Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has congratulated the people of Borno State and Nigerians on the occasion of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, urging citizens to protect the peace achieved in the state.
In his Independence Day message, Governor Zulum paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers and past leaders who made sacrifices for the unity, growth and development of the country despite decades of challenges.
The governor also called on political actors and citizens to ensure that campaigns ahead of the coming political season are conducted peacefully and without rancour.
“As we celebrate 66 years of nationhood, we honour our founding fathers and all the leaders who gave their lives for the unity, growth and development of Nigeria, despite the trials our country has endured,” Zulum said.
Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to consolidating peace, protecting citizens’ rights and creating a strong foundation for younger generations. He also reiterated the government’s efforts to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.
According to him, about two million displaced residents have so far returned to their communities, while efforts are ongoing to resettle more people.
“We must not allow a few unpatriotic people to derail this hard-earned peace,” the governor warned.
Zulum said his administration had invested significantly in security, human capital development, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education, community reconstruction and the resettlement of displaced persons.
He disclosed that more than 1,500 clusters of projects had been executed across Borno’s 27 local government areas over the past seven years.
The governor attributed the improved security situation in the state to the collective efforts of security personnel, volunteers, traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, as well as the resilience of Borno residents.
He further disclosed that more than 30,000 homes, schools, clinics and other public facilities destroyed during the insurgency had been rebuilt.
In the education sector, Zulum said the number of functional secondary schools increased from 34 in 2019 to 129 in 2026, while enrolment had risen to about 1.8 million children. He added that the government was also prioritising digital and vocational education.
The governor highlighted investments in agriculture aimed at promoting year-round farming, alongside efforts to strengthen the healthcare system and expand access to medical services through the state’s contributory health scheme.
Zulum also said his administration was creating new business and economic opportunities to accelerate Borno’s post-conflict recovery.
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“Borno is now an investment destination because of its strategic location and its human capital and natural resources. We are unlocking opportunities that will drive our post-conflict recovery,” he said.
The governor urged residents to uphold unity, peaceful coexistence and respect for the rule of law while rejecting violence in all forms.
“As the political season sets in, let us conduct our campaigns without rancour, so we do not undermine the relative peace and stability our state now enjoys,” he said.
Zulum thanked the people of Borno for their continued support and pledged to sustain the development momentum of his administration until the end of his tenure.
