Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has provided free transportation to 710 non-indigenes resident in the State to enable them to travel to their native States to celebrate the Christmas and New Year with their loved ones.
The free transport scheme, which was flagged off on Saturday at the Borno Express Bus Terminus, saw about 285 persons travelling to the various parts of the country, of which the second batch of 285 would travel on Sunday, while the remaining ones would be leaving the State on Monday.
Speaking during the flag-off, the chairman/Zonal Coordinator, Ohanaeze All Progressives Congress (APC ) Support Group, Chief Ugochukwu Egwidike, said each of the 710 travellers, apart from the free transportation, would receive a cash sum of N50,000, while about 250 widows who opted not travel would be given N50,000 each to celebrate the Christmas.
Egwudike added that Governor Zulum has made significant strides in providing succour to the needy with various initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and promoting social welfare, like the subsidised transportation services within Maiduguri metropolitan council, as well as sponsoring many Christians to Jerusalem for pilgrimage.
“Apart from enhanced reduced transportation in the city, Governor Zulum administration has been offering free transport scheme for all the non-indigenes every Yuletide season like this to connect any part of the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, with a total of 710 beneficiaries reached annually, thus bridging the gap in mobility and connectivity, and promoting economic growth and development.
“He provided emergency aid and resources to the non-indigenes affected by the recent flood incident in the State and thus showcased his ability to respond to crisis and prioritise the wellbeing of all residents. The governor has been providing this free transport scheme to non-indigenes from 2020 to date,” Egwudike said.
He said the governor’s gestures demonstrated his dedication to creating a more just and equitable society where all the residents regardless of the their ethnic, religious and party affiliations will have access to resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
The Oba of Yoruba in Borno State, Alhaji Hassan Alao Yusuf, who witnessed the flagging off ceremony in company of other leaders, appreciated Zulum for the gesture, saying that the transport scheme for the non-indigenes has depicted the detribalised nature of the governor.
“He doesn’t care about your religion, tribe or party affiliation. You can see that everyone of the travellers is happy with the governor’s gestures. Many of them, due to the present economic hardship, wouldn’t have made the journey to go home and celebrate with their loved ones if not for the free transport scheme,” said Alhaji Yusuf.