By John Dike, Osogbo
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has described Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, as a visionary reformer, declaring that the state possesses the agricultural capacity to feed the entire nation.
He made the remark on Friday evening during a private meeting with Governor Zulum at the Government House, Maiduguri, while on a visit to Borno State for the combined convocation ceremony of the state-owned Kashim Ibrahim University.
The royal father, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Permanent Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), commended Zulum’s leadership style, noting that his commitment to rebuilding Borno State has continued to inspire young Nigerians across the country.
He said, “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 he was particularly impressed by the vast expanse of fertile land across the state, stressing that with the right investments and continued peace, Borno could emerge as one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural hubs.
“I saw a vast amount of land, arable for any kind of farming. This state can indeed feed the entire country. I will encourage investors to come and explore the enormous agricultural and economic opportunities here,” he added.
Describing Borno State as beautiful and resilient, the monarch attributed the visible development in Maiduguri and other parts of the state to Governor Zulum’s passion for reconstruction, peacebuilding, and inclusive development.
He also highlighted the deep historical and bloodline ties between the Yoruba and Kanuri people, noting that both ethnic groups share longstanding cultural and historical connections that underscore Nigeria’s unity.
In his response, Zulum expressed gratitude for the Ooni’s visit and for accepting the role of Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University. He described the monarch as a strong symbol of national unity and cultural preservation.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace, security, and socio-economic development across Borno State, particularly through education, agriculture, and infrastructure renewal.
The Ooni was accompanied on the visit by several traditional rulers, including the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole Adebayo; Alaagba of Aagba, Oba Rufus Olayinka Ogunwole; Onigbaye of Igbaye, Oba Joseph Okunlola Oni; Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Adesoji Oladepo; and the Vice-Chancellor of OJAJA University, Ilorin, Prof. Jeleel Ojuade.
