Wanted: A handshake with Prof. Zulum

By Uji Abdullahi Iliyasu 

Nigerians must start to sing praises of honest leaders while they are alive. May I beg to say my comment dwells on the good works of Governor Umara Babagana Zulum of Borno State. I have been an ardent follower of the State governor, and dreams when I will personally meet with him and to shake his hand in praise.

As a university professor, Prof. Zulum brings a unique perspective to governance, illuminating the path for sustainable growth, development and progress in Borno State.

He has greatly impacted evidence-based decision-making and employed strategic planning and implementation in all his policies; he gives enough room for innovation and problem-solving techniques. Furthermore, his uprightness and honesty as well as display of justice and fairplay ensure transparency and accountability in the polity. 

He himself a product of human capital investment, Prof. is putting all necessary measures to develop the human potential of Borno State by increased funding for human capital development. 

Zulum’s administration focuses on revitalising education, upgrading infrastructure, and training teachers.

He promotes irrigation and  mechanised farming as well as livestock production to boost food security in the state. He also invests  in roads and energy projects to stimulate economic growth and development.

Healthcare services do not escape his visionary governance. He upgrades healthcare facilities, trains healthcare professionals, and provides free medical services to Borno residents irrespective of states of origin due to his belief that true wealth is health. 

In all,  Zulum engages with communities, promotes dialogue, and supports security initiatives that safeguard life and property in the state and even beyond. 

As a professor-turned-governor, Zulum shines a light on the importance of

knowledge-based governance, 

human capital development, 

strategic planning, community engagement and inclusive leadership.

Prof. Zulum’s  academic background and experience that informs his governance style  illuminates the path towards a brighter future for Borno State.

He stands out from other governors due to his exceptional leadership and commitment to dispassionately delivering dividends of democracy to his people, despite the challenges posed by insurgency.

As a professor of Agricultural Engineering, he brings a unique perspective to governance. His experience as a commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement has also equipped him to tackle the state’s numerous security and socio-economic challenges effectively.

He has completed and commissioned more than 77 projects, focusing on healthcare, education, and other vital sectors. 

Zulum has taken a bold step to tackle insurgency. One of the measures includes banning metal scavenging to prevent Boko Haram from exploiting them for their crimes against humanity. 

Recognizing the role of education as a vehicle for societal transformation, he has enrolled  over 5,361 orphans in schools and sponsored more than 180 students for postgraduate scholarships to study in Malaysia and India. 

With all the projects that request huge spending., Zulum’s administration is known for its transparency and accountability, as it focuses on delivering essential services to the people.

Despite facing several assassination attempts by Boko Haram insurgents, Zulum remains resolute in his determination to restore peace and stability to Borno State. 

In all, Gov. Zulum’s distinctive approach to governance, marked by his technical expertise, courage, and commitment to his people’s welfare, sets him apart from other state governors

Zulum’s love for the downtrodden is evident in his policies and actions, which demonstrate his commitment to uplifting the vulnerable and marginalised class in Borno State.

He is a friend of orphans and vulnerable children  in the state through his support initiative. Zulum’s administration provides food, shelter, education, and healthcare to over 50,000 orphans in the state.

He has empowered tens of thousands of widows with financial support, skills training, and livelihood assistance.

His government provides wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities.

In addition, he has upgraded healthcare facilities and provides free medical services to vulnerable populations.

His administration offers scholarships, school feeding programmes, and infrastructure development for disadvantaged children.

The state government, under his directive, distributes food to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable communities besides providing homes for IDPs and vulnerable families.

This is a state executive who shows a rare leadership quality by  frequently interacting with IDPs, listening to their concerns and providing support services.  He sometimes personally distributes food, clothing, and other essential items to those in need.

His empathy and compassion for the people has  earned  him the respect and admiration of his people.

On this account, he has received 2020 Humanitarian Award from the Nigerian Red Cross Society; 2021 Leadership Excellence Award from the Nigeria Media Merit Award; 2022 Humanitarian Service Award from the Islamic Council of Nigeria, among others. 

Governor Zulum’s unwavering commitment to the downtrodden has earned him recognition as a champion of the vulnerable and a beacon of hope for those affected by insurgency and poverty.

He is undoubtedly one of the best performing governors in northern Nigeria.

Not an army general, but more often than not, led operations in fight against insurgents to their dens. 

Overall, Governor Zulum’s performance is a testament to his dedication to the people of Borno State and Nigeria as a whole. His commitment to security, infrastructure development, education, and good governance, all contributed to making him an exemplary state governor in northern Nigeria. So what are we waiting for? 

I sincerely look forward for his aspiration to a higher national service in 2027. 

Your Excellency, would you please shake hand with me?