Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Quintessence Award, a prestigious Pan-African leadership honour in North America.
The recognition makes Governor Zulum the first governor from Northern Nigeria to receive the award.
The Executive Director of the New Jersey-based African Writers Endowment (AWE), Dr Ugorji O. Ugorji conveyed the nomination in a letter to the Governor, citing his accomplishments as an academic, scholar and educational administrator, as well as his record in office as Governor of Borno State.
Dr Ugorji said Governor Zulum was particularly recognised for his efforts in addressing insecurity and reshaping the infrastructural landscape of Borno State.
The award will be presented at the 2026 Quintessence Ball, themed “A Celebration of African People in World History,” scheduled for Friday, September 25, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in New Jersey, United States.
Contributions to African History
The annual event brings together Africans and people of African descent from Africa, North America and the Caribbean to celebrate distinguished contributions to African history, heritage and development.
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According to the organisers, the Quintessence Award is presented annually to at least one continental African leader and one African-American leader for distinguished accomplishments in their respective fields and outstanding contributions to the history and heritage of African people.
This year’s Quintessence Conference and Awards will be chaired by Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, CFR, former Chief of Staff to former President Muhammadu Buhari and former United Nations Under-Secretary-General.
Professor Gambari was himself the inaugural recipient of the Quintessence Award in 1998.
A major feature of the 2026 conference will be a special symposium titled “Investment Opportunities in Borno State: Doorway to the Chad Region.”
The symposium is expected to highlight investment opportunities in Borno State, particularly in agriculture, trade and other sectors, while examining the state’s strategic position as a gateway to the Lake Chad Basin.
Restoration of livelihoods
It will also showcase the state’s recovery efforts, including reconstruction, restoration of livelihoods and initiatives aimed at promoting economic development.
Governor Zulum will join a distinguished list of previous Quintessence Award recipients, including renowned author Prof. Chinua Achebe, Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, former United States Congressman Donald Payne, Professor Toyin Falola, Professor Molefi Kete Asante, and former Governors Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Kayode Fayemi.
The organisers said the Quintessence Award is traditionally accompanied by a proclamation from the Governor of New Jersey and a joint resolution of the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly in honour of recipients.
Governor Zulum, who is currently in New York as part of Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, is expected to continue his engagements in the United States before attending the award ceremony in New Jersey.
The Governor has received several recognitions for his leadership and development initiatives, including the Forbes African Leadership Award in 2024.
