Untold transformation of Borno Under Gov. Babagana Zulum

By Ben Duntoye

In a time when Nigeria yearns for leaders with vision, courage, and dedication to the welfare of their people, Borno State stands tall as a shining example of transformation under the exemplary leadership of His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum. As President of the Youth Development Practitioners Association of Nigeria , I had the privilege of attending the National Council on Youth Development meeting in Maiduguri, held from December 4th to 10th, 2024. My independent tour of the state left me deeply impressed and inspired by the remarkable progress that has been made.

The meeting, organized by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, brought together notable stakeholders, including the Honorable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, and the Honorable Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Empowerment, Borno State, Hon. Saina Buba. It also attracted youth leaders, development partners, and commissioners from across the country.

Borno State is underreported. For those of us outside the state, much of what we hear about Borno centers on its past challenges. However, the reality is far more encouraging. Borno has undergone a great transformation, showcasing progress in key areas such as youth empowerment, security, education, and infrastructure.

Youth Empowerment: A Cornerstone of Progress
Under Governor Zulum’s administration, youth empowerment has become a priority, and the results are visible. Through various initiatives, the state government has provided young people with the tools and opportunities to thrive. Vocational training centers, entrepreneurship programs, and scholarships have been established, equipping the youth with skills for self-reliance. Governor Zulum’s focus on youth is not just a policy but a commitment to building a sustainable future for Borno State.

The Honorable Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Empowerment, Hon. Saina Buba, has been instrumental in implementing these initiatives, ensuring that the youth in Borno are actively engaged and empowered.

Security: Restoring Peace and Hope
Once a hotspot for insurgency, Borno State has witnessed a significant improvement in security under Governor Zulum’s leadership. The governor’s collaboration with security agencies, coupled with his innovative community-based approaches, has brought a new sense of safety and stability to the state. The return of displaced persons to their homes and the resettlement of communities are testaments to the success of these efforts.

The Honorable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, during the council meeting, commended the governor’s commitment to restoring security and creating an enabling environment for development. Today, Borno stands as a beacon of resilience and recovery, proving that peace is achievable with visionary leadership.

Quality Education: Building the Leaders of Tomorrow
Governor Zulum’s commitment to education is unparalleled. Recognizing that education is the bedrock of development, he has prioritized the rehabilitation of schools, construction of new classrooms, and recruitment of qualified teachers. The establishment of higher institutions and investment in educational infrastructure have ensured that children and youths in Borno State have access to quality education. His policies reflect a deep understanding that education is the most powerful tool for combating poverty and ignorance.

Peace and Social Harmony
One of the most striking achievements of Governor Zulum’s administration is the restoration of peace and social harmony in Borno State. Through inclusive governance and grassroots engagement, the governor has fostered unity among diverse communities. His emphasis on dialogue, reconciliation, and equitable development has created an environment where people from all walks of life can coexist peacefully.

Other Landmark Achievements
Beyond youth empowerment, security, and education, Governor Zulum has recorded remarkable achievements in other areas:

Healthcare: The governor has revitalized the healthcare sector by building hospitals and equipping them with modern facilities.
Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, and housing projects have transformed the state’s landscape, making life easier for residents.
Economic Growth: The promotion of agriculture and small-scale industries has stimulated economic activities, creating jobs and boosting local productivity.
A Legacy Worthy of Emulation
Governor Zulum’s leadership is an inspiration not only to the people of Borno State but to the entire nation. His relentless dedication to the well-being of his people has set a benchmark for governance in Nigeria. It is in recognition of these outstanding contributions that the Youth Development Practitioners Association of Nigeria (YDPAN), the umbrella body for youth work practitioners and professionals in Nigeria, has decided to name its national headquarters in Abuja after Governor Zulum. The “Prof. Babagana Zulum House” will be commissioned soon serving as a symbol of his legacy and an inspiration to future leaders.

Borno State has been transformed under the leadership of His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Zulum. From youth empowerment to security, quality education, peace, and infrastructural development, the governor has redefined governance and restored hope to a region once ravaged by insurgency.

The story of Borno State is one of resilience, recovery, and remarkable progress, and the world must take notice. Prof. Babagana Zulum is truly a leader worthy of emulation, and his achievements will continue to inspire generations to come. As a nation, we can only hope for more leaders like him—leaders who prioritize the welfare of their people above all else.

Duntoye is the
President, Youth Development Practitioners Association of Nigeria (YDPAN) and writes from Abuja
07082228883