Dr. Zanna Hassan Boguma Recognized as a Leading Personality in Africa
Abuja, Nigeria – August 19, 2025 – In a gathering that blended statesmanship with continental recognition, Dr. Zanna Hassan Boguma, FCIPDM F, popularly known as Zanna Boguma of Borno, was honoured as one of Africa’s Leading Personalities at the Focus Africa Series awards ceremony, held at the prestigious NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.
The event, themed “Expanding Access to Nigeria–Africa Markets to Enhance Sustainable Economic Development,” drew together political leaders, policymakers, business executives, and international stakeholders from across Nigeria, Africa, the United Kingdom, Ghana, and the United States. Against this high-profile backdrop, Dr. Boguma’s recognition underscored his pivotal role as a statesman, cultural custodian, and governance adviser in one of Nigeria’s most dynamic regions.
Amidst this gathering of influential voices, Dr. Boguma’s honour stood out as both symbolic and substantive — a recognition of his steadfast role in fostering cultural diplomacy, regional integration, and political inclusivity in Nigeria’s Northeast and beyond
Dr. Zanna Hassan Boguma currently serves as Senior Special Adviser to the Governor of Borno State on Culture and Regional Integration. In this capacity, he has carved out a niche as a bridge-builder, deploying diplomacy, governance expertise, and cultural integration to advance both local and regional stability. His advisory role has been instrumental in shaping policies that balance tradition with modernization while strengthening cooperation between Borno State and neighboring regions.
Symbolism of the Honour
The honour conferred upon him in Abuja goes beyond recognition of personal achievement—it reflects the resilience and forward-looking leadership that Borno State has come to symbolize in recent years. At a time when the state continues to navigate the complexities of rebuilding and reintegration, Dr. Boguma’s recognition becomes a political statement: that leaders rooted in culture and service remain central to Nigeria’s development story.
Continental Voice on Culture and Development
As Zanna Boguma of Borno, he has emerged as a continental voice on the role of cultural identity in governance. His leadership emphasizes that culture is not a relic of the past but a living force in political and socioeconomic transformation. His efforts to deepen cultural diplomacy have elevated Borno’s profile within national and African conversations on unity, security, and integration.
Presenting the award, the convener of the Focus Africa Series, Ambassador sucex bright ibeh lauded Dr. Boguma as “a distinguished personality whose commitment to governance and cultural integration has fortified peace-building efforts and created a template for leadership that Africa must emulate.”
Although unable to attend in person, Dr. Boguma was ably represented by his amiable wife, who received the award on his behalf. In a graceful acceptance, she conveyed her husband’s gratitude to the organizers of Focus Africa, describing the honour as a testament to Borno’s resilience and the Governor’s commitment to inclusive leadership. She further reaffirmed Dr. Boguma’s pledge to continue fostering cultural integration, youth empowerment, and ethical governance as pillars of development.
Her presence underscored not only the family’s shared commitment to public service but also the enduring values of leadership, unity, and service to humanity which have defined Dr. Boguma’s political and humanitarian trajectory across Borno State and the African continent.”
dedicating the recognition to the people of Borno State. He pledged to continue using his office and influence to foster ethical leadership, strengthen regional cooperation, and support the Governor’s vision for sustainable peace and development. “This honour is not mine alone—it is a recognition of Borno’s resilience, our people’s courage, and our shared vision for a united and progressive Nigeria,” he said.
By this recognition, Dr. Zanna Hassan Boguma has been projected beyond the borders of Borno as a political figure of continental relevance. His name now joins the roster of African leaders whose work demonstrates that politics, when grounded in service and cultural pride, can drive sustainable development.
The Focus Africa Series award reaffirms Dr. Boguma’s place as not only an adviser to the Borno State Governor but also a statesman whose influence reverberates across Nigeria and Africa. His political trajectory, rooted in service to humanity and guided by cultural values, continues to inspire confidence that Africa’s leadership future rests in ethical governance, regional integration, and visionary commitment.
