vBy Usman Yahaya Ismail
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has been honored with the Nurse-Friendly Governor Award at the 2026 Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
Presenting the award, the President of the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation, Prof. Kathleen McCourt, praised Zulum for his “service to humanity,” specifically citing his aggressive investment in healthcare infrastructure and housing for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Represented by Prof. Abubakar Kullima, Chief Medical Director of the State Hospital Management Board, Zulum was recognized alongside 10 other governors from states including Lagos, Anambra, and Akwa Ibom for their commitment to the nursing profession.
Zulum’s recognition at this international forum is backed by a series of high-impact reforms in Borno’s health sector. Just weeks ago, in March 2026, the Governor approved the recruitment of over 470 medical personnel and implemented a 100% rural posting allowance for doctors (and 40% for nurses) to ensure that hard-to-reach communities are not left behind.
This award highlights a transition in Borno from “emergency response” to “institutional stability.” By establishing new Colleges of Nursing in Northern and Central Borno and renovating over 120 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) with solar power and essential supplies, Zulum is addressing the chronic brain drain that has plagued the Northeast.
For the Commonwealth Federation, Zulum represents a model of “resilient leadership,” showing that even in a post-conflict zone, a government can successfully prioritize the welfare of frontline health workers to achieve universal health coverage.