Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has been awarded as the 2024 Governor of the Year.
He was conferred with the award by NewsDirect newspaper and was presented to him during their 14th Lecture and Award Ceremony, held on Friday at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos State.
According to a release by Governor Zulum’s spokesperman, Malam Dauda Iliya, the governor was represented at the event by Borno’s Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar.
Speaking on behalf of his principal, Tar expressed gratitude to the newspaper for recognizing the governor’s efforts in delivering good governance.
He assured that the award would motivate the governor to intensify efforts to address the lingering challenges of insecurity and work towards restoring lasting peace in Borno State.
“We are delighted that our principal has been recognized with this prestigious award. He asked us to represent him and accept the honor on his behalf. This award is not taken for granted,” Tar said.
Tar also emphasized that Governor Zulum is commitment to developmental policies aimed at propelling Borno State towards progress and prosperity.
“Governor Zulum has become a brand name with passion for education, dedication to duty, and an unrelenting resolve to develop the state and combat the scourge of insurgency and terrorism,” he noted.
The commissioner added that his boss remains a strong advocate for Nigeria’s development and will continue to play a pivotal role in nation-building.
Tar was accompanied by Iliya and the Senior Special Assistant, Media, Baba Shiekh Haruna.
According to Iliya, Zulum has received multiple accolades for his exemplary leadership.
He noted that in 2024 alone, he was awarded the Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award, the NUJ Good Governance Award, the Nigeria’s Pride Award for Leadership in Security and Public Service, and the Fellowship Award from the Environmental Management Association of Nigeria (EMAN), among others.
With the themed “Achieving Economic Prosperity: The Role of Human Capacity Development, Fiscal Prudence, and Revenue Generation,” the event attracted many prominent personalities, business leaders, heads of federal government agencies, and financial institutions across the country.
Other notable recipients at the event, includes; Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Umar Namadi of Jigawa State.
Giant businessman Alhaji Aliko Dangote and other personalities were decorated with different awards by the newspaper.
Dauda Iliya
Special Adviser to the Borno State Governor
(Media/Spokesperson)
