The Ooni of Ife and Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), His Imperial Majesty, Arole Odùduwà Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has hailed Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, as a courageous reformer whose leadership vision is repositioning the state for agricultural and economic greatness.
The revered monarch made the remarks on Friday evening during a private meeting with Governor Zulum at the Government House in Maiduguri, while on an official visit to Borno State for the combined convocation ceremony of the state-owned Kashim Ibrahim University.
According to the Ooni, Borno State possesses vast arable land and the natural capacity to become a major agricultural hub capable of feeding Nigeria, if properly harnessed. He praised Governor Zulum’s commitment to reconstruction, food security, and development despite years of insecurity.
“I like what you are doing, and I am very proud of you. I have been a fan of yours for a long time. You are a role model to many young people in this country,” the Ooni said, commending the governor’s hands-on leadership style and resilience.
The monarch further expressed readiness to mobilise investors towards Borno State, noting that the availability of fertile land and improving security environment present strong opportunities for agriculture, agribusiness, and economic expansion.
“I saw a vast amount of land, arable for any kind of farming. This state can indeed feed the entire country. I will encourage people to come and invest,” he added.
Describing Borno as a beautiful and promising state, the Ooni attributed the visible transformation in Maiduguri and other parts of the state to Governor Zulum’s passion for rebuilding communities and restoring livelihoods.
The Ooni, who is also the Permanent Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), further highlighted the deep historical and ancestral ties between the Yoruba and Kanuri people, describing the relationship as one rooted in shared bloodlines, culture, and history.
In his response, Governor Zulum expressed profound appreciation for the Ooni’s visit and his acceptance of the appointment as Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri. He described the Ooni as a national symbol of unity, peace, and cultural preservation.
Governor Zulum disclosed that the decision on the chancellorship was reached after consultations with the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, noting that the Ooni’s stature as the Natural Head of the Odùduwà race and his consistent advocacy for youth development, peace, and national cohesion made him the ideal choice.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to peace and sustainable development, Governor Zulum emphasised that Borno State remains open to partnerships that will drive economic recovery and long-term prosperity.
The Ooni’s visit to Maiduguri formed part of activities marking the combined convocation ceremony of Kashim Ibrahim University. He was accompanied by several prominent traditional rulers, including the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole Adebayo; the Alaagba of Aagba, Oba Rufus Olayinka Ogunwole; the Onigbaye of Igbaye, Oba Joseph Okunlola Oni; the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Adesoji Oladepo; as well as the Vice-Chancellor of OJAJA University, Ilorin, Prof. Jeleel Ojuade.