By Dauda R PamMaiduguri
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state has presented to the public a compendium of his one year in office with a high commendation on members of press for supporting his administration and making his efforts known to the world, which has attracted him to the public and endeared him to many people across the globe.
The 299 pages compendium,consisted of 336 stories, analysis, opinions and editorials published by various print, radio, television and online media organisations both locally and internationally.
Commending the presentation of the compendium of his first year in office ” tagged ” First Vedict” was held at the multipurpose hall,Government House Maiduguri, Monday.
He expressed tremendous gratitude to members of the press, said,
“I thank members of the press for supporting me and made my efforts not only known to the people of Borno state but the world in general”. You stood with us in Borno throughout the thick and thin despite the Boko Haram Insurgency”.
” Your stories have attracted a lot commendation and awards to me and endeared me to many people without which it wouldn’t have been possible”.
” This compendium which consists of my stories, reports, speeches, opinions, and editorials will serve as a research document to students of history, security and governance and others who has interest “, the governor added.
According to him,”the history of Nigeria and democracy cannot be complete without the contribution of the media.. I also want to appreciate the management of Tell Magazine for giving me special recognition with Special award for ” courage and leadership” the compendium and award Is a challenge to me to do more”.
” I assure you I will do more. Insha Allah, I Will be more committed and determined As I have been saying nobody has the right to take my life. It is only God. We will continue to do our best in providing services to the people.as I took oath to do so,Zulum added.
Earlier, the compendium reviewer, Professor Danjuma Gambo,Mass communication department,University of Maiduguri, said ” the stories, opinions, analysis and editorials were independently written by the reporters, and media organisations without being sensored that is why the compendium is a real verdict “.
IN my life as practicing journalist and a teacher, I have not seen this kind of compendium, because usually this kind of compendium are compiled at the end of the tenure of the governor but this compendium titled ” the verdict ” was compiled in the first one year of Governor Zulum in office”.
Also,the President of Tell Magazine,Nosa Igiebor,used the occasion to pull a surprise,by presenting a Special Award to him as,”Governor of the Year for Courage in Leadership (2020)”.
Nosa Igiebor congratulated him, stressing that ,”leadership entails courage, commitment to the ideals of selfless service and unwavering dedication to pursue the service for the benefits of the people you lead and serve. Since your assumption of office as Governor, you have consistently demonstrated these sterling qualities of leadership.”
“Your style and substance are unmistakable and a welcome breath of fresh air to Nigeria’s sterile political space of self-aggrandizement. We are, indeed, very impressed by your resolve and determination to succeed in your mandate of delivering the dividends of democracy to the long-suffering people of Borno. While some other state administrators, including those whose domains enjoy relative peace, reel out excuses to the citizenry, you have remained undaunted in fulfilling your promise to a state that is under siege, he added.
He said “Your boldness to state things in black and white no matter the circumstances, has endeared you to many. In short, you have become the voice of the voiceless as you have proven that government is not for the fainthearted, neither is timidity or criminal silence a prerequisite for real term growth and development.”
Responding,Governor Zulum, in expressed profound appreciation to the management of Tell Communications, saying he considered the award, a challenge to do more.
In another development, the state Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, had earlier presided over the swearing in of his new Chief of Staff, Professor Isa Hussain Marte. as a result of the demise of the Late Chief of Staff Babagana Wakil who died recently.
Governor Zulum said ” this occasion cannot be complete without paying tribute to my Late Chief of Staff Babagana Wakil who served diligently and contributed to the 10 point agenda of this administration”
In a vote of thanks, the new Chief of Staff, Prof. Isa Husaini Marte, assured the governor and people of Borno state to do his best to fill in the vacuum created by the demise of Late BABAGANA Wakil.
