By Inusa Ndahi, Maiduguri
Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has expressed deep sorrow and profound grief at the passing of his spokesperson, Malam Isa Gusau, who passed away after a protracted illness on Thursday 11th, January 2024 at a hospital in India.
Governor Zulum, in a press statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, expressed that the entire Borno State government mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant and a cherished member of the team.
In a related development, members of the Borno State Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in a joint press statement signed by it’s Chairman and Secretary, Comrade Inusa Ndahi Marama and Ismail Alfa, on Friday expressed deep shock over the sad demise of the deceased, who was once a member and pillar of the chapel in Borno state.
While Zulum had made personal contact with the family of his late spokesperson, the governor extended condolences to friends and associates of the deceased, particularly members of the media industry.
Isa Gusau, who served as the Special Adviser on Public Relations and Strategy to Governor Zulum since June 2019, had also served in the same capacity under Senator Kashim Shettima, when he was the Governor of Borno.
Zulum said, “Mallam Isa Gusau was admired by everyone for his commitment to the people of Borno State and his exceptional professionalism in his role. He was a tireless advocate for the state and worked tirelessly to communicate the government’s initiatives and policies to the public with clarity and transparency.”
Governor Zulum, added that “Isa Gusau will be remembered for his passion for serving the people of Borno State and his dedication to the betterment of the state. His exceptional communication skills played a crucial role in fostering understanding and cooperation between the government and the people.”
The governor prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Gusau and also prayed that Allah gives his family and other loved ones the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
The Borno State Correspondents’ Chapel, in a press statement, said, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mallam Isa Gusau, a veteran journalist and a dedicated Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
“Mallam Gusau was a respected member of the Borno State Correspondents’ Chapel and a cherished colleague to many in the media fraternity.
“No doubt his painful departure has left a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
“The loss of Mallam Gusau, a beloved veteran journalist and esteemed Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, has left a profound sense of grief within our hearts. His dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to his work have left an indelible mark on the media landscape in Borno State and beyond.
“As a member of the Borno State Correspondents Chapel, he was a source of inspiration, guidance, and strength to many. His absence will be keenly felt by all whose lives he touched. We pray that his soul finds eternal peace, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the Borno State government.
“May his memory be a blessing and a source of comfort during this time of mourning.”
Gusau who until his demise, was in his early 50s, and is survived by two wives and three children.
