Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has launched a free transport initiative to assist non-indigenes and widows in the state.
The scheme aims to provide free travel for 710 non-indigenes to their home states in time for the Christmas and New Year festivities. The beneficiaries, who come from various regions across Nigeria, will travel by bus over three days.
Governor Zulum officially launched the program at the Borno Express Bus Terminus on Saturday, with 285 individuals setting off on the first day. Another 285 will depart on Sunday, and the remaining travelers will leave on Monday. This initiative is part of the governor’s ongoing efforts to ease the financial burden faced by the less privileged, especially in light of the fuel subsidy removal.
Introduced in 2020, the free transport scheme aims to ease travel expenses for non-indigenes, who might otherwise struggle to make the journey. In addition to the free travel, each of the 710 beneficiaries will receive N50,000 in cash, helping them celebrate the festive season with loved ones.
Furthermore, 250 widows who are not traveling will also receive N50,000 each as a Christmas gift. Chief Ugochukwu Egwidike, Chairman of the Ohaneze All Progressives Congress (APC) support group, commended Governor Zulum for his continuous support for the less privileged. He praised the governor’s commitment to improving the lives of Borno’s residents through various welfare initiatives.
Governor Zulum has been recognized for his wide range of programs aimed at improving the wellbeing of residents in Borno. His free transport scheme helps non-indigenes from all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria connect with their families, promoting unity and economic growth.
The Oba of Yorubas in Borno State, Alhaji Hassan Alao Yusuf, expressed his gratitude for the governor’s initiative. He emphasized that Zulum’s leadership transcends tribal, religious, or political lines, benefiting all residents of the state.
Pharm Napoleon Egbonu, a trustee of the Igbo Welfare Association/Ohanaeze Ndigbo, also praised the gesture. He described it as a model for promoting unity and trust among different ethnic groups across Nigeria.
Grema Zanna, General Manager of the Borno Express Transport Corporation, thanked Governor Zulum for his efforts to reduce transportation costs in the state. He stressed that the free transport initiative is crucial for the state’s economic development.
