By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has awarded N300 million scholarships to 300 orphans of Slain CJTF, hunters and vigilante groups fighting counter-insurgency in the state.
Governor Zulum in his address on Tuesday in Maiduguri, also announced the increase of the monthly allowance for the volunteers from N20,000 to N30,000 and a promise of an end-of-year bonus.
Zulum said the involvement of the volunteers in the fight against insurgency had gone a long way in changing the narratives for good in the fight against insurgency because of the volunteers’ knowledge of the terrain.
He said that his administration would not abandon the families of those who paid the supreme price, adding that this was the first phase of the programme that would be sustained to ensure that all orphans were covered.
The governor also announced cash, food and clothing support for the orphans’ families, and lauded the military and other security organisations for their synergy that led to improved security in the state.
In his remarks, The Chairman of the 10-man high powered committee, Hon. Barr. Kaka Shehu Lawan, recalled that on “1st June 2022, His Excellency Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum set up a committee to look into the fallen HEROES families on how to award them with scholarship to continue their education and their welfare.
“The committee worked closely with the CJTF and Vigilante volunteers groups to get the best results of the exercise where a total of 300 orphans or children families of the fallen heroes were carefully screened and selected for the historic and first of its kind scheme for the fallen heroes who lost their lives while fighting Boko Haram insurgency in complementing the efforts of the Nigerian military in the counter insurgency operations in the state”.
He added that the parents and guardians of the slain CJTF and vigilantes, hunters cooperated and supported in the success of the exercise , resulting in the presentation of the 300 orphans for the scholarships and welfare packages.
The Chairman also appreciated the efforts and sacrifices as well as the unique support and initiative of the state government, while thanking the committee members for their efforts put in place to see to the success of the exercise.
In his goodwill message, the Theater Commander, JTF Operation Hadin Kai, Theater Command Headquarters Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri, Major General Chris G. Musa commended the governor for his initiative and support to the CJTF, hunters and Vigilante Groups who have been cooperative and complementing the efforts of the military in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency.
General Musa assured the people, government of the state and North East region of the Nigerian military and other security agencies of their determination and commitment to fight the war to an end and bring permanent peace to the state and region.
He further congratulated the CJTF and vigilante groups as well their families for benefiting from the state government welfare to cushion their hardships and sufferings.
Earlier, the Managing Director/CEO, North East Development Commission (NEDC), Alhaji Goni Usman Alkali, in his remark thanked the governor for his initiative and efforts while assuring that the commission will continue to play it role in the region.
He disclosed that educational support to children of the north east including awards of scholarships are always available for all eligible students to benefit from the scholarships scheme.
Highlights of the event include presentation of N300 million cheque to the orphans through the chairman of the committee to few orphans in a symbolic manner and group photographs.
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