Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has formally received the hosting rights for the 2026 Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) International Engineering Conference, Exhibition and Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled to hold in Maiduguri in December 2026.
The hosting rights were presented to the governor on Tuesday by the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, during a dinner organized by the Borno State Government in honour of the visiting NSE leadership.
The conference, tagged “Maiduguri 2026” and themed “Engineering Innovations for Enhanced Security and Sustainable National Development,” is expected to attract approximately 10,000 delegates, including engineers, academics, industry experts and policymakers from across Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the NSE delegation, Governor Zulum assured the Society that Maiduguri is secure and fully prepared to host the prestigious event.
The governor dismissed concerns about security in the state, noting that Borno has successfully hosted several major national and international gatherings in recent years without any security incidents.
According to him, Maiduguri hosted numerous high-profile events in 2025, including the 6th National Council on Power, the 70th National Council on Education, the Kanem-Borno Cultural Summit, the 40th National Qur’anic Recitation Competition and the 65th National Council on Health.
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“I want to inform you that Maiduguri is secure to host the conference, and we are known for our hospitality,” Zulum said.
The governor also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Society of Engineers for conferring its Honorary Fellowship on renowned businessman, philanthropist and elder statesman, Dr. Muhammadu Indimi.
Describing the recognition as long overdue, Zulum commended Indimi’s contributions to education and infrastructure development in Nigeria.
“This award is well deserved. His contribution to the growth and development of the education sector in Nigeria cannot be overemphasised. His contribution to infrastructure development in the country is also remarkable,” the governor stated.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Borno State, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi and his family, I thank the Nigerian Society of Engineers for this honour,” he added.
In his remarks, NSE President Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu praised Governor Zulum’s efforts in promoting peace, security and development in Borno State.
Rabiu noted that the Society was impressed by the relative peace and stability currently being enjoyed in Maiduguri and other parts of the state, expressing confidence in Borno’s ability to host a successful conference.
“We are particularly impressed by the relative peace and security being enjoyed in Maiduguri and other parts of the state,” he said.
The NSE president disclosed that the Society’s governing council would hold its meeting in Maiduguri in July as part of preparations for the conference.
“As part of our preparations, the Council has resolved to hold its meeting in Maiduguri this July to assess firsthand the level of readiness for the conference and to evaluate the security environment,” Rabiu stated.
He added that previous engagements held by the Society in Maiduguri had been conducted successfully and without security challenges, strengthening confidence in the city’s readiness to host the international gathering.
“I have consistently informed the Council that the events and engagements we have held in Maiduguri have been conducted successfully without any security incidents. This has strengthened our confidence that, by the grace of God, we will convene a successful and peaceful conference in December,” he said.
The courtesy visit was attended by the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Bukar Tijani; the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; special advisers, senior government officials and members of the NSE delegation.This version follows a standard newspaper format with a strong lead, clear attribution, balanced quotes, and a logical flow of information.