KANEMPRESS BULLETIN 122 Governor Zulum Redefines Modern Governance in Nigeria: Bama as a Case Study
.………..Bama Shall Rise Again
………… Reconnecting The Dots of Kanem-Borno Legacy
By Zannah Ibrahim Mustapha
Publisher and Editor -In -Chief
Kanempress Digital Hub
20th January 2025
In an era where the trappings of power often take precedence over the needs of the people, Borno State Governor Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, has emerged as a light of hope, offering a refreshing model of leadership that prioritizes people over politics. His hands-on approach to governance, particularly in the conflict-ravaged town of Bama, has not only redefined modern leadership in Nigeria but has also established a new standard for global governance in times of crisis.
A Leader Who Walks Among His People
While many political figures in Nigeria and around the world maintain a significant distance from the communities they serve—shielded by layers of security and luxury—Governor Zulum has chosen a different path. His leadership style is characterized by humility and direct engagement. Unlike many politicians who travel in convoys of armored vehicles, Zulum drives a modest car and navigates the rugged terrain of Borno himself, visiting communities deeply affected by insurgency.
Governor Zulum’s decision to forgo high-security protection in favor of engaging with people in vulnerable communities is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a testimony to his leadership philosophy. “True leadership is not about staying behind high walls. It’s about walking with the people you serve,” Zulum often asserts. This hands-on approach allows him to understand the real needs of his constituents and respond effectively to their challenges, no matter how daunting.
Bama: A Microcosm of Zulum’s Visionary Governance
Bama, a local government area that has borne the brunt of Boko Haram insurgency, serves as a powerful case study in Zulum’s transformative governance. Before his leadership, Bama was synonymous with destruction, displacement, and despair. Schools were reduced to rubble, markets abandoned, and agricultural activities crippled. Yet, under Zulum’s stewardship, Bama has become a symbol of recovery, demonstrating that with the right leadership, even the most devastated areas can rise again.
Governor Zulum’s approach to Bama’s reconstruction is marked by a multi-faceted, people-centered strategy. Rather than simply overseeing reconstruction from a distance, he is deeply involved in every aspect, from engaging with local leaders to personally inspecting infrastructure projects. His presence in Bama is a constant evidence that governance is about creating lasting solutions for the people. Schools have been rebuilt, roads repaved, and markets are bustling once more.
Professor Amina Okoro, a scholar of political leadership, notes that Zulum’s direct involvement in recovery sets him apart from other leaders. “Zulum’s approach goes beyond just physical reconstruction. He’s rebuilding hope and trust in a government that for many years was absent. His leadership is a lesson in what is possible when a leader is truly committed to their people’s welfare.”
Agriculture as the Cornerstone of Bama’s Revival
A critical aspect of Governor Zulum’s leadership in Bama has been his focus on agriculture. For Borno State, agriculture is not just the backbone of the economy; it is a lifeline for its people, particularly in a State devastated by insurgency. Understanding this, Zulum introduced a groundbreaking agricultural subsidy initiative to alleviate the financial burden on farmers.
In 2024, Zulum announced that the state government would subsidize fuel prices for farmers in Bama, reducing the price of petrol from over N1,200 per litre to N600 per litre. This move directly addressed one of the most pressing challenges faced by farmers in insurgency-affected areas: the soaring cost of irrigation. By making fuel more affordable, Zulum ensured that farmers could continue to irrigate their lands and produce food despite the ongoing crisis.
“Farming communities in Bama face enormous challenges, particularly when it comes to the cost of irrigation. Our initiative to subsidize fuel is a lifeline for these farmers and a critical step towards restoring food security in the region,” Zulum stated during the launch of the initiative.
The success of this subsidy initiative has had a ripple effect, not just in terms of increased food production but also in revitalizing the local economy. Zulum’s agricultural focus is a strategic move, ensuring that the state’s economy is built on sustainable, locally-driven growth.
The Comprehensive Support Package: Revitalizing Communities
Beyond the fuel subsidy, Zulum has introduced a comprehensive agricultural support package that includes the distribution of essential tools, fertilizers, and water pumps. Over 5,000 displaced farmers in Bama have received vital resources to restart their agricultural activities. The governor has also focused on building critical irrigation infrastructure, such as tube wells, to reduce dependence on rainfall and ensure that farmers can maintain year-round productivity.
Additionally, Zulum’s administration has provided thousands of homes for internally displaced persons (IDPs), giving them a sense of security and stability. These housing projects are part of a larger resettlement program designed to bring displaced communities back to their homes and restore normalcy in the area..
Dr. Okechukwu Eze, a political analyst, praises Zulum’s comprehensive approach to rebuilding and reconstruction. “Zulum’s focus on infrastructure, agriculture, and housing has created a solid foundation for Bama’s revival. His strategy integrates immediate relief with long-term sustainability, which is key to rebuilding a post-conflict society.”
Zulum’s Leadership: A Global Benchmark for Governance
Governor Zulum’s transformative work in Bama has not only redefined governance in Nigeria but has set a global benchmark for how leaders can drive recovery in conflict zones. His leadership model emphasizes direct engagement, practical solutions, and sustainable development—all of which have helped reshape Bama and Borno from conflict hotspots into examples of resilience and recovery.
What makes Zulum’s governance truly remarkable is his strong focus on the people. While many leaders prioritize their own safety, comfort, and political advancement, Zulum has placed his citizens at the heart of his administration. His decision to personally oversee projects and engage directly with communities is a reflection of his belief that leadership is about service, not status.
As Borno continues to recover and rebuild, Governor Zulum’s legacy will undoubtedly be defined by his relentless commitment to improving the lives of his people. In a world where leaders often prioritize power and prestige, Zulum has shown that true leadership lies in the ability to sacrifice personal comfort for the greater good of the people.
Finally,
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s efforts in Bama are clear evident to the power of visionary leadership. His pragmatic and empathetic approach to governance has not only transformed Bama from a war-torn town into a thriving community but has also set a new standard for leadership. Zulum’s work exemplifies what is possible when governance is centered on the needs of the people, and his legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of leaders to follow his example.
As Borno continues its journey of recovery, Zulum’s vision for a prosperous, resilient, and self-sustaining state stands as a shining example of what leadership can—and should—be in the 21st century.
