Key Takeaways
- Governor Babagana Zulum urged Borno citizens to protect the state's hard-won peace and conduct political campaigns without rancour.
- He celebrated Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary, paying tribute to the nation's founding fathers.
- Zulum highlighted his administration's achievements, including the return of two million displaced persons and over 1,500 projects across 27 local government areas.
- Significant investments have been made in security, human capital development, infrastructure, agriculture, and healthcare.
- The governor emphasized the growth in functional secondary schools and increased student enrollment, alongside a focus on digital and vocational education.
- Borno is being positioned as an emerging investment destination, with efforts to unlock post-conflict economic opportunities.
As Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, issued a profound call to the state's citizens: safeguard the peace painstakingly regained and ensure that the impending political season unfolds without rancour. Speaking on Thursday, Governor Zulum underscored the critical importance of unity and stability, particularly in a state that has endured years of devastating insurgency.
In his October 1st message, Governor Zulum paid heartfelt tribute to Nigeria's founding fathers and other dedicated leaders who made immense sacrifices for the nation's unity, growth, and development over more than six decades of trials and tribulations. He reiterated his administration's unwavering commitment to consolidating peace, protecting citizens' rights, laying a robust foundation for younger generations, and ensuring the safe, voluntary, and dignified resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.
Borno's Journey from Conflict to Recovery
Borno State has been at the epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions. The governor's emphasis on peace is not merely rhetoric but a reflection of the profound challenges the state has overcome. He proudly announced that approximately two million people have already returned to their ancestral communities, with ongoing efforts to resettle even more. “We must not allow a few unpatriotic people to derail this hard-earned peace,” Zulum cautioned, highlighting the fragility of post-conflict stability.
His administration has invested heavily in restoring security, developing human capital, improving critical infrastructure, boosting agricultural productivity, and rebuilding communities shattered by conflict. Over the past seven years, the government has executed more than 1,500 clusters of projects across all 27 local government areas. These initiatives, Zulum stressed, have demonstrably improved lives and livelihoods while simultaneously strengthening security, stability, and resettlement efforts.
Consolidating Gains: Zulum's Vision and Achievements
The improved security currently enjoyed in Borno is a testament to the collective efforts of gallant security personnel, dedicated volunteers, traditional, community, and religious leaders, and above all, the indomitable resilience of the people of Borno. Beyond security, the state has seen significant reconstruction, with over 30,000 homes, schools, clinics, and other public facilities destroyed during the insurgency now rebuilt.
In education, a cornerstone of long-term recovery, the number of functional secondary schools has seen remarkable growth, from just 34 in 2019 to a projected 129 by 2026. This expansion has led to increased enrollment, with 18 million children now in school, and a corresponding rise in the number of teachers. The administration is also prioritizing digital and vocational education to equip the youth with future-ready skills.
Furthermore, Professor Zulum pointed to major investments in agriculture to support year-round farming, a strengthened health system, and expanded access to healthcare for vulnerable residents through the state contributory health scheme. Economically, the administration is actively opening up business and investment opportunities to drive post-conflict recovery in sectors where Borno possesses a comparative advantage. The governor described Borno as an “emerging investment destination” due to its strategic location, human capital, and natural resources.
The Imperative of Rancour-Free Politics
As the political season begins to gather momentum, Governor Zulum's call for peaceful campaigns is particularly pertinent. In a state still healing from the wounds of insurgency, political discord can easily reignite tensions and undermine years of rebuilding efforts. He urged citizens to uphold unity and peaceful coexistence, reject all forms of violence, and respect the rule of law for sustainable development in the state and the country at large. “As the political season sets in, let us conduct our campaigns without rancour, so we do not undermine the relative peace and stability our state now enjoys,” he appealed.
Governor Zulum concluded by thanking the people of Borno for their unwavering support and pledged to sustain his administration’s momentum until his last day in office, ensuring that the progress made continues to benefit all residents.
Why This Matters
Governor Zulum's message is crucial for Borno State, a region still navigating the complex path of post-conflict recovery. His emphasis on safeguarding peace and conducting rancour-free political campaigns is vital to prevent any resurgence of instability, ensuring that the significant gains in security, resettlement, and development are not jeopardized. The state's continued stability is not only essential for its own citizens but also plays a critical role in the broader security and economic landscape of Nigeria.