CHRISTMAS: How Borno Governor Provided Free Transport Initiative for Non-Indigenes

By Abdulkareem Haruna

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has inaugurated a free transport program to assist all non-indigenes residing in the state in traveling home for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

This initiative enabled about 710 non-indigenes to travel to various regions across Nigeria, including the North Central, South East, South West, and South South, over three days.

Introduced in 2020, the program aims to alleviate economic hardships faced by vulnerable populations, particularly in light of recent fuel subsidy removals, ensuring non-indigenes can celebrate the festive season with their families.

The initiative was launched Saturday at the Borno Express Bus Terminus, where approximately a first batch of 285 individuals began their travels. A second group of 285 departed on Sunday, while the final group left on Monday.

During the launch, Chief Ugochukwu Egwidike, chairman of the Ohaneze All Progressives Congress support group, announced that each of the 710 travelers would receive N50,000, while 250 widows who are not traveling will also be given N50,000 to help them celebrate Christmas in Borno.

Egwidike commended Governor Zulum for his efforts to support the needy through various initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation and social welfare. These include subsidized transportation services within the Maiduguri metropolitan area and sponsorship for Christians traveling to Jerusalem for pilgrimage.

He said in addition to city transportation subsidies, Zulum’s administration has consistently provided free transport for non-indigenes during the festive season, facilitating travel across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

“He has provided emergency aid and resources to non-indigenes affected by recent flooding, demonstrating his commitment to crisis response and the well-being of all residents,” Egwidike said.

Alhaji Hassan Alao Yusuf, the Oba of Yorubas in Borno State, who attended the launch with other leaders, praised Zulum’s gesture. “This transport scheme reflects the governor’s inclusive approach. He does not discriminate based on religion, tribe, or political affiliation. Many travelers would not have made this journey without the free transport,” Yusuf said.

Pharm Napoleon Egbonu, a board member of the Igbo Welfare Association/Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Borno State, highlighted the initiative as a unifying factor that other governors should emulate to foster trust and unity among ethnic groups.

Grema Zanna, general manager of the Borno Express Transport Corporation, also expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for the initiative. He noted that the beneficiaries of the transport scheme, despite being non-indigenes, contribute significantly to the economic development of Borno State.