Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno on Monday swore in five special advisers at the Maiduguri Government House.

The swearing-in was performed by the deputy governor, Umar Kadafur, on behalf of the governor, while Justice Bukar Malgwi, representing the state chief judge, Justice Kashim Zannah, administered the oath of office.

The newly-appointed special advisers include Hassan Zannaboguma, Abacha Ma’aji, Ali Bolori, Bukar Lawan-Ngamdu, and Dauda Illiya, who will serve as the special adviser on media.

In his remarks, Mr Kadafur said the swearing-in of the new appointees marked a significant step toward accelerating the implementation of the state government’s policies.

“Your roles as special advisers carry profound responsibilities. I urge you to familiarise yourselves with Borno State’s 25-Year Development Framework and 10-Year Strategic Transformation Plan so you can advise the government in line with these policy documents,” he said.

He urged the appointees to work diligently, engage with team members, and uphold exemplary leadership qualities.

Mr Kadafur also encouraged them to remain steadfast in the face of criticism and aim for excellence in service delivery, noting that each office played a crucial role in the state’s development goals.

Speaking on behalf of the appointees, Mr Illiya expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged their commitment to supporting Mr Zulum’s transformative leadership.

He acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, the late Isa Gusau. He promised to continue fostering positive narratives about Borno as the state recovered from years of insurgency and the recent flood disasters.

Mr Illiya also reiterated the new appointees’ dedication to fulfilling their responsibilities, thanking the governor, the deputy governor and other government officials for their support.