By Atiku Galadima, Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, His Eminence, Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, have applauded members of the House Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters for choosing Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as the venue of their two-day, third quarter 2025 retreat.
The commendations were made separately when the committee chairman, Hon. Usman Jaha Babawo, led a delegation of over 70 participants—including officials of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), and members of the House of Representatives drawn from across the six geopolitical zones—on courtesy visits to the Government House and the Shehu’s Palace in Maiduguri at the weekend.
Represented by his deputy, Dr. Usman Umar Kadafur, Governor Zulum described the decision to hold the retreat in Maiduguri as both symbolic and encouraging, noting that Borno, once the epicentre of insurgency, is gradually recovering from years of conflict.
“Borno has gone through difficult times, but by the special grace of God, and through the sacrifices of our gallant military, security agencies, and the resilience of our people, we can now say that peace has largely returned,” Zulum said. “Maiduguri today is one of the safest and most peaceful cities in Nigeria. Your visit is a strong morale booster and further proof that the state is bouncing back.”
The governor added that the retreat would deepen public understanding of insurance matters while encouraging confidence in the state’s security and governance reforms.
At his palace, the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, equally praised Hon. Babawo and his delegation for demonstrating confidence in the state’s stability by choosing Maiduguri as their meeting point.
“Your coming here into my palace shows your respect for the traditional institution and your faith in the peace that has returned to Borno,” the monarch said. “I call on other committees, organisations and agencies to emulate this gesture by bringing their events and retreats to Borno, the Home of Peace.”
The royal father recalled the state’s resilience through several historical trials, from the Rabih invasion to the Maitatsine crisis, adding that Borno has always emerged stronger. He expressed optimism that the lingering insurgency would also be fully overcome in due course.
In his remarks, Hon. Usman Jaha Babawo, who represents Gwoza/Chibok/Damboa Federal Constituency, said the choice of Maiduguri was deliberate to show the world that peace has indeed returned to the North-East.
He said the retreat’s focus aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s economy through effective legislation, insurance regulation, and protection of the financial system.
“Our discussions will centre on how to strengthen existing frameworks for economic stability and address financial disruptions that affect growth and public confidence,” Babawo said.
He also commended the Nigerian military and other security agencies for their sacrifices in restoring peace across Borno and the North-East, which he noted has made it possible for national engagements such as the retreat to take place in Maiduguri once again.