By Abubakar Haruna Muhammad (9News Nigeria Northeast)
The Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, on Tuesday received the University of Maiduguri Alumni Association, Global, at his palace in Maiduguri.
The delegation is in Maiduguri for a two-day courtesy visit.It was led by the Association’s President, Baba Shettima Kukawa, and other members of the executive team.
During the visit, the Shehu thanked the team for coming, describing it as a demonstration of respect for traditional authority.
He assured the association of his attendance at its first conference and awards ceremony slated for 7th November, 2026.
The monarch said Borno had never been defeated for over 1,000 years despite numerous challenges.
He recalled several attempts by external forces, including Europeans, to topple Borno, all of which failed.Stating further, the Shehu said Boko Haram has nothing to do with religion.
He thanked the Federal Government for doing everything possible to ensure the survival of Borno during the period of insurgency.
“We have not been having visitors because the airport was shut down during the peak of insurgency,” he noted.
He commended UNIMAID and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, UMTH, for not closing during the crisis.
The Shehu recommended two major approaches to fighting insecurity in Nigeria: prayer for security and cooperation with security agencies.
He also recalled how some children of his council members were sent to study in distant schools during the Boko Haram insurgency because some were killed.
Earlier, the President of the association, Baba Shettima Kukawa, told the Shehu that the visit was to pay homage and formally present the new leadership elected in December last year.
He described the Borno Emirate as a symbol of peace, unity, and moral authority in Nigeria.
He added that the Emirate is also a symbol of resilience in Borno State following over a decade of insurgency.
“We come as children coming home to the feet of their father,” Kukawa said.
He disclosed that the association is planning to conduct elections in all 36 states and to set up a professional desk.
He also prayed for the Shehu’s long life and for lasting peace in Borno.Kukawa recalled the Shehu’s contributions to UNIMAID as an alumnus of the university.
As part of the visit, an award was presented to the Shehu in recognition of his support to education.
The visit ended with prayers for peace, progress, and the continued development of Borno State and the University of Maiduguri.
