Babagana Umara Zulum has commenced the distribution of Sallah support packages to vulnerable residents across Borno State under the Renewed Hope Initiative ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebration.
The distribution exercise was officially launched at the Conference Hall of Prime Lodge in Maiduguri, with government officials, religious leaders and members of the distribution committee in attendance.
Speaking during the event, Governor Zulum described the intervention as part of broader efforts by both the federal and state governments to reduce the impact of economic hardship on struggling families, especially widows, orphans, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable groups affected by years of insecurity.
The governor commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for initiating the programme through the Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that the intervention would provide relief for thousands of families preparing for the Sallah celebration.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Borno State, I sincerely appreciate Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Founder of the Renewed Hope Initiative, for this compassionate intervention aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians and restoring hope to families facing economic hardship,” Zulum said.
The governor said the people of Borno have continued to show resilience despite years of insurgency and humanitarian challenges facing the state. According to him, his administration remains committed to implementing people-focused policies that directly improve living conditions across communities.
“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.
Zulum explained that the palliative distribution forms part of a wider social support programme designed to strengthen community resilience and cushion the economic pressure currently affecting many households across the country.
He also charged members of the distribution committee to ensure transparency, fairness and accountability throughout the process to guarantee that the items reach the intended beneficiaries without diversion.
“The distribution exercise we are flagging off today is therefore part of our broader social support programme designed to cushion economic difficulties and strengthen community resilience,” the governor added.
Chairman of the Distribution Committee, Abba Bashir Dankellori, also praised the First Lady for what he described as a timely intervention for vulnerable Muslim families ahead of Eid al-Adha.
Dankellori said beneficiaries include Qur’anic and Sangaya school teachers, widows, religious organisations and other groups contributing to community development and moral upbringing within society.
The event was attended by top government officials including 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, Barr. Mustapha Busuguma.
