Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has distributed food items to widows and vulnerable members of the Christian community in the state as part of activities to support the 2025 Christmas celebrations.
More than 6,000 beneficiaries are expected to benefit from the initiative, including 1,605 internally displaced persons (IDPs), each of whom received a bag of rice, a carton of spaghetti and a gallon of cooking oil.
The distribution, which took place on Monday, is in continuation of a policy of inclusive social support sustained by the Zulum administration since its inauguration in 2019. Over the past six years, the governor has consistently approved Christmas support packages for the Christian community across the state, including the provision of free transportation for non-indigene Christian residents to travel to their ancestral homes during the festive period.
The initiative is aimed at easing the prevailing economic hardship and ensuring that widows and other vulnerable persons are able to celebrate the Christmas season with dignity and a sense of belonging.
Speaking while overseeing the distribution, Governor Zulum underscored the importance of peace, unity and shared prosperity among the people of Borno State, regardless of religious or ethnic affiliation.
“It is my sincere hope that the long-standing relationship between Muslims and Christians in Borno State will continue to thrive,” he said. “I pray that Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, bless our communities and ensure peaceful coexistence between the two religions.”
The governor further noted that Islamic teachings promote peaceful coexistence with non-Muslims, adding that similar values are enshrined in the Bible.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State Chapter, Most Rev. John Bogna Bakeni, expressed appreciation to the governor for his sustained support and empathy toward the Christian community.
“Let me convey our deep gratitude to Your Excellency. This gesture means a lot to us. You have once again demonstrated inclusive leadership and given the Christian community in Borno State reason and hope to celebrate Christmas,” Bakeni said.
