By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has flagged off the distribution of palliatives under the Renewed Hope Initiative to vulnerable residents across the state ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebration.
The launch ceremony took place at the Conference Hall of Prime Lodge in Maiduguri, where the governor said the intervention was designed to cushion the effects of economic hardship and provide support to vulnerable households across Borno State.
Governor Zulum commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, founder of the Renewed Hope Initiative, for extending support to widows, orphans, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable groups.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Borno State, I sincerely appreciate Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for this compassionate intervention aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians and restoring hope to families facing economic hardship,” the governor said.
Zulum also praised the resilience and patience of the people of Borno despite years of insurgency and insecurity, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to implementing people-oriented programmes and policies.
“Despite the challenges our state has faced over the years, our people have continued to demonstrate resilience, patience, and courage. As a government, we remain committed to implementing programmes and policies that directly improve the lives of our citizens,” he stated.
The governor explained that the distribution exercise forms part of the broader social support programme of the federal and state governments aimed at strengthening community resilience and easing economic difficulties.
He urged members of the distribution committee to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in carrying out the exercise to guarantee that the items reach deserving beneficiaries.
Zulum also called on beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items distributed, while appreciating security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and development partners for their continued support toward peacebuilding and humanitarian interventions in the state.
Earlier, Chairman of the Distribution Committee, Dr. Abba Bashir Dankellori, described the intervention as timely, noting that it would benefit many Muslim families preparing for the forthcoming Sallah celebration.
Dankellori thanked the First Lady for the gesture and commended Governor Zulum for his commitment to the welfare of the people of Borno State.
According to him, beneficiaries of the intervention include Qur’anic and Tsangaya school teachers, as well as religious organisations contributing to the moral upbringing of society.
