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The African Writers Endowment (AWE) Conference 2026 has concluded in New Jersey, United States of America and has again made a major statement to the world by showcasing and honouring Africa’s educational heroes since 1998. The AWE was founded and is led by the Africa-centered author and publisher, Dr. Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji.
On Friday, September 25, 2026, the phenomenal Governor of Borno State, Nigeria, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, joined a list of leaders of African heritage from Africa, the Caribbean and North America, who have received the preeminent Pan-African Leadership Award in the Americas. Zulum arrived in Newark, New Jersey, to receive the 2026 Quintessence Award from the AWE, “for distinguished accomplishments in public administration, and for outstanding contributions to the history and heritage of African peoples.”
In addition to the award, Zulum received a certified original Resolution from the New Jersey Legislature, signed by the President of the New Jersey Senate, the Honorable Nicholas Scutari. The resolution honoured Zulum’s upbringing, his academic credentials, his scholarship, his professorship and his accomplishments as governor.
The event was chaired by the global statesman, Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari. Gambari was especially happy to be there for Zulum, whom he described as a rare leader with “impeccable character and integrity.” He praised Zulum for his courage in rescuing Borno from the violence of non-state actors and making the state an attractive gateway to the Sahel and Lake Chad region.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), who is also the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulraman Abdulrazaq, brought a goodwill message to the conference and to the honoree. He described Zulum as the Chief Whip who stabilises the forum of 36 governors. He shared that he borrowed Zulum’s Borno blueprint in education for implementation in Kwara State. “If you take a poll among the 36 governors about who among them would become president of Nigeria in the future, Governor Zulum would win that poll,” Abdulrazaq revealed.
The unannounced guest whose attendance created excitement at the conference was the charismatic Emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammad Sanusi 11. Described by the chief host, Dr. Ugorji, as the Khalifa of Kano and one of the most consequential royal fathers in the world, Sanusi extolled the personality of Zulum.
“In the last election for governor in Borno State, the opposition parties got together and decided they would not field candidates against Zulum. That has never happened before.” Sanusi said that spoke to the wide appeal of the man being honoured in New Jersey on that day.
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Zulum, who came with his wife and the First Lady of Borno State, Prof. Falmata Babagana Zulum said he was grateful for the recognition of the work being done by the people and for the people of Borno State.
“This recognition is not for me alone, but for the resilient people of Borno, every Nigerian and African who has worked tirelessly to turn ideas into action, and to bring dignity to the lives of our people,” Zulum said.
The soft-spoken scholar went on to opine that “leadership is not about grand titles, but about building ladders of opportunity so everyone can climb.”
However, the Chief Executive Officer of Borno, Zulum, had another important mission in New Jersey. He came as a Drum Major for investments and exploration of opportunities in his state.
He urged Nigerians and other Africans in the diaspora to invest not only their money but also their skills and ideas in businesses, education and healthcare at home in Nigeria.
“I call on you to invest back home. Not just your capital, but your skills and ideas,” he said. “Every factory you build, every school you help fund, is an investment in Africa’s greatest resource – our people.”
Zulum commended Dr. Ugorji and the AWE for sustaining the conference since 1998. He said his government looks forward to further collaborations with the AWE and others from the Diaspora. “Become Borno’s advocates,” the governor invited all in attendance.
