In a generous move aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by citizens due to subsidy removal and economic hardship, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has, for the fourth consecutive year since 2020, sanctioned free transportation for 630 families traveling to their respective states for Christmas celebrations.
The initiative seeks to support the less privileged who may struggle with transportation costs and foster harmonious coexistence among non-indigenous groups.
In addition to free transportation, Governor Zulum also allocated funds to widows for their Christmas celebrations, as highlighted by Mr. Emmanuel Egwudike, the Coordinator of the Ohanaeze All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Group, at the flag-off ceremony.
Commending the Governor for his consistent support, Egwudike emphasized the significance of this gesture, especially for vulnerable families facing economic challenges. He noted that Governor Zulum has been consistently magnanimous, providing support to non-indigenes and distributing palliatives to widows during the holiday season since 2020.
Speaking on behalf of various communities benefiting from the initiative, representatives expressed gratitude for Governor Zulum’s compassion towards the downtrodden and the less privileged. The President of the Tiv Community, Mr. Abraham Kaanti, acknowledged the Governor’s love for those in need, emphasizing that the gesture came at a time when many had lost hope of traveling home for the festivities.
Chief Saka Ganiyu Abiodun, representing the Yoruba Constituency, thanked Governor Zulum for his compassionate approach, citing the Governor’s reputation for refusing to see people suffer. The selection of beneficiaries, according to Abiodun, considered the vulnerability of each individual, particularly those unable to afford the cost of traveling home.
The Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Borno State, Pharm Napoleon Egbonu, commended Governor Zulum for directly impacting the downtrodden with the gesture. Describing it as a continuous program that has been ongoing for the past five years, Egbonu expressed the community’s genuine happiness with the Governor’s efforts.
As the leader of the Eggon Community in Borno, a native of Nasarawa State, who has resided in the state for over 40 years, acknowledged the timeliness of the Governor’s gesture amidst prevailing economic hardships.