TD Princeton, New Jersey — The United States–based African Writers Endowment (AWE) will confer His Excellency, Professor Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno State, Nigeria, with the Quintessence Award of the foremost Pan-African Leadership Award in North America.
AWE had announced that its 2026 edition of the Quintessence Conference and Awards will take place on Friday, September 25th, at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Newark, New Jersey.
At this prestigious gathering, Zulum will be recognized for his leadership skills and qualities.
Zulum — An Accomplished Academic and Courageous Political Leader
Governor Zulum will be celebrated by African and African American writers for his extraordinary leadership.
He remarkably steers Borno State through the devastation of terrorism and spearheads a remarkable transformation of the state’s infrastructure.
Beyond his political achievements, Zulum’s distinguished academic career and contributions to educational administration will also be highlighted.
The recognition underscores his dual legacy as both a scholar and a statesman.
The Quintessence Award is presented annually during the Quintessence Ball: A Celebration of African People in World History.
Each year, one continental African leader and one African American leader are honored “for distinguished accomplishments in their field of endeavor.
They are also recognised for outstanding contributions to the history and heritage of African people.”
Zulum: A Celebration of African Excellence
The Quintessence Ball recognizing Zulum is a cultural and intellectual convergence of Africans from the continent, North America, and the Caribbean.
Past recipients of the award include towering figures such as Professor Ibrahim Gambari and Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Other are Congressman Donald Payne, Professor Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Professor Chinua Achebe, and Chief Gani Fawehinmi.
The rest are Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Governor Kayode Fayemi, Professor Molefi Kete Asante, Professor Toyin Falola, and Ambassador Joe Keshi.
A defining tradition of the award is that honorees must be physically present to receive it, reinforcing the spirit of shared celebration and accountability.
About the African Writers Endowment
The African Writers Endowment, headquartered in New Jersey, is a nonprofit organization founded by celebrated Pan-Africanist, award-winning author, and publisher Dr. Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji.
The Endowment is dedicated to supporting Black writers globally.
The late Professor Chinua Achebe served as the organization’s Honorary Board Chairman.
Professor Achebe lent his stature to its mission of advancing African literary and cultural heritage.
Over the years, the Quintessence Award has enjoyed support from institutions such as Western Union, Good Works International, and the New Jersey State Government.
Leadership of the 2026 Event
The 2026 celebration will be chaired by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, CFR, the very first recipient of the Quintessence Award in 1998.
Gambari, a former United Nations Under-Secretary-General, most recently served as Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria.
His presence underscores the continuity and prestige of the award, linking past honorees with present leaders.
The recognition of Governor Babagana Zulum by the African Writers Endowment affirms his place among Africa’s most impactful leaders, blending scholarship, resilience, and visionary governance.
The Newark ceremony promises to be a landmark occasion in Pan-African cultural and political history.
