President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, congratulated the Governor of Borno, Babagana Zulum, on his 55th birthday, saying he embodied the pragmatism and energy of youth.

Mr Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said that the governor also sympathised with the sobriety, prudence, and wisdom of the elderly.

He described Mr Zulum as an academic, visionary, reformist, and statesman.

He commended Mr Zulum’s hands-on approach to leadership, demonstrated by his unchoreographed, pre-dawn inspections of rural clinics and critical agencies.

He said this ensured their smooth operations and that staff were on hand to provide essential services at world-class standards.

Mr Tinubu also applauded the governor’s courage, exemplified by his personal interventions in security situations in Borno state and in the recent resettlement of displaced citizens.

The president appreciated Mr Zulum’s unifying leadership, epitomised by his efforts towards ensuring the welfare of citizens from other parts of the country.

He hailed the governor for promoting Nigerians of diverse ethnic backgrounds and faiths through the ranks of the Borno civil service on the basis of merit.

“Babagana is one of those luminescent northstars of meritocratic rise in the Nigerian political firmament.

“From humble beginnings, his tenacious pursuit of personal growth and later on, expeditious state and national development, is a guide to Nigeria’s future generations.

“Borno State and Nigeria at large are fortunate to benefit from his benevolent brand of modest, rigorous, and visionary political and administrative leadership,” the president stated.

The president joined family, friends and the people of Borno to celebrate Mr Zulum, wishing him many more years in good health and renewed strength in his service to the nation.

(NAN)