By Abdullahi Alhassan
Maiduguri, Nigeria, May 25, 2026(Series News Online)— Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has commenced the distribution of relief items to vulnerable residents under the Renewed Hope Initiative ahead of this year’s Eid al-Adha festivities.
The governor inaugurated the programme at the Conference Hall of Prime Lodge in Maiduguri on Monday.
Governor Zulum lauded the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for extending support to widows, orphans, internally displaced persons, and other disadvantaged groups through the initiative.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Borno State, I sincerely appreciate Her Excellency, Sen. 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.
He applauded the people of Borno for their endurance despite years of insurgency and reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to implement policies that enhance citizens’ welfare.
“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 exercise was part of a wider social intervention programme by both the federal and state governments to mitigate economic strain and build community resilience.
“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,” he said.
He charged the distribution committee to uphold integrity throughout the process.
“I commend members of the Distribution Committee for their efforts and urge them to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability throughout the exercise so that the support will reach the rightful beneficiaries,” he added.
The governor advised beneficiaries to use the items judiciously. He also acknowledged the roles of security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and development partners in peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts across the state.
“I urge beneficiaries to make proper use of the items distributed while also appreciating security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and development partners for their continued support towards peacebuilding and humanitarian interventions in the state,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Distribution Committee, Dr. Abba Bashir Dankellori, thanked the First Lady for the intervention, saying it would ease the burden on Muslim families during the forthcoming Sallah celebration.
“I wish to, on behalf of the committee, thank the First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu for the kind gesture,” Dankellori said.
He described the support as timely relief for households preparing for Eid.
“This is a relief that would enable many Muslim families to celebrate the forthcoming Sallah with ease,” he stated.
Dr. Dankellori also commended Governor Zulum for his leadership and service to the people of Borno.
“We also appreciate Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, for the selfless leadership, commitment and service to the people of the state,” he said.
He listed teachers of Qur’anic and Sangaya schools, as well as religious organisations involved in moral upbringing, among the beneficiaries of the programme.
“Beneficiaries of the intervention include Qur’anic and Sangaya school teachers, as well as religious organisations that contribute to the moral upbringing of society,” he said.
Governor Zulum was joined at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Malumbe; Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Engr. Baba Bukar Gujbawu; Permanent Secretary, Government House, Barr. Mustapha Busuguma; and other senior government officials.
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