Gov Zulum Presents Staff of Office to 13th Shehu of Dikwa, Commissions ICT Centre and Government Lodge

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday, officially presented the staff of office to the 13th Shehu of Dikwa, Alhaji Ibrahim Ibn Umar Ibrahim El-Kanemi, during a coronation ceremony held in Dikwa Local Government Area of the state.

The event was graced by notable figures, including the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi, and several other traditional rulers from across Nigeria and neighboring countries. Governor Zulum, in his speech, highlighted the peaceful and collaborative nature of the selection process of the new Shehu, noting the involvement of the kingmakers and the adherence to the traditions and laws of the Emirate.

The governor expressed his congratulations to Alhaji Ibrahim Ibn Umar El-Kanemi for his successful emergence as the Shehu of Dikwa, following the passing of his cousin, HRH Alhaji Abba Tor Shehu Masta II. Governor Zulum urged the new Shehu to continue the legacy of his late cousin and to work towards the development of the Dikwa Emirate while ensuring inclusivity of the people.

Zulum further emphasized the need for strong leadership in an era of rebuilding, highlighting the state’s struggles with insurgency over the past 16 years. He acknowledged the improvement in security in Borno State, praising the efforts of the Nigerian military, security agencies, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

In his response, the new Shehu of Dikwa, Alhaji Ibrahim Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, thanked the distinguished guests and the state government for following the traditional process in his ascension to the throne. He praised Governor Zulum for his leadership, especially in harnessing the agricultural potential of the Dikwa area. He also expressed gratitude for the ongoing development projects across the state, specifically the reconstruction of the Maiduguri-Dikwa-Ngala Road, urging the federal government to extend the road construction to Kala-Balge, which faces accessibility challenges during the rainy season.

Governor Zulum also took the opportunity to commission two significant projects in Dikwa—the newly established ICT Centre and a Government Lodge—both aimed at supporting the development and modernization of the region.

The coronation ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, and representatives from various Emirate councils across Nigeria.