He further spoke on the state’s educational infrastructure, including the Federal University of Technology Owerri and Imo State University, describing education as Imo’s greatest industry.

“Literacy rates remain among the highest in the nation, and graduates from Imo compete confidently across every field,” VP Shettima stated.

He highlighted emerging opportunities in Imo’s oil and gas sector in Ohaji-Egbema and Oguta, as well as growth potential in agro-processing, renewable energy, mineral processing, tourism, and the digital economy.

The Vice President praised the emergence of Owerri as a major hospitality hub with one of the highest concentrations of hotels and entertainment centres in Nigeria, noting that “security has been an economic asset and peace, when nurtured, yields prosperity.”

Urging Imo State to use the golden jubilee as a launching pad for the next 50 years, the VP said, “Unity must be renewed. Innovation must be encouraged. Governance must remain humane and disciplined. Politics must return to service.”

Earlier, Governor Uzodimma said Imo State will continue to grow as well as embrace digital transformation in the next 50 years, noting that the creation of the state in 1976 enunciated freedom.

He thanked God for sustaining the State for 50 years, expressing strong conviction that ahead lies a great hope for the State,.

Assuring that the gains of the past would be improved upon, the Governor said the State has come of age, signifying substantial growth in age and accomplishments.

“We have made significant progress both as a people and as a state. There is no doubt that we are growing fast in unity, resilience and reliance on God. We have seen Owerri transform from a town into a hub. What has kept us united is the indomitable spirit of the Imo people,” Uzodimma stated.

On his part, Chairman of the occasion and former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, commended the hard work of Governor Uzodimma in transforming the state through the execution of various developmental projects.

“His administration has impacted Imo State in many ways. For example, in transportation, finance, agriculture and other key sectors, his administration has left admirable legacy in Imo State, making a significant contribution to the wider Nigerian economy,” he said.

Chief Anyaoku prayed for progress in Nigeria’s political evolution, depicting more of unity, just as he said election constitutes a fundamental process of democracy.

In his goodwill message, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, said Governor Uzodimma has become a reference point among his equals.

He noted that other Governors are now emulating the Imo Governor in various areas where he has achieved alot for his State.

On his part, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe (Agbogidi), thanked Imo State for helping in moulding his life, having spent the early part of his life in Imo State.

The monarch praised Governor Uzodinma “for showcasing Imo State to the World.”

Also, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Oba Ojaja II), prayed for the progress of Imo State and Nigeria as well as sustained unity across the country.

AT GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION: VP Shettima Lauds Imo’s Contributions To National Development At 50

News

Yobe: Buni urges journalists to uphold professionalism

Published

1 day ago

February 6, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Yobe: Buni urges journalists to uphold professionalism

By: Yahaya Wakili

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has appealed to media practitioners in the state to continue to uphold professionalism while discharging their responsibilities.

He urges the journalists to abide by the ethics of the profession, remain united, and promote peace and harmony among themselves.

The governor made the appeal today while receiving the newly elected leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents Chapel, led by its elected chairman, Mr. Nabilu Balarabe of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), at the Government House, Damaturu.

Ably represented by his deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune), he commends journalists in the state for their synergy and collaboration with the state government in projecting a positive image of the state.

Governor Buni commended the journalists for their professionalism and constructive engagement, acknowledging the critical role the media plays in democratic governance and national development.

He pledged the state government’s continued support and collaboration with the correspondents’ chapel to ensure the success of the present administration, particularly in promoting government policies, programs, and achievements.

Earlier, the newly elected chairman, Mr. Nabilu Balarabe, said the visit was to pay homage and formally present the new leadership of the chapel to the governor.

He said recently the chapel conducted an election of the leadership of the chapel, in which Nabilu Balarabe of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) emerged as chairman and Mr. Musa Buba Mingi of Channels Television as vice chairman.

Others include Malam Habibu Idris Gimba of Daily Trust, Secretary; Mr. Michael Oshoma of TVC, Treasurer; Sa’adatu Maina of Neptune Prime, Assistant Secretary; and Muhammed Mai Tela of People’s Daily, Auditor.

Yobe: Buni urges journalists to uphold professionalism