TD Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Quintessence Award, a Pan-African leadership honour presented annually in North America.
The award, according to the African Writers Endowment (AWE), recognises Zulum for his accomplishments as an academic and educational administrator.
It also recognised his record as governor of Borno State, particularly his administration’s efforts in reconstruction, infrastructure development and addressing the security crisis in the state.
The award is scheduled to be presented at the Quintessence Ball: A Celebration of African People in World History, on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Newark, New Jersey.
The announcement follows an earlier report by This Dawn on September 3 that the New Jersey-based African Writers Endowment had selected Zulum for the honour.
First Northern governor to receive the honour
The latest announcement describes Zulum as the first governor from Northern Nigeria to receive the Quintessence Award.
Zulum’s Special Adviser on Media and Spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, confirmed the development in a statement.
According to Iliya, his nomination was communicated in a letter from AWE Executive Director, Dr Ugorji O. Ugorji.
Ugorji said the governor was selected in recognition of his achievements as an academic, scholar and educational administrator.
In addition, the organisation described Zulum’s tenure as Borno governor as “distinguished”.
The organisers specifically cited his administration’s efforts to confront insecurity and reshape the state’s infrastructure.
The award is presented annually to at least one continental African leader and one African American leader.
Each nominee is chosen for distinguished accomplishments in their respective fields and contributions to African history and heritage.
Zulum in New York for UNGA
The award announcement comes as Governor Zulum is in the United States during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA.
President Bola Tinubu had mandated him to represent the President at the gathering in New York.
The General Debate is taking place from September 22 to 28 under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Shettima arrived in New York with senior government officials and governors, and is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate.
The Borno governor’s presence in New York provides an opportunity for him to combine his participation in Nigeria-related engagements around the UNGA with the forthcoming Quintessence ceremony.
Canada engagement precedes US visit
Before travelling to the United States, Zulum reportedly undertook strategic engagements in Canada.
He signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) on behalf of the Borno State Government there.
The agreement focuses on technical education, workforce development and skills transfer.
The stated objective was to strengthen the human-capital base supporting Borno’s post-insurgency recovery.
The development fits into the administration’s broader emphasis on rebuilding communities.
It also emphasises on developing skills and employment opportunities in the state that has experienced more than a decade of insurgency.
Gambari to chair 2026 Quintessence Conference
This year’s Quintessence Conference and Awards will be chaired by Professor Ibrahim Gambari.
Gambari is a former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.
He is also identified by the organisers as the maiden recipient of the Quintessence Award in 1998.
The 2026 event therefore brings the first recipient together with the latest honouree. AWE’s announcement of the 2026 event and Gambari’s role has also been reported by The Sun.
A major component of this year’s programme will be a symposium titled “Investment Opportunities in Borno State: Doorway to the Chad Region.”
The session is expected to focus on investment opportunities in Borno, including agriculture, economic activity and cross-border trade.
It will, meanwhile, highlight the state’s strategic position within the Lake Chad Basin.
It will also examine the rebuilding of communities, restoration of livelihoods and efforts to reposition Borno as an economic gateway to the wider Chad region.
Zulum joins list of notable laureates
The Quintessence Award has previously been associated with prominent African and African-American intellectuals, political figures and public personalities.
The list cited by the organisers includes literary icon Professor Chinua Achebe and Kenyan author Professor Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o.
Others are Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the late human-rights lawyer Chief Gani Fawehinmi, and Congressman Donald Payne.
The rest are Professor Toyin Falola, Professor Molefi Kete Asante, and former Nigerian governors Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Kayode Fayemi, among others.
The African Writers Endowment, which is based in New Jersey, was founded by Dr Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji and is focused on supporting Black writers and promoting African literary and cultural heritage.
The organisation has previously had Professor Chinua Achebe as its Honorary Board Chairman.
New Jersey recognition
According to the governor’s statement, the Quintessence Award is traditionally accompanied by a proclamation from the Governor of New Jersey and a joint resolution of the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly honouring recipients.
The 2026 ceremony will therefore combine the award presentation with a wider gathering of Africans and people of African descent from Africa, North America and the Caribbean.
Zulum, who is serving his second term as governor of Borno State, has received other recognitions during his political career.
This includes the Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award in 2024, according to the statement issued by his media office.
The Quintessence Award ceremony is scheduled for September 25 in Newark, New Jersey.
It will take place two days after the opening of the 81st UN General Assembly’s General Debate in New York.
