Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has received the 2026 Quintessence Pan-African Top Leadership Award and dedicated the recognition to the people of Borno and others involved in rebuilding communities affected by conflict.
At the award ceremony in New Jersey, Zulum said the recognition represented the efforts of the resilient people of Borno and others working to translate ideas into actions that improve lives.
The governor reflected on his background in Mafa Local Government Area and said it shaped his view that leadership should create opportunities, particularly for children and communities.
On Borno's post-insurgency recovery, he said his administration had reconstructed more than 30,000 homes, schools, clinics and other public facilities since 2019, including more than 6,000 houses completed during its first year.
Zulum also urged Nigerians and other Africans in the diaspora to contribute capital, skills and ideas to businesses, education and healthcare in Africa, while encouraging support for start-ups, technology hubs, teacher training and stronger institutions.
The governor concluded by framing leadership as service and called on professionals and community actors to contribute to development without waiting for formal office.
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