… dedicates honour to Borno people, urges diaspora to invest in Africa
By Abdullahi Alhassan
NEW JERSEY — Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has been honoured with the 2026 Quintessence Pan-African Top Leadership Award for his contributions to development and rebuilding efforts in the state.
Zulum, who received the award at a ceremony in New Jersey on Friday, dedicated the recognition to the people of Borno, Nigerians and Africans whose efforts, he said, continue to promote dignity, opportunity and development across the continent.
The Quintessence Award is presented annually to one continental African leader and one African-American leader in recognition of distinguished accomplishments and contributions to the history, heritage and advancement of African people.
The 2026 ceremony was chaired by Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Also in attendance were Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammad Sanusi II; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia; Consul General of Nigeria in Atlanta; and former Minister of Finance, Dr. Mansur Mukhtar.
Speaking at the event, Zulum said the award should not be viewed as a personal achievement, but as recognition of the collective efforts of people working to improve lives and rebuild communities.
«“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,” he said.»
The governor said his childhood experience growing up in a farming community in Mafa Local Government Area influenced his understanding of leadership and strengthened his commitment to creating opportunities for others.
According to him, leadership should be measured by its ability to create opportunities, particularly for young people whose potential could otherwise remain untapped.
“Leadership is not about grand titles, but about building ladders of opportunity so everyone can climb,” Zulum said.
Reflecting on the challenges posed by the Boko Haram insurgency, the governor said his administration had prioritised the reconstruction of homes, schools, healthcare facilities and other public infrastructure across Borno.
Zulum said more than 30,000 homes, schools, clinics and other public facilities had been reconstructed since he assumed office in 2019.
He added that 326 projects were completed within his first year in office, including more than 6,000 houses for families displaced by the insurgency.
The governor also said his administration had delivered more than 1,000 capital projects over the past six years.
He, however, said the significance of the projects went beyond the figures, noting that each represented shelter for displaced families, classrooms for children and healthcare facilities for communities.
Zulum also used the occasion to appeal to Nigerians and other Africans living abroad to deepen their investment in the continent by contributing capital, expertise and ideas to local development.
He identified Africa’s youthful population as its greatest asset and called for increased investment in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and innovation.
“I call on you to invest back home — not just your capital, but your skills and ideas,” the governor said.
“Every factory you build, every school you help fund, is an investment in Africa’s greatest resource: our people.”
While acknowledging the importance of diaspora remittances to families across Africa, Zulum said directing a portion of such resources towards productive ventures could create broader economic and social benefits.
He encouraged diaspora investors and development partners to support start-ups, technology hubs, teacher-training programmes, healthcare initiatives and institution-building efforts.
The governor also described leadership as a responsibility to serve rather than a status to be attained, urging professionals and community members to contribute to the development of their communities regardless of whether they hold public office.
“My message today is that leaders are enablers, not distant rulers,” he said.
Zulum attended the ceremony with his wife, the First Lady of Borno State, Dr. Falmata Babagana Zulum; Chief Adviser on Sustainable Development, Partnership and Humanitarian Support, Dr. Mairo Mandara; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Zuwaira Gambo; and Chairman of the Governing Board, Kashim Ibrahim Teaching Hospital, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo.
Also present were Dr. Thameer Kezamal and Mr. Huber Shaiyen, who also chaired the Borno Investment Roundtable, among other dignitaries.
