Gubio: I will sustain developmental stride of Zulum’s administration

Mustapha Gubio, the gubernatorial candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), has pledged to build upon the transformative achievements of Governor Babagana Zulum, promising to prioritise education, human empowerment, agriculture, the reconstruction of communities devastated by insurgency and other critical sectors.

Gubio stated this in his acceptance speech following his affirmation as the APC gubernatorial candidate for Borno.

He expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Governor Zulum for their unwavering leadership and commitment to restoring peace and development in the Northeast.

“I wish to deeply express my gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his exemplary leadership, unwavering support, and commitment to the advancement and development of Borno State.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to our leader, Senator Kashim Shettima, for his invaluable assistance in fostering party unity in our state and for the ongoing support and encouragement he has offered since I emerged as the consensus candidate.

“I am particularly grateful to my mentor and benefactor, Babagana Umara Zulum, the Executive Governor of Borno State. I am profoundly appreciative of his unwavering support, mentorship, confidence, and encouragement throughout my journey in public service,” he said.

Gubio outlined the critical sectors designed to sustain and expand the Zulun administration’s successes.

He said: “By the will of Allah, if given the mandate, we will pursue these responsibilities with renewed vigour and determination. We shall intensify efforts to continue addressing insurgency and other forms of insecurity, build on the current administration’s resettlement efforts for displaced persons and refugees through the establishment of Resettlement Mega Hubs, and accelerate the reconstruction of destroyed communities.

“We will continue to invest heavily in education and vocational training to reduce further the number of out-of-school children, combat illiteracy—particularly in rural communities—and equip our youth with skills for self-reliance and productivity. Additionally, we will continue to support healthcare sector initiatives that guarantee quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare services for all citizens.

“Furthermore, we are dedicated to sustaining and improving the standard of living of our people through expanded empowerment initiatives and poverty alleviation programs aimed at addressing youth and women’s unemployment, social unrest, destitution, and the welfare needs of the less privileged in our society.

“Consequently, we would ensure discipline, respect for constituted authority, and tackle issues of political thuggery and gangsterism. We will maintain a strict policy of zero tolerance for financial misconduct and corruption in the public sector.

“We will also consolidate on the massive infrastructural development initiated by the present administration. Our priorities will include sustaining the electrification of towns and villages through renewable energy solutions such as solar systems, providing potable water for both human and animal consumption, consolidating existing all-year-round agricultural practices to ensure food sufficiency, and promoting sports and recreational activities as tools for youth engagement and social development.”