The Borno State government in Northeast Nigeria, has unveiled the sixth edition of ‘The Verdict,’ a detailed publication highlighting the policies, activities, and achievements of Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration, with particular focus on post-conflict recovery and resilience.
The Verdict provides citizens with a comprehensive look at the administration’s initiatives in governance, security, and social development, showcasing efforts to rebuild communities affected by conflict and strengthen the state’s path to lasting peace and growth.
The launch, which coincided with Governor Zulum’s 56th birthday, was held at the office of the Deputy Governor, Umar Kadafur, who represented the Governor.
The event brought together members of the Governor’s media team, officials of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and senior government officials.
The Senior Technical Assistant for Print and Digital Communication, Abdurrahman Bundi explained that the publication was the outcome of a year-long process of collation and editing.
“Each month, the team compiles the activities of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and First Lady. At the end of the year, we conduct an intensive two-week editorial session to finalise the edition,” Bundi said.
He added that the book comprises field reviews, selected photos, editorials, speeches, and media reports, serving both as an archival record and a research tool.
“It is designed to provide evidence-based documentation of the administration’s work,” Bundi noted.
Also, the Senior Special Adviser on Media, Malam Dauda Iliya said that the sixth edition highlighted Governor Zulum’s field engagements across nine local government areas, including remote and high-risk communities such as Marte, Kalabalge, Gamboru Ngala, and Dikwa.
“These visits strengthened resilience in communities once devastated by insurgency. They are now experiencing relative peace and relief due to the Governor’s commitment,” Iliya remarked.
The Senior Special Assistant on Media, Baba Sheikh Haruna, described The Verdict as a historical document rather than a glossy collection of pictures.
“This is a book that will stand the test of time. It highlights sincerity, resilience, and progress. It is a testament to good leadership and will remain a proud legacy for Borno State,” he said.
Haruna also paid tribute to the Deputy Governor, whom he described as “a silent but strong pillar of support” to both the Governor and the media team. He commended the editorial and technical teams for sustaining the project over six years.
Editorial Consultant, Dr. Sharafa Dauda, emphasised the importance of documentation in safeguarding history.
He said; “When leaders leave office without proper documentation, history is often rewritten. This compendium stands as verifiable evidence of the Zulum administration’s achievements and will serve as a reference for academics, journalists, and researchers.”
In his goodwill message, Deputy Governor Kadafur praised Governor Zulum’s devotion to Borno State, saying “this is not just a book—it is a living document that future generations will reference as proof of purposeful leadership and sacrifice.”
Speakers at the event agreed that The Verdict has become an invaluable tool in showcasing the administration’s transparency, reconstruction efforts, and service delivery.
They also paid tribute to the late founding editor of the compendium, Mallam Isa Gusau and reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the project.
PIAK