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

Yuletide: NSCDC Deploys 55,000 Operatives Nationwide, Intensifies Intelligence to Tackle Insecurity

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed over 55,000 operatives across the country to ensure public safety and protect critical national assets and infrastructure during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

The Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, ordered the nationwide deployment as part of measures to strengthen the nation’s security architecture before, during and after the yuletide period.

Audi said the decision became imperative in view of the tendency of criminal elements to exploit festive periods to carry out acts of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, insurgency and other crimes.

He stressed that many security threats could be effectively curtailed if citizens embraced the culture of providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies. According to him, proactive intelligence-sharing would aid early intervention and lead to the arrest of individuals who pose threats to national security.

“To prevent crimes rather than react to them, it is imperative for members of the public to trust and collaborate with us by providing credible and timely information that will enable swift action,” the NSCDC boss said.

Audi directed Zonal Commanders to closely monitor formations under their jurisdiction, while State Commandants are to coordinate Area Commands, Divisional Offices and other operational units to ensure effective coverage.

He explained that the deployment involves both covert and overt operations, with full mobilisation of personnel aimed at guaranteeing maximum human security and safeguarding government assets nationwide.

Reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to national peace and stability, the NSCDC helmsman assured Nigerians of enhanced collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure a safe environment conducive to development.

He said: “Our unwavering commitment is to ensure a safe and secure environment, and this can only be achieved with the active support of the public.”

The assurance was contained in a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Afolabi Babawale.

Yuletide: NSCDC Deploys 55,000 Operatives Nationwide, Intensifies Intelligence to Tackle Insecurity