At least six hundred clergies, amongst them 20 Archbishops, 144 Bishops, and hundreds of reverends converged in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where the church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) honored Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, with a “prestigious award for courageous and purposeful leadership in challenging times”.
Nigeria’s head of the Anglican church, Most Reverend Dr. Henry Ndukuba, whose title is the Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, presented the award to Borno State’s Head of Service, Barrister Simon Malgwi, who represented Governor Zulum at St Andrews Anglican Church at Rumuobiokani in Port Harcourt. Malgwi is the first Christian in Borno’s history to be appointed Head of Service (by Governor Zulum in November 2019).
Zulum’s award (and those of three other recipients) was one of the main events at the Anglican Communion’s bi-annual meeting of its “Standing Committee” usually attended by Bishops, and delegates from the 165 dioceses in the Church of Nigeria, representing the clergy, laity and the women ministry of the church”. The meeting began on February 20, 2022, but the official opening was held on Wednesday, February 23 (being the award day) while the meeting is to end on February 24.
Some of the congregation
Primate Ndukuba said Professor Zulum has distinguished himself in less than three years of becoming Borno’s Governor.
“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: We intend to bring to the fore the selfless service of leaders in such a trying time and Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State stands out”, Primate Ndukuba declared amidst ovation in the church.
“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 a 12-year insurgency. We pray God to continue to guide, protect, bless and uplift Professor Babagana Zulum now and always” added the most reverend.
Other members of the congregation
Governor Zulum, speaking through Head of Service, Malgwi, thanked the Anglican communion for the award, which he said, came to him as a pleasant 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 volumes of the objectivity and sincerity of purpose of the award. I very much cherish and value this award” Zulum said, as conveyed by the Head of Service.
The Head of Service led Borno’s delegation which included the 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 News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Sports Association for Judiciary (NASAJ) would hold from Aug. 17 to 27 in Lokoja.
Ariwoola, who was represented by the state Acting Chief Judge, Josiah Majebi, unveiled the trophy at the premises of the State High Court, on Wednesday in Lokoja,
The CJN described the trophy as a ‘trophy of unity’ designed to foster unity among the judiciary staffers across the federation.
The CJN commended Gov. Yahaya Bello for hosting the competition and for the security and hospitality enjoyed by the participants.
R-L: Mr Emeka Ndili, National President of NASAJ, and the Kogi State Chief Judge, Justice Josiah Majebi, unveiling the trophy on behalf of CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on Wednesday in Lokoja. By Stephen Adeleye The acting Chief Justice of the Federation (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, has unveiled the trophy for the 28th Judiciary Staffers Games scheduled for Lokoja.
He encouraged the organisers and participants to play by the rules and regulations of the game, so as to achieve the desired success.
The President of NASAJ, Emeka Ndilli, said the competition was founded in 1994 while Kogi hosted in 2016 and now in 2022 within the space of six years.
Ndili expressed gratitude to the good people of the state for their hospitality and the Governor for accepting to host the games within a few years interval.
On his part, the state’s Commissioner for Sports, Idris Musa, appreciated NASAJ for considering the state for hosting the games in 2016 and 2022.
He assured participants of good hospitality from the good people of Kogi, adding that the state was safe. (NAN)