Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration has disbursed N83 million to parents and guardians of orphans whose parents were killed while fighting Boko Haram, according to Bala Isa, the state’s Executive Secretary. The funds, announced during a press briefing in Maiduguri on Wednesday, mark the culmination of a five-year scholarship initiative supporting 300 children of fallen CJTF volunteers, hunters, and vigilantes. Isa emphasized that the program, launched in 2019, aimed to ensure educational continuity for children who lost their fathers defending communities against the insurgency. "This investment covered school fees, uniforms, books, and other essentials, restoring dignity and normalcy to their lives," he stated. The scholarship program, funded with N300 million over five years, included annual allocations of N60 million for tuition and learning materials. Isa highlighted that the government’s commitment extended beyond financial aid, noting the initiative’s role in preventing the children from being "abandoned" after their parents’ sacrifices. "The government resolved that their children would not be denied a future," he said. The program also involved collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation to sustain support for beneficiaries as they pursue higher education. Representatives from the CJTF and local families praised the initiative, calling it a lifeline during the conflict’s aftermath. Baba Shehu Abdulganiyu, a CJTF representative, expressed gratitude for the government’s recognition of fallen heroes’ sacrifices. Families, however, urged continued assistance as the orphans transition to tertiary education. "While this program has eased our burden, we need long-term support to secure their futures," one parent said. The state government reiterated its pledge to explore new avenues for sustaining aid, according to Isa. The funding comes amid ongoing security challenges in Borno, where Boko Haram’s insurgency has displaced thousands and claimed thousands of lives. The scholarship program reflects broader efforts to address the humanitarian impact of the conflict, balancing immediate relief with long-term development. With the program’s conclusion, the focus now shifts to ensuring that the children of fallen heroes receive uninterrupted educational and financial support, as the state grapples with the lingering effects of the insurgency.
Borno State has allocated N83 million to support orphans of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members, vigilantes, and hunters who died during the Boko Haram insurgency, marking the conclusion of a five-year scholarship program.
Bala Isa, Executive Secretary of the Borno State Government, announced the disbursement during a press briefing in Maiduguri on Wednesday. The funds, part of a N300 million five-year initiative, supported 300 children of fallen CJTF volunteers, hunters, and vigilantes who lost their fathers in the fight against Boko Haram. Isa emphasized that the program provided school fees, uniforms, books, and other essentials to ensure the children’s dignity and educational continuity. "This investment was comprehensive, restoring normalcy to lives shaped by tragedy," he said. The scholarship program, which included annual N60 million allocations for tuition and materials, was launched under Governor Babagana Zulum’s leadership in 2019. Isa stated that the government’s commitment extended beyond financial aid, aiming to prevent the children from being "abandoned" after their parents’ sacrifices. CJTF representative Baba Shehu Abdulganiyu praised the initiative, calling it a "lifeline" for families. While families commended the support, they urged continued assistance as beneficiaries pursue higher education. The state government pledged to explore new avenues for sustaining aid, according to Isa. The funding reflects broader efforts to address the humanitarian impact of Boko Haram’s insurgency, which has displaced thousands and claimed thousands of lives in Borno. The scholarship program balanced immediate relief with long-term development, ensuring that the children of fallen heroes could access education despite the conflict’s devastation. With the program’s conclusion, the focus now shifts to securing uninterrupted support for the orphans, as the state grapples with the lingering effects of the insurgency.
Borno State has allocated N83 million to support orphans of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members, vigilantes, and hunters who died during the Boko Haram insurgency, marking the conclusion of a five-year scholarship program.
Bala Isa, Executive Secretary of the Borno State Government, announced the disbursement during a press briefing in Maiduguri on Wednesday. The funds, part of a N300 million five-year initiative, supported 300 children of fallen CJTF volunteers, hunters, and vigilantes who lost their fathers in the fight against Boko Haram. Isa emphasized that the program provided school fees, uniforms, books, and other essentials to ensure the children’s dignity and educational continuity. "This investment was comprehensive, restoring normalcy to lives shaped by tragedy," he said. The scholarship program, which included annual N60 million allocations for tuition and materials, was launched under Governor Babagana Zulum’s leadership in 2019. Isa stated that the government’s commitment extended beyond financial aid, aiming to prevent the children from being "abandoned" after their parents’ sacrifices. CJTF representative Baba Shehu Abdulganiyu praised the initiative, calling it a "lifeline" for families. While families commended the support, they urged continued assistance as beneficiaries pursue higher education. The state government pledged to explore new avenues for sustaining aid, according to Isa. The funding reflects broader efforts to address the humanitarian impact of Boko Haram’s insurgency, which has displaced thousands and claimed thousands of lives in Borno. The scholarship program balanced immediate relief with long-term development, ensuring that the children of fallen heroes could access education despite the conflict’s devastation. With the program’s conclusion, the focus now shifts to securing uninterrupted support for the orphans, as the state grapples with the lingering effects of the insurgency.