Borno Governor Zulum Receives 2026 Quintessence Award

Prof. Babagana Zulum, the Governor of Borno State, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Quintessence Award, a prestigious Pan-African leadership honor awarded by the African Writers Endowment (AWE) based in New Jersey. This recognition marks him as the first governor from Northern Nigeria to receive this award.

Dr. Ugorji O. Ugorji, the Executive Director of AWE, communicated the nomination, highlighting Zulum's achievements as an academic and his efforts in combating insecurity and improving Borno State's infrastructure.

The award will be presented during the 2026 Quintessence Ball on September 25 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in New Jersey. The event gathers Africans and people of African descent to honor significant contributions to African heritage.

Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to former President Muhammadu Buhari, will chair the event. The award is traditionally accompanied by a proclamation from the Governor of New Jersey and a joint resolution from the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly.