By Our Correspondent
BORNO — In a bold demonstration of his grassroots leadership style, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday temporarily shifted the seat of government to Biu, where he conducted official state business and held high-level security consultations aimed at sustaining recent gains against insurgency.
The unprecedented move saw Governor Zulum operate directly from the Biu Zonal Department of Monitoring, Evaluation and Special Projects Office, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to decentralising governance and ensuring that critical government decisions are made closer to the people.
While working from the facility, the governor met with the Sector 2 Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Brigadier General Edet Effiong, alongside the Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Benisheikh, to review the security situation and map out fresh strategies for consolidating military successes in the fight against insurgency across Southern Borno.
The Biu Zonal Office, established by the Zulum administration in 2022, was designed to strengthen project monitoring, improve accountability, accelerate development projects and enhance public service delivery across the Southern Senatorial District. Similar offices have also been established in Monguno and Bama to serve the Northern and Central zones.
Thursday’s engagement marked the first time Governor Zulum officially conducted government business from the Biu office since its inauguration, a development widely viewed as another milestone in his drive to take governance beyond the Government House in Maiduguri.
Observers say the governor’s decision reflects a leadership philosophy that prioritises direct engagement with communities rather than relying solely on centralized administration.
Since assuming office in 2019, Zulum has become known for his frequent visits to all 27 local government areas, personally inspecting projects, interacting with residents and making on-the-spot decisions aimed at addressing local challenges.
His latest working visit to Southern Borno has been packed with developmental initiatives. On Wednesday, the governor launched the 2026 wet farming season in Kwaya Kusar Local Government Area, unveiling the distribution of 200 truckloads of subsidised NPK fertiliser sold at 50 percent below market price.
The intervention also included free agrochemicals, certified seeds, knapsack sprayers, water pumps and the distribution of 10,000 bicycles to smallholder farmers in a bid to boost food production and rural livelihoods.
Beyond agriculture, Governor Zulum announced the recruitment of 100 unemployed graduates from Biu Local Government Area, describing the initiative as part of efforts to curb youth unemployment, political thuggery and other social vices. He made the announcement during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Biu, Alhaji (Dr.) Mustapha Umar Mustapha II.
The governor equally extended support to members of the National Youth Service Corps serving in Biu by approving a welfare package of ₦50,000 for each corps member.
Nursing mothers among the corps members received an additional ₦200,000 each, while the NYSC Zonal Inspector was presented with ₦250,000. Other NYSC officials, including the Liaison Officer, received ₦100,000 each in appreciation of their commitment to service.
Governor Zulum’s decision to combine governance, security coordination, youth empowerment and agricultural intervention during a single working visit underscores his administration’s integrated approach to rebuilding communities and strengthening stability across Borno State.
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