Zulum Hails Christmas as Symbol of Renewed Peace, Reassures Borno on Security and Recovery

Zulum Hails Christmas as Symbol of Renewed Peace, Reassures Borno on Security and Recovery

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has extended warm Christmas greetings to Christians across the state, thanking Almighty God for preserving lives and granting the people the grace to witness another festive season amid improving peace and stability.

The Governor’s message comes as he continues a four-day security and resilience-building tour of northern Borno, where he is visiting Army and Navy formations to boost troop morale, as well as communities affected by over 16 years of Boko Haram insurgency. The tour is aimed at strengthening public confidence while delivering visible dividends of democracy to war-affected areas.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum expressed deep gratitude to God for the relative peace currently enjoyed in the state, describing the period between Christmas 2024 and Christmas 2025 as a full year of sustained reconstruction and recovery.

According to him, the progress recorded in Borno goes beyond physical infrastructure, including improved peace, patience, mutual goodwill, and harmonious coexistence between Muslims and Christians.

“For us in Borno State, this season marks one year of celebrating an all-encompassing reconstruction and recovery process. The gains are not only in roads and buildings but also in the restoration of peace, tolerance and unity among our people,” the governor said.

Zulum noted that the state is steadily repositioning itself for prosperity and a return to its glorious past, anchored on peace and inclusive development.

He added that he feels deeply honoured to have presided over the affairs of the state during a period marked by the restoration and maintenance of peace and harmony among adherents of different faiths.

“This unity has bound us together as one people, despite the over-a-decade-long insurgency that threatened to tear our social fabric apart,” he stated.

The Governor also mentioned his recent important talks with leaders of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), calling this effort a smart way to improve teamwork between the government and religious groups to tackle ongoing security issues and promote lasting peace.

At the meeting, Zulum underscored the vital role of religious leaders in promoting tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence, noting that Borno’s diverse and closely knit family structures make harmony among faiths essential.

He therefore urged all residents of the state, regardless of religious affiliation, to work collectively toward sustaining peace and security.

“Peaceful and harmonious coexistence remains the most critical foundation for true reconstruction, recovery and lasting prosperity in Borno State,” the governor stressed.

He concluded by wishing Christians a peaceful Christmas celebration and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a safer, united, and prosperous Borno for all.