Borno Governor Zulum Wins 2026 Quintessence Award

Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Governor of Borno State, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Quintessence Award, marking him as the first governor from Northern Nigeria to receive this prestigious Pan-African Leadership Award. The announcement was made while Zulum is in New York for the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81), where he is part of the Nigerian delegation led by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima.

Prior to his visit to the United States, Zulum engaged in high-level discussions in Canada, signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology aimed at enhancing technical education and workforce development in Borno State. The award, presented by the African Writers Endowment, acknowledges Zulum's significant contributions as an academic and his efforts in combating insecurity and improving infrastructure in Borno.

The award ceremony will take place on September 25, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in New Jersey, coinciding with the Quintessence Conference, which will feature discussions on investment opportunities in Borno State.