BY: ABDULKADIR M LAWAN, OCTOBER 01, 2026/ 03:58PM

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has urged residents not to allow a few unpatriotic individuals derail the hard-earned peace in the state.

He made the call in his message to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on Thursday.

He felicitated with the people of Borno and Nigerians, paying tribute to the nation’s founding fathers and leaders who made sacrifices for the country’s unity and development.

'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,' he said.

The governor said his administration remains committed to consolidating peace, protecting citizens’ rights, laying a foundation for younger generations, and ensuring the safe, voluntary and dignified resettlement of displaced persons.

He disclosed that about two million people have returned to their communities, while efforts are ongoing to resettle more Internally Displaced Persons 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,' Gov. Zulum said.

He said his administration has carried out over 1,500 clusters of projects across the 27 local government areas in the last seven years, investing heavily in security, human capital development, infrastructure, agriculture and rebuilding of communities.

He said more than 30,000 homes, schools, clinics and other public facilities destroyed by insurgency have been rebuilt.

According to him, the number of functional secondary schools has grown from 34 in 2019 to 129 in 2026, while enrolment has increased to 1.8 million children.

He also listed investments in year-round farming, strengthening of the health system and expansion of access through the state contributory health scheme.

Gov. Zulum credited the improved security in the state to the collective efforts of security personnel, volunteers, traditional, community and religious leaders, and the resilience of Borno people.

He described Borno as an emerging investment destination due to its strategic location, human capital and natural resources, adding that the state is unlocking opportunities to drive post-conflict recovery.

The governor urged citizens to uphold unity, reject violence and respect the rule of law, calling for rancour-free campaigns as the political season sets in.

’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,' he added.

He thanked the people of Borno for their continued support and promised to sustain the momentum of his administration until his last day in office.