Connect with us

News

Random Thoughts On Gov. Zulum @54.

Published

2 years ago

on

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.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Army will remain apolitical, committed to defending democracy – COAS

Published

3 hours ago

on

December 6, 2025

By

Army will remain apolitical, committed to defending democracy – COAS

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says the Nigerian Army will remain apolitical and steadfast in protecting the nation’s democracy in line with its constitutional mandate.

Shaibu stated this on Saturday at the Passing Out Parade of the Executive Commission Course 2/2025 held at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji.

He reiterated that the subordination of the military to constituted civil authority remains the foundation for professionalism, urging officers and soldiers to uphold democratic values at all times.

“We must safeguard this constitutional democratic governance that promotes the values and interests of every well-meaning Nigerian, irrespective of tribe or religion,” he said.

“I charge all Nigerian Army personnel to be proud champions of democracy and remain apolitical in discharging their constitutional duties.”

Shaibu assured Nigerians that the Army remains committed to protecting lives and property across the country, adding that troops are working round the clock to secure the territorial integrity of the nation and support other security agencies.

The COAS commended the Commandant of NASI and the training staff for the successful conduct of the course, noting that the achievements recorded in training and operations were made possible by government support.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and sustained assistance to the Nigerian Army, reaffirming the loyalty of officers and soldiers to the government and the Constitution.

Shaibu also thanked the Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, and the people of the state for their cooperation and support to Army formations and institutions.

He congratulated the passing-out cadets and their families, wishing them successful careers as they prepare to join units and formations across the country.

“The Nigerian Army awaits you all in the field,” he said.

Army will remain apolitical, committed to defending democracy – COAS

Continue Reading

News

COAS charges newly commissioned officers to uphold professionalism, loyalty at POP in Jaji

Published

3 hours ago

on

December 6, 2025

By

COAS charges newly commissioned officers to uphold professionalism, loyalty at POP in Jaji

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged newly commissioned officers of the Executive Commission Course 2/2025 to uphold professionalism, integrity and loyalty as they begin their careers in the Nigerian Army.

Shaibu gave the charge on Saturday during the Passing Out Parade of the course at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji, Kaduna State.

The COAS described the occasion as a significant milestone and congratulated the cadets for successfully completing the rigorous training that qualifies them for the Presidential Commission.

He urged the new officers to remain focused as they take up responsibilities in various operational theatres across the country.

“Your pips will be unveiled shortly, and you will begin individual and collective journeys filled with opportunities, challenges and important decisions,” he said.

“Amidst these, one thing must remain sacrosanct Nigeria must come first in all decisions and actions throughout this new phase of your careers.”

Shaibu emphasised the need for right character, courage, professionalism and resilience, assuring the cadets that the Nigerian Army Officers’ Corps would always stand with them as comrades and brothers-in-arms.

He advised them to rely on the training received at NASI and their experiences in service, stressing that in moments of doubt, their training should remain their guide.

The COAS reminded the officers that leadership required the ability to inspire confidence and make sound decisions.

“A bad plan is better than no plan at all, so ensure that you always have a plan,” he said.

“Always act with the hope for success and not the fear of failure.”

Shaibu highlighted the Army’s efforts to address welfare concerns related to their type of commission, assuring them of measures to support their professional and personal development.

He urged them to pursue continuous improvement through courses and trainings available in the Army, aligning with his Command Philosophy to transform the force into a more professional, adaptable and combat-ready institution.

COAS charges newly commissioned officers to uphold professionalism, loyalty at POP in Jaji

Continue Reading

News

COAS inaugurates land warfare wargaming centre, says facility will deepen officers’ operational planning

Published

3 hours ago

on

December 6, 2025

By

COAS inaugurates land warfare wargaming centre, says facility will deepen officers’ operational planning

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday inaugurated the newly constructed Land Warfare Wargaming Centre at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, describing the project as a major milestone in strengthening operational training and military education in the country.

Shaibu, who served as Special Guest of Honour at the commissioning ceremony, said the state-of-the-art centre would significantly enhance the capacity of officers to engage in advanced operational planning, mission rehearsal and strategic decision-making.

He said the completion of the project demonstrated the military’s collective resolve to equip officers with the skills required to address contemporary and future security challenges.

“This centre is not only significant to this College but to the Nigerian Army and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.

“The successful completion of this project is a bold statement in our determination to deepen officers’ operational planning capabilities, enhance military education and further prepare our officers for emerging threats.”

The COAS commended the Armed Forces Command and Staff College for maintaining its reputation as a centre of excellence in producing high-quality middle-level officers who contribute to national defence objectives.

“As a proud graduate of this College, I am pleased to remain associated with its continuous transformation,” he added.

Shaibu applauded the progress recorded by the Department of Land Warfare, noting that the execution of several key projects by his predecessors had contributed to improved academic outcomes and a more effective learning environment.

He described the new Wargaming Centre as a necessary complement to the Lt Gen T.Y. Buratai Operations Centre, adding that it would enhance the training of officers in land warfare doctrine and joint operations.

The COAS expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “unrelenting support to the Nigerian Army,” saying such support made the execution of strategic projects possible.

He also thanked the Commandant of AFCSC, AVM HI Alhaji, for his commitment to improving the college’s infrastructure and training systems, and commended the Director of the Department of Land Warfare, Brig.-Gen. N.U.C. Ogili, for ensuring the timely and quality completion of the project.

Shaibu acknowledged the contributions of the directing staff, administrative officers and college community, noting that they were collective stakeholders in ensuring the effective utilisation and maintenance of the new facility.

He urged students, who are the primary beneficiaries, to make optimal use of the centre to enhance their understanding of operational art, strategic planning and battlefield decision-making.

“I congratulate the Commandant, staff and students of AFCSC on this historic achievement,” he said.

COAS inaugurates land warfare wargaming centre, says facility will deepen officers’ operational planning

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights