By Emeka Amaefula
ANGLICAN CHURCH OF NIGERIA HONOURS BORNU STATE GOVERNOR PROF. BABAGANA UMARA ZULUM
The Anglican Church of Nigeria on Wednesday 23rd of February, 2022 gathered at Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church Rumuobiakani in Port Harcourt Rivers state capital where over six hundred Bishops and several clergy men bestowed “Courage and Purposeful Leadership in challenging times” award on the Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
The prestigious award ceremony had in attendance 20 Archbishops, 144 Bishops, including hundreds of Reverends led by Head of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Most Reverend Dr. Henry Ndukuba who occupies the position of Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria. He presented the award to Borno state Governor Prof. Zulum was represented by Head of Service Borno State Government Barrister Simon Malgwi. It is on record that Barr. Malgwi is the first Christian in Borno State to have been appointed Head of Service in 2019 by Governor Zulum.
The Anglican Communion’s Bi-annual Meeting of its Standing Committee which conventionally has in attendance Bishops and delegates from the 165 Dioceses in the Church of Nigeria comprises of the Clergy, Laity and Women Ministry of the Church began on 20th of February,2022 and ended on 24th of February,2022.
Among the three recipients of the awards included Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara who the Primate of Anglican Communion Henry Ndukuba described as having distinguished himself in less than three years when he took over the mantle of governance in Borno state. “This award supersedes religion. We are tired of leaders that are not responsible and that is why we the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion deemed it fit to honour those who have excellently proven themselves worthy in serving their people: Our intentions are to bring to the fore the selfless service of leaders in such a trying times and Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno state stands out” Primate Ndukuba stated amidst ovations from the congregants.
“Professor Babagana Zulum is a true leader, worthy of emulation and we are proud to have him among leaders in the country. He has been attacked severally while discharging his duties but he continued to show zeal and passion to bring hope to the state that’s suffered 12-years insurgency. We pray to God to continue to guide, protect, bless and uplift Professor Babagana Zulum now and always.”
The elated Governor of Borno state Professor Zulum through his representative, Barrister Simon Malgwi said that the award came to him as a surprise “I have received several awards but this one is very special because it came from Clergy and it came from a church to one that is not a Christian and your decision speaks volume of the objectivity and sincerity of purpose of the award. I very much cherish and value this award.” Zulum said as conveyed by his representative. Among the dignitaries from Borno state that graced the occasion included Borno state’s Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Mr. Nuhu Clark; Special Adviser on Community Relations, Mr. Kester Ogualili and Senior Special Assistant on Youths and Jobs Creation, Mr. Christopher Akaba. The event has broadened the relationship between the Northern and Southern parts of Nigeria as the activities of insurgents in North eastern Nigeria where Professor Babagana Umara Zulum holds sway has been identified with progressive project execution for their wellbeing of the good people of Borno state.