By Olukayode Michael, Maiduguri
Borno Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara on Monday said working with his predecessor, Sen. Kashim Shettima offered him the greatest experience in life.
The governor, in a message he personally distributed through social media platforms, to mark the 53rd birthday of the former governor, referred to Shettima, now a Senator, as a mentor.
Umara, in the message, who began with a quote from Steven Spielberg: “The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves,” said: “Your Excellency, my mentor; Knowing you, associating with you and working with you have been the greatest experiences of my life.”
He added: “Your Excellency, you are a different kind of mentor.
“What is particularly rare about your mentoring is that large heart to create for those who have earned your trust, the independence of being themselves and making decisions in trying to achieve the high developmental goals you set for them.
“Beyond being a mentor, you are a statesman, a passionate and selfless one at that, whose only focus at all times is the peace, progress and transformational growth of Borno State and our people.
“We are pleased and proud to have gone through your immeasurable school of wisdom and we are more than determined to insha’Allah, build on the many good things you achieved despite the huge challenges you dealt with.
“Your vision is to see an aggressively developed Borno State and insha’Allah, we will do just that.
“May Allah continue to keep you for us in good health, in strength, in continued wisdom and in undying faith.”