By Abdullahi Inuwa
It was a quiet, typical morning in Maiduguri. The sun had barely broken through the horizon, and the compound of the Borno State Government House was slowly coming alive. Like clockwork, a handful of junior staff had already arrived — sweeping corridors, arranging chairs, preparing offices. None of them imagined that this ordinary day would turn out to be one of the most memorable moments of their lives.
Unbeknownst to them, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, had left his home early with a plan — not for a grand inspection or a high-profile meeting, but for a surprise visit to the very people who keep the wheels of governance turning quietly in the background.
Arriving before 7 a.m., Governor Zulum made his way through the compound, observing silently. There they were — the drivers, cleaners, clerical aides, and office assistants — already on duty. He paused, engaged with some of them, asked questions, smiled, and listened. And then, in a moment that left many in awe, he announced that each of the early-rising junior staff present would receive a cash reward of N2 million.
For a brief moment, silence swept the compound. Then gasps of shock, teary eyes, and smiles burst forth like morning light through parted curtains.
“Your punctuality is not only commendable; it is exemplary,” Governor Zulum said. “I came here today without informing anyone because I wanted to see who shows up to work early without supervision. What I have seen today has made me proud.”
The Governor explained that punctuality — especially in public service — is a virtue that deserves recognition and reward. His visit was not a publicity stunt; it was a statement. A powerful reminder that showing up early, being consistent, and doing one’s duty diligently are still noble traits — and they matter.
For decades, Nigeria’s public service has struggled with a culture of lateness, absenteeism, and lax accountability — especially among lower-level staff, who often go unnoticed. But Governor Zulum has been rewriting that narrative since he took office. Known for his hands-on leadership, unannounced inspections, and zero tolerance for mediocrity, Zulum has become a symbol of what it means to lead with both heart and discipline.
This latest gesture is just one of many personal efforts by the Governor to reform attitudes within the civil service, using motivation rather than just sanctions.
“I want this to be a message to every worker in Borno State — no matter your rank, your hard work will be seen. You don’t need to know anybody or come from a privileged background. Just show up, be consistent, and stay committed. Your time will come,” Zulum said.
One of the beneficiaries, a 48-year-old cleaner who asked not to be named, was overwhelmed with emotion. “In all my years of service, I have never received such recognition. I come to work early every day because it is my job — I never expected anything. I don’t even have words. I thank God and I thank our Governor,” she said, tears welling up in her eyes.
Another recipient, a junior administrative officer, expressed disbelief: “When he called my name and said I’d be receiving N2 million, I thought it was a mistake. This money will change my family’s life.”
Governor Zulum’s leadership style continues to captivate Nigerians across the country. Often described as the “people’s Governor,” his administration has consistently focused on transparency, meritocracy, and service delivery — even in the face of insecurity and complex challenges in the North-East.
His morning visit was not choreographed. There were no cameras, no press conference, and no prior notice. Just a leader, quietly acknowledging the invisible backbone of the state machinery.
Over the years, Zulum has shown up at schools at dawn to assess teachers, visited IDP camps in the dead of night, and reprimanded lax public officers caught napping on duty. But this morning was different. It was not about punishment; it was about reward.
The impact of this gesture is already spreading. Civil servants across the state are buzzing with renewed energy. Some are setting earlier alarms, others are pledging to return to the discipline they once had. More importantly, there’s a growing belief that honesty, discipline, and punctuality are no longer ignored or taken for granted in Borno.
And perhaps that is the biggest reward of all — not just the millions handed out, but the culture it begins to inspire.
As Borno State continues its journey of rebuilding and reform, acts like this remind everyone that leadership is not always about grand speeches or brick-and-mortar projects. Sometimes, it’s about waking up early, walking into a quiet government compound, and saying “thank you” to those who never expected to hear it.
For the junior staff of the Government House who received N2 million each that morning, it was more than a reward. It was dignity. It was hope. And it was proof that even in the early morning shadows, good work never goes unseen.
Abdullahi Inuwa Social Commentator ainuwa303@gmail.com
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