Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has extended warm Christmas felicitations to Christian communities across the state, attributing the occasion to God's grace for preserving lives.
A Message of Gratitude and Peace
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, on December 25, 2025, Governor Zulum expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for the return of relative peace to Borno State. He reflected on the period between 2024 and 2025, noting that Christmas celebrations have spanned a full year marked by extensive reconstruction and recovery efforts.
"For us in this state, between 2024 and 2025, Christmas celebrations have spanned a full year, marking an enviable, all-encompassing programme of reconstruction and recovery projects," the Governor stated. He emphasized that progress is not only visible in rebuilt infrastructure but also in the restored peace, mutual goodwill, and harmonious coexistence between Muslim and Christian communities.
Security Tour and Building Resilience
Concurrently, Governor Zulum is actively engaged in a four-day security and resilience-building tour across Northern Borno. This critical tour includes visits to:
- Army and Navy formations to boost troop morale.
- Communities historically affected by the 16-year Boko Haram insurgency.
The aim is to build confidence and resilience among the people by delivering the dividends of democracy directly to them. Zulum underscored that the ultimate goal is to return Borno to prosperity and its glorious past, sustaining the hard-earned peace and development.
Strengthening Interfaith Collaboration for Lasting Security
Governor Zulum highlighted the crucial role of religious leadership in the state's recovery. He referenced a recent high-level consultation meeting with the leadership of Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
"My recent high-level consultation meeting... focused on strengthening collaborative efforts between the state government and religious bodies to combat the lingering threat of insecurity and foster lasting peace in Borno State," he explained.
He urged every citizen, irrespective of faith, to collectively seek lasting security and peaceful coexistence. "This is the most-critical foundation for true reconstruction, recovery and prosperity of the state," Zulum concluded, noting that the bond of unity, which the insurgency threatened to destroy, now holds the people tightly together.
