Borno can feed Nigeria, Ooni of Ife hails Zulum

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (CFR), Ojaja II, has described Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum as a true reformer, considering that the vast land of Borno state alone can feed the entire nation of Nigeria.

The monarch made the commendation on Friday evening in Maiduguri during a private meeting with Governor Zulum at the Government House, describing Zulum’s administration as a beacon of transformative leadership.

The Ooni, who is the Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), was in the Borno State capital to attend the combined convocation ceremony of the state-owned University of Maiduguri, also known as the University of Kashim Ibrahim.

He expressed deep admiration for Governor Zulum’s commitment to rebuilding Borno State, stating, “I like what you are doing, I am very proud of you. I want to come closer to you. I have been a fan of yours for a long time, and you are a role model to many young people in this country.

You have proven to everybody that you are genuinely a reformer. A lot of us are watching you; we support everything you do.

You have always been passionate about Maiduguri, and I often find myself wondering, ‘What is in Maiduguri that you are so passionate about?’  But today I came to Maiduguri, and I now see why you are always running back. I felt it when I came here. Borno is a beautiful state.”

The Ooni also gave a brief historical account of the ancient ties between the Kanuri and Yoruba people. He cited the deep-rooted historical and cultural connections between the two great ethnic nationalities.

He said: “For me, as a traditional ruler from Ife, the Kanuris are our cousins, we are blood relatives, very strongly as in very, very strongly. I am a student of history, and I met our link and our affiliation.

He added, “I am an advocate now, I will tell people to come and invest, I saw a vast amount of land, arable for any kind of farming, this state can indeed feed the entire country.”

To further cement this fraternal bond, the Royal Majesty presented Governor Zulum with an ancient gift—a symbolic artefact representing the rich cultural heritage and historical depth of the Yoruba people. The gift, he explained, is a token of deep respect and a reminder of the enduring ties between the Southwest and the Northeast.

Governor Zulum, in his response, expressed profound gratitude for the Ooni’s visit and for accepting the appointment to serve as the Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University.

He described the monarch as a unifying figure and a dedicated champion of national unity and cultural preservation. The Governor pledged to continue his administration’s work towards sustainable development and peace in Borno State.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date