Tinubu hails Zulum’s ‘outstanding’ people-focused projects in Borno

Abdullateef Fowewe

President Bola Tinubu, has commended Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum on Saturday for his “outstanding people-focused projects,” spotlighting investments in education, health, and transportation that are steadily uplifting residents’ livelihoods.

This was made known in a statement on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Arriving in Maiduguri at 12:30 pm as part of a three-state tour covering Borno, Bauchi, and Lagos, Tinubu wasted no time diving into action.

He commissioned the international wing of Muhammadu Buhari Airport, a new VIP extension, electric vehicles, intra-state buses, tricycles, and three model schools—primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary.

“I am commissioning this primary, junior secondary school and senior secondary schools to the glory of God, and continuous education of our children,” Tinubu declared during the event, emphasising his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment.

The President’s visit blended state duties with cultural tradition.

He stood in as the father of the groom at the marriage ceremony of Sadeeq Sheriff—son of former Borno Governor Senator Ali Modu Sheriff—and Hadiza Kam Salem. In line with Kanuri customs, Tinubu represented the groom’s family, while Governor Zulum acted as the bride’s father, receiving the traditional bride price in gold coins.

The event unfolded at the Maiduguri Central Mosque, hosted by the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi.

High-profile attendees included seven state governors: Dikko Umaru Radda (Katsina), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), and Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), alongside senators and ministers.

Tinubu departed for Bauchi State at 3:25 pm, capping a dynamic day of development and diplomacy in the Northeast.