Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday, launched the 2025 Free Annual Transportation Programme to 1,050 non-indigenes and support to vulnerable people.

The initiative reaffirms his administration’s commitment to compassion, inclusivity and people-centred governance to residents and inhabitants of the state.

The scheme has continued to provide critical mobility support to thousands of Nigerians since its inception in 2020, facilitating safe interstate travel during the festive season, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or social background.

The Governor represented by the Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Chief Ugochukwu Egwudike , said the initiative was designed to ease the hardship faced by low-income earners and vulnerable groups, especially during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

He noted that beyond transportation, the programme aims to promote social cohesion and national unity by reconnecting families separated by economic and security challenges.

Egwudike recalled that “over the years, the scheme has reunited families who had been unable to travel home for three to five years, enabling them to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones”.

He added “during the previous exercise, beneficiaries also received ₦30,000 each, paid directly into their bank accounts to cushion financial pressures and ensure transparency in disbursement”,.

The Chairman of the committee said the 2025 exercise covers all six geopolitical zones of the country, a total of 320 passengers will be transported safely on day one, 280 on day two, and 150 on day three, with all passengers conveyed safely to their destinations, while 300 widows will recieve palliatives.

“A total of 750 people are expected to travel in batches between today, Monday and Tuesday while 300 widows, orphans and other vulnerable groups will receive palliatives on the 4th day of the excercise being 24th December,” Egwudike said.

Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Borno State Chapter, Apostle Joshua Akeredolu, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful, particularly for Christian faithful travelling to celebrate Christmas.

He praised Governor Zulum’s inclusive leadership and offered prayers for his continued success and greater service to humanity.

The Chief of Idoma Community in Borno State, Jonah Odo, described the programme as a practical demonstration of Governor Zulum’s humane and responsive leadership, noting its positive impact on social welfare, interfaith harmony, and national integration.

Chief Odo said Idoma community in Borno State is appreciating the Governor for all the good works he has being doing for the non-indigenes in the state and urged other state governors to emulate Zulum’s gesture for the unification of the country.

The Free Annual Transportation Programme remains one of the flagship social intervention initiatives of Governor Zulum’s administration, providing annual relief and mobility support to thousands of Nigerians across the country. End