Zulum Honored as 2024 New Telegraph’s Governor of the Year

…Pledges greater achievements in coming years

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has been awarded as the 2024 New Telegraph Governor of the Year, celebrating his exceptional leadership and transformative achievements in the state.

Governor Zulum received the prestigious award on Friday at the Grand Ballroom of the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, alongside seven other governors, the Ministers of Aviation and Information, the Group CEO of NNPC Ltd, corporate organizations, and other distinguished personalities.

The award acknowledges Governor Zulum’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding public infrastructure in communities destroyed by Boko Haram insurgency, revitalizing the state’s economy, and enhancing security, allowing citizens to go about their daily lives without fear.

Governor Zulum’s outstanding leadership has earned him numerous accolades in 2024, including: the Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award, Nigerian NewsDirect Newspaper of the year, the NUJ Good Governance Award, the Nigeria’s Pride Award for Leadership in Security and Public Service, and the Fellowship Award from the Environmental Management Association of Nigeria (EMAN), among others.

Governor Zulum who was represented at the event, by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, expressed gratitude to New Telegraph Newspaper for recognizing the administration’s developmental strides in rebuilding the state after 16 years of insurgency.

“I am delighted that the New Telegraph has showcased His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, as the Governor of the Year 2024. This recognition underscores that Nigerians are keenly observing and appreciating the impact of his governance at both national and sub-national levels,” Dr. Kadafur stated.

He reaffirmed that Governor Zulum’s administration remains committed to delivering his 10 point agenda and improving the lives of the people of Borno State.

“The Governor’s recognition is a testament to his dedication to the people. Zulum has become a household name in Nigeria for his commitment to good governance and impactful projects across various sectors,” he added.

The Deputy Governor was accompanied by the Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar; Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Emet Kois; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya; Senior Special Assistant Media, Baba Shiekh Haruna; Senior Special Assistant office of the Deputy Governor, Hon. Alfred Buba and SSA to the Deputy Governor, Hon. Habu Ibrahim.

Zulum Honored as 2024 New Telegraph’s Governor of the Year

Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts

By: Zagazola Makama

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the release of Usman Daina, the Secretary of Munya Local Government Council, who was abducted by armed bandits.

Daina was freed unhurt following a sustained pursuit operation by security forces. However, authorities have stated that efforts are still ongoing to rescue other victims who remain in captivity and to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.

Zagazola Makama had reported that On Feb. 21, 2025, heavily armed bandits launched an attack on Munya Local Government Area, abducting several residents, including the council secretary.

It was gathered that that the assailants moved from Chibani forest through the Shakwata axis before striking various communities, including the Dandaudu area of Munya LGA.

The attackers invaded homes, looted food supplies, and forcefully took away multiple victims.

Following the abduction, the Nigerian Army troops, police tactical teams, vigilantes, and other security forces were deployed to track the movements of the kidnappers.

Their aggressive pursuit led to the successful release of Daina, while efforts continue to rescue the remaining captives and dismantle the criminal network responsible for the attack.

Sources said that the security forces are currently conducting aerial surveillance, intelligence-driven operations, and ground raids on identified bandit hideouts in the region.

Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts

Borno Deputy Governor Inspects Rimirgo Ruga Resettlement, Assures Completion Soon

By: Our Reporter

The Deputy Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, who also serves as the Supervising Commissioner for the Ministry of Livestock Development, has inspected facilities at the Rimirgo Ruga Resettlement in Uba town, Askira/Uba Local Government Area

The visit was aimed at assessing the level of preparedness for the commissioning of the second Ruga settlement in Borno State.

During the inspection, the Deputy Governor toured key facilities, including a milk dairy farm, feed production center, skills acquisition hub, school, veterinary clinic, police station, housing units, and water facilities.

Addressing community leaders, Dr. Kadafur reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring the successful takeoff and sustainability of the settlement.

He urged the local vigilante groups to collaborate with security agencies to maintain peace and security in the area.

As part of the visit, the Deputy Governor paid a courtesy call on His Royal Highness, the Emir of Uba, where he reaffirmed that the Rimirgo Ruga Settlement is 95% completed and noted that his assessment is aimed at identifying gaps that require attention before the official commissioning.

Dr. Kadafur disclosed that Rimirgo would be the second Ruga Settlement to be commissioned, following the Ngarnam Ruga Settlement in Mafa Local Government Area, which was launched last month.

The deputy governor also announced plans for the construction of a two-kilometer road linking the settlement to the main road, as well as the addition of 100 new housing units, complementing the existing 50. This, he said, would enhance adequate accommodation for settlers and help in reducing conflicts between farmers and herders.

Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Askira/Uba LGA, Hon. Abubakar Umar Mazhinyi, commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his administration’s achievements in education, healthcare, water, and sanitation.

The Chairman , however, appealed to the state government to establish a tertiary institution in the LGA, citing the difficulty residents face in sending their children to distant institutions.

In a related development, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur represented Governor Babagana Umara Zulum at the coronation ceremony of His Majesty Dr. Ali Danburman as the PTIL MADAGALI of Madagali Chiefdom in Gulak town, Adamawa State.

The ceremony, held at the Gulak Township Stadium, was graced by dignitaries, including the Governor of Adamawa State, His Excellency Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who officially presented the Staff of Office to Dr. Ali Danburman. The newly crowned PTIL MADAGALI is recognized as a Second Class Emir in the Adamawa State Traditional Council and presides over fourteen district heads in Madagali Chiefdom.

Borno Deputy Governor Inspects Rimirgo Ruga Resettlement, Assures Completion Soon