By Dahiru Ibrahim Biso
Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has honoured Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum with a “prestigious award for courageous and purposeful leadership in challenging times.”
Our correspondent reports that the occasion, which took place in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital was witnessed by 20 Archbishops, 144 Bishops, and hundreds of reverend fathers who converged on Port Harcourt for their bi-annual meeting.
Nigeria’s head of the Anglican Church, Most Reverend Dr. Henry Ndukuba, whose tile is the Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of all Nigeria, presented the award at St. Andrews Anglican Church at Rumuobiokani in Port Harcourt.
Borno State Heads of Service, Barrister Simon Malgwi received the award on behalf of the Borno State Governor.
Addressing the occasion, Primate Ndukuba said Professor Zulum has distinguished himself in less than three years of becoming governor of Borno state.
“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. Our intentions are 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.
Responding, the representative of Borno state Governor, Barrister Simon Malgwi, thanked the Anglican Communion for the award.
“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 volume of the objectivity and sincerity of purpose of the award,” Barrister Simon quoted Governor Zulum.
Zulum’s award and those of other three 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.”
