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

Yobe: Buni urges journalists to uphold professionalism

Published

2 hours 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

News

NGX woos NPF to list viable businesses

Published

2 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NGX woos NPF to list viable businesses

The Group Chairman Nigerian Exchange Group, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga has urged the Nigerian Police Force to consider listing other viable business entities of its organisation on the Exchange as it has done with its Microfinance Bank.

Kwairanga made the call on Wednesday in Lagos at the closing gong ceremony in honour of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was at the trading floor of the Nigerian Exchange.

Kwairanga gave the NGX’s assurance that such companies if listed would be given free publicity, easy access to greater ponds of capital, and greater transparency and efficiency in their operations.

He said that the Exchange, its operators and quoted companies would continue to provide environment conducive for NPF businesses, in view of the critical role that the police play in ensuring a stable environment for businesses to thrive.

“Our quoted companies have been key to the success of the Police Trust Fund and stand ready to cooperate with the Nigerian Police in other ways that you require logistical and other support to ensure that we have a secure nation and capital market.

“Apart from its core duties of ensuring Nigeria’s internal security, the Nigerian Police Force has over the years established and grown various thriving businesses for the welfare of its personnel.

“One of them, the Nigerian Police Microfinance Bank is in fact quoted on the main board of the Exchange and doing very well in terms of capital appreciation, dividends and corporate governance,” he said.

The NGX boss advised that the Pension Fund should consider increasing its allocations to eligible equity quoted on the Nigerian Exchange.

While commending Egbetokun for visiting the Exchange, Kwairanga pledged to strengthen the mutually beneficial relationship going forward.

Our Correspondent reports that the visit underscores the continued collaboration between key national institutions in promoting market confidence, investor trust and a transparent, well-functioning capital market.

NGX woos NPF to list viable businesses

News

Turkish–Nigerian Poets Unite in Abuja to Promote Peace Through Art

Published

2 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Turkish–Nigerian Poets Unite in Abuja to Promote Peace Through Art

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and Turkey have reinforced their cultural partnership through a poetry exchange in Abuja designed to foster peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding between the two nations.

The literary gathering, hosted by the Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, brought together poets, cultural practitioners, diplomats, and arts administrators from both countries to explore shared human values through poetry and performance.

Speaking at the event, Director-General of the Kaduna International Film Festival, Israel Kashim Audu, described poetry as a powerful medium for cultural diplomacy and peacebuilding. He noted that although Turkish poetry is deeply influenced by Anatolian mysticism, Nigerian poetry often reflects post-colonial experiences, identity, and nationhood.

“Despite their different historical contexts, both poetic traditions meet in their pursuit of justice, harmony, and human dignity,” Audu said.

The Abuja Coordinator of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, Fatih Erkin Mahdum, said the institute has remained committed to promoting Turkish language, arts, and culture in Nigeria since its establishment in 2021. He added that collaborations with Nigerian artists are central to strengthening cultural ties and encouraging creative exchange.

Diplomatic presence at the event underscored its international significance. Mrs Florence Nzako, Counsellor at the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo, alongside Solveig Andresen of the Norwegian Embassy, welcomed participants and commended the initiative for using art to advance peace and intercultural understanding.

Poets at the gathering presented works exploring themes of peace, love, displacement, and resilience, drawing poetic connections between the Bosphorus and the Niger River as symbols of unity and shared humanity.

Also speaking, Director-General and Artistic Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria, Kattumu Bulama Gana, said artistic collaborations provide unique opportunities to understand common histories and aspirations. He described the poetry exchange as a valuable contribution to cultural diplomacy between Nigeria and Turkey.

Turkish–Nigerian Poets Unite in Abuja to Promote Peace Through Art