Maiduguri: Recently, a heartfelt tribute for Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno was witnessed at Maiduguri Maximum Custodial Centre, where emotions ran high as inmates expressed their gratitude for his infrastructural achievements amidst ongoing insurgency challenges.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the tribute was not solely about the 66 inmates the governor pardoned on Democracy Day, nor the financial aid of N20,000 provided to each of the 1,280 inmates. It was also not about the donation of 300 bags of rice, 50 jerry cans of cooking oil, and five cows to the inmates. The core of their gratitude lay in Zulum’s remarkable governance, particularly his efforts in housing and roads infrastructure development in the capital city and surrounding communities despite persistent insurgent attacks.
Mr. Daniel Simon, known as Sarkin inmates, spoke on behalf of the inmates during the governor’s visit, praising Zulum’s achievements in housing and roads infrastructure. Simon’s prayers were for continued blessings for the governor, hoping that he would be among those favored to transform Nigeria as he has done in Borno.
In light of these acknowledgments, Mr. Dauda Iliya, the governor’s spokesperson, highlighted Zulum’s recent infrastructural projects. These include the construction of a 1.90 km dual road with drainage and streetlights at Amb. Mahmud Ahmed Road Gwange, a 9.30 km roads network with drainages at Umarari/Ngarannam, and a 3.88 km road and drainage network at Farm Centre Housing Estate. Additionally, Zulum’s administration has been involved in significant rehabilitation projects, such as the 37.54 km dual carriage road from Lagos Street through various flyovers and the West End Sir Kashim Ibrahim Road flyover.
Some international partners had praised Zulum’s efforts in December 2024 during the inauguration of 1,900 housing units for resettling 1,874 households affected by insurgency in Monguno. Annet Gnther, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, commended Zulum’s realistic approach to achieving peace and stability in the North-East, emphasizing the need for perseverance from all parties involved, including the UN and international partners.
Elsie Attafuah of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria highlighted the joint efforts of the state and international partners in enhancing community security, rehabilitating essential infrastructure, and revitalizing local economies. Attafuah emphasized the importance of trust restoration between communities and the government, laying a foundation for reintegration and long-term peace.
Despite challenges, Zulum stated his administration has resettled over 2.5 million people affected by Boko Haram conflicts. He announced plans to close all IDP camps before the end of his tenure in 2027. The governor acknowledged the support of the German Government in funding housing projects and explained the state’s contributions to infrastructure and amenities for the resettled communities.
Observers commend Zulum’s accomplishments in infrastructure amidst insurgent threats, urging continued efforts towards restoring peace and stability in Borno.