https://www.facebook.com/101070485061866/

24 Daily Pulse, Abuja (2026)

21/04/2026

At Kogi Security Summit: Zulum Advocates Use of Technology, AI

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has called for a shift in Nigeria’s security architecture, urging stakeholders to deploy technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to combat rising threats.

Speaking at the Kogi Security Summit on Tuesday in Abuja, Zulum argued that traditional methods alone cannot defeat sophisticated criminal networks. He advocated for the integration of surveillance drones, biometric tracking, and predictive analytics to pre-empt attacks.

“For us to address the insecurity, we need to possess modern technological warfare; technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics are now deployed to combat crime,” Zulum said.

Beyond hardware, Zulum stressed that security is a collective burden. He urged citizens to “own the issues of insecurity” by actively participating in intelligence gathering and community policing, rather than leaving the fight solely to security agencies.

Furthermore, Zulum charged authorities with tackling the root causes of insecurity, particularly poverty and infrastructure deficits. The Governor noted that unemployment, hunger, and lack of basic amenities create fertile ground for recruitment by criminal elements.

“While it is critical to purchase equipment such as vehicles, MRAPS, drones and other facilities to confront the insecurity, but most importantly, without addressing the underlying factors such as poverty, road infrastructures, agriculture, among others, insecurity will not end. So, I want you to dedicate some of your funding to addressing such issues.”

“Understanding the socio-economic and political dimensions of every crisis is very important. Increasing poverty, climate vulnerabilities, infrastructural deficit, illiteracy, among others, have to be addressed if we want security in our communities.”

“The security of lives and property is the cardinal objective of any administration; the nexus between peace and security cannot be overemphasised. It is only when there is security that there will be peace; and without peace, there will be no development,” Zulum stressed.

Zulum was accompanied by the member representing Marte, Monguno Nganzai federal constituency, Hon. Engr Bukar Talba.

02/12/2025

Borno State Ministry of Justice Enhances Stakeholders' Capacity at a Three-Day Workshop on the Juvenile Justice System

The Borno State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with Century Attorneys, has concluded a three-day workshop aimed at strengthening the Juvenile Justice System across the state.

Declaring the programme open, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Hauwa Abubakar, underscored the need to safeguard young people and ensure that all justice actors have a proper understanding of how the Juvenile Justice System operates in Borno State.

She explained that juvenile justice involves the legal processes applied to children and young persons under the age of 18 who come into conflict with the law. Unlike the adult system, she emphasized, its primary objectives are correction, rehabilitation, and reintegration, rather than punitive measures.

The workshop brought together key justice-sector stakeholders, including legal practitioners, law enforcement agencies, child-protection officers, social welfare officials, and representatives of institutions involved in the handling of juvenile cases.

The initiative reflects the Ministry’s continued commitment to protecting children’s rights, improving justice delivery, and aligning Borno State’s juvenile justice procedures with national standards and international child-protection frameworks.

02/12/2025

CAN Chairman- No Religious Crisis in Borno, Harps on Peace, Justice and Inclusion
…No Foreign Nation can Solve our Problems

Borno State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. John Bogna Bakeni, has stated that there is no religious conflict between Christians and Muslims in the state.

The CAN Chairman, who is also the Auxiliary Bishop of Catholic Church Maiduguri Diocese, stated this during a high-level meeting convened by the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, at Government House, Maiduguri.

The meeting was attended by prominent Islamic scholars under the leadership of Jama’atul Nasrul Islam and by Christian clerics under the auspices of the Christian Association of Nigeria.

The religious leader emphasized unity and peaceful coexistence as a collective responsibility, citing 15 years of insecurity that bedeviled the state.

He emphasized that Nigeria's solutions must come from within, as no foreign country can solve our problems, and warned against the dangers of damaging misinformation and misleading narratives.

Below is the full text of his remarks.

The people you have gathered here today, both from the Muslim and Christian sides, are people who have the heart and the minds of the people. If at our level, as leaders both on the Christian and Muslim sides, we get it right, then our followers will also get it right.

What you (Excellency Governor Babagana Zulum) have already said—that you are going to be interacting and engaging with us, religious leaders, in every governance—serves as a mirror for leadership because of our prophetic calls as clerics. Probably, we are the only ones who can speak truth to power and tell you things as they are. This journey that we have started, not just today; we have been meeting with my brothers (Muslim clerics) at different fora.

You’re convening us today, and what is contained in your speech, if realized, then Borno is going to be the most peaceful state in Nigeria, and that is my prayer. Let me say that both as Muslims and Christians, God does not need us to fight His wars for Him. What God wants and needs us for is to be instruments of peace, of His compassion, of His love and unity. Both religions believe and know that God is all-powerful.

So, we the religious leaders, once we preach—as His Excellency has enjoined—if we preach truth and love, then this will trickle down; we have the hearts and minds of our followers. Your Excellency, I want to thank you for bringing us today, and I want to thank you for the sacrifices and leadership you have provided to Borno State in this difficult and challenging time. We know the sacrifices you make, the sleepless nights you go through, sleeping outside of your seat.

When one sees you, one sees a leader who loves and has a passion and compassionate heart for his people. I want to assure you of our support, the entire Christian community in Borno State and beyond. We are with you, we are praying for you, and may God grant you the wisdom to lead us as you have always done in this difficult and challenging time.

Our country is on a global map now, and there is a lot of information that is going out. I will enjoin us, the religious leaders, to talk to our leaders. Nobody can solve our problems from outside; we are the ones that can solve our problems. America, England—nobody can solve our problems. If what His Excellency says here today, if we take it to heart and implement it, we are going to have a peaceful society.

Your Excellency says you have demonstrated inclusion and justice for all. These are the two things I want to end on. Let it become more visible: Christians and Muslims are included, and then there is justice for all. It will make governance easier for you, and for us, we will do the work of lining up our people behind what is right. We must be careful of the dangers of a single narrative.

Are Christians and Muslims fighting in Borno State? No. Do we have challenges that affect both Christians and Muslims? Yes. So, who is the enemy? We must be very, very careful. Journalists are calling, people are calling, but we must not destroy our state; we have gone through a lot.

Our leaders have sacrificed so much; we cannot decide to throw away all the hard-earned effort. Let us work for peace with justice in our land, and I believe God is going to help us.

Thank you, Your Excellency. We look forward to further interactions and engagements so that collectively we will contribute our bit in building a peaceful and prosperous Borno State.

29/11/2025

Zulum bags Honorary Doctor of Science, announces scholarship for 220 UNIMAID lecturers

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced scholarships for 220 lecturers at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) to pursue Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs.

The Governor made the announcement shortly after being conferred with an honorary Doctor of Science degree during the university’s 25th Combined Convocation ceremony. The event also featured the relaunch of the UNIMAID Endowment Fund.

Governor Zulum said the initiative targets 200 indigenes and 20 non-indigenes of Borno State.

“I wish to announce the scholarship to 220 lecturers of University of Maiduguri to pursue their doctorate degree. Out of the number, 100 will have the opportunity to study abroad while 120, will study in universities within Nigeria,”.

“As part of our contribution to the growth and development of this University, I will like to announce that 20 non indigene lecturers will also be given the opportunity to pursue their doctorate degrees,” Zulum stated.

He expressed gratitude for the honour, saying “I am, indeed, honoured to be among distinguished personalities that have been honored along with His Royal Highness the Emir of Kazaure and Sir (Dr.) Emeka Offor. I have no doubt in my mind that all the recipients will endeavour be good ambassadors of the University.

The Governor commended the University’s profound impact on national development, noting that it has provided education for hundreds of thousands who now play significant roles in government and the private sector.

He endorsed the relaunch of the Endowment Fund as a vital initiative to enhance the university's research capabilities.

“The University is justified in re-launching their Endowment Fund, so that they can mobilise resources to enhance their research and development capabilities. For us in Borno State, partnership with University has become a way of life.

The Governor commended the chief launcher, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi for his contribution to the University, calling on the alumni and other well meaning individuals to contribute generously to the Fund.

The event was attended by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, the Governor of Adamawa State Hon. Ahmodu Umaru Fintiri, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi.

Others include, senator Borno North and Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Tahir Monguno; Senator Borno South, Mohammed Ndume; Senator Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan and members of House of Representatives, minister of Agriculture, minister for State Education, elder statesman, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi among other personalities

Governor Zulum was honoured alongside the Emir of Kazaure, Alhaji Najib Hussaini Adamu, and renowned philanthropist, Sir Emeka Offor.

29/11/2025

SEN. MONGUNO CONGRATULATES WITH GOVERNOR ZULUM ON THE CONFERMENT OF HONORARY DOCTOR OF SCIENCE BY UNIMAD AT ITS 25TH COMBINED CONVOCATION CEREMONY
..this conferment reflects Governor Zulum’s resilience, selfless service, and unwavering dedication to rebuilding lives and restoring hope, especially in communities affected by insurgency. Says Sen. Monguno.

The Senator representing Borno North Senatorial District and Chief Whip of the 10th Senate, Dist. Sen MT Monguno, Esq, has warmly congratulated the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Engr Babagana Umara Zulum, FNSE, mni, on the conferment of the Honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree by the University of Maiduguri during its 25th Combined Convocation Ceremony.

Senator Monguno described the well-deserved honour as a clear recognition of Governor Zulum’s visionary leadership, outstanding commitment to education and infrastructure development, and the remarkable transformation being witnessed across Borno State.

According to the Senator, the award reflects Governor Zulum’s resilience, selfless service, and unwavering dedication to rebuilding lives and restoring hope, especially in communities affected by insurgency.

He congratulated the Governor on behalf of the good people of Borno North, wishing him continued strength, wisdom, and greater success in his mission to build a more prosperous and peaceful Borno State.

10/11/2025

Alhamdulillah.
A fully furnished, smart Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Environmental and Social Safeguards Library has been established at Borno State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) by the Borno state Government in collaboration wirh the AfDB Inclusive Basic Project, becoming one of the first of its kind in Nigeria.

This initiative fulfils part of the state 25-year development plan under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency, Governor Engr. Prof. Baba Gana Umara Zulum, mni, FNSE, CON, GCON.

The library aims at preserving and providing access to relevant knowledge for Borno State and Nigeria at large.

09/10/2025

Zulum Orders Immediate Investigation into MURIC's Claims of Hijab Harassment in Maiduguri Hospitals

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, received with great concern a statement by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) alleging the harassment of muslim women for wearing hijab in some hospitals in Maiduguri.

He noted that while the government is not aware of any official report or complaint regarding such incidents, his administration has taken the allegations with utmost seriousness.

In a directive issued on Thursday through his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, Zulum, ordered the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Mallam Gana, to undertake an immediate and thorough investigation to ascertain the veracity of these claims.

The statement noted that Zulum reiterated his administration's commitment to protecting all citizens' religious rights and dignity, particularly that of women. He stated that Borno State, being a predominantly muslim society, holds hijab in high esteem and any form of harassment against those who choose to wear it, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

"The welfare and rights of our citizens, especially our mothers, wives, and daughters, are paramount. We have zero-tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment. While we have no prior record of such complaints, we are not taking these allegations lightly. This investigation will be swift and transparent. If any wrongdoing is found, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken immediately," Zulum assured.

The statement added that Zulum urges the public, and specifically individuals who have experienced such treatment, to come forward and assist in the investigation with credible information to ensure a fair and just outcome.

“I assure the public that, that Borno State government under my leadership will not tolerate any action that unjustly targets or humiliate any segment of our society,” he concludes.

03/09/2025

Zulum leads N/East govs to Tinubu, requests completion of 17 roads, oil exploration

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, led a delegation of North East governors to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday.

The meeting, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, focused on critical issues affecting the North East, including urgent completion of 17 vital road projects and the resumption of oil exploration in the frontier wells, particularly the Kolmani and Lake Chad wells.

Other governors in attendance included Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Bala Muhammad of Bauchi, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa and Agbu Keffas of Taraba.

Delivering his address during the meeting, Zulum, who is also the chairman of the North East Governors Forum, urged the president to complete the ongoing road projects and build critical roads connecting the six states of the zone.

The roads are Kano-Maiduguri Road, Port Harcourt-Jos-Bauchi-Maiduguri Railway line, Bama-Mubi-Yola Road, Wukari-Jalingo-Yola Road, Duguri-Mansur Road (NNPC Project Ongoing), Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Damaturu Road, Damaturu-Geidam Road, Bauchi-Ningi-Nasaru-Babaldo Road and Gombe-Potiskum, Damaturu-Biu Roads.

Others include Alkaleri-Futuk Road, Maiduguri-Damboa-Yola Road, Gombe-Dukku-Darazo Road, Biu-Gombe Road, Ibi-Shamdam Road, Maiduguri-Monguno-Baga Road and Maiduguri-Ngala-Bama-Banki Roads

Governor Zulum commended the president for the commitment to restoring peace within the northeast, stating, “We thank you for fostering peace and stability within the sub-region and continuing with the initiative of your predecessor in sustaining the fight against insurgency.

He assured the president of their commitment to his administration’s initiative on training of manpower and providing technology with a view to reversing the insecurity facing the North East.

“We are fully aligning with Mr. President's good initiative of training of manpower and providing technology with a view to reversing the ugly trend in the forest, thereby reducing the insurgency and promoting agricultural development in alignment with the renewed hope agenda on food security,” Zulum said.

He added, “Mr President, the North East governors hold you in high esteem and all of us have resolved to partner with you in your determination to provide good governance for Nigeria with a view to leaving behind lasting legacies and landmarks for the country.”

Responding, President Tinubu acknowledged the governors' concerns and assured them of his administration's commitment to addressing the developmental needs of the northeast.

28/07/2025

Borno Government Clears Exam Fees for Over 26,000 Students, Spending ₦1.1 Billion

In a bold step to boost education and ease financial burdens on families, the Borno State Government has disbursed over ₦1.1 billion to cover the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) fees for students in public secondary schools.

The announcement was made during a symbolic cheque presentation held at the Quality Assurance Unit in Maiduguri, led by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe.

This major intervention, spearheaded by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, reflects his administration’s continued commitment to improving access to education and supporting students at crucial stages of their academic journey.

A total of 26,158 students registered for the SSCE under NECO and 355 candidates for NABTEB will benefit from this gesture. The breakdown of the payment includes:

₦639,713,936.25 for NECO

₦5,390,700.00 for NABTEB

Speaking at the event, Hon. Wakilbe described the initiative as more than financial assistance.

“This is a strategic investment in the future of our state. By removing economic barriers, we’re empowering our youth and ensuring no child is left behind,” he said.

Since 2019, the Zulum administration has spent over ₦4.79 billion on external exam fees, directly benefitting more than 165,797 public school students across all 27 local government areas.

In a show of appreciation, Mr. Dauda T. Yahaya, the State Coordinator representing the NECO Registrar, praised the government’s consistent support for education, noting that:

“Borno State stands out nationwide for its unwavering backing of students. We are truly grateful for this leadership.”

Similarly, Habiba Isa Dibal, representing the NABTEB State Coordinator, described the support as “a lifeline” for students pursuing technical and vocational education.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of ANCOPSS, Abba Ali Ladan, highlighted the real-life impact of the intervention:

“Many students wouldn’t have had the means to register without this support. This government has proven that its words are backed by action.”

The ceremony concluded with Commissioner Wakilbe formally presenting the cheques to representatives of NECO and NABTEB, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive and quality education:

“On behalf of His Excellency, Governor Zulum, I proudly present these cheques. This is a promise fulfilled and a clear step toward building a better-educated Borno State.”

~ Borno APC New Media.

20/07/2025

Zulum tasks Borno LG chairmen on 70,000 minimum wage implementation
..Over bloated staff roll stalling minimum wage implementation – official
..NLC commends full implementation of minimum wage in primary schools

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has charged all the 27 Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen to ensure the swift and effective implementation of the new 70,000 Naira minimum wage.

During a high-level meeting held at the Government House, Saturday night, which was attended by the state leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Zulum directed the LGA chairpersons to come up with a workable solution for the minimum wage implementation.

“All local government chairpersons should go back to their localities, engage with relevant stakeholders and come up with a workable solution to the salary problem at the local government levels,” Zulum said.

He added, “I want to stress that the payment of 72,000 minimum wage has been fully implemented for state civil servants and all primary school teachers in Borno.”

Zulum also warned against retrenchment of staff at the local government level, stating that “We are not in support of staff retrenchment at the local government level as I direct you to institute a mechanism that will lead to the implementation of the minimum wage.”

He added, “I want to appeal to workers at the local government level to be patient. We are working closely with the 27 local governments to ensure the implementation of the minimum wage.”
..Over bloated staff roll stalling minimum wage payment - LG official

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Modu Alhaji Mustapha stressed that implementing the 70,000 minimum wage for local government staff has been stalled due to the over bloated number of employees.

According to the Permanent Secretary, Borno’s local government councils are grappling with an unusually high number of staff which is complicating the payroll and minimum wage administration.

He revealed that the state’s 27 LGAs collectively employ approximately 90,000 staff, a figure that is strikingly high compared to larger states like Kano, whose population is three times more than Borno’s but maintains a comparatively leaner staff structure of about 30,000 employees across its 44 LGAs.

“While the intention behind the minimum wage increase is laudable, the reality on ground in Borno is far more complex,” the LG official explained. “Our local governments are already over stretched and the current staff level has become an obstacle towards implementing the 70,000 minimum wage.”

“To put this into perspective, let us take Maiduguri Metropolitan Council for example, it's monthly allocation from the federal government sometimes stood below N700m.”

“While this may seem substantial at a glance, the local government needs N778m to pay minimum wage.
This constitutes the entire monthly income of the LGA. When you consider that the MMC also has to fund other critical services such as public health, water supply, security, and other sectors, the financial strain becomes glaringly apparent.
..NLC commends full implementation of the new wage in primary schools

The Nigeria Labour Congress has commended Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, for his role in implementing the N72,000 minimum wage for primary school teachers in the state.

Chairman of the NLC, Borno State Chapter, Comrade Yusuf Inuwa, made the commendation during the high-level meeting held at the Government House on Saturday.

“Your Excellency, whenever we attend the national executive meetings, the national body is very much happy because primary school teachers are being paid 72,000 as minimum wage,” Comrade Inuwa said.

He also said, “Your Excellency, when I stood up during one of our meetings to announce that primary school teachers are being paid 72,000 in Borno State, I was applauded, and you were highly commended.”

24 Daily Pulse

21/04/2026

02/12/2025

02/12/2025

29/11/2025

29/11/2025

10/11/2025

09/10/2025

03/09/2025

28/07/2025

20/07/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category