Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum announced a significant donation of N100 million to support wounded soldiers and the families of military personnel killed in the ongoing fight against insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East region. The announcement was made during an Eid-el-Kabir Sallah luncheon held at the Maimalari Military Cantonment in Maiduguri, an event jointly hosted by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar. This gesture underscores Zulum’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian military’s efforts in restoring peace and security to Borno State, a region long plagued by Boko Haram and other insurgent activities.
The donation was formally presented as a cheque to Maj. Gen. Abdussalam Abubakar, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the military operation tasked with combating insurgency in the North-East. Governor Zulum specified that the funds would be distributed to provide direct financial relief to affected military personnel and their families. Specifically, each wounded soldier is set to receive N500,000 to aid in their recovery and rehabilitation, while the remaining funds will be allocated to the families of soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty, ensuring they receive support to cope with their loss.
During his address at the luncheon, Zulum expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Army and Air Force, in their relentless efforts to curb insurgency. He acknowledged the significant progress made in degrading terrorist activities in Borno State, attributing this to the military’s dedication and the collaborative efforts of security agencies. The governor highlighted the importance of supporting the welfare of soldiers, noting that their sacrifices have been instrumental in creating a safer environment for Borno’s residents to resume normal socio-economic activities.
The Eid-el-Kabir luncheon, attended by senior military officers, government officials, and community leaders, provided a platform for Zulum to reiterate his administration’s commitment to supporting the military beyond financial contributions. He pledged ongoing collaboration with the armed forces to rebuild communities devastated by over a decade of conflict, including the restoration of infrastructure and the resettlement of displaced persons. Zulum emphasized that the state government would continue to prioritize initiatives that enhance security and foster sustainable development in the region.
This donation is part of a broader pattern of support from the Zulum administration, which has consistently prioritized the welfare of security personnel and affected communities. Previous initiatives include providing logistical support to the military, constructing housing for security operatives, and implementing programs to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returning refugees. The N100 million donation is expected to have a tangible impact, offering immediate relief to wounded soldiers and bereaved families while reinforcing the morale of troops engaged in ongoing operations.
The event also featured remarks from military leaders, who commended Zulum for his unwavering support and partnership with the armed forces. Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede praised the governor’s proactive approach to addressing security challenges, noting that such support strengthens the military’s resolve to eliminate remaining pockets of insurgency. Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of state-government collaboration in achieving lasting peace in the North-East.
Zulum’s donation comes at a critical time, as Borno State continues to navigate the challenges of post-conflict recovery. The funds are expected to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by wounded soldiers, many of whom require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. For the families of fallen soldiers, the financial support will provide a measure of relief as they cope with the loss of their loved ones, who paid the ultimate price in the fight against terrorism.
In addition to the financial contribution, Zulum used the occasion to call on residents of Borno State to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely intelligence to prevent terrorist activities. He stressed that community involvement is crucial to sustaining the gains made in the fight against insurgency. The governor also urged the military to maintain their momentum in operations, assuring them of the state government’s full backing in terms of resources and policy support.
The luncheon concluded with a renewed sense of partnership between the Borno State government and the Nigerian military. Zulum’s donation not only provides immediate financial relief but also serves as a powerful statement of solidarity with the armed forces. As Borno State continues its journey toward lasting peace and recovery, such initiatives are vital in supporting those who bear the greatest burden in securing the region.
This latest act of support from Governor Zulum reinforces his reputation as a leader committed to both security and humanitarian efforts in Borno State. By addressing the needs of wounded soldiers and bereaved families, the donation reflects a broader commitment to honoring the sacrifices of the military while fostering hope for a more stable and prosperous future for the people of Borno. The state government’s ongoing collaboration with the military is expected to play a pivotal role in sustaining peace and rebuilding communities affected by years of conflict.
