Zulum hosts ambassadors, UN officials in Maiduguri

High-Level Diplomatic Visit to Maiduguri

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum welcomed a distinguished delegation of ambassadors from India, Egypt, Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey, Malaysia, and Qatar, along with senior United Nations representatives and Nigeria's Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bernard Doro.

The group arrived in Maiduguri for a working visit aimed at gaining a firsthand look at the humanitarian conditions in the state, which has endured over a decade of insurgency-related turmoil.

This gathering underscored the growing international interest in Borno's path to recovery, highlighting projects in education, healthcare, and human development as key pillars of rebuilding.

Acting Governor Umar Usman Kadafur guided the visitors through several flagship initiatives spearheaded by the Zulum administration, offering a glimpse into tangible progress on the ground.

The event, which took place earlier this week, comes at a time when global partners are keen to move beyond headlines dominated by security issues and focus on positive transformations.

Showcasing Transformative Projects

The delegation toured vital facilities that reflect the state's commitment to uplifting its people.

They visited comprehensive schools emphasizing girl-child education, vocational training centers designed to equip youth with practical skills, and specialized malnutrition treatment units addressing a pressing health crisis among children.

These projects stand out in a region long scarred by conflict, demonstrating deliberate investments aimed at tackling root causes like poverty and lack of opportunities.

Education initiatives, in particular, received praise for their focus on inclusivity and long-term empowerment, with programs tailored to reintegrate displaced families into productive lives.

Healthcare efforts, including modern facilities for treating severe malnutrition, show how the administration is responding to immediate needs while building resilience against future shocks.

Human capital development programs, such as skills training hubs, are positioned as engines for economic revival, preparing residents for sustainable livelihoods in a post-conflict era.

“But we want to show that beyond the headlines we always see around security challenges, there are things that are taking place which are transformative in Borno State. The education program we have seen, the girl education program, the vocational training, the malnutrition treatment centre—all of these show the effort that has been made to change the dynamic of what people are really going through.”

Praise for Leadership and Future Cooperation

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Malick Fall lauded the visible infrastructure strides, noting they paint a more hopeful picture than often reported.

Minister Bernard Doro echoed this sentiment, expressing delight at the progress despite prolonged crises and crediting Zulum's hands-on leadership for facilities that directly combat poverty.

Remarkably, Governor Zulum cut short his annual leave to personally host the group, signaling the priority placed on international partnerships.

Officials from both the UN and the federal government emphasized that such developments are crucial for fostering peace and self-reliance.

The visit is seen as a potential catalyst for enhanced global support, with envoys likely to advocate for increased aid in education and recovery programs back home.

Local stakeholders hope this exposure will translate into more funding and technical assistance, accelerating Borno's journey toward stability.

In summary, Governor Zulum's hosting of these key figures spotlighted Borno's recovery achievements in education, health, and skills training, earning widespread acclaim and paving the way for stronger international ties amid enduring challenges.