Non-indigene Christians in Borno State have commended Governor Babagana Zulum for continuing a Christmas welfare programme that provides free transportation and cash assistance to Christian residents travelling to celebrate the festive season with their families.
The commendation was given during the flag-off of the 2025 edition of the programme, which has been implemented annually since 2020. Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Emmanuel Goeasy of the Ohanaeze APC Support Group said the initiative has significantly reduced the financial burden of Christmas travel. He noted that beneficiaries also received cash support, with widows and orphans each given ₦50,000.
Goeasy dismissed claims portraying Borno as hostile to Christians, stating that they enjoy peaceful coexistence, access to housing, employment, and educational scholarships. About 350 people reportedly benefited from the travel support this year. He described Governor Zulum as compassionate and expressed hope that the programme would continue to promote unity.
Also speaking, Asiwaju Olusegun Alabi, General Secretary of Internet Diaspora, said the initiative cuts across religious and ethnic lines and serves as a source of hope for vulnerable groups.
Abdulrahman Bundi, Senior Technical Assistant on Newspaper and Digital Media to the governor, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance. He urged Christians to use the festive period to pray for lasting peace in the state.
