By Alkali Muhammad Musa, Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s recent multi-day visitation tour of Southern Borno has left an indelible impact on communities across Biu, Hawul, Shani and neighbouring local government areas, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to people-centred development, post-insurgency recovery and inclusive growth.
From commissioning schools and hospitals to empowering women, youths and small businesses, the tour combined inspection, execution and immediate policy actions turning long-standing community aspirations into tangible realities.
Education: Expanding Access, Modernising Learning
Education stood at the heart of the governor’s engagements, with a flurry of inaugurations and groundbreaking ceremonies aimed at tackling out-of-school challenges and modernising learning.
In Bayo Local Government Area, Governor Zulum inaugurated Government Secondary Schools in Fikiyel and Balbaya, each equipped with 20 modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries and sporting facilities. He also flagged off the construction of a High Islamic College in Fikiyel, designed to integrate Almajirai and out-of-school children into a formal education system through a hybrid NBAIS curriculum blending Islamic studies with science, technology and humanities.
In Shani, three model secondary schools, Government Day Secondary School Shani, Borgu and Gasi were commissioned, while the foundation stone was laid for the 22nd High Islamic College in the state. The governor reaffirmed his pledge to establish one High Islamic College in each of Borno’s 27 local government areas.
Similarly, in Hawul Local Government Area, construction commenced on two mega schools in Shafa and Marama, including a 48-classroom High Islamic College and a two-storey, 36-classroom modern secondary school. Governor Zulum also announced plans to recruit competent indigenous teachers to address manpower gaps.
To complement infrastructure, the governor ordered the full digitalisation of all public secondary schools in the state, directing the integration of smart classrooms, e-learning platforms, computers and tablets to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.
Healthcare: Strengthening Services and Valuing Volunteers
Healthcare delivery featured prominently during the tour, with Governor Zulum taking decisive steps to strengthen facilities and human resources.
In Shani, the governor ordered the immediate employment of volunteer nurses, midwives and community health workers at the General Hospital, directing their absorption into the state payroll. A similar directive followed his visit to Biu Specialist Hospital, where long-serving volunteers were granted automatic employment in recognition of their dedication.
The governor also inspected rehabilitated and equipped health facilities, including the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, in Hawul LGA, underscoring his administration’s resolve to ensure functional, well-staffed hospitals across the state.
Empowerment: Investing in Women, Youths and Small Businesses
One of the most emotional highlights of the tour unfolded in Biu with the commissioning of a fully remodelled Second Chance School for vulnerable girls and women. The centre offers literacy, numeracy, digital skills and vocational training for women who missed formal education due to conflict and socio-economic challenges.
In a moment that sparked tears of joy, Governor Zulum announced a ₦100,000 financial grant payable in two tranches for each of the 400 trainees. He further approved immediate scholarships for qualified trainees to study nursing and midwifery, opening new professional pathways for many.
Beyond education and skills, the governor disbursed ₦1 billion to small and medium-scale enterprises across Biu, Hawul, Shani, Bayo and Kwaya-Kusar LGAs to stimulate grassroots economic growth. He also approved the employment of 200 youths from Biu LGA as part of efforts to curb unemployment and youth restiveness.
Sports and Unity: Building Cohesion Through Competition
Governor Zulum rounded off the tour by attending the grand finale of the Ndume Unity Cup in Biu, a football tournament featuring teams from all nine local government areas of Southern Borno.
By presenting the trophy to winners Biu United and commending Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume for promoting unity through sports, the governor reaffirmed the role of sports in youth engagement, social cohesion and peacebuilding. He pledged continued state government support for initiatives that unite communities and harness youthful energy positively.
A Tour with Lasting Impact
Governor Zulum described the interventions across Southern Borno as transformative, noting that investments in education, healthcare, housing, empowerment and sports would yield sustainable benefits and improve quality of life.
For many residents, the tour was more than a routine government visit, it was a powerful demonstration of responsive leadership, compassion and action, rekindling hope and reinforcing confidence in a future rebuilt on opportunity, inclusion and unity.
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