Residents of Borno State affected by 17 years of Boko Haram insurgency have expressed renewed hope for recovery and a better future despite years of violence, displacement and economic hardship.
The residents, including women and children, recounted painful experiences of losing loved ones, homes and livelihoods during the prolonged conflict.
They spoke during a poetry competition organised by M.I. Bagudu Talk Show in Maiduguri on Tuesday, as part of the grand finale of the Prof. Zulum Poetry Competition and the official launch of Beyond His Era: The Prof. Zulum Poetry Anthology.
According to the residents, the insurgency left deep scars on families and communities, with many still struggling to overcome years of fear, uncertainty and economic difficulties.
APC governorship candidate recalls Borno’s painful past
Speaking at the event, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Borno State for the 2027 election, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, reflected on how the insurgency disrupted daily life and weakened the state’s economy.
Gubio, represented by the Chairman of Gubio Local Government Area, Hon. Mali Gubio, described the devastating effects of the crisis as a painful part of Borno’s history.
“Again and again, we swallowed the madness of those days. The economy could not be saved, and grief became a permanent currency,” he recalled.
He noted that years of insurgency forced residents to abandon their homes and livelihoods, while repeated attacks made recovery difficult for affected communities.
Borno government highlights role of poetry
Also speaking, the Senior Technical Adviser on Print and Digital Media to Governor Babagana Zulum, Abdulrahman Bundi, described poetry and other creative platforms as important tools for communicating government policies, achievements and citizens’ experiences.
He explained that creative expression could complement conventional government communication channels, including press releases, newspaper advertisements and official statements.
According to Bundi, poetry can capture experiences that ordinary speeches may struggle to communicate while preserving ideas, values and memories for future generations.
“Through poetry, we can tell stories that ordinary speeches will struggle to capture,” he said.
He added that poetry goes beyond entertainment, serving as a means of documenting experiences, celebrating achievements and reflecting societal challenges.
Bundi commended the organisers, participants and guests for supporting the initiative, noting that it provided young people with an opportunity to express their understanding of Borno’s past, present and future.
Young poet celebrates Zulum’s leadership
One of the young poets, Fatima Sabo, used her entry titled The Next Generation to celebrate Governor Zulum’s leadership and development efforts, describing his administration as a source of hope and inspiration for young people.
Sabo said leadership should be measured by its impact on people’s lives, highlighting qualities such as vision, responsibility, humility and kindness.
“There are men whose character speaks louder; men whose humility and respect, whose kindness inspires hope and whose footprints remain in the hearts of the people,” she said.
Reflecting on the effects of insurgency on families, Sabo said years of violence had disrupted children’s lives and deprived many young people of opportunities to develop their potential.
However, she said ongoing transformation in the state had rekindled hope and encouraged young people to look forward to a better future.
She stressed that the younger generation deserved an environment where they could develop their talents, access quality education and contribute meaningfully to society.
Poetry competition attracts 400 entries
The competition attracted 400 entries, which were screened down to 40 before five participants emerged as winners.
The winners received cash prizes in recognition of their performances.
The event brought together participants and stakeholders to reflect on Borno’s difficult past, ongoing recovery efforts and aspirations for the future.
