Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Borno State

24/09/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Zulum Named 2026 Quintessence Award, First Northern Governor to Win Pan-Africa's Top Leadership Award

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Quintessence Award, the preeminent Pan-African Leadership Award in North America, becoming the first governor from Northern Nigeria to receive this honour.

Zulum, who is currently in New York for the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81), is part of the Nigerian delegation to accompany the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, who is leading the Federal Government team to deliver Nigeria's national statement at the General Debate and will also participate in several sideline engagements, including the Nigeria Investment Forum.

Before proceeding to the United States, the Governor held a series of high-level strategic engagements in Canada, where he signed a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of Borno State Government with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) on technical education, workforce development and skills transfer among other areas designed to strengthen the human capital base driving Borno's post-insurgency recovery.

The Governor's nomination was conveyed in a letter from the Executive Director of the African Writers Endowment (AWE), the New Jersey-based non-profit organisation, Dr Ugorji O. Ugorji, who said Zulum was selected in recognition of his "remarkable accomplishments as an academic, scholar and educational administrator," alongside his distinguished tenure as Governor of Borno State, particularly for stemming the tide of insecurity and significantly reshaping the infrastructural landscape of the state.

The award will be presented at the "Quintessence Ball: A Celebration of African People in World History," which brings together African people from Africa, North America, and the Caribbean. This year's ceremony will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, New Jersey, United States of America.

According to Dr Ugorji, the Quintessence Award is presented each year to at least one continental African leader and one African American leader, "for distinguished accomplishments in the person's field of endeavour, and for outstanding contributions to the history and heritage of African people."

This year's edition of the Quintessence Conference and Awards will be chaired by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, CFR, former Chief of Staff to the late President Muhammadu Buhari and one-time Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, who was himself the maiden recipient of the award in 1998.

A major highlight of the conference will be a special symposium titled "Investment Opportunities in Borno State: Doorway to the Chad Region." The interactive session will spotlight the vast economic, agricultural, and cross-border trade opportunities opening up in Borno State, as well as the Governor's development record in rebuilding communities, restoring livelihoods, and repositioning the state as a strategic gateway to the Lake Chad Basin.

With this recognition, Governor Zulum joins a distinguished roll of past laureates that includes Professor Chinua Achebe, Professor Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, Congressman Donald Payne, Professor Toyin Falola, Professor Molefi Kete Asante, and former Governors Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Kayode Fayemi, among other eminent Africans and African Americans.

The organisers disclosed that the Quintessence Award is traditionally accompanied by a proclamation from the Governor of New Jersey and a joint resolution of the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly in honour of the recipients.

Governor Babagana Zulum is a multiple award-winning governor who received the Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award in 2024.

Dauda Iliya
Special Adviser to Borno State Governor
(Media/Spokesperson)

23/09/2026

Borno Information Commissioner Receives Award from Northern Nigerian Students’ Association

The Honourable Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Borno State, Prof. Usman A. Tar, has received an award of recognition from the National Association of Northern Nigerian Students (NANNS) for his contributions to community development, youth engagement and security in Borno State and the Northeast.

Prof. Tar received members of the association in his office at the Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri, during a courtesy visit on Monday, 21 September, 2026. The delegation was led by the National President of NANNS, Comrade Zaharadeen Yahya, from the Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State.

Speaking during the visit, the National Secretary of the association, Amb. Ibrahim Bara Mohammed, a 400-level Computer Science student of Bayero University Kano, said the delegation was in Borno to appreciate the Commissioner for his commitment and dedication to public service. He said the association was particularly impressed by Prof. Tar’s contributions to community and societal development, especially in the area of security within Borno State and the Northeast region.

“We are here to visit you, to greet you and to express our appreciation for your countless contributions and commitment to community, human and societal development, particularly in security matters within Borno State and the Northeast region,” he said.

Amb. Ibrahim explained that NANNS is a student and youth organisation committed to engaging young Nigerians and encouraging students to become responsible and useful members of society.

Responding, Prof. Tar expressed appreciation to the association for the recognition, describing the award as an encouragement to continue serving the people with dedication and commitment.
He urged the students to remain focused on their studies, uphold discipline and integrity, and prepare themselves to provide responsible leadership in the future.

The visit culminated in the presentation of the award to the Honourable Commissioner, followed by a group photograph.

Directorate of Information,
Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Borno State

18/09/2026

⚖️ AUM HOSTS MAIDEN COLLEGE OF LAW DAY, UNITING JUDICIARY, GOVERNMENT, ACADEMIA AND COMMUNITY LEADERS

Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri, through its College of Law, has successfully hosted the maiden edition of the College of Law Day, themed “Why the Law Matters in Society.”

The landmark academic gathering brought together an impressive array of dignitaries and stakeholders from the judiciary, government, traditional institutions, academia, religious bodies, financial institutions, partner organisations, secondary schools, parents and the wider University community.

Among the distinguished guests was His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, alongside the Representative of the Governor of Borno State; the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar; representatives of the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, as well as representatives of other ministries, including Religious Affairs, Works and Housing, among others.

The event was also attended by the Chairman of the Al-Ansar University Board of Trustees and members of the Board, while the Founder and President of Al-Ansar Foundation, Dr. Mohammed Kyari Dikwa, mni, was ably represented by Prof. Abba. Members of the Al-Ansar Foundation, the Al-Ansar University Governing Council, Management, staff, students, parents and other members of the University community were also present.

The Chief Imam of Borno was ably represented, with Chief Imam of Al-Ansar Masjid Maiduguri, Judges and Khadis also gracing the occasion. The University further welcomed representatives of its partners and institutions, including UBA Bank, Jaiz Bank, Zenith Bank and Globus Bank, as well as the University of Maiduguri, Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri, and Mohammed Goni College of Legal and Islamic Studies.

The participation of secondary schools and their students added another important dimension to the event, providing young learners with an opportunity to gain insight into the relevance of law, justice, rights and responsibilities in society.

Distinguished Paper Presentations

A major highlight of the programme was the presentation of two thought-provoking papers by distinguished members of the judiciary:

First Paper:
“The Importance of Law: Why the Law Matters in Society”
Presented by Hon. Justice H. Y. Mshelia

Second Paper:
“Freedom and Rights Are Not Absolute: Where Do We Draw the Line?”
Presented by Hon. Justice (Professor) Alhaji Umar Alkali

The presentations offered valuable perspectives on the role of law in maintaining order, protecting rights, promoting justice and defining the boundaries of individual freedoms and responsibilities within society.

The maiden College of Law Day represents a significant milestone in the development of the College of Law and reinforces Al-Ansar University's commitment to producing knowledgeable, ethical and socially responsible future legal professionals through meaningful academic engagement and exposure to the realities of legal practice.

Al-Ansar University expresses its sincere appreciation to His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno; government representatives; members of the judiciary; the Board of Trustees; the Founder and President of Al-Ansar Foundation and his representative; Governing Council members; religious leaders; partner institutions and organisations; parents; secondary schools; students; staff; and all distinguished guests who honoured the occasion and contributed to its success.

17/09/2026

General AE Abubakar: Zulum’s Support Made Difference in Borno Insurgency Fight

The outgoing Theatre Commander of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, has singled out

17/09/2026

Zulum in Canada, to persue partnership in technology, education, others

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has arrived in Canada for a series of high-level strategic engagements to foster robust partnerships between the state and Canadian institutions and industries.

The visit is part of the Governor’s commitment to diversifying the state’s economy and human capital base. It will focus on key sectors including education, skills development, agriculture, livestock, technology, and investment.

During his stay in Canada, Governor Zulum is scheduled to meet with representatives from leading Canadian universities, tech hubs, and agricultural research institutions.

The Governor aims to secure technical support, facilitate knowledge transfer, and attract foreign direct investment to Borno State.

The visit will explore scholarship opportunities for Borno students and develop vocational training programmes tailored to modern market demands. The visit will establish partnerships with Canadian tech firms to drive digital literacy and innovation hubs in Maiduguri.

To support the agricultural and livestock sectors, Zulum will leverage Canada’s advanced agricultural expertise to enhance food security, modernise livestock production, and improve value chains in the state.

Before leaving Canada, Zulum will also pitch Borno’s emerging investment landscape to Canadian investors, focusing on sustainable development and economic revival.

14/09/2026

Zulum Pledges Support for Tax Ombuds' Regional Headquarters in Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has assured the Tax Ombuds of Nigeria of the state government's support to establish a regional office in Maiduguri, positioning the state as the administrative hub of the Northeast.

The governor gave the assurance when he received the pioneer Chief Executive Officer of the Tax Ombuds of Nigeria, Dr John Nwabueze, who led his management team on a courtesy visit to the Government House in Maiduguri.

"I am pleased to welcome you to Maiduguri, and I want to assure you that the government of Borno State, under my leadership, will provide the needed political will and commitment to supporting your office, with a view to establishing the regional office in Maiduguri," Zulum said.

To fast-track the process, the governor directed the Tax Ombuds team to link with the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the Commissioner for Finance, and the State Revenue Service Board to work out modalities for the office's requirements.

"We shall identify what will cater for your immediate needs, while also looking into sustainable, durable solutions for the medium and long term. In the meantime, we will provide office space to you, inshallah, within the shortest possible time," he said.

The governor congratulated Dr Nwabueze as the pioneer Chief Executive Officer of the Tax Ombuds of Nigeria, reiterating his willingness to work with the agency.

Speaking on the mandate of the Tax Ombuds of Nigeria, Zulum said the organisation serves as an arbiter between taxpayers and tax authorities, filling a longstanding gap in the country's tax administration framework.

"We have listened to the mandate of your organisation, as you have briefly mentioned — that you sit between taxpayers and the responsibility for tax collection. You are an arbiter. And I believe such an organisation did not exist in the country before. Even where similar efforts existed, they lacked the full legal backing to undertake this mandate," the governor said.

The CEO of Tax Ombuds, Dr. John Nwabueze said his visit was to formally introduce himself and his office to the governor following his appointment by the President in June last year.

He described the creation of the office as a pragmatic step by the President to provide relief to Nigerian taxpayers facing disputes and complaints arising from tax and revenue-related issues.

"Our responsibility is to strengthen trust in the tax system by protecting taxpayers' rights, promoting fairness and transparency, and providing an independent avenue for resolving tax-related complaints. The role I have to play is to be an impartial and fair arbiter in cases involving citizens that have business with the tax and revenue authorities," Nwabueze said.

Dr Nwabueze commended Governor Zulum for his efforts to restore peace, rebuild communities, and improve education and economic opportunities in the state.

11/09/2026

North East Governors' Forum Meeting Rescheduled

The 13th regular meeting of the North East Governors' Forum (NEGF) has been rescheduled.

The meeting, earlier scheduled for Friday, 11th, and Saturday, 12th September, at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House, Maiduguri, was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

In a statement, the Secretary to the Borno State Government and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Bukar Tijani, said a new date for the meeting would be announced in due course.

"On behalf of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State and Chairman of the North East Governors' Forum, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, I wish to announce the rescheduling of the 13th NEGF meeting due to unforeseen circumstances," Tijani said.

He regretted any inconvenience the postponement might have caused.

10/09/2026

Zulum Meets Heads of Tertiary Institutions, Pledges to Transform the Institutions

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to sustained investment in education, saying it remains central to securing a better future for the younger generation and positioning Borno as a hub for intellectuals and skilled professionals.

The Governor made this known on Wednesday while hosting the Forum of Heads of Tertiary Institutions at the Council Chambers, Government House, Maiduguri.

Zulum promised to review the salaries of staff at Ramat Polytechnic and the state's Colleges of Education, provide funding for the accreditation of academic programmes, recruit academic staff based on institutional demand, and construct, expand, and rehabilitate physical infrastructure of some institutions alongside other forms of institutional support.

"Education is the bedrock for any meaningful development, and therefore investment in education will never be in vain," Zulum said.

"I invited the heads of tertiary institutions to discuss one fundamental issue: the payment of salary arrears and the implementation of promotions and benefits for staff of tertiary institutions in the state. I want to pay, but I want you to review it very well and get back to me within the next one to two weeks," he added.

The Governor said his priority is to transform two institutions, Abba Ashigar College of Business and Management Studies, Konduga, and the College of Legal and Islamic Studies to restore them to their rightful place in society. He directed the Provost of the College of Business and Management Studies, Konduga, which was established to provide skilled middle-level manpower for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) across the state, to reintroduce courses such as Office Technology and Auditing to enhance the capacity of local government staff.

Zulum further pledged to rehabilitate the staff quarters at Ramat Polytechnic and remodel the students' hostel at the College of Nursing, Maiduguri, to accommodate more students.

Speaking on behalf of the Forum, the Vice Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University, Professor Babagana Gutti, commended the Governor for the unprecedented progress recorded in the education sector, particularly at the primary and secondary levels, as well as the establishment of new federal and state tertiary institutions.

He, however, appealed for additional funding to run the institutions, a review of staff salaries, recruitment of more academic and non-academic staff, construction of staff quarters at institutions that lack them, rehabilitation of existing staff quarters, and the provision of buses to ease students' transportation costs.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, the Acting Head of Service, the Acting Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Heads of Agencies, Permanent Secretaries, and other government officials.

06/09/2026

Borno Christian Youth Leader names son after Zulum

Leader of a Borno based Christian organization, Jere Christian Youth Forum, Mr Emmanuel Bulama, has named his son after Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday.

The naming ceremony was officiated by Rev. Anthony Inuwa of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Old Maiduguri, who led the proceedings and offered prayers and blessings for the newborn.

According to the father, Mr Emmanuel Bulama, the decision to name his son Zulum was inspired by the Governor’s remarkable contributions and the good works his administration has been undertaking across Borno State. He explained that the name was chosen not merely as a tribute to the Governor, but also as a prayer and aspiration that his son would grow up to emulate the qualities of leadership, compassion, service and commitment associated with Governor Zulum.

Mr Bulama expressed his hope that his son would grow into a responsible individual that would contribute positively to society and demonstrate the same spirit of service and concern for humanity.

The ceremony concluded with prayers and goodwill messages for the twins, their parents and the entire family.