Christmas: Borno gov provides free transport to non-indigenes travelling to hometown
No fewer than 710 non-indigenous residents have benefited from the free transportation provided by the Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, enabling them to travel to their native States to celebrate Christmas and New Year with their loved ones.
It was gathered that the free transport scheme, which was flagged off on Saturday at the Borno Express Bus Terminus, saw about 285 persons travelling to various parts of the country.
However, the second batch of 285 would travel on Sunday, while the remaining ones would leave the State on Monday.
Chief Ugochukwu Egwidike, the chairman/Zonal Coordinator Ohanaeze All Progressives Congress (APC ) Support Group, while speaking during the flag-off, disclosed that apart from the free transportation, each of the 710 travellers 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 had made significant strides in providing succour to the needy with various initiatives to alleviate poverty and promote social welfare, like the subsidised transportation services within Maiduguri metropolitan council and 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.
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“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 their ethnic, religious and party affiliations, will have access to the 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 the 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.
Source: LEADERSHIP
