Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has urged residents to protect the peace the state has worked hard to regain and ensure that the emerging political season does not undermine stability.
Zulum made the call on Thursday in his Independence Day message to Nigerians and the people of Borno to mark the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The governor paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers and other leaders who sacrificed for the unity, growth and development of the country despite decades of challenges.
“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 stated.
He said his administration remained committed to consolidating peace, protecting citizens’ rights and laying a sound foundation for future generations.
Zulum also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the safe, voluntary and dignified resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees.
“About two million of our people have returned to their communities, and we are working to resettle more.
“We must not allow a few unpatriotic people to derail this hard-earned peace,” he said.
The governor said his administration had invested heavily in security, human capital development, infrastructure, agriculture, resettlement and reconstruction across the state.
He said more than 1,500 clusters of projects had been executed across the 27 Local Government Areas of the state over the past seven years.
According to him, the projects have contributed to improved livelihoods, strengthened security and stability, and facilitated the resettlement of displaced communities.
Zulum attributed the improved security situation to the collective efforts of security personnel, volunteers, traditional, community and religious leaders, as well as the resilience of the people.
“The improved security we enjoy today is the result of the collective efforts of our gallant security personnel, volunteers, traditional, community and religious leaders and, above all, the resilient people of Borno,” he added.
The governor said more than 30,000 homes, schools, clinics and other public facilities destroyed during the insurgency had been rebuilt.
On education, Zulum said the number of functional secondary schools had increased from 34 in 2019 to 129 in 2026.
He said school enrolment had risen to 1.8 million children, while the number of teachers had also increased, with emphasis now being placed on digital and vocational education.
The governor said the state had also made major investments in agriculture to support year-round farming and strengthened its healthcare system to expand access to vulnerable residents through the state contributory health scheme.
Zulum said his administration was opening up business and economic opportunities in sectors where Borno had comparative advantages as part of efforts to accelerate post-conflict recovery.
“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.
He urged residents to uphold unity and peaceful coexistence, reject violence and respect the rule of law to sustain development.
“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,” Zulum said.
He thanked the people of Borno for their continued support and pledged to sustain the momentum of his administration until the end of his tenure.