Zulum’s Christmas Gesture: Free Transport Sends 710 Non-Indigenes Home For Holidays

Borno State Governor, Prof. Umara Zulum has launched a free transport initiative, enabling 710 non-indigenes residing in the state to travel home for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The three-day initiative, which commenced Saturday at the Borno Express Bus Terminus, saw the first batch of 285 individuals depart for destinations across the North Central, South East, South West, and South-South regions.

A further 285 will travel on Sunday, with the remaining individuals departing on Monday.

This marks the continuation of a program initiated in 2020, aimed at easing the economic burden on less privileged residents, particularly in the wake of fuel subsidy removal.

The initiative isn’t limited to transportation; each of the 710 travellers will also receive a N50,000 cash grant. Additionally, 250 widows who are not travelling will receive the same amount.

Chief Ugochukwu Egwidike, Chairman of the Ohaneze All Progressives Congress (APC) support group, lauded Governor Zulum’s efforts.

He highlighted the governor’s broader commitment to social welfare, citing subsidized transportation within Maiduguri and sponsorship of Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem as examples.

Egwidike emphasised the programme’s role in bridging mobility gaps, promoting economic growth, and addressing the needs of non-indigenes affected by recent floods.

The Oba of Yorubas in Borno State, Alhaji Hassan Alao Yusuf, praised the governor’s detribalized approach, stating that the initiative demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of all residents regardless of their background.

He emphasised that many beneficiaries would have been unable to travel home without the free transport scheme.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Pharm Napoleon Egbonu, a member of the board of trustees of Igbo Welfare Association/Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Borno State, who called for other governors to emulate Zulum’s unifying gesture.

Grema Zanna, General Manager of Borno Express Transport Corporation, expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for the initiative, emphasizing that the beneficiaries, despite not being indigenes, contribute significantly to the state’s economic development.

The programme underscores Governor Zulum’s commitment to inclusivity and alleviating hardship among all residents of Borno State during the festive season.