By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has flagged off the distribution of Sallah palliatives under the Renewed Hope Initiative to vulnerable residents across the state ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebration.
The distribution exercise was launched at the Conference Hall of Prime Lodge in Maiduguri, with beneficiaries drawn from different vulnerable groups, including widows, orphans, internally displaced persons (IDPs), Qur’anic school teachers, and religious organisations.
Speaking during the event, Governor Zulum expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for initiating the intervention programme aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians amid prevailing economic challenges.
He described the gesture as timely and compassionate, noting that it would bring relief and hope to many families preparing for the Sallah festivities.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Borno State, I sincerely appreciate Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, Founder of the Renewed Hope Initiative, for this intervention targeted at vulnerable Nigerians and families facing economic hardship,” the governor stated.
Zulum also commended the resilience of Borno residents despite years of insurgency and insecurity, assuring that his administration would continue to implement policies and programmes focused on improving the welfare of citizens.
According to him, the palliative distribution forms part of broader social support initiatives by both the federal and state governments aimed at cushioning economic hardship and strengthening community resilience.
The governor urged members of the distribution committee to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in the exercise to guarantee that the items reach the intended beneficiaries.
He further called on recipients to make judicious use of the support materials, while appreciating security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and development partners for their sustained contributions to peacebuilding and humanitarian interventions in the state.
Earlier, Chairman of the Distribution Committee, Dr. Abba Bashir Dankellori, thanked the First Lady for what he described as a timely intervention that would enable many Muslim families to celebrate Eid al-Adha with ease.
Dankellori also commended Governor Zulum for his commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of the people of Borno State.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Malumbe; Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Engr. Baba Bukar Gujbawu; and Permanent Secretary, Government House, Barrister Mustapha Busuguma, among other senior government officials.
