Zulum Bags Commonwealth ‘Nurses-Friendly Governor’ Award for Health, IDP Interventions

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has been recognised on the international stage with a Nurses-Friendly Governors’ Award at the 2026 Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Conference held in Abuja.

The honour, presented during the gathering of health professionals from across Commonwealth countries, highlights Zulum’s contributions to healthcare development and humanitarian support, particularly for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The conference, organised under the theme “Towards Excellence: Nurses and Midwives Working Together for Quality Practice, Education and Regulation,” attracted participants from various parts of the world, including policymakers, practitioners and stakeholders in the health sector.

Presenting the award, Kathleen McCourt, President of the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation, commended the Borno governor for what she described as a people-centred leadership style. She pointed to his administration’s large-scale housing programmes for displaced communities and sustained investments in health infrastructure as key factors behind the recognition.

According to her, Zulum’s efforts in rebuilding lives and strengthening public health systems have positioned him as a model for subnational leadership within the Commonwealth.

The governor was represented at the event by Professor Abubakar Kullima, Chief Medical Director of the Borno State Hospital Management Board, alongside his Senior Technical Assistant on Print and Digital Communications, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi.

Earlier, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Malam Haruna Mamman, explained that the selection of awardees followed a detailed review process guided by clearly defined criteria.

Other state governors honoured at the event included those from Nasarawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bayelsa, Adamawa, Lagos, Katsina, Plateau, Anambra and Akwa Ibom states.

Zulum’s administration has been widely noted for its expansive development drive. Beyond establishing two colleges of nursing in different parts of the state, the governor has overseen a steady rise in completed projects—ranging from over 120 within his first 100 days in office to approximately 1,500 capital projects by his seventh year.

Organisers of the conference said the award reflects measurable progress in strengthening healthcare delivery systems and improving the welfare of vulnerable populations under his leadership.

Inuwa Joins Dignitaries at Zulum Family Wedding, Tasks Couples on Faith, Responsibility

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State on Saturday joined top political leaders, traditional rulers and dignitaries from across Nigeria in Maiduguri for the wedding fatiha of children of Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.

The ceremony, held at the palace of the Shehu of Borno in line with Islamic traditions, brought together a distinguished gathering, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors, ministers, lawmakers and senior government officials.

The weddings featured Umar, Mamman, and Aisha, all children of Governor Zulum, alongside Abba Abubakar Umara, in a colourful celebration that reflected both cultural heritage and family unity.

Speaking at the event, Mr Yahaya, who also chairs the Northern States Governors’ Forum, congratulated his Borno counterpart and his family, describing the occasion as a moment of thanksgiving and joy.

“This is not just a celebration of marriage, but a reminder of the importance of family and unity in our society,” he said.

He urged the newly married couples to anchor their homes on strong moral and spiritual foundations, stressing the need for faith, patience, mutual respect and understanding in building lasting unions.

According to him, marriage remains a vital institution for social stability, and young couples must embrace responsibility and uphold good character as they begin their new journey.

The ceremony was marked by prayers, goodwill messages and a strong display of solidarity among leaders, underscoring the enduring bonds within Nigeria’s political and traditional institutions.

Zulum Launches 500 Electric Tricycles to Boost Clean Environment, Create Jobs

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has unveiled the distribution of 500 electric tricycles worth ₦1 billion to promote a cleaner environment and create employment opportunities for youths in the state.

The youth employment initiative targets about 1,000 Keke Napep operators across Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Local Government Area.

The environmentally friendly electric tricycles were earlier inaugurated on December 20, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to modernise transportation and ease economic hardship in the state.

Speaking at the launch of the empowerment programme on Thursday at the Government House, Maiduguri, Governor Zulum said:
“The e-tricycles initiative was designed to empower less-privileged Keke Napep riders and reduce transportation costs for commuters across Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area.”

He added:
“I am privileged to launch this empowerment programme today for about 1,000 beneficiaries among tricycle riders in Maiduguri and Jere, to the glory of God and for the benefit of humanity.”

Zulum explained that the tricycles were procured months ago, and the event marked their formal distribution to beneficiaries.

“These eco-friendly tricycles represent a significant step towards modernising transportation while promoting environmental sustainability and mitigating climate change in the state,” he said.

The governor disclosed that a designated committee would oversee the payment structure, while the state government would subsidise 30 percent of the cost to make the tricycles affordable.

He further noted:
“The e-tricycles are being given to riders with the dual purpose of empowering them economically and reducing transportation costs for the public.”

Zulum urged beneficiaries to strictly adhere to the guidelines provided by the committee, stressing that compliance is key to ensuring accountability and the long-term success of the programme.

The governor also revealed that 16,783 registered Keke Napep riders from 25 associations across Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere would each receive ₦50,000 as financial support to cushion economic hardship.

“We have approved a financial intervention amounting to ₦1 billion to support transportation workers and ease the impact of hardship on their livelihoods,” he said.

He congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to make productive use of the opportunity, while commending the organising committee and the Commissioner for Transportation for successfully coordinating the initiative.

Earlier, Chairman of the Borno State Empowerment Committee (BOEC), Hon. Saina Buba, said each tricycle can cover up to 65 kilometres on a single charge.

He added that beneficiaries were carefully selected by association leaders, noting that the process was free from government interference.