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By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
Ambassador Ahmed Umar Bolori, a respected philanthropist, special Adviser on Media Public Relations to the former Governor of Kogi State, has lauded the transformational leadership of Engr. Adam Bababe, Executive Secretary of the Borno Geographic Information Service (BOGIS), describing him as a rising political asset with a proven record of reform, vision, and public service.
Drawing parallels with past and present icons of leadership, Bolori recalled how General Yakubu Gowon led Nigeria through one of its most defining eras at just 31, while Murtala Mohammed, at 37, reshaped the tone of military leadership with bold reforms. He also highlighted how Mohammed Goni, who became Governor of Borno at 36, left behind a legacy that still inspires governance discussions today.
In a similar trajectory, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum took office in his 40s and has since redefined leadership standards in the region. Bolori credits this breakthrough to Senator Kashim Shettima’s political foresight in identifying Zulum’s potential early.
According to Bolori, a similar foresight is once again needed to identify and promote the next generation of leadership, and many believe that Engr. Adam Bababe embodies that promise. As head of BOGIS, Bababe has demonstrated uncommon courage, competence, and commitment to institutional reform.
Upon assuming office in 2019, he inherited a land administration sector riddled with opacity, inefficiency, and corruption. Through digitization, policy enforcement, and transparency reforms, Bababe turned around the agency’s fortunes, increasing its revenue from a modest ₦68 million in 2019 to an unprecedented ₦1.4 billion in 2021. Beyond the figures, his administration has restored public confidence in the land sector and ensured secure documentation for thousands of landowners.
However, Bababe’s appeal goes beyond revenue. His style of leadership youthful, inclusive, and development-focused has earned him admiration from both the political class and the grassroots. He is seen as a listener, a technocrat who understands the realities of governance, and a team player with the temperament to lead.
Ambassador Bolori concluded that if performance, integrity, and public trust are the yardsticks for leadership, then Bababe stands as one of the most qualified emerging leaders in Borno’s political landscape.
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