Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has used his final Democracy Day address in office to review seven years of governance, highlighting notable progress in security, reconstruction, education and healthcare, while reaffirming his commitment to consolidating peace before the end of his tenure in 2027.
In a statewide broadcast marking Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, Zulum described insecurity as the state’s most persistent challenge but expressed optimism that sustained military operations and ongoing government interventions were steadily restoring stability across Borno and other parts of the North-East.
The governor’s address came amid renewed security gains, including the reported rescue of 434 women and children from Boko Haram captivity, which he cited as evidence of the continued efforts of security forces to dismantle insurgent networks and reunite affected families.
He commended the sacrifices of the military and other security agencies, while also acknowledging the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in strengthening the national response to insecurity.
Despite these gains, Zulum stressed that government efforts would continue until all remaining captives, including the Chibok girls and other abductees from Dille and Mussa, are safely returned.
“We remain committed to ensuring their safe return,” he said, reiterating his administration’s resolve to end insurgency and its humanitarian consequences.
Reflecting on his tenure since 2019, the governor noted that the 2026 Democracy Day marked his final address on the occasion as his administration enters its concluding phase. He expressed confidence that the institutional foundations laid over the past seven years would sustain long-term development in the state.
Zulum also praised political stakeholders and traditional leaders for their cooperation and support, which he said contributed to the progress achieved under his leadership. He further commended members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for conducting peaceful and transparent primary elections, urging continued unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On security operations, the governor disclosed sustained investments in logistics support for security agencies, including the provision of vehicles, motorcycles and communication equipment to enhance operational effectiveness.
He paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces, security personnel, community volunteers and civilians who lost their lives in the fight against insurgency, describing them as heroes whose sacrifices would not be forgotten.
On humanitarian response and recovery, Zulum said nearly two million internally displaced persons and conflict-affected residents had been resettled since 2019, through coordinated government and partner interventions providing shelter, healthcare, food assistance and livelihood support.
In education, he highlighted the establishment of more than 104 mega schools and over 20 Higher Islamic Colleges, alongside investments in infrastructure, teacher recruitment, training and student welfare. He also noted expanded access to technical and vocational education aimed at improving youth employability and entrepreneurship.
In the health sector, the governor cited major reforms, including the nearing completion of the Kashim Ibrahim Teaching Hospital, which is expected to strengthen tertiary healthcare delivery and medical training in the state.
He added that two Colleges of Nursing had been established, while healthcare workers serving in hard-to-reach areas benefited from a 100 per cent salary increase to boost morale and service delivery.
Zulum further disclosed that eight general hospitals were completed within the past year in Magumeri, Mafa, Gubio, Dikwa, Uba, Damboa, Hawul and Kaleri, alongside the renovation of over 80 primary healthcare centres, 13 maternal and child health centres and three family support centres.
He also expressed concern over the recent outbreak of Acute Watery Diarrhoea in parts of the state, assuring residents that emergency containment measures had been activated to prevent further spread.
Looking ahead, the governor pledged intensified focus on agriculture, infrastructure, economic empowerment, social protection and security in his final year in office, stressing that governance would remain centred on delivering tangible results to citizens.
“As I prepare to leave office, I do so with a deep sense of fulfilment,” Zulum said. “Together, we have rebuilt communities, restored hope, strengthened institutions and laid the foundation for a brighter future.”
He thanked the people of Borno State for their resilience and support, expressing confidence that the state is firmly on the path toward lasting peace, stability and sustainable development.
