Damasak: Zulum Approves 30% Review of Health Workers Allowances

…Directs the Rehabilitation of Dilapidated Public Structures

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved an immediate increase in the rural allowance for health personnel at General Hospital Damasak, from 12% to 30%.

The Governor announced the measure on Wednesday during an inspection visit to the hospital as part of his ongoing security and resilience-building tour of Northern Borno. The visit included an interactive session with health workers, where he listened to their operational challenges.

“I have listened to all your concerns,” Governor Zulum stated. “Let me at this moment announce the immediate increase of rural allowance for all health personnel in General Hospital Damasak from 12% to 30%. This is to motivate the workers and ensure retention of frontline health workers in hard-to-reach areas.”

In addition to the increase in allowance, Governor Zulum directed the employment of additional laboratory staff to strengthen diagnostic services. He also confirmed that health workers currently engaged by non-governmental organisations would be automatically absorbed into the state civil service upon the expiration of their contracts.

Furthermore, the Governor approved the automatic employment of all 30 volunteer health workers at the facility into the state health system. “I further directed that they be enrolled in government-supported training and capacity-building programmes to enhance their professional skills,” he said, also presenting each volunteer with a cash support of ₦50,000 in appreciation of their frontline service.

The Governor equally approved the immediate provision of a 120KVA generator to ensure uninterrupted power supply, the deployment of an ambulance to enhance emergency response, and the renovation of staff quarters.

He stressed that his vision is to deliver quality, affordable, and reliable healthcare to every community. He emphasised that “health is wealth” and remains a cornerstone of sustainable development in Borno State.

…Directs the Rehabilitation of Dilapidated Public Structures

Prior to the hospital visit, Governor Zulum conducted an early-morning inspection of key public institutions in Damasak, including the Central Primary School, a newly completed Mega High Islamic School, a 20-unit housing estate, and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, where he directed the immediate renovation of dilapidated buildings.

“The visit was to enable my administration to take immediate and informed decisions on renovation,” the Governor said, stressing that “no child should be forced to learn in an unsafe or unconducive environment.”

He added: “I want to reassure the IDPs of continued government support. Improving the living conditions for displaced families remains a moral obligation and a key pillar of my administration’s recovery and resettlement agenda.”

Upon his arrival in Damasak on Tuesday, Governor Zulum visited troops of the 5 Brigade Nigerian Army who was received by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General R. O. Agbi, where he paid tribute to their service. He praised what he described as their “exceptional doggedness and gallantry” in safeguarding lives and communities, reaffirming that security remains the cornerstone of his administration’s agenda for peace and development.

Damasak: Zulum Approves 30% Review of Health Workers Allowances

Borno Govt Disburses ₦15m to 500 Widows, Orphans in Christmas Welfare Outreach

By: Our Reporter

The Borno State Government has disbursed the sum of ₦15 million to 500 widows and orphans across the state as part of its Christmas welfare intervention programme.

The gesture was carried out through the Ohaneze APC Support Group and officially flagged off at a ceremony organised by the group to mark the Yuletide season.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman and Coordinator of the Ohaneze APC Support Group, Chief Ugochukwu E. Egwudike JP (Go Easy), said the initiative was designed to bring relief and encouragement to vulnerable members of society and to ensure they share in the joy of the Christmas celebration.

Chief Egwudike explained that each beneficiary received ₦30,000, noting that the programme reflects the commitment of the Borno State Government to compassion, inclusiveness and social welfare, particularly during major religious festivities.

He further commended the state government for prioritising the welfare of widows, orphans and other less-privileged citizens, stressing that the administration remains focused on policies and programmes that promote social protection and community wellbeing.

Some of the beneficiaries, while speaking at the event, expressed appreciation to the state government and the Ohaneze APC Support Group for the timely intervention, describing it as a morale booster that would enable them to celebrate Christmas with dignity and renewed hope.

Borno Govt Disburses ₦15m to 500 Widows, Orphans in Christmas Welfare Outreach

Zulum Visits Frontline Troops in Mairari, Inspects Dilapidated FGC Monguno

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, visited the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari to bolster the morale of troops on the frontline.

Mairari, a strategic town in the state, endured two insurgent attacks in December. On both occasions, the assaults were successfully repelled by troops, averting a significant security breach.

Governor Zulum, who is currently on a resilience-building tour of Northern Borno, commended the officers and men for their bravery and sacrifice, describing them as the backbone of peace and stability in the state.

“Your resilience and commitment inspire confidence in our people,” the Governor stated. “I want to assure you that my administration will continue to provide all necessary logistics and welfare support to boost your morale and enhance your operational effectiveness. Mairari will not fall.”

He emphasised that the state government, in collaboration with the Federal Government and military high command, would ensure a steady supply of operational logistics, mobility support, and welfare packages to keep troops combat-ready.

The Commander of Sector 3, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Suleiman Saidu Tilawan, commended the Governor for his consistent and proactive support.

“The support we receive from the Borno State Government and the Theatre Commander has been exceptional,” he said. “It has translated into improved logistics, enhanced morale, and renewed confidence among our troops to confront threats head-on.”

Governor Zulum also interacted with residents of Mairari, listening to their concerns and commending their courage. He described the community as a symbol of resilience and announced cash assistance to those affected by the recent attacks to ease hardships and support recovery.

…Zulum Inspects Dilapidated FGC Monguno

Earlier in the day, Governor Zulum conducted an inspection of the abandoned Federal Government College in Monguno.

He assessed extensively damaged classrooms, vandalized laboratories, and deteriorating staff quarters, tangible reminders of the insurgency’s impact on public institutions.

The Governor said the purpose of the visit was to assess the damage and identify practical steps for the college’s full rehabilitation. “Education is the foundation upon which any peaceful, prosperous, and resilient society is built,” Governor Zulum stressed. “Rebuilding schools is central to the long-term recovery and stability of our dear state.”

He assured that his administration would spare no effort in restoring the school, with the ultimate goal of ensuring children from Monguno and neighbouring communities can access quality education.

During the inspection, Governor Zulum encountered widows who are taken refuge in some of the abandoned structures and provided them with cash assistance and facilitated the admission of some of their qualified daughters into the Monguno College of Nursing and Midwifery, offering them a pathway to education and future self-reliance.

Zulum Visits Frontline Troops in Mairari, Inspects Dilapidated FGC Monguno