By: Abdullahi Inuwa
In the heart of Nigeria’s insurgency-ravaged northeast, one leader has come to symbolize resilience, courage, and purposeful governance — Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Governor of Borno State. Since assuming office in May 2019, Zulum’s administration has transformed Maiduguri, the state capital, and rekindled hope across communities battered by more than a decade of Boko Haram insurgency.
A professor of engineering turned public servant, Zulum inherited one of the most daunting governance challenges in Nigeria’s history. Borno was a state on its knees — thousands displaced, infrastructure in ruins, and livelihoods destroyed. Yet, within six years, his administration has become a model of what determined and empathetic leadership can achieve even in the harshest conditions.
Governor Zulum’s leadership has been anchored on restoring security and rebuilding trust between the government and its citizens. Working closely with the Nigerian military, local vigilante groups, and community leaders, Zulum introduced pragmatic security measures that have helped reclaim large territories once under insurgent control.
His frequent visits to dangerous frontline areas earned him both admiration and the nickname “the people’s governor.” Unlike most political leaders who rule from a distance, Zulum has made it a point to personally supervise resettlement efforts, humanitarian aid distribution, and security operations — often under heavy guard.
“Leadership is about being there for the people, not watching them from afar,” Zulum once remarked after surviving multiple assassination attempts while visiting Baga and Gajiram.
Today, Maiduguri is gradually returning to normalcy. Markets are bustling again, schools are reopening, and the hum of reconstruction echoes across communities that were once deserted.
At the core of Zulum’s development agenda is the reconstruction of destroyed communities and the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs). His administration has built over 10,000 housing units across the state — in Bama, Konduga, Gwoza, and Monguno — to enable displaced families to return home with dignity.
Through the Borno State Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement (RRR), the government has restored essential public infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, police stations, and schools. These projects have not only revived local economies but also created thousands of jobs for artisans and youth.
The newly reconstructed Customs House IDP Camp and Auno Resettlement City are among the flagship projects reflecting Zulum’s commitment to giving displaced citizens a fresh start.
Zulum, a former university lecturer and rector, has consistently prioritized education as the foundation for rebuilding Borno’s future. His administration has constructed and rehabilitated hundreds of classrooms, recruited thousands of teachers, and launched special scholarship programs to support students displaced by insurgency.
In Maiduguri alone, model schools equipped with modern learning facilities now provide free education, uniforms, and feeding for vulnerable children. The Borno State Scholarship Board has expanded its reach, sending hundreds of students to universities within and outside Nigeria to study medicine, engineering, and education.
To address youth unemployment, the Zulum administration established vocational training centres and distributed startup grants to small-scale entrepreneurs. These initiatives have empowered thousands of young people, reducing their vulnerability to extremist recruitment.
Recognizing the importance of healthcare delivery in post-conflict recovery, the governor has revitalized the state’s health system. Dozens of new primary healthcare centres have been built, while existing hospitals have been renovated and upgraded with modern facilities.
The Borno State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri and the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital have received government support to enhance maternal and child health services. In addition, Zulum has implemented policies ensuring free medical care for IDPs, widows, and orphans affected by the insurgency.
His administration has also introduced social protection programs aimed at assisting widows, orphans, and elderly citizens. Cash transfers and food palliatives are distributed periodically, particularly in hard-to-reach communities, ensuring that no citizen is left behind.
With farming being Borno’s economic backbone, Zulum has made agricultural revival a central pillar of his government. Large-scale farming schemes have been launched, including the Borno State Integrated Agriculture Programme, which provides farmers with seedlings, tractors, fertilizers, and irrigation facilities.
The reopening of farmlands previously controlled by insurgents has significantly boosted food production and reduced dependence on aid. In addition, the state government has supported women cooperatives with training and equipment for food processing and small businesses, enhancing household income and food security.
Governor Zulum’s leadership is widely regarded for its transparency and innovation. He personally monitors government projects, conducts surprise visits to ministries and schools, and publicly rewards diligence while sanctioning inefficiency.
This hands-on approach has inspired a culture of accountability rarely seen in Nigerian politics. His weekly field visits and open communication with citizens have made governance more participatory and people-centred.
Zulum’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. He has received multiple awards for excellence and integrity, including recognition from the United Nations, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and various civil society groups. International observers often cite Borno as an example of post-conflict reconstruction led by visionary leadership.
Despite operating under constant security threats, Zulum’s calm resolve and tireless energy continue to inspire millions. As one resident of Maiduguri put it: “He leads from the front — and that makes all the difference.”
As Borno inches closer to full recovery, Governor Zulum remains focused on consolidating peace, deepening education, and attracting investment to rebuild the economy. His message to the people is clear: “We will not give up until every displaced person returns home and every child goes to school.”
In the story of modern Borno, Babagana Umara Zulum stands as both a symbol of endurance and a blueprint for effective governance in the face of adversity — a reminder that leadership, when rooted in empathy and service, can indeed rebuild even the most broken societies.
Abdullahi Inuwa Social Commentator ainuwa303@gmail.com
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