Governor Zulum Wins Pan-African Leadership Award, Dedicates It to Borno People

By Abdullahi Alhassan

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has been honoured with the 2026 Quintessence Pan-African Top Leadership Award for his outstanding contributions to leadership and humanity.

Zulum received the prestigious award at a ceremony held on Friday in New Jersey, United States, where he dedicated the recognition to the resilient people of Borno State and Nigerians working to rebuild their communities.
The Quintessence Award is presented annually to one continental African leader and one African-American leader in recognition of exceptional achievements and contributions to African heritage and development.

This year's edition was chaired by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to late President Muhammadu Buhari.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum, Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; the Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammad Sanusi II; Nigeria's Ambassador to Ethiopia; the Consul-General of Nigeria in Atlanta; and former Minister of Finance, Dr. Mansur Mukhtar.

Speaking while receiving the award, Zulum said the honour belongs to the people of Borno and all Africans committed to restoring dignity and hope to their societies.
"This recognition is not for me alone, but for the resilient people of Borno, every Nigerian and African who has worked tirelessly to turn ideas into action and to bring dignity to the lives of our people," Zulum said.

The governor attributed his leadership philosophy to his background in a farming community in Mafa Local Government Area, noting that true leadership is about creating opportunities for others. "Leadership is not about grand titles, but about building ladders of opportunity so everyone can climb," he said.

Zulum recounted his administration's efforts in rebuilding Borno after years of Boko Haram insurgency, stating that over 30,000 houses, schools, clinics and other public facilities have been reconstructed since 2019. According to him, his government completed 326 projects in its first year, including more than 6,000 houses for displaced families, and has executed over 1,000 capital projects in the last six years.

He stressed that the projects go beyond figures, as they represent shelter for the homeless, classrooms for children and health facilities for mothers. "These projects are not just numbers. They mean homes for displaced families, classrooms for our children and health centres where mothers can receive care," Zulum stated.

The governor also called on Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora to invest their resources, knowledge and skills in the development of the continent, particularly in education, healthcare and entrepreneurship. He described Africa's youth as its greatest asset and urged more investment in their future. "I call on you to invest back home, not just your capital, but your skills and ideas. Every factory you build, every school you help fund, is an investment in Africa's greatest resource: our people," he said.

Zulum noted that while diaspora remittances sustain families, directing part of such funds into productive sectors would create broader impact. He encouraged the diaspora and international partners to support start-ups, innovation hubs, teacher training and institutional strengthening.

 The Borno governor further described leadership as service to humanity rather than a status symbol, urging citizens to contribute to community development regardless of position. "My message today is that leaders are enablers, not distant rulers," Zulum declared.

Governor Zulum was accompanied to the event by the First Lady of Borno State, Dr. Falmata Babagana Zulum; the Chief Adviser on Sustainable Development, Partnership and Humanitarian Support, Dr. Mairo Mandara; the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Zuwaira Gambo; and the Chairman, Governing Board of Kashim Ibrahim Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo.

Others in his entourage were Dr. Thameer Kezamal and Mr. Huber Shaiyen, who also chaired the Borno Investment Roundtable, alongside other dignitaries.