The remarkable transformation of the agricultural sector in Borno State under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, mni, has once again received national recognition as the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engr. Bawu Musami, PhD, emerged Nigeria’s Best Commissioner of Agriculture for the third consecutive time.
The prestigious honour was conferred during the National Leadership Merit Award Ceremony, held on Thursday, 23rd July, 2026, in recognition of Engr. Musami’s exceptional leadership, innovative agricultural reforms, unwavering commitment to food security, and outstanding contributions to the transformation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Representing the Honourable Commissioner at the colourful ceremony was the Director of Agricultural Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Borno State, Bukar Kurama, who received the award on behalf of the Commissioner amidst applause from distinguished government officials, development partners, policymakers, captains of industry, and eminent Nigerians gathered to celebrate excellence in public service.
The unprecedented third consecutive national recognition is widely regarded as a testament to the far-reaching agricultural revolution taking place in Borno State under the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum. Through strategic investments, bold policy reforms, mechanization initiatives, fertilizer subsidy programmes, irrigation development, farmer empowerment schemes, food security interventions, digital farmer profiling, and strengthened partnerships with national and international development agencies, Borno State has emerged as a leading model of agricultural transformation despite years of security challenges.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Commissioner, Bukar Kurama expressed profound appreciation to the organizers for recognizing excellence, dedication, and impactful leadership in public service. He noted that the award reflects not only the achievements of the Honourable Commissioner but also the collective commitment of the entire Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, whose staff continue to work tirelessly towards achieving sustainable agricultural development across the State.
According to him, “This prestigious recognition belongs first and foremost to His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, whose visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to agriculture, and consistent investment in the sector have made these remarkable achievements possible. It is his administration’s resolve to restore livelihoods, empower farmers, enhance food production, and strengthen rural economies that continues to inspire every success recorded by the Ministry.”
In his acceptance message, Engr. Bawu Musami, PhD, expressed deep gratitude to the National Leadership Merit Award organizers for the honour, describing the recognition as both humbling and motivating. He stated that receiving the award for the third consecutive time reinforces his determination to continue pursuing excellence in public service and delivering policies that improve the lives of farmers and rural communities across Borno State.
The Honourable Commissioner dedicated the prestigious national award to His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, mni, in recognition of the Governor’s visionary leadership, unwavering confidence, and sustained investment in the agricultural sector.
“This award belongs to His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, whose bold vision has repositioned agriculture as the cornerstone of economic recovery, food security, employment generation, and sustainable development in Borno State. His unmatched commitment to rebuilding livelihoods and restoring hope continues to inspire us to give our very best in service to our people,” the Commissioner stated.
He also dedicated the award to the resilient farmers of Borno State, development partners, members of the State Executive Council, management and staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and all stakeholders whose collective efforts continue to drive the State’s agricultural renaissance.
Observers have described the latest national honour as further validation of Borno State’s emergence as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing agricultural success stories. The State has continued to attract national and international commendation for its innovative programmes in mechanized farming, input support, climate-smart agriculture, irrigation expansion, agricultural insurance, youth and women empowerment, food systems development, and strategic partnerships with organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and other development partners.
The third consecutive recognition of Engr. Bawu Musami, PhD, as Nigeria’s Best Commissioner of Agriculture stands not only as a personal milestone but also as a powerful affirmation that purposeful leadership, visionary governance, and strategic investment in agriculture can transform communities, strengthen food security, create prosperity, and restore hope.
As Borno State continues to consolidate the gains of Governor Zulum’s agricultural revolution, this historic achievement serves as a source of pride for the people of the State and a compelling national example of what visionary leadership, commitment to excellence, and people-centred governance can accomplish.
Indeed, the award is more than a recognition—it is a celebration of leadership, resilience, innovation, and the enduring promise of a prosperous agricultural future for Borno State and Nigeria.
