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ZULUM: 238 Projects in 365 Days; Another Year of Remarkable Progress in Borno’s Project Landscape

ZULUM: 238 Projects in 365 Days; Another Year of Remarkable Progress in Borno’s Project Landscape
By Abdul Kareem
There is no doubt that Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state has set a new standard for leadership and progress in Nigeria. In just the past year, Governor Zulum has overseen a remarkable transformation in Borno, personally spearheading 238 projects across 13 sectors. These projects have left a lasting impact on the state, demonstrating a vision of lasting, sustainable, and community-focused development.
Building upon the success of 957 projects completed during his first term in office, Zulum, a Professor of Irrigation Engineering, has been able to lay a solid foundation for the fast and remarkable progress being witnessed in his second term.

From enhancing security measures to revolutionizing the education sector, Governor Zulum’s commitment to service delivery and good governance shines through in every initiative undertaken even as he continues to raise the bar of good governance in Nigeria.
Governor Zulum’s unwavering dedication to restoring normalcy in Borno State after years of insurgency has been commendable. Through strategic partnerships with security outfits and the provision of essential resources such as patrol vehicles and motorcycles, the administration has boosted the morale of troops and taken significant strides towards ending the insurgency that has plagued the state.

It is worth noting that under Governor Zulum’s leadership in the last one year, the Borno State Government has acquired an additional 94 new Hilux Patrol Vehicles and 62 Toyota Land Cruiser Samsara, supplementing the existing fleet of 1400 Patrol Vehicles earlier procured for the security in the state. This strategic procurement aims to bolster surveillance efforts and address the security challenges effectively. Additionally, the administration has also purchased 300 new motorcycles to support security patrol operations, particularly in hard-to-reach terrains.

In the education sector, Governor Zulum’s administration has embarked on a comprehensive revival plan, focusing on reconstructing schools destroyed by terrorists, establishing new mega-size schools, and recruiting thousands of teachers to ensure quality education for all. By introducing incentives to attract school-age enrolment and reducing the number of out-of-school children, Governor Zulum is paving the way for a brighter future for the youth of Borno State.

According to the commissioner of education, Abba Wakilbe, “Under the visionary leadership of Professor Babagana Zulum, the government has revolutionized the education sector by constructing 30 state-of-the-art mega schools with 60, 40, 30, and 20 classrooms each, equipped with laboratories, staff rooms, ICT centers, water and sports facilities, and solar power supply. Additionally, 16 new senior secondary schools have been established in Bulumkutu, 777, 1000 Housing Estates, Goidamgari, Soye in Bama, Gasi in Shani, Ngoshe in Gwoza, Malakaleri in Mafa, and Kwayabura in Hawul local government areas. Furthermore, five High Islamic colleges are under construction in Gajiram, Gajiganna, Baga, Gubio, and Damasak, while new junior and secondary schools have been founded in Malamkureri in MMC, Dikwa Gubio, Yerimari in Jere, and Girjan in Damboa. The establishment of two-story mega schools in Dala Lawanti, Bulakutiki, Dusuman Kaleri, Miringa, Uba, and Asking signifies a remarkable transformation in our education landscape.”

The education commissioner also added that “During the first year of Governor Zulum’s second term, 88 science laboratories were constructed and equipped in 22 secondary schools, and 4,000 additional teachers were hired for public secondary and primary schools across the state. In addition, the Zulum-led government in Borno State recruited education secretaries for the 27 local government education authorities (LGEAs), provided 13 Toyota vehicles and golf wagons to each education secretary for monitoring and supervision, increased salaries, and allocated monthly running costs.

To address the impact of the long-standing Boko Haram insurgency on school enrollment, the Borno State government implemented various incentives to attract displaced school-age children, including free uniforms, instructional materials, bicycles, and a daily meal. This initiative significantly reduced the number of out-of-school children from over 2 million to less than 700,000, with ongoing efforts to further decrease this number.

Zarah Mohammed, a young caregiver who coordinates out of school IDP children in Bama for evening lessons for basic alphabetical and numeric knowledge, hails Governor Zulum’s free education initiative.
“May God bless our Governor, Professor Zulum, for taking the burden off my neck – now all my little boys and girls, about 32 of them, are now enrolled in conventional schools and they are doing well, ” she said with excitement. “Their poor parent never worry about the cost of their education because it is free. I am going to sustain advocacy in supply of the government to ensure that parents enroll their kids in schools.”

““Furthermore, the Borno State government awarded scholarships totaling 5,580,441,012 naira to 29,325 undergraduate and postgraduate students from Borno State studying both locally and abroad. Additionally, the government covered tuition fees and provided monthly allowances amounting to 1,561,527,600 naira to 997 students at the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Dr Wakilbe said.”
The health sector has also seen significant improvements under Governor Zulum’s leadership, with the construction of primary healthcare centers, procurement of medical equipment, and provision of essential drugs across the state. The administration’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable healthcare services underscores its dedication to the well-being of all citizens.

“In Mafa, 20 primary health centers have been equipped with solar power systems to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services with a steady supply of drugs and consumables,” the Commissioner for Health, Professor Baba M Ghana.
“The Brigadier Abba Kyari Hospital in Ngaranam is currently undergoing renovations to enhance healthcare services. The government has procured medical equipment worth billions of naira and distributed them to health facilities across the state. Solar power systems have been installed in primary health centers in Ngurosoye, Andari, and Gwoza as part of the administration’s commitment to fulfilling campaign promises.
“The government is constructing a College of Nursing in Gwoza and Monguno, along with Eye and Dental Hospitals in Monguno and Biu. General Hospital Biu is being upgraded to a specialist hospital, while General Hospitals in Damboa and Gajiram are undergoing complete reconstruction. The administration aims to establish at least one primary health center in each of the 312 electoral wards in Borno State as part of its post-insurgency recovery agenda,” the commissioner added
Governor Zulum’s visionary approach extends beyond infrastructure development to include initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, creating job opportunities, and building resilience within the community. Through the establishment of vocational and entrepreneurial institutes and ICT centers, the administration is equipping young people with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Four vocational entrepreneurial institutes have been established with the aim of training youth in entrepreneurship and apprenticeship. The goal is to equip them with skills and trades that will improve their socio-economic well-being, make them productive in the future, and steer them away from political unrest and other forms of idleness. These institutes offer training in 14 different trades and apprenticeships, including welding, carpentry, solar light fabrication, cosmetology, tailoring, knitting, computer application and repairs, and automobile maintenance, among others.
Additionally, the Zulum-led government has constructed, equipped, furnished, and commissioned four new ICT centers in Gubio Town, each with 100 computer units. These centers aim to train youth in literacy and numeracy as part of the government’s digital initiative. Furthermore, four other ICT centers located in Mafa, Damboa, and Bayo I have been completed and are awaiting commissioning.
During the first year of governance in the second term, the Vocational Enterprise Institute in Muna graduated 832 orphans. The institute provided them with starter packs and cash to help them start a new self-reliant life. Moreover, 64 of the best graduates were offered automatic employment.
Governor Zulum’s achievements over the last year are not just a collection of projects and programs; they are a testament to his unwavering dedication to the people of Borno State and a shining example of what can be accomplished through visionary leadership and relentless determination. In the face of adversity, Governor Zulum continues to inspire and uplift, leading the way towards a future of prosperity and opportunity for all in Borno State.
To end this article, one must acknowledge that Governor Zulum’s standout quality, evident in his first four years and continuing into his second term, is his exceptional loyalty, dedication to vision, focus, and goals. Over the past five years, he has completed a total of 1195 projects, averaging 239 projects per year. Remarkably, in his fifth year, he precisely delivered 238 projects, showcasing his deliberate and strategic planning skills. This consistent achievement is a signature of Governor Zulum’s intentional and effective governance approach.
ZULUM: 238 Projects in 365 Days; Another Year of Remarkable Progress in Borno’s Project Landscape
News
Alliance, a rescue mission, not for power-grabbing – Gombe coalition

Alliance, a rescue mission, not for power-grabbing – Gombe coalition
A coalition of opposition parties in Gombe State has formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Unveiling the platform in Gombe on Tuesday, Mr Idris Umar, a former Minister of Transportation and leader of the coalition in the state, said that the coalition’s aim was to rescue Nigerians and residents of Gombe State from “APC-induced hardship and pain.”
Umar said the coalition was not created to grab power, but to promote good governance and improve residents’ standard of living in Gombe State.
He explained that members of various opposition parties aligned with a national coalition to adopt ADC as a platform for the 2027 elections.
“We are unveiling this partnership in Gombe, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to put Nigeria first,” Umar said.
He noted that the journey took 18 months of dialogue with political stakeholders, leading to ADC being chosen as the preferred platform.
“We are determined to recruit new members and work closely with ADC leadership in Gombe to ensure the party’s success,” he added.
Umar said the coalition had been tasked with expanding membership to help unseat APC in Gombe and across Nigeria.
A committee chaired by former Gombe deputy governor, Mr John Yoriyo, assisted by Shehu Adamu-Fura, was formed to drive registration.
“We will strengthen the party and open our doors to more members ready to rescue Gombe and Nigeria from present challenges,” Umar stated.
He emphasised the role of opposition in democracy, saying without it, national progress would be impossible.
Umar, a former Senator for Gombe Central, said coalition efforts are key to lifting Nigerians from poverty and securing a brighter future.
“Our focus is to move Nigeria forward, ease citizens’ lives, raise living standards and restore national security,” he said.
He urged youths to shun violence and thuggery, stressing the coalition promotes peace and democratic advancement.
In his address, state party chairman Auwal Barde praised members and urged unity to ensure ADC’s success in Gombe come 2027.
News
MSF Launches Emergency Measles Vaccination Campaign in Zurmi, Zamfara State

MSF Launches Emergency Measles Vaccination Campaign in Zurmi, Zamfara State
By: Michael Mike
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in collaboration with Zamfara state Ministry of Health and Zurmi Local Government Area (LGA) has launched an emergency measles vaccination campaign in Zurmi LGA, following an increase in the number of children suffering from the disease that has already claimed the lives of 24 children this year.
Most of the children who died were under five years old and had not been vaccinated.
The six-day campaign, which began today, 8 July, is targeting children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. The goal is to stop the spread of measles quickly and prevent more deaths. During the campaign, MSF teams will also check children for signs of malnutrition using a simple arm measurement (MUAC) and refer those who are undernourished to nearby health centres for treatment.
As of early May, more than 1,600 suspected measles cases have been reported across all 11 wards in Zurmi. The number of cases is much higher than usual and has passed the level considered an epidemic. Many of the children who became seriously ill had other health problems like eye infections, malaria, and poor nutrition, which made their condition worse. The death rate is currently 1.2%.
To reach as many children as possible, MSF is using both fixed vaccination sites and mobile teams that can travel to remote and hard-to-reach areas. The aim is to vaccinate at least 95% of children in the target age group to protect the wider community and stop the outbreak.
A previous vaccination campaign in June 2024 only reached 59% of children due to a shortage of vaccines and security issues in some areas. The current outbreak is worst in communities like Zurmi town, Dauran Birnin Tsaba, Mayasa Kuturu, and Rukudawa, where regular vaccination services are limited and access to healthcare is difficult.
“Children in Zurmi are facing a double crisis of disease and hunger,” said Abdullahi Mohamed Ali, MSF’s Head of Mission. “We are seeing a sharp rise in measles cases, along with high levels of malnutrition, which makes children even more vulnerable.”
A nutrition screening carried out in June 2024 showed that more than one in four children in Zurmi were undernourished, and over 4% were severely malnourished, well above emergency levels set by the World Health Organisation. The MSF-run treatment centre at Zurmi General Hospital continues to receive more and more children with serious nutrition-related complications.
MSF is calling on all partners and health authorities to support this urgent response and help ensure that every child in Zurmi gets the care and protection they need.
MSF Launches Emergency Measles Vaccination Campaign in Zurmi, Zamfara State
News
Lesotho moves towards mass treatment of worm infections

Lesotho moves towards mass treatment of worm infections
By: Michael Mike
To address the severe impact of parasitic worm infections on children’s health, nutrition, and education, the Ministry of Health in Lesotho, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has initiated steps to re-establish its Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programme for Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH).
This is done through the annual administration of albendazole tablets to target both preschool-aged children (1–5 years) and school-aged children (6–15 years). To prepare for the implementation of this critical intervention, a three-and-a-half-day multi-sectoral workshop was held in Leribe District, focusing on the development and validation of a comprehensive operational manual to guide future MDA implementation.
WHO has reported that over 1.5 billion people globally are infected with soil-transmitted helminths (STH), making it one of the most widespread infections. This parasitic disease is particularly prevalent in low-income and tropical regions.

The AFRO region faces the highest burden, with more than 800 million people at risk. Around 290 million school-age children in this region require preventive chemotherapy.
All Saharan African countries are endemic for STH, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive health interventions.
Lesotho conducted its initial national STH mapping survey in 2015, which revealed an overall prevalence of 47.6%, with significant district level variations, some reaching as high as 99%. This led to the launch of an MDA program in 2017, which, however, ceased operations after 2019 due to various challenges,including the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving at-risk populations vulnerable once more. Population at risk in Lesotho is around 550,000.
STH infections are classified by the WHO as Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), characterized by their prevalence in populations with limited access to adequate sanitation and healthcare facilities. These parasitic infections contribute to adverse health outcomes, particularly among children, impacting their nutrition, growth, and educational performance.
A multi-sectoral approach is key to effectively and sustainably controlling and eventually eliminating STH infections in Lesotho and other high-burden areas. It involves not just the health sector (like mass drug administration), but also other sectors that address the main causes of transmission, such as poor sanitation, unsafe water, and poor hygiene.
Dr. Dhruv Pandey, the Technical Expert on Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, WHO Multicounty Assignment Team for the Southern Africa Hub countries, emphasized that the discontinuation of MDA since 2019 could have a detrimental impact on both public health and socioeconomic development in Lesotho.
He stressed the need for renewed political and intersectoral commitment, stating:
“It is essential for the Ministry of Health to prioritize the resumption of MDA by initially integrating it within existing health programmes, such as immunization and HPV campaigns.STH is not merely a health issue; it is a social issue, influenced by multiple social determinants and should be addressed through coordinated action.”
Ntsoaki Mamoeketsi Mokete, National Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) Focal Person at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the significance of the newly developed operational manual.
“Developing the operational manual is an important step towards controlling and eliminating neglected tropical diseases in Lesotho,” Mokete said. She outlined future plans, including five years of continuous MDA followed by an impact assessment survey to determine the status of STHs in the country.
“Our next steps will be to continue with the MDA for five years,which will be followed by the impact assessment survey to determine the distribution of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) among the general population. This will enable us to implement effective deworming strategies for the elimination of STH as a public health problem in the Kingdom of Lesotho.
In addition, we will focus on advocacy for the revitalization of school health programmes, developing NTD clinical guidelines, integrating NTDs into the IDSR strategy, and developing a coherent and well-coordinated approach in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and other related organizations.”
The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) also affirmed its commitment to the program. Mpheng Molapo, Coordinator of the Learner Care and Welfare Support Unit at MoET, underlined the direct benefits for students.
“The Ministry of Education strongly supports the implementation of the (MDA) for (STH) as a key public health intervention with direct impact on learner well-being, educational performance, and school attendance,” Molapo stated.
Dr. Pabolo Nonyane, District Veterinary Officer and National Focal Point for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, underscored the importance of the MDA to the agricultural sector.
She stated that: “This initiative is vital for achieving sustainable food and nutrition security, particularly within our high-risk agricultural communities. Farmers and herd boys are uniquely vulnerable due to their exposure to contaminated soil. By using this operational manual to protect their health, we preserve the human capital essential for our agricultural future. This effort truly reflects the ‘One Health’ principle, ensuring that our work on STH contributes not only to public health but also directly to Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger.”
“The development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the MDA campaign against Soil-Transmitted Helminths is essential,” stated Matebele Setefane, UN-Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water (GLAAS) Focal Person, Ministry of Natural Resources.
“This manual provides a structured, standardized approach that ensures clarity of roles and alignment with broader health and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) goals. Given that STH infections are strongly linked to inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene, integrating WASH elements into the MDA operational SOPs helps address not just treatment but also prevention.”
Setefane further emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative: “The success of the MDA campaign depends not only on drug distribution but also on addressing the environmental drivers of STH transmission. Our ministry is committed to supporting the campaign through WASH integration, by collaborating with the Ministry of Health to ensure safe water access, functional sanitation facilities, and hygiene promotion are prioritized in targeted communities and schools.”
The workshop convened a multidisciplinary team, including representatives from the Ministries of Education, Nutrition, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Environment. This collaborative approach aims to ensure the operational manual is pragmatic and implementable across all levels of engagement, marking a critical step towards establishing a sustainable, multisectoral intervention for STH control and eventual elimination as a public health problem in Lesotho.
WHO, working with other partners, has been instrumental in operationalizing the implementation of MDA in many countries, providing support at every stage of the process. This includes ensuring the sustainability of high-quality MDA, facilitating annual reporting, and conducting a comprehensive impact assessment after five years of optimal coverage.
Lesotho moves towards mass treatment of worm infections
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