BORNO COMMUNITY WATCH

Zulum - I Will Hand Over a More Secure and Prosperous Borno to Gubio

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has assured that he will hand over a more stable, secure, and economically prosperous Borno to the next administration.

Governor Zulum gave the assurance on Monday when he received prominent sons and daughters of Gubio Local Government Area, led by elder statesman Alhaji Gambo Gubio, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Maiduguri, alongside the APC gubernatorial candidate, Engr. Mustapha Gubio.

The delegation also included the Chairman of the Borno State Civil Service Commission, Dr. Bulama Mali Gubio; a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Fanta Baba Shehu; the Executive Chairman of Gubio, Hon. Mali Bulama Mali; a retired Commissioner of Police; and former Council chairmen.

The Governor noted that despite the challenges confronting the state, particularly insecurity, his administration remains committed to consolidating on the gains achieved over the years and laying a stronger foundation for sustainable development.

“Security is the most difficult issue. Insha Allah, before I leave, the situation will be better than now. I will hand over a more stable, more prosperous, and more secure government to Engr. Mustapha Gubio, Insha Allah,” Zulum declared.

He emphasised that sustaining achievements is often more difficult than attaining them, urging continued support and prayers for the APC governorship candidate.

“What matters is not just success; managing success is more difficult than achieving success itself. Managing success and managing the affairs of Borno State is not easy, but with collective support, prayers, and guidance, God will give him the wisdom and energy to succeed as a candidate and, Insha Allah, as Governor,” he said.

Extolling the leadership qualities of Engr. Mustapha Gubio, Governor Zulum described him as a man of integrity, humility, and composure whom he has known for more than two decades.

“Alhaji Mustapha Gubio, I have known him for the past 26 years, since he was a student at the University of Maiduguri. His integrity is evident; he is humane, very gentle, and composed. Insha Allah, God will help him to steer the mantle of leadership of Borno State,” Zulum stated.

The Governor added, “We will continue to pray for our gubernatorial candidate so that the Almighty will give him the wisdom and the wherewithal to steer the leadership of the state.”

Reflecting on the challenges he encountered at the beginning of his administration in 2019, Zulum recalled the sacrifices required to confront the state’s security and humanitarian crises.

“When I took over the leadership of the state, in the first 55 days of my administration, I saw my children only three times. The first four years were really challenging, but Almighty Allah has helped us to see light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

The Governor expressed appreciation to the delegation for the visit. “As Muslims, when we seek Allah’s guidance and pray for the best outcome, we must accept His decision with complete faith and conviction, knowing that whatever He chooses is ultimately the best for us,” Zulum remarked.

Leader of the delegation, Alhaji Gambo Gubio, commended Governor Zulum for his pivotal role in the emergence of Engr. Mustapha Gubio as the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

“We are here today to express our profound gratitude and thanks for this remarkable occasion. Words alone cannot adequately convey the depth of our feelings or fully capture all that we wish to say. However, we remain sincerely grateful and deeply appreciative,” Alhaji Gambo said.

He described the APC candidate as a worthy son of Gubio and expressed confidence in his future leadership.

Alhaji Gambo also acknowledged Governor Zulum’s achievements in security, infrastructure development, and governance, noting that “Zulum is succeeding,”.

The courtesy visit was attended by the APC State Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba; the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Bukar Tijani; the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Malumbe; commissioners, special advisers, and other government officials.

Zulum commends Tinubu for securing release of 434 Ngoshe captives
. Lauds NSA, Military, DSS, others

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his role in securing the freedom of 434 residents of Ngoshe community, who were abducted over a year ago during a violent raid on the town.

Speaking in Pulka on Monday, Governor Zulum confirmed that the latest release comprises 357 persons, while approximately 82 others had regained their freedom spontaneously in smaller batches over the period since their abduction.

The victims were originally taken from Ngoshe, a border town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, following an attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents early this year.

Zulum particularly praised President Tinubu for his personal intervention and commitment towards restoring peace, which he said accelerated the negotiation and rescue process.

“I want to express my deepest appreciation, on behalf of the government and people of Borno State and Gwoza community in particular, to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for all the efforts that he has been making in ensuring the return of peace and stability not only to Borno State but to the entire country,” Zulum stated.

Zulum also extended commendations to the Nigerian military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and all other security agencies involved in the operation, acknowledging their professionalism and coordination.

“I also want to use this opportunity to commend the Nigerian Armed Forces, the office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Security and all other security agencies, including our gallant Civilian JTF, Forest Guards, Vigilante and Hunters, who have participated immensely in ensuring the release of these abducted men, women and children,” Zulum added.

He explained that while 357 captives walked free in the latest coordinated effort, other captives had been released in phases over the preceding months, bringing the total number of freed captives to 434.

“We are here to felicitate with Ngoshe community following the release of the abducted women and children numbering about 434. What we saw this morning is about 360 released two days ago. But some two to three weeks ago, we also received about other persons, totalling about 434,” Zulum explained.

According to the governor, “Government has released millions of naira to rehabilitate the Ngoshe community. So far, the work is nearly complete. We are also interfacing with the community about their return to Ngoshe; those that are willing to return, we are working with the Nigerian military to establish institutional arrangements that will ensure their safe and dignified return.”

Zulum also directed the distribution of relief materials, comprising food and non-food items, to all the released persons as part of the immediate intervention.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical and psychological support in a government facility, after which they will be reintegrated into their communities.

Zulum Sets 60-Day Deadline for 400-Bed Teaching Hospital, Orders Completion of Orthopaedic Hospital in Four Months

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Friday, inspected the multi-billion naira 400-bed capacity Kashim Ibrahim University as part of his ongoing inspection visit to ambitious projects being executed by his administration.

Zulum on Monday inspected the 4,000-capacity International Conference Center, Post Office flyover, and the 2.5km Tandari-Kasuwan Shani-Neital Shoe and Ternary road.

Addressing journalists shortly after inspecting the facility, the Governor assured that the flagship hospital will be completed and ready for operation within the next 60 days, noting that over 90 percent of the work has already been executed and that all medical equipment and installations required for the hospital have been fully procured and delivered.

“The equipment meant for this hospital has all been purchased, procured, and delivered. You can see the level of development in the hospital, and the consultant has informed us that over 90 percent of the work required has been completed,” Zulum said.

The Governor expressed confidence that the remaining work would be concluded within two months, paving the way for the commencement of services.

“We believe that within the next 60 days, we will round off all the outstanding works, and the hospital will be ready for utilisation. Regarding human resources for health, approval has already been granted, and about 350 staff members have been employed. We are set to go and ensure that this hospital, which has been our dream project, comes to stay,” he added.

Governor Zulum remarked that his administration had invested heavily in healthcare infrastructure across the state and was determined to ensure effective management and maintenance of the new hospital.

According to the Governor, the state government has resolved that the new facility would operate under a carefully structured management model that balances accessibility with sustainability.

“Business as usual will not be feasible. The cardinal objective of any government is to bring succor to the people, particularly the less privileged. However, we must establish certain standards for costing. We cannot charge like a private hospital, but we also cannot make everything completely free. There must be a minimum threshold that will ensure the sustainability of the hospital,” Zulum stated.

The Governor further stressed the need for full automation of the hospital’s operations, particularly its billing and management systems, to guarantee transparency, accountability, and efficiency.

“This hospital has the capacity to provide services not only to our people but also to those from neighboring countries. It will become a referral center for quality healthcare, provided it is managed effectively and sustainably,” the Governor added.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum also inspected the 300-bed State Othopedic Hospital along Dikwa Road, which is at 85% completion, and directed that it be completed within the next four months.

He also inspected the ongoing construction of the road network at Maiduguri Industrial Hub.

The Governor was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Bukar Tijani; the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; Special Advisers; Permanent Secretaries; and other senior government officials.