In a continuation of their annual tradition, media aides and social media associates came together on Friday to unveil the “4th Verdict,” a comprehensive 270-page compendium commemorating the 54th birthday of Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum. Zulum, born on August 25, 1969, is now celebrating his 54th year.
The “4th Verdict” compiles a wide array of published news reports, analyses, features, columns, commentaries, discourses, and selected speeches, all from the fourth year of Governor Zulum’s tenure. Notably, the compendium includes a special section titled “The Complete Tenure Report” on page 199. This section meticulously details all the projects, programs, and policies implemented by Governor Zulum during his first term, spanning from May 29, 2019, to May 29, 2023.
Malam Isa Gusau, the Editor-In-Chief of the compendium, conveyed the announcement of the unveiling through a statement released on Friday morning. Gusau expressed, “Today, we are delighted to present our fourth compendium as a tribute to the 54th birthday of our remarkable and compassionate leader, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum. In the preceding years, we introduced the ‘First Verdict’ in August 2020, followed by the ‘Second Verdict’ in August 2021, and the ‘3rd Verdict’ in August 2022. Now, in August 2023, we proudly present the ‘4th Verdict’.”
Gusau noted that, while each publication captured the annual activities of the Governor from May of the previous year to May of the new year, the editorial team decided to release these publications on August 25th to uniquely coincide with Governor Zulum’s birthdays.
Providing insight into the latest edition of the compendium, Gusau shared that the “4th Verdict” is organized into 21 thematic sections. These sections encompass a wide spectrum of topics such as Humanitarian efforts, Security News & Discussions, Reconstruction & Resettlement initiatives, Transport, Infrastructure & Energy developments, Education progress, Healthcare advancements, Agricultural pursuits, Water Resources & Environmental actions, Religious, Cultural & Festive events, Budgetary matters, Economic Planning & Commercial endeavors, Appointments, Civil Service & Professions, Governance & Zulum’s Distinctive Approach, Accounts of Service Delivery, the Deputy Governor’s contributions, the First Lady’s focus on Women Affairs, Awards, Tributes & Special Occasions, Foreign Relations & Collaborations with International Partners, Zulum’s Notable Sayings, Political matters (including the 2023 Elections), the 5th Presidential Visit & Commissioning activities, the Second Term Inauguration, and culminating with “The Complete Tenure Report” containing statistical summaries, infographics, and photographs of selected projects.
The editorial of the “4th Verdict” is aptly titled “The Complete Tenure Report on Page 199,” offering readers a glimpse of what this report entails. Gusau expressed gratitude and admiration for all the members of the editorial team, whose names are acknowledged on page five of the compendium. He acknowledged their diligent efforts, echoing the commitment demonstrated in all previous publications. The compendium stands as a product of meticulous monthly compilations over the span of twelve consecutive months, undertaken by a team of devoted and enthusiastic individuals.
Digital versions of all the publications – “First Verdict,” “Second Verdict,” “3rd Verdict,” and “4th Verdict” – will now be available on demand. The statement emphasized that these digital editions are extensive and may not be easily uploaded onto social media platforms. While the intention is to make them available for free downloads on a dedicated website, currently, the option to request digital copies via email will be offered to verifiable individuals and organizations. Furthermore, alternative online delivery methods will also be considered. Those interested can also visit the press unit at the Government House in Maiduguri to copy the files directly or provide hard drives for the compendium files to be copied and dispatched to them,” Gusau explained.
