Borno State Deputy Governor, Usman Umar Kadafur
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum has commended the House of Representatives Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters for choosing Maiduguri as the venue for its third-quarter 2025 retreat, describing the decision as both symbolic and encouraging for the people of the state.
The commendation came during a courtesy visit to the Borno State Government House over the weekend, led by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Usman Jaha Babawo.
The delegation also included members of the committee as well as officials from the National Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and the Nigerian Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NICON).
Speaking on behalf of Governor Zulum, Deputy Governor, Hon. Usman Umar Kadafur welcomed the delegation and noted the significance of holding such an important retreat in Borno—a state that has endured years of violent insurgency.
“Borno has witnessed several deadly Boko Haram attacks, but we are beginning to heal,” Kadafur said.
“The insurgents have now moved away from the towns and cities, and there is relative peace across most parts of the state, except for a few remnants in the Lake Chad region.”
He added that hosting the retreat in Maiduguri would serve not only as a morale booster for residents but also help raise awareness about the importance of insurance and financial security in post-conflict recovery.
“Maiduguri is currently one of the safest and most peaceful cities in Nigeria, thanks to the sacrifices of our military, security agencies, and the resilience of our civil population,” he stated.
During their visit, the committee and insurance delegation also paid homage to the Shehu of Borno, His Eminence Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Ibn Umar Al-Amin El-Kanemi, at his palace.
The royal father praised the committee’s chairman, Hon. Usman Jaha, and the entire team for acknowledging the importance of traditional institutions and selecting Maiduguri as a viable and safe location for such a high-level engagement.
“Your coming here into my palace is a clear testimony of your respect for the traditional institution,” the Shehu said.
“Let me commend you all for choosing Maiduguri as the place to conduct your retreat. This gesture is deeply appreciated, and I encourage other committees and organizations to follow your example.”
Reflecting on the state’s historical resilience, the Shehu recalled past conflicts, including the Rabe War, Maitatsine uprisings, and the Boko Haram insurgency.
“Just as we conquered those challenges in the past, we are confident that this insurgency too will be completely defeated,” he said.
In his remarks, Hon. Jaha Babawo, who represents Gwoza/Chibok/Damboa Federal Constituency, said the choice of Maiduguri was deliberate.
“We want the world to see that peace is returning to Borno State. Our presence here signals that the state is rising again after more than a decade of conflict,” he said.
He further noted that the retreat would align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, focusing on economic revitalization, financial system stability, and deeper legislative action on insurance regulation.
“The retreat is aimed at supporting the Federal Government’s drive toward sustainable growth and development, especially in the North East,” Jaha explained. “We will also discuss how to handle financial disruptions, which often come with both challenges and opportunities.”
He concluded by acknowledging the immense sacrifices of Nigeria’s military and security forces in restoring peace and enabling the region’s return to normalcy.
