Borno Social Media Frontiers - BSF

01/07/2025

Zulum Commiserates with Victims of Flood, Windstorm Disasters in Damboa and Askira

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed heartfelt condolences to the residents of Gumsuri and Wovi in Damboa local government area following a devastating flood disaster that claimed two lives, submerged homes, and displaced numerous families.

The governor also conveyed his sympathy to the Rumirgo community in Askira-Uba local government where a destructive windstorm caused significant damage to public and private infrastructure.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum described the incidents as tragic and deeply distressing.

"I received with profound sorrow the sad news of the devastating flood disaster in Wovi community which claimed the lives of two women as well as the destruction of homes in Gumsuri, displacing many families. Equally distressing is the windstorm in Rumirgo, Askira-Uba local government. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and all those affected by these disasters," Governor Zulum stated.

The governor directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to immediately provide relief materials to victims in the affected communities, assuring that aid would reach all those in need.

"I have instructed SEMA to immediately provide relief supplies to Gumsuri and Wovi communities, ensuring no one is left without support. Humanitarian assistance has already been dispatched to the people of Rumirgo," he affirmed.

Governor Zulum further reiterated his commitment to collaborating with relevant national agencies to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and emphasised the importance of adhering to early warning signals.

27/06/2025

Borno Government Pays N529.6 Million WASSCE Fees for Over 26,000 Students, WAEC Lauds Zulum

Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has approved the payment of N529,699,500 to cover the 2025 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for 26,158 final-year students in public secondary schools across all 27 local government areas.

The payment ceremony was held on Friday, June 27, 2025 at the Quality Assurance Office in Maiduguri, presided over by the Honourable Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe.

Wakilbe stated that this initiative reflects Governor Zulum's deep commitment to making education accessible and equitable, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

He highlighted that the government consistently subsidises 75% of WASSCE registration fees for eligible public school students.

"This sustained investment underscores the governor's broader vision of an inclusive education system where no child is left behind," Wakilbe said.

He emphasised a key achievement of this policy: public school students now receive their examination results concurrently with their counterparts in private schools, promoting fairness and equal opportunity.

With this latest payment, the total government expenditure on external examination fees since 2019 has reached a staggering ₦3,523,182,800, benefiting a total of 165,442 students.

The Commissioner acknowledged the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for its continued partnership, particularly for extending examination centres to all parts of the state, including Askira Uba and Ngala LGAs this year.

This expansion eliminates the need for students to relocate to Maiduguri for exams, easing pressure on boarding facilities and enhancing safety and logistics.

The Commissioner also extended gratitude to key stakeholders, including the Chairmen of Gubio, Kaga, Askira Uba, Ngala, Bama, Damboa, Mafa, Dikwa, Monguno, Mobbar, Gwoza, Magumeri, and Chibok LGAs, for providing vital logistical support.

Special appreciation was also given to the Special Adviser on Education, Hon. Abubakar Tijjani; the Director of the Education Resource Centre, Abba Sheriff; and all local government education secretaries for their oversight.

"This milestone is a strong indication of the progress we are making in post-insurgency educational recovery and a testament to the resilience of our students, teachers, and communities," Wakilbe concluded.

…WAEC Lauds Governor Zulum

Meanwhile, confirming the receipt of the payment, Dr Leonard Mado Odoh, Deputy Registrar and Zonal Coordinator of the WAEC Zonal Office Maiduguri, expressed profound appreciation for Governor Zulum's consistent support.

"We're here with my colleagues at the West African Excamona Council on a delegation by the head of the national office WAEC to receive the payment from the Borno State Government." Dr Odoh stated.

"A historical event that didn't start today. A great landmark by His Excellency (Gov. Zulum) and the executive by the Honourable Commissioner of Education, as announced today, is to the tune of N529,699,500. A round of applause for this great accomplishment. We sincerely appreciate you." He concluded.

26/06/2025

The Borno State government has declared Thursday, 26th June, as a public holiday to mark the beginning of the new Islamic year 1447 After Hijrah.

23/06/2025

In Malam-Fatori, Zulum meets soldiers, returnees

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, visited Malam-Factori, headquarters of Abadam Local Government, on Sunday, engaging directly with soldiers and returnees.

The visit was aimed at encouraging the military in their effort to restore normalcy and build community resilience.

Malam-Fatori is a border community located on the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin which was displaced by terrorists about 9 years ago.

At the 68 battalion headquarters where he interfaced with commanding officers and troops, Zulum commended them for their gallantry in protecting Nigeria's territorial integrity and restoring peace.

“On behalf of myself and the good people of Borno State, I want to commend the officers and men of the 68th battalion. There was an attack by terrorists a few days ago here, and you gallantly repelled it, giving them a deadly blow. Once again, I commend you for your gallantry,” Zulum stated.

Addressing the returnees, mostly from the neighbouring Niger Republic, Zulum urged them to be vigilant and to report any suspicious person or movement to security personnel.

“The government is working tirelessly to provide the support needed for sustainable peace in this community. Insha Allah, Malam-Fatori has come to stay. We will do everything possible to keep this town standing," Zulum stated, promising increased security measures and development initiatives.

Zulum was accompanied by the Chairman of Malam-Fatori Resettlement Committee, Engr Bukar Talba, the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele, and the permanent secretary of the government house, Mustapha Ali Busuguma, among other senior government officials.

22/06/2025

NUJ Awards Zulum Media Friendly Governor
..Commends Journalists for Objective Reportage

The Nigerian Union of Journalists has awarded Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, with the prestigious media friendly award.

The event was held on Saturday at the Shehu Musa Yar'adua Conference Centre, Abuja, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Union.

Governor Zulum is a multiple award recipient owing to his outstanding achievements and style of leadership including the NUJ Good Governance Award, 2024; NUJ most promising first term governor in 2019; Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award, 2024, among several others.

In his remark shortly after receiving the award, Governor Zulum, represented by his acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mallumbe, expressed gratitude to the Union for the recognition bestowed on him as the “Media-Friendly Governor”.

"This award is not just an accolade for me personally, but a testament to the thriving partnership between Borno State Government and the media. It underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where a free, vibrant and responsible press can flourish," Zulum stated.

He remarked that the NUJ, for seven decades, has stood as a bulwark for truth, a voice for the voiceless, and a critical pillar of our democracy, performing their core function of informing, educating and holding leadership accountable, which has in a no small measure shaped the nation’s narrative and guide its progress.

"In Borno State, we have witnessed firsthand the invaluable role journalists play, often at great personal risk, in bringing to light the challenges we face and celebrate our resilience," he stressed.

Zulum described the media as an 'indispensable ally', emphasizing that their objective reportage helps to communicate his administration's effort, address misconceptions, and gather vital feedback from the populace. We believe that a well-informed citizenry is essential for good governance and sustainable development.

"On this significant anniversary, i reaffirmed my commitment to supporting the media in Borno State and beyond. I congratulate the NUJ on 70 years of impactful service to Nigeria. May your noble profession continue to thrive, and may you continue to be a beacon of truth and integrity," the governor added.

The governor also used the opportunity to urge the NUJ and media professionals to take full advantage of Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially in the areas of automation of routine tasks, personalization and audience engagement, efficiency and speed, and be wary of misinformation, disinformation and ethical concerns.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, who represented President Bola Tinubu pledged to continue to uphold the principles of freedom of speech and the media.

"I want to reassure you, that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to uphold and advance policies that promote media freedom and to partner with NUJ to changing media landscape in the country," he promised.

The acting Chief of Staff was accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Alhaji Aminu Chamalwa.

The NUJ at 70 anniversary award was graced by many distinguished personalities including deputy governors of Kano, Bauchi, Oyo and Ondo states, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, Heads of federal media establishments, past presidents of the Union, veteran journalists and media professionals across the country.

21/06/2025

Zulum condemns Konduga terrorists' attack, sympathises with victims

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, condemned the recent su***de attack carried out by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Konduga Local Government Area.

The attack, which occurred yesterday around 10:00 pm, targeted a night fish market, killing 12 people and leaving 18 others injured.

Zulum, in a statement by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, expressed grief over the incident, stating, “The barbaric acts committed by these terrorists are not only heinous but an assault on our shared humanity.”

He added, “This is a cowardly and barbaric attempt to instil fear in the people and undermine our collective resilience. The people of Borno are resilient, and we refuse to be cowed by terrorists.”

“I call on the people of Borno to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies. We should understand that community cooperation is vital in the fight against insurgency.

Zulum expressed condolences to the families of the victims, emphasising that all well-meaning citizens of Borno share in their pain.

“To the families who have lost loved ones, I extend my deepest sympathies and pray to Allah for the quick recovery of those who are injured,” Zulum said.

The governor also reassured residents that the government is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of the people and prevent future attacks.

19/06/2025

18/06/2025

Zulum Blazes the Trail Again: Infrastructure, Transport and Energy in Perspective

Within the last one year, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum delivered several infrastructure, transportation, and energy supply projects.

17/06/2025

Zulum Must Not Apologize: The Gombe Fracas, Shettima’s Mandate, and the Northeast’s Fight for Dignity

By Dr. Zanna Hassan Boguma FCIPDM FWIP
(Zanna Boguma of Borno)
Special Adviser to His Excellency on Culture and Regional Integration

Introduction

The political turbulence witnessed in Gombe has triggered calls for apologies and soft landings. Some suggest that Governor Babagana Umara Zulum should apologize to preserve harmony. But this is not the time for diplomacy wrapped in silence. It is the time for truth, courage, and self-respect. Governor Zulum must not apologize. What happened in Gombe was not an accident—it was a symptom of a deeper rot in our national politics: the deliberate marginalization of the Northeast, the growing arrogance of certain political actors, and the dangerous idea that leadership is the divine inheritance of just a few zones.

The Gombe Fracas: Unmasking Hypocrisy

The Gombe fracas was not just a disruption of political order—it was a revelation. It exposed the political hypocrisy that exists within the same alliances that preach unity but secretly undermine their own. It showed how politicians from the North West and North Central still believe that power must rotate only among themselves, and every other region—especially the Northeast—must wait endlessly in the queue, no matter how loyal, capable, or sacrificial its people are.

It was in this same spirit that prominent voices began subtly asking Zulum to apologize for the Gombe drama. But apologize for what? For standing firm? For defending the dignity of the Northeast? For refusing to be a pawn in another round of regional betrayal?

The Real Target: Vice President Kashim Shettima

Make no mistake—this is not just about Zulum. The real agenda is the political decapitation of Vice President Kashim Shettima. What we are witnessing is an orchestrated attempt to drop him from the 2027 presidential ticket, despite his unflinching loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his critical role in galvanizing support in 2023.

Shettima, a statesman of sharp intellect and deep national appeal, embodies the sacrifices and aspirations of the Northeast. He stood by the president when many doubted him. He delivered his region at great political cost. Any attempt to discard him now is not just unfair—it is reckless.

A Bitter History Repeats: The Jos Convention and Babagana Kingibe

This is not the first time the Northeast has been betrayed at the edge of power. We must recall the historic injustice suffered by Ambassador Babagana Kingibe at the Jos Convention of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1993. Despite being a front-runner with massive grassroots support and intellectual depth, Kingibe was pushed aside to satisfy the same North Central and Western political aristocracy that today tries to rewrite history.

The betrayal of Kingibe was a direct message that no matter how qualified a Northeasterner is, the highest offices in the land are "reserved" for others. Today, those same regions continue to play the kingmakers, deciding who is in and who is out—forgetting the contributions of a region that has bled and suffered for Nigeria’s peace and stability.

The Dangerous Entitlement of the North West and North Central

There’s a prevailing mindset among certain politicians in the North West and North Central that political leadership is their inheritance. This has led to an imbalance in appointments, infrastructural development, and representation in national decision-making bodies. While states like Kano, Kaduna, Niger, and Plateau have continued to enjoy privileged access to power, the Northeast remains a region recovering from war, overlooked in federal investment, and underrepresented in national dialogue.

Yet, in every electoral season, the Northeast is expected to come out in full force, deliver the votes, and ask for nothing in return. This culture of silent servitude must end.

Why Shettima Must Remain and the Northeast Must Be Respected

2027 is not just another election year—it is a moment of reckoning. If the ruling APC or any national coalition thinks it can win without the Northeast, let them try. The Northeast has always delivered—Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, and Gombe provided critical support to President Tinubu in 2023. But votes must translate to value. Loyalty must be rewarded, not punished.

Vice President Shettima represents strategic balance, national cohesion, and policy brilliance. Dropping him would not just alienate a region—it would fracture the very coalition that brought the present government into power.

Governor Zulum’s Role: Guardian of Regional Dignity

Governor Zulum has earned national and international respect for his integrity, humility, and bold leadership. He must now step forward as a defender of regional justice. To apologize for Gombe is to kneel before hypocrisy. Instead, he must stand tall and remind the nation that the Northeast is no one’s political orphan. We are not guests in Nigeria’s democracy—we are co-owners.

Conclusion: No Apology, No Betrayal, No Silence

The Northeast will no longer be silent. We will no longer trade our loyalty for crumbs. The politics of betrayal must end. The sacrifices of our people must be acknowledged. And those who dare to erase Shettima from 2027 must be prepared to face a united Northeast ready to speak with one voice.

Zulum must not apologize. Shettima must stay. The Northeast must rise.

16/06/2025

Zulum Blazes the Trail Again: Borno's Education in Perspective (21 Projects)

In the last year, from May 29, 2024, to May 28, 2025, Zulum has delivered 21 capital-intensive projects in the education sector. Some of these projects include the construction of 6 new mega schools, the disbursement of nearly N11 billion in foreign and local scholarships, rehabilitation of dilapidated classrooms and the construction of new ones, and procurement of sports and teaching facilities.

16/06/2025

Zulum Blazes the Trail Again: Borno's Education in Perspective (21 Projects)

In the last year, from May 29, 2024, to May 28, 2025, Zulum has delivered 21 capital-intensive projects in the education sector. Some of these projects include the construction of 6 new mega schools, the disbursement of nearly N11 billion in foreign and local scholarships, rehabilitation of dilapidated classrooms and the construction of new ones, and procurement of sports and teaching facilities.

Dear readers, associates, and supporters of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, watch out for this channel tonight at 7:00 p.m. as we bring you our syndicated social media videos.