MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has been selected by the NGO Founders Global Network (NFGN) to receive its 2025 Iconic Award, recognizing his leadership in the conflict-ridden state.

The award ceremony will take place in Bayern, Germany, in April 2025.


The NFGN, the world’s largest umbrella organization for non-governmental and non-profit groups, promotes the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Zulum’s nomination was announced in a letter signed by Nigeria’s Consul General, Amb. Yakubu A. Dadi.


Beyond the award, Zulum has also been invited to serve as a special guest of honor and panelist at the April 11 event.

“This well-deserved recognition of your outstanding leadership further solidifies your reputation as a leader whose influence transcends Nigeria’s borders,” Dadi wrote.

The consul general congratulated Zulum on his nomination, which places him among a select group of governors and heads of government agencies across Nigeria. The award highlights Zulum’s efforts in Borno, which has been grappling with a Boko Haram insurgency for over a decade.