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Zulum: A Beacon Of Hope To Borno’s Less Privileged People

Published

2 years ago

June 23, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Zulum: A Beacon Of Hope To Borno’s Less Privileged People

By Gbenga Akingbule

Born without a silver spoon and struggled through hardwork, perseverance and unwavering desire to succeed, Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum has since become a household name especially amongst the less privileged persons in the state .

Prof. Zulum is always quick to share stories about his humble beginning amongst the high and mighty, a gesture observers view as rare display of humility amongst Nigeria’s political elite

Upon assumption of office in 2019 , Prof Zulum has consistently associated himself with the less privileged,- his former constituency where he got first hand experience of the difficult economic hardship bedeveling many Nigerian less privileged people.

Driven by compassion and his gennue concern to assist the common people, Prof Zulum had on different occasion while on visit to the hinterland, ordered for the immediate halting of his motorcade just to assist locals walking long distance by giving them a ride on his convoy and also give them cash support.

Pfrof Zulum passion to liberate his people from the shackles of poverty and education backwardness has led to rise in budgetary provisions and fund releases for the education sector and key ministries that are aimed at empowering the common people.

For the 2024 buget, the Ministry of Education was allocated the sum of N39 billion to carry out its activities- this effort , amongst others , has removed over one million out- of – school children off the streets of Borno and returned them to the classrooms where their future are being positively shaped to become responsible and productive members of the society.

” Out of 1.8 million out -of- school children in 2021, we have taken measures to reduce the number to less that 800. We’re still working assiduously bring down the number ” Commissioner of Education, Science , Technology and Innovation, Engineer Lawan Abba Wakilbe said

No doubt, the more than a decade long insurgency in Borno State had led many children and their parents to flee trouble areas, thereby obstructing their education where massive destruction to education facilities across the state was evident .

At a recent function during a public lecture held at University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID ) which form part activities to mark the exit of the former Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Prof . Aliyu Shugaba after completing his 5 year tenure, Prof Zulum didn’t mince words when he charged the sea of erudite scholars present at the occasion, majority of whom are indigens of Borno State to think outside the box and collaborate to use education as tool for liberating the people of the state .

Zulum was quick to trip down memory lane and revealed how he battled through pletoral of obstacles in his unquenchable quest to gain quality education that has since transformed his life to become a professor of Soil and Water Engineer and currently serving his second term as governor of Borno state.

” coming from my background, I know how I suffered , where we do not have competent teachers to teach us in our primary and secondary school. I never thought I would be a professor, because both of my parents were not educated, nobody ever told me to do my assignment while in primary school, I was on my own.” Zulun said .

It was therefore not surprising when Governor Zulum recently released the sum of N4.8 Billion as scholarship award to 524 postgraduate students from the state , including orphans and less privileged persons.

The scholarship award according to the governor is meant for foriegn and local postgraduate students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics ( STEM)

In his usual humanitarian and compassion towards the the less privileged irrespective of ethnicity, tribe or religion governor Zulum during an early morning visit to a school in Maiduguri, the state capital gifted a woman form the South East part of the country- a teacher in the school with the sum of N100, 000 cash for always showing up eally to her duty post .

Also , recently, during a visit to launch grains given to the state by Federal Government , Prof Zulum, shortly after the occasion went towards the direction of the local guard guarding the premises and immediately ordered that the sum of N500 000 be given to him – an amount that is more that his 12 month salary.

The 80 year Chadian local guard who had lived in Nigeria for over four decades and has over 20 Children was stunned by the governor’s gesture and said the money will go a long way in ameliorating his financial challenges.

Furthermore, 63 year old Cecelia Joseph, a widow and mother of six children who was part of the one hundred thousand households that benefited from massive food support scheme carried out by the Borno State Governor.

The aim of the food support according to Goverenor Zulum is to ameliorate economic hardship being experienced by many vulnerable families across state including the likes of Cecilia whose husband, a commercial taxi driver was gruesomely murdered by suspected Boko Haram Terrorists over ten years ago.

Since the demise of her husband, Cecilia who had continue to feed from hand to mouth with her six children revealed that Governor Zulum is the first to have reached out to her with any form of assistance- the food support , she said ” will assist me and my six children immensely ”

Prof Zulum had ordered that the food support should be given to all vulnerable residents irrespective of tribe , religion and political affiliations hence paving the way for Cecilia who hails from far away Osun State, a devoted Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) member as well as other beneficiaries who are not indigens of the state .

” I’m so grateful to Governor Zulum for wiping away my tears with this food support. But I would appreciate more support from the governor and other well meaning citizens for the education on my children. ” Cecelia who currently lives in a rented accommodation on the outskirts of Maiduguri , the state capital said .

Governor Zulum had revealed during one of the many food distribution in the state that ” We have never distinguish between Christians and Muslims in our food distribution. What we’re doing is not partisan either , it’s not based on ethnicity or religion ; we advised the community to select one hundred thousand most valuable and bottom poor and this will go a long way in ameliorating the suffering of the masses ”

While warehouses were being looted acros the country during the # EndSARS protests, residents of Borno state were full of gratitude to Governor Zulum for always coming to their aid with his unprecedented distribution of food , cash and clothing to assist the less privileged.

Following the release of N2 Billion intervention by the President Bola Tinubu led Federal governmen to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal Prof. Zulum had announced raising the number of households being targeted for palliatives from 300,000 to 400,000 households.

Each household according to the Governor, will be made up of six family members and multiplied by 400,000 which, by implication, moves Zulum’s new target to two million and four hundred thousand individuals.

“Governor Zulum has continued to stand in the gap for many of the less privileged people in Borno state ” Umar Ali, one of those that recently benefited from the food support scheme established by the governor.

Zulum: A Beacon Of Hope To Borno’s Less Privileged People

News

Two suspects arrested over killing of cows in Benue

Published

3 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Two suspects arrested over killing of cows in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Security operatives have arrested two suspects over the killing of cows and recovery of suspected stolen meat in Guma LGA of Benue State.

Sources said the suspects, identified as Sylvester Kuman and Nyitor Akaangee, both of Udei Village, were arrested at about 1:00 p.m. on March 22 following credible intelligence.

Items suspected to be cow meat were recovered from the suspects during the operation.

Authorities said efforts were ongoing to track and arrest other accomplices, while investigations had commenced to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Two suspects arrested over killing of cows in Benue

News

Police inspector dies from injuries after auto crash in Nasarawa

Published

14 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Police inspector dies from injuries after auto crash in Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

A police inspector, Usman Zubairu, has died from injuries sustained in a motor accident in Nasarawa State.

The officer, attached to the Police Mobile Force (PMF) unit deployed at the Government House in Lafia, was initially involved in a serious road accident before being transferred to the University of Jos Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Sources said the officer died at about 2:00 a.m. on March 22 while receiving medical care at the hospital.

His remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary, while burial arrangements are ongoing.

Police inspector dies from injuries after auto crash in Nasarawa

News

EU Unveils Major Investment Drive in Nigeria with €290m Global Gateway Package and €50m Health Manufacturing Facility

Published

34 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

EU Unveils Major Investment Drive in Nigeria with €290m Global Gateway Package and €50m Health Manufacturing Facility

By: Michael Mike

The European Union has announced a significant expansion of its strategic partnership with Nigeria, unveiling a €290 million investment package under its Global Gateway Strategy to support digital infrastructure, healthcare manufacturing, agricultural value chains and migration management.

The announcement was made during the Eighth Nigeria–EU Ministerial Dialogue held in Abuja and co-chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas.

European officials said the seven new investment operations demonstrate a renewed political commitment to deepen cooperation between both partners while supporting Nigeria’s development priorities.

“In the current geopolitical context, the European Union is keen to enhance its partnership with Nigeria,” Kallas said. “Bringing more EU investment to Nigeria, aligning with the Renewed Hope agenda for the Nigerian Federal Government is a key priority for both sides.”

The EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, said the investments are designed to support long-term economic growth while strengthening critical sectors.

“Together with Nigeria, we are investing in the modernisation of the digital sector, a stronger health system and in the development of agriculture,” Síkela said. “These Global Gateway investments create quality infrastructure, sustainable jobs and long-term economic opportunities that benefit the Nigerian people while also creating new opportunities for Europe.”

The digital sector received the largest share of the investment package, with €131 million earmarked for improving connectivity, expanding digital services and strengthening digital skills.

Under the programme, the EU will support the rollout of approximately 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable across Nigeria in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

The project aims to deliver secure and affordable internet access to an estimated 33 million Nigerians who currently lack reliable connectivity.

It will also support the development of secure and interoperable digital public infrastructure and contribute to Nigeria’s technical talent development initiative aimed at training millions of digital professionals.

Alongside the broader investment package, the development arm of the European Investment Bank, EIB Global, signed a €50 million financing agreement with the Bank of Industry to boost healthcare manufacturing in Nigeria.

The facility will support local companies producing pharmaceuticals, vaccines, diagnostic products and other medical devices through a dedicated credit line aimed at addressing financing gaps in the sector.

The agreement was announced in the presence of senior officials including the Bank of Industry’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Olasupo Olusi, Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot.

Olusi said the initiative represents a major step toward building Nigeria’s domestic pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing capacity.

“This partnership marks a pivotal step in Nigeria’s journey from being a major importer of essential health commodities to becoming a competitive producer within regional and global value chains,” he said.

“By mobilising long-term patient capital into local pharmaceutical, vaccine and diagnostics manufacturing, we are not only strengthening health security but also catalysing industrial growth, skills development and high-quality job creation.”

The initiative is financed under the Human Development Accelerator programme backed by the European Commission and implemented by the European Investment Bank in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Vice President of the European Investment Bank, Ambroise Fayolle, said the partnership demonstrates the EU’s commitment to strengthening health systems across Africa.

“By financing the development and local manufacture of essential medicinal and nutritional products, we enhance access to affordable, safe and high-quality treatments for diseases while improving the resilience of supply chains,” Fayolle said.

The EU investment package also includes €86 million to support agricultural development, particularly in Nigeria’s cocoa and dairy value chains.

The financing will provide easier access to credit for smallholder farmers and agribusiness companies through the Bank of Industry while supporting climate-smart agriculture policies and sustainable production.

Officials said the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s ambition to expand dairy production and strengthen cocoa exports to European markets.

Another €16 million will support migration management programmes, including reintegration support for returning migrants and efforts to combat human trafficking networks.

The funding will provide social, economic and psychological assistance for voluntary returnees while strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to tackle smuggling and trafficking networks.

The latest commitments build on earlier EU investments in Nigeria in sectors including urban transportation in Lagos, renewable energy, democratic governance and programmes to combat gender-based violence.

With the new package, total Team Europe commitments to Nigeria since 2025 have reached €962.5 million.

Officials said the growing portfolio highlights the EU’s intention to deepen economic cooperation with Nigeria while promoting sustainable development, industrialisation and private sector growth.

The European Investment Bank alone has invested more than €2.3 billion in Nigeria since beginning operations in the country in 1978, supporting projects in infrastructure, climate resilience, innovation, agribusiness and small business financing.

European officials said the new investments are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to build resilient industries, create jobs and expand opportunities for regional trade across West Africa.

EU Unveils Major Investment Drive in Nigeria with €290m Global Gateway Package and €50m Health Manufacturing Facility