Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has revealed that he saw his children only three times during the first 55 days of his administration after assuming office in 2019.

Zulum disclosed this while receiving prominent sons and daughters of Gubio Local Government Area on a courtesy visit, alongside the APC governorship candidate, Mustapha Gubio.

Reflecting on the challenges he faced at the start of his first tenure, the governor said the demands of tackling Borno’s security and humanitarian crises required enormous personal sacrifices.

“When I took over the leadership of the state, in the first 55 days of my administration, I saw my children only three times. The first four years were really challenging, but Almighty Allah has helped us to see light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

Zulum noted that despite the challenges confronting the state, particularly insecurity, his administration remains committed to consolidating the gains made over the years and laying a stronger foundation for sustainable development.

“Security is the most difficult issue. Insha Allah, before I leave, the situation will be better than now. I will hand over a more stable, more prosperous and more secure government to Engr. Mustapha Gubio, Insha Allah,” he said.

The governor stressed that sustaining achievements is often more difficult than attaining them and called for continued support and prayers for the APC governorship candidate.

“What matters is not just success; managing success is more difficult than achieving success itself. Managing success and managing the affairs of Borno State is not easy, but with collective support, prayers and guidance, God will give him the wisdom and energy to succeed as a candidate and, Insha Allah, as governor,” he added.

Zulum also expressed confidence in Gubio’s leadership abilities, describing him as a man of integrity, humility and composure whom he has known for more than two decades.

“Alhaji Mustapha Gubio, I have known him for the past 26 years, since he was a student at the University of Maiduguri. His integrity is evident; he is humane, very gentle and composed. Insha Allah, God will help him to steer the mantle of leadership of Borno State,” he stated.

The governor further assured residents that he would hand over a more stable, secure and economically prosperous state to the next administration.

He thanked the delegation for the visit and urged them to continue seeking divine guidance.

“As Muslims, when we seek Allah’s guidance and pray for the best outcome, we must accept His decision with complete faith and conviction, knowing that whatever He chooses is ultimately the best for us,” Zulum said.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Gambo Gubio, commended the governor for his role in the emergence of Mustapha Gubio as the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

“We are here today to express our profound gratitude and thanks for this remarkable occasion. Words alone cannot adequately convey the depth of our feelings or fully capture all that we wish to say. However, we remain sincerely grateful and deeply appreciative,” he said.

Gambo described the APC candidate as a worthy son of Gubio and expressed confidence in his future leadership.

He also praised Zulum’s achievements in security, infrastructure development and governance, noting that the governor was making significant progress in the state.

The courtesy visit was attended by the APC State Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba; the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Bukar Tijani; the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Malumbe; commissioners, special advisers and other government officials.

Also present were the Chairman of the Borno State Civil Service Commission, Dr. Bulama Mali Gubio; former House of Representatives member, Hon. Fanta Baba Shehu; the Executive Chairman of Gubio Local Government, Hon. Mali Bulama Mali; a retired Commissioner of Police; and former council chairmen. (Daily Trust)

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